EP0587504A1 - Firing release device using an infrared detector - Google Patents

Firing release device using an infrared detector Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0587504A1
EP0587504A1 EP93402199A EP93402199A EP0587504A1 EP 0587504 A1 EP0587504 A1 EP 0587504A1 EP 93402199 A EP93402199 A EP 93402199A EP 93402199 A EP93402199 A EP 93402199A EP 0587504 A1 EP0587504 A1 EP 0587504A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
firing
electronic
weapon
triggering
detector
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP93402199A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0587504B1 (en
Inventor
Claude Boutet
Eric Grember
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Giat Industries SA
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Giat Industries SA
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Publication date
Priority claimed from FR9210812A external-priority patent/FR2701101B1/en
Application filed by Giat Industries SA filed Critical Giat Industries SA
Publication of EP0587504A1 publication Critical patent/EP0587504A1/en
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Publication of EP0587504B1 publication Critical patent/EP0587504B1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A19/00—Firing or trigger mechanisms; Cocking mechanisms
    • F41A19/58—Electric firing mechanisms
    • F41A19/59—Electromechanical firing mechanisms, i.e. the mechanical striker element being propelled or released by electric means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A19/00—Firing or trigger mechanisms; Cocking mechanisms
    • F41A19/58—Electric firing mechanisms
    • F41A19/69—Electric contacts or switches peculiar thereto

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for triggering the firing of a firearm, and more generally of any infantry firearm whose aim is ensured by a shooter.
  • the line of sight thus defined is then aligned with the target and the shooter can trigger the shooting.
  • the probability of attack is recognized as being relatively low because it is linked to several factors: the accuracy of the weapon, the external conditions and the aim.
  • the first two factors have relatively weak effects because well known conventional solutions can be implemented to improve the probability of attack.
  • the third factor could never be taken into account because it is linked to the human factor although its effects are preponderant.
  • the average infantryman or the shooter in the combat phase is animated by tremors which do not allow him to position his weapon in a stable manner relative to the target.
  • the average number of rounds fired to hit a target is relatively large. This drawback is further aggravated by the depointing of the weapon when the shooter presses the trigger tail to trigger the shot.
  • the object of the invention is to increase the probability of hitting a target by disregarding the human factor at the start of the shot, by triggering the fire by the thermal signature of the target.
  • the electronic triggering means can be associated with firing either by percussion, using an electromagnet connected to the striker of the weapon, or electric and directly controlling the firing of the ammunition.
  • the firing triggering device comprises a control bar actuated in translation on the one hand by the trigger of the weapon and on the other hand by the electromagnet, in the case of a setting fire by percussion.
  • the striker of the weapon is released by the control bar.
  • the infrared detector is preferably sensitive in the 8-12 ⁇ m range and is placed at the focal point of the telescope.
  • the electronic processing assembly comprises in particular an amplifier, a filter followed by a comparator, the signal delivered being characteristic of a type of preselected target.
  • the scope is fixed below the weapon and in front of the handle thereof.
  • the electronic processing assembly, the electronic triggering means and the means for supplying electrical energy are integrated into the body of the telescope opposite the entry window of said telescope.
  • the trigger is provided with two notches, the first notch allowing the activation of the electronic processing unit, the second notch allowing direct control of the firing of the weapon.
  • the main advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the device eliminates the human factor at the start of the shot because the shot is triggered by the thermal signature of the target. We then use the infrared characteristics of the targets. Thus, the infantryman is a relatively hot target compared to the ambient environment and the detection of the target makes it possible to automatically launch the shooting.
  • Another advantage lies in the fact that the normal firing of the weapon is not suppressed by the device according to the invention.
  • the weapon 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises in known manner a barrel 2 extended by a chamber 3 into which the ammunition 4 is introduced either automatically or manually by means not shown, an aiming support 5 mounted above the weapon and a handle 6 protecting the trigger 7.
  • a scope 8 is provided, for example of the "CASSEGRAIN" type having a field of 30 cm to 300 m.
  • This scope is fixed for example to the barrel 2 of the weapon by lugs 9 welded or flanges. It is arranged so that the axis of the barrel or axis of the shooting, the axis of sight and the optical axis of the telescope are simblotated.
  • the bezel 8 has an entrance window 10 carrying a concave mirror 11. This window placed at the entrance has no optical function and serves as protection for the internal elements, and as a means of fixing the mirror 11.
  • a second mirror concave 12 is fixed inside the body of the telescope with a diameter substantially equivalent to the internal diameter of said body.
  • the mirror 12 is provided in its center with an opening 13 receiving a sensitive infrared detector 14 in the 8-12 ⁇ m range.
  • a sensitive infrared detector 14 in the 8-12 ⁇ m range.
  • the base wall 16 of the telescope serves as a support for the other means of the device according to the invention.
  • the means for supplying electrical energy consist of at least one battery 17, the base of which bears on the wall 16 and which is held in place by a tongue 18 linked to a plate 19 which is itself secured to the wall 16.
  • an electronic assembly 20 and an electronic triggering means 21 are fixed.
  • the signal delivered by the means 21 is sent to a switch 22 secured to a support 23 fixed to the wall 16.
  • the firing is carried out by percussion.
  • the trigger 7 is connected to a control strip 24 which releases at one end, in a known manner and not shown, the striker of the weapon.
  • the bar 24 is extended at its end by a side wall 25 intended to cooperate with an electromagnet 26, also fixed on the wall 16.
  • the control rod 27 of the electromagnet subjected to the action of the spring 28, is engaged at one end on the side wall 25 and on the other, is integral with a rod 29 carrying at its free end a cam 30 engaged on the switch 22.
  • the electronic assembly 20 which essentially comprises the detector 14, a pre-amplifier 32, a filter 33, an amplifier 34 and a comparator 35 whose role is to deliver the control signal for setting fire.
  • the electronic triggering means 21 comprises a converter 36 for raising the DC voltage delivered by the battery 37, a capacitor 38 supplying the converter 36 and a triggering thyristor 39.
  • the operation is as follows: the shooter takes aim by sweeping the target laterally and operates the trigger 7 at the first notch. The system is then activated and the passage of the target in the field of the telescope 8 induces an electrical signal on the detector 14. This is sent by the conductors 31 to the electronic assembly 20 which, after processing, sends an order to the electromagnet 26 actuating via its rod 27 the bar 24. The latter then triggers the firing by releasing the striker from the weapon.
  • the weapon can fire either in burst, or piecemeal since these functions do not are not deleted.
  • the weapon can be used by a direct fire without waiting for the command by the detection, it is enough for that to fully depress the trigger while reaching the second notch.
  • a second switch (not shown) can be provided to deactivate the device according to the invention.
  • a variant of the invention can be easily adopted in the case where it is an electric firearm.
  • the electromagnet 26 and the switch 22 are removed and replaced by an electronic power circuit connected to the electronic means 21, which directly sends the firing signal to the proper electrical initiation system of the armed.
  • Another variant can be considered for night combat for example. It would then be interesting, given that the target is not visible, that the shooter retains control of the shot, but is warned by visual or audible means of the presence of a hot target. It suffices to add to the device a disconnection switch of the power circuit and for example a piezoelectric transducer which will give an audible signal.

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a device for triggering the firing of a small-calibre or medium-calibre firearm (1). It comprises a sighting glass (8), an infrared detector (14) supplying an electrical signal, an electronic triggering assembly (21,26) controlling the firing, and means (17) for supplying electrical energy. The electronic means (21) is associated with a percussion ignition by means of an electromagnet (26) connected to the striker of the firearm. The invention is used for firing a firearm without the action of a gunner. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de déclenchement du tir d'une arme à feu, et plus généralement de toute arme à feu d'infanterie dont la visée est assurée par un tireur.The present invention relates to a device for triggering the firing of a firearm, and more generally of any infantry firearm whose aim is ensured by a shooter.

Il est bien connu d'équiper une arme à l'aide de moyens de visée composés d'une hausse et d'un guidon, la ligne de visée ainsi définie est alors alignée sur la cible et le tireur peut déclencher le tir. La probabilité d'atteinte est reconnue comme étant relativement faible car elle est liée à plusieurs facteurs : la précision de l'arme, les conditions extérieures et la visée. Les deux premiers facteurs ont des effets relativement faibles car des solutions classiques bien connues peuvent être mises oeuvre pour améliorer la probabilité d'atteinte. Toutefois, le troisième facteur n'a jamais pu être pris en compte car il est lié au facteur humain bien que ses effets soient prépondérants. En effet, le fantassin moyen ou le tireur en phase de combat est animé de tremblements qui ne lui permettent pas de positionner son arme de manière stable par rapport à la cible. Il en résulte qu'en combat réel, le nombre moyen de cartouches tirées pour atteindre une cible est relativement grand. Cet inconvénient est aggravé encore par le dépointage de l'arme au moment où le tireur appuie sur la queue de détente pour déclencher le tir.It is well known to equip a weapon using sighting means composed of a sight and a handlebar, the line of sight thus defined is then aligned with the target and the shooter can trigger the shooting. The probability of attack is recognized as being relatively low because it is linked to several factors: the accuracy of the weapon, the external conditions and the aim. The first two factors have relatively weak effects because well known conventional solutions can be implemented to improve the probability of attack. However, the third factor could never be taken into account because it is linked to the human factor although its effects are preponderant. Indeed, the average infantryman or the shooter in the combat phase is animated by tremors which do not allow him to position his weapon in a stable manner relative to the target. As a result, in actual combat, the average number of rounds fired to hit a target is relatively large. This drawback is further aggravated by the depointing of the weapon when the shooter presses the trigger tail to trigger the shot.

On note ainsi des écarts de précision de l'ordre de 5 m pour un tir à 300 m. Il faut alors répéter le tir, ce qui augmente le risque pour le tireur d'être localisé.There are thus deviations in precision of the order of 5 m for a shot at 300 m. It is then necessary to repeat the shot, which increases the risk for the shooter to be located.

De plus, les imprécisions vont en augmentant lorsque la cible est mobile et la détermination du point visé ainsi que l'instant du tir, compte-tenu du temps de parcours de la balle, sont très aléatoires.In addition, the inaccuracies increase when the target is mobile and the determination of the target point as well as the instant of the shot, taking into account the travel time of the ball, are very random.

Le but de l'invention est d'augmenter la probabilité d'atteinte d'une cible en faisant abstraction du facteur humain lors du départ du coup, en déclenchant le tir par la signature thermique de la cible.The object of the invention is to increase the probability of hitting a target by disregarding the human factor at the start of the shot, by triggering the fire by the thermal signature of the target.

A cet effet, l'invention propose un dispositif de déclenchement du tir d'une arme à feu de petit ou de moyen calibre, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend :

  • une lunette d'observation,
  • un détecteur infrarouge délivrant un signal électrique,
  • un ensemble électronique de traitement du signal délivré par le détecteur,
  • un moyen électronique de déclenchement commandant le tir, et
  • des moyens d'alimentation en énergie électrique.
To this end, the invention provides a device for triggering the firing of a small or medium caliber firearm, characterized in that it comprises:
  • an observation scope,
  • an infrared detector delivering an electrical signal,
  • an electronic assembly for processing the signal delivered by the detector,
  • an electronic triggering means controlling the shot, and
  • means for supplying electrical energy.

Le moyen électronique de déclenchement peut être associé à une mise à feu soit par percussion, à l'aide d'un électro-aimant relié au percuteur de l'arme, soit électrique et commandant directement la mise à feu de la munition.The electronic triggering means can be associated with firing either by percussion, using an electromagnet connected to the striker of the weapon, or electric and directly controlling the firing of the ammunition.

Selon une réalisation préférée, le dispositif de déclenchement du tir comprend une barrette de commande actionnée en translation d'une part par la détente de l'arme et d'autre part par l'électro-aimant, dans le cas d'une mise à feu par percussion.According to a preferred embodiment, the firing triggering device comprises a control bar actuated in translation on the one hand by the trigger of the weapon and on the other hand by the electromagnet, in the case of a setting fire by percussion.

Selon une autre réalisation, le percuteur de l'arme est libéré par la barrette de commande.According to another embodiment, the striker of the weapon is released by the control bar.

Le détecteur infrarouge est préférentiellement sensible dans la gamme 8-12µm et est placé au foyer de la lunette.The infrared detector is preferably sensitive in the 8-12 µm range and is placed at the focal point of the telescope.

Selon encore une autre réalisation, l'ensemble électronique de traitement comporte notamment un amplificateur, un filtre suivi d'un comparateur, le signal délivré étant caractéristique d'un type de cible présélectionné.According to yet another embodiment, the electronic processing assembly comprises in particular an amplifier, a filter followed by a comparator, the signal delivered being characteristic of a type of preselected target.

Selon encore une autre réalisation, la lunette est fixée en dessous de l'arme et en avant de la poignée de celle-ci.According to yet another embodiment, the scope is fixed below the weapon and in front of the handle thereof.

Selon encore une autre réalisation, l'ensemble électronique de traitement, le moyen électronique de déclenchement et les moyens d'alimentation en énergie électrique sont intégrés dans le corps de la lunette à l'opposé de la fenêtre d'entrée de ladite lunette.According to yet another embodiment, the electronic processing assembly, the electronic triggering means and the means for supplying electrical energy are integrated into the body of the telescope opposite the entry window of said telescope.

Selon encore une autre réalisation, la détente est munie de deux crans, le premier cran permettant l'activation de l'ensemble électronique de traitement, le second cran permettant la commande directe du tir de l'arme.According to yet another embodiment, the trigger is provided with two notches, the first notch allowing the activation of the electronic processing unit, the second notch allowing direct control of the firing of the weapon.

L'avantage principal de l'invention réside dans le fait que le dispositif élimine le facteur humain lors du départ du coup car le tir est déclenché par la signature thermique de la cible. On utilise alors les caractéristiques infrarouges des cibles. Ainsi, le fantassin est une cible relativement chaude par rapport au milieu ambiant et la détection de la cible permet de déclencher automatiquement le tir.The main advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the device eliminates the human factor at the start of the shot because the shot is triggered by the thermal signature of the target. We then use the infrared characteristics of the targets. Thus, the infantryman is a relatively hot target compared to the ambient environment and the detection of the target makes it possible to automatically launch the shooting.

Un autre avantage réside dans le fait que le tir normal de l'arme n'est pas supprimé par le dispositif selon l'invention.Another advantage lies in the fact that the normal firing of the weapon is not suppressed by the device according to the invention.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lumière de la description d'un mode de réalisation donné à titre d'exemple en relation avec les dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente une coupe longitudinale d'une arme équipée du dispositif selon l'invention, et
  • la figure 2 illustre un exemple de réalisation des moyens électrique et électronique qui équipent le dispositif selon l'invention.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the light of the description of an embodiment given by way of example in relation to the appended drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents a longitudinal section of a weapon equipped with the device according to the invention, and
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the electrical and electronic means which equip the device according to the invention.

L'arme 1 représentée sur la figure 1 comporte de façon connue un canon 2 prolongé par une chambre 3 dans laquelle la munition 4 est introduite soit automatiquement, soit manuellement par des moyens non représentés, un support de visée 5 monté au-dessus de l'arme et une poignée 6 protégeant la détente 7.The weapon 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises in known manner a barrel 2 extended by a chamber 3 into which the ammunition 4 is introduced either automatically or manually by means not shown, an aiming support 5 mounted above the weapon and a handle 6 protecting the trigger 7.

Selon l'invention, on prévoit une lunette 8, par exemple de type "CASSEGRAIN" ayant un champ de 30 cm à 300 m. Cette lunette est fixée par exemple au canon 2 de l'arme par des pattes 9 soudées ou des brides. On s'arrange pour que l'axe du canon ou axe du tir, l'axe de visée et l'axe optique de la lunette soient simblotés. La lunette 8 comporte une fenêtre d'entrée 10 portant un miroir concave 11. Cette fenêtre placée à l'entrée n'a pas de fonction optique et sert de protection aux éléments internes, et de moyen de fixation du miroir 11. Un second miroir concave 12 est fixé à l'intérieur du corps de la lunette avec un diamètre sensiblement équivalent au diamètre interne dudit corps. Le miroir 12 est muni en son centre d'une ouverture 13 recevant un détecteur infrarouge 14 sensible dans la gamme 8-12 µm. Ainsi, les rayons lumineux 15 pénètrent dans la lunette, se réfléchissent une première fois sur le miroir concave 14, puis sur le miroir concave 11 qui les concentre sur le détecteur 14 placé au foyer du miroir 12. La paroi de base 16 de la lunette sert de support aux autres moyens du dispositif selon l'invention. Les moyens d'alimentation en énergie électrique sont constitués par au moins une pile 17 dont la base est en appui sur la paroi 16 et qui est maintenue en place par une languette 18 liée à une plaque 19 elle-même solidaire de la paroi 16. Sur la plaque 19, on fixe un ensemble électronique 20 et un moyen électronique 21 de déclenchement. Ces éléments sont représentés schématiquement sous forme de blocs.According to the invention, a scope 8 is provided, for example of the "CASSEGRAIN" type having a field of 30 cm to 300 m. This scope is fixed for example to the barrel 2 of the weapon by lugs 9 welded or flanges. It is arranged so that the axis of the barrel or axis of the shooting, the axis of sight and the optical axis of the telescope are simblotated. The bezel 8 has an entrance window 10 carrying a concave mirror 11. This window placed at the entrance has no optical function and serves as protection for the internal elements, and as a means of fixing the mirror 11. A second mirror concave 12 is fixed inside the body of the telescope with a diameter substantially equivalent to the internal diameter of said body. The mirror 12 is provided in its center with an opening 13 receiving a sensitive infrared detector 14 in the 8-12 μm range. Thus, the light rays 15 penetrate into the telescope, are reflected a first time on the concave mirror 14, then on the concave mirror 11 which concentrates them on the detector 14 placed at the focus of the mirror 12. The base wall 16 of the telescope serves as a support for the other means of the device according to the invention. The means for supplying electrical energy consist of at least one battery 17, the base of which bears on the wall 16 and which is held in place by a tongue 18 linked to a plate 19 which is itself secured to the wall 16. On the plate 19, an electronic assembly 20 and an electronic triggering means 21 are fixed. These elements are represented schematically in the form of blocks.

Le signal délivré par le moyen 21 est envoyé sur un interrupteur 22 solidaire d'un support 23 fixé à la paroi 16.The signal delivered by the means 21 is sent to a switch 22 secured to a support 23 fixed to the wall 16.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit, la mise à feu est réalisée par percussion. Pour cela, la détente 7 est reliée à une barrette de commande 24 qui libère à une extrémité, de façon connue et non représentée, le percuteur de l'arme. Selon l'invention, la barrette 24 est prolongée à son extrémité par une paroi latérale 25 destinée à coopérer avec un électro-aimant 26, fixé également sur la paroi 16. Pour cela, la tige de commande 27 de l'électro-aimant, soumise à l'action du ressort 28, est en prise à une extrémité sur la paroi latérale 25 et de l'autre, est solidaire d'une tige 29 portant à son extrémité libre une came 30 en prise sur l'interrupteur 22.In the embodiment described, the firing is carried out by percussion. For this, the trigger 7 is connected to a control strip 24 which releases at one end, in a known manner and not shown, the striker of the weapon. According to the invention, the bar 24 is extended at its end by a side wall 25 intended to cooperate with an electromagnet 26, also fixed on the wall 16. For this, the control rod 27 of the electromagnet, subjected to the action of the spring 28, is engaged at one end on the side wall 25 and on the other, is integral with a rod 29 carrying at its free end a cam 30 engaged on the switch 22.

Sur la figure 2, on a représenté l'ensemble électronique 20 qui comprend essentiellement le détecteur 14, un pré-amplificateur 32, un filtre 33, un amplificateur 34 et un comparateur 35 dont le rôle est de délivrer le signal de commande de mise à feu.In FIG. 2, the electronic assembly 20 is shown, which essentially comprises the detector 14, a pre-amplifier 32, a filter 33, an amplifier 34 and a comparator 35 whose role is to deliver the control signal for setting fire.

Le moyen électronique 21 de déclenchement comprend un convertisseur 36 d'élévation de la tension continue délivrée par la pile 37, un condensateur 38 d'alimentation du convertisseur 36 et un thyristor 39 de déclenchement.The electronic triggering means 21 comprises a converter 36 for raising the DC voltage delivered by the battery 37, a capacitor 38 supplying the converter 36 and a triggering thyristor 39.

Le fonctionnement est le suivant : le tireur prend sa visée en balayant latéralement la cible et actionne la détente 7 au premier cran. Le système est alors activé et le passage de la cible dans le champ de la lunette 8 induit un signal électrique sur le détecteur 14. Celui-ci est envoyé par les conducteurs 31 vers l'ensemble électronique 20 qui, après traitement, envoie un ordre à l'électro-aimant 26 actionnant par l'intermédiaire de sa tige 27 la barrette 24. Cette dernière déclenche alors le tir en libérant le percuteur de l'arme.The operation is as follows: the shooter takes aim by sweeping the target laterally and operates the trigger 7 at the first notch. The system is then activated and the passage of the target in the field of the telescope 8 induces an electrical signal on the detector 14. This is sent by the conductors 31 to the electronic assembly 20 which, after processing, sends an order to the electromagnet 26 actuating via its rod 27 the bar 24. The latter then triggers the firing by releasing the striker from the weapon.

Bien entendu, l'arme peut tirer soit en rafale, soit au coup par coup puisque ces fonctions ne sont pas supprimées. D'autre part, l'arme peut être utilisée par un tir direct sans attendre la commande par la détection, il suffit pour cela d'appuyer à fond sur la détente en atteignant le deuxième cran. Un second interrupteur (non représenté) peut être prévu pour mettre hors service le dispositif selon l'invention.Of course, the weapon can fire either in burst, or piecemeal since these functions do not are not deleted. On the other hand, the weapon can be used by a direct fire without waiting for the command by the detection, it is enough for that to fully depress the trigger while reaching the second notch. A second switch (not shown) can be provided to deactivate the device according to the invention.

On notera que c'est la différence de signature thermique entre le fond et la cible qui entraîne le déclenchement du système. Ainsi, une différence de 2 ou 3 degrés suffit pour déclencher le tir.Note that it is the difference in thermal signature between the bottom and the target that triggers the system. Thus, a difference of 2 or 3 degrees is enough to trigger the shot.

Une variante de l'invention peut être facilement adoptée dans le cas où il s'agit d'une arme à mise à feu électrique. Dans ce cas, l'électro-aimant 26 et l'interrupteur 22 sont supprimés et remplacés par un circuit électronique de puissance connecté au moyen électronique 21, qui envoie directement le signal de mise à feu au système d'initiation électrique propre de l'arme.A variant of the invention can be easily adopted in the case where it is an electric firearm. In this case, the electromagnet 26 and the switch 22 are removed and replaced by an electronic power circuit connected to the electronic means 21, which directly sends the firing signal to the proper electrical initiation system of the armed.

Une autre variante peut être envisagée pour le combat de nuit par exemple. Il serait alors intéressant, compte tenu que la cible n'est pas visible, que le tireur conserve la maîtrise du tir, mais soit averti par un moyen visuel ou sonore de la présence d'une cible chaude. Il suffit pour cela de rajouter au dispositif un interrupteur de déconnexion du circuit de puissance et par exemple un transducteur piézo-électrique qui donnera un signal sonore.Another variant can be considered for night combat for example. It would then be interesting, given that the target is not visible, that the shooter retains control of the shot, but is warned by visual or audible means of the presence of a hot target. It suffices to add to the device a disconnection switch of the power circuit and for example a piezoelectric transducer which will give an audible signal.

Claims (10)

Dispositif de déclenchement du tir d'une arme (1) à feu de petit ou de moyen calibre, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend : - une lunette d'observation (8), - un détecteur infrarouge (14) délivrant un signal électrique, - un ensemble électronique de traitement (20) du signal délivré par le détecteur, - un moyen électronique (21,26) de déclenchement commandant le tir et - des moyens d'alimentation (17) en énergie électrique. Device for triggering the firing of a small or medium-caliber firearm (1), characterized in that it comprises: - an observation scope (8), - an infrared detector (14) delivering an electrical signal, - an electronic processing unit (20) for the signal delivered by the detector, - an electronic triggering means (21, 26) controlling the firing and - supply means (17) of electrical energy. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le moyen électronique (21) est associé à une mise à feu par percussion, à l'aide d'un électro-aimant (26) relié au percuteur de l'arme.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic means (21) is associated with firing by percussion, using an electromagnet (26) connected to the striker of the weapon. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le moyen électronique (21) est associé à une mise à feu électrique, commandant directement la mise à feu de la munition.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic means (21) is associated with an electric firing, directly controlling the firing of the ammunition. Dispositif selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une barrette de commande (24) actionnée en translation d'une part par la détente (7) et d'autre part par l'électro-aimant (26).Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a control strip (24) actuated in translation on the one hand by the trigger (7) and on the other hand by the electromagnet (26). Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le percuteur de l'arme est libéré par la barrette de commande (24).Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the striker of the weapon is released by the control bar (24). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le détecteur (14) est sensible dans la gamme 8-12 µm et est placé au foyer de la lunette (8).Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detector (14) is sensitive in the range 8-12 µm and is placed at the focal point of the telescope (8). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'ensemble électronique de traitement (20) comporte notamment un amplificateur, un filtre (33) suivi d'un comparateur (35), le signal délivré étant caractéristique d'un type de cible présélectionné.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic processing assembly (20) comprises in particular an amplifier, a filter (33) followed by a comparator (35), the signal delivered being characteristic of a preselected target type. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la lunette (8) est fixée en dessous de l'arme et en avant de la poignée (6) de celle-ci.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the scope (8) is fixed below the weapon and in front of the handle (6) thereof. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'ensemble électronique de traitement (20), le moyen électronique (21,26) de déclenchement et les moyens d'alimentation (17) en énergie électrique sont intégrés dans le corps de la lunette (8) à l'opposé de la fenêtre d'entrée (10) de ladite lunette.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic processing assembly (20), the electronic triggering means (21,26) and the electrical energy supply means (17) are integrated in the body of the bezel (8) opposite the entry window (10) of said bezel. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la détente (7) est munie de deux crans, le premier cran permettant l'activation de l'ensemble électronique (20) de traitement, le second cran permettant la commande directe du tir de l'arme.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trigger (7) is provided with two notches, the first notch allowing the activation of the electronic processing unit (20), the second notch allowing direct control firing the weapon.
EP93402199A 1992-09-10 1993-09-09 Firing release device using an infrared detector Expired - Lifetime EP0587504B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9210812A FR2701101B1 (en) 1992-08-06 1992-09-10 Device for triggering the firing of a firearm using an infrared detector.
FR9210812 1992-09-10

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EP0587504A1 true EP0587504A1 (en) 1994-03-16
EP0587504B1 EP0587504B1 (en) 1997-12-03

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EP (1) EP0587504B1 (en)
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Also Published As

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US5544439A (en) 1996-08-13
DE69315514D1 (en) 1998-01-15
ES2111728T3 (en) 1998-03-16
EP0587504B1 (en) 1997-12-03
DE69315514T2 (en) 1998-06-10

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