Sliding door module, tower and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a sliding door module (14) for a vehicle (1), in particular for a tank, having a sliding door (21) and a guide device (28) on which the sliding door (21) is guided in a linearly displaceable manner along a movement direction (24) in order to bring the sliding door (21) from an open state (Z1) into a closed state (Z2) and counter to the movement direction (24) from the closed state (Z2) into the open state (Z1), wherein the sliding door (21) is angled at an inclination angle (α) with respect to the movement direction (24).

Description

[0001] SLIDING DOOR MODULE, TOWER AND VEHICLE

[0002] The present invention relates to a sliding door module for a vehicle, in particular for a battle tank, a turret for a vehicle, in particular for a battle tank, with such a sliding door module and a vehicle, in particular a battle tank, with such a sliding door module and / or such a turret.

[0003] According to internal company findings, so-called automatic loaders can be used on main battle tanks. These can each take a single piece of ammunition from a magazine and feed it into a cartridge chamber of the main battle tank's armament, such as a smoothbore gun. However, such automatic loaders require the ammunition to be stored as close to the cartridge chamber as possible. This enables short loading cycles due to a short feed path between the magazine and the cartridge chamber, thus increasing the firing rate, which in turn has a positive impact on the main battle tank's operational value.

[0004] However, this short feed path from the magazine to the cartridge chamber can have disadvantages, particularly with regard to the safety of the main battle tank's crew. The safety of the crew and the main battle tank must be ensured even if the magazine explodes in an accident or due to a hit. This requires a separation between the magazine and a crew compartment in which the crew is located. In other words, neither a shock wave generated by an explosion nor fragments generated by the explosion, such as splinters, may reach the crew. Against this background, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved sliding door module for a vehicle, in particular for a main battle tank.

[0005] Accordingly, a sliding door module for a vehicle, in particular for a battle tank, is proposed. The sliding door module comprises a sliding door and a guide device on which the sliding door is guided for linear displacement along a direction of movement in order to move the sliding door from an open state to a closed state and, counter to the direction of movement, from the closed state to the open state. The sliding door is oriented at an angle of inclination oblique to the direction of movement.

[0006] By orienting the sliding door at an angle of inclination to the direction of movement, it can be achieved that, due to the inclination of the sliding door, the path that fragments caused by an explosion acting on the sliding door have to travel through the sliding door is increased. This reduces the risk of the fragments penetrating the sliding door, thereby achieving improved protection for a crew shielded by the sliding door. Furthermore, by selecting the appropriate angle of inclination, it is possible for a pressure wave resulting from an explosion to push the sliding door towards the closed position. This can ensure that, in an emergency, the closing of the sliding door is assisted by the pressure wave and / or that the sliding door cannot be moved from the closed state to the open state by the pressure wave.This provides additional protection for the crew.

[0007] According to a preferred development, a sliding door module for a vehicle, in particular for a battle tank, is proposed. The sliding door module comprises a sliding door and a guide device on which the sliding door is guided so as to be displaceable exclusively or only linearly along a direction of movement in order to move the sliding door from an open state to a closed state and, counter to the direction of movement, from the closed state to the open state. The direction of movement is oriented parallel to the guide device. The sliding door has a width direction, a height direction, and a thickness direction. The width direction and the height direction define a door plane of the sliding door, and the door plane is oriented at an angle of inclination oblique to the direction of movement.

[0008] Preferably, the guide device has an upper linear guide and a lower linear guide arranged at a distance from the upper linear guide, wherein the sliding door is guided on the upper linear guide and on the lower linear guide along the direction of movement exclusively or only linearly displaceable, and wherein the direction of movement is oriented parallel to the upper linear guide and parallel to the lower linear guide.

[0009] The fact that the sliding door is guided "exclusively" or "only" linearly displaceably along the direction of movement means in this case that the sliding door performs a purely linear or purely translational movement when moving it from the closed state to the open state and vice versa. A rotational movement or a rotational movement component is preferably not provided when moving the sliding door from the closed state to the open state and vice versa. The guide device preferably has an elongated, in particular rectangular, geometry, wherein the guide device has a main extension direction along which the guide device has its greatest geometric extent. In particular, the direction of movement runs parallel to this main extension direction. According to a particularly preferred development, a sliding door module for a vehicle,The sliding door module comprises a sliding door and a guide device on which the sliding door is guided exclusively or only linearly displaceably along a direction of movement in order to move the sliding door from an open state to a closed state and counter to the direction of movement from the closed state to the open state. The guide device has an upper linear guide and a lower linear guide arranged at a distance from the upper linear guide. The sliding door is guided exclusively or only linearly displaceably along the direction of movement on the upper linear guide and on the lower linear guide, the direction of movement being oriented parallel to the upper linear guide and parallel to the lower linear guide. The sliding door has a width direction, a height direction, and a thickness direction.wherein the width direction and the height direction span a door plane of the sliding door, and wherein the door plane is oriented at an angle of inclination oblique to the direction of movement.

[0010] The fact that the width direction and the height direction "spanne" the door plane or plane of the sliding door means in this case that the plane or door plane is defined by two spatial directions, namely the width direction and the height direction. The sliding door is, in particular, plate-shaped or has a plate-shaped geometry. This plate-shaped geometry is determined by the width direction, the height direction, and the thickness direction. The width direction is preferably oriented perpendicular to the height direction, with the thickness direction being oriented perpendicular to the width direction and perpendicular to the height direction. The width direction, the height direction, and the thickness direction form, in particular, a coordinate system assigned to the sliding door. This coordinate system can move with the sliding door.

[0011] The width direction and the height direction preferably represent the so-called main extension directions of the sliding door. This means, in particular, that the sliding door has a significantly larger geometric extension along the width direction and the height direction compared to the thickness direction. In particular, the sliding door has a sliding door width when viewed along the width direction. When viewed along the height direction, the sliding door has, in particular, a sliding door height. When viewed along the thickness direction, the sliding door has, in particular, a sliding door thickness. The sliding door width and the sliding door height are particularly preferably each several times greater than the sliding door thickness. This results in the plate-shaped geometry of the sliding door. The terms "plane" and "door plane" can be interchanged arbitrarily with reference to the aforementioned door plane or plane of the sliding door.

[0012] The vehicle is preferably a tracked vehicle. The vehicle is particularly preferably a battle tank. Accordingly, the terms "vehicle," "tracked vehicle," and "battle tank" can be interchanged arbitrarily. However, the vehicle can also be a wheeled vehicle. The sliding door module is mounted on the vehicle. The sliding door module can be attached to the vehicle in a removable manner. For this purpose, a screw connection can be provided, for example. In particular, the sliding door module is mounted on a bulkhead of the vehicle that separates an ammunition compartment from a crew compartment. The bulkhead can be part of a turret, in particular a rotatable one, of the vehicle. A door opening can be provided on the bulkhead, which can be closed with the aid of the sliding door. A "module" is preferably understood to mean a cuboid or box-shaped assembly that can be transported and / or assembled as a single unit.The sliding door module is therefore preferably a portable, compact unit that can be lifted and transported, for example, using an overhead crane to mount and remove the sliding door module from the vehicle. This enables flexible use of the sliding door module and, in particular, easy and quick replacement, even under difficult conditions.

[0013] The sliding door is preferably plate-shaped. For example, the sliding door can be an armored steel plate. A "sliding door" is understood here to mean, in particular, a door that is moved along and against the direction of movement for opening and closing, and which, in particular, is not pivoted about an axis for opening and closing. The sliding door preferably has a front surface or first surface facing an ammunition compartment of the vehicle, as mentioned above, and a rear surface or second surface facing away from the first surface. The two surfaces of the sliding door are preferably arranged parallel to one another. The second surface is oriented toward a crew compartment of the vehicle, as mentioned above. In particular, the first surface forms a plane of the sliding door, which is oriented at an angle of inclination oblique to the direction of movement. In other words, the first surface lies in the plane of the sliding door.

[0014] However, the second surface can also form the plane of the sliding door, or the second surface can lie in the plane of the sliding door. Furthermore, the plane can also be located at any position between the two surfaces of the sliding door. However, the plane is particularly preferably oriented parallel to the first surface and / or parallel to the second surface. The plane can also be referred to as the door plane, or the plane is a door plane. Accordingly, as previously mentioned, the terms "plane" and "door plane" are interchangeable.

[0015] With the help of the guide device, the sliding door can be moved from the open state to the closed state and vice versa. The sliding door is guided along and against the direction of movement with the help of the guide device. For this purpose, the sliding door is coupled to the guide device. However, the sliding door can be separated from the guide device. This can be advantageous, for example, in an emergency. In this case, the sliding door can be separated manually from the guide device, for example. The guide device is a linear guide device and can therefore also be referred to as such. "Moving" the sliding door in this case means that the sliding door is moved or displaced from the open state to the closed state and vice versa. The terms "move," "displace," and "move" can therefore be interchanged at will.

[0016] The sliding door is particularly preferably oriented, tilted, or inclined at an angle of inclination relative to the direction of movement such that a pressure wave acting on the sliding door, in particular on the first surface of the sliding door, generates a resulting closing force oriented along the direction of movement. The closing force either moves the sliding door from the open state toward the closed state or, when the sliding door is already in the closed state, presses the sliding door against a seal of the sliding door module and / or against the guide device. In particular, the closing force supports a movement of the sliding door along the direction of movement from the open state toward the closed state. In other words, the closing force thus acts in particular in the direction of the closed state of the sliding door.This results in the closing force moving or moving the sliding door from the open position to the closed position, or, if the sliding door is already closed, keeping it closed. The pressure wave cannot therefore push the sliding door open or move or move it from the closed position to the open position. "Slanted" in this context means that the angle of inclination is not equal to 90°.

[0017] Accordingly, a sliding door module for a vehicle, in particular for a battle tank, is particularly preferably proposed, wherein the sliding door module has a sliding door and a guide device on which the sliding door is guided so as to be linearly displaceable along a direction of movement in order to move the sliding door from an open state into a closed state and counter to the direction of movement from the closed state into the open state, wherein the sliding door is oriented at an angle of inclination obliquely to the direction of movement such that a pressure wave acting on the sliding door generates a resulting closing force which is oriented along the direction of movement.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the angle of inclination is acute, wherein the angle of inclination is preferably 7° to 15°, more preferably 8° to 14°, more preferably 9° to 13°, more preferably 10° to 12°, more preferably 11°, and wherein the angle of inclination is negative.

[0019] The term "acute" or "acute angle" is understood here to mean, in particular, that the angle of inclination is less than 90°. The term "negative" or "negative angle" is understood here to mean, in particular, that the angle of inclination results from a right-hand rotation or a clockwise rotation of the sliding door or the first surface of the sliding door relative to the direction of movement. In contrast, a "positive angle" would be understood to mean an angle of inclination of the sliding door or the first surface of the sliding door relative to the direction of movement that results from a left-hand rotation or a counterclockwise rotation of the sliding door or the first surface of the sliding door relative to the direction of movement.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the sliding door is oriented at an angle of inclination obliquely to a plane spanned by a longitudinal direction and a vertical direction of the sliding door module.

[0021] Preferably, the sliding door module is assigned a first spatial direction, longitudinal direction or x-direction, a second spatial direction, transverse direction or y-direction, and a third spatial direction, vertical direction or z-direction. The directions are oriented perpendicular to one another. As previously mentioned, the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction define the plane. Furthermore, the sliding door is assigned the aforementioned plane of the sliding door, in which the first surface of the sliding door can lie. This plane assigned to the sliding door is, in particular, arranged or oriented at an angle of inclination oblique to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, a plane associated with the sliding door is oriented at an angle of inclination oblique to the direction of movement such that a pressure wave acting on the sliding door generates a resulting closing force which is oriented along the direction of movement.

[0023] Preferably, the sliding door, in particular its first surface, which preferably forms the plane or which lies in the plane, is oriented at an angle of inclination oblique to the direction of movement such that the pressure wave acting on the sliding door generates the resulting closing force. With the aid of the closing force, the sliding door is in particular closed or at least its

[0024] Movement along the direction of movement is supported.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the sliding door module has a support plate, wherein the support plate has a door opening opening, wherein the sliding door exposes the door opening opening in the opened state, wherein the sliding door conceals the door opening opening in the closed state, and wherein the guide device is connected to the support plate so that the sliding door module can be handled as a unit.

[0026] The support plate can, in particular, be part of the guide device. In particular, the two linear guides of the guide device can be connected to the support plate, for example, by screwing. This results in a frame-like structure. The support plate supports the guide device, which in turn supports the sliding door, so that the sliding door module can be handled as a single unit or as an assembly.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the guide device has an upper linear guide and a lower linear guide arranged at a distance from the upper linear guide, wherein the sliding door is guided on the upper linear guide and on the lower linear guide so as to be linearly displaceable along the direction of movement.

[0028] The upper linear guide and the lower linear guide are arranged at a distance from one another when viewed vertically. The upper linear guide and the lower linear guide preferably run parallel to one another. The sliding door is arranged between the upper linear guide and the lower linear guide when viewed vertically. The sliding door is coupled to both the upper linear guide and the lower linear guide. The linear guides run in particular along the direction of movement or the longitudinal direction. The linear guides can be designed as C-profiles with a C-shaped cross-section. The linear guides preferably do not form a closed frame surrounding the sliding door. The sliding door module is therefore frameless or frame-free. However, the linear guides can be connected to a support plate of the sliding door module. For example, the linear guides can be screwed to the support plate.The support plate can be a steel plate. The support plate can support the linear guides and other parts or components of the sliding door module. The sliding door module can be mounted to the vehicle, in particular to the bulkhead of the vehicle, using the support plate. The support plate can be part of the guide device.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the sliding door is oriented at an angle of inclination oblique to the upper linear guide and oblique to the lower linear guide.

[0030] In particular, the first surface of the sliding door is oriented at an angle of inclination oblique to the upper linear guide and oblique to the lower linear guide. The upper linear guide and the lower linear guide preferably each have a front surface. The two front surfaces of the linear guides are arranged in a common plane of the linear guides. This plane of the linear guides particularly preferably runs parallel to the plane spanned by the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction. The plane of the sliding door in which the first surface of the sliding door lies is preferably arranged at an angle of inclination oblique to the plane of the two linear guides.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the sliding door is coupled to the upper linear guide by means of at least one upper coupling element, wherein the sliding door is coupled to the lower linear guide by means of at least one lower coupling element.

[0032] For example, at least one upper guide carriage is assigned to the upper linear guide, which can be moved along and against the direction of movement along the upper linear guide. The upper coupling element is connected to the upper guide carriage. Particularly preferably, a first upper guide carriage and a second upper guide carriage are provided. Each upper guide carriage can be assigned a plurality of rollers or sliding elements, which are arranged within the upper linear guide. Accordingly, at least one lower guide carriage is also assigned to the lower linear guide, which can be moved along and against the direction of movement along the lower linear guide. The lower coupling element is connected to the lower guide carriage. Particularly preferably, a first lower guide carriage and a second lower guide carriage are provided.Each lower guide carriage can be assigned a plurality of rollers or sliding elements arranged within the lower linear guide. The sliding door is operatively connected or coupled, in particular, indirectly to the guide device, in particular to the upper linear guide, by means of two upper coupling elements via the upper guide carriages. The upper coupling elements can be welded to the sliding door, in particular to the first surface of the sliding door. The sliding door is preferably furthermore operatively connected or coupled, in particular, indirectly to the guide device, in particular to the lower linear guide, by means of two lower coupling elements via the lower guide carriages. The lower coupling elements can also be welded to the sliding door, in particular to the first surface of the sliding door. The upper coupling elements can be screwed to the upper guide carriages.Accordingly, the lower coupling elements can be screwed to the lower guide carriages. However, any other type of connection can also be provided.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the at least one upper coupling element can be decoupled from the upper linear guide by means of at least one upper quick-release element, and / or wherein the at least one lower coupling element can be decoupled from the lower linear guide by means of at least one lower quick-release element.

[0034] The quick-release elements can be screws, for example. For example, two upper quick-release elements and two lower quick-release elements are provided. The lower quick-release elements are optional, however. Alternatively, only lower quick-release elements can be provided. By loosening the upper quick-release elements, the sliding door can be manually separated from the upper guide carriages and unhooked from the guide device. In this case, the lower guide carriages and / or the lower coupling elements are designed such that the sliding door can be unhooked from the lower linear guide. If lower quick-release elements are also provided, these can also be loosened to separate the sliding door from the guide device. This can be advantageous, for example, in an emergency, so that the sliding door can be removed or opened manually.Instead of screws, any other quick-release fasteners can be used as quick-release elements.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the sliding door module has a drive connected to the guide device for moving the sliding door from the open state to the closed state and vice versa, and / or a brake connected to the guide device for braking the sliding door when moving the sliding door from the open state to the closed state and vice versa.

[0036] The drive and / or the brake can be part of the guide device. The sliding door module can have multiple drives. However, in the following, reference is only made to one drive. The drive can be an electric motor, in particular a rotary electric motor or a linear drive. The drive can be a servomotor or a servomotor. A servomotor or servomotor allows the angular position of a motor shaft of the servomotor or servomotor, as well as its rotational speed and acceleration, to be controlled. Such a servomotor or servomotor comprises an electric motor that is additionally equipped with a sensor for position determination. A rotational position of the motor shaft determined by the sensor can be continuously transmitted to a control unit of the sliding door module. This makes it possible, for example, to continuously monitor the position of the sliding door.If the drive is a linear drive, it can be integrated into one of the linear guides. It is also possible for such a drive to be integrated into each of the linear guides. If, for example, only the lower linear guide is assigned a drive, this can be operatively connected to the lower guide carriages in order to move them along and against the direction of movement along the lower linear guide. In this example, the lower coupling elements transmit power from the lower guide carriages to the sliding door in order to move the door from the open state to the closed state and vice versa with the help of the drive. To couple the drive to the lower guide carriages, a belt drive or a pinion and a rack or the like can be provided, for example.The drive can, for example, be permanently connected to the lower linear guide and / or to the previously mentioned support plate. The brake can be permanently connected to the guide device. The brake can be an eddy current brake. However, the brake can also be a friction brake. The brake can be integrated into the drive or attached to the drive. However, the brake can also be integrated into one or both of the linear guides.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the sliding door module has a control unit and / or an emergency power supply and a housing connected to the guide device, in which the control unit and / or the emergency power supply are arranged.

[0038] The housing can, for example, be connected to the support plate and / or to one or both of the linear guides. With the help of the control unit, the drive and / or the brake can be controlled in order to move the sliding door from the open state to the closed state and vice versa. The control unit is preferably an analog circuit or has an analog circuit. This makes the control unit insensitive to interference, so that the sliding door can be closed and / or opened even in the event of a failure of the vehicle's on-board electronics. The control unit is preferably part of the guide device. With the help of the emergency power supply, the drive and / or the control unit can be powered to close and / or open the sliding door, for example in the event of a failure of the vehicle's on-board electrical system. The emergency power supply can have one or more accumulators.With the help of the emergency power supply, for example, the sliding door module can be operated independently in an emergency.

[0039] According to a further embodiment, the sliding door module has a movement area monitor, in particular having a light barrier and / or a camera, for monitoring a movement area of ​​the sliding door. With the help of the movement area monitor, injury to the crew and / or trapping of objects by the moving sliding door can be reliably prevented. Within the movement area, the sliding door moves when it is moved from the open state to the closed state and vice versa. The movement area monitor provides sensor signals to the control unit. The sensor signals can, for example, include a respective position of the sliding door. A data connection can be provided between the movement area monitor and the control unit. This data connection can be wireless or wired. The movement area monitor can be part of the guidance device.For example, the motion zone monitoring system comprises a first light barrier and a second light barrier, which can be located at the end of the motion zone. The light barriers can be attached to the support plate. If a camera is provided, this can also be mounted on the support plate.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the sliding door module has an end position monitoring device for monitoring end positions of the sliding door in the open state and / or in the closed state.

[0041] The end position monitor is preferably part of the guide device. For example, the end position monitor can have a first end position sensor, which can be assigned to an end position of the sliding door in the open state, and a second end position sensor, which can be assigned to an end position of the sliding door in the closed state. The end position sensors can be mounted on the support plate. Any number of end position sensors can be provided. The end position sensors can be, for example, switches, optical sensors, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, or the like. The end position monitor provides sensor signals to the control unit. The sensor signals can include a respective position of the sliding door in its respective end position. A data connection can be provided between the end position monitor and the control unit. This data connection can be wireless or wired.

[0042] According to a further embodiment, the sliding door module has a seal that seals the sliding door gas-tight in the closed state.

[0043] The seal is preferably mounted on the support plate. In this case, a door opening opening is preferably provided in the support plate, around which the seal runs, in particular completely. The seal is preferably made of an elastic material, such as rubber or polyurethane. In the closed state, the sliding door presses the seal between the second surface of the sliding door and the support plate. The seal is preferably wedge-shaped in cross-section and comprises a first sealing surface, against which the sliding door rests in the closed state, and a second sealing surface which rests on the support plate. The first sealing surface is inclined, in particular at the angle of inclination relative to the direction of movement. This means, in particular, that the first sealing surface can be arranged parallel to the second surface of the sliding door. However, the seal can have any cross-sectional shape in cross-section.In particular, the seal can have a uniform or constant cross-section. Optionally, the seal can be mounted on a support with a wedge-shaped cross-section. This support can then be arranged between the support plate and the seal and connected to the support plate.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, the sliding door contacts the seal only immediately before reaching the closed state in order to compress the seal. "Immediately before" can be understood in particular here as meaning that the sliding door contacts the seal, for example, 0.1 to 10 millimeters before reaching the closed state in order to subsequently compress the seal. Because the sliding door contacts the seal only immediately before reaching the closed state, it can be achieved that the sliding door can be moved very quickly from the open state to the closed state, since the sliding door does not rub against the seal during its movement. This is preferably achieved by the seal being wedge-shaped in cross-section and the first sealing surface being inclined at the angle of inclination. Alternatively, the seal can also be arranged on a wedge-shaped support as mentioned above.In this case, the seal can, for example, have a rectangular, oval, circular, or triangular cross-section. The seal can also be a round seal, in particular a sealing cord. In particular, the first sealing surface forms a plane of the seal that is inclined at the angle of inclination relative to the plane spanned by the longitudinal and vertical directions. The first sealing surface is accordingly also inclined at the angle of inclination relative to the direction of movement.

[0045] Furthermore, a turret for a vehicle, in particular for a main battle tank, is proposed. The turret comprises such a sliding door module, wherein the sliding door module is attached to a bulkhead of the turret, wherein the bulkhead is arranged between an ammunition compartment of the turret and a crew compartment of the turret, and wherein the sliding door module is arranged in the ammunition compartment.

[0046] The bulkhead is, in particular, an armored steel plate. The bulkhead preferably has a door opening as mentioned above, which is exposed when the sliding door is open. When the sliding door is closed, the door opening is concealed. The bulkhead preferably has a first surface facing the ammunition compartment and a second surface facing the crew compartment. The sliding door module is, in particular, mounted on the first surface. In this case, for example, the support plate is screwed to the bulkhead. The ammunition compartment can contain cartridges for arming the vehicle. The cartridges can be stored in a magazine in the turret. Furthermore, an automatic loader, for example comprising a robot, can be arranged in the ammunition compartment, which is suitable for feeding a piece of cartridge ammunition through the door opening of the bulkhead to a cartridge chamber of the armament.The sliding door is only moved from the closed state to the open state when the autoloader is to feed the loaded ammunition to the cartridge chamber. Opening and closing the sliding door can, for example, take less than 0.5 seconds. Moving the sliding door from the closed state to the open state can be done by the crew, for example, by giving a corresponding command to the control unit to open the sliding door. In the simplest case, this can be done by operating a switch located in the crew compartment, for example. However, the sliding door is particularly preferably opened and closed using a direct signal and / or an indirect signal from the automatic loader, thus enabling it to be opened and closed automatically.As soon as the sliding door is in the open position, the automatic loader feeds the loaded ammunition through the door opening into the cartridge chamber and then immediately retracts back into the ammunition compartment. As soon as the automatic loader has retracted from the door opening, the sliding door is immediately moved from the open position back to the closed position. This protects the crew in the crew compartment even if, for example, the ammunition compartment is hit, causing the loaded ammunition in the magazine to explode. However, the bulkhead does not necessarily have to be part of such a turret. For example, the bulkhead can also be part of a vehicle hull or any other structure of the vehicle. In this case, however, the bulkhead preferably also separates an ammunition compartment of the vehicle from a crew compartment of the vehicle.

[0047] Furthermore, a vehicle, in particular a battle tank, with such a sliding door module and / or such a turret is proposed.

[0048] The vehicle is a highly protected vehicle. For this purpose, the vehicle is armored. The vehicle is particularly preferably a tracked vehicle. In particular, the vehicle can be a main battle tank. However, the vehicle can also be an infantry fighting vehicle, an armored recovery vehicle, or the like. The vehicle can also be a wheeled vehicle. The vehicle can also be a howitzer, in particular a wheeled howitzer or a self-propelled howitzer. In addition to the turret, the vehicle preferably comprises a vehicle hull as mentioned above. The turret is rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the vehicle hull. The turret has the aforementioned armament. The armament can, for example, be a smoothbore gun. However, the turret is not mandatory.

[0049] The embodiments and features described for the proposed sliding door module apply to the proposed tower and to the proposed vehicle accordingly and vice versa.

[0050] "One" in this case is not necessarily limited to a single element. Rather, multiple elements, such as two, three, or more, may also be included. Any other counting term used here should not be understood as implying a limitation to the exact number of elements mentioned. Rather, numerical deviations upwards and downwards are possible unless otherwise stated.

[0051] Further possible implementations of the sliding door module, the tower, and / or the vehicle also include combinations of features or embodiments described previously or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. In this case, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the sliding door module, the tower, and / or the vehicle.

[0052] Further advantageous configurations and aspects of the sliding door module, the tower, and / or the vehicle are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the sliding door module, the tower, and / or the vehicle described below. The sliding door module, the tower, and / or the vehicle are explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a military vehicle!

[0054] Fig. 2 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a sliding door module for the military vehicle according to Fig. 1;

[0055] Fig. 3 shows a further schematic front view of the sliding door module according to Fig. 2;

[0056] Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the sliding door module according to the section line IV'IV of Fig. 2; and

[0057] Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a sealing arrangement for the sliding door module according to Fig. 2.

[0058] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals unless otherwise indicated. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a military vehicle 1.

[0059] The military vehicle 1 is referred to simply as a vehicle below. The vehicle 1 is a highly protected vehicle. For this purpose, the vehicle 1 has armor plating. The vehicle 1 is a tracked vehicle. In particular, the vehicle 1 can be a battle tank. However, the vehicle 1 can also be an infantry fighting vehicle, an armored recovery vehicle, or the like. However, the vehicle 1 can also be a wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 1 can be armed or unarmed.

[0060] Vehicle 1 is assigned a coordinate system with a first spatial direction, the longitudinal direction or x-direction x, a second spatial direction, the transverse direction or y-direction y, and a third spatial direction, the vertical direction or z-direction z. The directions x, y, and z are oriented perpendicular to each other. A direction of gravity g can be oriented essentially opposite the z-direction z.

[0061] The vehicle 1 comprises a protected vehicle hull 2, which accommodates a crew member of the vehicle 1. The vehicle hull 2 ​​is protected against fire, booby traps, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mines, or the like. The vehicle hull 2 ​​encloses an interior 3 in which the crew can be located. The interior 3 of the vehicle hull 2 ​​can be entered and exited from an area 4 of the vehicle 1 via hatches or doors.

[0062] The vehicle 1 may have a turret 5 with armament 6. The

[0063] Tower 5 can also enclose part of the interior 3. Thus, the

[0064] The interior 3 can also be arranged, at least in sections, outside the vehicle hull 2, namely in the turret 5. The turret 5 is rotatably mounted on the vehicle hull 2. The turret 5 can include an electric or hydraulic drive to rotate the turret 5. However, the turret 5 can also be operated manually if the drive fails. The armament 6 can be a smoothbore cannon. The armament 6 can be a primary armament or main armament. For example, the armament 6 can have a caliber of 130 mm. A secondary armament, for example in the form of a machine gun, can also be provided.

[0065] The vehicle 1 further comprises a tracked drive 7, with the aid of which the vehicle 1 can move along a surface 8 in a direction of travel 9. However, this does not preclude the vehicle 1 from moving in the opposite direction to the direction of travel 9, for example, in reverse gear. In the orientation of Fig. 1, the direction of travel 9 is oriented along the x-direction x.

[0066] The track drive 7 comprises a revolving chain 10 driven by a drive roller 11. The drive roller 11 is located at the rear. In the orientation shown in Fig. 1, the chain 10 rotates clockwise as the vehicle 1 moves in the direction of travel 9. The chain 10 can have a plurality of interconnected chain links that are movably connected to one another. The chain links are made of a metallic material, such as steel. However, the chain 10 can also be a rubber chain or have rubber elements.

[0067] The drive roller 11 is operatively connected to a drive of the vehicle 1. The drive can, for example, comprise an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine, and a transmission. Furthermore, the tracked drive unit 7 comprises a plurality of track rollers 12, of which only one is provided with a reference symbol in Fig. 1. For example, seven such track rollers 12 are provided on each side of the vehicle 1. However, the number of track rollers 12 is fundamentally arbitrary. Furthermore, the tracked drive unit 7 comprises a deflection roller 13. The deflection roller 13 is provided at the front. Conversely, the drive roller 11 can also be arranged at the front and the deflection roller 13 at the rear.

[0068] The track drive 7 preferably comprises two chains 10, which are arranged on both sides of the vehicle 1, viewed along the direction of travel 9. Accordingly, the track drive 7 also comprises a pair of drive rollers 11 arranged on both sides of the vehicle 1, any desired number of track rollers 12, which are also arranged on both sides of the vehicle 1, and a pair of deflection rollers 13.

[0069] Fig. 2 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a sliding door module 14 for the vehicle 1. Fig. 3 shows a further schematic front view of the sliding door module 14. Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the sliding door module 14 according to the section line IV-IV of Fig. 2. In the following, reference is made simultaneously to Figs. 2 to 4.

[0070] In this context, a "module" is preferably understood to mean a cuboid or box-shaped assembly that can be transported and / or assembled as a single unit. The sliding door module 14 is thus preferably a transportable, compact unit that can be lifted and transported, for example, with the aid of an overhead crane, in order to mount the sliding door module 14 on the vehicle 1 or to dismount it therefrom. This enables flexible use of the sliding door module 14 and, in particular, also allows for simple and quick replacement, even under difficult conditions.

[0071] The sliding door module 14 is mounted on a bulkhead 15 of the tower 5. The

[0072] Bulkhead 15 spatially separates an ammunition compartment 16 of the turret 5 from a crew compartment 17. The crew compartment 17 can be part of the interior 3, although the crew compartment 17 is arranged within the turret 5. The bulkhead 15 has a first surface 18 facing the ammunition compartment 16 and a second surface 19 facing the crew compartment 17. The surfaces 18, 19 face away from each other. A door opening 20 penetrates the bulkhead 15, so that the crew compartment 17 is accessible from the ammunition compartment 16 or vice versa. The door opening 20 can be closed and opened with the aid of the sliding door module 14.

[0073] The sliding door module 14 is assigned a coordinate system with a first spatial direction, the longitudinal direction or x-direction x, a second spatial direction, the transverse direction or y-direction y, and a third spatial direction, the vertical direction or z-direction z. The directions x, y, and z are oriented perpendicular to one another. This coordinate system of the sliding door module 14 does not have to coincide with the aforementioned coordinate system of the vehicle 1. However, depending on the orientation of the sliding door module 14 relative to the vehicle body 2, the two coordinate systems can also coincide or be identical.

[0074] The sliding door module 14 has a sliding door 21. The sliding door 21 is plate-shaped. The sliding door 21 has a rectangular geometry. For example, the sliding door 21 is an armored steel plate. However, the sliding door 21 can also be made of an aluminum alloy. Fiber composite materials can also be used. The sliding door 21 has a front side or first surface 22 facing the ammunition compartment 16 and a rear side or second surface 23 facing the crew compartment 17.

[0075] The sliding door 21 can be moved from an open state ZI shown in Figs. 2 and 4, in which the door opening 20 is exposed so that the crew compartment 17 is accessible from the ammunition compartment 16 or vice versa, to a closed state Z2 shown in Fig. 3, in which the sliding door 21 covers the door opening 20. In the closed state Z2, the sliding door 21 is sealed gas-tight.

[0076] To move the sliding door 21 from the open state Z1 to the closed state Z2, the sliding door 21 is moved linearly or translationally along a direction of movement 24. The direction of movement 24 coincides with the x-direction x or is parallel to it. To move the sliding door 21 from the closed state Z2 to the open state Z1, the sliding door 21 is moved opposite to the direction of movement 24.

[0077] The sliding door 21, in particular at least the first surface 22 of the sliding door 21, is inclined at an angle of inclination α relative to the direction of movement 24. The angle of inclination α is shown in Fig. 4 as an angle spanned between the direction of movement 24 and an auxiliary straight line 25, which runs parallel to the sliding door 21, in particular parallel to the first surface 22 of the sliding door 21. The surfaces 22, 23 are spaced apart from one another and arranged parallel to one another. The second surface 23 of the sliding door 21 can also be inclined at the angle of inclination α relative to the direction of movement 24. However, this is not absolutely necessary.

[0078] The angle of inclination a is acute or an acute angle. The term "acute" or "acute angle" is understood here to mean, in particular, that the angle of inclination a is less than 90°. The angle of inclination a is preferably 7° to 15°, more preferably 8° to 14°, more preferably 9° to 13°, more preferably 10° to 12°, more preferably exactly 11°.

[0079] The angle of inclination a is negative or a negative angle. In this case, the term "negative" or a "negative angle" is understood to mean, in particular, that the angle of inclination a results from a rightward rotation or a clockwise rotation of the auxiliary straight line 25 relative to the direction of movement 24. In contrast, a "positive angle" would be understood to mean an angle of inclination of the auxiliary straight line 25 relative to the direction of movement 24 that results from a leftward rotation or a counterclockwise rotation of the auxiliary straight line 25 relative to the direction of movement 24.

[0080] The x-direction x and the z-direction z span a plane 26. The direction of movement 24 lies in the plane 26. The auxiliary line 25 is inclined at the angle of inclination α relative to the plane 26. Accordingly, the sliding door 21, in particular the first surface 22 of the sliding door 21, is also inclined at the angle of inclination α relative to the plane 26. The first surface 22 of the sliding door 21 forms a plane 27 which is inclined at the angle of inclination α relative to the plane 26. In particular, the sliding door 21, in particular the first surface 22 or the plane 27, is rotated out of the plane 26 about the z-direction z or about an axis running parallel to the z-direction z.

[0081] However, the second surface 23 can also form the plane 27 of the sliding door 21. Furthermore, the plane 27 can also be located at any position between the two surfaces 22, 23. However, the plane 27 is particularly preferably oriented parallel to the first surface 22 and / or parallel to the second surface 23. The plane 27 can also be referred to as the door plane. Accordingly, the terms "plane" and "door plane" are interchangeable in this context.

[0082] The sliding door 21 is assigned a width direction b, a thickness direction d, and a height direction h. The width direction b, the thickness direction d, and the height direction h are oriented perpendicular to one another. The width direction b and the height direction h are preferably located in or on the first surface 22 or are oriented parallel to it. The width direction b and the height direction h lie in particular in the plane 27 or span the plane 27. The plane 27 is oriented or inclined at the angle of inclination α obliquely to the direction of movement 24.

[0083] The width direction b is preferably oriented along the x-direction x, but inclined at an angle α relative to it. The height direction h is oriented along the z-direction z or coincides with it. The thickness direction d is oriented from the first surface 22 to the second surface 23 or vice versa. However, the thickness direction d is preferably oriented perpendicular to the first surface 22 and / or perpendicular to the second surface 23.

[0084] The width direction b, the thickness direction d, and the height direction h form a coordinate system of the sliding door 21. This coordinate system of the sliding door 21 is not identical to the previously mentioned coordinate system of the sliding door module 14 with the directions x, y, z. In particular, the coordinate system of the sliding door 21 is rotated relative to the coordinate system of the sliding door module 14 about the z-direction z or about the height direction h. The rotation occurs about the angle of inclination α. ​​This means, in particular, that the z-direction z and the height direction h can coincide. However, the x-direction x and the width direction b do not coincide. The y-direction y and the thickness direction d do not coincide either. In particular, these are each rotated relative to one another.

[0085] In addition to the sliding door 21, the sliding door module 14 comprises a guide device 28 on which the sliding door 21 is guided so as to be linearly displaceable along the direction of movement 24 in order to move the sliding door 21 from the open state Z1 to the closed state Z2 and counter to the direction of movement 24 from the closed state Z2 to the open state Z1.

[0086] The guide device 28 has an upper linear guide 29 and a lower linear guide 30 arranged along the z-direction z at a distance from the upper linear guide 29. Viewed along the direction of gravity g, the lower linear guide 30 is positioned below the upper linear guide 29. Viewed along the z-direction z, the sliding door 21 is arranged between the two linear guides 29, 30. The sliding door 21 is guided linearly along the two linear guides 29, 30 and counter to the direction of movement 24.

[0087] The linear guides 29, 30 run along the direction of movement 24 or along the x-direction x. The linear guides 29, 30 can be designed as C-profiles with a C-shaped cross-section. Accordingly, the linear guides 29, 30 can each have a slot-shaped opening 31, 32 on the front side in the orientation shown in Figs. 2 to 4. The linear guides 29, 30 do not completely extend around the door opening 20 and thus do not form a closed frame. The sliding door module 14 is thus frameless or frame-free.

[0088] The sliding door 21, in particular the first surface 22 of the sliding door 21, is oriented at an angle of inclination α obliquely to the upper linear guide 29 and obliquely to the lower linear guide 30. In particular, the sliding door 21, preferably the first surface 22 of the sliding door 21, is inclined obliquely to front surfaces 33, 34 of the linear guides 29, 30. The front surfaces 33, 34 face away from the bulkhead 15 and lie in a common plane 35. The plane 35 runs parallel to the plane 26. Thus, the plane 27 formed by the first surface 22 of the sliding door 21 is arranged at an angle of inclination α relative to the plane 35.

[0089] The guide device 28 further comprises a support plate 36, which supports the linear guides 29, 30. For example, the linear guides 29, 30 are screwed to the support plate 36. The support plate 36 can be a steel plate. The support plate 36 is firmly connected to the bulkhead 15. For this purpose, the support plate 36 can be screwed to the bulkhead 15. The support plate 36 has a door opening opening 37 that coincides with the door opening 20. Furthermore, the support plate 36 has a further opening 38. The door opening opening 37 and the opening 38 are arranged between the two linear guides 29, 30. Viewed along the x-direction x, the door opening opening 37 and the opening 38 are placed next to each other, with a strut-shaped section 39 of the support plate 36 being arranged between the door opening opening 37 and the opening 38.

[0090] The support plate 36 carries a seal 40 of the sliding door module 14. The seal 40 has a front or first sealing surface 41, against which the second surface 23 of the sliding door 21 rests when the sliding door 21 is in the closed state Z2. The seal 40 runs completely around the door opening 37. The seal 40 is thus frame-shaped. The first sealing surface 41 is arranged parallel to the second surface 23 of the sliding door 21, which can be inclined at the angle of inclination α. ​​Accordingly, the first sealing surface 41 can also be inclined at the angle of inclination α relative to the direction of movement 24. The first sealing surface 41 lies in particular in a plane 42, which is inclined at the angle of inclination α relative to the plane 26.

[0091] The seal 40 rests against the support plate 36 with a rear or second sealing surface 43. The seal 40 has a wedge-shaped cross-section, so that the first sealing surface 41 is positioned at an angle of inclination α relative to the second sealing surface 43. The seal 40 is made of an elastic material, such as rubber or polyurethane. In the closed state Z2 of the sliding door 21, the sliding door 21 rests with its second surface 23 against the first sealing surface 41, so that the seal 40 is pressed between the sliding door 21 and the support plate 36 in the closed state Z2. The seal 40 seals the sliding door 21 in a gas-tight manner.

[0092] The upper linear guide 29 is assigned two upper guide carriages 44, 45, which can be moved along and against the direction of movement 24 along the upper linear guide 29. Each upper guide carriage 44, 45 can be assigned several rollers or sliding elements arranged within the upper linear guide 29. In particular, a first upper guide carriage 44 and a second upper guide carriage 45 are provided. The upper guide carriages 44, 45 are part of the guide device 28.

[0093] The lower linear guide 30 is assigned two lower guide carriages 46, 47, which can be moved along and against the direction of movement 24 along the lower linear guide 30. Each lower guide carriage 46, 47 can be assigned several rollers or sliding elements arranged within the lower linear guide 30. In particular, a first lower guide carriage 46 and a second lower guide carriage 47 are provided. The lower guide carriages 46, 47 are part of the guide device 28.

[0094] The sliding door 21 is operatively connected or coupled indirectly to the guide device 28 by means of two upper coupling elements 48, 49 via the upper guide carriages 44, 45. The upper coupling elements 48, 49 can be welded to the sliding door 21, in particular to the first surface 22 of the sliding door 21. A first upper coupling element 48 is provided, which is connected, in particular screwed, to the first upper guide carriage 44. Furthermore, a second upper coupling element 49 is provided, which is connected, in particular screwed, to the second upper guide carriage 45. The upper coupling elements 48, 49 are detachably connected to the upper guide carriages 44, 45 by means of upper quick-release elements 50, 51, for example in the form of screws.

[0095] The sliding door 21 is furthermore operatively connected or coupled indirectly to the guide device 28 by means of two lower coupling elements 52, 53 via the lower guide carriages 46, 47. The lower coupling elements 52, 53 can be welded to the sliding door 21, in particular to the first surface 22 of the sliding door 21. A first lower coupling element 52 is provided, which is connected, in particular screwed, to the first lower guide carriage 46. Furthermore, a second lower coupling element 53 is provided, which is connected, in particular screwed, to the second lower guide carriage 47. The lower coupling elements 52, 53 can be detachably connected to the lower guide carriages 46, 47 by means of lower quick-release elements 54, 55, for example in the form of screws.

[0096] The lower quick-release elements 54, 55 are optional. By releasing the upper quick-release elements 50, 51, the sliding door 21 can be manually separated from the upper guide carriages 44, 45 and removed from the guide device 28. In this case, the lower guide carriages 46, 47 and / or the lower coupling elements 52, 53 are designed such that the sliding door 21 can be removed from the lower linear guide 30. Gravity can be used to dismantle the sliding door 21.

[0097] If the lower quick-release elements 54, 55 are also provided, these can also be released to separate the sliding door 21 from the guide device 28. This can be advantageous, for example, in an emergency to clear the door opening 20. Alternatively, only the lower quick-release elements 54, 55 can be provided, which can then be released accordingly in an emergency. Instead of screws, any other quick-release fasteners can be used as quick-release elements 50, 51, 54, 55.

[0098] The sliding door module 14 further comprises a drive 56 connected to the guide device 28 for moving the sliding door 21 from the open state Z1 to the closed state Z2 and vice versa. The sliding door module 14 can have multiple drives 56. However, reference is made below to only one drive 56. The drive 56 can be an electric motor, in particular a rotary electric motor or a linear drive. In particular, the drive 56 is a servomotor or actuator. If the drive 56 is a linear drive, it can be integrated into one of the linear guides 29, 30. Such a drive 56 can also be integrated into each of the two linear guides 29, 30. The drive 56 can also be a hydraulic drive or a pneumatic drive.

[0099] In the present example, the drive 56 is located outside the linear guides 29, 30. For example, the drive 56 is coupled to the lower linear guide 30. The drive 56 is operatively connected, for example, to the lower guide carriages 46, 47 in order to move them along the lower linear guide 30, both along and against the direction of movement 24. For this purpose, a belt drive or a pinion and a rack or the like can be provided, for example. Via the lower coupling elements 52, 53 and, if applicable, via the lower quick-release elements 54, 55, force is transmitted from the lower guide carriages 46, 47 to the sliding door 21 in order to move the door from the open state Z1 to the closed state Z2 and vice versa with the aid of the drive 56.

[0100] The upper linear guide 29 then only guides the sliding door 21. As previously mentioned, however, such a drive 56 can also be assigned to the upper linear guide 29. In this case, the sliding door 21 is then driven by both the upper linear guide 29 and the lower linear guide 30. The drive 56 can be firmly connected to the lower linear guide 30 and / or to the support plate 36. For example, a screw connection can be provided. The drive 56 is part of the guide device 28.

[0101] The sliding door module 14 further comprises a brake 57 for braking the sliding door 21 when the sliding door 21 is moved from the open state Z1 to the closed state Z2 and / or vice versa. The brake 57 is part of the guide device 28. The brake 57 can be permanently connected to the guide device 28. The brake 57 can be an eddy current brake. However, the brake 57 can also be a friction brake. The brake 57 can be integrated into the drive 56 or attached to the drive 56. However, this is not mandatory. The brake 57 can also be integrated into one or both of the linear guides 29, 30.

[0102] A housing 58 is assigned to the sliding door module 14. The housing 58 can be rigidly connected to one or both of the linear guides 29, 30 and / or to the support plate 36. The housing 58 can also be supported on the drive 56 or at least partially enclose the drive 56. A control unit 59 of the sliding door module 14 is accommodated in the housing 58. The control unit 59 can be used to control the drive 56 and / or the brake 57 in order to move the sliding door 21 from the open state ZI to the closed state Z2 and vice versa.

[0103] The control unit 59 is preferably an analog circuit or has an analog circuit. This makes the control unit 59 insensitive to interference, so that the sliding door 21 can be closed and / or opened, for example, even in the event of a failure of an on-board electronics system of the vehicle 1. However, this is not absolutely necessary. The control unit 59 can also comprise a computer or the like. The control unit 59 can be part of the guide device 28.

[0104] Furthermore, an emergency power supply 60 for the sliding door module 14 is accommodated in the housing 58. With the help of the emergency power supply 60, the drive 56 and / or the control unit 59 can be powered, for example, in the event of a failure of the vehicle's electrical system 1, in order to close and / or open the sliding door 21. The emergency power supply 60 can have one or more accumulators. With the help of the emergency power supply 60, autonomous operation of the sliding door module 14 is possible in an emergency. The emergency power supply 60 can be part of the guide device 28.

[0105] The sliding door module 14 further comprises a movement area monitor 61 for monitoring a movement area 62 of the sliding door 21. With the help of the movement area monitor 61, injury to the crew caused by the moving sliding door 21 can be reliably prevented. Within the movement area 62, the sliding door 21 moves when it is moved from the open state ZI to the closed state Z2 and vice versa. The movement area monitor 61 provides sensor signals to the control unit 59. The sensor signals can include a respective position of the sliding door 21. A data connection can be provided between the movement area monitor 61 and the control unit 59. This data connection can be wireless or wired.

[0106] The movement area monitoring system 61 can have a first light barrier 63 and an optional second light barrier 64, each arranged at the end of the movement area 62. The support plate 36 supports the light barriers 63, 64. Reflectors can be assigned to the light barriers 63, 64. The second light barrier 64 is omitted. The movement area monitoring system 61 can be part of the guide device 28. Instead of the light barriers 63, 64, the movement area monitoring system 61 can have any other sensors, for example capacitive and / or inductive sensors. Furthermore, the movement area monitoring system 61 can have one or more cameras 65 for monitoring the movement area 62. The camera 65 can be mounted on the support plate 36 (not shown). The light barriers 63, 64 are preferably analog light barriers.The sliding door module 14 further comprises an end position monitor 66 for monitoring end positions of the sliding door 21 in the open state Z1 and / or in the closed state Z2. The end position monitor 66 can be part of the guide device 28. For example, the end position monitor 66 can comprise a first end position sensor 67, which is assigned to an end position of the sliding door 21 in the open state Z1, and a second end position sensor 68, which is assigned to an end position of the sliding door 21 in the closed state Z2.

[0107] The end-position sensors 67, 68 can be mounted on the support plate 36. More than two end-position sensors 67, 68 can be provided. The end-position sensors 67, 68 can be, for example, switches, optical sensors, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, or the like. The end-position monitor 66 provides sensor signals to the control unit 59. The sensor signals can include a respective position of the sliding door 21 in its respective end position. A data connection can be provided between the end-position monitor 66 and the control unit 59. This data connection can be wireless or wired.

[0108] The sliding door module 14 can further comprise lifting means 69, 70, of which only two are shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The lifting means 69, 70 can be lifting eyes. With the aid of the lifting means 69, 70, it is possible to lift and transport the sliding door module 14 as a compact unit, for example, using an overhead crane. The lifting means 69, 70 can be attached to the support plate 36 and / or to the upper linear guide 29. The lifting means 69, 70 can be removed from the sliding door module 14 after assembly thereof has been completed. However, the lifting means 69, 70 can also be left on the sliding door module 14. The functionality of the sliding door module 14 is explained below. As previously mentioned, the sliding door module 14 is mounted on the bulkhead 15 of the turret 5 arranged between the ammunition compartment 16 and the crew compartment 17.The sliding door module 14 is arranged on the first surface 18 of the bulkhead 15 facing the ammunition compartment 16 and thus within the ammunition compartment 16.

[0109] The ammunition compartment 16 contains cartridge ammunition or cartridge-loaded ammunition 71 for the weapon 6. For example, twenty pieces of cartridge ammunition 71 are located in the ammunition compartment 16. The cartridge ammunition 71 can be accommodated in a magazine (not shown) of the turret 5. Furthermore, an automatic loader 72, for example comprising a robot, is arranged in the ammunition compartment 16, which is suitable for feeding one piece of the cartridge ammunition 71 at a time through the door opening 20 of the bulkhead 15 to a cartridge chamber 73 of the weapon 6.

[0110] The sliding door 21 is initially in the closed state Z2. If loading of the weapon 6 is now required, the automatic loader 72 holds a piece of the loaded ammunition 71 ready. The sliding door 21 is moved from the closed state Z2 to the open state Z1, thereby releasing the door opening 20. Opening the sliding door 21 can, for example, take less than 0.5 seconds. The same applies to closing the sliding door 21. The automatic loader 72 has a high rate of action. This high rate of action requires the sliding door 21 to open and close very quickly and, in the closed state Z2, to offer a high level of protection for the crew in the crew compartment 17. Furthermore, a high level of functional reliability is required.

[0111] The sliding door 21 can be moved from the closed state Z2 to the open state Z1 and vice versa by the crew, for example, by issuing a corresponding command to the control unit 59 to open or close the sliding door 21. In the simplest case, this can be done, for example, by actuating a switch arranged in the crew compartment 17. However, the opening and closing of the sliding door 21 can also be automated. Particularly preferably, the sliding door 21 is opened and closed automatically using a direct signal and / or an indirect signal from the automatic loader 72.

[0112] As soon as the sliding door 21 is in the open state ZI, the automatic loader 72 delivers the loaded ammunition 71 through the door opening 20 into the cartridge chamber 73 and then retracts into the ammunition compartment 16. As soon as the automatic loader 72 has retracted from the door opening 20, the sliding door 21 is immediately moved from the open state ZI back to the closed state Z2. This protects the crew in the crew compartment 17 even if the ammunition compartment 16, for example, is hit, causing the loaded ammunition 71 to explode.

[0113] By tilting the sliding door 21 at the angle of inclination a, a pressure wave 74 resulting from a hit to the ammunition compartment 16 pushes the sliding door 21 toward the closed state Z2. The pressure wave 74 can also be referred to as a blast or an explosion blast. Therefore, the pressure wave 74 cannot force the sliding door 21 open and thus into the open state Z1. Rather, the pressure wave 74 presses the sliding door 21 against the seal 40 and, via the coupling elements 48, 49, 52, 53, against the linear guides 29, 30. This technical effect increases the seal and thus the safety of the crew in the crew compartment 17.

[0114] Due to the inclination of the sliding door 21 at the angle of inclination a, the pressure wave 74 acting on the sliding door 21 results in a closing force F oriented along the direction of movement 24. The closing force F either moves the sliding door 21 in the direction of the closed state Z2 or supports this movement along the direction of movement 24 or presses the sliding door 21, if the sliding door 21 is already in the closed state Z2, against the seal 40 and / or the linear guides 29, 30.

[0115] The sliding door 21 thus reliably separates the crew compartment 17 from the ammunition compartment 16. This reliably protects the crew. The respective closing and opening times are preferably less than 0.5 seconds, which further increases crew safety. The sliding door 21 is very solidly designed and serves to protect the crew from an accidental explosion of the loaded ammunition 71. The closing and opening of the sliding door 21 is preferably carried out entirely without software. As previously mentioned, this makes the sliding door module 14 particularly robust and resistant to failure.

[0116] The movement area monitoring system 61 ensures that no objects or crew members are trapped by the sliding door 21. Before a collision occurs, the sliding door 21 is stopped by the brake 57. The linear guides 29, 30 are connected to each other only by the sliding door 21. A frame or door frame for the sliding door 21 is not provided. The guide device 28 can be bypassed by dismantling the sliding door 21. In this case, either the upper quick-release elements 50, 51 and / or the lower quick-release elements 54, 55 can be removed. The sliding door 21 can thus be manually unlocked in an emergency. The quick release elements 50, 51, 54, 55 are not relevant for the protective effect of the sliding door module 14, since the pressure wave 74 from the direction of the ammunition compartment 16 presses the sliding door 21 against the seal 40 and / or the linear guides 29, 30.The quick-release elements 50, 51, 54, 55 are therefore not subjected to mechanical stress by the pressure wave 74. Thanks to the emergency power supply 60, the drive 56, the brake 57, and / or the control unit 59 can continue to be supplied with power if necessary. Even if the sliding door module 14 fails completely, the protective effect of the sliding door 21 is maintained. Even if one of the guide carriages 44, 45, 46, 47 jams, it can be optionally decoupled from the sliding door 21. This is achieved using the quick-release elements 50, 51, 54, 55.

[0117] The following advantages are achieved by the inclination of the sliding door 21 at the angle of inclination a. Since the seal 40 is only touched by the sliding door 21 in the closed state Z2 or immediately before reaching the closed state Z2, friction in the remaining movement area 62 is reduced. This enables the short closing and opening time of the sliding door 21 of less than 0.5 seconds.

[0118] In the event of an explosion in the ammunition compartment 16, the inclined position pushes the sliding door 21 toward the closed position Z2. This increases safety by providing additional locking security. Furthermore, the inclined position increases the path that flying fragments must take through the sliding door 21. This helps to better deflect the fragments and thus further increases crew safety.

[0119] The direct installation of the control unit 59 next to the sliding door 21 enables short cable routing, which in turn leads to greater dynamics of the sliding door 21. The use of short cables also keeps power loss and weight low and increases the electromagnetic safety of the sliding door module 14. Furthermore, it is possible to handle the sliding door module 14 as a single assembly, which facilitates interchangeability in the event of repair. The sensory detection of the end positions of the sliding door 21 using the end position monitoring system 66 increases operational reliability and ensures that the end stops of the sliding door 21 are not overloaded. Furthermore, the end stops equipped with the end position sensors 67, 68 enable the precise position of the sliding door 21 to be detected.As a result, a control curve of the drive 56 can be adjusted more precisely, which brings a further advantage with regard to the closing and opening speed of the sliding door 21.

[0120] The preferred use of analog light barriers 63, 64, which are not connected to a microcontroller and / or a complex control system, for the motion area monitoring 61 offers advantages in terms of operational reliability, tamper resistance, particularly dynamics and detection speed. Furthermore, the decoupling of processors and electronic simplicity have a positive effect on the electromagnetic safety and / or cybersecurity of the sliding door module 14.

[0121] In summary, the sliding door module 14 thus exhibits high dynamics, good maintainability, low maintenance requirements, high protection against mechanical, electromagnetic, and explosive influences, high operational reliability, a low risk of injury, high handling safety, low complexity, and cost-effective maintenance, especially the possibility of easy replacement. Furthermore, the sliding door module 14 forms an independent system that also functions autonomously.

[0122] Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a sealing arrangement 75 for the sliding door module 14.

[0123] The sealing arrangement 75 can be used as an alternative to the previously explained seal 40 for sealing the sliding door 21. The sealing arrangement 75 comprises a seal 76 and a support 77 that supports the seal 76. The support 77 can be made, for example, from a steel alloy or an aluminum alloy. The seal 76 is elastically deformable. For example, the seal 76 is made of rubber or polyurethane.

[0124] The support 77 is wedge-shaped in cross-section and comprises a front side or first surface 78 and a rear side or second surface 79 facing away from the first surface 78. The seal 76 rests against the first surface 78. The second surface 79 allows the support 77 to rest against the support plate 36. The first surface 78, like the first sealing surface 41 of the seal 40, is inclined at an angle of inclination α relative to the direction of movement 24 or the plane 26. The second surface 79 is oriented parallel to the plane 26. The first surface 78 is thus inclined at an angle of inclination α relative to the second surface 79. The support 77 has an opening 80 which coincides with the door opening opening 37 of the support plate 36.

[0125] The support 77 can be screwed, riveted, and / or welded to the support plate 36. The support 77 can also be part of the support plate 36. In this case, the support 77 and the support plate 36 can form a single-piece component, in particular a single-piece component.

[0126] The seal 76 comprises a first sealing surface 81 and a second sealing surface 82 facing away from the first sealing surface 81. With the second sealing surface 82, the seal 76 rests against the first surface 78 of the support 77. In the closed state Z2, the sliding door 21 rests with its second surface 23 against the first sealing surface 81. The two sealing surfaces 81, 82 run parallel to one another. The first sealing surface 81 lies in a plane 83 which - like the plane 42 of the seal 40 - is inclined at the angle of inclination α obliquely to the direction of movement 24 or the plane 26. Thus, the first sealing surface 81 is also inclined at the angle of inclination α obliquely to the direction of movement 24 or the plane 26.

[0127] Unlike seal 40, however, seal 76 is not wedge-shaped in cross-section, but preferably rectangular. Seal 76 extends completely around opening 80 or door opening 37. In cross-section, seal 76 can, in principle, have any desired geometry, for example, rectangular, oval, circular, or triangular. Seal 76 can also be a round seal, in particular a sealing cord. The functionality of sealing arrangement 75 corresponds to that of seal 40.

[0128] The sliding door module 14 comprises the sliding door 21 and the guide device 28, on which the sliding door 21 is guided or mounted so as to be displaceable exclusively or only linearly along the direction of movement 24 in order to move the sliding door 21 from the open state Z1 to the closed state Z2 and counter to the direction of movement 24 from the closed state Z2 to the open state ZI, wherein the direction of movement 24 is oriented parallel to the guide device 28, wherein the sliding door 21 has the width direction b, the height direction h and the thickness direction d, wherein the width direction b and the height direction h span the plane 27, in particular the door plane, of the sliding door 21, and wherein the plane 27 is oriented at the angle of inclination a obliquely to the direction of movement 24.

[0129] The sliding door module 14 comprises in particular the sliding door 21 and the guide device 28, on which the sliding door 21 is guided or mounted exclusively or only linearly displaceably along the direction of movement 24 in order to move the sliding door 21 from the open state Z1 to the closed state Z2 and counter to the direction of movement 24 from the closed state Z2 to the open state Z1, wherein the guide device 28 has the upper linear guide 29 and the lower linear guide 30 arranged at a distance from the upper linear guide 29, wherein the sliding door 21 is guided or mounted exclusively or only linearly displaceably on the upper linear guide 29 and on the lower linear guide 30 along the direction of movement 24, wherein the direction of movement 24 is oriented parallel to the upper linear guide 29 and parallel to the lower linear guide 30, wherein the sliding door 21 has the width direction b,the height direction h and the thickness direction d, wherein the width direction b and the height direction h span the plane 27, in particular the door plane, of the sliding door 21, and wherein the plane 27 is oriented at the angle of inclination a obliquely to the direction of movement 24.

[0130] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.

[0131] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0132] 1 vehicle

[0133] 2 vehicle tray

[0134] 3 Interior

[0135] 4 Surroundings

[0136] 5 Tower

[0137] 6 Armament

[0138] 7 Track drive

[0139] 8 Underground

[0140] 9 Direction of travel

[0141] 10 Chain

[0142] 11 Drive roller

[0143] 12 chain roller

[0144] 13 pulley

[0145] 14 Sliding door module

[0146] 15 bulkhead

[0147] 16 ammunition room

[0148] 17 Crew compartment

[0149] 18 Surface

[0150] 19 Surface

[0151] 20 Door opening

[0152] 21 Sliding door

[0153] 22 Surface

[0154] 23 Surface

[0155] 24 Direction of movement

[0156] 25 auxiliary lines

[0157] 26 Level

[0158] 27 Level

[0159] 28 Guide device 29 Linear guide

[0160] 30 linear guide

[0161] 31 Opening

[0162] 32 Opening 33 Surface

[0163] 34 Surface

[0164] 35 Level

[0165] 36 Support plate

[0166] 37 Door opening 38 Breakthrough

[0167] Section 39

[0168] 40 Seal

[0169] 41 Sealing surface

[0170] 42 Level 43 Sealing surface

[0171] 44 guide carriages

[0172] 45 guide carriages

[0173] 46 guide carriages

[0174] 47 Guide carriage 48 Coupling element

[0175] 49 Coupling element

[0176] 50 quick release element

[0177] 51 Quick release element

[0178] 52 Coupling element 53 Coupling element

[0179] 54 Quick release element

[0180] 55 Quick release element

[0181] 56 Drive

[0182] 57 Brake 58 Housing 59 Control unit

[0183] 60 emergency power supply

[0184] 61 Motion area monitoring

[0185] 62 range of motion

[0186] 63 light barrier

[0187] 64 light barrier

[0188] 65 Camera

[0189] 66 End position monitoring

[0190] 67 End position sensor

[0191] 68 End position sensor

[0192] 69 lifting equipment

[0193] 70 lifting equipment

[0194] 71 ammunition

[0195] 72 automatic loaders

[0196] 73 cartridge chamber

[0197] 74 Pressure wave

[0198] 75 Sealing arrangement

[0199] 76 Seal

[0200] 77 carriers

[0201] 78 Surface

[0202] 79 Surface

[0203] 80 Breakthrough

[0204] 81 Sealing surface

[0205] 82 Sealing surface

[0206] 83 Plane b Width direction d Thickness direction

[0207] F Closing force g Gravity direction h Height direction x x-direction y y-direction z z-direction ZI State

[0208] Z2 State a Inclination angle

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Sliding door module (14) for a vehicle (1), in particular for a battle tank, with a sliding door (21), and a guide device (28) on which the sliding door (21) is guided so as to be linearly displaceable along a direction of movement (24) in order to move the sliding door (21) from an open state (Z1) into a closed state (Z2) and counter to the direction of movement (24) from the closed state (Z2) into the open state (Z1), wherein the sliding door (21) is oriented at an angle of inclination (α) oblique to the direction of movement (24).

2. Sliding door module according to claim 1, characterized in that a plane (27) assigned to the sliding door (21) is oriented at an angle of inclination (α) obliquely to the direction of movement (24) in such a way that a pressure wave (74) acting on the sliding door (21) generates a resulting closing force (F) which is oriented along the direction of movement (24).

3. Sliding door module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sliding door module (14) has a support plate (36), wherein the support plate (36) has a door opening opening (37), wherein the sliding door (21) releases the door opening opening (37) in the open state (Z1), wherein the sliding door (21) covers the door opening opening (37) in the closed state (Z2), and wherein the guide device (28) is connected to the support plate (36) so that the sliding door module (14) can be handled as a unit.

4. Sliding door module according to one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the guide device (28) has an upper linear guide (29) and a lower linear guide (30) arranged at a distance from the upper linear guide (29), wherein the sliding door (21) is guided on the upper linear guide (29) and on the lower linear guide (30) so as to be linearly displaceable along the direction of movement (24).

5. Sliding door module according to claim 4, characterized in that the sliding door (21) is oriented at the angle of inclination (a) obliquely to the upper linear guide (29) and obliquely to the lower linear guide (30).

6. Sliding door module according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the sliding door (21) is coupled to the upper linear guide (29) by means of at least one upper coupling element (48, 49), wherein the sliding door (21) is coupled to the lower linear guide (30) by means of at least one lower coupling element (52, 53).

7. Sliding door module according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one upper coupling element (48, 49) can be decoupled from the upper linear guide (29) by means of at least one upper quick-release element (50, 51), and / or wherein the at least one lower coupling element (52, 53) can be decoupled from the lower linear guide (30) by means of at least one lower quick-release element (54, 55).

8. Sliding door module according to one of claims 1 - 7, characterized by a drive (56) connected to the guide device (28) for moving the sliding door (21) from the open state (Z 1) to the closed state (Z2) and vice versa, and / or a brake (57) connected to the guide device (28) for braking the sliding door (21) when moving the sliding door (21) from the open state (Z 1) to the closed state (Z2) and vice versa.

9. Sliding door module according to one of claims 1 - 8, characterized by a control unit (59) and / or an emergency power supply (60) and a housing (58) connected to the guide device (28), in which the control unit (59) and / or the emergency power supply (60) are arranged.

10. Sliding door module according to one of claims 1 - 9, characterized by a movement area monitoring device (61), in particular comprising a light barrier (63, 64) and / or a camera (65) for monitoring a movement area (62) of the sliding door (21).

11. Sliding door module according to one of claims 1 - 10, characterized by an end position monitoring device (66) for monitoring end positions of the sliding door (21) in the open state (Z1) and / or in the closed state (Z2).

12. Sliding door module according to one of claims 1 - 11, characterized by a seal (40, 76) which seals the sliding door (21) in a gas-tight manner in the closed state (Z2).

13. Sliding door module according to claim 12, characterized in that the sliding door (21) contacts the seal (40, 76) only immediately before reaching the closed state (Z2) in order to press the seal (40, 76).

14. Turret (5) for a vehicle (1), in particular for a battle tank, with a sliding door module (14) according to one of claims 1 - 13, wherein the sliding door module (14) is attached to a bulkhead (15) of the turret, wherein the bulkhead (15) is arranged between an ammunition compartment (16) of the turret (5) and a crew compartment (17) of the turret (5), and wherein the sliding door module (14) is arranged in the ammunition compartment (17).

15. Vehicle (1), in particular a battle tank, with a sliding door module (14) according to one of claims 1 - 13 and / or a turret (5) according to claim 14.

Images