Gun and method for adjusting a sighting device of such a gun

Abstract

The invention relates to a gun (1) comprising a gun barrel (2), a light-directing device (3) and a sighting device (4), wherein the light-directing device (3) is provided in the region of a muzzle (M) of the gun barrel (2) and the sighting device (4) is provided in a region of the gun barrel (2) away from the muzzle (M). The invention also relates to a method for adjusting a sighting device (4) of such a gun (1). The distortion of gun barrels (2) under thermal loading can be robustly countered by providing an aperture plate (5) in a housing (6) of the light-directing device (3), with the aperture plate (5) being formed by a component with an aperture, wherein light (L) shining through the aperture in the aperture plate (5) from a side of the aperture plate (5) facing away from the sighting device (4) is detectable by the sighting device (4), and wherein the sighting device (4) is adjustable on the basis of this light (L) shining through the aperture in the aperture plate (5).

Description

[0001] Gun and method for adjusting an aiming device of such a gun

[0002] The invention relates to a gun having the features of the preamble of claim 1, in particular a gun with a gun barrel, a light-guiding device, and a sighting device. The light-guiding device is arranged in the region of a muzzle of the gun barrel, and the sighting device is arranged in a region of the gun barrel facing away from the muzzle. The invention further relates to a method for adjusting a sighting device of such a gun.

[0003] A well-known problem in gun technology is the inclination / alignment of gun barrels when they warp under thermal stress. In particular, thermal differences in various areas of a gun barrel or an associated barrel cradle can cause deviations of several mRad between the intended and effective target alignment. Target alignment is achieved using the aiming device with the aid of an imaginary line from the target alignment to the target, also known as the line of sight (LoS). An imaginary extension of the bore axis of the gun barrel from the muzzle of the gun barrel toward the target is also known as the line of fire (LoF). The geometric relationship between the line of fire (LoF) and the line of sight (LoS) is fundamentally known due to the design of the gun, allowing a high hit rate to be achieved with the gun.For example, the line of fire (LoF) and the line of sight (LoS) intersect at a certain distance, e.g., 1500m, from the muzzle. However, with the aforementioned distortion of these gun barrels, the LoF changes. When exposed to sunlight, the upper area of ​​the gun barrel or a cradle on which the gun barrel is mounted is exposed to a greater temperature increase than the area facing away from the sun. Such thermal differences can also occur laterally, e.g., when the gun receives solar radiation primarily from one side at sunset, or due to wind, which cools the windward side of the gun more than the leeward side. Likewise, various types of surfaces, such as asphalt, can absorb large amounts of heat during the day and then continue to transfer it to the gun from below when solar radiation generally decreases.During a real operation, such effects occur in different combinations and therefore cannot be predicted exactly.

[0004] A system is known from W02012168200 that uses several temperature sensors on the barrel cradle to calculate the inclination / warpage of the gun barrel based on temperature differences. Based on this data, the gun barrel's alignment is adjusted using actuators. The problem with this approach is that the actual gun alignment is only derived from thermal data, not directly measured. Therefore, comprehensive data sets are required for different gun types and different temperature ranges in order to be able to accurately predict the target alignment. Furthermore, the system of the type described requires a certain minimum number of sensors, including the associated electronics, to cover all distortion-relevant ranges.

[0005] EP0347525 discloses a correction unit for tank guns that can compensate for deviations in the line of sight (LoS) of the aiming device and the line of fire (LoF) of the gun barrel. For this purpose, a housing with a collimator is mounted at the muzzle of the gun barrel. The collimator focuses and parallelizes the light from an artificial or natural source onto a projection surface of the aiming device in a turret of the tank gun. If a deviation of the generated light spot from its intended position on the projection surface is detected, the operator can manually adjust the aiming device to the new position. The aiming device is then adjusted to the distortion of the gun barrel. The problem with this approach is the use of sensitive components in a location subject to high stress.A collimator typically focuses the light from a divergent beam source into a nearly parallel beam path. Various types of lenses can be used for this purpose. Vibrations can cause these components to fragment or shift by micrometers. This effect can be caused by the recoil of the gun during use as well as by the pressure and temperature of escaping gases. For smaller calibers, such as those used in anti-aircraft guns, similar problems arise due to the usual salvo fire and generally higher firing rates, despite lower kinetic forces and gas pressures.

[0006] The invention aims to solve the described disadvantages of the prior art or at least to reduce their effects. The invention is based on the object of providing a robust device and a method by means of which the distortion of gun barrels under thermal stress can be compensated.

[0007] This object underlying the invention is now initially achieved by a gun having the features of patent claim 1. One aspect of the invention essentially lies in the fact that a pinhole is arranged in a housing of the light-guiding device, wherein light shining through the opening of the pinhole from a side of the pinhole facing away from the aiming device can be detected by the aiming device, wherein the aiming device can be adjusted based on this light shining through the opening of the pinhole. This enables simple, rapid, preferably manual adjustment of the aiming device.

[0008] The aiming device is preferably arranged in a rear part of the gun in a turret. The pinhole is a component made of an opaque material, wherein the component has the opening through which the light can pass. The pinhole or the opaque component can be made very robust, so that the function of the pinhole is ensured even under the high stresses during use of the gun, particularly in the area of ​​the light directing device. The pinhole is further protected by the housing. The housing serves to ensure that the light shining through the pinhole on the side of the pinhole facing away from the aiming device can be detected particularly well and precisely by the aiming device. For this purpose, the pinhole is surrounded accordingly by the housing and light radiating unfavorably in the direction of the pinhole at least partially strikes the housing and thus does not reach the pinhole.

[0009] Preferably, an axis of the pinhole aperture along which the light penetrates the aperture is aligned toward the aiming device. This increases the intensity of the light reaching the aiming device. An imaginary extension of the pinhole aperture axis penetrates the aiming device. In particular, the light passing through the pinhole aperture reaches the aiming device in a beam-like manner along the pinhole aperture axis and its imaginary extension.

[0010] According to one design of the gun, the aperture of the pinhole is rectangular with rounded corners or square with rounded corners. This ensures easier differentiation of the light passing through the pinhole from other natural light sources. The covering areas of the pinhole allow clear identification of the light passing through the pinhole against the dark, covered background. The cross-section of the pinhole opening is rectangular or square with rounded corners.

[0011] According to a further embodiment of the gun, the gun barrel is mounted in a barrel cradle and, as an extension of the barrel cradle, in a barrel support. The perforated screen is formed by a plate-shaped post projecting from the barrel support, wherein the post preferably has the opening. The post is connected to the barrel support in an end region of the barrel support facing the muzzle. The post is preferably made of a robust material, such as steel. By connecting the post to the barrel support and not to the gun barrel itself, the stability of the gun barrel in this highly stressed area does not have to be weakened by corresponding fastening means, such as threaded holes. In principle, however, a direct connection of the light-guiding device, in particular the post, to the specially designed gun barrel is conceivable.

[0012] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the gun, the post is connected to a base plate, in particular by screwing. The base plate is connected to the barrel support, in particular by screwing. In particular, the base plate is aligned substantially parallel to the bore axis of the gun barrel. This can improve the stability of the connection between the post and the barrel support. Furthermore, simple, rapid assembly of the post to the barrel support is possible. More preferably, the housing is then connected to the post and / or the base plate, in particular by screwing. Due to the design of the light-guiding device with the post and the base plate, the light-guiding device is particularly easy to clean.

[0013] Preferably, a recess is formed in the post axially adjacent to the opening of the perforated diaphragm. A Plexiglas sheet is preferably arranged in the recess. It is conceivable for the Plexiglas sheet to be sandblasted on at least one side and thus partially transparent / opaque. The Plexiglas sheet is, in particular, glued into the recess. The Plexiglas sheet is connected to the covering areas surrounding the opening of the perforated diaphragm by means of an adhesive bond.

[0014] Further preferably, an insert plate is arranged in an opening of the post. The opening of the pinhole is then formed in the insert plate. In particular, the recess is also formed in the insert plate. This simplifies the manufacture / assembly of the post. In particular, a suitable different material can be selected for covering areas directly adjacent to the opening of the pinhole than for the rest of the post. The materials can be optimally selected according to the optical and mechanical requirements. Advantageously, the housing has a first housing opening on its rear side facing away from the mouth, through which light can be emitted from the interior of the housing towards the aiming device. The light shining through the pinhole from the side of the pinhole facing away from the aiming device penetrates this first housing opening on its way to the aiming device.

[0015] The first housing opening is preferably closed with a transparent, clear or partially transparent, opaque, first cover. The first cover prevents water, snow, dust, powder gases, and other contaminants from entering the housing. A partially transparent, opaque cover can also be referred to as milky. Such a partially transparent, opaque cover can also function, in particular, as a projection surface for the light emerging from the pinhole. Advantageously, this allows the intensity of the emerging light to be regulated within a certain range. However, this has the disadvantage that the contours of the pinhole opening are blurred and thus more difficult to identify.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the gun, the housing has a second housing opening on its front side facing the muzzle, through which light can penetrate into the interior of the housing. In particular, light from a natural light source such as the sun or the moon can penetrate into the housing. However, light from artificial light sources such as lamps and / or fire can also penetrate into the housing through the second housing opening. In particular, the pinhole is surrounded by the housing formed between the first and second housing openings, in particular by housing walls aligned substantially parallel to the axis of the pinhole.

[0017] The second housing opening is advantageously closed with a second cover, either transparent or partially transparent and cloudy. This second cover also prevents water, snow, dust, powder gases, and other contaminants from entering the housing. A clear, transparent cover allows for greater intensity of the incident light, but can also cause unwanted reflections in the direction of fire. This problem of unwanted reflections in the direction of fire can be avoided by using partially transparent, cloudy / milky lenses.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the gun, the first and / or second cover comprises glass and / or Plexiglas. The covers are thus resistant to the stresses encountered during use. Further preferably, the first housing opening is oriented substantially perpendicular to the bore axis of the gun barrel. This ensures, on the one hand, that the light shining through the first housing opening reaches the aiming device, and, on the other hand, unwanted light radiation through the first housing opening to the pinhole can be limited to a tolerable level. The light shining through the first housing opening to the pinhole may, under certain circumstances, interfere with the desired detection by the aiming device of the light shining through the pinhole from the side of the pinhole facing away from the aiming device.

[0019] The cross-sectional area of ​​the aperture of the pinhole is preferably smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second housing opening. The pinhole can be used to limit the cross-section of light rays passing through the second housing opening. The correspondingly "large" cross-sectional area of ​​the second housing opening ensures that light of sufficiently high intensity reaches the pinhole.

[0020] It may be advantageous if the second housing opening has an angle of 0° to 90°, preferably 30° to 60°, particularly preferably 40° to 50°, to the bore axis of the gun barrel. Such an inclination of the second housing opening allows light from a natural light source such as the sun or the moon to penetrate the housing with greater intensity.

[0021] In particular, a light source, in particular a light-emitting diode, is arranged in the housing on a side of the pinhole facing away from the aiming device. Light from this light source can shine through the opening of the pinhole instead of or together with the light from a natural light source from the side of the pinhole facing away from the aiming device and be detected by the aiming device. When this light source is used, the second cover can also be opaque, or there can then be no second housing opening with a corresponding cover formed in the housing, in which case, for the adjustment of the aiming device, essentially only light from this light source from the side of the pinhole facing away from the aiming device shines through the opening of the pinhole and is detected by the aiming device.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the housing comprises one or more solar cells which supply the artificial light source in the housing with electrical energy. In this way, the light incident through the second cover on the mouth side can be amplified by the artificial light source without the need for an external power source. It is also conceivable for the second cover to consist of an opaque solar panel and for the device to be operated entirely using the artificial light source. Alternatively or additionally, the solar cells can be connected to a power storage device, e.g. a battery, which is charged when light falls on the outer housing and discharged to operate the light source when the light intensity is lower. In this case, it is particularly possible for the current intensity of the solar cells to be used directly as a light intensity indicator for the artificial light source.If the light intensity and thus the current decrease, the power of the artificial light source can be automatically increased via a circuit. The use of the alternative embodiment with a transparent first cover and a partially transparent, opaque second cover is particularly advantageous, as this reduces the light emerging from the muzzle, while the light emerging from the opposite side can be detected by the aiming device at virtually full intensity. Also possible is the use of "smart glass," which becomes opaque when an electrical voltage is applied and can be coupled to the light source. The emission of light from the muzzle side of the gun is fundamentally disadvantageous for detectability reasons. However, the use of the first cover can also be omitted entirely.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the artificial light source can comprise a fluorescent material that is activated by incident light and acts as the sole or additional light source at low light intensity. Since a delay in the gun is to be expected, particularly at sunset, the device can be continued to operate for a short time during the relevant time window with the help of the fluorescent material. Alternatively or additionally, the fluorescent material can be attached to the contours of the opening of the pinhole. For this embodiment, an elastic loop made of fluorescent material that is inserted into the opening of the pinhole is particularly suitable. When mounted, an inner ring of this loop rests against the areas that border the opening and are aligned parallel to the axis of the pinhole.On both sides of the opening, a web section connected to the inner ring and oriented perpendicular to the inner ring protrudes from the opening. The mounted loop thus forms a U-shaped enclosing feature around the inner wall bordering the aperture of the aperture plate.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, the two above-mentioned embodiments of the artificial light source, namely the electrically powered light source and the artificial light source comprising a fluorescent material, can be combined. The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a method for adjusting a sighting device of such a gun with the features of patent claim 17.

[0025] One aspect of the invention then essentially lies in the fact that light shining through the pinhole from a side of the pinhole facing away from the aiming device is detected by the aiming device, wherein the aiming device is adjusted on the basis of this light shining through the pinhole.

[0026] This allows for simple, quick, preferably manual adjustment of the aiming device. The light passing through the pinhole on the side facing away from the aiming device is captured particularly well and precisely by the aiming device, as this light is bundled accordingly by the pinhole and clearly separated from other light present in the area of ​​the aiming device.

[0027] Preferably, the aiming device is preferably adjusted manually until the light detected by the aiming device has a specific alignment with an alignment mark of the aiming device, in particular the alignment mark is imaged centrally in a light beam detected by the aiming device.

[0028] This makes adjustment particularly quick and easy. In particular, the aiming device has a pivoting sight mirror, which is adjusted for adjustment. The aiming device, in particular the sight mirror, is preferably adjusted so that the line of sight (LoS) and the line of fire (LoF) intersect at the desired, specific distance, e.g., 1500 m, from the muzzle.

[0029] There are now numerous possibilities for advantageously designing and developing the gun according to the invention and the method according to the invention for adjusting a sighting device of such a gun. Reference is made in this regard to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and the claims subordinate to claim 17. A preferred embodiment of the gun according to the invention and the method according to the invention for adjusting a sighting device of such a gun will now be explained and described in more detail with reference to the drawing and the accompanying description. The drawing shows:

[0030] Fig.1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the gun according to the invention in a side view, Fig.2a shows a schematic representation of a light-guiding device arranged on a gun barrel of a second embodiment of the gun according to the invention in a side view in section,

[0031] Fig.2b is a schematic representation of a light-guiding device arranged on a gun barrel of a third embodiment of the gun according to the invention in a side view in section,

[0032] Fig.3 is a schematic representation of a light-guiding device of a fourth embodiment of the gun according to the invention in a side view in section,

[0033] Fig.4a shows a schematic representation of a base plate and a post of a light-guiding device of the first embodiment of the gun according to the invention in a three-dimensional view,

[0034] Fig. 4b shows a schematic representation of the base plate and the upright from Fig. 4a, but in a three-dimensional view rotated by approximately 180° in contrast to Fig. 4a,

[0035] Fig.4c shows a schematic representation of the base plate and the upright from Fig.4a, in a side view in section,

[0036] Fig.4d is a schematic representation of a housing of the light-guiding device of the first embodiment of the gun according to the invention in a three-dimensional view, which is used in particular in combination with the base plate and the stand from Fig.4a,

[0037] Fig.5a shows a schematic representation of a pinhole of the light-guiding device with the associated elastic loop in a side view in section, and

[0038] Fig.5b shows a schematic representation of the pinhole of the light-guiding device with the associated elastic loop according to Fig.5a in a plan view of the opening of the pinhole.

[0039] According to Fig. 1, the gun 1 has a gun barrel 2, a light-guiding device 3, and an aiming device 4. The light-guiding device 3 is arranged in the region of a muzzle M of the gun barrel 2. The aiming device 4 is arranged in a region of the gun barrel 2 facing away from the muzzle M. A large part of the length of the gun barrel 2 is arranged between the light-guiding device 3 and the aiming device 4. The part of the gun barrel 2 which is arranged on the side of the light-guiding device 3 facing away from the aiming device 4 up to the muzzle M is so small that its deformation / distortion under thermal loads changes the line of fire LoF only insignificantly and tolerably little.

[0040] A pinhole 5 is arranged in a housing 6 of the light-directing device 3, as is shown in particular in Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b and Fig. 3. Light L shining through the pinhole 5 from a side of the pinhole 5 facing away from the aiming device 4 can be detected by the aiming device 4. As Fig. 1 to 3 each show by means of one or more arrows, light L radiates towards the pinhole 5. According to Fig. 1, a dashed arrow leads from the aiming device 4 to the light-directing device 3, wherein this dashed arrow symbolizes a direction of view from the aiming device 4 to the light-directing device 3, and in the opposite direction, the light L shining through the pinhole 5 and radiating towards the aiming device 4. The aiming device 4 can be adjusted using this light L shining through the pinhole 5. In the event of a distortion of the gun barrel 2, e.g.Under thermal stress, the position of the light-guiding device 3 relative to the aiming device 4 changes, which can initially be detected by the aiming device 4 through a visual inspection along the line of sight symbolized by the dashed arrow and then compensated for by adjusting / adjusting the aiming device 4. After adjustment, the usual high accuracy can be achieved with the gun 1 again.

[0041] An axis A of the opening of the pinhole 5 is aligned towards the aiming device 4. The axis A of the pinhole 5 essentially forms the extension of the line of sight symbolized by the dashed arrow from the aiming device 4 to the light directing device 3. The axis A is parallel (cf. Fig. 2a) or at an angle (cf. Fig. 4c) to the barrel axis R of the gun barrel 2. The pinhole 5 can also be angled with respect to the barrel axis R as shown in Fig. 2b, so that a pinhole angle QL of greater than 90° is formed. The opening of the pinhole 5 can thus be made geometrically larger, e.g. rectangular. The amount of light flowing through is thus increased, whereby the observer at a 90° angle to the aiming device 4 only perceives a smaller opening for adjustment, whereby the observer's line of sight in Fig.2b is symbolized by the dashed arrow, and the perceived "smaller opening" is symbolized by the dashed line aligned perpendicular to the tube core axis R adjacent to the opening of the pinhole 5. In other words, an actually rectangular opening becomes, for example, a square opening for the observer due to the viewing angle.

[0042] The opening of the pinhole 5 is angular. The opening of the pinhole 5 has a constant cross-section along the axis A as shown in Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b and Fig. 4c. However, the pinhole 5 can also have a cross-section that tapers along the axis A as shown in Fig. 3. In particular, the cross-section of the pinhole 5 is angular. In particular, the cross-section of the pinhole 5 is rectangular or square with rounded corners, as shown in Fig. 5b, for example. However, the cross-section could also be round, as shown in Fig. 4b, in which case the opening of the pinhole 5 is cylindrical. At least the transitions from the opening of the pinhole 5 to the covering areas surrounding the opening of the pinhole 5 are angular or have sharp edges.

[0043] The gun barrel 2 is mounted in a cradle 7 as shown in Fig.1 and as an extension of the cradle

[0044] 7 is mounted in a barrel support 8. By means of the barrel cradle 7 and the barrel support 8, the movement of the gun barrel 2 initiated by a recoil along its barrel bore axis R is enabled. The aperture plate 5 is formed according to Fig.3 and 4a to 4c by means of a plate-shaped post 9 projecting from the barrel support 8. The post 9 is then connected to the barrel support in an end region of the barrel support 8 facing the muzzle M.

[0045] 8. If the gun barrel 2 is distorted, the position of the barrel support 8 also changes, so that successful adjustment of the aiming device 4 is also possible with the aid of the pinhole 5 arranged on the barrel support 8. However, it is also conceivable that the light-guiding device 3 according to Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b is connected directly to the gun barrel 2, in particular fastened to the gun barrel 2.

[0046] According to Fig. 3, Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b and Fig. 4c, the upright 9 is connected, in particular screwed, to a base plate 10. The base plate 10 is connected, in particular screwed, to the barrel support 8. In particular, the base plate 10 is aligned substantially parallel to the barrel bore axis R of the gun barrel 2. "Substantially" here means that a small angle of a few degrees can form between the base plate 10 and the barrel bore axis R, e.g., in the case of base plates 10 with varying thickness and / or gun barrels 2 with varying wall thickness.

[0047] According to Fig. 4c, a recess 11 is formed in the upright 9 axially adjacent to the perforated diaphragm 5, with a Plexiglas disc 12 arranged in the recess 11. The Plexiglas disc 12 is bonded to the upright 9 by means of an adhesive. One side of the Plexiglas disc 12 facing the perforated diaphragm 5 is preferably sandblasted.

[0048] An insert plate 13 is arranged in an opening 14 of the upright 9 according to Fig. 4c. The perforated diaphragm 5 is then formed in the insert plate 13. In particular, the recess 11 is then further formed in the insert plate 13. The insert plate 13 has two flat end faces arranged essentially parallel to one another. The housing 6 can be connected to the upright 9 in particular by means of a screw connection. For this purpose, preferably two screws penetrating the housing 6 can be screwed laterally into a thickened area of ​​the upright 9.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, and Fig. 3, the housing 6 has, on its rear side facing away from the mouth M, a first housing opening 15.1 through which light L can be emitted from the interior of the housing 6 toward the aiming device 4. The first housing opening 15.1 is essentially rectangular but with rounded corners. However, the first housing opening 15.1 could also have a different shape, e.g., be round or oval.

[0050] The first housing opening 15.1 is closed with a transparent, clear, or partially transparent, opaque first cover 16.1. The first cover 16.1 is bonded to the housing 6 by means of an adhesive. However, a different type of connection, such as a form-fitting connection, would also be conceivable. According to Fig. 2b, such a first cover 16.1 can also be omitted.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3, and Fig. 4d, the housing 6 has a second opening 15.2 on its front side facing the opening M, through which light L can penetrate into the interior of the housing 6. The second opening 15.2 is also essentially rectangular but with rounded corners. However, the second opening could also have a different shape, e.g., be round or oval.

[0052] The second housing opening 15.2 is closed with a transparent, clear or partially transparent, opaque, second cover 16.2. The second cover 16.2 is also connected to the housing 6 by means of an adhesive. However, a different type of connection, e.g. a form-fitting connection, would also be conceivable. The first and / or second cover 16.1, 16.2 comprises glass and / or Plexiglas. The first and / or second cover 16.1, 16.2 are each designed as a single piece. On the other hand, a two-part or multi-part design would also be conceivable. The first housing opening 15.1 is aligned substantially perpendicular to the bore axis R of the gun barrel 2 according to Fig. 2a. A first angle Qi is therefore substantially 90°. However, it is also conceivable that the first angle Qi is smaller than 90°, as shown, for example, in Fig. 3, and has values ​​between 75° and 90°. Also the first preferably plate-shaped cover 16.1 has an angle of substantially 90°, preferably an angle between 75° and 90°, to the bore axis R of the gun barrel 2.

[0053] A cross-sectional area of ​​the opening of the pinhole 5 is preferably substantially smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second housing opening 15.2.

[0054] The second housing opening 15.2 has an angle 02 of 0° to 90°, preferably of 30° to 60°, particularly preferably of 40° to 50°, to the bore axis R of the gun barrel 2. The second, preferably plate-shaped cover 16.2 also has an angle of 0° to 90°, preferably of 30° to 60°, particularly preferably of 40° to 50°, to the bore axis R of the gun barrel 2. An outer circumference of the housing 6 is essentially prism-shaped, as shown in Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4d.

[0055] A light source 17, in particular a light-emitting diode, is optionally arranged in the housing 6 on a side of the aperture 5 facing away from the aiming device 4, as shown by dashed lines in Fig. 2a. To power the light source 17, a battery, for example, is arranged in the housing 6, or the light source 17 is connected by means of power lines, in particular cables, to a current / voltage source arranged outside the housing 6 on the gun 1.

[0056] According to Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, the artificial light source 17 comprises a fluorescent material that is activated by incident light and acts as the sole or additional light source 17 at low light intensity. Since a delay of the gun 1 is to be expected, especially at sunset, the device can be operated briefly within the relevant time window with the help of the fluorescent material. According to Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, the fluorescent material is attached as an elastic loop 18 to the contours of the opening of the pinhole 5, or the elastic loop 18 is inserted into the opening of the pinhole 5. An inner ring of this elastic loop 18 rests in the assembled state on the areas delimiting the opening, which are aligned parallel to the axis A of the pinhole 5. From the inner ring, a web area connected to the inner ring and oriented perpendicular to the inner ring protrudes away from the opening on both sides of the opening.The mounted elastic loop 18 thus encloses the pinhole 5 adjacent to its opening in a II-shaped manner, as shown in particular in Fig.5a.

[0057] The following describes the method for adjusting the aiming device 4 of the gun 1. Light L shining through the pinhole 5 from a side of the pinhole 5 facing away from the aiming device 4 is detected by the aiming device 4. The aiming device 4 is adjusted based on this light L shining through the pinhole 5. In particular, the adjustment is carried out until the line of sight ("LoS") and the line of fire ("LoF") intersect at a desired, specific distance, e.g., 1500 m, from the muzzle M.

[0058] The aiming device 4 is preferably adjusted manually until the light L detected by the aiming device 4 has a specific alignment with an alignment mark of the aiming device 4, in particular the alignment mark is centered in a light beam detected by the aiming device 4, which then means that the line of sight ("LoS") and the line of fire ("Line of Fire", LoF) intersect at the desired, specific distance, e.g., 1500 m, from the muzzle M. The opaque alignment mark is arranged in particular on a reticle arranged in the aiming device 4 which is transparent except for the alignment mark. The fact that the alignment mark is centered in a light beam detected by the aiming device 4 means that there is congruence between the light beam and the alignment mark. The light beam acts as a reference mark.

[0059] List of reference symbols

[0060] 1 gun

[0061] 2 gun barrels

[0062] 3 Light control device

[0063] 4 Aiming device

[0064] 5 pinhole

[0065] 6 housings

[0066] 7 Pipe cradle

[0067] 8 Pipe support

[0068] 9 stayers

[0069] 10 Base plate

[0070] 11 Recess

[0071] 12 Plexiglas panel

[0072] 13 Insert plate

[0073] 14 Opening of the upright 9

[0074] 15.1 first housing opening

[0075] 15.2 second housing opening

[0076] 16.1 first cover

[0077] 16.2 second cover

[0078] 17 Light source

[0079] 18 elastic loops

[0080] M mouth

[0081] L Light

[0082] A axis of the pinhole 5

[0083] R Barrel axis of gun barrel 2

[0084] QL pinhole angle

[0085] Qi first angle

[0086] 02 second angle

Claims

Patent claims 1. Gun (1) with a gun barrel (2), a light-guiding device (3) and an aiming device (4), wherein the light-guiding device (3) is arranged in the region of a muzzle (M) of the gun barrel (2), wherein the aiming device (4) is arranged in a region of the gun barrel (2) facing away from the muzzle (M), characterized in that a pinhole (5) is arranged in a housing (6) of the light-guiding device (3), wherein the pinhole (5) is formed by a component with an opening, wherein light (L) shining through the opening of the pinhole (5) from a side of the pinhole (5) facing away from the aiming device (4) can be detected by the aiming device (4), wherein the aiming device (4) can be adjusted using this light (L) shining through the opening of the pinhole (5).

2. Gun (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an axis (A) of the opening of the pinhole (5) is aligned towards the aiming device (4).

3. Gun (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the opening of the aperture plate (5) is rectangular with rounded corners or square with rounded corners.

4. Gun (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gun barrel (2) is mounted in a barrel cradle (7) and, as an extension of the barrel cradle (7), in a barrel support (8), the perforated diaphragm (5) being formed by means of a plate-shaped post (9) projecting from the barrel support (8), the post (9) being connected to the barrel support (8) in an end region of the barrel support (8) facing the muzzle (M).

5. Gun (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the upright (9) is connected, in particular screwed, to a base plate (10), wherein the base plate (10) is connected, in particular screwed, to the barrel support (8), in particular wherein the base plate (10) is aligned substantially parallel to the barrel bore axis (R) of the gun barrel (2).

6. Gun (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that a recess (11) is formed in the post (9) axially next to the opening of the perforated diaphragm (5), a Plexiglas disc (12) being arranged in the recess (11).

7. Gun (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that an insert plate (13) is arranged in an opening (14) of the post (9), wherein the opening of the perforated diaphragm (5) is formed in the insert plate (13), in particular wherein the recess (11) is formed in the insert plate (13).

8. Gun (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (6) has a first housing opening (15.1) on its rear side facing away from the muzzle (M), through which light (L) can be emitted from the interior of the housing (6) towards the aiming device (4).

9. Gun (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first housing opening (15.1) is closed with a transparent, clear or partially transparent, opaque, first cover (16.1).

10. Gun (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the housing (6) has on its front side facing the muzzle (M) a second housing opening (15.2) through which light (L) can penetrate into the interior of the housing (6). 1 1. Gun (1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second opening (15.2) is closed with a transparent, clear or partially transparent, opaque, second cover (16.2).

12. Gun (1) according to claim 9 or 11, characterized in that the first and / or second cover (16.1, 16.2) comprises glass and / or plexiglass.

13. Gun (1) according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the first housing opening (15.1) is aligned substantially perpendicular to the tube core axis (R) of the gun barrel (2).

14. Gun (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that a cross-sectional area of ​​the opening of the perforated diaphragm (5) is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second housing opening (15.2).

15. Gun (1) according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the second housing opening (15.2) has an angle (02) of 0° to 90°, preferably of 30° to 60°, particularly preferably of 40° to 50°, to the bore axis (R) of the gun barrel (2).

16. Gun (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a light source (17), in particular a light-emitting diode, is arranged in the housing (6) on a side of the aperture plate (5) facing away from the aiming device (4).

17. Method for adjusting a sighting device (4) of a gun (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that light (L) shining through the pinhole (5) from a side of the pinhole (5) facing away from the sighting device (4) is detected by the sighting device (4), the sighting device (4) being adjusted on the basis of this light (L) shining through the pinhole (5).

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the aiming device (4) is preferably adjusted manually until the light (L) detected by the aiming device (4) has a specific orientation to an alignment mark of the aiming device (4), in particular the alignment mark is imaged centrally in a light beam detected by the aiming device (4).

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