Lens cap for night vision goggles and night vision goggles including same

Abstract

This lens cap for night vision goggles is mounted on night vision goggles having an objective lens mounted on one side of a barrel and an eye lens mounted on the other side of the barrel. The lens cap comprises: a coupling member coupled to the one side of the barrel on which the objective lens is mounted; a cap member that is rotatably coupled to the coupling member and has an opening of a first size in a central portion; an axial portion formed eccentrically at a position spaced apart from the opening of the cap member; and a focus adjustment member which has a circular disc shape and is rotatably coupled to the axial portion in parallel to the cap member, and in which a plurality of focus adjustment holes differing in diameter from the opening are formed at positions exposing the opening.

Description

Lens cap for night vision goggles and night vision goggles having the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens cap for a night vision goggle and a night vision goggle having the same.

[0002] Generally, night vision goggles are equipment that are mounted on the head or helmet and amplify weak light that cannot be seen with the naked eye at night, allowing visibility in the dark. They are widely used in various fields such as military operations and rescue operations.

[0003] Night vision goggles include an objective lens that adjusts the focus of an object and an alternative lens that adjusts the diopter, and these can be adjusted automatically or manually to adjust the focus.

[0004] Conventional military night vision goggles use a number of pin holes of various sizes formed in the lens cap to adjust the focus when the focus changes abruptly from a close object to a far object, or use an aperture formed in the adjustment cap to adjust the focus.

[0005] The technology for adjusting the focus of night vision goggles is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,473,472, Night vision goggle focusing aid (registration date: December 5, 1995). The U.S. Patent No. 5,473,472 discloses a technology for adjusting the focus of night vision goggles by attaching a focus screen with pin holes formed therein to the night vision goggles.

[0006] However, the above-mentioned US registered patent has the advantage of being able to adjust the focus within a certain range depending on the size of the pin hole, but has the disadvantage of not being able to adjust the focus outside of a certain range.

[0007] The present invention provides a night vision goggle lens cap and a night vision goggle having the same, which is attached to a night vision goggle and enables the user to quickly and accurately focus on an object located in a wide range from a close distance to a long distance by a simple operation, and which enables the night vision goggle to be operated immediately and stably by quickly setting the focus without obstructing the field of view even when the user's field of view changes quickly.

[0008] In one embodiment, a lens cap for a night vision scope is mounted on a night vision scope having an objective lens mounted on one side of a barrel and an alternative lens mounted on the other side of the barrel, and includes: a coupling member coupled to the one side of the barrel on which the objective lens is mounted; a cap member rotatably coupled to the coupling member and having an opening having a first size formed in a central portion; a shaft portion formed on the cap member spaced apart from the opening; and a focus adjustment member rotatably coupled to the shaft portion in a circular shape and parallel to the cap member, and having a plurality of focus adjustment holes having a diameter different from a diameter of the opening formed at a position exposing the opening.

[0009] The cap member of the lens cap for night vision goggles includes a mounting plate having a plate shape in which the opening is formed, and a skirt portion extending from an outer surface of the mounting plate toward a joining member and fitted to an outer surface of the joining member, and a escape hole is formed in a portion of the skirt portion that overlaps the focus adjustment member to prevent interference with the focus adjustment member, and a portion of the focus adjustment member protrudes to the outside of the skirt portion by the escape hole.

[0010] The above-mentioned axial portion of the lens cap for night vision goggles protrudes in an axial shape from the above-mentioned cap member, and a rotation groove is formed in the above-mentioned focus adjustment member so as to be rotatably inserted into the above-mentioned axial portion.

[0011] A concave engaging groove is formed intermittently on the outer surface of the focus adjustment member of the lens cap for night vision goggles, and a rotation prevention part is formed on the cap member to prevent the focus adjustment member from rotating arbitrarily by engaging the engaging groove.

[0012] The above rotation prevention part of the lens cap for night vision goggles includes an elastic part having one end connected to the cap member, an opposite end of the elastic part facing the outer surface of the focus adjustment member, and a hook part having a curved surface formed on the other end of the elastic part and coupled to the hook groove.

[0013] The focus adjustment hole of the lens cap for the night vision goggle has a first adjustment hole having a first diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening, a second adjustment hole having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a third adjustment hole having a third diameter smaller than the second diameter, and the central portions of the first to third adjustment holes are aligned with the central portion of the opening.

[0014] In one embodiment, a night vision scope including a lens cap for a night vision scope includes: a night vision scope body having an objective lens mounted on one side of a barrel and an alternative lens mounted on the other side of the barrel; and a coupling member coupled to the one side of the barrel having the objective lens mounted thereon, a cap member rotatably coupled to the coupling member and having an opening formed in a central portion thereof, a shaft portion eccentrically formed at a position spaced apart from the opening of the cap member, and a focus adjustment member rotatably coupled to the shaft portion in a circular shape in parallel with the cap member and having a plurality of focus adjustment holes having a diameter different from a diameter of the opening formed at a position exposing the opening.

[0015] The lens cap for a night vision scope according to the present invention and the night vision scope having the same have the effect of being able to quickly and accurately focus on an object over a wide range from a close distance to a long distance by manipulating the lens cap.

[0016] Additionally, it has the effect of enabling the night vision goggles to be operated immediately and stably by quickly setting the focus without any visual disturbance even when the user's field of view changes quickly.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a night vision scope having a lens cap according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 2 is an external perspective view showing an excerpt of a lens cap applied to the night vision goggle illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0019] Fig. 3 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the cap member of the lens cap of Fig. 2 is rotated from the connecting member.

[0020] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II` of Figure 3.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a lens cap for a night vision goggle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The present invention described below can be modified in various ways and has various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description.

[0023] However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be understood to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies will be omitted if they are deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0024] The terminology used in this patent is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this patent, the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood to not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Additionally, terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to distinguish and describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0026] In addition, if at least two different embodiments are described in this patent, each embodiment may be used by combining and mixing all or part of its components without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention, even if there is no other description.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a night vision scope having a lens cap according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Referring to Fig. 1, night vision goggles (1) are worn directly on the user's head or mounted on a helmet worn by the user to amplify weak light at night and secure vision at night.

[0029] The night vision goggle (1) includes a night vision goggle body (10) and a lens cap (20).

[0030] The night vision scope body (10) includes a barrel (11), an objective lens (12), an alternative lens (13), and a light amplification unit (not shown) that amplifies light.

[0031] The barrel (11) is formed into a cylindrical shape with both ends open and a hollow cavity.

[0032] An objective lens (12) is mounted on one side of the barrel (11), and the objective lens (12) provides incident light to a light amplification unit placed inside the barrel (11).

[0033] The alternative lens (13) is mounted on one side of the barrel (11) opposite to the side of the barrel (11) on which the objective lens (12) is mounted, and the alternative lens (13) transmits the light amplified by the light amplification unit to the user's eye.

[0034] Although in one embodiment of the present invention, the night vision goggle (1) is illustrated and described as being a binocular night vision goggle, the night vision goggle (1) may alternatively be a monocular night vision goggle, a portable telescope, an astronomical telescope, a firearm-mounted scope, or various other military optical equipment, industrial optical equipment, or personal optical equipment.

[0035] Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of a lens cap applied to the night vision goggle illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an external perspective view showing the cap member of the lens cap of Fig. 2 rotated from the connecting member. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II` of Fig. 3.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a lens cap (20) is attached to one side of a barrel (11) equipped with an objective lens (12) among the barrels (11) to adjust the focus range of the night vision scope (1).

[0037] The lens cap (20) includes a connecting member (100), a cap member (200), an axis (300), and a focus adjustment member (400).

[0038] The connecting member (100) is formed in a hollow cylinder shape, and the connecting member (100) is connected to one side of the barrel (11) of the night vision scope (1) on which the objective lens (12) is mounted.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the joining member (100) can be joined to the barrel (11) of the night vision goggle (1) in various joining methods, such as a screw-joint method, a force-fit method, and a hook method.

[0040] The joining member (100) can be fitted to the outer surface of the barrel (11) of the night vision scope (1) or inserted into the inner surface of the barrel (11).

[0041] A link portion (110) is formed on the outer surface of the connecting member (100) at the end far from the barrel (11).

[0042] The link portion (110) rotatably interconnects the connecting member (100) and the cap member (200) to be described later. For example, the connecting member (100) and the cap member (200) may be rotatably hinge-coupled by the link portion (110).

[0043] The cap member (200) is rotatably connected to the connecting member (100) by a link member (110).

[0044] The cap member (200) includes, for example, a mounting plate (210) and a skirt portion (220).

[0045] The mounting plate (210) is formed in a shape, for example, a circular shape, that can open or close one end of the connecting member (100), and an opening (211) having a first size is formed in the center of the mounting plate (210). Light passing through the opening (211) is incident on the objective lens (12) and amplified in the barrel (11), and the amplified light is incident on the user's eye through the alternative lens (13).

[0046] The skirt portion (220) extends from the outer surface of the mounting plate (210) in a direction toward the connecting member (100), and the skirt portion (220) may be formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0047] The skirt portion (220) can be formed in a shape and size suitable for being joined to the outer surface of the joining member (100).

[0048] A slit-shaped escape hole (221) is formed on a portion of the side surface of the skirt portion (220) having a cylindrical shape. The escape hole (221) prevents the focus adjustment member (400) and the skirt portion (220) to be described later from interfering with each other.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, a blocking member (not shown) may be formed to prevent foreign substances or light from entering or leaving the gap formed between the escape hole (221) and the focus coupling member (400).

[0050] The shaft (300) protrudes in an axial shape from the inner surface of the mounting plate (210) facing the objective lens (12) in the direction toward the objective lens (12).

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the shaft portion (300) is formed eccentrically from the center of the mounting plate (210) at a position spaced apart from the opening (211) formed in the mounting plate (210).

[0052] The focus adjustment member (400) is formed, for example, in a circular shape, and the focus adjustment member (400) is rotatably coupled to the shaft (300) in parallel with the inner surface of the cap member (200).

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, since the focus adjustment member (400) is coupled to the shaft (300) eccentrically from the center of the mounting plate (210), a part of the focus adjustment member (400) protrudes outward from the escape hole (221) formed in the skirt part (220) to the outside of the skirt part (220), and the user can easily and quickly rotate the focus adjustment member (400) by using the part of the focus adjustment member (400) that protrudes from the skirt part (220). To this end, a protruding portion (440) may be formed on the outer surface of the focus adjustment member (400).

[0054] The focus adjustment member (400) includes a focus adjustment hole (410), a rotation groove (420), and a catch groove (430).

[0055] The focus adjustment hole (410) is formed at a position that exposes the opening (211) of the mounting plate (210) among the focus adjustment members (400).

[0056] The focus adjustment hole (410) is formed with a diameter different from that of the opening (211).

[0057] The focus adjustment hole (410) is formed, for example, at least one, preferably a plurality, in a concentric circle based on the center of the focus adjustment member (400).

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of focus adjustment holes (410) are aligned with the opening (211) as the focus adjustment member (400) rotates relative to the shaft (300), and the focus is adjusted according to the size of the focus adjustment holes (410) aligned with the opening (211).

[0059] For example, the focus adjustment hole (410) includes a first adjustment hole (411), a second adjustment hole (412), and a third adjustment hole (413).

[0060] The first to third adjustment holes (411, 412, 413) are formed in a concentric manner and spaced apart from each other without overlapping each other on the focus adjustment member (400). For example, the first to third adjustment holes (411, 412, 413) are arranged in a concentric circle at 120-degree intervals with respect to the center of the focus adjustment member (400).

[0061] The first adjustment hole (411) is formed with, for example, a first diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening (211), and the center of the first adjustment hole (411) is aligned with the center of the opening (211). Although in one embodiment of the present invention, the first adjustment hole (411) is illustrated and described as having a first diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening, the first diameter of the first adjustment hole (411) may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the opening (211).

[0062] The second adjustment hole (412) is formed with a second diameter smaller than the first diameter of the first adjustment hole (411), and the central portion of the second adjustment hole (412) is aligned with the central portion of the opening (211).

[0063] The third adjustment hole (413) is formed with a third diameter smaller than the second diameter of the second adjustment hole (412), and the central portion of the third adjustment hole (413) is aligned with the central portion of the opening (211).

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the focus adjustment hole (410) may be additionally equipped with a protective lens (not shown) to prevent damage to the objective lens (12) from sand, dust, etc., or a filter to amplify or block light of a specific wavelength, for example, a visible light blocking filter or an ND filter (Neutral Density Filter).

[0065] Although in one embodiment of the present invention, three focus adjustment holes (410) are formed in the focus adjustment member (400) as an example, it is illustrated and described that, differently, the focus adjustment holes (410) may be formed in an appropriate number depending on the focus range to be adjusted, such as two at 180-degree intervals, four at 90-degree intervals, or eight at 45-degree intervals.

[0066] Meanwhile, since the focus adjustment hole (410) is not formed in the focus adjustment member (400), a part that completely covers the opening (211) may be formed.

[0067] The rotation groove (420) is formed in a size and shape that is inserted into the shaft (300) at the center of the focus adjustment member (400), the shaft (300) is inserted into the rotation groove (420), and the focus adjustment member (400) rotates around the shaft (300).

[0068] Although in one embodiment of the present invention, the shaft portion (300) is shown and described as protruding from the cap member (200) and the focus adjustment member (400) is formed with a rotation groove (420) into which the shaft portion (300) is inserted, the shaft portion (300) may be formed on the surface of the focus adjustment member (400) and the cap member (200) may be formed with a rotation groove (420) into which the shaft portion (300) is inserted.

[0069] The engaging groove (430) is formed in a concave shape on the outer surface of the focus adjustment member (400), and a plurality of engaging grooves (430) are formed on the outer surface of the focus adjustment member (400), and the number of engaging grooves (430) is formed in a number corresponding to the number of focus adjustment holes (410). For example, the engaging grooves (430) may be formed at each position corresponding to the focus adjustment holes (410) formed on the focus adjustment member (400).

[0070] Meanwhile, the catch groove (430) may further include an additional catch groove (431), and the additional catch groove (431) may be formed at a location on the outer surface of the focus adjustment member (400) where the focus adjustment hole (410) is not formed.

[0071] The additional catch (431) is used when the night vision goggles (1) are stored or not in use by allowing the focus adjustment member (400) to close the opening (211).

[0072] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cap member (200) further includes a rotation prevention member (230) to prevent the focus adjustment member (400) from being rotated arbitrarily.

[0073] The anti-rotation part (230) is fixed by being connected at one end to the cap member (200), and the anti-rotation part (230) includes an elastic part (231) and a catch part (232).

[0074] The elastic member (231) is formed, for example, in a rod shape, and one end of the elastic member (231) is connected to the cap member (200), and the other end opposite the one end is arranged to face the outer surface of the focus adjustment member (400).

[0075] The catch (232) is formed on the other end of the elastic part (231) facing the outer surface of the focus adjustment member (400), and the catch (232) has a curved surface that is coupled to the catch groove (430).

[0076] The rotation prevention member (230) prevents the focus adjustment member (400) from being rotated arbitrarily through the catch member (232) or allows the user to easily align the focus adjustment hole (410) and the opening (211).

[0077] Hereinafter, the operation of the lens cap for night vision goggles will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a lens cap for a night vision goggle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, the user aligns one of the plurality of focus adjustment holes (410) to the opening (211) by rotating the portion of the focus adjustment member (400) that extends outward from the cap member (200) through the escape hole (221) to adjust the focus.

[0080] For example, when aiming at focusing on the first area, the user rotates the focus adjustment member (400) to align the opening (211) and the first adjustment hole (411).

[0081] At this time, the first adjustment hole (411) and the corresponding catch groove (430) are caught in the catch (232) of the rotation prevention part (230), thereby preventing the focus adjustment member (400) from being rotated arbitrarily.

[0082] Next, when the user wants to focus on a second area wider than the first area, the user rotates the focus adjustment member (400), and accordingly, the opening (211) and the second adjustment hole (412) are realigned.

[0083] If the user wishes to focus on a third area wider than the second area, the user rotates the focus adjustment member (400) again, thereby realigning the opening (211) and the third adjustment hole (413).

[0084] Meanwhile, when the user wants to stop using the night vision goggles (1), the focus adjustment member (400) is rotated so that the catch (232) is caught in the additional catch groove (431), and the opening (211) is closed by the focus adjustment member (400).

[0085] In addition, if the user wants to use the objective lens (12) with it completely open, the cap member (200) can be opened by rotating the cap member (200) away from the connecting member (100) and the objective lens (12) can be used with it completely open.

[0086] As described in detail above, the night vision goggle lens cap according to the present invention and the night vision goggle having the same have the effect of being able to quickly and accurately focus an object over a wide range from close range to long range by manipulating the lens cap.

[0087] Additionally, it has the effect of enabling the night vision goggles to be operated immediately and stably by quickly setting the focus without any visual disturbance even when the user's field of view changes quickly.

[0088] Meanwhile, the embodiments disclosed in this drawing are merely specific examples presented to aid understanding and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other modifications based on the technical concepts of the present invention are possible in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0089] The present invention can be used in night vision goggles that quickly and accurately focus on objects located in a wide range from close to long distances through simple operation by the user.

Claims

1. Mounted on a night vision scope with an objective lens mounted on one side of the barrel and an alternative lens mounted on the other side of the barrel; A joining member joined to said one side of said barrel having said objective lens mounted thereon; A cap member rotatably coupled to the above-mentioned joining member and having an opening having a first size formed in the central portion; an axial portion formed on the cap member spaced apart from the opening; and A night vision goggle lens cap comprising a focus adjustment member that is rotatably connected to the shaft portion in a circular shape and parallel to the cap member, and has a plurality of focus adjustment holes formed at positions exposing the opening, the focus adjustment holes having a diameter different from that of the opening.

2. In paragraph 1, The cap member includes a mounting plate having a plate shape in which the opening is formed, and a skirt portion extending from the outer surface of the mounting plate toward the joining member and fitted to the outer surface of the joining member. In the above skirt portion, a escape hole is formed in a portion that overlaps with the focus adjustment member to prevent interference with the focus adjustment member. A night vision goggle lens cap in which a portion of the focus adjustment member protrudes outside the skirt portion through the escape hole.

3. In paragraph 1, The above shaft portion protrudes in an axial shape from the cap member, A night vision goggle lens cap having a rotating groove formed in the above focus adjustment member so as to be rotatably inserted into the above shaft.

4. In paragraph 1, On the outer surface of the above focus adjustment member, a concave engaging groove is formed intermittently, A night vision goggle lens cap, wherein the cap member has a rotation prevention member formed therein to prevent the focus adjustment member from rotating arbitrarily by being caught in the catch groove.

5. In paragraph 4, A night vision goggle lens cap, wherein the anti-rotation member has one end connected to the cap member, the other end opposite the one end including an elastic member facing the outer surface of the focus adjustment member, and a catch member having a curved surface formed on the other end of the elastic member and coupled to the catch groove.

6. In paragraph 1, The above focus adjustment hole has a first adjustment hole having a first diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening, a second adjustment hole having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a third adjustment hole having a third diameter smaller than the second diameter. A night vision goggle lens cap wherein the central portion of the first to third adjustment holes is aligned with the central portion of the opening.

7. A night vision scope body having an objective lens mounted on one side of the barrel and an alternative lens mounted on the other side of the barrel; and A night vision scope comprising a lens cap for a night vision scope, the lens cap including a coupling member coupled to the one side of the barrel on which the objective lens is mounted, a cap member rotatably coupled with respect to the coupling member and having an opening formed in the center thereof, a shaft member eccentrically formed at a position spaced from the opening of the cap member, and a focus adjustment member rotatably coupled to the shaft member in a disc shape and parallel to the cap member, and having a plurality of focus adjustment holes having a diameter different from the diameter of the opening formed at a position exposing the opening.

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