Folded light path optical housing with integrally formed channel section - Patents.com

Abstract

Various embodiments described herein may include a folded optic comprising a housing having an end and a length, the housing including an objective channel section defining an objective channel, an additional channel section integrally formed with the objective channel section, the additional channel section defining an additional channel that is non-coaxial with the objective channel, an objective lens assembly attached to the objective channel section, and an additional lens assembly attached to the additional channel section. Other embodiments may be disclosed and / or claimed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] Priority This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 439,086, filed January 14, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The field of the disclosure relates to optical devices, and more particularly to folded optics (eg, optical devices having folded optical paths). [Background technology]

[0003] Folding optics have an optical system that bends a beam to provide an optical path that may be longer than the optical system, which can provide a desired objective focal length in a small form factor.

[0004] The accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification and together with the description explain the advantages and principles of the techniques of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1A] 1 is an isometric view of a folding optical housing according to various embodiments. FIG. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is an end view of the folding optical housing of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the folding optical housing taken along section line BB of FIG. 1B. [Figure 2A] 1A-1C are isometric views of a folded optic with a housing having an integrally formed channel section according to various embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the folded optic of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2B is an end view of the folded optic of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the folded optic of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is an end view of a folding optical housing in which the distance between the central axes of the openings in the folding optical housing is greater than ½ of the sum of the widths of the openings in the folding optical housing. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 is an end view of a folding optical housing in which the distance between the central axes of the openings in the folding optical housing is less than ½ the sum of the widths of the openings in the folding optical housing. [Figure 4A] 3B is a cross-sectional view of the folded optical housing of FIG. 3A taken along section line B' of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4B] 3C is a cross-sectional view of the folded optical housing of FIG. 3B taken along section line A' of FIG. 3B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0016] With reference to the drawings, this section describes specific embodiments and their detailed configurations and operations. Throughout this specification, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” mean that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the described features, structures, and characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In light of the disclosure herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that various embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0007]

[0017] Spotting scope housings can be made from metal or plastic. However, the choice of material can affect how the housing is manufactured. For example, in the case of a metal housing, the use of aluminum can allow the housing to be machined from a billet or formed by a combination of casting and machining.

[0008]

[0018] Magnesium is significantly lighter than aluminum; a magnesium housing for a spotting scope can weigh 8 ounces less than the same housing in aluminum. Magnesium can be cast with thinner walls, lower porosity, and better mechanical properties than typical aluminum casting alloys. Therefore, magnesium housings are desirable for a variety of folding optics applications.

[0009]

[0019] For several reasons, in known magnesium spotting scopes, the housing may be formed by die casting two separate pieces that may then be joined together using a post-molding joining process, such as an adhesive or other joining process for joining two molded components.

[0010]

[0020] These known magnesium spotting scopes may also have an eyepiece and erector assembly that may be attached to the magnesium housing. Known two-piece magnesium housings with eyepiece / erector assemblies may allow some movement of one or more of the assemblies relative to the housing. When the spotting scope has an internal reticle, that movement can result in misalignment of an externally attached device, such as a rangefinder, relative to the internal reticle, which may prevent the reticle from functioning as an accurate aiming device for the laser rangefinder.

[0011]

[0021] Some other drawbacks of various known magnesium spotting scopes may include the following: Some known housing shapes may allow ambient light to travel straight from the objective lens to the front element of the eyepiece / erector assembly. Magnesium housings may be susceptible to galvanic corrosion if not protected by a coating finish and in contact with dissimilar metals (e.g., if the magnesium of the housing is in contact with dissimilar metal fasteners); and / or Housing may leak due to insufficient adhesive bond and / or gasket seal.

[0012]

[0022] Various embodiments described herein may utilize a new housing architecture / design optimized for single-piece molding. This new housing architecture / design allows the spotting scope housing to be formed by molding a single piece (e.g., die-casting a single magnesium piece or injection-molding a single plastic piece). This may eliminate post-molding joining processes, such as adhesive bonding processes, used in known two-piece configurations. Folding optics having a housing made from a single molded piece may be lightweight and may avoid one or more of the disadvantages of multi-piece housings described herein that are otherwise associated with known spotting scopes having multi-molded-piece housings joined using post-molding processes.

[0013]

[0023] Figure 1A shows an isometric view of a folding optical housing 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 1B shows an end view of the folding optical housing 100 of Figure 1A. Figure 1C shows a cross-sectional view of the folding optical housing 100 taken along section line BB of Figure 1B.

[0014]

[0024] The housing 100 has non-coaxial channels provided by an objective channel section 111 and an additional channel section 112. The additional channel section 112 is integrally formed with the objective channel section 111. The housing 100 can be a single monolithic piece, such as a monolithic magnesium or plastic product.

[0015]

[0025] Housing 100 uses a different housing design / architecture than some known spotting scopes. This is best seen by comparing Figures 3A and 4A (showing end and cross-sectional views, respectively, of known spotting scope 10) with Figures 3B and 4B (showing end and cross-sectional views, respectively, of spotting scope 300, which is similar in many respects to spotting scope 100 of Figure 1A). Figure 4B also illustrates the use of channel sidewalls with tapered thickness (thinner sidewalls approaching the core opening), which may support a shape optimized for a single-piece molding process.

[0016]

[0026] In known spotting scope architectures / designs, non-coaxial channels are spaced apart by a distance S (FIGS. 3A and 4A) that may be greater than 1 / 6 inch. In contrast, spotting scope 300 (FIGS. 3B and 4B) may have channel center axes that are much closer to each other. In the illustrated example, distance D is 1.851 inches, although other values ​​may be used in other examples.

[0017]

[0027] The openings at either end of the spotting scope 300 are not vertically spaced from one another as in the known spotting scope 10. Additionally, the spotting scope 300 includes an overlap O that is not present on the spotting scope 10. In this example, the overlap O is 0.527 inches, although a greater or lesser amount of overlap may be used.

[0018]

[0028] In this example, the width of the objective channel OC′ of the spotting scope 300 at the corresponding opening may be the same size as the width of the objective channel OC of the spotting scope 10. In this example, the width of the eyepiece channel EC′ of the spotting scope 300 at the corresponding opening may be greater than the width of the objective channel EC of the spotting scope 10 (e.g., 2.040 inches vs. 1.632 inches).

[0019]

[0029] 1A, housing 100 includes opening 121 having a width similar to that of objective channel OC' (FIG. 3A) and opening 122 having a width similar to that of eyepiece channel EC' (FIG. 3B). The architecture / design of spotting scope 300 may be characterized by either or both of the following properties: a distance D between the channel axes that is less than or equal to half the sum of the widths of EC' and OC' (e.g., less than or equal to the sum of the radii of EC' and OC'); and / or · Presence of opening overlap.

[0020]

[0030] Molding components / tools (i.e., devices used to create molded parts) can include molds and cores (such as die cores in the case of die casting). Cores are components typically used during molding to create holes or openings. Referring to FIG. 1C, cores can be used to form non-coaxial channels. For simplicity, the cores are not shown in this figure, but arrows are shown indicating opposite core-pull directions. A first core is pulled in a first direction (forming a first core opening 126), and a second core is pulled in a second, opposite direction (forming a second core opening 127).

[0021]

[0031] One challenge of molding a monolithic housing for a folded optic can be getting the inner die cores close enough together to have very thick webs to machine (because thick webs can form significant porosity). The core also needs to be able to slide unimpeded from the housing without leaving thick areas of material (or which may be porous). The core may need to form a circular hole in the front for the circular objective lens and a circular hole in the top channel on the back to support the circular erector-ocular assembly. This may require a reduction in the distance between the central axes of these channels.

[0022]

[0032] However, reducing this distance (compared to some known multi-piece housings) can also establish a distance that allows light from outside the field of view to enter the objective lens and directly into the first element of the eyepiece-erector assembly. If uncontrolled, this can create a veil of glare that can interfere with the image, potentially rendering the image unusable in certain lighting conditions. As a countermeasure, asymmetric baffles can be used to block light passing through the folded optics outside the image-forming light path. Additionally, as a trade-off to ensure good glare performance, some of the constructive image-producing light can be intentionally clipped.

[0023]

[0033] 1C, due to the reduced distance between the central axes (compared to some known multi-piece housings), the mold tooling (including the core) may leave only a thin wall 130 between the channels. This thin wall 130 may be in the form of a thin web of material that can be easily machined without causing defects in the housing 100.

[0024]

[0034] Figure 2A shows an isometric view of a folded optic 205 having integrally formed channel sections according to various embodiments. Figure 2B shows an exploded view of the folded optic 205 of Figure 2A. Figure 2C shows an end view of the folded optic 205 of Figure 2A. Figure 2D shows a cross-sectional view of the folded optic 205 of Figure 2A.

[0025]

[0035] 2B, housing 200 may be similar in all respects to housing 100 (FIGS. 1A-1C). An objective lens assembly 251 and an eyepiece / erector assembly 252 may be disposed in a core opening of housing 200.

[0026]

[0036] As previously described herein, reducing the distance between the central axes can affect the optical properties of folded optics that use monolithically molded housings. Asymmetric baffles 281 and 282 can be placed at each core opening to block light passing through the folded optics outside of the image-forming optical path.

[0027]

[0037] The folding optic 205 may include various external interfaces for attaching the folding optic and / or for attaching devices (such as accessory rails) to the folding optic. Any housing described herein may include attachment points for accessory rails, which may include through-holes 273 and adapters 270 (e.g., ring-shaped adapters with a threaded exterior for attaching to the housing and a threaded interior for accepting a length of threaded fastener). Particularly when the housing is formed from magnesium with a protective coating, the through-holes 273 may be used to allow for flange and nut clamping that adapts the hole to a standard thread without destroying the protective magnesium coating. This may also allow the hole to be cast, which may form a completely non-porous membrane on the hole's surface. To contain the internal dry gas, a sealing device (e.g., an O-ring) and / or a liquid sealant may be used. This allows the threads accessed by the user for accessory attachment to be made of a material harder than magnesium (e.g., the fasteners threaded into the adapter 270 may be made of a material harder than magnesium). Furthermore, this allows for inexpensive repairs if the threads become damaged.

[0028]

[0038] 2D, adapter 270 may provide threaded holes to which fasteners 276 may be attached to attach attachment device 262 (e.g., a rail such as a Picatinny rail accessory, or any one-way or two-way mounting device) to housing 200. Fasteners 276 may be made from a different (e.g., harder) material than magnesium. Referring again to FIG. 2B, in a similar manner, a longer attachment device 261 may be attached to the opposite side of foldable optic 205.

[0029]

[0039] In this example, the central axis of the inner bore and the central axis of the outer bore of adapter 270 are coaxial. In some examples, adapter 270 may be formed from a material that is harder than the material of housing 200.

[0030]

[0040] In this example, housing 200 also includes an integrally formed attachment structure. In particular, housing 200 defines undercut attachment structure 3 (e.g., a male undercut attachment structure), which in this example is a male dovetail (e.g., a rail (e.g., an ARCA rail), or some other mounting system that may allow the folding optic to be mounted to a tripod or other platform). Housing 200 also defines mounting system 2, such as an M-LOK® rail accessory.

[0031]

[0041] Any of the molded housing features described herein can be used in any folded optical component having integrally formed non-coaxial channel sections (e.g., a monolithic folded optical housing). The housing may be made from any single material, such as magnesium, plastic, or some other material, as desired.

[0032]

[0042] In some embodiments, one of the channel sections may include a lens erector that uses a reticle, although this is not required (other embodiments may allow for the optional lens assembly to be utilized in additional channels). In embodiments that include a lens erector that uses a reticle, the consistent alignment enabled by the monolithic housing may enable the use of the reticle as a precision aiming device for a laser range finder or some other accessory and / or modular package coupled to the folded optics.

[0033]

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the light is redirected only twice inside the folded optic (e.g., each of the two channels includes a reflector). In other embodiments, it may be possible to use any number of internal reflections of light in a folded optic having a housing with integrally formed channel sections formed from pulled cores (e.g., counter-pulled cores) in a molding process.

[0034]

[0044] In any of the embodiments described herein, a reflector assembly may be used to support the new shapes resulting from the reduced distance between the central axes of the non-coaxial channels. In some examples, the housing may define reflector openings, such as threaded reflector openings 128 and 129 (FIG. 1C) for receiving threaded reflector assemblies. FIG. 2D shows reflector assemblies 228 and 229 attached to threaded openings defined by housing 200. In other examples, the reflector openings may be configured by some other attachment method (e.g., a bayonet attachment method).

[0035]

[0045] In various embodiments, the reflector assemblies may be swivelable / tiltable (e.g., adjustable reflector assemblies) and their angles may be calibrated during manufacturing to optimize the light path. Once calibrated, adjustable reflector assemblies may be locked in place at the calibrated angle (as a manufacturing step). However, the reflector need not be adjustable in some embodiments. In some examples, it may be possible to use a fixed (e.g., non-adjustable) reflector assembly that may be attached to a threaded opening defined by a monolithically molded housing similar to any of the housings described herein.

[0046] example The illustrated embodiments illustrate some examples within the scope of the present disclosure. However, other embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure may include any one of the following examples.

[0036]

[0047] Example 1 is an article of manufacture formed using a mold and a plurality of cores, the article of manufacture comprising a monolithic housing having ends and a length, the length defining a plurality of non-coaxial channels, the plurality of non-coaxial channels including an objective channel for an objective lens assembly and an additional channel for an additional lens assembly, the monolithic housing further including a first core opening at one of the ends, the first core opening configured to receive the objective lens assembly, and a second core opening at another of the ends, the second core opening configured to receive the additional lens assembly.

[0037]

[0048] Example 2 is the manufacture of Example 1 or any other example herein, wherein the monolithic housing further comprises a first reflector opening for disposing the first reflector and a second reflector opening for disposing a second reflector that redirects reflected light from the first reflector through an additional lens assembly.

[0038]

[0049] Example 3 is the product of any of Examples 1-2 or any other example herein, wherein the monolithic housing comprises a monolithic metal housing.

[0039]

[0050] Example 4 is the manufacture of any of Examples 1-3 or any other example herein, wherein the monolithic housing comprises a monolithic plastic or other non-metallic housing.

[0040]

[0051] Example 5 is a manufacture of any of Examples 1-4 or any other example herein, wherein the outer bottom side of the length of the monolithic housing defines a mounting rail interface.

[0041]

[0052] Example 6 is the manufacture of any of Examples 1-5 or any other example herein, wherein the mounting rail interface comprises a dovetail rail.

[0042]

[0053] Example 7 is the manufacture of any of Examples 1-6 or any other example herein, wherein an outer portion of the length of the monolithic housing defines one or more openings, each having one or more adapters attached thereto, each adapter including an outer side for mating with a corresponding one of the one or more openings, and a threaded hole for attaching an optical accessory to the manufacture, the threaded hole mating with a threaded length of a fastener of the optical accessory.

[0043]

[0054] Example 8 is a product of any of Examples 1-7 or any other example herein, wherein at least one of the one or more adapters is ring-shaped and the central axis of the threaded hole is coaxial with a corresponding opening of the one or more openings.

[0044]

[0055] Example 9 is the manufacture of any of Examples 1-8 or any other example herein, wherein the monolithic housing is formed from a first material, the one or more adapters receive one or more threaded lengths of one or more fasteners, and the one or more fasteners are formed from a second material different from the first material.

[0045]

[0056] Example 10 is the product of any of Examples 1-9 or any other example herein, wherein the second material has a greater hardness than the first material.

[0046]

[0057] Example 11 is a product of any of Examples 1 to 10 or any other example herein, wherein the distance between the central axis of the first opening and the central axis of the second opening is less than or equal to 1 / 2 of the sum of the width of the first opening and the width of the second opening.

[0047]

[0058] Example 12 is a product of any of Examples 1-11 or any other example herein, wherein the sidewall of at least one of the channels has a tapered thickness, the thickness increasing away from the corresponding one of the core openings.

[0048]

[0059] Example 13 is a folded optic comprising the product of any of Examples 1-12 or any other example herein.

[0049]

[0060] Example 14 is a folded optical component comprising a housing having an end and a length, the housing including an objective channel section defining an objective channel, an additional channel section integrally formed with the objective channel section, the additional channel section defining an additional channel that is non-coaxial with the objective channel, an objective lens assembly attached to the objective channel section, and an additional lens assembly attached to the additional channel section.

[0050]

[0061] Example 15 is the folded optic of Example 14 or any other example herein, further comprising an asymmetric baffle disposed in an additional channel section.

[0051]

[0062] Example 16 is the folded optic of any of Examples 14-15 or any other example herein, further comprising an asymmetric baffle disposed in the objective channel section.

[0052]

[0063] Example 17 is the folded optical element of any of Examples 14-16 or any other example herein, wherein an outer side of the additional channel section defines a mounting rail interface or other bidirectional mounting interface.

[0053]

[0064] Example 18 is the folded optical component of any of Examples 14-17 or any other example herein, wherein the exterior of one of the channel sections includes one or more openings to which one or more adapters are attached, each adapter including an exterior for mating with a corresponding one of the one or more openings, and a threaded hole for attaching an optical accessory to the product, the threaded hole mating with a threaded length of a fastener of the optical accessory.

[0054]

[0065] Example 19 is the folded optic of any of Examples 14-18 or any other example herein, wherein the housing comprises a die-cast metal housing or an injection-molded plastic housing.

[0055]

[0066] Example 20 is the folded optical component of any of Examples 14-19 or any other example herein, wherein the assembly is attached to the opening of the channel and is at a distance from the central axis of the opening that is less than ½ of the sum of the widths of the opening.

[0056]

[0067] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention, and the scope of the invention should therefore be determined solely by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. 1. An article of manufacture formed using a mold and a plurality of cores, said article comprising: Monolithic housing having ends and a length the length defining a plurality of non-coaxial channels, the plurality of non-coaxial channels comprising: an objective channel for an objective lens assembly; With additional channels for additional lens assemblies wherein the monolithic housing comprises: a first core opening at one of the ends, the first core opening configured to receive the objective lens assembly; and a second core opening at another of the ends, the second core opening configured to receive the additional lens assembly; and The article of manufacture further comprising:

2. 10. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the monolithic housing further comprises a first reflector opening for disposing a first reflector and a second reflector opening for disposing a second reflector that redirects reflected light from the first reflector through the additional lens assembly.

3. The article of manufacture of claim 1 , wherein the monolithic housing comprises a monolithic metal housing.

4. The article of manufacture of claim 1 , wherein the monolithic housing comprises a monolithic plastic or other non-metallic housing.

5. The article of manufacture of claim 1 , wherein an outer bottom side of said length of said monolithic housing defines a mounting rail interface.

6. The article of manufacture of claim 5 , wherein the mounting rail interface comprises a dovetail rail.

7. an outer portion of the length of the monolithic housing defining one or more openings each having one or more adapters mounted thereto; Each adapter is an exterior for mating with a corresponding one of the one or more openings; a screw hole for attaching an optical accessory to the product, the screw hole fitting with a threaded length of a fastener of the optical accessory; 10. The article of manufacture of claim 1, comprising:

8. 8. The article of manufacture of claim 7, wherein at least one of the one or more adapters is ring-shaped and a central axis of the threaded hole is coaxial with a corresponding opening of the one or more openings.

9. 8. The article of manufacture of claim 7, wherein the monolithic housing is formed from a first material, the one or more adapters receive one or more threaded lengths of one or more fasteners, the one or more fasteners being formed from a second material different from the first material.

10. 10. The article of manufacture of claim 9, wherein the second material has a greater hardness than the first material.

11. 2. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the distance between the central axis of the first opening and the central axis of the second opening is less than or equal to 1 / 2 of the sum of the width of the first opening and the width of the second opening.

12. 10. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein a sidewall of at least one of the channels has a tapered thickness, the thickness increasing with distance from a corresponding one of the core openings.

13. A folded optic comprising the article of manufacture of claim 1.

14. A housing having an end and a length 1. A folded optical component comprising: an objective channel section defining an objective channel; an additional channel section integrally formed with the objective channel section, the additional channel section defining an additional channel that is non-coaxial with the objective channel; an objective lens assembly attached to the objective channel section; an additional lens assembly attached to the additional channel section; and a folded optic, including:

15. The folded optic of claim 14 , further comprising an asymmetric baffle disposed in the additional channel section.

16. The folded optic of claim 14 , further comprising an asymmetric baffle disposed in the objective channel section.

17. The folded optical element of claim 14 , wherein an outer side of the additional channel section defines a mounting rail interface or other bidirectional mounting interface.

18. an exterior of one of the channel sections includes one or more openings each having one or more adapters attached thereto; Each adapter is an exterior for mating with a corresponding one of the one or more openings; a threaded hole for attaching an optical accessory to a product, the threaded hole fitting with a threaded length of a fastener of the optical accessory; 15. The folded optic of claim 14, comprising:

19. The folded optic of claim 14 , wherein the housing comprises a die-cast metal housing or an injection-molded plastic housing.

20. the assembly is attached to the opening of the channel; 15. The folded optic of claim 14, wherein the distance from the central axis of the opening is less than half the sum of the widths of the opening.

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