WO2008145773A1

WO2008145773A1 - Device for controlling ammunition consumption in real time

Info

Publication number: WO2008145773A1
Application number: PCT/ES2007/070105
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raúl DELGADO ACARRETA
Original assignee: Delgado Acarreta Raul
Priority date: 2007-05-30
Filing date: 2007-05-30
Publication date: 2008-12-04
Also published as: CN101688765A; CA2687788A1; IL202141A0; ES2472704T3; EP2151658A1; AU2007354377A1; US20100299985A1; EP2151658B1; EP2151658A4; BRPI0721708A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (12) for counting the total number of shots fired from a firearm (11) using the same magazine mounted in the arm, based on the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of physical parameters relating to the firing cycle thereof, such that the information obtained is displayed in real time on a display screen. According to the invention, the actuation, display and cycle reset functions of the partial counter are performed automatically with a computer program and without the user's involvement, although said operations can also be performed manually. The display screen can display other operating parameters of the firearm (11), such as the temperature of points that may overheat, in order to enable safe and accurate use.

Description

MUNITION CONSUMPTION CONTROL DEVICE IN

REAL TIME

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to a device for counting shots fired by a firearm. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device that performs the count of the shots fired by a firearm, whether automatic, semi-automatic or manual, by acquiring, analyzing and interpreting signals generated in the firing cycle. of the weapon The operation of the device is automatic in its activation, disconnection and zeroing when the ammunition of the loader in use is consumed so that the user of the weapon does not intervene in the operation of said device, on the other hand, it has information on the ammunition consumption in real time as it occurs.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

[0002] Currently, refinement of firearms, such as handguns or guns, has led to the capacity of a gun magazine to accommodate more than a dozen cartridges, for example, 18 cartridges.

[0003] In a revolver type firearm, that is, a firearm having a drum capable of normally storing 6 cartridges, it is relatively easy to mentally control the number of fired or used cartridges. In the case of a gun that mounts a magazine that can store up to 18 cartridges, plus one in the chamber, the task of controlling the number of shots taken can be arduous and complicated, so that the shooter can be surprised with the last shot without waiting, that is, without prior notice.

[0004] In automatic firearms, with a high rate of fire, between 250 and 1200 shots per minute, the problem is exacerbated since a slight excess of time pressing the trigger translates into a large amount of ammunition. In those of manual operation, although the cost of ammunition is much more contained, we can keep track of the ammunition spent and the total number of shots fired with the weapon. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention seeks to solve or reduce one or more of the drawbacks set forth above by means of an automatic trip counter as claimed in claim 1. Embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0006] An object of the invention is to provide a device that is capable of keeping track and displaying, in real time, the number of shots fired with the firearm by the firing cycle of the weapon.

[0007] The firing counter of the invention counts the number of shots fired with the firearm that performs a dynamic or static firing cycle.

[0008] It is defined as a dynamic firing cycle that is carried out by an automatic or semi-automatic firearm that includes at least the mechanical actions of firing, cocking and loading so that it is prepared for the next shot and that involves the movement of certain mechanical elements Each dynastic cycle corresponds to a partial account and the sum of all partial accounts, that is, shots fired, corresponds to a total count of the number of shots fired by the firearm throughout its operating life.

[0009] In turn, a static firing cycle is defined as a firearm that includes at least the mechanical action of firing and in which the insertion of the cartridge into the chamber and the removal of the bushing are carried out manually. Each static cycle corresponds to a partial account and the sum of all partial accounts, that is, shots fired, corresponds to a total count of the number of shots fired by the firearm throughout its operating life

[0010] The result of these accounts is shown, in real time, on a display screen incorporated or not incorporated into the weapon, being able to be part of the shooter's equipment or an information collection center of a multiplicity of shooters. Consequently, the shooter can know the number of cartridges available at every moment, allowing him to make a better control of the ammunition consumption and avoiding the dangerous surprise of running out of ammunition at a time of high emotional tension. [0011] Likewise, the total counter of shots fired by the weapon allows a perfect maintenance of the parts that suffer the most wear during use, avoiding irreparable damage to them.

[0012] In weapons that perform dynamic firing cycles their counting is done in one of two ways. In the first, based on the travel times or speeds of a linearly or rotationally movable element that moves as a reaction to the shot, being able to be part of the weapon's closing system.

[0013] In the second, based on the characteristics of the disturbances generated in at least one element of the weapon at the time of firing. Parameters that characterize a disturbance can be, for example, amplitude, duration, etc. of the disturbance.

[0014] It should be noted that in both cases it is possible to differentiate the firing action from any manual action performed by the user thereof. It also allows to identify the firing of the last available cartridge allowing the automatic reset of the partial counter.

[0015] In a weapon that carries out static firing cycles, their counting is carried out on the basis of the characteristics of the disturbances generated in at least one element of the weapon upon firing. Parameters that characterize a disturbance can be, for example, amplitude, duration, etc. of the disturbance.

[0016] In this case it is also possible to differentiate the firing action from any manual action performed by the shooter.

[0017] The dynamic cycle may be complete or incomplete. It is to be understood that a dynamic cycle is complete when it ends with a new cartridge fed into the chamber and, therefore, ready to be fired. The dynamic cycle is incomplete when the weapon is unloaded because there are no more cartridges in the magazine or because it has been encased, that is, the weapon cannot make a new shot until a new magazine is inserted.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to ensure the visibility, in real time, of the partial and total account on a display screen, located in the weapon itself or in a device located remote from the weapon with which it is fires a shot and in any situation of use of the firearm.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to make a light weight and small size meter that does not interfere with the use of the weapon and is easy to mount on both long and short weapons, whether existing or newly manufactured.

[0020] Still another object of the invention is that the meter has a great autonomy of operation, even of several thousand shots, as a result of a reduced consumption of electrical energy. This autonomy is achieved by electronic circuits that remain at rest until a trip occurs. At that time the counter is activated automatically, it presents the information related to the partial account, that is, the one corresponding to the loader that is being used, during a predetermined time interval, and finally returns to the rest position until the next shot .

[0021] Another object of the firing counter is that the shooter does not intervene or interfere with its operation. When a shot occurs, the counter is activated, memorizes the information, displays it during the preset time on the display screen so that it does not attract the attention of the shooter for longer than necessary and prevents its position from being located in the dark and returns to the state of rest until the next shot. If it is desired to display the number of shots fired, a push-button arranged for this purpose is activated, so that the stored information is displayed on the display screen for a few seconds.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to provide useful information for assessing the aging and wear state of the main components of the weapon by analyzing the firing cycles performed with the weapon over the time it is used.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to use the display screen and the electronic circuits of the firing counter to display other information inherent in the operation of the weapon, such as the temperature of the barrel. In this way we will be in a position to avoid that during intensive use, in short periods of time, reach excessive temperature values that could affect its accuracy or endanger the shooter and / or the weapon. BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE FIGURES

[0024] A more detailed explanation of the invention is given in the following description based on the attached figures in which:

[0025] Figures la and Ib show projection views of a firearm with a counter device according to the invention,

[0026] Figures 2a, 2b and 2c show profile views of the counter device according to the invention, and

[0027] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the counter device according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Next, with reference to figures la, Ib, 2a, 2b and 2c, there are illustrated shot counting devices 12 for firearms 11, for example, guns and rifle including a display screen 21 placed, preferably, around the aiming system of the weapon, so that the screen itself is oriented towards the view of the shooter and, therefore, within the field of vision of the aiming system.

[0029] A block diagram of the trigger counter 12 is illustrated in Figure 3, comprising a first sensing means or sensor 32 that is adapted to perceive certain physical characteristics relative to the action of the shot taken with the weapon 11.

[0030] In the case of a weapon with a dynamic firing cycle, the function of counting the number of shots fired is based on the travel times or speeds of an element associated with the weapon's closing system, for example. In this case, the sensor 32 includes one or more sensors that can be of the magnetic type, of electromagnetic radiation, whether visible by the human eye or not, or a combination of them. In order for the sensor 32 to perceive the shot, said sensor 32 perceives a supportive means 31 that participates in the reciprocating movement, back and forth, of at least one element of the firearm closure system 11.

[0031] When the sensor 32 is of the magnetic type, the said solidarity means 31 is, at least, a magnet located in the slide or closing system of the weapon, the said means 31 may also be the slide itself, in which case an auxiliary magnet will be placed close to the sensor 32. When the sensor 32 is of radiation Electromagnetic, the solidary means 31 is, at least, a reflective sheet or surface located on the slide or closing system of the weapon, the referred means 31 may also be the slide itself.

[0032] Also, the weapon that performs a dynamic firing cycle can obtain information for counting shots fired based on the characteristics of the dynamic disturbances suffered by the weapon itself when a shot is made. Therefore, sensor 32 includes one or more vibration sensors, such as the piezoelectric type.

[0033] In the case of a weapon that performs static firing cycles, the function of counting the number of shots fired is based on the characteristics of the dynamic disturbances suffered by the weapon 11 in a manner analogous to the case mentioned above. Consequently, sensor 32 includes one or more vibration sensors, for example, of the piezoelectric type as well.

[0034] Shooting occurs when sharp and strong dynamic disturbances occur in the weapon. In addition, in the weapon 11 with dynamic firing cycle, there is a strong acceleration of the slide or closing system, in the opposite direction to that of the firing, in general, due to the conservation of the amount of movement.

[0035] Upon reaching the end of its travel, the slide or closing system causes a recoil stroke and, driven by the recovery spring, changes the direction of its movement by turning forward until the firing cycle ends. Both phenomena are very different from those produced by an accidental blow or by the manipulation of the weapon 11 by the shooter.

[0036] The first sensing means or sensor 32 will receive, directly or through the solidarity means 31, the characteristics of the firing of the gun 11. The sensor 32 generates in one of its outputs an electrical signal that is sent, through electrical connections , to a programmable logic control means 33 which, in turn, is connected to the display screen 21.

[0037] The generated electrical signal is analyzed and compared with the model of signal corresponding to a shot. If they are the same or substantially similar, the microprocessor 33 varies by one unit both the count of the total number of shots fired with the firearm 11, the total count, and the count of the number of shots fired with the magazine 13 that mounts the weapon 11, partial account.

[0038] Previously, the model electrical signal corresponding to the type of firing cycle characteristic of the weapon 11, dynamic or static, will have been stored in a memory of the microprocessor 33. This information is a characteristic parameter of each weapon 11 and the type of ammunition used by the same, allowing to discriminate a complete cycle of an incomplete cycle, as well as the manipulation of the slider by the shooter and the flushing of the weapon or when the bushing is trapped by the closing system.

[0039] The programmable logic control means 33, based on a programming means, such as a microprocessor, can be connected to a data input means 34 that includes one or more switches or pushbuttons that allow visual selection and display, in real time, on the counter screen 21 the information desired by the shooter at each instant, such as the total account or the partial account, etc.

[0040] The partial counter is automatically reset when the microprocessor 33 identifies an incomplete dynamic firing cycle or, in another embodiment, when it identifies that the shooter has manually acted on the slide or closing system of the weapon 11.

[0041] It can also be reset with a button included for this purpose or when changing the charger for another by means of a mechanical microswitch or a magnetic type sensor, not shown in the drawings, placed in the gun 11 and a magnet inserted in the charger 13.

[0042] The counter 12 can be constituted as an accessory that fits in the frame of the weapon 11, in any of the components of the weapon 11 or in any of its accessories; as a system that is housed or embedded in the frame of the weapon, in any of the components of the weapon 1 1 or in any of its accessories; etc. so that the screen 21 can be displayed at all times by the shooter when he shoots, that is, the screen 21 is directed towards the shooter. [0043] The information of the microprocessor 33 can be transmitted by electrical connections or through any means of information transmission via an air interface to a system for receiving and processing information and / or to another display screen, not shown in the drawings, which Be part of the shooter's equipment or away from it.

[0044] The meter 12 comprises a power unit in the form of a battery or battery 35, not shown, which supplies electrical power to all the circuits of the meter 12. The battery 35 is of small size and long duration. Rechargeable batteries can also be used.

[0045] To extend the life of the battery 35, the counter 12 is automatically activated when a trip occurs. Initially it is at rest, with the display screen off. When the weapon is fired, the sensor 32 generates an activation signal of the counter 12. After a predetermined time without using the weapon, the counter returns to the rest position, maintaining the value of the counters, both total and partial.

[0046] The automatic activation of the counter 12 can also be carried out by means of an impact sensor, a magnetic switch or a piezoelectric sensor that picks up the mechanical vibrations of the gun 11 when it is fired.

[0047] The counter 12 can also include push-buttons to perform additional functions such as: exclusively turning off the screen without thereby stopping the counter making increments when making new shots or selecting a certain number on the display screen 21 so that the counter 12 discount one unit each time a new shot is taken.

[0048] The display screen 21 can be of the LCD, electroluminescent, plasma, coherent light or similar liquid crystal type, due to the fact that these technologies imply low power consumption.

[0049] The information on screen 21 will be displayed with different degrees of light intensity according to the ambient light existing at any time to facilitate viewing at all times. In this way it will be significantly reduced when the intensity of the ambient light is low or there is darkness and will increase in the opposite case.

[0050] In relation to figures la, Ib, 2a, 2b and 2c, screen 21 will be formed by at least two digits that can be together or separated. It can also be formed by I ¹ A digits, that is, by a full digit and another formed only by two aligned vertical segments so that when it takes up little space, it is easier to integrate them into small arms. In this case, for the count of more than 20 shots, for example, the points at the bottom of each digit will be used to encode the information.

[0051] In order to have evidence of the temperature in the barrel of the gun 11, at least one temperature probe, not shown in the figures, can be placed at an appropriate point in the barrel. This probe generates an electrical signal based on its temperature that is sent, through electrical connections, to the programmable logic control means 33.

[0052] Although the temperature value may appear on the display when a button is operated, in the preferred embodiment it is shown indirectly by the way in which the partial counter is displayed. For example, with its intermittent flashing with two different frequencies corresponding to two temperature steps, a lower warning and a higher danger, previously established in the programmable logic control means 33.

[0053] To avoid placing long electrical connections along the gun 11, the temperature probe can be placed in another part of the weapon so that by measuring the temperature at that point it is inferred from that given that the temperature of both points It is related because it is the same weapon.

[0054] The embodiments and examples set forth herein are presented as the best explanation of the present invention and its practical application and thereby allow those skilled in the art to practice and use the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the description and examples above have been presented for the purpose of illustration and only as an example. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise manner described. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the previous teaching without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. Device for controlling the consumption of ammunition, in real time, of a firearm (11) that performs the mechanical action of firing; characterized in that the counting device (12) comprises a sensor (32) that is adapted to perceive the movement of a supportive means (31) with a mobile mechanical element of the weapon that moves as a result of the firing and / or that is adapted to perceive mechanical disturbances generated during firing; said sensor (32) is adapted to generate an electrical signal that is sent to a programmable logic control means (33) so that an account stored in said programmable logic control means (33) varies in an account unit corresponding to the number of shots fired by the weapon (11), in turn, the programmable logic control means (33) sends said generated account to a display screen (21).

2. Device according to claim 1; characterized in that the counting device (12) varies by one unit the count corresponding to the number of shots fired with the weapon (11) based on the performance of the dynamic firing cycle compared to the time pattern and / or velocities of the element mobile mechanic characteristic of the weapon (11) previously stored in the programmable logic control means (33).

3. Device according to claim 1; characterized in that the counting device (12) varies by one unit the count corresponding to the number of shots fired with the weapon (11) based on the performance of the dynamic firing cycle compared to the standard value of the characteristic mechanical disturbance of the weapon (11), said value is previously stored in the programmable logic control means (33)

4. Device according to claims 2 and 3; characterized in that the account made corresponds to the total number of shots fired by the firearm (11), the number of shots fired with a magazine (13) that mounts the gun (11) or the number of cartridges available in the magazine (13 ).

5. Device according to claim 4; characterized in that the counting device (12) is automatically activated by means of perception or sensor (32) by an impact sensor, piezoelectric or magnetic switch when the weapon is used; after a predetermined time the counter (12) returns to the rest situation maintaining the value of the meters, both total and partial.

6. Device according to claim 5; characterized in that the account corresponding to the partial counter can be automatically reset when the counting device (12) identifies the firing of the last available cartridge, which identifies an incomplete dynamic firing cycle.

7. Device according to claim 5; characterized in that the counting device (12) is equipped with a magnetic sensor and the charger (13) with a magnet, to automatically reset the partial counter when the charger is replaced.

8. Device according to claim 5; characterized in that the counting device (12) is equipped with a microswitch to automatically reset the partial counter when the charger is replaced.

Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the sensor (32) comprises one or more sensors that can be of the magnetic type, of electromagnetic radiation, visible by the human eye or not, by a combination of them located in the weapon (11) or by one or more vibration sensors, for example, of the piezoelectric type.

10. Device according to claim 9; characterized in that the solidarity means (31) is the slide itself or at least one sheet or a reflective surface located on the slide or closing system of the weapon when the sensor (32) is of electromagnetic radiation.

11. Device according to claim 9; characterized in that the solidarity means (31) is the slide itself or at least one magnet located on the slide or closing system of the weapon (11) when the sensor (32) is of the magnetic type.

12. Device according to claim 11; characterized in that an auxiliary magnet is placed next to the sensor (32) when the solidarity means (31) is the slide itself.

13. Device according to claim 1; characterized in that the counting device (12) varies in one unit the count corresponding to the number of shots fired with the weapon (11) based on the performance of the static firing cycle compared to the standard value of the characteristic mechanical disturbance of the weapon (11) , said value is previously stored in the programmable logic control means (33).

14. Device according to claim 13; characterized in that the sensor 32 includes one or more vibration sensors, for example, of the piezoelectric type.

15. Device according to claim 5 or 13; characterized in that it includes a data input medium (34) that is adapted to select at least one information stored in the programmable logic medium (33) so that the type of information selected is displayed, in real time, visually on the screen (21) display.

16. Device according to claim 15; characterized in that the data input means (34) consists of one or more buttons.

17. Device according to claim 16; characterized in that the counting device (12) is fixed to the firearm (11) so that the display screen (21) is oriented towards the shooter.

18. Device according to claim 16; characterized in that an element of the weapon (11) is adapted to receive the device for counting (12) so that the display screen (21) is oriented towards the shooter.

19. Device according to claim 16; characterized in that the counting device (12) is adapted to be integrated in an accessory that engages on the weapon (11) so that the display screen (21) is oriented towards the shooter.

20. Device according to any of claims 17 to 19; characterized in that the display screen (21) is a liquid crystal, electroluminescent, plasma, coherent light or similar screen and is located in the vicinity of the aiming system of the weapon (11)

21. Device according to claim 20; characterized in that the information stored in the programmable logic medium (33) can transmitted through electrical connections, or through a transmission medium that uses an air interface to transmit information, to a system for receiving and processing information and / or can be displayed on a different display screen than the screen (21)

22. Device according to claim 21; characterized in that the counting device (12) is equipped with different buttons for zeroing the partial counter, turning off and on the display screen or presetting a certain number on the display screen (21) so that the counter (12) discount one unit each time a new shot is made.

23. Device according to claim 20; characterized in that the information presented on the display screen can be displayed with different light intensities to adapt to the intensity of the ambient light.

24. Device according to claim 20; characterized in that the display screen can additionally display information related to the gun barrel temperature.

25. Device according to claim 24; characterized in that the gun barrel temperature can be displayed with a temperature value.

26. Device according to claim 24; characterized in that the temperature of the gun barrel can be shown, indirectly, by the way in which the value of the partial counter is shown.

27. Firearm incorporating a device for counting according to any of the preceding claims.