Attachment mechanism for armour elements

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to an attachment mechanism adapted for attachment of an armor element to a body to be protected by said armor element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Armor elements are commonly used to protect a body against various threats, mostly incoming projectiles. Such armor elements are adapted to dissipate and/or absorb the kinetic energy of the incoming projectile in order to prevent it from penetrating the body.

[0003] When it is desired to protect a body, for example, a vehicle, armor elements are usually mounted onto the exterior/interior of the vehicle and are fastened to become affixed thereto.

[0004] Mounting of an armor element onto a vehicle is normally performed either by welding the armor element onto the hull of the vehicle at a location thereon in which protection is sought or by bolting, where the armor element and the hull of the vehicle are pre-formed with corresponding bores/threads for receiving therein bolts/screws to attach the armor element to the hull.

[0005] In the former case, the armor element is affixed to the hull permanently, whilst in the latter case the armor element is detachably attached to the hull and can serve as an add-on panel.

[0006] Though not related specifically to the field of add-on armor elements, US2005008458A discloses a fastening system for removably attaching a first work piece having a first aperture in biased engagement with a second work piece having a second aperture. The fastening system includes a receptacle having a housing that forms a chamber. A cap is attached to the housing by a retainer member and is slidable with respect to the housing between extended and retracted positions. One or more generally conical-shaped spring washers resiliently bias the cap toward the extended position with a preload biasing force. The fastening system includes a fastener having a spiral slot that is adapted to be inserted into the chamber. The spiral slot is adapted to receive the retainer member. When the fastener is rotated, the spiral slot of the fastener slides the end cap from the extended position toward the retracted position and compresses the biasing members such that the biasing members provide a resilient biasing force for biasing the second work piece in engagement with the first work piece.

[0007] US3488815 A discloses an attachment mechanism adapted for attachment of two elements with each other according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 1. According to the invention, there is provided an attachment mechanism (1) adapted for attachment of an armor element to a body to be protected by said armor element, said attachment mechanism having a central axis (X) and comprising a first unit (100) and a second unit (200) which are adapted to engage with each other to provide said attachment, said first unit comprising a first static member (110) and said second unit comprising a second static member (210) and a working member (220), one of which static members is adapted for fixed attachment to said armor element, and the other is adapted for fixed attachment to said body to be protected, wherein said second unit being configured for assuming a first, disengaged position, in which said working member is disengaged from said first unit such that said armor element and said body to be protected are detached from one another and a second, engaged position in which a first engagement of said working member with said first unit is provided such that said armor element and said body to be protected are fixedly attached to one another, and wherein said working member further comprises a locking member (240) configured for a second engagement with said first unit to prevent disengagement of said working member from said first unit, thereby retaining said first unit and said second unit fixedly attached to one another at said second, engaged position, characterized in that said first unit further comprises a dynamic member (120) configured for being dynamically displaceable with respect to said first static member, and wherein said first static member is configured for engagement with said locking member, whilst said dynamic member is configured for engagement with the working member of the second unit.

[0009] The first unit can have an affixing portion for attachment thereof to the body to be protected, and a mounting portion for attachment thereto of the second unit, in said engaged position, the locking member being configured for engagement with said mounting portion.

[0010] Said locking member can be configured for assuming a first, unlocked position, in which it is disengaged from said mounting portion of the first unit, so that said working member is free to disengage from said first unit, and a second, locked position, in which said working member is prevented from disengaging from said first unit. The second unit can further comprise a biasing arrangement configured for urging said locking member into said second, locked position.

[0011] The mounting portion of the first unit can have a first engagement section configured for engagement with said working member and a first locking section configured for engagement with said locking member, and said locking member can be formed with a second locking section configured to engage the first locking section at least in said locked position.

[0012] The first unit can have a longitudinal axis and said first locking section is disposed at a distance from the affixing portion which is greater than that of the first engagement section.

[0013] The first locking section of the first unit can be in the form of a locking recess configured for receiving at least a portion of the second locking section of said locking member, at least in said second, locked position.

[0014] In the unlocked position, the locking member is configured to assume a plurality of different orientations with respect to the working member, whilst in the locked position it can assume only a single orientation which is different of any one of said plurality of orientations. The design can be such that in said locked position, said single orientation is visually distinguishable from any one of said plurality of different orientations of the unlocked position.

[0015] For example, said working member can be formed with a first indication surface and said locking member can be formed with a second indication surface, wherein in said locked position, the first indication surface and the second indication surface are aligned to create a visual indication that the locking member is in said second locked position.

[0016] According to one example, in said locked position, said first indication surface and said second indication surface are aligned to be flush with one another. According to another example, each of said first indication surface and said second indication surface have an imprint thereon, so that in said locked position, said first indication surface and said second indication surface are aligned so as to form a combined indicative image/pattern.

[0017] In addition, said locking member can assume said single orientation only when said working member is properly engaged with said first unit (i.e. when said second unit is in said first, engaged position).

[0018] One advantage which can arise from the above design, is that an operator mounting and attaching the armor element to said body to be protected using the attachment mechanism can easily identify if the locking member is not in said locked position, thereby alerting him to the fact that the attachment mechanism is not properly engaged and locked.

[0019] The locking member can be designed so that displacement thereof from said locked position into said unlocked position is configured for manual operation, so that it is prevented from spontaneous displacement between the two positions. In addition, the design is such that said locking member is externally accessible for an operator. According to a particular example, the locking member can be configured for being grasped by said operator and manually displaced between said locked position and said unlocked position. Furthermore, the locking member, once displaced into the unlocked position may be used as a handle facilitating revolving of the working member.

[0020] Said first unit can comprise, in addition to said static member, a dynamic member, wherein said static member is configured for fixed attachment to either of said armor element and body to be protected, and said dynamic member is configured for being dynamically displaceable with respect to said first static member.

[0021] According to a specific example, said first static member can be configured for engagement with said locking member, whilst said dynamic member can be configured for engagement with the working member of the second unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs. 1A to 1D are schematic isometric, front, rear and side views of an attachment mechanism of the present application;

Fig. 2 is a schematic isometric exploded view of the attachment mechanism shown in Figs. 1A to 1D;

Fig. 3A is a schematic isometric view of a first unit comprised in the attachment mechanism shown in Figs. 1A to 1D;

Fig. 3B is a schematic isometric view of the first unit shown in Fig. 3A with the housing thereof being removed;

Figs. 3C and 3D are schematic section views of the first unit shown in Fig. 3A, at different positions of a dynamic member of the first unit;

Figs. 4A and 4B are schematic isometric views of a second unit comprised in the attachment mechanism shown in Figs. 1A to ID, at respective closed and open positions;

Figs. 5A and 5B are schematic isometric, first side and second side views of the attachment mechanism shown in Figs. 1A to ID, with the housing of the second unit being removed;

Figs. 6A and 6B are schematic isometric and front section view taken along a plane A-A shown in Fig. 1B;

Fig. 7A is a schematic isometric view of an attachment mechanism according to another example of the present application;

Fig. 7B is a schematic enlarged view of detail A shown in Fig. 7A;

Fig. 8A is a schematic isometric cross-sectional view of the attachment mechanism shown in Fig. 7A; and

Fig. 8B is a schematic enlarged view of detail B shown in Fig. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] With reference to Figs. 1A to 2, there is shown an attachment mechanism generally designated 1, configured for attachment of an armor element A (shown Fig. 1C) to a body to be protected B (shown Fig. 1C). The attachment mechanism 1 comprises a first unit 100 and a second unit 200 configured for mutual engagement with one another. The first unit 100 is configured for fixed attachment to the body B while the second unit 200 is configured for fixed attachment to the armor element A.

[0024] However, it is appreciated that an opposite arrangement may be used (i.e. first unit 100 attached to the armor element A and the second unit 200 to the body B), so long as the units 100, 200 are configured for mutually engagement with one another.

[0025] In Figs. 1A to ID, the attachment mechanism 1 is shown with the first unit 100 being engaged with the second unit 200, such that the armor element A is fixedly attached to the body to be protected, B.

[0026] With reference being drawn to Fig. 2, the attachment mechanism has a central axis X, and each of the first unit 100 and second unit 200 has a central axis, so that when the first unit 100 is engaged with the second unit 200, the central axes of the units 100, 200 are aligned with one another and constitute the central axis X of the attachment mechanism 1.

[0027] The first unit 100 comprises a first static member 110 configured for static attachment to the body to be protected (i.e. without moving with respect thereto) by a nut 101 and washer 102. The first unit 100 further comprises a dynamic member 120 configured for displacement with respect to the first static member 110, and for engagement with the second unit 200.

[0028] The second unit 200 comprises a second static member 210 configured for static attachment to the body to be protected (i.e. without moving with respect thereto) by a nut 201. The second unit 200 further comprises a working member 220 configured for displacement with respect to the second static member 210, and for engagement with the first unit 100.

[0029] The working member 220 also comprises a locking arrangement 240 configured for preventing disengagement between the first unit 100 and the second unit 200, when the two units 100, 200 are engaged with one another.

[0030] The arrangement is such that when the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 are mutually engaged, the working member 220 of the second unit 200 is configured for a first engagement with the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100, and the locking arrangement 240 is configured for a second engagement with the first static member 110 of the first unit, the first and the second engagements being spaced from each other along the central axis X as seen in Fig. 6A, and explained below in more detail with reference to Figs. 5A and 6A.

[0031] Turning now to Figs. 3A to 3D, the first unit 100 will now be described (shown in these figures without the nut 101 and washer 102). The first unit 100 is constituted by an affixing portion AP configured for fixed attachment of the first unit 100 to the body B, and a mounting portion MP configured for engagement with the second unit 200.

[0032] The affixing portion AP is in the form of a stud 111 having thereon a thread configured for threading thereon the nut 101. The stud 111 has a length L (shown Fig. 3D) which is designed to be greater than the thickness of the body B, so that when the stud 111 is passed through a designated through-going hole of the hull of the body, it is long enough to project from the other side of the hull, allowing threading thereon the nut 101.

[0033] Observing the mounting portion MP, the first static member 110 comprises a housing 112 having an inner cavity 113 (shown Figs. 3C and 3D), accommodating therein the dynamic member 120. The housing 112 has a first end 112a adjacent the affixing portion AP and a second end 112b more remote from the affixing portion AP.

[0034] The housing 112 is formed with two side openings 115 radially opposite from one another, configured for allowing a portion of the dynamic member 120 to project therefrom. The side openings 115 are axially prolonged so as to have a first abutting end 115a and a second abutting end 115b, so that the second end 115b is axially closer to the affixing portion AP than the first end 115a.

[0035] In addition, the housing is formed, at the second end 112b with a tubular projection 114 configured for engagement with the locking arrangement 240 of the second unit 200. Specifically, the projection 114 is formed with two extensions 116, radially spaced apart from one another to define a central recess 118 configured to receive a portion of the locking arrangement 240.

[0036] With particular attention being drawn to Fig. 3B, the dynamic member 120 comprises a main hub 122 having a tubular shape and being formed therein with a central channel 123 oriented transversely to the central axis X, and receiving therein a securing pin 124. The length of the securing pin is such that it radially protrudes from the main hub 122. The securing pin 124 is also formed with a central slit 126 providing it with required flexibility in order to insert it into the channel 123 of the main hub 122.

[0037] In addition, the dynamic member 120 comprises a biasing arrangement 128 configured for constantly biasing the main hub (and consequently the securing pin 124) towards the affixing portion AP of the first unit 100. The biasing arrangement 128 is held in place by a cover plate 127 and retained within the housing 112 by a pressure ring 129 abutting the second end 112b of the housing 112.

[0038] Reverting now to Figs. 3A, 3C and 3D, the arrangement is such that when the dynamic member 120 is accommodated within the housing 112, the securing pin 124 projects from the side openings 115 of the housing 112.

[0039] In addition, the diameter of the securing pin 124 is smaller than the axial extension of the side openings 115, providing the securing pin 124 with a certain degree of freedom defined by the displacement range delimited by the abutting ends 115a, 115b of the side openings 115.

[0040] Under the operation of the biasing arrangement 128 (e.g. a compression spring), the securing pin 124 is constantly urged towards the affixing portion AP, so that, when the first unit 100 is disengaged from the second unit 200, the securing pin 124 abuts the second end 115b of the opening 115 (see Fig. 3C).

[0041] In operation, when the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100 is engaged with the working member 220 of the second unit 200, the securing pin 124 can axially displace towards the first abutting end 115a, as shown in Fig. 3D. The securing pin 124 may thus assume a first position in which it is at a distance D1 from the most axially remote point of the AP and a second position in which it is at a distance D2 from the most axially remote point of the AP, D₂ > D₁. This displacement range allows the first unit 100 of the attachment mechanism 1 to compensate for any tolerance error occurring in the first unit 100 and second unit 200.

[0042] In addition, when the dynamic member 120 is engaged with the working member 220, urging of the securing pin 124 towards the affixing portion AP by the biasing arrangement facilitates a stronger engagement between the working member 220 and the dynamic member 120, as will be explained in detail with respect to Figs. 5A and 5B.

[0043] It is understood that since the dynamic member 120 has a certain degree of freedom, it may assume different axial positions with respect to the housing 112, and consequently, the securing pin 124 may assume different positions with respect to the abutting ends 115a, 115b of the side openings 115 of the housing.

[0044] Turning now to Figs. 4A to 5B, the second unit 200 will now be described in detail. The second unit 200 comprises a second static member 210, configured for fixed attachment of the second unit 100 to the armor element A, and a working member 220 configured for the above first and second engagements with the first unit 100.

[0045] The second static member 210 is in the form of a tubular ring 212 having a central cavity 214 configured for receiving therein the working member 220. The outer surface of the ring 212 is threaded, allowing threading thereon the nut 201. Similar to the first unit 100, the axial length of the nut is designed to be greater than the thickness of the armor element A to which the second unit 200 is attached, so that when the ring 212 is passed through a designated through-going hole of the armor element A, it is long enough to project from the other side of the armor element, allowing threading thereon the nut 201.

[0046] The working member 220 is received within the central cavity 214 of the second static member 210, and comprises a locking arrangement 240 articulated thereto, which will be discussed in detail with reference to Figs. 4A, 4B, 6A and 6B.

[0047] The working member 220 has a central axis and a flange F axially separating the working member 220 into an internal portion IP configured for the above mentioned first engagement with the first unit 100, and an external portion EP configured to be accessible by an operator, at which the above mentioned second engagement with the first unit 100 takes place.

[0048] In addition, the working member 220 is also prevented from disconnecting from the static member 210 via the flange F being received within a recess 218 formed in an inner surface of the static member 210, and delimited by a pressure ring 229. Furthermore, when the second unit 200 is not in engagement with the first unit 100, the working member 220 is configured for freely revolving within the static member 210.

[0049] Observing the internal portion IP, the working member is formed with a tubular portion 222 having a central cavity C configured for receiving therein at last a portion of said first unit 100. The tubular portion 222 is further formed with two channels 224 extending along the perimeter of the tubular body 222. The channels 224 are through-going with respect to the wall of a tubular body 222, so as to allow an element received within the central cavity C (in the present example the securing pin 124 of the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100) to protrude through the channels 224 towards the outside of the tubular body 222.

[0050] Each channel 224 has a first end 224a located at an end of the tubular body 222 axially remote from the external portion EP and a second end 224b located at an end of the tubular body 222 closer to the external portion EP. The first end 224a is formed with an opening, allowing an element (in the present example the securing pin 124 of the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100) to be receive within the channel 224 during axial displacement of the working member 220.

[0051] In addition, each of the channels 224 is formed, at said second end 224b with a recess 226 having an axial extension towards the end of the tubular body 222 remote from the external portion, configured for receiving therein a portion of the securing pin 124 of the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100.

[0052] Referring now also to Figs. 6A and 6B, during engagement of the first unit 100 and the second unit 200, the former is fixedly received within the body B so that the mounting portion MP thereof protrudes from the body B, and the latter is fixedly attached to the armor element A.

[0053] In assembly, the working member 220 of the second unit 200 is aligned so that the openings formed at the first ends 224a of the channels 224 are angularly aligned with the portions of the securing pin 124 projecting from the housing 112 of the first unit.

[0054] Once aligned, the armor element A may be axially displaced with respect to the body B, so that the projections of the securing pin 124 are received within the channels 224 of the working member 220. Thereafter, the working member 220 is revolved about the central axis X of the second unit 200 (which is also the central axis X of the attachment mechanism and of the first unit 100 since they are all aligned when engaged), in this case in a CW direction, so that the portions 223 of the tubular body 222 of the working member 220 slide in under the projections of the securing pin 124.

[0055] Revolution of the working member 220 continues until securing pin 124 abuts the second end 224b of the channels 224 of the working member 220. Once the projecting portions of the securing pin 124 have reached the second end 224b, and due to the biasing arrangement 128 urging the securing pin 124 towards the affixing portion AP, the projecting portions of the securing pin 124 slip into the recess 226 of the channels 224.

[0056] It is understood that since the surface of the recess 226 is more axially remote from the external portion EP that the surface of the portions 223, the portions In of the securing pin 124 received within the recess 226 are prevented from sliding through the channels 224, and so the working member 220 is prevented from disengagement from the dynamic member 120.

[0057] In addition, since the securing pin is biased by the biasing arrangement 128, it constantly applies a force T on the portions 223 of the working member 220, thereby further securing the engagement between the first unit 100 and the second unit 200.

[0058] With additional reference being made back to Figs. 4A and 4B, the external portion EP of the working member 220 is formed with a tubular projection 225 having two extensions 227 radially opposite one another defining a central recess 228 configured for receiving therein the locking arrangement 240.

[0059] The locking arrangement 240 is located at the external portion EP of the working member 220 and is pivotally articulated to the extensions 228 of the working member 220 via a hinge 245.

[0060] The locking arrangement 240 comprises a locking latch 242 configured for displacing between an unlocked position shown in Fig. 4B and a locked position shown in Fig. 4A. The locking arrangement 240 also comprises a biasing spring 248 configured for maintaining the locking latch 242 in its locked position.

[0061] Reverting to Figs. 6A and 6B, when the working member 220 of the second unit 200 is fully engaged with the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100 as described above, the locking latch 242 is configured to assume its locked position in which it is received within the recess 228 of the working member 220, and more importantly, within the recess 118 of the static member 110 of the first unit 100.

[0062] In the locked position shown in Fig. 6B, since the locking latch 242 is received within the recess 118, which is in turn, formed in the static member 110 which is prevented from revolving (being fixedly attached to the body B), the working member 220 is prevented from revolving about its axis. Thus, as long as the locking latch 242 is in its locked position, the working member 220 is prevented from disengaging from the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100, thereby keeping the armor element A fixedly attached to the body B.

[0063] It is noted that the locking latch 242 cannot assume its locked position, i.e. it cannot be received within the recess 118 of the static member 110 unless the working member 220 has completed its revolution about the axis and is properly engaged with the securing pin 124 of the dynamic member 120. In other words, so long as the recess 118 of the static member is not aligned with the recess 228 of the working member 220, the locking latch 242 will not be able to assume it position.

[0064] It is also noted that in the locked position, an external surface S₁ of the locking latch 242 is nearly flush with an external surface S₂ of the extensions 227 of the working member 200. This orientation of the surfaces S₁ and S₂ is only possible at the locked position of the locking latch 242.

[0065] Thus, when mounting the armor element A onto the body to be protected B, an operator performing the mounting can have a clear and visual indication whether the armor element A is properly attached to the body B or not. In other words, if, after mounting, the locking latch 242 is not in a position in which the surface S₁ and S₂ are nearly flush with one another, this should indicate that the working member 220 of the second unit 200 is not properly engaged with the dynamic member 120 of the first unit 100.

[0066] In order to disengage the first unit 100 from the second unit 200 and detach the armor element A from the body B, it is first required to manually displace the locking latch 242 into its unlocked position (shown in Fig. 4B), and thereafter revolve the working member 220 about its axis in a direction opposite to that used during engaging (in this case CCW).

[0067] Manual displacement of the locking latch 242 can be performed by an operator manually grasping and lifting the locking latch 242 until it reaches a position in which no portion of it is received within the recess 118 of the static member 110. In this position, the locking latch 242 may also be used as a handle facilitating the revolving of the working member 220.

[0068] It should be noted that since the projecting portions of the securing pin 124 are received within the recess 226 and held there via the biasing arrangement 128 of the dynamic member 120, it may be required to apply a certain amount of force in order to cause the projections to pop-out of the recess and to cause the working member 220 to revolve about the axis.

[0069] In addition, during mounting of the armor element A onto the body B using the attachment mechanism 1, the locking latch 242 may be required to be displaced into its unlocked position in order to allow revolution of the working member 220 with respect to the second static member 200 and the first unit 100.

[0070] At least the majority of the components of the attachment mechanism 1, including the first static member 110, second static member 210, dynamic member 120, working member 220 and locking arrangement 240 can be made of materials having a high ballistic resistance. The ballistic resistance of the materials can be chosen such that it does not fall short of the ballistic resistance of the armor element A attached to the body B.

[0071] Such materials can have a hardness which ranges between 30 to 80 Rockwell C, more particularly between 40 to 70 Rockwell C, and even more particularly between 50 to 60 Rockwell C. One example of such a material can be tempered 4130 steel.

[0072] Turning now to Figs. 7A to 8B, another example of the attachment mechanism is shown, generally designated as 1', and differing from the attachment mechanism 1 in the construction of the locking latch 242' and in the securing pins 124' and 245'.

[0073] In particular, the locking latch 242' is slightly more robust than the latch 242 previously described, and is now formed with a shaped recess 246' which is sized and shaped to receive only the tip of the coil 248'. In particular, instead of two similar extensions 244, the present example has a first, narrow extension 244a' and a second, wide extension 244b'.

[0074] The pins 124' and 245' of the attachment mechanism 1' of the present example are spirally rolled pins as opposed to C-shaped pins 124, previously described with respect to the attachment mechanism 1, thereby providing them with greater structural strength.

Claims

1. An attachment mechanism (1) adapted for attachment of an armor element to a body to be protected by said armor element, said attachment mechanism having a central axis (X) and comprising a first unit (100) and a second unit (200) which are adapted to engage with each other to provide said attachment, said first unit comprising a first static member (110) and said second unit comprising a second static member (210) and a working member (220), one of which static members is adapted for fixed attachment to said armor element, and the other is adapted for fixed attachment to said body to be protected, wherein said second unit being configured for assuming a first, disengaged position, in which said working member is disengaged from said first unit such that said armor element and said body to be protected are detached from one another and a second, engaged position in which a first engagement of said working member with said first unit is provided such that said armor element and said body to be protected are fixedly attached to one another, and wherein said working member further comprises a locking member (240) configured for a second engagement with said first unit to prevent disengagement of said working member from said first unit, thereby retaining said first unit and said second unit fixedly attached to one another at said second, engaged position, characterized in that said first unit further comprises a dynamic member (120) configured for being dynamically displaceable with respect to said first static member, and wherein said first static member is configured for engagement with said locking member, whilst said dynamic member is configured for engagement with the working member of the second unit.

2. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 1, wherein the first unit has an affixing portion (AP) for attachment thereof to the body to be protected, and a mounting portion (MP) for attachment thereto of the second unit, in said engaged position, the locking member being configured for engagement with said mounting portion.

3. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein said locking member is configured for assuming a first, unlocked position, in which it is disengaged from said mounting portion of the first unit, so that said working member is free to disengage from said first unit, and a second, locked position, in which said working member is prevented from disengaging from said first unit, wherein the second unit comprises a biasing arrangement (128) configured for urging said locking member into said second, locked position.

4. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the mounting portion of the first unit has a first engagement section configured for engagement with said working member and a first locking section configured for engagement with said locking member, and said locking member is formed with a second locking section configured to engage the first locking section at least in said locked position.

5. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 2, wherein the first unit has a longitudinal axis and said first locking section is disposed at a distance from the affixing portion which is greater than that of the first engagement section.

6. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 3, wherein in the unlocked position, the locking member is configured for assuming a plurality of different orientations with respect to the working member, whilst in the locked position it can assume only a single orientation which is different of any one of said plurality of orientations, and wherein said single orientation is visually distinguishable from any one of said plurality of different orientations of the unlocked position.

7. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 6, wherein said working member is formed with a first indication surface and said locking member is formed with a second indication surface, so that in said locked position, the first indication surface and the second indication surface are aligned to create a visual indication that the locking member is in said second locked position.

8. An attachment mechanism according to Claim 3, wherein said locking member is externally accessible to an operator, allowing him to grasp and manually displace the locking member between said locked position and said unlocked position.

Ansprüche

1. Befestigungsmechanismus (1), der zur Befestigung eines Panzerungselements an einem durch das Panzerungselement zu schützenden Körper geeignet ist, wobei der Befestigungsmechanismus eine Mittelachse (X) aufweist und eine erste Einheit (100) und eine zweite Einheit (200) umfasst, die geeignet sind, miteinander in Eingriff zu kommen, um die Befestigung bereitzustellen, wobei die erste Einheit ein erstes statisches Element (110) umfasst und die zweite Einheit ein zweites statisches Element (210) und ein Arbeitselement (220) umfasst, wobei eines der statischen Elemente zur festen Befestigung an dem Panzerungselement geeignet ist und das andere zur festen Befestigung an dem zu schützenden Körper geeignet ist,
wobei die zweite Einheit ausgebildet ist, um eine erste, ausgekuppelte Position, in der das Arbeitselement von der ersten Einheit ausgekuppelt ist, so dass das Panzerungselement und der zu schützende Körper voneinander gelöst sind, und eine zweite, in Eingriff befindliche Position, in der ein erster Eingriff des Arbeitselements mit der ersten Einheit bereitgestellt wird, so dass das Panzerungselement und der zu schützende Körper fest aneinander befestigt sind, einzunehmen und wobei das Arbeitselement ferner ein Verriegelungselement (240) umfasst, das für einen zweiten Eingriff mit der ersten Einheit ausgebildet ist, um ein Auskuppeln des Arbeitselements von der ersten Einheit zu verhindern, wodurch die erste Einheit und die zweite Einheit in der zweiten, in Eingriff befindlichen Position fest aneinander befestigt gehalten werden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die erste Einheit ferner ein dynamisches Element (120) umfasst, das ausgebildet ist, um dynamisch in Bezug auf das erste statische Element verschiebbar zu sein, und wobei das erste statische Element für einen Eingriff mit dem Verriegelungselement ausgebildet ist, während das dynamische Element für einen Eingriff mit dem Arbeitselement der zweiten Einheit ausgebildet ist.

2. Befestigungsmechanismus nach Anspruch 1, wobei die erste Einheit einen Anbringungsabschnitt (AP) zur Befestigung desselben an dem zu schützenden Körper und einen Montageabschnitt (MP) zur Befestigung der zweiten Einheit daran in der in Eingriff befindlichen Position aufweist, wobei das Verriegelungselement zum Eingriff mit dem Montageabschnitt ausgebildet ist.

3. Befestigungsmechanismus nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das Verriegelungselement ausgebildet ist, um eine erste, entriegelte Position einzunehmen, in der es von dem Montageabschnitt der ersten Einheit ausgekuppelt ist, so dass das Arbeitselement frei ist, um sich von der ersten Einheit auszukuppeln, und eine zweite, verriegelte Position, in der das Arbeitselement daran gehindert ist, sich von der ersten Einheit auszukuppeln, wobei die zweite Einheit eine Vorspannanordnung (128) umfasst, die ausgebildet ist, um das Verriegelungselement in die zweite, verriegelte Position zu drängen.

4. Befestigungsmechanismus nach Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3, wobei der Montageabschnitt der ersten Einheit einen ersten Eingriffsabschnitt, der für den Eingriff mit dem Arbeitselement ausgebildet ist, und einen ersten Verriegelungsabschnitt, der für den Eingriff mit dem Verriegelungselement ausgebildet ist, aufweist und wobei das Verriegelungselement mit einem zweiten Verriegelungsabschnitt ausgestaltet ist, der ausgebildet ist, um mit dem ersten Verriegelungsabschnitt zumindest in der verriegelten Position in Eingriff zu kommen.

5. Befestigungsmechanismus nach Anspruch 2, wobei die erste Einheit eine Längsachse aufweist und der erste Verriegelungsabschnitt in einem Abstand von dem Anbringungsabschnitt angeordnet ist, der größer als der des ersten Eingriffsabschnitts ist.

6. Befestigungsmechanismus nach Anspruch 3, wobei in der entriegelten Position das Verriegelungselement ausgebildet ist, um eine Vielzahl von verschiedenen Ausrichtungen in Bezug auf das Arbeitselement anzunehmen, während es in der verriegelten Position nur eine einzige Ausrichtung annehmen kann, die sich von jeder der Vielzahl von Ausrichtungen unterscheidet, und wobei die einzige Ausrichtung visuell von jeder der Vielzahl von verschiedenen Ausrichtungen der entriegelten Position unterscheidbar ist.

7. Befestigungsmechanismus nach Anspruch 6, wobei das Arbeitselement mit einer ersten Anzeigefläche und das Verriegelungselement mit einer zweiten Anzeigefläche ausgebildet ist, so dass in der verriegelten Position die erste Anzeigefläche und die zweite Anzeigefläche ausgerichtet sind, um eine visuelle Anzeige zu erzeugen, dass sich das Verriegelungselement in der zweiten verriegelten Position befindet.

8. Befestigungsmechanismus nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Verriegelungselement für einen Bediener von außen zugänglich ist, so dass er das Verriegelungselement greifen und manuell zwischen der verriegelten Position und der entriegelten Position verschieben kann.

Revendications

1. Mécanisme de fixation (1) conçu pour la fixation d'un élément de blindage à un corps à protéger par ledit élément de blindage, ledit mécanisme de fixation présentant un axe central (X) et comprenant une première unité (100) et une seconde unité (200) qui sont conçues afin de se mettre réciproquement en prise afin de fournir ladite fixation, ladite première unité comprenant un premier élément statique (110) et ladite seconde unité comprenant un second élément statique (210) et un élément de fonctionnement (220), dont un des éléments statiques est conçu pour une fixation fixe audit élément de blindage, et l'autre est conçu pour une fixation fixe audit corps à protéger, dans lequel ladite seconde unité est configurée afin de prendre une première position, dégagée, dans laquelle ledit élément de fonctionnement est dégagé de ladite première unité de sorte que ledit élément de blindage et ledit corps à protéger soient détachés l'un de l'autre et une seconde position, en prise, dans laquelle une première prise dudit élément de fonctionnement avec ladite première unité est fournie de sorte que ledit élément de blindage et ledit corps à protéger soient fixés de manière fixe l'un à l'autre, et dans lequel ledit élément de fonctionnement comprend en outre un élément de verrouillage (240) configuré pour une seconde prise avec ladite première unité, afin d'éviter tout dégagement dudit élément de fonctionnement de ladite première unité, en maintenant ainsi ladite première unité et ladite seconde unité fixées de manière fixe l'une à l'autre dans ladite seconde position, en prise, caractérisé en ce que ladite première unité comprend en outre un élément dynamique (120) configuré afin de pouvoir être déplacé de manière dynamique par rapport audit premier élément statique, et dans lequel ledit premier élément statique est configuré afin de se mettre en prise avec ledit élément de verrouillage, tandis que ledit élément dynamique est configuré afin de se mettre en prise avec l'élément de fonctionnement de la seconde unité.

2. Mécanisme de fixation selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la première unité présente une partie de fixation (AP) pour une fixation correspondante au corps à protéger, et une partie de montage (MP) pour fixation à celle-ci de la seconde unité, dans ladite position de prise, l'élément de verrouillage étant configuré afin d'être mis en prise avec ladite partie de montage.

3. Mécanisme de fixation selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel ledit élément de verrouillage est configuré afin de prendre une première position, déverrouillée, dans laquelle il est dégagé de ladite partie de montage de la première unité, de sorte que ledit élément de fonctionnement soit libre de se désengager de ladite première unité, et une seconde position, verrouillée, dans laquelle ledit élément de fonctionnement est empêché de se dégager de ladite première unité, dans lequel la seconde unité comprend un agencement de polarisation (128) configuré afin de pousser ledit élément de verrouillage dans ladite seconde position verrouillée.

4. Mécanisme de fixation selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel la partie de montage de la première unité présente une première section de prise configurée afin d'être mise en prise avec ledit élément de fonctionnement et une première section de verrouillage configurée afin d'être mise en prise avec ledit élément de verrouillage, et ledit élément de verrouillage est formé avec une seconde section de verrouillage configurée afin de mettre en prise la première section de verrouillage au moins dans ladite position verrouillée.

5. Mécanisme de fixation selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la première unité présente un axe longitudinal et ladite première section de verrouillage est disposée à une distance de la partie de fixation supérieure à celle de la première section de prise.

6. Mécanisme de fixation selon la revendication 3, dans lequel dans la position déverrouillée, l'élément de verrouillage est configuré afin de prendre une pluralité d'orientations différentes relativement à l'élément de fonctionnement, tandis que, dans la position verrouillée, il ne peut prendre qu'une orientation unique qui est différente de l'une quelconque de ladite pluralité d'orientations, et dans lequel ladite orientation unique peut visuellement se distinguer de l'une quelconque de ladite pluralité d'orientations différentes de la position déverrouillée.

7. Mécanisme de fixation selon la revendication 6, dans lequel ledit élément de fonctionnement est formé avec une première surface d'indication et ledit élément de verrouillage est formé avec une seconde surface d'indication, de sorte que, dans ladite position verrouillée, la première surface d'indication et la seconde surface d'indication soient alignées afin de créer une indication visuelle que l'élément de verrouillage est dans ladite seconde position verrouillée.

8. Mécanisme de fixation selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ledit élément de verrouillage est accessible extérieurement à un opérateur, lui permettant de saisir et de déplacer manuellement l'élément de verrouillage entre ladite position verrouillée et ladite position déverrouillée.

Drawing