ITFI20100082A1 - "TARGET AND AIMING DEVICE WITH DIASPORAMETER AND WEAPON CONSISTING OF THIS DEVICE" - Google Patents

Description

"AIMING AND AIMING DEVICE WITH DIASPORAMETER AND WEAPON INCLUDING THIS DEVICE"

DESCRIPTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a sighting and sighting device, in particular for light weapons, such as rifles or the like and in particular for so-called "low-lethal" or "non-lethal" weapons.

More specifically, the invention relates to a so-called "red dot" pointing and aiming device, that is, equipped with a light source and an optical system that generates an infinite virtual image of one or more light points that overlap. to the image of the external scene to facilitate aiming and aiming, as well as a distance meter, ie a device for estimating the distance between target and weapon.

The invention also relates to a weapon, to be understood in general also as a launching device, comprising a pointing and aiming device of the aforesaid type.

State of the art

To facilitate aiming and aiming with light weapons, such as rifles or other small weapons, devices are currently used that can be classified into three distinct categories.

The simplest aiming and aiming devices provide a aiming telescope on whose main focal plane there is a aiming reticle, in some cases equipped with ballistic curves or so-called diastymometric curves, to estimate the distance of the target from the observer. A device of this kind is described for example in US-A-4263719. This prior patent also describes the principle on which the ballistic curves for estimating the distance of a target of known size are based.

Another example of a telescope with an aiming reticle is described in US-A-5920995.

Another type of aiming device, much more complex, includes a laser emitter which is used for aiming, projecting a laser spot on the target, and is functional for determining the distance of the target from the pointer. Such a device is described in US-A-5907150, US-A-5355224 and US-A-5140151. US-A-4993833 discloses an aiming system with a laser rangefinder which includes a system for correcting the aim as a function of the distance to the target. This system comprises a linear array of light emitting diodes. One of the light emitting diodes lights up and forms the front sight to facilitate aiming the weapon. Telemetry detection of the distance to the target allows to turn on one or the other of the light diodes according to the distance to the target to optimize the aiming taking into account the necessary correction of the ballistic curve followed by the bullet fired from the weapon.

A different category of pointing 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 luminous image that is superimposed on the image of the scene observed through the aiming device, in which scene is the target to hit. An optical system makes the observer see an infinite virtual image of the light source superimposed on the scene. This image is placed - with respect to the scene observed through the pointing device - in order to correctly aim the target. An example of such a device is described in US-A-5577326.

These pointing devices, also called "red dot" systems, due to the fact that a virtual image consisting of a red point is superimposed on the external scene, are used in pointing and aiming devices both for daytime use only and for day and / or night use. Examples of night vision devices equipped with a red dot aiming system are described in US-A-4658139, US-A-5272514 (corresponding to EP-A-0545527), US-A-4417814. Further pointing devices of the "red-dot" type are described in US-A-5369888, US-A-5373644 and US-A-5205044.

The aiming devices of the last category mentioned above are very simple and cheap compared to laser aiming systems, but they do not provide the possibility to estimate the distance to the target and consequently to carry out a ballistic correction that takes this distance into account.

The Italian patent n. 1,333,922 discloses a pointing and aiming device comprising an optical path extending from an inlet for the light beams coming from an external scene to an outlet through which the beams are conveyed towards an observer, and in which a distance meter is provided with a light source, a system for the generation of light points at an adjustable distance and an optical system for sending an infinite virtual image of the light points in the optical path to allow an estimate of the distance between the weapon and the target.

A pointing and aiming device of this type is particularly useful not only in conventional weapons, but also and above all for low lethality weapons. In fact, as is known, these weapons require the kinetic energy of the projectile to be calibrated as a function of the distance to the target so that the impact of the projectile is sufficiently intense to incapacitate the target, for example a person, without however causing damage. irreversible or death, or in any case minimizing this possibility. Low-lethality or so-called non-lethal weapons are used by police forces in anti-riot operations, but they also find military use in so-called peace-keeping actions. Examples of low lethality weapons are described in EP-B-1621843 and in 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 also include a system for tapping the thrust gases of the projectile into the barrel of the weapon. The tapping system is adjustable by the pointer according to the kinetic energy that you want to impart to the bullet. The greater the distance from the target to hit, the less the quantity of gas tapped from the barrel will be and therefore the less energy will be subtracted from the bullet. Conversely, the closer the target is, the more energy of the thrust gases must be discharged by tapping the gas from the barrel to reduce the kinetic energy of the projectile fired at the target. The gas tapping system therefore allows the projectile to be imparted an energy that is a function of the distance to the target, sufficient to incapacitate the target, but such as not to be lethal.

One of the problems of the known aiming and sighting devices consists in the fact that they are intended to be installed exclusively on a well-determined weapon and require complex alignment operations between the firing line and the optical axis of the device.

Summary of the invention

The main purpose of the present invention is the realization of a light, simple and low cost aiming and sighting system which allows to obtain the most important functions of the existing traditional systems, and in particular a "red dot" type device with a distance meter to estimate the distance of the target to hit, which can reduce in whole or in part the problems of known devices.

Basically, in one embodiment the invention provides a pointing and aiming device, with an optical path extending from an entrance for the light beams coming from an external scene to an exit through which said beams are conveyed towards an observer. comprising: a distance meter with a light source, a system for the generation of luminous points at an adjustable distance and an optical system for sending in said optical path an infinite virtual image of said luminous points; and along the optical path a diasporameter to facilitate the recording of the angular position of the optical axis of the device with respect to the line of fire of the weapon on which the device is mounted.

Using the diasporameter makes it easier to set up the device mounted on the weapon and also allows you to use the device on different types of weapons. In fact, by registering the diasporameter it is possible to align the outgoing optical axis (that is, facing the target) to the line of fire.

According to some embodiments, the diasporameter constitutes an input window of the aiming and sighting device. In other embodiments, it can be provided that an auxiliary closing window is arranged in front of the diasporameter for greater sealing against external agents.

In some embodiments the diasporameter comprises two optical elements, each of which is mounted rotatably independently of the other about an axis, and each of which has two flat surfaces defining a wedge-shaped cross section.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the two optical elements or optical wedges of the diasporameter have a circular shape and are each equipped with a respective toothed crown, meshing with a respective recording pinion; each optical element is housed in a substantially circular seat within which it can rotate.

The crown gear can be made of metal or other material and applied to the optical wedge, for example by gluing. In some preferred embodiments of the invention, however, each optical element is made of one piece with the respective ring gear. In order to obtain particularly limited production costs, each optical element with the relative toothed crown are made by molding in optical plastic material.

In some advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention it is provided: that the distance meter comprises a first opaque screen with a transparent line, and a second opaque screen with a plurality of transparent diastymometric curved lines, which intersect the first transparent line defining with it a plurality of intersection points through which the luminous radiation emitted by said source passes, forming said luminous points; that the first opaque screen and the second opaque screen are movable relative to each other, the position of said intersection points varying as a function of the mutual position of said first opaque screen and of said second opaque screen; and that a mechanism is provided for moving the first opaque screen and the second opaque screen relative to each other.

Further advantageous characteristics and embodiments of the device according to the invention are indicated in the attached dependent claims and will be described in greater detail below with reference to some embodiment examples.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a weapon equipped with a sighting and aiming device of the type defined above. More generally, the invention relates to a device for launching a blunt object, equipped with a pointing and aiming device. By blunt object we generally mean anything that can be launched with sufficient kinetic energy towards a target, for example even a jet of water, rather than a real projectile. According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the device has a system for adjusting the thrust of the projectile or other blunt object. In some embodiments the device can be a so-called low lethality weapon, in which the thrust regulation system modulates the kinetic energy imparted to the bullet upon exiting the barrel of the weapon. In some embodiments the regulation system provides a bleeding mechanism for the gases generated by the explosion of the explosive charge of the projectile. Advantageously, in some embodiments the adjustment system is functionally interfaced with the distance meter of the aiming and aiming device, so that by aiming the weapon, the thrust of the projectile can be adjusted by observing the target through the aiming and aiming device. aim, as will be better clarified below. The same concept can be applied, for example to a hydrant or other displacement device, with a system for regulating the thrust of the water jet, and therefore the pressure of the water in the hydrant, depending on for example the distance of the target at which it is aimed.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be better understood by following the description and the attached drawing, which shows practical non-limiting embodiments of the invention. More specifically, in the drawing they show:

Fig.1 is an external front axonometric view of the display unit according to the invention in an embodiment;

Figures 2 and 3 are axonometric views of the device from two observation points and without the external housing;

Fig.4 is an isometric view of the device with some components removed; Fig.5 is a section on a longitudinal vertical plane passing through the optical axis of the device;

Fig.6 is a plan section according to VI-VI of Fig.5;

Fig.7 is a longitudinal section along an inclined plane;

Figs.7A and 7B respectively: a front view, a section according to VIIB-VIIB of Fig.7A and a section according to VIIC-VIIC of Fig.7A, of one of the optical elements of the diasporameter;

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

Figs. 11, 12 and 13 sections similar to the sections of Figs 5, 6 and 7 in a third embodiment of the device;

Fig.14 is an axonometric view of a tool for recording the inclination of the optical axis by means of the diasporameter according to the embodiment of Figs.11, 12 and 13;

Fig.15 is a front view of the device of Fig.14;

Fig.16 is a section according to XVI-XVI of Fig.15;

Fig.17 is a section similar to the section of Fig.16 with the tool applied to the aiming and sighting device;

Figs. 18 and 19 diagrams illustrating the operation of the distance meter using the diastymometric curves;

Fig. 20 a weapon on which the aiming device is mounted;

Fig.21 is an external axonometric view of a device according to the invention in a different embodiment;

Figs. 22 and 23 are axonometric views of internal components of the device of Fig. 21 from two different angles;

Fig. 24 is a section on a substantially vertical plane passing through the optical axis of the device of Figs. 21 to 24;

Fig. 25 is an axonometric view of the same device with further parts removed;

Fig. 26 is an axonometric view of the diasporameter of the device of Figs.

21 to 25;

Fig. 27 is a section on a diametrical plane of the diasporameter of Fig. 26;

Fig. 28 is an axonometric view of one of the optical elements of the diasporameter of Fig. 26; And

Fig. 29 is an enlarged section of a detail of the balancing system of each optical element of the diasporameter

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

With initial reference to Figures 1 to 7, in an embodiment of the invention the aiming and sighting device, indicated as a whole with 1, comprises an external housing 3 with a base 5 for coupling to a weapon. The housing 3 contains the optical and mechanical components for aiming, estimating the distance to the target and recording the optical axis of the device for alignment with the line of sight of the weapon on which the device 1 is mounted. Inside the housing 3 an optical path is defined that extends from an inlet 7 to an outlet 9. The inlet 7 faces the target and the outlet faces the holder the weapon.

According to the invention, the entrance is closed by a window formed (see in particular Figs. 5 to 7) of a diasporameter indicated as a whole by 11. The diasporameter 11 comprises an external frame 13 mounted in a seat 3A of the ™ housing 3. The frame 13 is coupled to a flange 15 by means of a pair of screws 17 (see in particular Fig.2). Inside the frame 13 a double seat 19 is defined for a pair of optical elements 21A, 21B, which will be described in detail below with particular reference also to Figs 7A, 7B and 7C.

Each of the two optical elements 21A and 21B is preferably formed by a single block of molded plastic material, of substantially circular shape (see in particular Fig.7A), having a variable thickness to form an optical wedge or wedge, as can be understood observing Figs.7B and 7C: Fig.7B is a diametrical section in correspondence with which the thickness of the optical element 21A, 21B is constant, while in Fig.7C it is observed how in the orthogonal direction with respect to that of the section of Fig.7B the thickness of the optical element varies from a maximum to a minimum in a linear way. Each optical element 21A, 21B is essentially delimited by two inclined flat faces and therefore converging towards each other: one of the two flat faces is orthogonal to the optical axis of the diasporameter 21 while the other face is ̈ inclined. As can be seen in the section of Fig.5, in the example shown the inclined faces are turned towards each other inside the diasporameter 11.

The geometric axis of the two optical elements is indicated by X-X, ie the straight line passing through the two centers of the circles defining the optical elements themselves which are coaxial to each other. The reciprocal rotation of the two optical wedges or wedges defined by the optical elements 21A, 21B causes the variation of the inclination of the optical axis of the diasporameter 11, for the purposes explained below. The general principles of operation of a diasporameter are known and do not require a more detailed description here.

A toothed crown 23A, 23B, respectively, is formed around the circular development of each of the optical elements 21A, 21B. In an embodiment of the invention (as shown in particular in Figs 7A, 7B and 7C), the teeth forming the toothed crowns 23A and 23B are made by molding and integrating with the remaining part of the respective optical element 21A, 21B. In this way the manufacture of each optical element 21A, 21B is extremely economical. With a single molding operation, the optical wedge is obtained with the converging flat surfaces with sufficient optical finish, as well as the respective teeth 23A, 23B and two perimeter edges 25A, 25B and 27A, 27B protruding perimeter from the two opposite faces of each optical element 21A, 21B. The edges 25A, 25B and 27A, 27B are used to mount the optical elements 21A, 21B in the double seat 19, so as to allow the rotation of the same elements with respect to the mechanical axis X-X and to keep the two elements in a correct reciprocal position optics 21A, 21B, as can be understood from the sections of Figs. 5, 6 and 7.

As can be seen in particular in the section of Fig.7 carried out along a plane containing the optical axis of the device 1, inclined at 45 ° and marked VII-VII in Fig.1, with each of the two optical elements 21A, 21B an angular registration pin cooperates, indicated respectively with 29A for the element 21A and with 29B for the optical element 21B. The two pins 29A, 29B rotate around respective axes parallel to the X-X axis and are held in respective seats 30A, 30B formed in the frame 13 of the diasporameter 11. Each angular adjustment pin 29A, 29B is made integrally with a respective pinion 31A, 31B. The pinions 31A, 31B mesh with the perimeter toothings 23A, 23B formed on the periphery of the optical elements 21A, 21B respectively. By rotating the pins 29A, 29B around their respective axes, it is thus possible to rotate and thus adjust the angular position of the optical elements 21A, 21B one independently of the other. As is known from optics, the relative angular rotation of the two wedges formed by the optical elements 21A, 21B causes an oscillation of the optical axis around the geometric axis of rotation of the wedges and therefore allows to record the angular position of this optical axis of the diasporameter with respect to the geometric or mechanical axis X-X of the diasporameter itself.

On the output side of the device 1 there is a simple closing window 35 mounted in a circular seat 37 formed in the housing 3 and formed for example by a transparent plastic sheet with flat and parallel surfaces.

The light rays, coming from the scene where the target is observed by the person holding the weapon on which the aiming and aiming device 1 is mounted, enter the device itself through the entrance 7 passing through the diasporameter 11 and they exit on the side of the pointer through the window 35 of the output 9. Between the input 7 and the output 9 an optical path is defined along which the beams propagate, and in which the images of a plurality of luminous points generated by a distance meter that will be described below, having the function of allowing those who use the weapon equipped with the device 1 to estimate the distance of the target from the weapon, or to regulate an operating parameter of the weapon Weapon as a function of the distance of the target from the weapon itself.

The components of the distance meter will be described below with particular reference to Figs. 2 to 6.

In proximity to the exit window 9, inside the device 1 there is a box-like support 41 on which a frame 43 is mounted carrying a dichroic mirror or beam combiner 45. The box-like support 41 has been removed in the view of Fig.4 to allow a better visualization of some components of the distance meter which 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 passage of the optical beams coming from the external scene allowing the user of the weapon on which the device 1 is mounted to observe the scene itself through device 1. The mirror is arranged in such a way as to project, in parallel beams, along the optical path the image of luminous points generated by the distance meter, indicated as a whole with 47, as follows.

A support 51 is arranged on one side of the optical path and forms 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 there is a semi-cylindrical bar of transparent material 57 forming a focusing lens and a reflecting surface for deviating the beam optical generated by the source 55. The semi-cylindrical bar 57 is housed in a substantially circular seat 59 with a vertical axis, that is, 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 flat surface of the bar 57 reflects the beam, deviating it by 90 ° towards the optical path of the device 1 and orthogonally to the optical axis A-A of the device itself along a path indicated with F1 in Fig.6. The semi-cylindrical bar 57 therefore constitutes an element for focusing and deflecting the light beam generated by the source 55. The beam F1 is directed towards an optical collimating and deflecting element 61, supported by the box-like support 41 and arranged, with respect to the axis optical A-A, in the opposite position with respect to the support 51. In some embodiments the optical collimation and deflection element 61 comprises a Mangin mirror, although the possibility of using a different collimation and deflection element such as a simple converging mirror.

The light beam coming from the source 55 and focused and deflected by the focusing and deflecting element 57 towards the collimating and deflecting element 61 is collimated and deflected by the latter towards the dichroic mirror 45. In Fig. 6 the beam deviated from the optical element of collimation and deviation 61 is indicated with F2. The beam F2 is reflected by the dichroic mirror 45 along the direction f3 towards the window 35 of the output 9.

In reality, along the path between the source 55 and the collimation and deflection element 61, further components are arranged which form a series of light points by means of the light beam generated by the source 55. These further components are described below. The optical elements 57, 61, 45 ensure that the luminous points are observed as if they were placed at an infinite distance, since the beam F2 has parallel rays.

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

A second opaque screen 67 is associated with the opaque screen 65, as shown in particular in the view of Fig. 4, in which the support 41 has been removed. The second opaque screen 67 is rotatably mounted on support 51. 69 indicates the hinge pin which allows opaque screen 67 to rotate or oscillate according to arrow f67 with respect to support 51 and therefore with respect to device 1. opaque screen 67 diastymometric curves 71 are made, the shape and function of which will be described in greater detail with reference to Figs. 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 deflected by the focusing and deflecting optical element formed by the semi-cylindrical bar 57. Through the two overlapping opaque screens 65 and 67 pass only three thin beams of light at the intersections between the three transparent diastymometric lines 71 made on the opaque screen 67 and the slit or straight transparent line 63 formed in the screen 65. In front of the pair of opaque screens 65, 67 there is a toroidal or cylindrical lens 73 for astigmatism correction.

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

In some embodiments the actuation mechanism 81 comprises a rotating shaft 83 with an axis oriented at 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. An articulated system 87 is connected to the rotating shaft 83 which connects the shaft 83 to the opaque screen 67 to control the oscillation of the screen 67 by rotation of the rotating shaft 83 about its own axis defined by the pin 85. In some embodiments the articulated system 67 comprises an arm 89 torsionally constrained 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 hooked at one end to the arm 89 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 by means of a pin 93 to a connecting rod 95. The latter is in turn articulated by means of a pin 97 to the shield 67. Basically, the arm 89 and the connecting rod 95 form a connecting rod-crank system which transfers the rotation or oscillation 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 pin 69.

In addition to the arm 89 of the articulated system 87, an arm 99 placed at a distance from the arm 89 and in a different angular position with respect to the latter is torsionally constrained to the rotating shaft 83. The arm 99 cooperates with a pin 101 (see in particular also Fig. 5). Pin 101 interacts with the thrust gas bleeding system of a low lethality weapon of a per se known type. An example of a low lethality weapon to which the device 1 can be interfaced by means of the pin 101 is described in US2006 / 0283068, the content of which is incorporated in this description, or in other prior art documents for example cited in US2006 / 0283068. The device 1 can also be interfaced with non-lethal or low-lethality weapons of another type, in which a different system for regulating the kinetic energy imparted to the projectile fired by the weapon is provided, according to the distance from the target.

Basically, when device 1 is mounted on a so-called `` low lethality '' or `` non-lethal '' weapon equipped with a system for regulating the kinetic energy imparted to the projectile, this thrust regulation system of the projectile acts on the pin 101 and therefore ultimately on the mechanism 81 for controlling the rotation of the opaque screen 67.

In this way, whoever takes up the weapon and observes the scene through the aiming and aiming device 1 can adjust the weapon by acting on the system for adjusting the thrust on the projectile, observing the effect that this adjustment has on the luminous points generated from the distance meter and therefore correlating the adjustment of the weapon to the distance of the target estimated by means of the distance meter itself, with a criterion that will be better clarified with reference to Figs. 18 and 19.

Before describing in more detail the operation of the distance meter 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 each made in two parts coupled to each other, for record both the length of the pin 101 and the length of the arm 99. These two elements cooperate with each other in a point of contact between a rounded head 99A of the arm 99 and a plate 101A of the pin 101. The adjustability of the length of the arm 99 of the pin 101 allows to correctly calibrate the distance meter 47.

The operation of the distance meter 47 is conceptually equivalent to that of the device described in the Italian patent 1333922, the content of which is incorporated in the present description, although the optical and mechanical components of the distance meter 47 are substantially different to obtain a series of advantages in terms of of economy of production and efficiency of use compared to the known distance meter.

Basically and with particular reference to Figs. 18 and 19, three transparent curves 71 are formed on the opaque screen 67 as described above. These curves are shown in greater detail in the front view of Fig. 18, which schematically shows overlapping the transparent lines 71 made on the opaque screen 67 and the slit or transparent straight line 63 made on the opaque screen 65 schematically represented in the figure. In the diagram of Fig.18 the lines 71 are indicated with 71A, 71B and 71C, the line 71C is interposed between the lines 71A and 71B.

The two lines 71A and 71B are drawn in such a way that the two points of intersection of them with the straight transparent line 63 made on the fixed screen 65, in each angular position of the screen 65 with respect to the screen 67, are at a radial distance that represents, taking into account the focal length of the optical components of the distance meter 47, the angle subtended by a target B of fixed height. In Fig. 19 with Î ± 1 and Î ± 2 are shown the two angles that subtend the same target B of predetermined height H with respect to the observation point O. When the height H is known, the distance between the two intersection points P1e P2 between curves 71A, 71B and straight line or slit 63 is an indirect measure of the distance D1, D2a at which target B is with respect to observation point O.

The curved lines 71A, 71B therefore represent diastymometric curves for estimating the distance of target B when this has a height substantially equivalent to that for which the curves have been plotted. Since in weapons for war use and in weapons with low lethality the height of the target is normally known (being the average height of a human being), it is easy to draw the diastymometric curves 71A, 71B so that these can give an estimate of the distance to the target itself.

Between the two curves 71A, 71B there is the third line 71C also constituted by a transparent line of the opaque screen 67. Line 71C is the geometric locus of the points P3 which are normally but not necessarily at an average distance between points P1 and P2 for each angular position of the mobile screen 67.

The points P1, P2, P3 of intersection of curves 71A, 71B and 71C with the straight line 63 are the only bright points that the observer sees superimposed on the scene visible through the entry and exit windows 7 and 9. In fact, these points they are representative of 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 reach the eye of the observer only through the points P1, P2 and P3.

For the same target observed through device 1 the points P1 and P2 can be brought to correspondence with the two extremities of the target by rotating the mobile screen 67 with respect to the fixed screen 65. As the diastymometric curves 71A and 71B have been plotted, the angular position of the screen 67 is a linear function of the distance of target B with respect to the observer who is at point O, when points P1 and P2 are at the upper and lower extremities of target B, and when this has the estimated height H ( for example of 170 cm in the case of a human being) of the target B used for plotting the diastymometric curves 71A and 71B.

In summary, therefore, for a target B of height, the angular position assumed by the opaque screen 67 is known (when the observer of the scene through the device 1 sees the two points P1 and P2 obtained from the intersection between the slit 63 and the transparent diastymometric curves 71A, 71B around the head and feet of the target) is a function of the distance between the weapon and the target itself. When device 1 is used as a pointing and aiming device for low lethality weapons, by correlating the angular position of the opaque screen 67 to the bullet thrust adjustment system, it is possible for the pointer to set the thrust that will be imparted to the projectile as a function of the distance itself.

In practice, the following happens: whoever takes the weapon frames target B through the pointing and aiming device 1 and - acting on the interface with which the weapon is equipped to regulate the thrust to be imparted to the projectile - adjusts this thrust by observing the scene in device 1. The thrust adjustment system is connected by means of the pin 101 to the actuation mechanism 81 and therefore the adjustment of the weapon causes a rotation according to the double arrow f67 of the opaque screen 67. Acting on the system For adjusting the thrust of the projectile, the pointer causes points P1 and P2 to coincide approximately with the extremities of the target to be hit. In this way, the thrust that will be imparted to the projectile is automatically adjusted according to the distance of the observed target from the pointer. The center point P3 is used to correctly aim the target and then shoot. The position of this point (or more exactly of the central curve 72C) takes into account the elevation to be imparted to the weapon to compensate for the ballistic drop of the bullet.

Since it is important that device 1 is correctly aligned with the line of sight of weapon 2 (Fig. 20), before using the system consisting of device 1 and weapon 2 mounted one on the On the other hand, the optical axis of the device 1 is registered by acting on the diasporameter 11, setting the angular position of the two optical elements 21A, 21B to align the optical axis of the device 1 with the line of sight of the weapon.

Figures 8, 9 and 10 show a variant embodiment of the diasporameter in the three sections equivalent to those of Figures 5, 6 and 7 described above. In Figs. 8, 9 and 10 other components of the device 1 are also visible and in particular some components of the distance meter, which however will not be described again here. As regards the diasporameter 11, also in the embodiment of Figs. 8, 9 and 10 it comprises two optical elements still indicated with 21A, 21B. These are mounted in seats 19 made in housing 3. 105 indicates a locking flange and 22A and 22B indicate two toothed wheels made of a material different from that which forms the optical wedges constituting the optical elements 21A, 21B but torsionally coupled to the latter, for example by gluing. Pinions 24A, 24B of angular adjustment pins 26A, 26B cooperate with the toothed crowns 22A, 22B (see in particular Fig.10). Operation is substantially equivalent to that described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7, with the difference that in this case the construction and assembly of the optical elements 21A, 21B are more complex and expensive due to the fact that the toothed crowns 22A , 22B are made separately from the optical wedges forming the optical elements 21A, 21B.

Figures 11 to 17 show a further variant of embodiment of the diasporameter 11. In the sections of Figs. 11, 12 and 13, equivalent to the sections of Figs. 5, 6 and 7, some further components of the distance meter are also visible, which will not be described again here and which are substantially equivalent to those of Figures 1 to 7.

The diasporameter 11 of the embodiment of Figs 11 to 17 still comprises the two optical elements or optical wedges 21A, 21B. These are housed in a double seat 19 made in housing 3 and blocked by a front flange 151. The front flange 151 has front slots 152. The optical element 21A is integral with a ring 153 housed in the seat 19 and forming an approximately cylindrical surface 155, in which a ring 157 integral with the optical element 21B is housed. As can be seen in particular in Fig.13, the rings 153 and 157 have front holes 153A and 157A with which an angular adjustment tool 161 of the two optical elements 21A, 21B illustrated in Figs.14 and 17 and described below cooperates. Thanks to the presence of the slots 152 of the flange 151, it is possible to access the holes 153A, 157A from the front side of the device 1 by means of the angular adjustment tool 161 indicated as a whole with 161 in Figs. 14 to 17.

The adjusting tool 161 is made up of two cylindrical components 161A and 161B mounted one in the other, coaxial with each other and sliding axially with respect to each other (Fig.16). The cylindrical component 161A has pins 163 which protrude in a direction parallel to the Y-Y axis of the tool 161 and which are located in diametrically opposite positions with respect to each other. Similarly, the cylindrical component 161B is equipped with pins 165, arranged diametrically opposite each other and angularly offset by 90 ° with respect to the pins 163.

The pins 163 and 165 are arranged in such a position as to be able to be inserted in the holes 153A and 157A respectively of the two rings 153 and 157 of the optical elements 21A, 21B.

The cylindrical components 161A and 161B are equipped with collars 169A and 169B equipped with pins 171A and 171B placed in distinct angular positions, as can be observed in particular in Fig. 14. The pins 171A protrude internally from the respective cylindrical component 161A to engage in annular seats 173 (Figs.16 and 17) made on the external surface of the internal cylindrical component 161B. In this way the two cylindrical components 161A, 161B are constrained to each other, however allowing the axial sliding and angular rotation of one component with respect to the other, thanks to the longitudinal and annular development of the grooves 173.

As can be understood by observing Fig. 17, to record the angular position independently of the optical element 21A and the optical element 21B, it is sufficient to engage these components by inserting the pins 163 and 165 in the front holes 153A and 157A of the rings 153 and 157 by angularly rotating the two optical elements 21A, 21B around the mechanical axis X-X of the diasporameter 11.

Figs. 21 to 29 show a further embodiment of the diasporameter according to the invention. Like numbers indicate parts that are the same or equivalent to those of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 9 and will not be described again.

This embodiment differs from the previous ones due to the presence of a closing window 10 combined with the optical elements or optical wedges 21A 21B of the diasporameter 11. The closing window 10 is mounted hermetically on the frame 13 on which the optical elements are rotatably mounted 21A and 21B. This window allows to obtain a greater guarantee of protection against the penetration of atmospheric agents, in particular humidity.

The embodiment illustrated in Figs. 21 to 29 also has a balancing system of the optical elements or optical wedges 21A, 21B. In fact, due to their wedge shape, these elements are not balanced with respect to their axis. Consequently, since they are rotatably mounted in the frame 13, when the device is mounted on a firearm the vertical thrust generated by the shot can generate on each optical element 21A, 21B a torque which tends to make it rotate. If this happens, the optical registration obtained by acting on the two optical elements to align the line of sight to the weapon is lost.

The balancing system has the purpose of avoiding this possible inconvenience. Balancing is obtained by using special additional masses applied to each optical element 21A, 21B. In the example illustrated, as shown in particular in Figs. 28 and 29, distributed holes 21X are made in the annular area 25A, 25B included inside the toothed crown 23A, 23B made by molding on the optical element 21A or 21B along a limited arc of the circular development of the optical element. The holes (as visible in the enlarged section of Fig. 29) are preferably through holes and inside them are inserted pins 21Y made of a material of greater specific weight than the material (typically a transparent polymeric resin) in which the optical elements 21A are made , 21B. For example, the pins 21Y are made of metallic material. They are fixed by interference or by gluing in the through holes 21X. The arrangement and weight of the pins 21Y is such as to dynamically balance each optical element 21A, 21B with respect to its axis, so that the vertical thrust generated by the shot does not give rise to any torque on the optical element that tends to make it rotate in its seat in the diasporameter 11.

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

It is understood that the drawing shows only an exemplification given only as a practical demonstration of the invention, which can vary in forms and arrangements without however departing from the scope of the concept underlying the invention. The presence of any reference numbers in the attached claims has the purpose of facilitating the reading of the claims with reference to the description and the drawing, and does not limit the scope of protection represented by the claims.

Claims (20)

"AIMING AND AIMING DEVICE WITH DIASPORAMETER AND WEAPON INCLUDING THIS DEVICE" Claims 1. A pointing and aiming device, with an optical path extending from an entrance for the light beams coming from an external scene to an exit through which said beams are conveyed towards an observer, comprising: a distance meter with a light source, a system for the generation of luminous points at an adjustable distance and an optical system for sending in said optical path an infinite virtual image of said luminous points; characterized in that a diasporameter is arranged along said optical path. 2. Device as per claim 1, characterized in that said diasporameter forms a window located in said inlet. 3. Device as per claim 1, characterized in that said diasporameter is associated with an inlet window which protects the diasporameter from external agents. 4. Device as per claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized in that said diasporameter comprises two optical elements, each of which is mounted independently of the other around an axis, and each of which has two flat surfaces defining a section wedge-shaped transversal. 5. Device as per claim 4, characterized in that said two optical elements are rotatably mounted in two adjacent substantially circular seats. 6. Device as per claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said two optical elements have a circular shape and are each equipped with a respective toothed crown, meshing with a respective recording pinion; each optical element being housed in a substantially circular seat within which it can rotate. 7. Device as per claim 6, characterized in that each optical element is made in one piece with the respective toothed crown. 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that each optical element with the relative toothed crown are made of molded plastic material. 9. Device according to one or more of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that said optical elements are equipped with a balancing system. 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that said optical elements each comprise a series of holes in which inserts forming balancing weights are housed to balance the respective optical element with respect to its own axis of rotation. 11. Device as per one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact: that said distance meter comprises a first opaque screen with a transparent line, and a second opaque screen with a plurality of transparent diastymometric curved lines, which intersect the first transparent line defining with it a plurality of intersection points through which the luminous radiation emitted by said source passes, forming said luminous points; that said first opaque screen and said second opaque screen are movable relative to each other, the position of said intersection points varying as a function of the mutual position of said first opaque screen and said second opaque screen; and that a mechanism is provided to move said first opaque screen and said second opaque screen with respect to each other. 12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that said mechanism comprises an interface connectable to a weapon, to correlate an operating characteristic of the weapon to the mutual position of said first opaque screen and of said second opaque screen. 13. Device as per claim 11 or 12, characterized in that an optical element for focusing and deflecting the light beam generated by said light source is arranged along an optical path between said light source and said first and second opaque screens. 14. Device as per claim 13, characterized in that said optical focusing and deflecting element is constituted by a semicylindrical bar made of transparent material. 15. Device according to one or more of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that said optical system comprises an optical collimation and deflection element, positioned to receive the beams coming from said light points, collimate said beams and divert them towards a dichroic mirror placed along the optical path extending between the inlet and outlet of said device. 16. Device as per claim 15, characterized in that said optical collimation and deflection element comprises a Mangin mirror. 17. Device as claimed in one or more of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that an astigmatism correction lens is arranged between said first and second opaque screens and said optical collimation and deflection element. 18. Launching device, characterized in that it comprises a pointing and aiming device as per one or more of the preceding claims. 19. Device as per claim 18, characterized in that it comprises a system for regulating the kinetic energy of launching a blunt object, functionally connected to the distance meter of the aiming and aiming device. 20. Device as per claim 18 or 19, characterized by the fact that it is a firearm, in which said aiming and aiming device is associated with a system for regulating the kinetic energy of the bullets fired by said weapon .