EP2743629B1 - Telescopic sight with electronic module and programming adaptor for electronic module - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a sighting telescope for a firearm according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a programming adapter for a lighting module of such a telescopic sight.

The scope has a tube body with an eyepiece and a lens and a lighting device for an illuminated target. The illumination device comprises an electronic control system and an energy store.

Riflescopes are commonly needed in firearms for accurately aiming the firearm at a distant target. About an eyepiece then the target, which is recorded as an image through the lens, considered. Depending on the equipment, different lens arrangements can be arranged within the tubular body, for example a reversing lens or a reverse lens system for erecting the image, variable magnifications and the like.

For better target detection, an illuminated target mark is provided in the scope, such as an illuminated reticle. The target can have different shapes. For example, the target mark is designed as a cross or as a luminous dot. By providing a lighting device for the target, the target is well recognizable even under unfavorable optical conditions. However, an adjustment of the brightness of the illumination device to the ambient brightness and / or the target background is required in order to avoid glare of the shooter in dark lighting conditions and to ensure a sufficient contrast of the target on the other hand, even in bright lighting conditions.

It is therefore known to adjust the illumination device via an electronic control unit in their illuminance. The illuminance is usually selected from a predetermined by the manufacturer lighting range depending on the particular application. There are also solutions in which the brightness of the environment is detected with the aid of an environmental sensor and, depending on this, the illuminance of the illumination device is adapted. However, since the perception properties of the eye are different from person to person and the possible applications often differ greatly, there is always a desire for individualization of the illumination device.

Usually, the built-in telescopic control electronics, which is usually applied to a circuit board, exchanged for it. For a disassembly of the rifle scope of the weapon is required, in which case the scope or at least the lighting device with the control electronics must be sent to the manufacturer of the riflescope, so that it makes an exchange of the control electronics. After mounting the rifle scope on the weapon it must then be injected again.

An adaptation of the lighting device to individual preferences or applications is therefore associated with a very high cost.

Out US 2010/157292 A1 a rifle scope is known in which a housing of a lighting device is screwed with a threaded portion in a rotationally fixed saddle on the riflescope.

For a riflescope to DE 101 36 278 A1 a lighting module is provided, which is alternatively screwed for a protective cap on an adjusting a riflescope, so that the adjusting is then no longer operable. This shows that Lighting module on an internal thread, which is screwed onto a non-rotatably mounted external thread.

EP 1 643 205 A1 discloses a lighting module for a riflescope of a firearm. Here, a housing of the lighting module is pushed onto a cylindrical wall.

From WO 2011/140466 A1 is a describe a riflescope with a microcontroller, the microcontroller is connected by means of a plug connection with an external data storage such as a USB stick or a computer. This allows the microcontroller to be programmed.
The invention is based on the object to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a way by which a characteristic of the lighting device, such as the illuminance, can be customized with little effort. The solution should make do with little space and allow the greatest possible pre-assembly.

This object is achieved by a telescopic sight with the features of claim 1 and by a programming adapter having the features of claim 6.

Main features of the invention are specified in the characterizing part of claims 1 and 6. Embodiments are the subject of subclaims 2 to 5 and 7 to 10.

The invention relates to a rifle scope for a firearm, which has a tubular body with an eyepiece and a lens and an illumination device for an illuminated target, wherein the illumination device has control electronics and an energy storage, wherein the control electronics is arranged in a housing, in a saddle is releasably receivable on an outer side of the scope, wherein the housing is bolted to the saddle, and wherein the housing has an external thread and the saddle has an internal thread.

According to the invention, it is thus provided that the electronic control unit is programmable, and that the saddle has a sleeve-shaped wall which is mounted rotatably and axially immovably on the telescopic sight, wherein the internal thread is arranged in the wall and the housing can be screwed into the wall, in particular at least for the most part. wherein the housing is guided against rotation relative to the telescopic sight.

The control electronics with the housing thus forms a lighting module that can be relatively easily replaced or changed to the lighting device to individual

Preferences and conditions of use. In this case, for example, the illuminance, a color, brightness and / or number of illumination levels and the ratio of the illuminance to an ambient brightness and the like can be adjusted. An exchange of a disposed within the scope, such as a circuit board, is not required. Rather, the control electronics can be solved with the housing of the scope and exchanged or changed, without disassembly of the riflescope of the weapon or the lighting device is necessary as such. Accordingly, a re-shooting is not necessary.

By using a programmable control electronics, which optionally includes a memory element, for example via a PC, a relatively simple adaptation in a specialist workshop, but possibly also directly by the customer or shooter done. The parameters of the illumination device are then e.g. can be stored in the memory element and overwritten. Thus, a subsequent and / or repeated adaptation of the lighting device is very easily possible without having to exchange components.

In a preferred development, the housing has electronic contact surfaces, with corresponding contact elements being arranged in the saddle for this purpose. By inserting the housing in the saddle then get the electronic contact surfaces with the corresponding contact elements in contact so that they are in data and power transferable connection with each other. The contact surfaces can be applied flat to a part of the housing, but also be formed on spring clips or the like. The contact elements may be formed, for example, as spring elements or as electrically conductive surfaces. In any case, an automatic production of the connection between the control electronics and the lighting device is ensured when inserting the housing with the control electronics in the saddle. Additional handles are not required.

It is advantageous that the housing can be screwed to the saddle, wherein in particular the housing has an external thread and the saddle has an internal thread. Screwing provides a relatively easy way to make a secure, detachable connection between the housing and the saddle. By combining an external thread on the housing and an internal thread on the saddle, the housing can be at least partially received in the saddle, so that a stable storage results, in which the housing, if at all, only slightly above the saddle protrudes outward and thus before Environmental influences is protected.

A particularly simple embodiment results from the fact that the housing is circular cylindrical and has an inner and an outer end face. The electronic contact surfaces are then preferably arranged on the inner end side. The term inside or outside refers to the installed state of the housing, that is, when the control electronics is added to the housing in the saddle on the outside of the riflescope. The outer end face may for example comprise a metal or an elastomer and is intended to close the housing securely towards the outside. The end face may be formed, for example in the form of a lid, which is connected to the housing, which has, for example, a tubular wall. By providing the electronic contact surfaces on the inner end face, these are accommodated in the housing used inside the saddle and thus protected from external influences. This minimizes the risk of disruptions.

On the outer front side controls can be designed to influence the control electronics, for example, to change the lighting brightness manually. The controls may e.g. be marked by imprints or color markings on the front side. The corresponding areas of the control electronics, which can be operated through the front side, for example, are then covered by the front side and accordingly housed protected in the housing. For the end face must have sufficient elasticity to allow pressure transmission from outside to inside. This elasticity can be achieved both by metal, as well as by an elastomer. Alternatively, it is also possible to design the operating elements as touch-sensitive surfaces on the outer front side.

In the embodiment of the invention, the saddle on a sleeve-shaped wall which is rotatably and axially immovably mounted on the telescopic sight, wherein the internal thread is disposed in the wall and the housing is at least largely screwed into the wall. The wall has an annular cross section. The insertion of the housing then takes place in that the housing is attached to the open side of the saddle, so that the external thread engages with the internal thread of the wall. By rotating the wall, the housing is then moved axially with respect to the axis of rotation on the scope and pulled into the saddle, so that the housing can be largely or completely absorbed within the saddle. The contact surfaces are pressed axially against the contact elements, so that a secure connection is ensured.

It is particularly advantageous that the housing is guided against rotation relative to the scope. This allows a constant orientation of the front side and thus a constant alignment of the controls. Furthermore, the insertion of the housing is facilitated because this does not have to be manually secured against rotation, but such a backup is done for example by a positive guide. The insertion and removal of the housing or the lighting module is thus simplified.

Preferably, the energy storage device is designed as a battery, which is arranged in a battery cage of the housing, which is accessible in particular from the inner end side. A battery is a very cost-effective electrical energy storage. By using a battery cage and the arrangement of the battery within the housing while a simple replacement of the battery is possible without further disassembly of the scope is required. By providing an access from the inner end side takes place an additional backup of the battery, since it can only be removed from the housing when the lighting module is removed from the saddle.

In order to reduce the risk of damage and malfunction due to environmental influences, the housing is advantageously waterproof and dustproof connected to the saddle, in particular at least one sealing element between the housing and saddle is arranged. Such a sealing element may for example be formed as a sealing ring, which produces a radial seal between the housing and the wall of the saddle. As a result, a secure seal can be ensured.

The saddle itself is permanently connected to the telescopic sight, so it can be relatively easily sealed against the scope, for example, also by the provision of additional sealing elements. In this case, the saddle can be arranged directly on the tubular body, but also at other suitable locations of the riflescope.

The object is thus achieved in particular by a lighting module, which has a housing in which the programmable control electronics for the illumination device of the riflescope is arranged.

The control electronics is therefore not as previously firmly connected to the housed in the riflescope illumination device, but in a detachable from the scope of the illumination module. As a result, an exchange or adaptation of the control electronics can be carried out separately from the riflescope, without further disassembly of the riflescope is required. After adjustment, the lighting module is inserted into the saddle on the scope. The rifle scope is then immediately ready for use again.

In this case, the control electronics preferably have a memory element in which the parameters of the illumination device to be changed can be stored. The parameters include, for example, the illuminance, a color, the brightness and / or a number of intensity levels. It is also conceivable, for example, to change the ratio of the illuminance to the ambient brightness. Overall, it is possible with very little effort to adapt the lighting device to individual preferences and specific applications.

In an advantageous embodiment, the housing is formed circular-cylindrical and has in particular on an inner end face on electrical contact surfaces. On an outer end side controls can be designed to influence the control electronics. Areas that form the controls are marked, for example, by characteristics or color. The outer face can be e.g. a metal or an elastomer. The information inside or outside refer to a mounted state of the lighting module. A circular cylindrical design of the housing allows a very robust design and accurate production. Between the saddle, which is formed for example on the tubular body of the riflescope, and the housing of the lighting module so that a precise fit can be achieved. By providing the electrical contact surfaces on an inner end face of the housing, these are accommodated protected in the arrangement of the illumination module on the telescopic sight, so that the risk of disturbances due to environmental influences is minimized. By providing an outer end face made of elastomer, which may be connected, for example in the form of a lid with the rest of the housing, results in a shock-insensitive surface. In this case, actuation of buttons for controlling the illumination module can be carried out through the corresponding elastic end face. This is easily possible both with a metallic end face and with an end face made of an elastomer.

In the inventive construction, the housing has an external thread. This is very easy, in particular in an embodiment of the housing as a circular cylindrical body and allows the production of a detachable connection to the scope without great effort.

Preferably, the housing surrounds a battery cage for an electrical energy store, which is accessible in particular from the inner end side of the housing. Such an energy store is for example a battery or an accumulator. The battery cage provides a secure hold. In this case, a loss of the energy storage with mounted lighting module is almost impossible if the battery cage is accessible only from the inner end face of the housing, since this is then covered by the scope.

Preferably, the control electronics is arranged on at least one circuit board, which bears in particular on the inside on the outer end side. By the concern of the control electronics on an inner side of the outer end face a play-free seat is obtained, wherein the control electronics is protected by the end face. An arrangement of the control electronics on a board thereby represents a cost-effective production method and allows for damage to the control electronics, a relatively simple repair by replacing the board.

The object is further achieved by a programming adapter for a lighting module for a telescopic sight, wherein the lighting module has a housing in which a programmable control electronics for a lighting device of the telescopic sight is arranged, that it has an interface for a computer and a base with a receptacle for the illumination module, wherein the receptacle has, in particular at its bottom contact elements for establishing a data-transmitting connection with the illumination module. The contact elements are designed such that they correspond to the contact surfaces of the lighting module, so get in contact with this when inserting the lighting module in the recording. With the help of such a programming adapter can be made relatively easy connection between the control electronics of the lighting module and a computer. The computer may be, for example, a standard PC or Mac. With the help of appropriate software, it is then easily possible to adapt the lighting module and thus to adjust parameters of the lighting device of the riflescope, such as the illuminance and the like individually.

Preferably, the recording of the programming adapter on a sleeve-shaped wall, in which the lighting module is receivable. This results in a secure hold of the lighting module on the programming adapter, so that a secure data transmission can be ensured.

In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve-shaped wall has an internal thread and is rotatably mounted relative to the base of the programming adapter, wherein the contact elements are arranged on the base and the lighting module rotatably relative to the base in the receptacle can be accommodated. The connection between the programming adapter and the lighting module is then made by rotating the wall of the receptacle. The contact surfaces of the lighting module and the contact elements of the base are then moved axially toward each other and finally pressed together. A sliding of the contact elements on the contact surfaces does not take place. This is also true with frequent insertion and removal of the lighting module from the programming adapter no wear of the contact surfaces or the contact elements to be expected.

The advantages described in connection with the scope, the lighting module and the programming adapter are mutually transferable mutatis mutandis.

Figur 1:

ein Zielfernrohr mit einem Beleuchtungsmodul in räumlicher Darstellung,

Figur 2:

ein Beleuchtungsmodul in räumlicher Darstellung,

Figur 3:

einen Sattel zur Aufnahme des Beleuchtungsmoduls in räumlicher Darstellung,

Figur 4:

das im Sattel aufgenommene Beleuchtungsmodul in Schnittdarstellung und

Figur 5:

ein Beleuchtungsmodul mit einem Programmieradapter.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1:

a riflescope with a lighting module in a spatial representation,

FIG. 2:

a lighting module in spatial representation,

FIG. 3:

a saddle for receiving the illumination module in a spatial representation,

FIG. 4:

the recorded in the saddle lighting module in section and

FIG. 5:

a lighting module with a programming adapter.

FIG. 1 shows a scope 1 in a spatial representation. The telescopic sight 1 has a tubular body 2 which has an eyepiece 3 at one end and an objective 4 at the opposite end. Approximately in the middle of the tubular body 2, an adjustment 5, 6 is arranged for a target, wherein the overhead adjustment 5 is used for a vertical adjustment of the target and the lateral adjustment 6 for a horizontal adjustment.

In this embodiment, diametrically opposite the horizontal adjustment 6, a lighting module 7 is arranged laterally on the tubular body 2, which is accommodated in a saddle 8. The saddle 8 is firmly connected to the scope 1. An outer end face 9 of a housing 10 of the illumination module 7 is elastic and has an imprint "plus" or "minus" on. By pressing on these embossments, which form operating elements, an electronic control unit arranged in the housing 10 is controlled and a brightness of a lighting device of the telescopic sight 1, which is provided for illuminating a target mark, manually controlled. For example, the active lighting level can be selected via this.

In FIG. 2 the lighting module 7 is shown as a single part. The housing 10 of the illumination module 7 is formed circular-cylindrical and has an external thread 11. In the area of the outer end face 9, a radially outwardly projecting collar 12 is formed which defines a maximum screw-in depth for the illumination module 7.

On one of the outer end face 9 axially opposite, inner end face 13, a recess 14 is formed, which serves to prevent rotation during insertion of the housing 10 in the saddle 8.

The saddle 8 is in FIG. 3 shown as a single part in three-dimensional representation. The saddle 8 has a sleeve-shaped wall 15 which annularly surrounds a receiving space 16 for the lighting module 7. On the inside of the wall 15, an internal thread 17 is formed, which corresponds to the external thread 11 of the illumination module 7.

On a bottom 18 of the saddle 8 contact elements 19 are arranged, which are formed in the form of spring plates. At these contact elements 19 contact surfaces of the lighting module after insertion of the lighting module in the saddle 8. In this case, an electrically conductive and data-transmitting connection is made via the contact elements 19 and the corresponding contact surfaces of the lighting module 7.

In the bottom 18 of the saddle 8 fastening screws 20 are arranged with which the saddle 8 may optionally be attached to the riflescope 12, in order to obtain a firm fit.

In FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the recorded in the saddle 8 lighting module 7 is shown. The lighting module 7 has been screwed with his housing 10 in the saddle 8. For watertight and dust-tight sealing between the housing 10 and the wall 15 of the saddle 8, a sealing element 21 designed as a sealing ring is arranged between the inside of the wall 15 and the housing 10. The sealing element 21 is received in an annular groove which is formed in the housing 10, and thereby axially secured.

The outer end face 9 is formed by an elastomeric cover, on the inside of an electronic control unit 22, which is in the form of a circuit board, is applied. This results in a vibration-proof mounting of the control electronics 22, on the other hand, but it is also relatively easy to use the outer face 9 as a pressure surface to pass control commands to the control electronics 22, such as a dimming or brightening a Illuminance. For this purpose, the control electronics can have corresponding pressure-sensitive areas or buttons which abut against the front side.

In the housing 10, a battery 23 is further arranged in a battery cage 24. The battery 23 is an electrical energy storage and supplies the control electronics with the required electrical energy. In this case, the entire illumination device of the riflescope may also be supplied with the required electrical energy via the battery 23.

At contact surfaces 25 on the inner end face 13 of the housing 10 are the contact elements 19 at. This results in a conductive connection from the illumination module 7 via the saddle 8 to the illumination device of the riflescope. For this purpose, a corresponding electrical connector element 27 is formed on a lower side 26 of the saddle 8.

The saddle 8 is usually firmly connected to the scope, for example, on the tubular body 2. A release of the saddle 8 is required only in exceptional cases. Therefore, the saddle 8 is positively and positively connected via corresponding positive connection geometries 28, 29 which are provided with sealing elements, with the scope 1. Optionally, a bonding can take place.

In FIG. 5 a programming adapter 30 for the lighting module 7 is shown in a spatial representation. The programming adapter 3 comprises a base 31, on which a receptacle 32 with a sleeve-shaped wall 33 is arranged. The wall 33 is rotatable relative to the base 31 and has an internal thread 34, which corresponds to the external thread, which is formed on the housing 10 of the illumination module 7 corresponds. The lighting module 7 can be used by turning the wall 33 in the receptacle 32. In this case, the contact surfaces 25 of the lighting module 7 come into contact with contact elements 35, which are arranged on the base 31 within the receptacle 32.

For connection to a computer, the programming adapter 30 has an interface 36 in the form of a connection cable. This can be made in a relatively simple manner a connection to a computer.

The inventive telescopic sight with a housing in the form of a lighting module in a housing control electronics and this illumination module and the corresponding programming adapter, the parameters of a lighting device for an illuminated target can be customized with very little effort. This results easy assembly and interchangeability. Also, a repair and adaptation to customer requirements are possible with little effort. This can be done as much as possible pre-assembly, so that the final assembly requires only a small amount of work. In this case, the integration of the technology required for the illumination unit is accommodated essentially as usual in the illumination head of the telescopic sight, whereby a flat design is possible. The control electronics is in contrast to the known solutions but housed in a removable housing in the form of a lighting module, so that it can be accessed relatively easily. In this case, the lighting module is screwed out by turning the wall, which is held in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation fixed relative to the scope, out or in. This ensures a secure hold of the lighting module on the telescopic sight, wherein the lighting module is simultaneously protected by the wall of the saddle.

The inventive design, the user can customize the lighting device of the target, without having to replace a board and dismantle the scope. This eliminates the associated with much effort assembly with subsequent re-shooting the weapon. The shooter can thus customize the lighting unit to the best possible for his eye lighting area and purpose. Disassembling the lighting unit is not required for programming. Rather, the lighting module for individual programming, for example, the illuminance is simply unscrewed from the saddle and used in the programming adapter. Using software, the illuminance or other parameters can be set individually and stored in the control electronics. After subsequent replacement of the lighting module in the saddle of the riflescope, the lighting device is immediately ready for use again, without further calibrations must be performed.

Overall, this creates a simple way of individualizing the illumination device for an illuminated target in a riflescope of a firearm.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Scope

2

pipe body

3

eyepiece

4

lens

5

Vertical adjustment

6

Horizontal adjustment

7

lighting module

8th

saddle

9

Outer front side

10

casing

11

external thread

12

collar

13

Inner front

14

recess

15

wall

16

accommodation space

17

inner thread

18

ground

19

contact elements

20

fixing screw

21

sealing element

22

control electronics

23

battery

24

battery cage

25

contact area

26

bottom

27

connector element

28.29

joint geometry

30

programming adapter

31

Base

32

admission

33

wall

34

inner thread

35

contact elements

36

interface

Claims (10)

1. Telescopic site for a firearm comprising a tubular body (2) with an eyepiece (3) and a lens (4) and a lighting device for an illuminated target, wherein the lighting device comprises control electronics (22) and an energy store (23), wherein the control electronics (22) are arranged in a housing (10) which can be detachably held in a saddle (8) on the outside of the telescopic sight (1), wherein the housing (10) can be screwed to the saddle (8) and wherein the housing (10) has an external thread (11) and the saddle (8) has an internal thread (17), characterised in that the control electronics (22) are programmable and in that the saddle (8) has a sleeve-like wall (15) which is mounted rotatably and axially immovably on the telescopic sight (1), wherein the internal thread (17) is arranged in the wall (15) and the housing (10) can, at least for the most part, be screwed into the wall (15), wherein the housing (10) is guided non-rotatably relative to the telescopic sight (1).
2. Telescopic sight according to claim 1 characterised in that the housing (10) has electronic contact surfaces, wherein contact elements (19) corresponding thereto are arranged in the saddle (8).
3. Telescopic sight according to claim 2 characterised in that the housing (10) is designed in a circular cylindrical manner and has an inner front side (13) and an outer front side (9) wherein the electronic contact surfaces are arranged on the inner front side (13).
4. Telescopic sight according to claim 3 characterised in that the energy store (23) is in the form of a battery which is arranged in a battery cage (24) of the housing (10) which, in particular, is accessible from the inner front side (13).
5. Telescopic sight according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the housing (10) can be connected to the saddle (8) in a water and dust-proof manner (8), wherein, in particular, at least one sealing element (21) is arranged between the housing (10) and the saddle (8).
6. Programming adapter for a lighting module for a telescopic sight according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting module comprise a housing (10) in which programmable control electronics (22) for a lighting device of the telescopic sight are arranged characterised in that it has an interface (36) for a computer and a base (31) with a holder (32) for the lighting module (7), wherein the holder (32), more particularly on its base, has contact elements (35) for producing a data-transferring connection with the lighting module.
7. Programming adapter according to claim 6 characterised in that the holder (32) has a sleeve-like wall (33) in which the lighting module can be mounted.
8. Programming adapter according to claim 7 characterised in that the sleeve-like wall (33) has an internal thread (34) and is rotatably mounted in relation to the base (31) of the programming adapter (30), wherein the contact elements (35) are arranged on the base (30) and the lighting module (7) can be mounted in the holder (32) non-rotationally in relation to the base (31).
9. Programming adapter according to any one of claims 6 to 8 for a lighting module, in which the housing (10) is designed in a circular cylindrical manner and, in particular, has electrical contact surfaces on an inner front side (13), wherein on insertion of the lighting module into the holder (32) the electrical contact surfaces come into contact with the contact elements (35) on the base of the holder (32).
10. Programming adapter according to claim 8 or according to claim 9 in conjunction with claim 8 for a lighting module, in which the housing (10) has an external thread (11), wherein the external thread (11) of the lighting module corresponds with the internal thread (34) of the sleeve-like wall (33).

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