Proximity sensor, especially for ignition of the warhead of a shell directed against an aprroaching missile

Abstract

A proximity sensor ( 11 ) is intended to initiate the warhead of a defence shell which is fired against an attacking projectile from the object to be protected in order to interfere with or even destroy the functionality of the attacker. For that purpose the proximity sensor ( 11 ) should not yet respond to the attacker which is to be defended against by the shell appearing ahead in the direction of flight thereof; rather, the proximity sensor is to respond only when the attacker to be defended against is detected ahead inclinedly at an operatively optimal distance. Such a response characteristic in the form of the wall of a hollow cone is afforded if an annular detector element ( 12 ) is arranged in the image focus plane behind a positive cylindrical lens ( 14 ).

1 . A proximity sensor ( 11 ), for initiating the triggering of the warhead of a defensive shell directed against an approaching projectile, characterised in that said sensor has a response characteristic in the form of a hollow cone (beams  18 ).  
     
     
         2 . A proximity sensor according to  claim 1  characterised in that it said sensor has an annularly responsive detector element ( 12 ) in an image focus plane behind a positive cylindrical lens ( 14 ).  
     
     
         3 . A proximity sensor according to  claim 2  characterised in that the cylindrical lens ( 14 ) is a bar with convex entry and exit end faces ( 16 ,  17 ).  
     
     
         4 . A proximity sensor according to  claim 2  or  claim 3  characterised in that the cylindrical lens ( 14 ) comprises an infrared radiation-conducting material with a high refractive index in relation to air.  
     
     
         5 . A proximity sensor according to  claim 2  characterised in that the detector element ( 12 ) is arranged in a protective housing ( 20 ) behind a window ( 21 ).  
     
     
         6 . A proximity sensor according to  claim 5  characterised in that the detector element ( 12 ) is mounted behind a flattened centre, surrounded by a convex annular zone ( 22 ), of the exit end face ( 17 ).  
     
     
         7 . A proximity sensor according to  claim 4 , characterised in that said infrared radiation-conducting material is selected from the group of materials consisting of germanium and silicon.