Method for operating a backup aiming system for an artillery device, a backup aiming control unit, an artillery device, and a vehicle

Abstract

A method for operating a backup aiming system for an artillery device (105) having at least one backup aiming drive unit (115) and an artillery unit connected to the backup aiming drive unit (115) for a vehicle (100), wherein the backup aiming system is operated when the main aiming system of at least the artillery device (105) fails. The method comprises the steps of: providing an activation signal to an interface to a backup aiming electronic unit, wherein the activation signal is configured to activate a backup aiming system; reading a setpoint signal through an interface to a detection device (125), wherein an alignment signal (335) having a setpoint velocity and / or setpoint torque for the movement of an artillery device (105) is calculated and set from a setpoint signal of at least one backup aiming drive unit (115); and outputting at least one alignment signal (335) for aligning at least one backup aiming drive unit (115) after the step (210) of reading to align the artillery unit (110) to a setpoint velocity and / or setpoint torque represented by the alignment signal (335) during a failure of at least one main aiming system (402). Additionally, at least one release signal (340) for releasing firing may be output after a reading step for aligning the artillery unit (110) to a position represented by a setpoint signal during a failure of at least the main aiming system.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a backup aiming system for an artillery device according to the types of independent claims, a backup aiming control unit, an artillery device, and a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a computer program. Background Technology

[0002] In military vehicles, the main drive units of the turrets are operated electrically or hydraulically. The weapon is tracked by a sighting device, which ensures that the fire control computer adjusts the elevation and lead angle to strike the target. In this process, the sighting device is maintained stable with respect to the target, and the main drive units track the weapons accordingly. means of solving the problem

[0003] With respect to such background technology, the approach set forth herein introduces an improved method for operating a backup aiming system for an artillery device according to the principal claims, an improved backup aiming control unit, an improved artillery device, an improved vehicle, and finally a corresponding computer program. By means of the measures listed in the dependent claims, advantageous additional developments and improvements of the device indicated in the independent claim are possible.

[0004] By the approach presented in this specification, the possibility is presented to reduce the time required to align artillery units using a backup aiming system.

[0005] A method for operating a backup aiming system for an artillery device having at least one backup aiming drive unit and an artillery unit for a vehicle connected to the backup aiming drive unit is provided, wherein the backup aiming system is operated when the main aiming system of at least the artillery device fails. The method includes the step of providing an activation signal to an interface to a backup aiming activation unit, wherein the activation signal is adapted to activate the backup aiming system. In the reading step, a setpoint signal is read through an interface to a detection device or a fire control computer to generate an alignment signal from the setpoint signal, and the alignment signal provides the setpoint position for the movement of the artillery device or weapon to at least one backup aiming drive unit. Additionally, the method includes the step of outputting at least one alignment signal for aligning at least one backup aiming drive unit after the reading step to align the artillery unit to a setpoint velocity and / or torque represented by the alignment signal during the failure of at least the main aiming system. Additionally, the method may include a step of outputting at least one release signal to enable a shot after a reading step to safely enable the shot to be fired at a target.

[0006] The artillery system may be used, for example, for military vehicles, such as tanks. The backup aiming system may be operated in an automated manner, for example, so that user intervention does not become a prerequisite for the function of the backup aiming system. The backup aiming drive unit may be formed as a motor, for example, configured to move the artillery unit of the artillery device. The detection device may be formed as, for example, an observation device, configured to detect the surrounding area of ​​the device. The aiming position may be, for example, the position where the artillery unit aims. Advantageously, by the approach presented herein, the detected target may be continuously maintained within the line of sight using at least one observation device even if the main aiming system fails.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the method may include a step of receiving a change signal prior to a step of outputting, wherein the change signal may indicate a change in the aiming position by a user. Additionally, in the step of outputting, the change signal may be output to an artillery unit to align the artillery unit to the aiming position changed by the change signal during a failure of at least the main aiming system. Specifically, aligning the artillery unit to a setpoint velocity and / or setpoint torque represented by the alignment signal may be suppressed when a change in the aiming position made by a user is detected. The change signal may indicate, for example, an intervention made manually by a user. Advantageously, manual intervention may be given higher priority than an automatically detected aiming position.

[0008] In the step of providing an activation signal, at least one backup aiming electronic system may be electrically connected to a supply network in response to the activation of the backup aiming system. Advantageously, this can avoid damage caused by, for example, nuclear pulses that could damage active supply networks.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the step of providing a release signal may be performed when the vehicle is in a stationary state. Advantageously, the aiming and, for example, stabilization of the artillery unit during a shot are improved. The artillery unit may include, for example, a turret and a weapon.

[0010] In the step of providing an activation signal, the activation signal may be provided in response to a fault signal indicating a failure of the main aiming system.

[0011] The approach presented herein further provides a backup aiming control unit configured to perform, control, or implement the steps of variations of the method presented herein in corresponding devices. The basic objective of the invention can also be achieved quickly and efficiently by such an embodiment of the invention in the form of a device.

[0012] For this purpose, the backup aiming control unit may have at least one computing unit for processing signals or data, at least one memory unit for storing signals or data, at least one interface to a sensor or actuator for reading sensor signals from a sensor or outputting data or control signals to an actuator, and / or at least one communication interface for reading or outputting data embedded in a communication protocol. The computing unit may be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller, or similar, and the memory unit may be a flash memory, EEPROM, or magnetic memory unit. The communication interface may be configured to read or output data wirelessly and / or line-bound, wherein the communication interface capable of reading or outputting line-bound data may, for example, read such data from a corresponding data transmission line or output it to a corresponding data transmission line in an electrical or optical manner.

[0013] A backup control unit can be understood as an electrical device that processes sensor signals and outputs control and / or data signals accordingly. The device may have interfaces that can be configured in relation to hardware and / or software. In the case of a hardware-based configuration, the interfaces may be, for example, part of a so-called system ASIC that includes various functions of the device. However, it is also possible for the interfaces to be their own integrated circuits or to be composed at least partially of individual components. In a software-based configuration, the interfaces may be, for example, software modules existing on a microcontroller together with other software modules.

[0014] Additionally, an artillery device for a vehicle is presented, wherein the artillery device comprises an artillery unit, at least one backup aiming drive unit connected to the artillery unit, and a backup aiming control unit of the variant mentioned above for controlling the backup aiming drive unit and the artillery unit.

[0015] The artillery unit may be used, for example, in wartime. The artillery unit may include, for example, a weapon and / or a turret, and the weapon is removablely arranged on the turret or gun turret. The backup aiming drive unit may include, for example, at least one motor configured to move the weapon or turret.

[0016] In addition, a vehicle having an artillery device as presented in this specification is presented.

[0017] For example, the vehicle can be configured as a military vehicle such as a tank. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0018] Embodiments of the approach presented in this specification are described in more detail in the following description and illustrated in the drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic example of a vehicle having an artillery device according to one embodiment. Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a backup aiming system for an artillery device on a vehicle. FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a backup aiming control unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a block diagram of an artillery device for a vehicle. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0019] In the following description of the advantageous embodiments of the present invention, identical or similar numbers are used for elements illustrated in various drawings having similar effects, and repeated descriptions of such elements are omitted.

[0020] Where an embodiment includes a combination of "and / or" between a first feature and a second feature, this should be interpreted to mean that, according to one embodiment, such embodiment includes both the first feature and the second feature, and according to an additional embodiment, includes only the first feature or only the second feature.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic example of a vehicle (100) having an artillery device (105) according to one embodiment. According to this exemplary embodiment, the vehicle (100) is implemented as a tank. For this purpose, the vehicle (100) includes an artillery device (105), the artillery device includes an artillery unit (110) and at least one backup aiming drive unit (115) connected to the artillery unit (110). The artillery device (105) further includes a backup aiming control unit (120). The backup aiming control unit (120) is configured to control, for example, the backup aiming drive unit (115) and the artillery unit (110) accordingly. The backup aiming control unit (120) is implemented as a controller configured to control or execute a method for operating a backup aiming system for the artillery device (105), for example, as will be described in more detail in one of the following drawings. According to this embodiment, the vehicle (100) further includes at least one detection device (125), which is also referred to as an observation device for detecting the surrounding environment of the vehicle (100).

[0022] These military vehicles (100) generally have a main aiming system as well as a backup aiming system that intervenes when the main aiming system fails. This keeps the artillery device (105) always operational.

[0023] In military vehicles (100), the main drive units of the turrets, referred to herein as artillery devices (105), are operated electrically or hydraulically. In this process, the weapon (130) is tracked against an observation device, referred herein as a detection device (125), to ensure that the fire control computer adjusts the elevation and lead angle so that the intended target is struck. By doing so, the observation device (125) is maintained in a stable state toward the target, and the main drive units track the weapon (130) and artillery unit (110) accordingly. For example, in the event that one or both of the main drive units fail, the artillery device (105) has a backup aiming drive unit (115) that is mechanically activated and operated by gunners via a manual backup aiming control unit (135) or electrically controlled and activated via an independent backup aiming control unit. This backup aiming control unit (115) must operate under all conditions. Even a nuclear pulse must not cause the destruction of the backup targeting system.

[0024] However, with the introduction of unmanned turrets and remotely controlled mounts, it is impossible to integrate mechanical backup aiming drive units into the artillery device (105). For this reason, electric backup aiming drive units are installed in modern systems. Electric backup aiming drive units are generally always disconnected from the supply network for protection against nuclear pulses when not in use. If the main drive unit fails or partially or completely fails due to a nuclear pulse, the weapon can continue to be aimed and the target can be engaged by the backup aiming drive unit.

[0025] Accordingly, the approach presented in this specification introduces and describes means for continuously tracking the weapon (130) and artillery unit (110) with respect to the detection device (125) when the backup aiming drive unit is active.

[0026] More specifically, an electric backup aiming drive system governing operating conditions that enable a weapon (130) to track a detection device (125) using a backup aiming drive unit (115) is described. For this purpose, the electric backup aiming drive unit (115) can be activated in two ways. Both ways lead to the supply of the backup aiming drive unit only when necessary to prevent damage from nuclear impact. In the first way, the electronic systems are activated via the manual backup aiming control unit (135) only when the gunner operates the switch or backup aiming handle of the manual backup aiming control unit (135). The second way describes that a higher-level backup aiming control unit can turn on the backup aiming drive unit via another input without an operator.

[0027] The first case describes a well-tried backup aiming operation in which the detection device (125) follows the weapon (130). However, this results in the loss of a stabilized line of sight of the target. However, in the second case, it is possible to continue maintaining the target using the detection device (125) even if the main aiming drive units and / or electronics fail. To this end, the backup aiming electronic systems are turned on by a backup aiming control unit, such as the main aiming system or the fire control computer (401). Then, communication is established, and the backup aiming drive unit (115) can be controlled so that the weapon (130) follows the detection device (125). For the gunners, there is no change compared to the operation of the artillery device (105) having fully functioning aiming drive units. The gunner can use all observation devices of the detection device (125) to search for and aim at targets even while the vehicle is moving. To engage, the vehicle (100) will now stop briefly, as the backup aiming devices do not have enough power to stabilize the weapon while moving. Once the vehicle (100) stops, the weapon (130) enters the detection device (125) with the help of the backup aiming device unit, and a shot at the target can be fired immediately.

[0028] Since the backup aiming is active while the vehicle is moving, the time required for the weapon to enter the detection device (125) is reduced, because the weapon (130) is always aimed toward the detection device (125) even while the vehicle is moving. This approach, which incorporates an electric backup aiming drive, makes it possible to minimize the time required to keep the target within sight using the detection device (125) and to aim at the target with the help of the backup aiming drive, even if the main aiming drive fails. If manual intervention by the gunner is required, tracking of the detection device (125) can be stopped at any time by the manual backup aiming control unit (135). This enables the gunner to cooperate with the driver to roughly align the weapon (130) before the weapon (130) finally enters the detection device (125). Therefore, operation through the manual backup aiming control unit (135) always has the highest priority and ensures that the gunner always has access to a safe backup aiming function even in the event of other failures.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method (200) for operating a backup aiming system for an artillery device (105) for a vehicle. For example, the method (200) can be executed on a vehicle (100) as described in FIG. 1. The backup aiming system is operated at least when the main aiming system of the artillery device (105) fails, so that the artillery device (105) is always operational. The backup aiming system is controlled in an automated manner by a backup aiming control unit (120) as described in FIG. 1. The method (200) includes the step (205) of providing an activation signal to an interface for a backup aiming activation unit, wherein the activation signal is configured to activate the backup aiming system. In the reading step (210), the position of the detection device (125) is read accordingly through the interface to calculate a setpoint signal from the position of the detector device. The setpoint signal provides one or more setpoint torques or setpoint velocities for the movement of an artillery unit and / or weapon to at least one backup aiming drive unit. Additionally, the method (200) includes the step (215) of outputting at least one alignment signal or control signal for aligning at least one backup aiming drive unit after the step (210) of reading to move the artillery unit at an aiming velocity or setpoint torque represented by an alignment signal during a failure of at least the main aiming system.

[0030] According to this embodiment, an activation signal is provided in step (205) in response to a fault signal indicating a failure of the main aiming system. Additionally, optionally, in step (205), the backup aiming drive unit is electrically connected to a supply network in response to activating the backup aiming system. This ensures, for example, that the artillery device remains in an operable state. According to this embodiment, the method (200) includes a step (220) of reading a change signal prior to the outputting step (215). Here, the change signal indicates, for example, a change of a setpoint signal by a user operating the backup aiming handle of the vehicle's manual backup aiming control unit. This implies that the change is initiated only manually and optionally.

[0031] In such cases, the alignment signal is output using a change signal to align the artillery unit to a weapon speed changed by the change signal, at least during a failure of the main aiming system. Here, this manual intervention by the user has a higher priority than the setpoint speeds or setpoint torques specified using the observation device. Additionally, the method (200) includes the step (225) of providing a release signal to fire the artillery unit when the weapon is properly aligned and the vehicle has stopped moving.

[0032] In other words, the approach presented in this specification describes a method (200) for weapon tracking using backup aiming actuators with release for firing when the vehicle is in a stationary state.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a backup aiming control unit (120) according to one embodiment. The backup aiming control unit (120) corresponds, for example, to the backup aiming control unit (120) described in FIG. 1 and is configured to control a method for operating a backup aiming system for an artillery device for a vehicle, such as described in FIG. 2. For this purpose, the backup aiming control unit (120) includes a providing unit (305), a reading unit (310), and an output unit (315). The providing unit (305) is configured to generate an activation signal (320) to an interface for a backup aiming activation unit (325), wherein the activation signal (320) is configured to activate the backup aiming system. A reading unit (310) is configured to read a setpoint signal (330) via an interface to a fire control computer or a stabilization computer (401), wherein the setpoint signal (330) indicates a setpoint velocity or setpoint torque for a change in an artillery unit and / or weapon to at least one backup aiming drive unit. An output unit (315) is configured to output at least one alignment signal (335) for aligning at least one backup aiming drive unit (115) after reading the setpoint signal (330). By this, the artillery unit is aligned to a setpoint velocity and / or setpoint torque represented by the alignment signal (335) during a failure of at least the main aiming system.

[0034] It should also be noted that the backup aiming control unit may be part of the stabilization unit or fire control computer. In this case, it provides the backup aiming control unit with speed or torque setpoints that cause the weapon (130), for example, to follow the observation device (125), while taking into account elevation and lead angles. When the gunner presses a button on the aiming handle, the gunner himself can now disable these presets at any time and preset the speed to the backup aiming control unit. Thus, the stabilization unit or fire control computer is bypassed by the gunner.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram for an artillery device (105) for a vehicle (100). According to this embodiment, the block diagram illustrated in FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic structure of components used to perform and / or control a method for operating a backup artillery system (400) as described in FIG. 3. For example, the artillery device (105) includes a fire control computer (401) configured to add ballistic setpoints to the setpoint signals (415) of a detection device (125) and supply this new setpoint data (330) to a backup aiming control unit. The backup aiming control unit (120) includes a stabilization computer configured to track the turret unit (110) and weapon (130) against the setpoints (330), for example, by controlling the main aiming system (402) using a control signal (403).

[0036] By doing so, the fire control computer (401) calculates the elevation and lead and designates higher-level operation modes. The backup aiming control unit (120), acting as a stabilization control unit, then outputs an activation signal (320), an alignment signal (335), and performs control while taking into account other signals and sensor values, such as a fault signal (455) or a setpoint signal (330). For this purpose, the backup aiming control unit (120) has a backup aiming controller (404) and a backup aiming electronic unit (325) that regulate and implement control of the backup aiming motors (450).

[0037] The backup aiming control unit (120) is configured to activate the backup aiming drive unit (115) using an activation signal (320) and a backup aiming activation unit (325). Additionally, the backup aiming drive unit (115) is configured to read an alignment signal (335) through an interface to the backup aiming control unit (120) in response to the activation signal (320). From the setpoint signal (330), the backup aiming control unit (120) calculates an alignment signal (335) for at least one backup aiming drive unit (115). In response, the backup aiming control unit (120) outputs at least one alignment signal (335) to align the artillery unit (110) to a setpoint speed and / or setpoint torque represented by the alignment signal (335) during a failure of at least one main aiming system (402), which is formed, for example, as a main aiming drive unit. Additionally, a change signal (430) that nullifies the alignment signal (335) may be provided to the backup aiming unit (115) by the gunner through the manual backup aiming control unit (135). The change signal (430) indicates, for example, a manual change of the aiming position by the user. Additionally, the backup aiming control unit (120) is configured to provide at least one release signal (340) to the fire control computer (401). The artillery unit (110) has a weapon (130) and a turret (445) controlled, for example, by the backup aiming drive unit (115). The backup aiming drive unit (115) includes at least one motor (450) driven by the backup aiming electronics (460), for example, through the motor control signals (435). Explanation of the symbols

[0038] 100 Vehicles 105 Artillery Devices 110 Artillery Units / Turrets 115 Backup Aiming Drive Units 120 Backup aiming control unit 125 Detection device 130 Weapons 135 Manual Backup Aiming Control Unit 200 Method 205 Step of providing an activation signal 210 Step for reading the setpoint signal 215 Step for outputting 305 providing unit 310 reading unit 315 Output unit 320 Activation signal 325 Backup Aim Activation Unit 330 Setpoint Signal 335 Alignment signal 340 Release signal 400 Backup Aiming System 401 Fire Control Computer 402 Main aiming system 403 Control signal 404 Backup Aiming Controller 415 Setpoint Signal 430 Change signal 435 Control signal 445 Turret 450 Backup Aiming Motors 455 Fault Signal 460 Backup Aiming Electronics

Claims

Claim 1 A method (200) for operating a backup aiming system (400) for an artillery device (105) having at least one backup aiming drive unit (115) and an artillery unit (110) for a vehicle (100) connected to the backup aiming drive unit (115), wherein the backup aiming system (400) is operated when at least the main aiming system (402) of the artillery device (105) fails, and the method (200) comprises: - a step (205) of providing an activation signal (320) to an interface for a backup aiming electronic unit (325), wherein the activation signal (320) is configured to activate the backup aiming system (400); - a step (205) of providing the activation signal (320) through an interface for a fire control computer (401) to generate an alignment signal (335) from the setpoint signal (330), wherein the alignment signal (335) A method (200) comprising: a step (210) of reading the setpoint signal (330) to provide the setpoint speed or setpoint torque for change of the artillery device (105) to the at least one backup aiming drive unit (115); and a step (215) of outputting at least one alignment signal (335) to align the at least one backup aiming drive unit (115) after the reading step (210) to align the artillery unit (110) to the setpoint speed or setpoint torque represented by the alignment signal (335) during a failure of at least the main aiming system (402). Claim 2 A method (200) according to claim 1, comprising a step (220) of reading a change signal (430) prior to the outputting step (225), wherein the change signal (430) indicates a change in the aiming position by a user, and in the outputting step (225), the change signal (430) is output to the artillery unit (110) to align the artillery unit (110) to the aiming position changed by the change signal (430) at least during a failure of the main aiming system (402). Claim 3 A method (200) in which, in the first paragraph, the at least one backup aiming drive unit (115) is electrically connected to a supply network in the step (205) of providing the activation signal (320) in response to activating the backup aiming system (400). Claim 4 A method (200) comprising, in claim 1, a step (225) of providing a release signal (340) after the outputting step (215). Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the step (225) of providing the release signal (340) is performed when the vehicle (100) is in a stopped state, method (200). Claim 6 In claim 1, the method (200), wherein in the step (205) of providing the activation signal (320), the activation signal (320) is provided in response to a fault signal (455) indicating a fault of the main aiming system (402). Claim 7 A computer program configured to execute or control the steps (205, 210, 215, 220, 225) of the method (200) according to any one of claims 1 through 6, and stored in a machine-readable storage medium. Claim 8 A machine-readable storage medium on which the above-mentioned computer program according to paragraph 7 is stored. Claim 9 A backup aiming control unit (120) configured to execute or control the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in corresponding units (305, 310, 315). Claim 10 An artillery device (105) for a vehicle (100), wherein the artillery device (105) comprises: - an artillery unit (110); - at least one backup aiming drive unit (115) connected to the artillery unit (110); and - a backup aiming control unit (120) according to claim 9 for controlling the backup aiming drive unit (115) and the artillery unit (110). Claim 11 A vehicle (100) comprising an artillery device (105) according to claim 10.

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