Protected gunner's sight

Abstract

A gunner’s sight with a housing (1), with at least one opening (6) in the housing, with an optics (4), which is arranged in the housing such that a line of sight of the optics runs through the opening, wherein at least one protective element (7) is provided, which is implemented to be at least partially transparent, wherein a transparent region of the protective element is reinforced by means of armored glass so that it withstands ballistic effects, wherein the protective element can be transferred from a protective position to a resting position and vice versa, wherein in the protective position the protective element is at least partially arranged in the opening and in the resting position is arranged outside the opening, and wherein the protective element is moved vertically upwards from the protective position to the resting position. The object of the present invention is therefore to reveal a gunner’s sight which can be protected by at least one protective element. This protective element is intended to influence the function of the gunner’s sight as little as possible, so that the gunner’s sight is protected but operative.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Protected gunner optics

[0003] The present invention relates to a gunner's optic, such as those used particularly on military vehicles. The gunner's optic functions as a visual aid to the targeted object. The target can thus be precisely detected, for example, to aim a weapon at it.

[0004] Since the gunner's optics are a sensitive element when aiming at a target in a combat situation, it is necessary to protect them.

[0005] In the context of anti-tank warfare, it is generally taught to blind armored forces, for example military vehicles, in such a way that the gunner's optics of the vehicle being attacked are destroyed to such an extent that it is no longer possible to resume or continue the firefight due to the malfunctioning and / or destroyed gunner's optics.

[0006] The availability of large and medium caliber airburst ammunition has exacerbated this threat to military vehicles, as subprojectiles can now be rapidly deployed in large numbers and density, significantly increasing the likelihood of hitting optics.

[0007] Modern gunner optics, due to the high demands on resolution and light sensitivity, feature sensitive optical paths and complex stabilization systems, so that even a single subprojectile hit is usually enough to cause a total failure of the affected optic. In this context, gunner optics refers not only to the device for aiming a weapon, but also to the device for guiding the vehicle, the so-called commander's optics.

[0008] Gunner optics equipped with protective elements are known from the prior art. These elements can completely close the gunner optics. However, this also blocks the line of sight through the optic, rendering it inoperable. Such protective elements are known, for example, from DE 10 2013 100 331 A1.

[0009] In this embodiment, the problem arises that, while the gunner's optics are functional, they are at least partially unprotected and can therefore be disabled by a hit, as described above. Alternatively, the optics are protected, but inoperative.

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a gunner's optic which can be protected by at least one protective element. This protective element should affect the function of the gunner's optic as little as possible, so that the gunner's optic is protected but functional.

[0011] This problem is solved by the features of the present main claim.

[0012] The proposed design is a gunner's optic consisting of a housing with at least one opening. At least one optic is positioned within the housing, such that its line of sight passes through the opening. The proposed housing provides at least partial protection for the gunner's optic. The housing itself can be designed to withstand ballistic impacts; only the optic that creates the line of sight remains unprotected through the opening.

[0013] According to the invention, at least one protective element is provided, which is at least partially transparent. Preferably, the transparent area of ​​the protective element is reinforced so that it can withstand ballistic impacts. For this purpose, it is suggested, for example, to use bulletproof glass. The protective element can then be arranged so that it is at least partially located within the opening and thus protects it. In this position, the protective element at least partially completes the protection of the housing. The line of sight of the optics then passes through the transparent area of ​​the protective element.

[0014] This type of protective element makes it possible to protect gunner optics from ballistic threats while maintaining their functionality. Depending on the material used, the transparent area results in a slight reduction in the optics' optical performance.

[0015] To meet the demands for reconnaissance, identification, and target acquisition performance over several thousand meters, modern gunner optics are designed for very high resolution and high light sensitivity. For this reason, the number of elements in the optical path is minimized, and the elements are highly coated.

[0016] At the same time, however, the operational profile of infantry fighting vehicles includes use cases where high resolution is not required due to the short distance to the target. These use cases are close-quarters combat (a few hundred meters) and operations in urban areas. Furthermore, in these scenarios, the threat from small-caliber fire (assault rifle and machine gun fire) increases significantly.

[0017] For this reason, the accuracies achievable with the optics are often not required at all, so that minor losses in optical performance can be disregarded.

[0018] However, to ensure full performance over long distances, a particular embodiment proposes that the protective element can be moved from a protective position to a rest position and vice versa. This means that the protective element, in its aforementioned protective position, is at least partially located within the opening of the housing. In this protective position, the aforementioned protective effect can be exerted on the gunner's optics.

[0019] However, the protective element can also be positioned outside the opening, which corresponds to the aforementioned rest position. In this rest position, the protective element does not fulfill its aforementioned protective function, but because it is not positioned in the line of sight of the optics, it also does not reduce the optical performance of the gunner's optics. The protective element can be positioned at an edge of the opening or outside of, or as part of, the housing.

[0020] Thus, by switching from the protective position to the resting position and vice versa, protection under the aforementioned conditions of the gunner's optics can be ensured, or the full optical performance of the gunner's optics can be used, depending on the application.

[0021] It is proposed that the transparent areas of the protective element be arranged so that, in their protected position, they lie within the line of sight of the optics. Since gunner optics can have multiple optics, the protective element can also be designed with multiple transparent areas to ensure that no lines of sight are obstructed in the protected position. Therefore, all transparent areas of the protective element should be positioned in the protected position so that each is within a line of sight of the optics.

[0022] Similarly, embodiments with multiple protective elements are possible, each of which then has only one transparent area. In this embodiment, one protective element is provided for each optic used. Finally, a protective element with a large transparent area can also be provided, which can then be arranged in all lines of sight of the optics.

[0023] Preferably, the movement of the protective element from the protective position to the rest position and vice versa is motorized, preferably using an electric motor. However, the movement of the protective element to the various positions can also be achieved hydraulically or pneumatically. Finally, manual movement is also possible.

[0024] As previously described, gunner optics can incorporate multiple lenses, for example, for different wavelengths. Furthermore, gunner optics can include additional detectors. These detectors can be laser units, for example, for distance measurement, but various other sensors such as proximity sensors, magnetic sensors, metal detectors, etc., can also be integrated into the gunner optics. To protect these additional detectors from failure, they can also be protected by the protective element, such that the protective element is positioned within the opening where these detectors are located.Depending on the type of detector, these must then also be arranged in a transparent area in the protective element in its protective position, or in an area of ​​the protective element in which the protective element is equipped with a material that largely preserves the function of the detector.

[0025] In a further, preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the gunner's optic be equipped with shot detection means. These shot detection means do not necessarily have to be present in the gunner's optic itself. They can also be integrated into a network of corresponding shot detection means.

[0026] The shot detection system can determine when a ballistic threat to the gunner's optics arises. In this case, a warning signal can be generated, whereupon an operator can move the protective element into its protective position.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the protective element is automatically moved into its protective position when a threat is detected by the aforementioned shot detection means. For this purpose, by connecting or networking the shot detection means with the motorized position transfer of the protective element, the protective element is automatically moved from a rest position to its protective position when a threat is detected.

[0028] The aforementioned automatic transfer to the protective position reduces the probability of the gunner's optics failing due to ballistic threats.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the gunner's optics according to the invention are designed such that the optics contained therein are rotatably and / or pivotably arranged in the housing. Thus, the optics can cover a larger area than optics arranged in a fixed position within the housing.

[0030] It is further proposed, as an option, that the housing include at least one viewing window through which the lines of sight of the optics in the gunner's sight can pass. Viewing windows have the advantage of protecting the optics from dirt and dust, although they alone do not provide protection against ballistic threats.

[0031] In the embodiments with viewing windows, the transparent areas of the protective element must be designed so that they correspond to the viewing windows in order not to obstruct any sight lines.

[0032] The proposed gunner's optic is preferably used in vehicles, particularly military vehicles. The gunner's optic can be mounted in the vehicle's chassis or turret. To ensure the largest possible field of view, it is further proposed that the gunner's optic preferably be mounted on or in the chassis or turret in a rotatable and / or pivotable manner.

[0033] The gunner's optic according to the invention can be mounted on vehicles. This means that it is mounted on the chassis or turret and protrudes from it. However, it can also be integrated into the chassis or turret, so that mostly only the opening protrudes from the chassis or turret.

[0034] To move the protective element from its rest position to the protected position, or vice versa, according to the invention, the protective element can be pivoted, rotated, or moved. When pivoted, it is moved from outside the housing in front of the opening of the gunner's optic housing. It is also possible to bring about the position change by moving the protective element horizontally or vertically. Finally, moving between the different positions by a rotational movement is also conceivable.

[0035] Further features can be seen in the attached drawing.

[0036] It shows:

[0037] Figure 1: a perspective view of a gunner's optic according to the invention.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a gunner's optic according to the invention with a housing 1. The housing does not completely enclose the gunner's optic, so that an opening 6 is provided in the housing 1. The gunner's optic contains at least one optical element 4, which is arranged such that the line of sight of the optical element 4 passes through the opening 6.

[0039] According to the invention, a protective element 7 is provided, which is at least partially transparent. This protective element 7 can be moved from a protective position to a rest position and vice versa. In the drawing, this is achieved by moving the protective element 7 vertically upwards from a depicted rest position, so that the protective element 7 is then at least partially positioned in the opening 6.

[0040] The protective element 7 is designed to be either completely transparent or partially transparent. In the partially transparent embodiment, the protective element has transparent areas arranged in such a random pattern that no line of sight of the optics 4 is obstructed. The optics 4 can be arranged so that they are movably mounted in the housing 1, and the path of the line of sight is thus shifted by changes in the position of the optics 4. The transparent areas of the protective element 7 must be designed so that none of the possible lines of sight of the optics 4 are obstructed.

[0041] The movement of the protective element 7 from the rest position to the protective position and vice versa can be done manually or by motor. For motorized operation, it is suggested to use an electric motor or a hydraulic or pneumatic drive. For manual position movement, a lever or gear that is manually operated could be provided.

[0042] Protective element 7 is designed to withstand ballistic impacts. This includes the transparent areas of protective element 7. It is proposed that protective element 7 be made of bulletproof glass. However, other transparent materials are also possible if they can withstand ballistic impacts.

[0043] The gunner's optics according to the invention can include further detectors 5 within the housing 1. If these also require a line of sight or optical line, the transparent areas of the protective elements 7 in the protected position will also be arranged so that they do not obstruct the line of sight or optical line of the additional detectors. Additional shot detection means are not shown, as these do not necessarily have to be located within the gunner's optics. They can be networked with the gunner's optics. These shot detection means are capable of detecting ballistic threats and, if necessary, issuing signals so that protective measures can be initiated. Protective measures then also include moving the protective element 7 into the protected position.

[0044] Preferably, the transfer to the protective position after threats have been detected by the gunfire detection devices can be carried out automatically.

[0045] Also shown in Figure 1 are two viewing windows 2, 3. The optics 4 are arranged behind them. The optics 4 can be pivoted or rotated and projects its lines of sight through these viewing windows 2, 3. The viewing windows 2, 3 serve to provide additional protection against dirt and dust. These viewing windows are fixed in position and completely transparent.

[0046] The gunner's optic shown is preferably used on a vehicle, particularly a military vehicle. The optic can be mounted on or within the vehicle's chassis or turret. To cover the largest possible field of view, it is proposed that the optic be mounted in a rotatable and / or swiveling manner.

[0047] The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned features. Rather, further embodiments are conceivable. For example, several protective elements could be provided, which can be positioned in front of different viewing windows. The protective element can be arranged at an edge of the opening in its rest position. However, the protective element can also be arranged outside the housing in its rest position. The protective element is then moved back and forth between its positions by rotating, pivoting, or sliding it. A combination of these positioning methods is also possible. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0048] 1 case

[0049] 2 first viewing window

[0050] 3 second viewing window

[0051] 4 Optics

[0052] 5 Detector

[0053] 6 Opening

[0054] 7 Protective element

Claims

Patent claims 1. Gunner optics with a housing (1) with at least one opening (6) in the Housing (1) with at least one optic (4) which is arranged in the housing (1) such that the line of sight of the optic (4) passes through the opening (6), characterized in that at least one protective element (7) is provided which is at least partially transparent.

2. Gunner optics according to claim 1, characterized in that the The protective element (7) can be moved from a protective position to a rest position and vice versa, wherein in the protective position the protective element (7) is at least partially arranged in the opening (6) and in the rest position it is arranged outside the opening (6).

3. Gunner optics according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transparent areas of the protective element (7) are arranged such that in the protective position they are in the line of sight of the optics (4).

4. Gunner optics according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transfer of the protective element (7) from the protective position to the rest position and vice versa is motorized.

5. Gunner optics according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transparent area of ​​the protective element (7) is reinforced in such a way that it can withstand ballistic impacts.

6. Gunner optics according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the gunner optics comprise at least one additional detector (5).

7. Gunner optics according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that shot detection means are provided.

8. Gunner optics according to one of claim 7, characterized in that, after successful shot detection by the shot detection means, the The protective element (7) is moved into its protective position.

9. Gunner optics according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the optics (4) are rotatably and / or pivotably arranged in the housing (1).

10. Gunner optics according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the housing comprises at least one viewing window (2, 3). 1 1 . Gunner optics according to claim 10, characterized in that the viewing windows are designed by position-fixed, completely transparent additional protective elements.

12. Vehicle with a gunner's optic according to one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that the gunner's optics are arranged on or in a chassis of the vehicle.

14. Vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that the gunner's optics are arranged on or in a turret of the vehicle.

15. Vehicle according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the gunner's optic is rotatably and / or pivotably arranged.

Images