WO2011135603A1

WO2011135603A1 - Optical component for diasporometers, a diasporometer and a device comprising said diasporometer

Info

Publication number: WO2011135603A1
Application number: PCT/IT2011/000130
Authority: WO
Inventors: Riccardo Bardazzi; Giorgio Casavecchi; Stefano Cosi; Mauro Sardelli
Original assignee: Selex Galileo S.P.A.
Priority date: 2010-04-30
Filing date: 2011-04-26
Publication date: 2011-11-03
Also published as: ITFI20100082A1; IT1399729B1

Abstract

The optical element (21A, 21B) comprises an optical wedge with circular extension, around the circular edge of which a crown wheel (23 A, 23B) is obtained.

Description

"OPTICAL COMPONENT FOR DIASPOROMETERS, A DIASPOROMETER AND A DEVICE COMPRISING SAID DIASPOROMETER"

DESCRIPTION

Technical field

The invention relates to optical components or elements for sighting devices for weapons and other uses.

According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a sighting device, in particular for light weapons, such as rifles and the like, and in particular for the so- called "less-than-lethal" weapons.

More specifically, the invention relates to a so-called "red dot" sighting device, i.e. a device provided with a light source and an optical system generating a virtual image into infinity of one or more light points overlapping the image of the outer scene to facilitate sighting, as well as with a distance-measuring arrangement, i.e. a device for measuring the distance between target and weapon.

The invention also relates to a weapon, that must be intended in general as a firing device, comprising a sighting device of the above mentioned type.

State of the art

To facilitate sighting with light weapons, such as rifles or other weapons of small dimensions, devices are currently used that can be classified into three different categories.

The simpler sighting devices provide for a sighting telescope, on the main focal plane of which a sighting grid is arranged, in some cases provided with ballistic curves or so-called diastimeter curves, to measure the distance between target and observer. Such a device is disclosed for example in US-A-4263719. In this prior art document the principle is also disclosed, upon which the ballistic curves are based to measure the distance of a target of known dimensions.

A further example of telescope with a sighting grid is described in US-A- 5920995.

Another type of considerably more complex sighting devices comprises a laser emitter usable for sighting, projecting a laser spot onto the target, and for measuring the distance between target and sighter. Such a device is disclosed in US- A-5907150, US-A-5355224, and US-A-5140151. US-A-4993833 discloses a sighting device with a laser range finder comprising a system for adjusting the aim according - - to the target distance. This system comprises a light diode linear matrix. One of the light diodes is turned on and forms the aim to facilitate aiming of the weapon. The range finding of the target distance allows to turn on the one or the other of the light diodes, according to the target distance, for sighting optimization, taking into account the necessary adjustment of the ballistic curve followed by the projectile fired from the weapon.

A different category of sighting devices, to which that of the present invention belongs, provides for the use of a light source, typically represented by a light emitting diode (LED), which generates a light image overlapping the image of the scene observed through the sighting device, in which scene the target to hit is arranged. Thanks to an optical system the observer sees a virtual image into infinity of the light source overlapping the scene. This image is arranged - with respect to the scene observed through the sighting device - so as to aim correctly the target. An example of a device of this type is described in US-A-5577326.

These sighting devices, also called "red dot" systems due to the fact that the outer scene is overlapped by a virtual image into infinity formed by a red dot, are used in sighting devices both for only diurnal use and for diurnal and/or nocturnal use. Examples of night vision devices provided with a red dot sighting system are described in US-A-4658139, US-A-5272514 (corresponding to EP-A-0545527), and US-A-4417814. Further "red-dot" sighting devices are described in US-A-5369888, US-A-5373644 and US-A-5205044.

The sighting devices of the last above mentioned category are very simple and economical with respect to the laser sighting systems, but they do not allow measuring the distance of the target and therefore making a ballistic adjustment taking this distance into account.

Italian patent No. 1,333,922 discloses a sighting device comprising an optical path extending from an entrance for the light beams coming from an outer source, to an exit, across which the beams are conveyed toward an observer, and wherein a distance measuring arrangement is provided, with a light source, a system for generating light points at adjustable distance and an optical system to send in the optical path a virtual image into infinity of the light points to allow measurement of the distance between target and weapon.

A sighting device of this type is particularly useful not only in conventional weapons, but also, and above all, for less than lethal weapons. In fact, as it is well known, these weapons require the adjustment of the projectile kinetic energy according to the distance of the target, so that the projectile impact' is sufficiently intense to incapacitate the target, for instance a person, without however causing irreversible damages or death, or anyway reducing this eventuality to a minimum. The less than lethal weapons are used by the police in anti-riots Operations, but they are also used for the so-called peace-keeping military actions. Examples of less than lethal weapons are described in EP-B-1621843 and US-A-2006/0283068, as well as in the prior art documents cited in these two publications. These weapons use a particular type of projectile, and furthermore comprise a bleeding system for the projectile propelling gases in the barrel. The bleeding system can be adjusted by the sighter according to the kinetic energy one desires to impart to the projectile. The greater the distance of the target to be hit, the lower the quantity of gases bled from the barrel, and therefore the lower the energy taken away from the projectile. Vice versa, the nearer the target, the more energy of the propelling gases , must be discharged through gas bleeding from the barrel to reduce the kinetic energy of the projectile fired to the target. The gas bleeding system thus allows to give the projectile an energy which is a function of the target distance, sufficient to incapacitate the target, but not lethal.

One of the problems of the known sighting devices is the fact that they are destined to be installed only on a specific weapon and require complex alignment operations between the firing line and the optical axis of the device. Similar problems can arise in other fields, every time it is necessary to align the optical axis of a sighting system with a device on which the sighting system is mounted.

Summary of the Invention

The main object of the present invention is to provide an optical component or element for a sighting system for various uses.

In particular, although not exclusively, the optical component can be destined to a light, simple and economical sighting system, which allows to obtain the most important functions of the traditional current systems, and in particular a device of the red dot type with a distance measuring arrangement to measure the distance of the target to hit, which can reduce, completely or partially, the problems of the known devices. . .

According to a first aspect, the invention substantially relates to an optical component or element comprising an optical wedge with circular development, around a circular edge of which a crown wheel is provided, formed in a single piece with the optical wedge. The optical element or component practically comprises a central body with a circular perimeter and two non parallel plan faces, defining the optical wedge. The crown wheel is provided along the circular edge extending around the main body forming the wedge.

In advantageous embodiments of the invention, the optical wedge and the crown wheel are formed by a single block made of molded plastic material. In this way a component is obtained at lowest cost and with high dimensional accuracy.

The component obtained in this way can be advantageously used in a regulating device for adjusting the optical axis of a sighting system, i.e. of a diasporometer. The diasporometer practically comprises a pair of optical components of the above mentioned type, arranged so that they can rotate one with respect to the other around a common axis, practically forming the geometrical axis of the two crown wheels provided around each of the two components.

In some embodiments the component is balanced with respect to the geometrical axis of the crown wheel. This is particularly useful when the optical component is a part of a diasporometer mounted on a weapon. In fact, balancing prevents the optical component from rotating around its own axis due to the weapon recoil effect. As the central body of the optical component is formed by a wedge, the material forming the central body is not distributed symmetrically with respect to the geometrical axis of the cylindrical surface which delimits the component and on which the crown wheel is provided. Particular measures are therefore necessary to balance the component with respect to said geometrical axis. In some embodiments it is possible to balance the non axial-symmetrical distribution of the material forming the central body of the component with an adequate distribution of material forming the crown wheel, for instance varying the axial length of the teeth of the crown wheel along the circumferential extension of the component, so as to balance the material distribution to obtain balancing.

In other embodiments, the component can be provided with a series of holes arranged on an arc of a circle along the circumferential extension of the component, and in particular inside the diameter of the crown wheel, in said holes being housed - - inserts forming balancing weights to balance the optical component with respect to its own axis.

In some advantageous embodiments, the optical component has a perimeter edge projecting from at least one of the two faces of the component. The component is preferably provided with two perimeter edges projecting perimetrally from both the opposite faces of the optical component. The perimeter edge or edges have preferably a diameter lower than the diameter of the teeth of the crown wheel, so as to be radially inside the crown wheel. When holes are provided for housing balancing inserts of the optical component, these holes are preferably formed in the projecting perimeter edges.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a diasporometer comprising two optical elements or components of the above described type, each of which is provided with a regulating device for adjusting the angular position around the axis of the crown wheel. In advantageous embodiments the crown wheel of each optical component engages with a respective adjusting pinion. Each optical component is preferably housed in a substantially circular seat inside which it can rotate under the control of the respective adjusting pinion.

According to a different aspect, the invention relates to a sighting device, with an optical path extending from an entrance for the light beams coming from an outer scene, to an exit, across which said beams are conveyed toward an observer, comprising: a distance-measuring arrangement with a light source, a system for generating light points at adjustable distance and an optical system to send in said optical path a virtual image into infinity of said light points, and a diasporometer along the path to facilitate adjustment of the angular position of the optical axis of the device with respect to the firing line of the weapon on which the device is mounted. The diasporometer can comprise two optical components or elements of the above defined type.

Using the diasporometer, tuning of the device mounted on the weapon will be simpler, and it will be also possible to use the device on weapons of different types. In fact, regulating the diasporometer it is possible to align the exiting optical axis (i.e. facing the target) with the firing line.

According to some embodiments, the diasporometer forms an entrance window of the sighting device. In this case the same diasporometer forms a barrier - - against water and other atmospheric agents. More exactly, one of the two optical wedges of the diasporometer defines the closure window for protection against said atmospheric agents. In this way it is not necessary to provide an additional protective window. In other embodiments it is possible to provide an auxiliary closing window in front of the diasporometer for enhanced sealing against the external agents.

In some embodiments of the device according to the invention it is provided that: the distance-measuring equipment comprises a first opaque screen with a transparent line, and a second opaque screen with a plurality of transparent diastimeter curves that intersect the first transparent line defining with it a plurality of intersection points through which passes the light radiation emitted from said source forming said light points; the first opaque screen and the second opaque screen are movable one with respect to the other, the position of said intersection points varying according to the reciprocal position of said first opaque screen and of said second opaque screen; a mechanism is provided to move the first opaque screen and the second opaque screen one with respect to the other.

Further advantageous features and embodiments of the device according to the invention are indicated in the appended claims and will be described in greater detail hereunder with reference to some examples of embodiment.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a weapon provided with a sighting device of the type defined above. More in general, the invention relates to a firing device for launching a damaging object, provided with a sighting device. Damaging object means generically any object that can be thrown with a sufficient kinetic energy toward a target, for example even a water jet, or a real bullet. According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the device has a regulating system for adjusting the propulsion of the bullet or other damaging object. In some embodiments the device can be a so-called less than lethal weapon, wherein the propulsion regulating system modulates the kinetic energy given to the projectile at the weapon barrel exit. In some embodiments the regulating system provides for a bleeding mechanism for the gases generated from the explosion of the projectile propelling charge. Advantageously, in some embodiments the regulating system is functionally interfaced with the distance measuring arrangement of the sighting device, so that, aiming the weapon, it is possible to adjust the projectile propulsion observing the target through the sighting device, as it will be better explained - - hereafter. The same concept can be applied for instance to a hydrant or other truncheon device, with a regulating system for adjusting the water jet propulsion, and therefore the water pressure inside the hydrant, for example according to the distance of the target against which it is addressed.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention shall be better understood by following the description and the accompanying drawing, which shows non-limiting practical embodiments of the invention. More in particular, in the drawing:

figure 1 shows a front outer axonometric view of a sighting device which embodies optical components according to the invention, in one embodiment;

figures 2 and 3 show axonometric views of the device according to two points of view and with the outer housing removed;

figure 4 is an axonometric view of the device with some components removed; figure 5 is a section according to a longitudinal vertical plane containing the optical axis of the device;

figure 6 shows a plan section according to VI- VI of figure 5;

figure 7 shows a longitudinal section according to an inclined plane;

figures 7A and 7B show respectively: a front view, a section according to V¾- VII_B of figure 7 A and a section according to VIIc-VIIc of figure 7A, of one of the optical components of the diasporometer;

figures 8, 9, and 10 show sections equivalent to those of figures 5, 6, and 7 in a second embodiment of the device;

figures 11, 12, and 13 show section analogous to the sections of figures 5, 6, and 7 in a third embodiment of the device;

figure 14 shows an axonometric view of a tool to adjust the inclination of the optical axis by means of the diasporometer according to the embodiment of figures 11, 12, and 13;

figure 15 is a front view of the device of figure 14;

figure 16 shows a section according to XVI-XVI of figure 15;

figure 17 shows a section similar to the section of figure 16 with the tool applied to the sighting device;

figures 18 and 19 are diagrams showing the operation of the distance measuring arrangement using the diastimeter curves; . - figure 20 shows a weapon, on which the sighting device is installed;

figure 20A is a block diagram illustrating the functional correlation between weapon, sighting device and speed regulator of the projectile fired from the weapon; figure 21 shows an outer axonometric view of a device according to the invention in a different embodiment;

figures 22 and 23 show axonometric views of inner components of the device of figure 21 according to two different angles;

figure 24 is a section according to a substantially vertical plane containing the optical axis of the device of figures 21 to 24;

figure 25 is an axonometric view of the same device, with some parts removed; figure 26 is an axonometric view of the diasporometer of the device of figures 21 to 25;

figure 27 shows a section according to a diametrical plane of the diasporometer of figure 26;

figure 28 is an axonometric view of one of the optical components of the diasporometer of figure 26; and

figure 29 shows an enlarged section of a detail of the balancing system of each optical component of the diasporometer.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

Referring first to figures 1 to 7, in one embodiment of the invention the sighting device, indicated as a whole with reference number 1, comprises an external housing 3 with a base 5 for coupling to a weapon. The housing 3 encloses the optical and mechanical components for sighting, measurement of the target distance and adjustment of the optical axis of the device for alignment with the aiming line of the weapon, on which the device 1 is mounted. An optical path is defined inside the housing 3, extending from an entrance 7 to an exit 9. The entrance 7 faces the target, and the exit faces the person carrying the weapon. Figure 20 schematically indicates a weapon 2 on which the sighting device 1 is mounted. Instead of a weapon, any device can be used for launching toward a target an object, which can also be an energy beam or a liquid.

According to the invention, the entrance of the device 1 is closed by a window formed (see in particular figures 5 to 7) by a diasporometer indicated as a whole with number 11. The diasporometer 11 comprises an outer frame 13 mounted in a seat 3 A _ _ of the housing 3. The frame 13 is coupled to a flange 15 by means of a pair of screws 17 (see in particular figure 2). Inside the frame 13 a double seat 19 is defined for a pair of optical components or elements 21 A, 21 B, which will be described in detail hereafter with particular reference also to figures 7 A, 7B, and 7C.

Each of the two optical elements 21 A and 21B is preferably formed by a single block of molded plastic material, of substantially circular shape (see in particular figure 7A), having a variable thickness to form an optical wedge, as it can be understood by observing figures 7B and 7C: figure 7B is a diameter section where the thickness of the optical element 21 A, 2 IB is constant, while in figure 7C the thickness of the optical element varies in a linear manner from a maximum to a minimum in the direction orthogonal to that of the section of figure 7B. Each optical element 21 A, 2 IB is substantially delimited by two planar, inclined, and therefore convergent, faces: one of the two planar faces is orthogonal to the optical axis of the diasporometer 21, while the other face is inclined. As it is shown in figure 5, in the illustrated example the inclined faces face toward each other inside the diasporometer 11.

X-X indicates the geometrical axis of the two optical elements, i.e. the line passing through the two centers of the circles defining said optical elements that are coaxial to each other. The reciprocal rotation of the two optical wedges defined by the optical elements 21 A, 21B causes the change in the inclination of the optical axis of the diasporometer 11, for the purposes described below. The general operation principles of a diasporometer are known and do not require a more detailed description.

Around the circular extension of each of the optical elements 21 A, 2 IB a crown wheel 23A, 23B respectively is formed. In one embodiment of the invention (as shown in particular in figures 7 A, 7B, and 7C) the teeth forming the crown wheels 23A and 23B are molded in a single piece with the remaining part of the respective optical element 21 A, 2 IB. In this way, producing each optical element 21 A, 21B is extremely economical. With a single molding the optical wedge is obtained with the planar convergent surfaces having sufficient optical finish, as well as with the respective teeth 23A, 23B and two perimeter edges 25A, 25B and 27 A, 27B projecting perimetrally from the two opposite faces of each optical element 21 A, 21B. The edges 25 A, 25B and 27A, 27B are useful for mounting the optical elements . .

21 A, 21B in the double seat 19, so as to allow said elements to rotate with respect to the mechanical axis X-X and to maintain the two optical elements 21 A, 21B in a correct reciprocal position, as it can be understood from the sections of figures 5, 6, and 7.

As it is visible in particular in the section of figure 7 along a plane containing the optical axis of the device 1, inclined by 45° and with trace VII- VII in figure 1, with each of the two optical elements 21 A, 21 B an angular regulating pin co-acts, which is indicated respectively with 29 A for the elements 21 A and with 29B for the optical element 2 IB. The two pins 29A, 29B rotate around respective axes parallel to the axis X-X and are held in respective seats 3 OA, 3 OB formed in the frame 13 of the diasporometer 11. Each angular regulating pin 29 A, 29B is manufactured integrally with a respective pinion 31 A, 3 IB. The pinions 31 A, 3 IB engage the perimeter teeth 23 A, 23B formed on the periphery of the optical elements 21 A, 21B respectively. By rotating the pins 29A, 29B around their respective axes, it is therefore possible to rotate, and thus to regulate, the angular position of the optical elements 21 A, 2 IB one independently from the other. As it is well known from the optics, the relative angular rotation of the two wedges formed by the optical elements 21 A, 2 IB causes the optical axis to pivot around the geometrical axis of rotation of the wedges and therefore allows to adjust the angular position of this optical axis of the diasporometer with respect to the geometrical or mechanical axis X-X of the diasporometer.

On the exit side of the device 1 a simple closing window 35 is provided, mounted in a circular seat 37 formed in the housing 3, and formed for instance by a transparent plastic material plate with plane and parallel surfaces.

The light rays coming from the scene where there is the target observed by the person carrying the weapon on which the sighting device 1 is mounted, enter the device through the entrance 7 passing in the diasporometer 11 and exit on the side of the sighter through the window 35 of the exit 9. Between the entrance 7 and the exit 9 an optical path is defined, along which the rays propagate and in which are inserted the images of a plurality of light points generated by a distance-measuring arrangement, that will be described hereafter, having the function of allowing the user of the weapon provided with the device 1 to measure the distance between target and weapon, or to adjust an operating parameter based upon the distance between the . . target and the weapon.

The components of the distance-measuring arrangement will be described below, with particular reference to figures 2 to 6.

Near the exit window 9, inside the device 1 a box-structured support 41 is arranged, on which a frame 43 is mounted, carrying a dichroic mirror or beam combiner 45. The box-shaped support 41 has been removed in the view of figure 4, to allow a better visualization of some components of the distance-measuring arrangement that will be described below.

The dichroic mirror 45 is inclined by 45° with respect to the optical axis A-A of the device 1. It allows the optical beams coming from the outer scene to pass, allowing the user of the weapon on which the device 1 is mounted to observe the scene through the device 1. The mirror in arranged so as to project, in parallel beams, along the optical path, the image of light points generated by the distance-measuring arrangement, indicated as a whole with number 47, in the following way.

On a side of the optical path a support 51 is arranged forming a seat 53 for a light source 55, for example a led. The optical axis of the led is substantially parallel to the optical axis A-A of the device 1. In front of the light source 55 a semi- cylindrical bar 57 made of transparent material is arranged, forming a focus lens and a reflecting surface for deviating the optical beam generated by the source 55. The semi-cylindrical bar 57 is housed in a substantially round seat 59 having a vertical axis, i.e. orthogonal to the optical axis of the light source 55. The semi-cylindrical bar 57 made for example of transparent plastic focuses the light beam generated by the source 55. The planar surface of the bar 57 reflects the beam, deviating it by 90° toward the optical path of the device 1 and orthogonally to the optical axis A-A of the device along a path indicated with Fl in figure 6. The semi-cylindrical bar 57 forms therefore a focus and deviation element for focusing and deviating the light beam generated by the source 55. The beam Fl is directed toward a collimation and deviation optical element 61, supported by the box-shaped support 41 and arranged, with respect to the optical axis A-A, in a position opposite that of the support 51. In some embodiments the collimation and deviation optical element 61 comprises a Mangin mirror, however it is also possible to use a different collimation and deviation element, for example a simple converging mirror.

The light beam coming from the source 55 and focused and deviated by the . - focus and deviation element 57 toward the collimation and deviation element 61, is collimated and deviated by the latter toward the dichroic mirror 45. In figure 6 reference F2 indicates the beam deviated by the collimation and deviation optical element 61. The beam F2 is reflected by the dichroic mirror 45 along the direction f3 toward the window 35 of the exit 9.

Actually, along the path between the source 55 and the collimation and deviation element 61 further components are arranged, forming a series of light points by means of the light beam generated by the source 55. These further elements are described below. The optical elements 57, 61, 45 make it possible that the light points are observed as they were at an infinite distance, as the beam F2 is with parallel rays.

In front of the semi-cylindrical bar 57 a first opaque screen 65 is arranged, forming a rectilinear slit 63, i.e. a transparent, preferably rectilinear line, through which the light radiation focused by the bar 57 can pass. The opaque screen 65 forming the slit of transparent line 63 is integral with the support 51. The slit extends substantially at 90° with respect to the axis A-A and therefore (when the weapon and the device 1 are positioned horizontally), the slit 63 is vertical.

A second opaque screen 67 is associated to the opaque screen 65, as shown in particular in the view of figure 4, wherein the support 41 has been removed. The second opaque screen 67 is mounted in a rotatable manner on the support 51. The number 69 indicates the hinge pin allowing the opaque screen 67 to rotate or pivot according to the arrow f67 with respect to the support 51 and therefore with respect to the device 1. On the opaque screen 67 diastimeter curves 71 are formed, whose shape and function will be described in greater detail with reference to figures 18 and 19.

The opaque screens 65 and 67 are arranged one in front of the other and intercept the light beam generated by the source 55 and focused and deviated by the focus and deviation optical element formed by the semi-cylindrical bar 57. Through the two overlapping opaque screens 65 and 67 only three thin light beams pass, in correspondence of the intersections between the transparent diastimeter lines 71 obtained on the opaque screen 67 and the slit or transparent line 63 formed in the screen 65. In front of the pair of opaque screen 65, 67 a toroidal or cylindrical lens 73 is arranged for correcting astigmatism. . .

The angular position of the opaque screen 67 with respect to the support 51 is adjusted by means of an actuating mechanism indicated as a whole with number 81 and described below.

In some embodiments the actuating mechanism 81 comprises a rotating shaft 83 with an axis oriented by 90° with respect to the axis A- A of the device 1 and substantially parallel to the base 5 of the housing 3 of the device 1.

The rotating shaft 83 can be a hollow shaft rotatably supported by a pin 85. To the rotating shaft 83 an articulated system 87 is constrained, connecting the shaft 83 to the opaque screen 67 to control pivoting of the screen 67 through rotation of the rotating shaft 83 around its own axis defined by the pin 85. In some embodiments the articulated system 67 comprises an arm 89 torsionally connected to the shaft 83. In the illustrated embodiment the arm 89 is rigidly connected to the rotating shaft 83, and therefore fixed both torsionally and axially with respect to it. The arm 89 is constrained in an intermediate position to a helical traction spring 91. The latter is coupled at one end to the arm 89 and at the opposite end to a fixed point of the support 51.

At the distal end with respect to the rotating shaft 83 the arm 89 is articulated through a pin 93 to a connecting rod 95. The latter is in turn articulated though a pin 97 to the screen 67. Substantially, the arm 89 and the connecting rod 95 form a rod- crank mechanism, which transfers the rotational or pivoting movement of the rotating shaft 83 to the opaque screen 67: a rotation of the rotating shaft 83 around its own axis causes a rotation of the opaque screen 67 around the pin 69.

In addition to the arm 89 of the articulated system 87, to the rotating shaft 83 an arm 99 is also torsionally connected, spaced from the arm 89 and in a different angular position with respect to the latter. The arm 99 cooperates with a pin 101 (see in particular also figure 5). The pin 101 interacts with the propelling gases-bleeding system of a less than lethal weapon of a known type. An example of less than lethal weapon to which the device 1 can be interfaced through the pin 101 is described in US2006/0283068, the content o which is embodied in the present description, or in other prior art documents cited for example in US2006/0283068. The device 1 can be also interfaced with less than lethal weapons of other types, wherein a different system is provided for regulating the kinetic energy imparted to the projectile fired from the weapon, according to the target distance. . .

Substantially, when the device 1 is mounted on a so-called less than lethal weapon provided with a regulating system for adjusting the kinetic energy imparted to the projectile, the projectile propulsion regulating system acts on the pin 101 and therefore practically on the mechanism 81 for controlling the rotation of the opaque screen 67.

In this way, the person using the weapon and observing the scene through the sighting device 1 can adjust the weapon by acting on the regulating system for adjusting the projectile propulsion, observing the effect of this regulation on the light points generated by the distance-measuring arrangement and therefore correlating adjustment of the weapon to the target distance measured through the same distance- measuring arrangement, with a criterion which will be better explained with reference to figures 18 and 19.

Before describing in greater detail the operation of the distance-measuring arrangement and the adjustment of the weapon, it should be noted that in some preferred embodiments of the invention the interface arm 99 and the pin 101 are made each in two reciprocally coupled parts, to adjust both the length of the pin 101 and the length of the arm 99. These two elements cooperate with each other in a contact point between a rounded head 99 A of the arm 99 and a plate 101 A of the pin 101. The possibility of adjusting the length of the arm 99 of the pin 101 allows correctly to adjust the distance-measuring arrangement 47.

Operation of the distance-measuring arrangement 47 is conceptually equivalent to that of the device described in the Italian patent document 1333922, the content of which is embodied in the present description, even if the optical and mechanical components of the distance-measuring arrangement 47 are substantially different to obtain a series of advantages in terms of production economics and use efficiency with respect to the known distance-measuring arrangement.

Substantially, and with particular reference to figures 18 and 19, three transparent curves 71 are obtained on the opaque screen 67, as described above. These curves are shown in greater detail in the front view of figure 18, which schematically show the transparent lines 71 obtained on the opaque screen 67 overlapping the slit or transparent straight line 63 obtained on the opaque screen 65 schematically shown in the figure. In the scheme of figure 18 the lines 71 are indicated with 71A, 71B, 71C, the line 71C being interposed between the lines 71A and 71B.

The two lines 71 A and 7 IB are shaped so that their two intersection points with the transparent straight line 63 provided on the fixed screen 65 are spaced by a radial distance that represents in any angular position of the screen 65 with respect to the screen 67, the angle subtended by a target B of fixed height, taking into account the focal length of the optical elements of the distance-measuring arrangement 47. In figure 19 j and cc₂ indicate the two angles subtending the same target B of preset height H with respect to the point of view O. If the height H is known, the distance between the two intersection points Pi and P₂ between the curves 71 A, 71 B and the straight line or slit 63 is an indirect measure of the distance D_ls D₂ at which the target B is arranged with respect to the point of view O.

The curved lines 71 A, 7 IB therefore represent diastimometer curves for measuring the distance of the target B when it has a height substantially equivalent to that for which the curves have been designed. As in weapons for war use and in less than lethal weapons the height of the target is generally known (as it is the average height of a person), it is easy to design the diastimometer curves 71 A, 71 B so that they can give a measure of the target distance.

Between the two curves 71 A, 71B the third line 71 C is arranged, constituted by a transparent line of the opaque screen 67. The line 71C is the locus of the points P3 that, generally but not necessarily, are arranged at an average distance between the points Pi and P₂ for each angular position of the movable screen 67.

The intersection points P_1? P₂, P3 of the curves 71A, 71B and 71C with the straight line 63 are the only light points that the observer sees overlapping the scene visible through the entrance and exit windows 7 and 9. In fact, these points represent the intersection of the transparent lines on the opaque screen 67 with the transparent line on the opaque screen 65. The light beams generated by the source 55 can therefore achieve the observer's eye only through the points P_ls P₂ and P₃.

For the same target observed through the device 1 the points P\ and P₂ can be positioned in correspondence of the two ends of the target by rotating the movable screen 67 with respect to the fixed screen 65. Thanks to the manner in which the diastimometer curves 71 A and 71B have been designed, the angular position of the screen 67 is a linear function of the distance of the target B with respect to the observer who is in the point O, when the points Ϋ\ and P₂ are in correspondence of the upper and lower end of the target B, and when this latter has the height H (for example 170 cm for a person) of the target B used to design the diastimometer curves 71A and 71B.

In summary, for a target B of known height the angular position taken by the opaque screen 67 (when the person observing the scene through the device 1 sees the two points Pi and P₂ obtained by the intersection between the slit 63 and the diastimometer transparent curves 71 A, 7 IB, nearly in correspondence of the head and the feet of the target) is therefore a function of the distance between the weapon and the target. If the device 1 is used as a sighting device for less than lethal weapons, correlating the angular position of the opaque screen 67 to the regulating system for adjusting the projectile propulsion, it is possible for the sighter to set the propulsion that will be imparted to the projectile based upon the said distance.

With reference also to figures 20 and 20A, when the weapon (or any other launching system provided with the device according to the invention) is used_s the following occurs:- the person shouldering the weapon 2 frames the target B through the sighting device 1; acting on an interface comprising an actuating member schematically indicated with 4 in figure 20A, with which the weapon is provided to adjust the propulsion to be imparted to the projectile he adjusts said propulsion observing the scene in the device 1. In the block diagram of figure 20A the actuating member 4 is connected to a general regulating mechanism 6 for adjusting the propulsion imparted to the projectile. This mechanism can provide means for open in a greater or smaller extent openings for discharging the gases generated by the explosion of a charge of the cartridge contained in the weapon 2, so as to reduce to a greater or smaller extent the energy imparted to the projectile. In other embodiments other systems can be provided for adjusting the energy. This energy, the mass of the projectile being constant, is determined by the speed with which the projectile exits the barrel of the weapon 2. In this case the adjustment is therefore an adjustment of the projectile fire speed. The regulating system for adjusting the propulsion is connected through the pin 101 to the actuating mechanism 81, and therefore adjustment of the weapon causes a rotation of the opaque screen 67 according to the double arrow f67. The connection can be a mechanical connection between the mechanism 6 and the pin 101, or a mechanical connection between the actuating member 4 and the pin 101. In figure 20 A the functional connection between the - - elements 4, 6, and 101 is schematically represented by means of arrows, being intended that this connection can be obtained in various manner. What is important is that in any case, by acting on the actuating member 4, the user acts on one hand on the regulating mechanism for adjusting the projectile propulsion, and on the other hand on the sighting device 1. Acting on the projectile propulsion regulating system, the sighter makes the points ?_\ and P₂ coincide nearly with the ends of the target to be hit. In this way the propulsion that will be imparted to the projectile is automatically regulated according to the distance of the target observed by the sighter. There is a direct functional link between the sighting device and the regulating system for adjusting the propulsion imparted to the projectile.

The central point P3 is used to aim correctly the target, and then shoot. The position of this point (or more exactly of the central curve 72C) takes into account the elevation to give to the weapon to compensate the projectile ballistic fall.

Adjustment of the propulsion to be imparted to the projectile occurs in indirect manner by the operator, simply bringing the points Pi and P₂ in alignment with the ends of the target. This is achieved by acting on the actuating member 4 and therefore an adjustment of the propulsion to be imparted to the projectile directly corresponds to said operation. As the mutual distance of the points ¥_\ and P₂ is a function of the distance of a target with standard height with respect to the weapon, adjusting the mutual distance of the points Pi and P₂ the correct setting is obtained of the energy to be imparted to the projectile according to the target distance, without the need for the operator to make a measure of the distance of the target B or an adjustment of the projectile propulsion based upon the measured distance. In other words, distance measurement through the diastimometer curves is directly translated into adjustment of the propulsion to be imparted to the projectile, without the need of the operator's intervention, who only aligns, through the actuating member 4, the points Pi, P₂ with the ends of the target B to be hit.

As it is important that the device 1 is correctly aligned with the aiming line of the weapon 2 (figure 20), before using the system formed by the device 1 and by the weapon 2 mounted one on the other, the optical axis of the device 1 is adjusted by acting on the diasporometer 11, setting the angular position of the two optical elements 21 A, 21B to align the optical axis of the device 1 with the aiming line of the weapon. - -

Figures 8, 9, and 10 show a modified embodiment of the diasporometer in the three sections equivalent to that of figures 5, 6 and 7 described above. In figure 8, 9 and 10 also other components of the device 1 are visible, and in particular some components of the distance-measuring arrangement, that however will not be described again. As regards the diasporometer 11, also in the embodiment of figures 8, 9, and 10 it comprises two optical elements, indicated again with numbers 21 A, 2 IB. These are mounted in seats 19 provided in the housing 3. The number 105 indicates a blocking flange and the numbers 22A and 22B indicate two gear wheels made of different material with respect to that forming the optical wedges constituting the optical elements 21 A, 2 IB but torsionally coupled to these latter, for example by gluing. Pinions 24A, 24B of angular regulation pins 26A, 26B (see in particular figure 10) cooperate with the crown wheels 22 A, 22B. The operation is substantially equivalent to that described with reference to figures 1 to 7, with the difference that in this case manufacturing and assembly of the optical elements 21 A, 21B are more complex and expensive due to the fact that the crown wheels 22 A, 22B are made separately with respect to the optical wedges forming the optical elements 21A, 21B.

Figures 11 to 17 show a further modified embodiment of the diasporometer 11. In the sections of figures 11, 12, and 13, equivalent to the sections of figure 5, 6, and 7, also some further components of the distance-measuring arrangement are shown, that will not be described again here and that are substantially equivalent to those of figures 1 to 7.

The diasporometer 11 of the embodiment of figures 11 to 17 comprises again the two optical elements or optical wedges 21 A, 2 IB. These are housed in a double seat 19 provided in the housing 3, and are blocked by a front flange 151. The front flange 151 has front slots 152. The optical element 21 A is integral with a ring 153 housed in the seat 19 and forming a nearly cylindrical surface 155, where a ring 157 is housed, integral with the optical element 2 IB. As it is shown in particular in figure 13, the rings 153 and 157 are provided with front holes 153 A and 157A with which an angular registration tool 161 cooperates for adjusting the two optical elements 21 A, 2 IB shown in figure 14 and 17 and described below. Thanks to the presence of the slots 152 of the flange 151 it is possible to access the holes 153 A, 157A from the front side of the device 1 through the angular registration tool 161, indicated as a whole with number 161 in figures 14 to 17.

The registration tool 161 is constituted by two cylindrical components 161 A and 161B coaxially mounted inside each other and axially slidable with respect to each other (figure 16). The cylindrical component 161 A has plugs 163 projecting in direction parallel to the axis Y-Y of the tool 161 and that are in positions diametrically opposite to each other. Analogously, the cylindrical component 161B is provided with diametrically opposing plugs 165 angularly displaced by 90° with respect to the plugs 163.

The plugs 163 and 165 are arranged in such a position that they can be inserted in the holes 153 A and 157 A respectively of the two rings 153 and 157 of the optical elements 21A, 21B.

The cylindrical components 161 A and 161B are provided with collars 169 A and 169B provided with pins 171 A and 171B arranged in different angular positions, as shown in particular in figure 14. The pins 171 A project ; internally from the respective cylindrical component 161 A to engage in annular seats 173 (figures 16 and 17) formed on the outer surface of the inner cylindrical component 161B. In this way the two cylindrical components 161 A, 161B are constrained to each other, however allowing the axial sliding and the angular rotation of a component with respect to the other, thanks to the longitudinal and annular extension of the grooves 173.

As it can be understood by observing figure 17, to adjust independently the angular position of the optical element 21 A and of the optical element 2 IB, it is sufficient to use these components inserting the plugs 163 and 165 in the front holes 153 A and 157 A of the rings 153 and 157 rotating angularly the two optical elements 21 A, 2 IB around the mechanical axis X-X of the diasporometer 11.

Figures 21 to 29 show a further embodiment of the diasporometer according to the invention. The same numbers indicate the same or equivalent parts to those of the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 9, and they will not be described again.

This embodiment differs from the previous ones in the presence of a closing window 10 coupled to the optical elements or optical wedges 21 A, 21B of the diasporometer 11. The closing window 10 is mounted in a sealed manner on the frame 13 on which the optical elements 21 A and 2 IB are rotatably mounted. This window allows to obtain enhanced protection against penetration of atmospheric agents, in particular humidity.

The embodiment shown in figures 21 to 29 further comprises a balancing system for balancing the optical elements or optical wedges 21A, 21B. In fact, due to their wedge shape, these elements are not balanced with respect to their own axis. Consequently, as they are mounted rotatable in the frame 13, when the device is mounted on a firearm the vertical thrust caused by the shot can generate on each optical element 21 A, 21B a torque that tends to rotate it. If this occurs, the optical adjustment, obtained by acting on the two optical elements to align the aiming line of the weapon, is lost.

The balancing system aims at avoiding this possible drawback. Balancing is obtained by using specific additional masses applied to each optical element 21 A, 2 IB. In the illustrated example, as shown in particular in figures 28 and 29, in the annular area 25A, 25B comprised inside the crown wheel 23A, 23B molded on the optical element 21 A or 2 IB, holes 2 IX are provided, said holes being distributed along a limited arc of the circular extension of the optical element. The holes (as visible in the enlarged section of figure 29) are preferably through holes and inside them plugs 21 Y are inserted, made of a material of a specific weight greater than that of the material (typically a transparent polymeric resin) of which the optical elements 21 A, 21B are made. For example the plugs 21 Y are made of a metallic material. They are fixed by interference or gluing in the through holes 2 IX. The arrangement and the weight of the plugs 21 Y is such as to balance dynamically each optical element 21 A, 2 IB with respect to its own axis, so that the vertical thrust generated by the shot does not generate on the optical element a torque tending to rotate it in its seat in the diasporometer 11.

It should be understood that a similar balancing system can be provided also in the other embodiments described above.

It is understood that the drawing only shows an example provided by way of a practical arrangement of the invention, which can vary in forms and arrangements without however departing from the scope of the concept underlying the invention. Any reference numbers in the appended claims are provided for the sole purpose of facilitating reading of the claims in the light of the description and the drawing, and do not in any manner limit the scope of protection represented by the claims.

Claims

1. An optical element comprising an optical wedge with a circular shape, around a round edge of which a crown wheel is provided, formed in a single piece with said optical wedge.

2. An element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said optical wedge and said crown wheel are formed by a single block of molded plastic material.

3. An element as claimed in claim 1 or 2, balanced with respect to a geometrical axis of said crown wheel.

4. An element as claimed in claim 3, comprising a series of holes arranged along an arc of a circumference around the edge of the element, in which inserts are housed forming balancing weights for balancing the optical element with respect to the axis thereof.

5. An element as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, comprising two perimeter edges projecting perimetrally from two opposite faces of the optical element.

6. An element as claimed in claim 5, wherein said two perimeter edges have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the teeth of said crown wheel.

7. A diasporometer comprising two optical elements as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 6, each of which is provided with an adjusting device for adjusting the angular position of the optical element around the axis of the crown wheel.

8. A diasporometer as claimed in claim 7, wherein the crown wheel of each optical element engages a respective adjusting pinion; each optical element being preferably housed in a substantially round seat inside which it can rotate under the control of the respective adjusting pinion.

9. A sighting device, with an optical path extending from an entrance for the light beams coming from an outer scene, to an exit, across which said beams are conveyed toward an observer, comprising: a distance-measuring arrangement with a light source, a system for generating light points at adjustable distance and an optical system to send in said optical path a virtual image into infinity of said light points; characterized in that along said optical path a diasporometer is arranged.

10. A device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said diasporometer forms a window arranged in said entrance.

11. A device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that to said diasporometer an entrance window is associated, which protects the diasporometer against outer agents.

12. A device as claimed in claim 9, 10, or 11, characterized in that said diasporometer comprises two optical elements, each of which is mounted rotatable independently of the other around an axis, and each of which has two flat surfaces defining a wedge-shaped cross section.

13. A device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that said two optical elements are mounted rotatably in two substantially circular adjacent seats.

14. A device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said two optical elements have a circular shape and each of them is provided with a respective crown wheel, engaging with a respective adjusting pinion; each optical element being housed in a substantially circular seat, inside which it can rotate.

15. A device as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that each optical element is made in a single piece with the respective crown wheel.

16. A device as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that each optical element with the relative crown wheel are made of molded plastic.

17. A device as claimed in one or more of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that said optical elements are provided with a balancing system.

18. A device as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that each of said optical element comprises a series of holes in which inserts are housed, forming balancing weights for balancing the respective optical element with respect to its own axis of rotation.

19. A device as claimed in one or more of claims 9 to 18, characterized in that: said distance-measuring arrangement comprises a first opaque screen with a transparent line, and a second opaque screen with a plurality of transparent diastimeter curves that intersect the first transparent line defining therewith a plurality of intersection points through which the light radiation emitted from said source passes, forming said light points; said first opaque screen and said second opaque screen are movable one with respect to the other, the position of said intersection points varying according to the reciprocal position of said first opaque screen and of said second opaque screen; a mechanism is provided to move said first opaque screen and said second opaque screen one relative to the other.

20. A device as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that said mechanism comprises an interface which can be connected to a weapon, to correlate a functioning characteristic of the weapon to the reciprocal position of said first opaque screen and of said second opaque screen.

21. A device as claimed in claim 19 or 20, characterized in that along an optical path between said light source and said first and second opaque screen a focusing and deviating optical element is arranged for focusing and deviating the light beam generated by said light source.

22. A device as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that said focusing and deviating optical element is formed by a semi-cylindrical bar made of transparent material.

23. A device as claimed in one or more of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that said optical system comprises a collimation and deviation optical element, arranged to receive the beams coming from said light points, collimate said beams and deviate them toward a dichroic mirror arranged along the optical path extending between the entrance and the exit of said device.

24. A device as claimed in claim 23, characterized in that said collimation and deviation optical element comprises a Mangin mirror.

25. A device as claimed in one or more of claims 19 to 24, characterized in that between said first and second opaque screen and said collimation and deviation optical element an astigmatism-correcting lens is arranged.

26. A firing device, characterized by comprising a sighting device as claimed in one or more of the previous claims.

27. A device as claimed in claim 26, characterized by comprising an adjusting system for adjusting the firing kinetic energy of a damaging object, functionally connected to the distance-measuring equipment of the sighting device.

28. A device as claimed in claim 26 or 27, characterized by being a firearm, wherein said sighting device is associated to an adjusting system for adjusting the kinetic energy of the projectiles fired from said weapon.