DE102004025720A1 - Switching element for weapon security - Google Patents

Abstract

To secure the weapon, an electromechanical switching element (9) is provided in which two single-stroke self-holding magnets (32, 33) act bistable on respective opposite ends (47, 48) of a first or second switching position engaging rocker switch (42). The moving parts of the switching element (9), in particular the rocker (42) and the armature (34, 35) are dynamically balanced, so that acting on the switching element (9) accelerations cause no change in the switching position. The switching element (9) acts on a locking element (55), which engages in a withdrawal rod (58) formed in the recess (57) which in a first switching position of the locking element (55) in engagement with the trigger bar (58) blocks, so that the trigger bar (58) does not act on a hammer (60) or on this triggering lock.

Description

The The present invention relates to an electromechanical switching element, which for example for a gun fuse is used. The switching element is with two Single stroke-latching magnet equipped, which are bistable on the opposite ends of a rocker switch act, so that the Each switching element occupy a first or second switching position can. In one switching position, the weapon is in a secure Condition, in the other switching position in the unsecured state.

Farther The invention relates to a weapon safety, in which a corresponding electromechanical switching element is provided.

In conventional switching elements for a weapon security, as in the DE 198 05 306 A1 are described, for example, the withdrawal of a weapon via a spindle-driven linear drive locked or released. The actual switching element is a spindle driving electric motor, which introduces such a running in the direction of the axis of rotation locking member to secure the trigger in a catch or pulls the locking member from the catch for unlocking. Other safety mechanisms relate to solenoid-controlled locking devices of the hammer lever in which a solenoid pivots a spring-loaded locking lever which blocks the hammer in a release position. In another embodiment, the locking lever is unlocked via an actuating cam, which is driven by a geared motor whose output axis is parallel to the axis of the hammer. In another known embodiment, this cam pushes the trigger bar out of engagement with the hammer. Again, the output axis of the electric motor is parallel to the axis of the hammer.

The DE 43 03 333 A1 describes further embodiments in which locking pins on the trigger or on the trigger bolt are locked eccentric controlled. Another element which acts on the trigger is known from US Patent 5,461,812. According to WO 00/55562 it is proposed to block the trigger bar or the firing pin with an electromechanically controlled safety actuator.

at the known switching elements is the problem, despite miniaturized Size partly considerable personnel to keep the power consumption for the operation as low as possible, and the safety device itself including the switching element less sensitive against external influences to carry out the weapon.

Accordingly, the present invention according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable Parts of the switching element, in particular the rocker switch and the armature are formed dynamically neutral, so that acting on the switching element Accelerations cause no change in the switching position. In order to the bistable switching element is largely independent against external dynamic influences, as they occur, for example, when a weapon falls or is struck against a hard object. The switching element So always stays in the set switching position, which only by a corresponding switching pulse can be changed.

One Another aspect of the invention relates to a securing device for one Weapon in which the function of the trigger bar is blocked by a Locking element in a recess formed in the trigger bar intervenes. It stops between two switch positions adjustable electromechanical Switching element in a switching position, the locking element in Engaging the trigger bar so that the trigger bar does not open a hammer or this triggering lock (for example a triggering pawl cooperating with the hammer) acts. The Combination of the locking element with a switching element allowed it, which may occur considerable deduction forces with blocked trigger rod largely in the locking element to initiate and to reduce the forces acting on the switching element.

Further Embodiments are in the dependent claims 2-9 or 11-23 specified. The claims 2-3 relate to refinements that help to make the switching element dynamically inert. at a switching element, which with two single-stroke self-holding magnet is equipped, in which the anchor axes are parallel to each other, neutralize dynamic influences on the moving armature in that this each uniform be charged so that they each mutually neutralizing forces on the ends of the rocker switch muster on which they attack. According to claim 3, this effect is characterized improves that with the same lever arm to the axis of rotation of the rocker switch on the ends act and / or in that they have the same masses. The rocker itself is according to claim 4 thereby dynamically inert, that the Rotary axis passes through the center of gravity of the rocker switch. In order to prevents a Linear acceleration, which is exposed to the switching element (for example Shocks or Strokes), generate a torque in the rocker itself, which is a Could cause switching.

The Training according to claim 5 prevents lateral forces to Movement direction of the anchors are applied, which are the anchor itself or their leadership in the switching coils affect or to damage can.

According to claim 6, the rocker switch is provided with a positioning portion which the forces applied by a switching object torque-free by the Rotation axis of the rocker switch leads, so that one Loading of the switching object, for example, a locking element can be on a weapon, no moment transfers to the rocker switch. This can according to claim 7 be realized that the Stellabschnitt is designed as a cam whose footprint concentric runs to the axis of rotation of the rocker. The training of a low-friction Gleitpaarung between the switching object and the cam or its Footprint leads to that between These two elements only normal forces perpendicular to the footprint transfer the parking section which generate no moment and become forces tangential to the footprint largely minimized. As advantageous has for a material pairing Bronze / steel or brass / steel proved, with good sliding properties a high component strength allowed (claim 8).

The Embodiment of the device for weapon safety according to claim 9 in conjunction with the claims 10-12 relate to embodiments of the locking element, the force on reduce the control section of the switching element on one side, on the other hand, but a perfect function of the trigger mechanism with the weapon unlocked. Claim 14 relates to an alternative Switching element, which has an axially loadable locking piece, by its eccentric design in a switching position engages the locking element and this blocks while it in another switching position releases the locking element.

To Claim 15, the recesses in the trigger bar and the latch shape so matched to each other, that too when the hammer is cocked it is not possible to trigger the locked weapon, i.e. that the Trigger bar no effect from the trigger on the hammer mechanism for unlocking exercise can.

The Developments according to claims 16-22 relate the control of the switching element with a switching pulse, via a Identifier identification or an identifier exchange takes place. there can according to claim 17 pin codes, biometric data, light, sound or radio signals be used. The requirements 18-22 relate to such designs in which a transponder for the identification exchange is used. This can according to claim 19 are arranged in the weapon itself and according to claim 20 a common Have power supply with the switching element, for example a battery. But it can also be assigned to a shooter according to claim 21 and 22 be, with the identifier identification in the weapon itself over a Write / read device he follows. The transponder according to claim 22 in an object entrained the shooter usually carries with itself or in itself (Ring, watch, clothing, equipment, Implant, etc.).

embodiments The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 a schematic representation of a weapon safety device in which the invention can be used;

2 shows an enlarged schematic representation of a switching element according to the invention, which can be used as an element of the weapon safety;

3 a schematic representation of a weapon fuse according to the invention with locked locking element shows, in which the actuator after 2 is used;

4 the weapon security after 3 shows, in which the locking element is released from the actuator;

5 the weapon security after 3 represents with an alternative actuator.

Based on 1 an environment is described in which a locking mechanism according to the invention can be used for weapon security. The schematic diagram shows a release device 1 with a controller 2 , wherein the controller identifier memory 3 and 4 whose function will be explained below. In addition, the controller 2 with an antenna 5 provided via which signals are emitted and received by the controller 2 be generated or processed. The weapon 6 has a weapon identifier 7 on and is with a security device 8th provided, which via a switching or control element 9 engages in the mechanics (not shown) of the weapon. The weapon identification 7 is located on a label holder 10 which is indicated by the triple frame. Also the safety device 8th is with an antenna 13 connected to the delivery or reception of signals. The dashed connecting line between antenna 13 and safety device 8th indicates that this equipment is optional. Alternatively, the signal exchange via the antenna of the identifier formed as a transponder carrier 10 respectively. The weapon identification carrier 10 and the safety device are powered by a power supply 14 energized. Again, the dashed lines indicate the weapon identifier that the identifier carrier 10 only optional via the power supply 14 is energized. An energy intake via the signal energy is possible.

In addition, there is a user ID 11 shown, referring to another identifier 12 which is also designed as a so-called transponder with its own transmitting and receiving antennas.

suitable Transponder for the system according to the invention are e.g. RFID data carriers with memory function. You can as simple read-only transponders to transponders with sophisticated cryptographic Functions be designed. Transponder with memory function included a memory (e.g., a RAM, ROM, EEPROM or FERAM) in the basic structure and an RF interface for powering and communicating with the read / write device. The RF interface forms the interface between the transmission channel of reader to the transponder and the digital circuit elements of the transponder itself. In principle, it corresponds to the classical modem (modulator-demodulator), as well as analogue data transmission over telephone lines is used. The RF interface the transponder has one Load or backscatter modulator (or other methods, e.g., frequency divider), which is driven by the digital transmission data to data to the reader returned. Passive transponders, ie transponders without their own power supply be over the RF field of the read / write device energized. The RF interface of the transponder antenna takes power and sets this rectified the chip as a regulated supply voltage to disposal. The transponders can be provided with its own microprocessors, which data transfer from and to the transponder, the sequencing of commands, the Perform file management and cryptographic algorithms.

It is possible, too, Equip transponder with sensor functions, so that, for example, temperature, Humidity, shock, acceleration or other physical variables in the transponder can be recorded and from a read / write device can be read out. It is so e.g. possible for weapons to record critical farm sizes. So can for example, reached maximum temperatures of a gun barrel recorded or the number of shots delivered. The capture such sizes allowed it, the weapon release in addition function of operation to control. The weapon is e.g. after a certain number of shots or locked when reaching a limit temperature.

To the Installation of transponders in a metallic environment are glass transponders usable, whose coil is mounted on a high-permeability ferrite rod (ferrite antenna) are wound. When installed in an elongated recess of the metal surface of the Transponder can be read easily. Even the cover of a such arrangement with a metal lid is possible if this with a narrow gap dielectric material (paint, plastic) between the two metal surfaces is attached. With that you can parallel to the metal surface extending field lines over enter the dielectric gap in the cavity, so that the transponder can be read. Also called disk tags (disk-shaped transponders) can be embedded between metal plates. For this purpose, the and underside of the tags with metal foils of high permeability amorphous Applied metal, which cover only one half of the day, so that am Gap between the two sub-films through a magnetic flux the coil of the transponder is created, so that it is readable.

to Assembly in non-metallic body There are a variety of flat, rod-shaped or other types of transponders, which can be glued on, glued in, screwed in or the so flat they are even along the surfaces can be applied.

The weapon release runs at a weapons fuse gem. 1 so off: the controller 2 sends over the antenna 5 a global control signal 15 out. This control signal is either weapon side over the antenna 13 the weapon-side security device 8th taken or directly from the identifier 7 carrying transponder 10 , The transponder transmits in response to the global control signal 10 a the weapon identifier 7 comprehensive identification signal 16 to the release facility 1 back this over the antenna 5 receives and into the control 2 transfers. In the control 2 a comparison operation is performed on whether the transmitted weapon identifier 7 with one in the identifier memory 3 recorded identifier matches. If so, the controller submits 2 again via the antenna 5 a release signal 17 over the antenna 13 or the transponder 10 to the safety device 8th , The actuator 9 Engage in the weapon mechanism to unlock it.

The actuator 9 is designed as an electromechanical switching element, which engages in the trigger mechanism. In this case, for example, the deduction be blocked or released rod or be on or off the trigger guard or tee.

In a further expansion stage is in addition to the weapon identification 7 a user ID 11 queried. This user ID can also be in a transponder 12 to be stored as a user of the weapon 6 carries with itself. In this case, the global control signal triggers the transmission of the identification signal comprising the user identification 18 to the release facility 1 from the latter via the antenna 5 to the controller 2 is transmitted. Here, the user ID sent is then used in the user recognition memory 4 contained user ID. The release signal 17 becomes with combined query of the weapon and the user identification 7 . 11 only sent out if both identifiers in the respective memories 3 . 4 available. In this way, certain weapon IDs can be assigned to specific users. This means that not every user can use any weapon. The release device can be used to maintain the identification data with an input device 19 or with a reader 20 be provided. In the embodiment described above, the data or signal exchange is described by radio. The data between the release device 1 and weapon 6 or user identification carrier 10 . 12 can also be transmitted optically, acoustically, via lines or in any other suitable manner.

2 shows an embodiment of the actuating or switching element 9 out 1 in a schematic representation. It comprises a basic body 30 , which has two fastening straps 31 on or in a weapon 6 can be attached. The main body 30 carries two single-stroke self-holding magnets 32 . 33 , each one an anchor 34 . 35 which are inside a coil 36 . 37 are arranged. The spools 36 . 37 are each at one end by a permanent magnet 38 . 39 locked. To the coils can be over the supply lines 40 . 41 a control current can be applied. Depending on the polarity of the applied voltage, each Einfachhub self-holding magnet 32 . 33 assume a stroke initial position or a stroke end position. In 2 is the single stroke self-holding magnet 32 in the Hubanfangslage and the single-stroke self-holding magnet 33 shown in the stroke end position. The lifting movement from the Hubanfangslage in the stroke end position is effected by electromagnetic force. In the stroke end position, the armature is switched off when the current is switched off 35 through the built-in permanent magnet 39 held. The provision in the Hubanfangslage done here by the Einfachhub self-holding magnet 32 , which via the rocker switch 42 with the magnet 33 is coupled. When activating the magnet 32 becomes the permanent magnet 39 by a negative current pulse at the magnet 33 neutralized, the magnet 32 is caused by a corresponding excitation of the coil 36 so activated that the anchor 34 in the coil 36 is pulled in (in the stroke end position) and there over the permanent magnet 38 is held in the appropriate end position.

The rocker switch 42 is between the anchors 34 and 35 arranged and about a rotation axis 43 pivotable. This rotation axis 43 is perpendicular to the parallel anchor axes 44 . 45 arranged. The rotation axis 43 is in the embodiment by a journal 46 defines on which the rocker switch 42 sitting with a corresponding opening. The anchors 34 . 35 the single stroke self-holding magnets 32 . 33 grab the ends 47 . 48 the rocker switch 42 at. At each end 47 . 48 in each case a clevis is arranged, the a tapered section 49 . 50 of the respective anchor 34 . 35 interspersed, being a Pilsian end 49 . 50 the respective force on the corresponding fork end 47 . 48 transfers. The power is taken in the direction of the anchor axes 44 . 45 ,

The rocker switch 42 has a switching cam 53 on, at its upper end a footprint 54 includes. The footprint 54 runs concentric to the axis of rotation 43 , thereby normally transmitted forces to the footprint exclusively through the axis of rotation 43 passed, so that this no switching torque on the rocker switch 42 exercise.

The rocker switch 42 itself is designed so that the axis of rotation 43 passes through their center of mass. This effect on the rocker switch 42 acting linear accelerations no switching torque. The same applies to the anchor pair 34 . 35 that with the same lever arm at the ends 47 . 48 attack the rocker and exert no torque on the rocker switch when acting on the anchor accelerations, since the induced forces neutralize each other. The whole switching element 9 is thus dynamically balanced and stable in terms of acceleration.

The parallel arrangement of self-holding magnets 33 . 34 allows a very strong miniaturization, so that the height H of the switching element about 16-20 mm, the width B 8-12 mm and the thickness T in the direction of the axis of rotation 43 seen to be about 6 mm. The holding force of the permanent magnet is in the range of 0.01 to 0.03 Newton. The switching voltage is between 2.0 and 4.2 VDC. The transverse to the journal 46 on the footprint 54 acting normal force can be up to 100 Newton. This force can be increased if the the rocker switch 42 bearing journals 46 supported at both ends.

3 shows the function of the switching element 9 at a gun security in a pistol. The switching cam 53 acts on a locking element 55 on which a latch 56 is formed, in a corresponding recess 57 on a trigger bar 58 intervenes. The trigger bar 58 is part of a trigger mechanism, the one on the trigger 59 acting withdrawal force F on the hammer 60 transfers. The locking element 55 is about a leg spring 61 swiveling in a holding piece 62 arranged, which is connected to the weapon itself. In the illustrated switching position assumes the switching cam 53 the locking element 55 which with its latch 56 into the recess 57 engages and the trigger bar 58 blocked. The on the trigger 59 applied force F thus does not act on the hammer 60 , The hammer 60 can not be tensioned or, if it is in a cocked position (not shown), not released via a corresponding release latch. The weapon can not be operated.

4 shows the trigger mechanism in a position with released locking element 55 just before the hammer 60 strikes the striker, not shown. The switching element 9 is in a second switching position, in which the switching cam 53 the locking element 55 releases. By the on the trigger 59 applied force becomes the trigger bar 58 pulled forward. Due to the corresponding oblique design of the recess 57 and the latch 56 is doing the locking element 55 tilted down against the spring force. It slides the latch 56 from the recess 57 out and at the trigger bar 58 along. At the percussion-side end of the trigger bar 58 there is a driver nose 63 , in a known manner in a corresponding recess on the hammer 60 engages, this spans, and out of the recess 64 Sliding out releases, so that the hammer 60 impinges on the firing pin, which in turn ignites the cartridge in a known manner.

The switching element 9 is with his switching cam 53 so to the locking element 55 arranged that this only perpendicular to the footprint 54 acts. As a result, in the locked state, the locking element 55 do not trigger a switchover. This also means a high pull-off force F is not enough to the switching element 55 to unlock or destroy. The on the footprint 54 acting normal force is thereby reduced by the following measures. For one thing, the leg spring 61 be set so that already to disengage the latch 56 from the recess 57 a substantial deduction is required. In addition, by an appropriate design of the recess and the pawl an adjustable friction component can be generated, which on the footprint 54 acting normal force further reduced. The on the footprint 54 acting surface of the locking element 55 is designed so that between switching cam 53 and locking element 55 occurring sliding forces are minimized, ie there is a low-friction sliding pair, so that even with loaded trigger 59 the switching cam can be switched out of engagement with the locking element. This can be supported by appropriate choice of material, for example by the switching cam 53 made of brass or bronze and the locking element 55 made of steel. Other suitable material pairings are also possible, eg plastic / metal, ceramic / metal. The friction-reducing coatings are possible.

The 5 and 6 show an alternative switching element 9 , which consists of a rotary magnet 65 , a gearbox 66 and a locking piece 67 is formed. The upper end of the cylindrical locking piece 67 is cut off obliquely to the cylinder axis and has an asymmetrical recess 68 which, for example, is milled out. The upper end of the locking piece 67 has a section with it 69 on, in a first switching position, the in 5 is shown, the locking element 55 stocky, so that this in the recess 57 at the trigger bar 58 is fixed. A firing fee is not possible. 6 shows a second switching position in which the locking piece 67 rotated by 180 °, and the locking element 55 into the recess 68 protrudes. In this switch position, the trigger can be actuated and a shot on the trigger bar 58 to be triggered. The load of the locking piece 67 takes place largely in the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotary magnet 65 ,

In other embodiments, not shown, the locking piece 67 or the switching cam 53 also directly on the trigger bar 58 attack, so that on the locking element 55 can be waived.

There are also designs (not shown) in which the rotary magnet 65 is replaced by a micromotor, which converts the rotational movement of the motor in a linear motion via a corresponding gear. In this case, a corresponding locking piece attack on the trigger rod, that it is pulled down out of engagement with the hammer, so that a trigger actuation does not affect the hammer. In another embodiment, the trigger bar on such a switching element on the withdrawal side or be posted. The locking piece can be connected via a slotted guide or a multi-link coupling gear with the trigger bar. In further embodiments, the switching elements can intervene at other locations of the trigger mechanism, for example, they can directly on the trigger 59 , the hammer 60 or other elements belonging to the Schlaghebelmechanik act.

There are also designs (not shown) in which such a linearly guided locking piece in its locking position the trigger bar 58 or the locking element 55 stocky and so the weapon locks and a release position trigger bar 58 or locking element 55 releases and unlocks the weapon.

The switching elements can also be additionally provided with a position sensor which generates a switching position corre sponding signal, which is detected by an external activation device, so that it can be checked in which switching position (security state) is the switching element. A release signal or a security signal can then be repeated if, for example, the switching element can not be set to the desired position immediately. It is also possible to provide the weapon with a display indicating the security state (visually or acoustically perceptible or palpable). The switching element itself is with a in the 4 - 6 not shown control connected, which is also housed in the weapon.

Claims (23)

Electromechanical switching element ( 9 ), in particular for a weapon safety device, with two single stroke self-holding magnets ( 32 . 33 ) that are bistable on opposite ends ( 47 . 48 ) of a first or second switching position engaging rocker switch ( 42 ), wherein the moving parts, in particular the switching rocker ( 42 ) and the anchors ( 34 . 35 ), are dynamically balanced, so that the switching element ( 9 ) acting accelerations cause no change in the switching position. Switching element according to claim 1, wherein the armature axes ( 44 . 45 ) parallel to each other and perpendicular to one between the anchor axes ( 44 . 45 ) extending axis of rotation ( 43 ) of the rocker switch ( 42 ) are arranged. Switching element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the armatures ( 34 . 35 ) have the same masses and / or with approximately the same lever on the rocker switch ( 42 ) Act. Switching element according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the axis of rotation by the center of gravity of the switching rocker ( 42 ) runs. Switching element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force decrease of the switching rocker ( 42 ) from the anchors ( 34 . 35 ) each axially in the direction of the corresponding armature axis ( 44 . 45 ) takes place, in particular via a clevis at the respective end ( 47 . 48 ) of the rocker switch ( 42 ). Switching element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching rocker ( 42 ) one on a switching object ( 55 . 58 ), eg a locking element ( 55 ) at a weapon, attacking Stellabschnitt ( 53 ), which is designed so that the switching object ( 55 . 58 ) on the control section ( 53 ) forces exerted torque-free by the axis of rotation ( 43 ) and thus produce no switching effect. Switching element according to Claim 6, in which the setting section is a cam ( 53 ) with a footprint ( 54 ), which is substantially concentric with the axis of rotation ( 43 ) runs. Switching element according to claim 7, wherein the switching object ( 55 . 58 ) substantially under load by the axis of rotation ( 43 ) running normal force on the footprint ( 54 ) exercises. Switching element according to Claim 7 or 8, in which the cam ( 53 ) and the switching object ( 55 . 58 ) form a low-friction sliding pair, wherein the cam ( 53 ), in particular of bronze or brass, and the object of switching ( 55 . 58 ) are made of steel. Device for securing a weapon, in which the function of a trigger bar ( 58 ) is blocked by a locking element ( 55 ) into one in the trigger bar ( 58 ) formed recess ( 57 ), and an adjustable between a first and second switching position electromechanical switching element ( 9 ) is provided, which in the first switching position, the locking element ( 55 ) in engagement with the trigger bar ( 58 ), so that the trigger bar ( 58 ) not on a hammer ( 60 ) or acts on a triggering this lock. Device according to claim 10, in which the locking element is spring-loaded with a pawl ( 56 ) is trained. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the locking element ( 55 ) is formed as a pivotable rocker arm, wherein the spring force in particular by means of a leg spring ( 61 ) is applied. Device according to Claim 11 or 12, in which spring force, pawl ( 56 ) and recess ( 57 ) are set up so that when a trigger ( 59 ) in switching element located in the second switching position ( 9 ) the trigger bar ( 58 ) without functional impairment the pawl ( 56 ) from the Recess ( 57 ) and on the hammer ( 60 ) or acts on the triggering lock. Device according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the switching element ( 9 ) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 9 Device according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the switching element comprises a rotary magnet ( 65 ) with a running in the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotary magnet, axially resilient and eccentrically recessed locking piece ( 69 ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims 10 to 15, wherein the pawl ( 56 ) and the recess ( 57 ) in the trigger bar ( 58 ) are designed so that even with tense hammer ( 60 ) no release of the hammer ( 60 ) on the trigger ( 59 ) is possible when the switching element assumes its first switching position. Device according to one of the preceding claims 10 to 16, in which the electromechanical switching element ( 9 ) is adjusted via a switching pulse, which is triggered by an identifier identification. The device of claim 17, wherein the identifier identifier especially about a pin code, a biometric identifier, a light, sound or a radio signal takes place. Apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the Identifier identification via an identification exchange with a transponder (RFID element) takes place. The device of claim 19, wherein the transponder is located in the weapon and upon successful identification exchange with a release device outputs a switching pulse to the switching element. Apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the Transponder and the switching element a common power supply exhibit. Apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein a Transponder a shooter is assigned and the weapon has a read-write device coupled to the switching element, which upon successful identification exchange with the transponder a switching pulse to the actuator for unlocking the weapon emits. The device of claim 22, wherein the transponder trained as a ring, watch, clothing or equipment component of the shooter is.