GB2488438A

GB2488438A - Variable magnification telescope with reinforcing element for aperture in housing

Info

Publication number: GB2488438A
Application number: GB201203256A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andreas Schneider; Mario Moll
Original assignee: Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH
Current assignee: Hensoldt Optronics GmbH
Priority date: 2011-02-28
Filing date: 2012-02-24
Publication date: 2012-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 2032-02-24
Also published as: GB201203256D0; GB2488438B; DE102011013156B4; DE102011013156A1

Abstract

A telescope 10 comprises an actuating element (20) such as an adjusting ring, which is coupled to an optical element (18) such as a lens via a mechanical element (22). The mechanical element 18 is preferably a driver pin which passes through a cut-out aperture 14 in the telescope housing 12. A magnification of the telescope 10 is adjustable by means of the actuating and mechanical elements (18, 20). The telescope 10 also comprises a stabilization element 28, which is preferably ring shaped and at least partly covers the cutout 14. The stabilization element 28 is connected to the housing 12 in such a way that both compression and expansion of the cutout 14 are prevented; for example it may be connected to the housing 12 on either side of the cut-out via a tongue and groove arrangement. The stabilization element 28 may provide a positive locking connection, or a force locking connection, parallel to a longitudinal axis (16) of the telescope 10.

Description

Telescope with variable magnification and stabilization element [0001] The present invention relates to a telescope, more particularly a telescopic sight, but also other telescopes such as, for instance, an observation telescope, comprising an actuating element, which is coupled to an optical element via a mechanical element, such that a magnification of the telescope is adjustable by means of the actuating element, and comprising a housing or a housing assembly having a cutout, through which the mechanical element is led.

(0002] Such a telescope is known, for example, from the document DE 19540 256 Al.

[0003] Telescopes with variable magnification usually comprise an actuating element that makes it possible to set the magnification of the telescope as desired. For this purpose, generally a ring-shaped actuating element is provided, which the user can rotate manually about a longitudinal axis of the telescope. In this case, a rotational movement of said actuating element is converted into a translational movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the telescope by means of a suitable mechanism.

Thus, ultimately an optical element, for example a lens, in the telescope is displaced parallel to a longitudinal axis of the telescope and the beam path in the telescope is influenced such that the desired magnification is provided. In order to convert the rotational movement into a translational movement, a control cam system can be used, for example. Depending on the magnitude of the magnification range made available, the optical element possibly has to be displaced translationally by a relatively large distance.

This has the effect that the actuating element also has to be turned rotationally by a relatively large angular range.

[0004] In order that the force applied to the actuating element is ultimately transmitted to the optical element, a driver pin is provided, which is led through the housing of the telescope into the interior thereof. The driver pin concomitantly moves during a movement of the actuating element with the latter by the corresponding angular range and in this case acts on the mechanism provided in the telescope for converting the rotational movement into a translational movement. In order that the driver pin can rotate with the actuating element, a cutout has to be provided in the housing of the telescope. In accordance with the angular range to be swept over by the actuating element, the cutout also has to extend over a large angular range. In order to provide a desired translational movement of the optical element, the cutout often has to be cut out from the housing over an angular range of more than 1200. However, this weakens the strength of the housing of the telescope in the region of the cutout.

(0005] In the case of mechanical loads which can be caused, for instance, by the firing of a shot or other external force effects, elastic or even static deformations of the housing of the telescope can therefore occur in the region of the cutout. In this case, after a static deformation, the telescope is no longer usable. In the extreme case, it can even happen that the telescope breaks apart in the region of the cutout.

[00061 This problem is intensified, in particular, by the fact that the optical element on the basis of which the magnification of the telescope is adjustable is generally provided in a region between a zoom system and the eyepiece of the telescope. In order that the force transmission path to be bridged from the actuating element to the optical element is kept as short as possible, therefore, the actuating element and thus the cutout in the housing of the telescope are also provided in the region between the zoom system and the eyepiece. A simplified static model of the telescope in this region therefore corresponds to a lever clamped on one side, which lever is clamped in the region of the cutout and the relatively heavy eyepiece engages on the outer, freely suspended end of said lever.

(0007] Despite these mechanically relatively unfavourable properties, telescopes with variable magnification are manufactured in this way primarily on account of a cost advantage. Examples of this can be found in the document DE 195 40 256 Al and also in the document US 3 684 376 81.

[0008] In order to avoid relatively large cutouts, alternative transmission elements for converting the rotational movement into a translational movement can be chosen which require only relatively small cutouts in the housing of the telescope, for example steel strip or gearing devices. However, such solutions are regarded as more complex and more difficult to coordinate and require relatively expensive components, which increases the production costs.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a telescope with variable magnification which is stabler and at the same time cost-effective to manufacture.

[0010] It is therefore proposed that the telescope furthermore comprises a stabilization element, which at least partly covers the cutout and is connected to the housing in such a way that both compression and expansion of the cutout are prevented, in particular in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the telescope.

[0011] In this way it is possible to mechanically stabilize the telescope in the region of the cutout by means of the stabilization element and to significantly reduce deformations and failures on account of high mechanical loads in the region of the eyepiece. In particular, the stabilization element is connected to the housing in such a way that the stabilization element can rotate together with the actuating element. The housing can be embodied in an integral fashion, but the housing can also be embodied in a multipartite fashion. The components required can be produced cost-effectively. The assembly of the proposed telescope also is not made more difficult.

[0012] The object stated in the introduction is therefore fully achieved.

[0013] In particular, it can be provided that the stabilization element is connected to the housing on both sides of the cutout.

[0014] A simple and cost-effective construction is thereby provided which prevents the cutout from being squeezed together and compressed, respectively, or from being expanded and bent up, respectively, in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the telescope.

(0015] In a further configuration it can be provided that the stabilization element is connected to the housing, in particular on both sides of the cutout, in each case in such a way that a translational movement of the stabilization element relative to the housing is prevented in both directions parallel to a longitudinal axis of the telescope.

[0016] This provides a particularly secure construction for bridging the cutout in a force flux. A deformation of the cutout by compression or expansion in the direction of the longitudinal axis is thus avoided in a structurally simple manner. Furthermore, it is regarded as an independent autonomous aspect of the invention to provide this configuration of the invention, in particular also in combination with the features of Claim 2, without those features of Claim I according to which a connection of the housing and the stabilization element is such that both compression and expansion of the cutout are prevented.

(0017] In one configuration it can be provided that the stabilization element is connected to the housing in each case in such a way that a positively locking connection is provided in both directions parallel to a longitudinal axis of the telescope.

(0018] In this case, the direction along the longitudinal axis of the telescope corresponds to the optical axis of the telescope. ln particular, in the case of a positively locking connection, the connecting surfaces are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. On account of the positively locking connection, this provides a particularly secure connection between the stabilization element and the housing of the telescope in the region of the cutout and prevents expansion or squeezing together -directed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the telescope -of the width of the cutout on account of a force action from occurring in the region of the cutout. The forces are instead accommodated by the stabilization element. In this case, it is an advantageous configuration if the stabilization element is connected to the housing on both sides of the cutout and here is connected on each of the sides in each case in such a way that a positively locking connection is provided in both directions parallel to a longitudinal axis of the telescope.

[0019] In one configuration it can be provided that the stabilization element is connected to the housing in each case in such a way that a force-locking connection is provided in both directions parallel to a longitudinal axis of the telescope.

[0020] Alternatively or possibly even cumulatively with a positively locking connection, by means of the force-locking connection it is likewise possible to provide a reliable connection between the stabilization element and the housing. This likewise makes it possible to provide the stabilization element by means of elements that are constructed relatively simply and thus cost-effective to produce and assemble. In this case, it is an advantageous configuration if the stabilization element is connected to the housing on both sides of the cutout and here is connected on each of the sides in each case in such a way that a force-locking connection is provided in both directions parallel to a longitudinal axis of the telescope.

[0021] In a further configuration it can be provided that the stabilization element has a perforation for leading through the mechanical element.

[0022] A cost-effective possibility for providing a connection between the stabilization element and the mechanical element that is positively locking in a direction of rotation is specified in this way. On account of the perforation, the mechanical element can still be led via or through the stabilization element to the actuating element.

[0023] In a further configuration it can be provided that the stabilization element has an inner groove in order to provide a rotational driving connection between the mechanical element and the stabilization element, and has an outer lug in order to provide a rotational driving connection between the stabilization element and the actuating element.

[0024] A cost-effective possibility for providing a connection -which is positively locking in a direction of rotation -both between the stabilization element and the mechanical element and between the stabilization element and the actuating element is specified in this way too.

[0025] In a further configuration it can be provided that the stabilization element is embodied as a closed ring screwed to the housing by means of a thread.

[0026] In this way, a suitable stabilization element which can be connected to the telescope by being screwed onto the latter is provided in a particularly simple manner.

[0027] In this case, the stabilization element can be arranged radially on the outside relative to the housing. Alternatively, however, the stabilization element can also be arranged radially on the ibside relative to the housing. The stabilization element embodied as a closed ring can thus be screwed into the housing of the telescope on the inside, but can also be screwed onto the housing of the telescope on the outside. In this way it is possible to take account of possible boundary conditions substantiated by the telescope design ultimately to be obtained.

[0028] In particular it can be provided that the perforation is embodied as an elongated hole extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the telescope.

[0029] During a movement of the actuating element about the longitudinal axis of the telescope, the stabilization element also moves about the longitudinal axis on account of the force transmission brought about by the driver pin. Since the connection between the stabilization element and the housing is provided by means of a thread, the stabilization element performs relative to the housing not only a rotational but also a translational movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the telescope.

Accordingly, the perforation of the stabilization element should be configured in such a way that a movement of the stabilization element is not blocked by the driver pin in the perforation. This can be implemented in a particularly simple manner by virtue of the fact that the perforation is embodied in the form of an elongated hole extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the telescope.

[0030] Using a thread, a deformation of the housing caused by mechanical loads can take place only to the extent to which the thread has a play. However, the latter is so minimal that a static deformation or breaking-away of the eyepiece can be ruled out.

[0031] In a further configuration it can be provided that the stabilization element is formed from at least one ring segment connected to the housing by means of at least a tongue/groove connection.

[0032] In this way, too, in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner, the required stabilization element can be provided and deformation of the telescope in the region of the cutout of the housing of the telescope can be avoided. The possible deformation in the region of the cutout is in turn limited to the extent of a play of the tongue/groove connection, which, by means of a corresponding fit, however, can turn out to be so small that damage to the telescope or static deformations is/are ruled out.

[0033] In one configuration it can be provided that at least one groove of the tongue/groove connection is formed in the housing and at least one tongue of the tongue/groove connection is formed in the stabilization element. Alternatively, it can, of course, also be provided that at least one groove of the tongue/groove connection is formed in the stabilization element and at least one tongue of the tongue/groove connection is formed in the housing.

[0034] In particular, it can be provided in this case that a tongue/groove connection is formed on each side of the cutout. If the groove is formed in the housing of the telescope, it can be formed over the entire circumference or else only in the region of the cutout, into which the stabilization element embodied as a ring segment is then inserted. Furthermore, it is possible for only one ring segment to be provided, into which the perforation is introduced by means of a drilled hole, for example. However, the stabilization element can, for example, also be formed by two ring segments, wherein the perforation is then provided by virtue of the fact that the ring segments are not arranged in a manner bearing against one another, but rather with a gap between them, through which the driver pin passes.

(0035] In all configurations of the invention it can be provided that the mechanical element is a driver pin. By virtue of the embodiment as a driver pin, the mechanical element is provided in a particularly simple and thus cost-effective manner.

[0036] It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the combination respectively indicated, but also in other combinations or by themselves, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

(0037] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing and are explained in greater detail in the fotlowing description. In the figures: Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a telescope according to the invention, Figure 2a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a telescope, Figure 2b shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a telescope in Figure 2a, Figure 3a shows a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a telescope, and Figure 3b shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a telescope in Figure 3a.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a telescope 10. The telescope comprises a cutout 14 in a housing 12, said cutout extending over a specific angular range of the circumference of the housing 12. In this case, the cutout 14 runs substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 16 of the telescope, which corresponds to the optical axis of the telescope 10. In order to be able to adjust the magnification of the telescope 10, in the case of the telescope 10 provision is made for displacing at least one optical element 18 along the longitudinal axis 16. For this purpose, an actuating element 20 is provided, which can be embodied as a ring, for example, which can be rotated by a user.

[0039] In this case, a rotational movement of the actuating element 20 is transmitted by means of a mechanical element 22, which is embodied, in particular, as a driver pin led through the housing 12, to a schematically illustrated conversion arrangement 24, which converts the rotational movement of the actuating element 20 into a translational movement of the optical element 18. The conversion arrangement 24 can be provided by a suitable control cam system, for example. Since the driver pin 22 in this case has to be moved over a relatively large angular range, the cutout 14 correspondingly also has to be formed over a relatively large angular range in the housing 12. This gives rise to the risk of an eyepiece region 25 of the telescope being statically deformed or even breaking away on account of mechanical loads.

[0040J Therefore, the telescope 10 furthermore comprises a stabilization element 28. The stabilization element 28 is connected to the housing 12 by means of a connection 29. The connection 29 is configured, in particular, in such a way that it prevents a translational movement of the stabilization element 28 relative to the housing 12 parallel to the longitudinal axis 16 in both directions, in particular by means of a positively locking connection. In principle, however, a force-locking connection can also be provided as an alternative. However, the connection 29 is configured such that a movement of the stabilization element 28 together with the actuating element 20 is possible in a circumferential direction or in a radial direction. A further connection 29' can be provided on the other side of the cutout 14. Consequently, the stabilization element 28 is then connected to the housing 12 on both sides of the cutout 14. The driver pin 22 is led through a perforation 30 in the stabilization element 28 into the actuating element 20 for example in order to provide a rotational driving connection between the driver pin 22, the stabilization element 28 and the actuating element 20. However, this configuration of a rotational driving connection is presented only by way of example; alternative configurations of a rotational driving connection are also conceivable, which will be described below.

(0041] A deformation of the housing 12 in the region of the cutout 14 is substantially prevented on account of the stabilization element 28. The stabilization element 28 at least partly, preferably completely, covers the cutout 14. Whereas in a non-stabilized housing 12 the housing edges 31 opposite one another in the region of the cutout 14 can move towards one another or away from one another in the case of force action, this is not possible in the case of the proposed telescope 10. The stabilization element 28 has the effect that the housing 12 maintains its form in the region of the cutout 14 and accommodates corresponding forces via the connection 29 or conducts them over the cutout 14. The connection 29 between the stabilization element 28 and the housing 12 is therefore embodied in such a way that both compression and expansion of the cutout 14 are prevented.

(0042] Figures 2a and 2b show a further embodiment 10' of the telescope. In this case, identical elements are designated by identical reference symbols and will not be described again. Hereinafter, substantially only the differences are discussed.

(0043] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b, the stabilization element 28 is provided by means of a ring segment 32. In principle, it is also possible for more than one ring segment 32 to be provided, which can also adjoin one another or overlap one another. The ring segment 32 covers part of the cutout 14, in particular the entire cutout 14.

(0044] In the ring segment 32, the perforation 30 is embodied as a drilled hole, for example in such a way that the driver pin 22 can be led through it. In this way, the ring segment 32 concomitantly moves by the same angle of rotation during a rotational movement of the actuating element 20.

(0045] The connection 29 between the ring segments 32 and the housing 12 is provided by means of a tongue/groove connection 34. In the present case, two grooves 36 are formed in the housing 12, one of the grooves 36 respectively being provided on each side of the cutout 14. Accordingly, the ring segment 32 has tongues 38 embodied corn plementarily with respect to the grooves 26. In this way, the ring segment 32 can be joined into the housing 12, wherein a positively locking connection is provided in both directions parallel to the longitudinal axis 16 of the housing 12. Consequently, in a manner that can be assembled in a simple way and cost-effectively, it is possible to obtain a stabilization of the housing 12 in the region of the cutout 14 and, in particular, to avoid static deformation of the telescope 10'.

[0046] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate yet another embodiment 10" of the telescope. In this case, identical elements are designated by identical reference symbols and will not be described again. Hereinafter, substantially only the differences are discussed.

[0047] In the embodiment illustrated, in comparison with the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b, only a rotational driving connection between the stabilization element 28 and both the mechanical element 22 and the actuating element is embodied in a different manner.

[0048] Specifically, in this embodiment, the stabilization element 28 has an inner groove 39, which intermeshes with the mechanical element 22 and thus provides a rotational driving connection between the stabilization element 28 and the mechanical element 22. Furthermore, the stabilization element 28 has an outer lug 40, which intermeshes with the actuating element 20 and thus provides a rotational driving connection between the stabilization element 28 and the actuating element 20.

Consequently, upon actuation of the actuating element 20, the stabilization element 28 and the mechanical element 22 rotate together with the actuating element 20.

[0049] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate yet another embodiment 10" of the telescope. In this case, identical elements are designated by identical reference symbols and will not be described again. Hereinafter, substantially only the differences are discussed.

[0050] In the embodiment illustrated, the stabilization element 28 is embodied as a closed ring 41. In the embodiment illustrated, the closed ring 41 is screwed onto the housing 12 on the outside by means of a thread 42. In this case, the ring 41 covers the entire cutout 14. Alternatively, provision can also be made for the ring 41 to be screwed into the housing 12 on the inside.

[0051] Furthermore, in the ring 41, the perforation 30 is embodied as an elongated hole 44, the longitudinal extent of which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis 16 of the telescope 10". The driver pin 22 is led through the elongated hole 44. This ensures that, during a rotational movement of the actuating element 20, the movement cannot be blocked by the stabilization element 28. On account of the thread 42, during a rotational movement, the ring 41 also moves by a certain amount translationally in an axial direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 16. On account of the configuration of the perforation 30 as an elongated hole 44, however, the driver pin 22 can slide during a rotational movement of the ring 41 in the elongated hole 44 parallel to the longitudinal axis 16. This ensures that, during a rotational movement of the actuating element 20, the stabilization element 28 in the form of the ring 41 that is driven by the driver pin 22 can concomitantly move.

[0052] The closed ring 41, too, thus suitably ensures that the cutout 14 substantially maintains its form in the event of a mechanical load and a static deformation or breaking of the housing 12 of the telescope 10" in the region of the cutout 14 is avoided.

Claims

Patent Claims Telescope (10) comprising an actuating element (20), which is coupled to an optical element (18) via a mechanical element (22), such that a magnification of the telescope (10) is adjustable by means of the actuating element (20), and a housing (12) having a cutout (14), through which the mechanical element (22) is led, characterized in that the telescope (10) furthermore comprises a stabilization element (28), which at least partly covers the cutout (14) and is connected to the housing (12) in such a way that both compression and expansion of the cutout (14) are prevented.
2. Telescope according to Claim 1, characterized in that the stabilization element (28) is connected to the housing (12) on both sides of the cutout (14).
3. Telescope according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stabilization element (28) is connected to the housing (12) in each case in such a way that a translational movement of the stabilization element (28) relative to the housing (12) is prevented in both directions parallel to a longitudinal axis (16) of the telescope (10).
4. Telescope according to any of Claims I to 3, characterized in that the stabilization element (28) is connected to the housing (12) in each case in such a way that a positively locking connection is provided in both directions parallel to a longitudinal axis (16) of the telescope (10).
5. Telescope according to any of Claims I to 3, characterized in that the stabilization element (28) is connected to the housing (12) in each case in such a way that a force-locking connection is provided in both directions parallel to a longitudinal axis (16) of the telescope (10).
6. Telescope according to any of Claims I to 5, characterized in that the stabilization element (28) has a perforation (30) for leading through the mechanical element (22).
7. Telescope according to any of Claims I to 5, characterized in that the stabilization element (28) has an inner groove (39) in order to provide a rotational driving connection between the mechanical element (22) and the stabilization element (28), and has an outer lug (40) in order to provide a rotational driving connection between the stabilization element (28) and the actuating element (20).
8. Telescope according to any of Claims I to 6, characterized in that the stabilization element (28) is embodied as a closed ring (41) screwed to the housing (12) by means of a thread (42).
9. Telescope according to Claim 8, characterized in that the stabilization element (28) is arranged radially on the outside relative to the housing (12).
10. Telescope according to Claim 6 and according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the perforation (30) is embodied as an elongated hole (44) extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis (16) of the telescope (10).
11. Telescope according to any of Claims I to 7, characterized in that the stabilization element (28) is formed from at least one ring segment (32) connected to the housing (12) by means of at least one tongue/groove connection (34).
12. Telescope according to Claim 11 characterized in that at least one groove (36) of the tongue/groove connection (34) is formed in the housing (12) and at least one tongue (38) of the tongue/groove connection (34) is formed in the stabilization element (28).
13. Telescope according to Claim 11, characterized in that at least one groove (36) of the tongue/groove connection (34) is formed in the stabilization element (28) and at least one tongue (38) of the tongue/groove connection (34) is formed in the housing (12).