Sensor assembly and vehicle comprising a sensor assembly of this kind

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor assembly (10) for a vehicle (100), having a housing (12) and an optical sensor system (14) arranged in the housing (12), wherein: at least one viewing window (24) is formed on the housing (12) for the optical sensor system (14) to look through out of the housing (12); a protective panel (30) is fastened to the housing (12) and covers the at least one viewing window (24); an actuator (32) is arranged on the housing (12) in such a way that the protective panel (30) is pushed off the housing (12) as a result of an activation of the actuator (32).

Description

[0001] Applicant:

[0002] Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH

[0003] Pützchens Chaussee 58a

[0004] 53227 Bonn

[0005] 30820007WO 12.08.2025

[0006] ELL / LVO

[0007] Title: Sensor arrangement and vehicle with such a sensor arrangement

[0008] Description

[0009] The invention relates to a sensor arrangement with features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with such a sensor arrangement having the features of the dependent claim.

[0010] Sensor arrangements of the type mentioned above are known from the prior art and are used, for example, in government or military vehicles in the form of electro-optical vision systems. Their sensors are often housed in a casing and thus hermetically sealed from the outside world to reduce environmental influences that could affect the sensors. The interface between the interior of the casing and the outside world is frequently formed by a viewing window, which (unlike the sensors located inside) is largely unprotected from environmental influences. Environmental influences acting on the viewing window can cause it to become dirty, thereby reducing transmission through the window and at least limiting the operational readiness of the sensors and the vision system.

[0011] In current technology, various measures are employed to keep a viewing window clean and maintain transmission through it. For example, wipers are used to remove dirt, or lotus coatings are applied to viewing windows to cause dirt to bead up and roll off. Compressed air systems with appropriate spray nozzles (applying air or liquid) are also used to remove dirt. Manually removable flaps or mesh screens in the windows are also used to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0012] In principle, the known solutions offer sufficient effectiveness to a certain extent for their intended use, but they require that the viewing window be unobstructed, possibly even completely. This is because the viewing window must allow transmission to the relevant sensors of the vision system during operation. If the viewing window is dirty, it must be accessible for cleaning, for example, by windshield wipers, spray nozzles, or similar means. This restricts the availability and transmission of the sensors before and during the cleaning process. Furthermore, with an unobstructed viewing window, the vision system can generate an electromagnetically visible signature, which increases the risk of being relatively easily detected by enemy forces.

[0013] The invention aims to better protect sensor arrays from environmental influences and to increase their operational readiness. Furthermore, it is desirable that such sensor arrays should at least not facilitate counter-reconnaissance by the enemy.

[0014] The invention solves this problem by means of a sensor arrangement with the features of claim 1. The sensor arrangement can also be referred to as a sensor system or electro-optical vision system.

[0015] The sensor arrangement is specifically designed and / or intended for use in a vehicle, e.g., a government or military vehicle. The sensor arrangement comprises a housing and at least one optical sensor, in particular an electro-optical sensor, arranged within the housing. One or more viewing windows, in particular two viewing windows, are provided in the housing to allow the optical sensor to see through it.

[0016] At least one protective plate is attached to the housing, covering the viewing window(s) (the protective plate is not repelled or blown off). The protective plate may rest on the viewing window(s). At least one actuator, e.g., a pyrotechnic actuator, is positioned on the housing such that the protective plate is repelled or blown off the housing when the actuator is activated or its action is triggered. The viewing window(s) are then exposed (the protective plate is repelled or blown off). Thus, transmission through the viewing window(s) is possible. The protective plate could also be described as an actuated repulsion or ejection plate, e.g., a pyrotechnically actuated blast plate. In other words, the principle relies on a repelling protective plate shortly before the measurement period of the sensor arrangement or its sensors.

[0017] When not in use or before deployment, the viewing window(s) are covered by the protective plate, thus shielding them from environmental influences. This provides protection against vandalism (e.g., graffiti or paint bombs) and splinter and breakage protection against impacts from stones and indirect debris. It also offers protection against interference (jamming). Furthermore, this reduces radiation signatures in the field, minimizing the risk of counter-reconnaissance by the enemy. EMC signature suppression can also be achieved, and reflections from sunlight can be reduced by covering the viewing windows.

[0018] Furthermore, protection against unwanted laser light can be achieved. During use or deployment, however, optimal availability is ensured, as the viewing window is only opened shortly before the start of operation by pushing or blasting off the protective flap, and the viewing window(s) remain transparent, allowing transmission.

[0019] Specifically, the viewing window(s) can each have a transparent pane (e.g., a glass pane) and / or a frame. The viewing window(s) can be arranged and / or embedded in a common wall section of the sensor assembly housing.

[0020] The housing is designed such that components located within it are hermetically sealed from the environment. The housing can have several walls or wall sections that are attached to one another. These together form the housing. Specifically, the walls or wall sections can be materially bonded to one another (welded joints and / or cast construction) or bolted together.

[0021] The housing may have a mounting section with through-holes, for example, in the form of a rib projecting from the housing with several through-holes. The housing may also have one or more electrical connections, for example, in the form of sockets or plugs.

[0022] In principle, it is conceivable that the housing has one, two, or more viewing windows and a single protective plate covers all of them. This contributes to a simple design due to the small number of components. Furthermore, only one actuator is required (cost-effective and minimal vibration affecting the sensors). Optionally, multiple actuators can be used.

[0023] It is also conceivable that, for example, two viewing windows are formed on the housing and two protective plates are present. Each protective plate covers one viewing window (each viewing window thus has its own protective plate). A (shared) actuator, or one actuator per protective plate, can eject or detach the protective plates from the housing as needed. Because there are two protective plates, they can be ejected from the housing individually, for example, in different directions. This allows for further optimization of the viewing window release.

[0024] When the following text refers to a protective plate, a viewing window and an actuator, this may also refer to multiple protective plates, multiple viewing windows and / or multiple actuators.

[0025] As mentioned above, the actuator can be designed as a pyrotechnic actuator. This contributes to short-term dynamic actuator times. Such a pyrotechnic actuator (also called a "squib"), which can, for example, be designed as a detonator, can contain a miniature explosive device used in various industries. A pyrotechnic actuator consists of an electric igniter surrounded by a capsule of compressed primary explosive. Specifically, the pyrotechnic actuator can be configured to generate, for example, a linear movement and apply it to the protective plate. Depending on the actuator's arrangement relative to the protective plate and / or the orientation of the sensor assembly's housing relative to gravity, this results in the protective plate being repelled or blown off the housing in a straight line or along a curved path, for example, by pivoting around an edge of the protective plate.The pyrotechnic actuator can be electrically or electronically coupled to the wake-up sensor. Specifically, an actuator can consist of two electrical wires separated by a connector made of insulating material. They can be used to generate mechanical force to break or propel various materials. The size of squibs ranges from approximately...

[0026] 2 to 15 mm in diameter, which allows for a space-saving and compact design.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator can be arranged on or in a section of the housing wall in which the viewing window(s) are formed. The actuator is located adjacent to the viewing window and is at least partially, preferably completely, covered by the protective plate (when the actuator has not yet been activated, e.g., before the detonator has detonated). Thus, upon activation or detonation, the actuator can act in a targeted manner between the housing and the protective plate. The actuator can rest against the wall section (a structurally simple design) or be arranged in a recess on the wall section (this facilitates a particularly close fit of the protective plate and a targeted effect, e.g., the detonation effect, on the protective plate). The protective plate can, in particular, cover at least the majority (more than 50%) of the wall section.Preferably, the protective plate can cover at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, or completely, of the wall section in which the viewing window is formed. It is also conceivable that the actuator is attached to the protective plate on the side facing the housing (actuator positioned between the protective plate and the housing). Advantageously, the protective plate can be attached to the housing in such a way that, as a result of the actuator's activation, e.g., by its operation, the protective plate can be repelled or blown off the housing. The attachment of the protective plate to the housing is thus matched to the actuator (strength, e.g., charge strength) in such a way that, as a result of the actuator's activation, e.g., by its operation, the protective plate is repelled or blown off the housing in every case. The attachment of the protective plate should therefore be neither too tight nor too loose.Specifically, the protective plate can be attached magnetically (e.g., by magnets attached to the protective plate and / or the housing) or by a material-bonded connection to the housing, e.g., by adhesive. Attachment using plug-in elements is also conceivable; for example, pins or studs can be formed on the protective plate, and corresponding receptacles can be formed on the housing or the relevant wall section (positive locking connection). This ensures that the protective plate is securely held to the housing or the relevant wall section, but can still be reliably removed from the housing when the actuator is activated, e.g., when the detonator is deployed.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the protective plate can be form-fitting to the housing wall section in which the viewing window(s) are formed, in particular such that the protective plate covers the viewing window(s) as closely as possible (protective plate fits as snugly as possible against the wall section). This allows the viewing window(s) to be largely protected from environmental influences in a structurally simple manner. Specifically, the wall section and the protective plate can each be flat. Optionally, the protective plate can have a seal on the side facing the wall section, for example, in the form of one or more sealing lips. A circumferential sealing lip on the side of the protective plate facing the wall section is also conceivable.

[0029] Advantageously, the wall section can extend along a longitudinal wall direction from a first end to a second end, with the actuator being arranged off-center on the wall section with respect to the longitudinal wall direction, particularly close to the first end. This causes the protective plate, which partially or completely covers the actuator and extends along a longitudinal plate direction from a first plate end to a second plate end, to perform a pivoting movement around the second end of the wall section or around the second plate end when the actuator is activated or actuated (at least vectorially). This ensures that the viewing window(s), particularly the one closer to the first end, is not obstructed.

[0030] Viewing window, relatively quickly cleared. The phrase "near the first end or at the first end" refers to an end section adjacent to the first end with a length of 20% along the longitudinal wall direction.

[0031] Specifically, the protective plate can be made of sheet metal (e.g., aluminum) or plastic. This makes the protective plate lightweight, robust, and easy to manufacture. Optionally, the protective plate can have a coating, such as paint or a encasement (e.g., made of rubber). Regardless of the material, the protective plate can be rectangular.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, a wake-up sensor may be provided which is coupled to the actuator, in particular electrically or electronically, in such a way that the actuator can be activated by means of the wake-up sensor.

[0033] "Activatable" means that the actuator can be initiated, leading to its activation, for example, to an action being performed (the wake-up sensor provides a control signal for the actuator). Thus, the actuator can be activated in a targeted manner, with the timing of the actuator's initiation being adjustable via the wake-up sensor. It is conceivable that the wake-up sensor is electrically or electronically coupled to the actuator via a data analysis device described below. Alternatively or additionally, the wake-up sensor could, for example, be part of a functional chain already present in the vehicle.

[0034] Advantageously, the wake-up sensor and the actuator can be set up and / or configured such that (e.g., upon detection of an incoming threat) the viewing window(s) are released within a defined time interval as a result of activation of the actuator by the wake-up sensor, for example, by ejecting the protective plate. In principle, a time interval between 50 ms and 150 ms (milliseconds) is conceivable, preferably a time interval between 80 ms and 120 ms, and more preferably a time interval of 100 ms. A time interval of a maximum of 10 ms, preferably a time interval of 3–9 ms, and more preferably a time interval of 4–7 ms has proven advantageous. In other words, the actuator(s) should be able to eject the protective plate(s) covering the viewing window from the viewing window within the aforementioned time intervals.Therefore, the sensor arrangement and its sensors can only be used temporarily, particularly in time-critical applications, rather than continuously. The activation time is undefined; however, sufficient transmission through the viewing window must be maintained during operation.

[0035] Specifically, the sensor can be designed as an electro-optical vision device with an active radiation source. Apart from the protective cover, the sensor can be free of any mechanical barrier against unwanted radiation emission, such as from non-eye-safe laser illumination.

[0036] The sensor system may include a laser rangefinder.

[0037] This device emits targeted laser pulses and measures the travel time of the reflected signal. This enables precise distance measurement.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor system could include, for example, a LIDAR system (Light imaging, detection and ranging). This system emits laser pulses and receives and analyzes the reflected light. This enables precise 3D measurement.

[0039] Advantageously, an electronic data analysis unit can be arranged in the housing, connected downstream of the sensor. This allows for the evaluation of the measured values ​​acquired and / or determined by the sensor. The sensor's output(s) can be connected to inputs of the electronic data analysis unit (the sensor's output signals become the input signals for the electronic data analysis unit). Optionally, the sensor can be powered via the electronic data analysis unit (instead of a separate, independent power supply, which is also conceivable). According to one possible embodiment, the wake-up sensor can be electrically or electronically coupled to the electronic data analysis unit.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator can alternatively be designed as a solenoid actuator. A solenoid actuator can comprise a current-carrying coil (solenoid) and a ferromagnetic armature that is movably mounted relative to the coil along an axis of motion (axially). When current is applied, the coil generates a magnetic field that displaces the armature along the axis of motion relative to the coil (direction of actuation). Depending on the magnetic orientation, the armature is either drawn into or pushed out of the coil when current is applied. The armature can actuate the protective plate directly or indirectly via a plunger, thereby repelling the protective plate from the housing. The solenoid actuator allows for precise adjustment of the actuation force (e.g., via the current) and rapid actuation through electronic control (e.g., a control signal from the wake-up sensor).

[0041] The actuator can alternatively and advantageously be designed as a voice coil actuator. A voice coil actuator can have a ring magnet (permanent magnetic field) in which a coil is movably mounted along an axis of movement relative to the ring magnet. When current is applied, the magnetic field exerts a force (Lorentz force) on the current-carrying coil, causing it to move axially along the axis of movement relative to the ring magnet. The coil can act on the protective plate directly or indirectly via a plunger, thereby repelling the protective plate from the housing. The voice coil actuator allows for precise and rapid force control with response times in the millisecond range (e.g., due to a control signal from the wake-up sensor).

[0042] The actuator can alternatively and advantageously be designed as a piezoelectric actuator. A piezoelectric actuator can comprise a stack of layered piezoelectric elements (piezo stack), a high-voltage control, and a transmission mechanism for actuating the protective plate, e.g., a mechanical stroke transmission via a lever system or a toggle joint mechanism. The piezoelectric actuator utilizes the (inverse) piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric materials, particularly ceramic materials (e.g., lead zirconate titanate). When an electrical voltage is applied, the piezoelectric material deforms and generates a mechanical deflection. The piezoelectric material can actuate the protective plate directly or indirectly via a transmission mechanism, thereby repelling the protective plate from the housing. Piezoelectric actuators respond to electrical signals (e.g., voltage) within microseconds.(as a result of a control signal from the wake-up sensor), since no moving masses need to be accelerated. Alternatively, the actuator can advantageously be designed as a (mechanical) spring actuator. A spring actuator can have a spring (compression spring or tension spring) and a release device by which the spring is held in a compressed state (spring compressed - storage of potential energy) and / or released when the release device is triggered / activated (spring extends - release of potential energy). The release device can have a pawl or a locking pin, which can be actuated, for example, by a solenoid or a solenoid actuator (e.g., pawl / locking pin closed when no current is applied and / or pawl / locking pin open when current is applied). The traction magnet or solenoid actuator can be controlled by a control signal from the wake-up sensor.The spring can act on the protective plate directly or indirectly via a plunger, thereby repelling the protective plate from the housing. Since the energy for repelling the protective plate is stored in the spring, only a brief impulse is required to activate or release the spring. This contributes to a robust and energy-efficient design.

[0043] The actuator can alternatively be advantageously designed as a pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator can comprise a pneumatic cylinder with piston and piston rod, a compressed gas source (pressure vessel, pressure generator, or compressed gas connection), and a valve (e.g., a quick-acting valve, such as a fast-opening solenoid valve) connected between the pneumatic cylinder and the compressed gas source. When the pneumatic cylinder is pressurized, the piston rod can be extended relative to the cylinder. This allows the piston rod to act on the protective plate, thus repelling the protective plate from the housing. The valve (e.g., a quick-acting valve) can be controlled by a signal from the wake-up sensor. A pneumatic actuator can generate high forces, ensuring that even a heavy or stuck protective plate can be reliably repelled.

[0044] The aforementioned task is also solved by a vehicle with the features of the subordinate claim.

[0045] Regarding the advantages that can be achieved in this way, reference is made to the relevant explanations concerning the sensor arrangement.

[0046] The vehicle has a sensor array with one or more of the aspects described above. The sensor array can be mounted externally on the vehicle, for example, on the vehicle's outer skin. It is advantageous if the sensor array is mounted at a high point on the vehicle, for example, on a cabin, a vehicle wall, or a tower.

[0047] The vehicle may be a government or military vehicle. The vehicle may be armored.

[0048] The features already described above and / or those explained below can be used for further development.

[0049] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, wherein identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with identical reference numerals, possibly only once. The figures show, each in a schematic view:

[0050] Fig. l shows a vehicle with a sensor arrangement in a side view;

[0051] Fig. 2 shows a design form of a sensor arrangement in a perspective view;

[0052] Fig. 3 shows the sensor arrangement from Figure 2 after repositioning the detonator during the removal of the protective plate; and

[0053] Fig. 4 shows the sensor arrangement from Figure 1 in a schematic sectional view.

[0054] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle designated with the reference number 100. In this example, vehicle 100 is a government or military vehicle, which may have armor plating (not shown).

[0055] The vehicle 100 has a sensor arrangement 10, which will be described further below. The sensor arrangement 10 is attached to the exterior of the vehicle 100, in this case to an outer skin 102. The sensor arrangement 10 is attached to a high point on the vehicle 100, in this case near the upper end of a vehicle wall 104.

[0056] The sensor arrangement 10 is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 4. The sensor arrangement 10 has a housing 12 and at least one optical sensor 14 arranged in the housing 12, which in this example is designed as an electro-optical sensor 14 (see Figure 4).

[0057] The housing 12 is configured such that components located within it are hermetically sealed from the environment U. The housing 12 has several walls or wall sections, e.g., a side wall 16, which are attached to one another and together form the housing 12. Furthermore, an electrical connection 22 is attached to the housing 12, which can be configured as a socket or plug.

[0058] In this example, two viewing windows 24 are formed on the housing 12 to allow the optical sensors 14 to see through it. The viewing windows 24 are spaced apart from each other on a common wall section 26 of the housing 12. Each viewing window 24 has a transparent pane and optionally a frame (not shown in detail). In this example, the wall section 26 is fastened to other wall sections of the housing 12, for example, by means of screws 28.

[0059] A protective plate 30 is attached to the housing 12 (indicated by dashed lines in Figure 2), which covers the viewing window(s) 24 when the protective plate 30 has not yet been ejected or blown off. In the example, a single protective plate 30 is provided, which covers both viewing windows 24 (see also Figure 4). The protective plate 30 rests on the wall section 26 and the viewing windows 24. The protective plate 30 covers the wall section 26 at least to the extent that both viewing windows 24 are completely covered by the protective plate 30. In the example, the protective plate 30 completely covers the wall section 26.

[0060] At least one actuator 32, e.g., a pyrotechnic actuator, is arranged on the housing 12 such that the protective plate 30 is repelled or blown off the housing 12 as a result of activation or a change in the actuator 32. The viewing window(s) 24 are then exposed (protective plate 30 repelled or blown off). Thus, transmission through the viewing window(s) 24 is possible.

[0061] As already mentioned, actuator 32 can be configured as a pyrotechnic actuator. Alternatively, actuator 32 can be configured as a solenoid actuator, voice coil actuator, or piezo actuator. It is also conceivable that actuator 32 is configured as a (mechanical) spring actuator or as a pneumatic actuator. Actuator 32 can be configured as described above.

[0062] The actuator 32 is arranged on or in the wall section 26 of the housing 12 in which the viewing windows 24 are formed. In this example, the actuator 32 is located adjacent to one of the viewing windows 24 (outside the space between the two viewing windows 24) and is completely covered by the protective plate 30 when the activation or conversion of the actuator 32 has not yet taken place (see Figure 2). In this example, the actuator 32 is arranged in a recess on the wall section 26 (not shown in detail).

[0063] The protective plate 30 is attached to the housing 12 in such a way that, as a result of activation of the actuator 32 or a change in its state, the protective plate 30 can be repelled or blown off the housing 12 (see Figure 3). The attachment of the protective plate 30 to the housing 12 is thus matched to the actuator 32 (strength or charge strength) such that, as a result of activation or a change in the actuator 32, the protective plate 30 is repelled or blown off the housing 12 in every case. The attachment of the protective plate 30 to the housing 12 can be designed as described above.

[0064] In this example, the protective plate 30 is form-fitted to the wall section 26 of the housing 12, in which the viewing windows 24 are formed. Thus, the protective plate 30 covers the viewing windows 24 as tightly as possible (protective plate 30 fits snugly against the wall section 26). In this example, the wall section 25 and the protective plate 30 are both flat. Optionally, seals, e.g., in the form of one or more sealing lips, can be arranged between the wall section 26 and the protective plate 30 (not shown).

[0065] The wall section 26 extends along a longitudinal wall direction W from a first end 36 to a second end 38 (see Figure 2). The actuator 32 is arranged off-center on the wall section 26 with respect to the longitudinal wall direction W, in this example close to the first end 36. As a result, the protective plate 30, which covers the actuator 32 and extends along a longitudinal plate direction P from a first plate end 40 to a second plate end 42, performs a pivoting movement around the second end 38 of the wall section 26 or around the second plate end 42 as a result of activation or when the actuator 32 is actuated (see arrow S in Figure 3).

[0066] As explained above, the protective plate 30 can be made of sheet metal or plastic. Optionally, the protective plate 30 can have a coating.

[0067] In the example, the protective plate 30 has a rectangular shape.

[0068] Furthermore, a wake-up sensor 46 is provided, which is electrically or electronically coupled to the actuator 32, wherein the actuator 32 can be activated by means of the wake-up sensor 46 (see Figure 4). Thus, the actuator 32 can be initiated, leading to its activation or implementation. In principle, it is conceivable that the wake-up sensor 46 is integrated into a functional chain present on the vehicle 100 or is directly electrically or electronically coupled to the actuator 32.

[0069] In the example, the wake-up sensor 46 is electrically or electronically coupled to the actuator 32 via a data analysis device 50 which is described below (electrical or electronic connection visualized by means of lines).

[0070] As explained above, the wake-up sensor 46 and the actuator 32 are configured such that (e.g., upon detection of an incoming threat) activation of the actuator 32 by the wake-up sensor 46 releases the viewing windows 24 by repelling or ejecting the protective plate 30 within a specific time interval, as explained above. The sensor arrangement 10 and its sensors 14 are not used continuously, but temporarily in time-critical applications (after the protective plate 30 has been ejected or ejected).

[0071] Specifically, the sensor 14 can be configured as an electro-optical vision device with an active radiation source. The sensor 14 can include a laser rangefinder. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor 14 can include a LIDAR system.

[0072] An electronic data analysis device 50 is arranged in the housing 12, which is connected downstream of the sensor 14 (see Figure 4). The output(s) of the sensor 14 can be connected to inputs of the electronic data analysis device 50 (output signals of the sensor 14 form input signals for the electronic data analysis device 50). In this example, the data analysis device 50 is electrically or electronically coupled to the actuator 32, the wake-up sensor 46, and the electrical connection 22.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Sensor arrangement ( 10 ) for a vehicle ( 100 ) , comprising a housing ( 12 ) and an optical sensor assembly ( 14 ) arranged in the housing ( 12 ) , wherein at least one viewing window (24) is formed on the housing ( 12 ) for the optical sensor technology ( 14 ) to see through from the housing ( 12 ), characterized in that a protective plate (30) is attached to the housing (12) which covers the at least one viewing window (24), wherein an actuator (32) is arranged on the housing (12) such that the protective plate (30) is repelled from the housing (12) as a result of activation of the actuator (32).

2. Sensor arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (32) is arranged on or in a wall section (26) of the housing (12) in which the viewing window (26) is formed, wherein the actuator (32) is arranged adjacent to the viewing window (24) and is at least partially, preferably completely, covered by the protective plate (30).

3. Sensor arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the protective plate (30) is attached to the housing (12) in such a way that the protective plate (30) can be repelled from the housing (12) as a result of the activation of the actuator (32).

4. Sensor arrangement ( 10 ) according to claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the protective plate ( 30 ) is form-fitted to the wall section (26) of the housing ( 12 ) in which the viewing window (24 ) is formed .

5. Sensor arrangement ( 10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the wall section (26) extends along a longitudinal wall direction (W) from a first end (36) to a second end (38 ), wherein the actuator (32 ) is arranged off-center on the wall section (26) with respect to the longitudinal wall direction (W), in particular close to or at the first end (36) .

6. Sensor arrangement ( 10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective plate (30) is designed as a sheet metal plate or as a plastic plate .

7. Sensor arrangement ( 10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a wake-up sensor (46) is provided which is coupled to the actuator (32 ) so that the actuator (32 ) can be activated by means of the wake-up sensor (46 ).

8. Sensor arrangement ( 10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the wake-up sensor (46) and the actuator (32 ) are arranged such that, as a result of activation of the actuator (32 ) by means of the wake-up sensor (46), the viewing window(s) (24 ) are released by pushing off the protective plate (30) within a time interval of a maximum of 10 ms.

9. Sensor arrangement ( 10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor ( 14 ) is designed as an electro-optical vision device with an active radiation source .

10. Sensor arrangement ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that an electronic data analysis device ( 50 ) is arranged in the housing ( 12 ) which is connected downstream of the sensor ( 14 ).

11. Sensor arrangement ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that the actuator ( 32 ) is designed as a pyrotechnic actuator .

12. Sensor arrangement ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10 , characterized in that the actuator ( 32 ) is designed as a solenoid actuator, voice coil actuator or piezo actuator .

13. Sensor arrangement ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10 , characterized in that the actuator ( 32 ) is designed as a spring actuator .

14. Sensor arrangement ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10 , characterized in that the actuator ( 32 ) is designed as a pneumatic actuator .

15. Vehicle ( 100 ) with a sensor arrangement ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims .

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