Optical unit for a portable firearm, housing for an optical unit for a portable firearm, method for producing a housing for an optical unit for a portable firearm, method for producing an optical unit for a portable firearm, and method for operating a portable firearm

Abstract

The present invention relates to an optical unit (1) for a portable firearm (100), wherein the optical unit (1) has a housing (2) and has a lens system (3) arranged at least partially in the housing (2) and having at least one eyepiece (4) and one objective (5), wherein a path (S) between the eyepiece (4) and the objective (5) forms a section of a first spatial direction (X) along which the optical unit is formed and, perpendicular thereto, a second spatial direction (Y) and a third spatial direction (Z) by which the geometric space for the optical unit is defined, wherein the housing (2) has a housing weight (GG) and the optical unit (1) has a total optical unit weight (OG). In order to increase the stability and / or to maintain the reliability and usability of an optical unit for a portable firearm, it is proposed that the housing weight (GG) is between 33% and 66%, preferably between 37.5% and 57.5%, particularly preferably between 39.5% and 47.5% of the total optical unit weight (OG). The invention further relates to at least one housing (2) for an optical unit (1) for a portable firearm (100).

Description

[0001] P-2434_DE

[0002] Sch / LMa

[0003] Optics for a handgun, housing for optics for a handgun, method for manufacturing a housing for optics for a handgun, method for manufacturing optics for a handgun and method for operating a handgun

[0004] The present invention lies in the field of optics for small arms and relates not only to an optic for a small arm but also to a housing for an optic for a small arm, and a method for manufacturing a housing for an optic for a P-2434_DE

[0005] Sch / LMa

[0006] Handgun, a method for manufacturing optics for a handgun, and a method for operating a handgun.

[0007] Optics for handguns are well-known from the state of the art and are available on the market in a wide variety of designs. However, optics for handguns differ considerably from one another.

[0008] Optics for handguns are known to exist, each designed and constructed specifically for hunting, sporting, or law enforcement purposes. While in hunting, very high-quality handguns and optics are typically used for a single, precise shot and, due to their high value and low risk of external damage, are primarily designed to offer the highest possible light transmission, sharp images, and great adaptability (i.e., large zoom ranges and a sufficient field of view), measures against external damage are of secondary importance. Rapid target acquisition is also only relevant in this context for scopes designed for driven hunts.In contrast, optics for handguns used for hunting are usually designed to be as lightweight as possible, despite the complex and therefore usually heavy lens system, in order to make it easier for the hunter to transport his weapon during the hunt or to the hunting location, for example to a stand deeper in the forest.

[0009] For optics used in sporting firearms, the overall weight of the optic usually plays only a minor role and is generally limited by the specific regulations of individual disciplines. Ultimately, the shooter is solely concerned with the maximum performance of both the firearm and the optic in order to achieve peak athletic performance in competition.

[0010] In contrast, for handguns and handgun optics designed for law enforcement use, reliability, even under the most adverse conditions, is always paramount. It alone takes the highest priority. P-2434_DE

[0011] Sch / LMa

[0012] This applies to both fixed-focal-length lenses (i.e., lenses with a fixed magnification) and variable-focal-length lenses (i.e., lenses with variable magnification or a so-called intended zoom range), even though these two types are fundamentally different, differ in many ways, and are generally selected by authorities for different purposes. Many features typical of one type or the other are not (easily) transferable to the other, or would even have counterproductive effects.

[0013] Since the present invention relates generally to optics for handguns, but in particular to optics for handguns for official use and specifically to fixed focal length optics, the following discussion will focus primarily on the special features of such optics.

[0014] Fixed focal length optics used in law enforcement are typically mounted on relatively compact long guns chambered for medium caliber ammunition. The shooter primarily engages targets at distances between 50 and 150 meters, or at slightly greater ranges, perhaps between 20 and 200 meters. The handgun and optic together should form the most compact and lightweight system possible, as officers must carry their handguns with the mounted optics through unpredictable terrain in unpredictable situations. In potential military operations, they may need to carry the equipment for days, weeks, or even months, or, particularly in police operations, frequently operate within unfamiliar (building) environments. To ensure operational readiness at all times, it is crucial that the optics can withstand harsh and even the harshest operational conditions.It is therefore known from the prior art to surround such optics, for example, with a kind of protective casing. In this process, a piece of sheet metal – usually steel – in an arc shape, is arranged around the actual optic, which is suitable for absorbing shocks and / or impacts to a certain extent without the actual housing of the optic and consequently the lens system arranged in the housing being exposed to external attacks.

[0015] are directly exposed to Sch / LMa. It has also been suggested that individual housing components be connected to each other by screw connections with the largest possible nominal dimension – above 8 mm. On the other hand, it has also been suggested that a large number of screw connections be used, which in turn should have a smaller nominal dimension – between 3.5 mm and 5 mm. Of course, it is also known to bond the screw connections that join the individual housing components.

[0016] By providing a protective shell, as described above, immense advantages can indeed be achieved in terms of the protection and lifespan of the optics in question. However, the additional installation space and weight required are not always desirable. There may also be other reasons against providing such a protective shell around the optics, particularly if further components are to be attached to the optics housing, which a protective shell could hinder or even prevent.

[0017] This is one of the reasons why it is still common practice today for the optics intended for a given handgun in official use to be exchanged or replaced at significantly shorter intervals than the handgun itself. This has considerable disadvantages. The handgun and optics must be re-zeroed, and the shooter must regain confidence in the resulting system. The substantial additional financial expenditure ties up important resources that are no longer available for other purposes, such as training or ammunition stockpiling (e.g., for practice). Overall, this negatively impacts the operational readiness and effectiveness of the law enforcement unit.

[0018] Against this background, an object of the present invention can be seen as increasing the stability and / or maintaining the reliability and operational capability of an optic for a handgun. P-2434 DE

[0019] Sch / LMa

[0020] These and other possible problems are solved in an optic for a handgun, wherein the optic comprises a housing and a lens system, at least partially arranged in the housing and comprising at least one eyepiece and one objective lens, wherein a distance between the eyepiece and the objective lens forms a section of a first spatial direction along which the optic is designed and to which a second spatial direction and a third spatial direction are perpendicular, defining the geometric space for the optic, wherein the housing has a housing weight and the optic has a total optic weight, by the fact that the housing weight is between 33% and 66%, preferably between 37.5% and 57.5%, most preferably between 39.5% and 47.5% of the total optic weight.

[0021] In this way, the stability and / or the maintenance of the reliability and operational capability of the optics for a handgun are significantly increased.

[0022] Optics for small arms are subjected to a wide variety of stresses during the time a law enforcement unit, for example, must be able to rely on their availability and absolute reliability. This applies to their service life, which can, of course, also include service with a civilian employer, such as a hunter or sport shooter. Assuming service with a law enforcement agency, the service life is usually between 10 and 20 years. The optics are therefore subject to an aging process and must remain 100% operational under a wide range of climatic conditions, such as freezing, 50° Celsius heat, rain, storms, or sandstorms, and whether clean or dirty. The optics can be dropped or impacted during use. Furthermore, they are subjected to almost unbelievable acceleration values ​​during the operation of the small arms, reaching up to 1,500 G, or approximately 15,000 m / s. 2can be as high as, and depending on the design of the weapon, can occur at rates of up to 1,500 shots per minute.

[0023] The designers of such optics for handguns must pay attention to a multitude of requirements, some of which have already been mentioned in the introductory part of the description, and must also constantly bear in mind that the actual purpose of an optic for a handgun is to enable the operator of the P-2434.DE

[0024] Sch / LMa

[0025] A handgun can target its target more safely and quickly, and in particular aim more reliably and effortlessly.

[0026] For a long time, efforts have therefore focused on further developing the quality of lens systems, increasing ease of use, protecting the (existing) housing through coating processes or encasements (armored plates), improving the sensors and / or electronics, and extending the operational lifespan of power-source-dependent units. However, it has been overlooked that a fundamental rethinking of the design of optics for a handgun can solve several problems at once. The characteristic parameter ratio is particularly well-suited to distributing the forces occurring during the operation of a handgun favorably between the lens system and the housing. This results in a kind of momentum distribution that has a practically damping effect, without sacrificing the rigidity of the system and the lens system's mounting, which is absolutely essential for long-range precision.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the optics, the total optical weight is between 300g and 900g, preferably between 400g and 800g, more preferably between 450g and 650g, and most preferably between 475g and 600g.

[0028] In this weight range, laboratory tests have surprisingly shown the aforementioned effects to be particularly pronounced. While it remains somewhat unclear why these advantageous effects are only observed to a lesser extent in weight ranges above and below this range, it is recommended that the optics be designed to comply with one of the aforementioned preferred overall optical weight ranges.

[0029] It can be very advantageous in certain cases if the housing is formed at least 50%, preferably at least 85%, and most preferably at least 96% of a base material, wherein the base material consists of a light metal alloy, in particular an aluminum-containing light metal alloy. P-2434_DE

[0030] Sch / LMa

[0031] Simply choosing a (dominant or even exclusive) base material can, in itself, offer advantages in terms of achievable stability, but it is only in combination with the characteristics already described that it forms a special symbiosis to achieve practically relevant benefits. A lightweight metal offers the advantage that relatively thick-walled housing constructions—especially housing body constructions—are possible without exceeding a certain weight. In contrast to thin-walled sheet steel constructions, this results in, on the one hand, more favorable moments of resistance and, on the other hand, the possibility of using stronger mounts for the lens system, or for individual lenses forming the lens system, such as the eyepiece and the objective lens.It is therefore also preferred that the lens system comprises at least one lens which is supported in a circular arc section of at least 320°, preferably at least 335°, most preferably at least 355° over at least 0.7 mm, more preferably at least 0.8 mm, more preferably at least 0.9 mm and most preferably at least 1.0 mm of its diameter, more preferably its radius, by the housing, in particular the housing base body, at least on one side.

[0032] In this way, sudden loads occurring during firing, as well as external forces, such as those resulting from the fall of optics mounted on a handgun, can be transferred to the sensitive lens system with particular care, and the load-bearing capacity of the lens system, or at least of one or more individual lenses, is significantly increased by the high level of support. Such support is therefore also of great benefit in the following embodiment, which is also only preferred in specific cases over the previously described embodiment.

[0033] In some cases, it may be preferred that the housing be formed at least 50%, preferably at least 85%, and most preferably at least 96% of a base material, wherein the base material consists of a thermoplastic compound, in particular a thermoplastic composite material or a, in particular reinforced, polyamide. Compared to an embodiment with a base material formed by a light metal, in particular an aluminum alloy, the two proposed P-2434_DE designs presented here offer the following advantages:

[0034] Sch / LMa

[0035] Materials offer the advantage of further weight savings. With a reinforced thermoplastic, such as a reinforced polyamide, there is also a significant cost advantage. In contrast, a solution using a base material formed from a thermoplastic composite, such as CFRP or GFRP, is considerably more expensive, but also even more stable. It should be noted that measures must be taken to maintain the required dimensions. For this reason, an adjustment of the lens system may even be necessary, which one naturally wants to avoid at all costs.

[0036] It is particularly advantageous if the optic has a locking system, at least partially connected to the housing, for the releasable locking of the optic to a handgun.

[0037] This allows for repeatable and stable mounting on the handgun. For example, for cleaning or transport purposes, it may be desirable to be able to temporarily separate the optic and the handgun without having to readjust the system after reconnecting and re-locking the optic to the handgun, preferably without tools.

[0038] Surprisingly, this is also possible without errors under the weight ratio required here (from a practical standpoint). In retrospect, it would have been feared that a housing with such a high weight proportion would cause such temperature-related volume changes that the repeatability associated with the releasable locking mechanism of the optic on the respective handgun would not be sufficiently guaranteed. However, an optic designed with this parameter ratio appears to be so compact that in tests, even after more than 2,000 mounting and dismounting cycles, no deviation in the point of impact of the handgun could be detected at the test firing distance of 300 meters.

[0039] This can lead to further advantages if the locking mechanism has at least a first locking position and a second locking position, so that the optics along P-2434_DE

[0040] The Sch / LMa can be detachably locked in at least two different positions in the X-direction. In this way, an operator can (preferably without tools) select, for example, a preferred eye relief or a preferred locking position of the optic on the handgun in discrete steps.

[0041] In any case, it can be advantageous if the optics include at least one of the following additional units: an electronic unit, preferably with at least one electronic interface and / or a sensor; a lateral adjustment unit and / or elevation adjustment unit acting on at least one lens; an energy absorption unit; an aperture, preferably interchangeable or replaceable, in particular a honeycomb aperture.

[0042] An electronic unit enables, in particular, the illumination of a reticle, but can also ensure that the optics can be supplied with information or generally be intended for information exchange and, at least in some cases, also communicate this information to the operator via a display, for example, via a lens in the lens system designed for this purpose. Furthermore, the electronics can include at least one sensor, which, for example, can be suitable for detecting the ambient light intensity. It can also provide for data exchange with electrical or electronic devices connected via LAN and / or only via WLAN.

[0043] Using an elevation and / or lateral adjustment device, for example, a reticle contained in the lens system can be aligned with the barrel of the handgun in such a way that, when the handgun is locked in place, a target addressed by the optic can be hit safely and reliably.

[0044] To provide power to the electronic unit, it is essential to include a power input unit; this unit can then be connected to a mobile power source, such as a battery. P-2434_DE

[0045] Sch / LMa

[0046] For rapid target acquisition, an aperture can also be provided, which can be locked in a locking unit in the outer vicinity of the eyepiece. Besides a so-called honeycomb aperture, other apertures or multiple honeycomb apertures with different honeycomb sizes can also be provided.

[0047] Then it can be advantageous if at least one of the at least one unit(s) is included in the total optical weight.

[0048] This allows for a little more design freedom, although it should be noted that the effectiveness of the surprisingly observed effects on stability and operational reliability may be considerably reduced in some cases, so that ultimately it seems sensible in many cases that no further unit should be included in the total optical weight to be considered in accordance with the present invention.

[0049] In all these cases, it can be of great advantage if the housing has a housing base body that is formed in one piece and is bounded by an outer lateral surface, an inner lateral surface, a first end face and a second end face, wherein the volume defined by these surfaces is filled by the base material to at least 82.5%, preferably to at least 90%, most preferably to at least 95%.

[0050] This can be achieved, for example, by providing only a few small diameter and short length drill holes for assembly purposes and / or for the (removable) fixing of attachments, but also by minimizing voids, and last but not least, by providing appropriate structural (shape) design.

[0051] By ensuring a high fill level of the volume in question, a small installation space can be achieved to reach the housing weight necessary for the ratio formation, thereby allowing effective lever lengths to be kept particularly short, P-2434_DE

[0052] Sch / LMa

[0053] A particular advantage can be gained if the housing, especially the housing base, has an integral base designed for the detachable fixing of an additional optic.

[0054] Providing an integrally formed platform is expensive and, for example, when manufactured as a casting, also carries an increased risk of porosity and therefore does not appear suitable for improving the stability of a housing for a handgun optic compared to the known prior art. However, the inventors have recognized that, in particular, an optic according to the invention for a firearm, or an optic according to the invention for a handgun optic, can be improved in terms of stability, reliability, and service life achievable in operation by further developing an integrally formed platform for receiving or detachably fixing an additional optic, since such an additional optic, to be mounted on the optic under consideration here, has a center of gravity that forms a relatively large lever arm relative to the bore axis of the handgun.Accordingly, a relatively large moment acts on the connection between the optics under consideration here and the possible additional optics, which can be absorbed considerably better by means of an integrally designed base. Overall, the housing of the optics, or the optics themselves if they are designed to accommodate additional optics, is designed to be particularly stable, especially in the case of a housing or optics designed according to the invention, with the features of the independent claims.

[0055] Such a base can, for example, at least in certain areas, take the form of a Picatinny rail, a Key-Lock module, an M-Lock module, or simply a platform, but also a prism rail.

[0056] Furthermore, it is preferred, individually or in combination with at least one of the aforementioned features, in a generic housing for an optic for a handgun and / or in an optic for a handgun, that the housing, in particular the housing body, has a first area with a first wall thickness and a second area with a second wall thickness, and that the first wall thickness and the second wall thickness differ by at least a factor of 1.6, preferably P-2434_DE

[0057] Sch / LMa differ by at least a factor of 1.85, more preferably by at least a factor of 2.25, and most preferably by at least a factor of 2.7.

[0058] Wall thickness variations are generally undesirable for several reasons: in sheet steel constructions, a uniform wall thickness is a given. However, it has also been known for centuries that uniform wall thicknesses are desirable in cast components to prevent lung formation. This ancient knowledge, originally derived from metal casting, has also proven valid for the design of polymer components. Furthermore, manufacturing components with varying wall thicknesses often presents additional production challenges; not least, the extra wall thickness adds material and weight.

[0059] Surprisingly, however, it has been shown that a housing body comprising a first area with a first wall thickness and a second area with a second wall thickness, and in which the first wall thickness and the second wall thickness differ by at least a factor of 1.6, preferably at least a factor of 1.85, further preferably at least a factor of 2.25, and most preferably at least a factor of 2.7, appears to offer significant advantages in connection with the not yet fully researched circumstances and stresses that act inside the handgun and on the bodies connected to it when a handgun is fired.Thus, extremely long service lives could be achieved with optics for handguns whose housings were equipped with such designed housing base bodies, especially when these optics were also equipped to carry another optic and were equipped accordingly in the tests.

[0060] With such an advanced optic according to the invention, even under extremely adverse conditions, service lives could be achieved that appear more than sufficient to survive a full procurement cycle of an official handgun flawlessly and reliably.

[0061] It should be noted, however, that the inventors recognized that the manufacturing risk involved in producing such a housing base should not be underestimated. P-2434_DE

[0062] Sch / LMa

[0063] It is therefore highly preferred if the housing base body is produced by a method for manufacturing a housing base body for a housing for an optic for a handgun, comprising the following process steps: a) shaping the housing base body while at least temporarily achieving a

[0064] b) Molding temperature b) Cooling of the housing base body to a resting temperature at which any internal processes initiated by the molding are completed c) Performance of a 3-dimensional ultrasonic test and / or a, preferably 3-dimensional, X-ray test of the manufactured housing base body d) Performance of an internal and / or external pressurization test for leak testing e) Evaluation of the test results, manufactured and characterized in that

[0065] Steps c) and d) can be performed in any order after step b) and before step e). In an advantageous embodiment, it may also be provided that, before step d), the housing base is further processed into a (at least partially) complete housing. It is also preferred that an iMRI be used to perform the X-ray test. Furthermore, it is advantageous if, during step d), pressure values ​​of at least 1 bar overpressure, preferably at least 2.5 bar overpressure, more preferably at least 5 bar overpressure, even more preferably at least 10 bar, and most preferably at least 20 bar, are reached at least temporarily, preferably for at least 5 s, more preferably for at least 20 s, even more preferably for at least 30 s, and most preferably for at least 60 s.

[0066] This prevents the excellent stability and reliability of the aforementioned housing from being predictably guaranteed and eliminates (manufacturing) defects that are not visible to the naked eye.

[0067] In many cases, it may be preferable for the lens system to be designed to produce a fixed focal length and / or a fixed magnification. P-2434_DE

[0068] Sch / LMa

[0069] Optics with a fixed focal length and / or fixed magnification offer the significant advantage that the operator, in this case the shooter (e.g., a police officer or soldier), always encounters identical conditions. The field of view and magnification remain constant, allowing the target to be engaged under largely consistent conditions. The level of information received by the shooter requires minimal adjustment. Furthermore, such optics are highly light-gathering and therefore provide relatively similar conditions across a wide range of weather conditions. Since such optics are particularly well-suited for operational situations requiring rapid target acquisition, this design creates a significant synergy effect from an official perspective, especially for optics featuring the characteristics of independent claim 1.

[0070] In other cases, however, it may be preferable for the lens system to be designed to create a flexible focal length and / or a variable magnification.

[0071] However, this is due to entirely different reasons. Tests have surprisingly revealed that the stability of the proposed optics is not only significantly increased against external forces, but also able to absorb internal forces to a much greater degree. Since lens systems with a flexible focal length and / or variable magnification are considerably heavier and generate significantly greater centrifugal forces, which, moreover, act on the optics, particularly the housing, at different points of force application depending on the distance between the lenses, it is particularly advantageous for optics intended for high-caliber handguns to have the features of independent claim 1.While optics are not currently designated for use in different calibers, at least not in the centerfire caliber range, it is proposed that optics for so-called magnum rifle calibers, e.g., for calibers in the .375 Holland & Holland Magnum class or larger, be designed accordingly. P-2434_DE.

[0072] Sch / LMa

[0073] In any case, it can lead to great advantages if the lens system has a lens system weight and the lens system weight is between 5% and 55%, preferably between 5% and 35%, more preferably between 7.5% and 25%, most preferably between 9% and 18% of the housing weight.

[0074] These values ​​emerged from experiments in a completely unexpected way and are not yet fully explainable.

[0075] The invention further relates to a housing for an optic for a handgun. In order to solve at least one of the problems underlying the invention, such a housing is characterized according to the invention in that the housing is configured to form an optic according to at least one of claims 1 to 12.

[0076] The advantages arising from this can be deduced by the expert from the description of the requirements relating to optics and their design possibilities, as well as from the description of the figures and / or the figures themselves, so that, due to the requirement of a clear and concise presentation, a further description of the advantages is omitted here.

[0077] The invention may further relate to a method for manufacturing a housing base body for a housing for an optic for a handgun, as well as the use of an optic for a handgun on a handgun, and a method for operating a handgun.

[0078] In particular, a method for manufacturing optics for a handgun, characterized in that a housing according to claim 14 or a further development derived therefrom is used for manufacturing the optics.

[0079] This also preferably includes a method for manufacturing a housing for an optic for a handgun, wherein the method comprises the following steps: P-2434-DE

[0080] Sch / LMa a) Providing a manufacturing facility for the production of a housing for an optic for a handgun, wherein the

[0081] Manufacturing facility preferably a

[0082] a joining tool, in particular a press tool and / or a mold, a temperature control device, preferably for heating at least one material to be processed for the manufacture of the housing, comprising a first pressurization device, b) heating the material to over 66° Celsius, preferably to over 121°

[0083] Celsius, particularly preferably heated to over 210° Celsius, most preferably to over 600° Celsius, c) hot forming of the material into a housing base body for a

[0084] Housing for an optic for a handgun d) Cooling of the housing base body for a housing for a

[0085] Optics for a handgun designed for a temperature range between -15° Celsius and below 55° Celsius, preferably between -5°

[0086] Celsius and 50° Celsius, more preferably between 5° and 35° Celsius and most preferably between 15° Celsius and 30° Celsius, characterized in that the housing base body is subjected to a pressure of at least 1 bar, more preferably at least 1.5 bar, more preferably above 2 bar, for at least 20 seconds, more preferably at least 45 seconds, more preferably at least 60 seconds, more preferably at least 120 seconds, during step c) and after step d).

[0087] atmospheric pressure is applied, preferably using a second pressurization device.

[0088] Such a manufacturing process contributes in an unusual way to an ordered, uniform and very stable microstructure, especially when using a P-2434-DE

[0089] Sch / LMa preferably contains aluminum, a non-ferrous metal alloy, as is also the case with a thermoplastic compound. This allows for synergistic effects if the optics are designed in such a way that the required parameter ratios are maintained.

[0090] This also includes a method for operating a handgun, characterized in that an optic according to one of the claims is used at least temporarily during the operation of the handgun.

[0091] Unless the advantages are explained separately in the descriptive part, it also applies here that the resulting advantages for the person skilled in the art can be deduced from the description of the claims relating to optics and their possible designs, as well as from the description of the figures and / or the figures themselves, so that, due to the requirement of clear and concise writing, a further description of advantages is omitted here.

[0092] P-2434_DE

[0093] Sch / LMa

[0094] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a single drawing, the figures of which show a preferred embodiment in several states and / or variants.

[0095] This shows

[0096] Figure la Optic for a handgun, with housing for optic for a handgun, in a first side view

[0097] Figure 1b Optics for a handgun with connected locking system in a first side view

[0098] Figure LC: Optics for a handgun, top view

[0099] Figure ld The optics for a handgun with an additional optic mounted on the base.

[0100] Figure 2a The optics for a handgun in longitudinal section

[0101] Figure 2b Cross-section of the optics for a handgun

[0102] The optics for a handgun shown in Figures 1a to 2b of the joint drawing, and the housing for optics for a handgun shown together with the optics, together represent a preferred embodiment, the parts of which need not necessarily be shown in every figure, but are identified in the figures shown by the same reference numerals. P-2434_DE

[0103] Sch / LMa

[0104] The illustrated optics 1 for a handgun 100, which is only schematically indicated in Figure 1b, shows in all the figures an also claimed housing 2 for optics for a handgun and further comprises a lens system 3, at least partially arranged in the housing 2 and having at least one eyepiece 4 and one objective lens 5, wherein a segment S between the eyepiece 4 and the objective lens 5 forms a section of a first spatial direction X, along which the optics 1 and the housing 2 are formed, and to which a second spatial direction Y and a third spatial direction Z, by which the geometric space for the optics 1 is defined, are perpendicular. The housing 2 has a housing weight GG and the optics 1 has a total optics weight OG. The housing weight GG is between 33% and 66%, preferably between 37.5% and 57.5%, most preferably between 39.5% and 47.5%, and in the present case approximately 43% of the total optics weight OG.The housing 2 shown for an optic 1 for a handgun 100 and the optic 1 for a handgun 100 comprising the housing 2 are extremely robust, reliable, durable and insensitive and can easily be used together with such a handgun for at least the officially prescribed service life of a handgun 100, for example 10 years, 15 years or even longer, under all conditions provided for there, including in training.

[0105] The total optical weight OG is between 300g and 900g, preferably between 400g and 800g, more preferably between 450g and 650g, most preferably between 475g and 600g, and in the present case, for example, is around 520g.

[0106] The optic 1 has a length along the X-direction between 85 mm and 225 mm, preferably between 95 mm and 185 mm, more preferably between 105 mm and 165 mm, most preferably between 130 mm and 155 mm, and in the present case, for example, around 146 mm. Along the Y-direction, the optic 1 has a width between 50 mm and 115 mm, preferably between 60 mm and 100 mm, most preferably between 70 mm and 85 mm, and in the present case, for example, around 76 mm, i.e., approximately 3 inches.

[0107] Housing 2 and the optics enclosing housing 2 are so robust that optics 1 can easily be made waterproof without significant design effort or additional costs. In the illustrated case, the optics are waterproof to at least 20 meters. P-2434_DE

[0108] Sch / LMa

[0109] Water depth, the optics 1 can therefore permanently withstand a hydraulic pressure of (at least) 2 bar.

[0110] The housing 2 is formed at least 50%, preferably at least 85%, and most preferably at least 96% of a base material GM, wherein the base material GM optionally consists of a light metal alloy, in particular an aluminum-containing light metal alloy. This can preferably be, for example, 6061 (T6) aluminum or 7075 aluminum. However, the housing 2 can also optionally be formed at least 50%, preferably at least 85%, and most preferably at least 96% of a base material GM, wherein the base material GM consists of a thermoplastic compound, in particular a thermoplastic composite material or a, in particular, reinforced polyamide. Since the two alternatives do not show any distinguishing features that can be graphically represented in the figures shown, some of which are schematic, separate figures have been omitted.

[0111] Particularly in Figures 1b and 2a, it is clearly evident that the optic 1 has a locking system 6, at least partially connected to the housing 2, for the releasable locking of the optic 1 to a handgun 100. The housing 2 is therefore always designed such that it can be connected to such a locking system 6 for the releasable locking, in particular of an optic 1 comprising the housing 2, to a handgun 100.

[0112] Figures 1a to 11l show that the optics 1 comprises at least one of the following units: an electronic unit 8, preferably with at least one electronic interface 9 and / or a sensor 16; a lateral adjustment unit 17 and / or elevation adjustment unit 18 acting on at least one lens 4, 5, 7; an energy absorption unit 19; an aperture 20, preferably interchangeable or replaceable, in particular a honeycomb aperture. P-2434_DE

[0113] Sch / LMa

[0114] Unlike the other figures, the optics 1 according to Figure Id is to be considered such that at least one of the at least one (additional) unit(s) is included in the total optics weight OG. Furthermore, it may be defined that the following additional units—electronic unit 8 (here:) with electronic interface 9, the lateral adjustment unit 17 acting on the lens 7 (which has a reticle), the elevation adjustment unit 18 acting on the same lens, and the energy absorption unit 19—are together included in the total optics weight OG.

[0115] In contrast, the weight of the interchangeable and / or replaceable aperture 20, which is designed here as a honeycomb aperture, as well as the weight of the energy source 21, here a battery, are not included in the total optical weight OG.

[0116] Furthermore, Figure 11 also shows an additional optic 200, which is connected to the optic 1 via the base 15 of its housing 2, more precisely, the housing body 10 of the housing 2. The base 15 has a mechanical interface, which can in turn be formed by a plate detachably connected to the base, but then, together with the housing, more precisely with the housing body 10, forms the base. The mechanical interface is designed here as an RSM interface.

[0117] Particularly in the cross-sectional figures of the joint drawing, it is clearly visible that the housing 2 (of the optics 1) has a housing base body 10, which is formed in one piece and is bounded by an outer surface 11, an inner surface 12, a first end face 13, and a second end face 14, wherein the volume V defined by these surfaces 11, 12, 13, 14 is filled by the base material GM to at least 82.5%, preferably to at least 90%, and most preferably to at least 95%. The housing base body 10 is thus at least one component of the housing 2.

[0118] Furthermore, it is clearly visible in the figures that the housing 2, in particular the housing base 10, has an integral base 15 which is designed for the detachable fixing of an additional optic 200. P-2434_DE

[0119] Sch / LMa

[0120] Furthermore, the person skilled in the art can see, particularly when considering the figures shown in section, that the housing 2, in particular the housing base body 10, has a first area I with a first wall thickness Wi and a second area II with a second wall thickness Wn, and that the first wall thickness Wi and the second wall thickness Wn differ by at least a factor of 1.6, preferably at least a factor of 1.85, more preferably at least a factor of 2.25, and in the case shown even by at least a factor of 2.7.

[0121] Furthermore, a person skilled in the art can easily recognize, particularly when examining the figures shown in section, that the lens system 3 is designed to produce a fixed focal length BF and / or a fixed magnification Fs. The fixed magnification Fs can, for example, be 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, or, as in the present illustration, 3.5.

[0122] In embodiments not shown, the optics can also be configured such that the lens system 3 is designed to provide a flexible focal length Bv and / or a variable magnification Fv. Such an embodiment could, for example, correspond exactly to the illustration in Figures 1b and / or 1c. The zoom range could then, for example, even be adjustable from 1.5x magnification up to 25x magnification, or be selected in suitable narrower ranges with appropriate initial and final values. In both cases, it is then preferred that the lens system 3 has a lens system weight LG, and that the lens system weight LG is between 3.5% and 30%, preferably between 5% and 25%, more preferably between 7.5% and 20%, and, as in the illustrated case, between 9% and 18% of the housing weight GG.

[0123] The depicted optics also feature a lens system 3 with a full-surface, multi-layered coating on at least one, and in this case all, of the lenses 4, 5 and 7. Furthermore, the entire optics 1 exhibits shock resistance of at least 1,500 G, where G is the average acceleration due to gravity of approximately 9.81 m / s². 2 The diopter is adjustable from +3 to -3 diopters. Optic 1 is equipped with an illuminated reticle. The optic also features an illumination unit and a mounting area for a power source, P-2434_DE

[0124] The battery is located here. The intensity of the illuminated reticle can be adjusted during operation and varied, for example, in 10 or 12 steps. The electronics of optic 1 are designed such that, under medium operating conditions, for example at illumination level 6, an operating life of over 100,000 hours is guaranteed, for example, over 110,000 hours. Furthermore, the electronics are compatible with night vision and also feature at least one electronic interface.

[0125] The reticle features elevation and windage adjustments. To ensure repeatable adjustments and prevent unintentional changes during operation, both adjustments are detented and can be configured – depending on the caliber of the handgun – to compensate for trajectory altitudes of projectiles fired from the respective handgun, for which the optic is designed and used, up to 400 m, up to 500 m, up to 800 m, or even over 1,000 m. These adjustments can be made in increments of, for example, 0.15 MRAD or 0.10 MRAD up to 23.5 MRAD, 40 MRAD, or even 50 MRAD.

[0126] It goes without saying that the housing 2 shown with optic 1 can be designed for an optic 1 for a handgun 100, depending on the further development of the optic 1.

[0127] The embodiments shown can be modified in many ways without leaving the scope of the invention as defined by the relevant independent claim.

[0128] P-2434_DE

[0129] Sch / LMa

[0130] Reference symbol Optics Housing Lens system Eyepiece Objective Locking system Lens Additional unit, electrical unit Additional unit, electronic interface Housing body Outer surface Inner surface First end face Second end face Base Additional unit, sensor Additional unit, lateral adjustment unit Additional unit, elevation adjustment unit Additional unit, power absorption unit P-2434_DE

[0131] Sch / LMa

[0132] 20 additional units, aperture

[0133] 21 additional units, energy source

[0134] 100 handguns

[0135] 200 additional optics

[0136] I first area

[0137] II second area

[0138] Wi first wall thickness

[0139] WH second wall thickness

[0140] BF fixed focal length

[0141] Fs rigid magnification

[0142] Bv focal length

[0143] Variable magnification

[0144] S route

[0145] Volume

[0146] X First spatial direction, longitudinal direction

[0147] Y Second spatial direction, latitude direction

[0148] Third spatial direction, vertical direction

[0149] LG lens system weight

[0150] GM Base Material P-2434_DE

[0151] Sch / LMa

Claims

P-2434_DE Sch / LMa Claims 1. Optics (1) for a handgun (100), wherein the optics (1) comprises a housing (2) and a lens system (3) at least partially arranged in the housing (2), comprising at least one eyepiece (4) and one objective lens (5), wherein a distance (S) between the eyepiece (4) and the objective lens (5) forms a section of a first spatial direction (X) along which the optics are formed and to which a second spatial direction (Y) and a third spatial direction (Z) are perpendicular, defining the geometric space for the optics, wherein the housing (2) has a housing weight (GG) and the optics (1) has a total optics weight (OG), characterized in that the housing weight (GG) is between 33% and 66%, preferably between 37.5% and 57.5%, most preferably between 39.5% and 47.5% of the total optics weight (OG).

2. Optics (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the total optics weight (OG) is between 300g and 900g, preferably between 400g and 800g, more preferably between 450g and 650g, most preferably between 475g and 600g.

3. Optics (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) is formed at least 50%, preferably at least 85%, most preferably at least 96% of a base material (GM), wherein P-2434_DE Sch / LMa the base material (GM) consists of a light metal alloy, in particular an aluminum-containing light metal alloy.

4. Optics (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (2) is formed at least 50%, preferably at least 85%, most preferably at least 96% of a base material (GM), wherein the base material (GM) consists of a thermoplastic compound, in particular a thermoplastic composite material or a, in particular reinforced, polyamide.

5. Optics (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optics (1) is at least partially connected to the housing (2). The locking system (6) for releasable locking of the optics (1) on a handgun (100) has.

6. Optics (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optics (1) comprises at least one of the further units: an electronic unit (8), preferably with at least one electronic interface (9) and / or a sensor (16); a lateral adjustment unit acting on at least one lens (4, 5, 7). (17) and / or height adjustment unit (18) an energy absorption unit (19) an aperture, preferably interchangeable or replaceable (20) in particular a honeycomb aperture 7. Optics (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one of the at least one unit is included in the total optics weight (OG). P-2434_DE Sch / LMa 8. Optics (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the housing (2) has a housing base body (10) which is formed in one piece and is bounded by an outer lateral surface (11), an inner lateral surface (12), a first end face (13) and a second end face (14) wherein the volume (V) defined by these surfaces (11, 12, 13, 14) is filled to at least 82.5%, preferably to at least 90%, most preferably to at least 95% by the base material (GM).

9. Optics (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2), in particular the housing base body (10), has an integral base (15) which is designed for the releasable fixing of an additional optics (200).

10. Optics (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2), in particular the housing base body (10), has a first area (I) with a first wall thickness (Wi) and a second area (II) with a second wall thickness (Wn) and that the first wall thickness (Wi) and the second wall thickness (Wu) differ by at least a factor of 1.6, preferably at least a factor of 1.85, further preferably at least a factor of 2.25, most preferably at least a factor of 2.

7.

11. Optics (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lens system (3) is configured to form a fixed focal length (BF) and / or a fixed magnification (Fs).

12. Optics (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that P-2434_DE Sch / LMa the lens system (3) is designed to form a flexible focal length (Bv) and / or a variable magnification (Fv).

13. Optics (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lens system (3) has a lens system weight (LG) and the The lens system weight (LG) is between 3.5% and 30%, preferably between 5% and 25%, more preferably between 7.5% and 20%, and most preferably between 9% and 18% of the housing weight (GG).

14. Housing (2) for an optic (1) for a handgun (100), characterized in that the housing (2) is configured to form an optic (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12.

15. Method for manufacturing an optic (1) for a handgun (100), characterized in that a housing (2) according to claim 14 or a further development derived therefrom is used for manufacturing the optic (100).

16. Method for manufacturing a housing (2) for an optic (1) for a handgun (100), the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a housing (2) for an optic (1) for a handgun (100), wherein the Manufacturing facility preferably a Joining tool, in particular a pressing tool and / or a casting mold, a temperature control device, preferably for heating at least one material to be processed for the manufacture of the housing, P-2434_DE Sch / LMa has a first pressurization device, b) heating the material to over 66° Celsius, preferably to over 121° Celsius, particularly preferably heated to over 210° Celsius, most preferably to over 600° Celsius, c) hot forming of the material into a housing base body (10) for a Housing (2) for an optic (1) for a handgun (100) d) Cooling of the housing base body (10) for a housing (2) for a Optics (1) for a handgun (100) for a temperature range between -15° Celsius and below 55° Celsius, preferably between -5° Celsius and 50° Celsius, more preferably between 5° and 35° Celsius and most preferably between 15° Celsius and 30° Celsius, characterized in that the housing base body (10) is subjected to a pressure of at least 1 bar, more preferably at least 1.5 bar, more preferably above 2 bar during step c) and after step d) for at least 20 seconds each, preferably at least 45 seconds, more preferably at least 60 seconds, most preferably at least 120 seconds. atmospheric pressure is applied, preferably using a second pressurization device.

17. Method for operating a handgun (100), characterized in that during the operation of the handgun (100) an optic (1) according to one of the claims is used at least temporarily.

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