Handgun with sensors for detecting the cartridges in the magazine

Abstract

The invention relates to a handgun (1) comprising a frame(100) with a magazine compartment into which a magazine (710) can be inserted, wherein the handgun (1) comprises a sensor system (800), which is located in the magazine compartment and is designed to detect the number of cartridges located in the magazine compartment, wherein the sensor system (800) comprises at least a first light barrier sensor (801) and at least a second light barrier sensor (801), wherein the first light barrier sensor (801) comprises a first light transmitter (802) and a first light receiver (803), and the second light barrier sensor (801) comprises a second light transmitter (802) and a second light receiver (803), wherein the first and second light barrier sensors (801) are arranged in such a way that they can detect cartridges at different predetermined positions.

Description

[0001] Handgun with sensors for detecting cartridges in the magazine

[0002] The invention relates to a handgun comprising a grip with a magazine compartment into which a magazine can be inserted, wherein the handgun includes a sensor system located in the magazine compartment which is designed to detect the number of cartridges in the magazine compartment.

[0003] Handguns are continuously being developed to improve both their functionality and user-friendliness. Many developments have focused on firing mechanisms, safety systems, and ergonomics. Less attention, however, has been paid to supporting the shooter in managing fired shots.

[0004] When using handguns in security-critical or military applications, it is crucial that the user knows at all times how many shots have been fired and how many remain in the magazine. Counting shots is usually done manually, with the shooter counting each shot fired. However, this requires a high level of concentration and carries the risk of miscalculations, especially in stressful or dynamic situations.

[0005] To address these problems, various solutions have been proposed, including mechanical and electronic shot counters. Mechanical counters often rely on gears or similar components that perform a counting motion with each shot. However, these approaches are prone to failure, especially in the event of misfires or irregular maintenance of the weapon.

[0006] Electronic systems have also been developed that, for example, use sensors to record the number of shots fired. Electronic shot counters are able to record the information more precisely, but they face challenges regarding power supply, robustness, and integration into compact weapon designs.

[0007] Some systems, such as those described in US 5,303,495, combine electronic shot counters with displays to show the user the number of rounds fired. However, these systems are often expensive, require regular battery changes, and can be affected by external factors such as moisture or extreme temperature fluctuations. US 5,303,495 detects the number of rounds in the magazine by using a permanent magnet on the spring-loaded inner base of the magazine. A series of Hall sensors are installed in the magazine well of the handgun to track the height of the magazine's inner base. The number of rounds in the magazine can then be indirectly inferred, as the lower the magazine's inner base, the higher it sits. A disadvantage of this system is that both the magazine and the handgun must be modified to implement it.Another advantage is that in case of malfunction, the inner base can get stuck, in which cases the height of the inner base does not correlate with the number of cartridges.

[0008] Another system for determining the number of cartridges in the magazine is disclosed in WO 2021 / 001720 Al. This system uses an optical system installed inside the magazine, which optically determines the height of the inner base from below. A disadvantage of this system is that each magazine must be individually equipped with expensive sensors, and communication between the magazine and the handgun is difficult to implement. Furthermore, the inner base can still become stuck, meaning that the height measurement of the inner base does not always correlate with the number of cartridges in the magazine.

[0009] Other systems for recording data from firearms are known from documents EP 2 894 430 Al, US 2011 / 0162245 Al, CN 115325879 A, ​​US 2008 / 276517 Al, US 2022 / 307784 Al, WO 2023 / 086840 Al, US 10809035 B2, JP 2007322105 A and EP 2 905 570 Al.

[0010] The existing solutions therefore only partially meet the requirements for a modern, user-friendly, and robust system for automating shot counting. In particular, there is a lack of a solution that is especially error-resistant and simultaneously meets the requirements for compactness and robustness.

[0011] This task is solved by a handgun comprising a grip with a magazine compartment into which a magazine can be inserted, wherein the handgun includes a sensor system located in the magazine compartment which is configured to detect the number of cartridges in the magazine compartment, wherein the sensor system comprises at least a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor, wherein the first optical sensor comprises a first light transmitter and a first light receiver and the second optical sensor comprises a second light transmitter and a second light receiver, - wherein the first optical sensor is arranged such that light emitted by the first light transmitter is detectable by the first light receiver when a cartridge is located at a first predetermined position within the magazine compartment, and light emitted by the first light transmitter is not detectable by the first light receiver.if there is no cartridge in the first predetermined position within the magazine compartment,

[0012] - wherein the second light barrier sensor is arranged such that light emitted by the second light transmitter is detectable by the second light receiver when a cartridge is located at a second predetermined position within the magazine compartment, and light emitted by the second light transmitter is not detectable by the second light receiver when no cartridge is located at the second predetermined position within the magazine compartment.

[0013] The handgun according to the invention thus has at least two light barrier sensors to directly determine the presence of at least two cartridges. An advantage here is that only the handgun is equipped with sensor elements to determine the number of cartridges in the magazine. The magazines can therefore continue to be manufactured in a particularly cost-effective manner and do not need to be equipped with additional elements such as magnets.

[0014] The solution according to the invention is also particularly robust, since the light barrier sensors detect the cartridges directly and no indirect detection takes place via a height of the inner floor of the magazine.

[0015] In the aforementioned solution, it is particularly preferred if the light barrier sensors emit a light beam from the rear onto the flat side of the respective cartridge, as this creates a particularly reliable system. In other words, it is preferred if all light emitters of the sensor system are configured to emit light essentially in the direction of fire, since, when the magazine is inserted, the flat undersides of the cartridges face rearward, thus directing the light beam normally to the rear. Alternatively, however, the light barrier sensors could also be oriented differently and, for example, directed at a side surface or the front tip of the cartridge.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, all photoelectric sensors of the sensor system are arranged on a common circuit board. This allows the sensor system to be easily installed in the grip, since the circuit board only needs to be inserted into the grip system to mount it in the handgun.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferred if all light barrier sensors of the sensor system are connected to a common, preferably rechargeable, battery. This battery can also be mounted on the aforementioned circuit board.

[0018] As defined at the outset, the system according to the invention can be provided with only two light barrier sensors, e.g., to detect the two uppermost cartridges, which at least indicates to the user that the magazine will not be empty after two or three more shots. Preferably, however, the magazine has enough light barrier sensors so that all cartridges in the magazine are detectable. In a standard magazine, the sensor system can comprise exactly sixteen or exactly seventeen light barrier sensors for detecting cartridges in the magazine compartment.

[0019] In the simplest case, each optical sensor could be connected to an LED, visible, for example, on the back of the grip or on or below a screen of the handgun. For instance, sensors detecting a cartridge could glow green, and sensors not detecting a cartridge could glow red. Two sensors could also share an LED, with, for example, green indicating both sensors detecting a cartridge, yellow indicating only one, and red indicating neither sensor detecting a cartridge.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, an alternative or additional processing unit can be provided, which is connected to the sensor system, preferably to all photoelectric sensors, and determines the number of cartridges in the magazine compartment based on the measured values ​​output by the photoelectric sensors. Here, "in the magazine compartment" is understood to mean that these cartridges are located in the magazine, which in turn is located in the magazine compartment. To perform this function, the processing unit receives the measured values ​​from the photoelectric sensors to which it is connected and calculates a single value representing the number of cartridges remaining in the magazine or magazine compartment. In the simplest case, this is the sum of the photoelectric sensors that have detected a cartridge. This information can be displayed on a screen of the handgun, e.g., as a number, even if no LEDs are provided for the photoelectric sensors.The system described herein can also be used to detect malfunctions in the magazine compartment. Specifically, the first light barrier sensor can be located between the second light barrier sensor and the cartridge chamber, and the processing unit can be configured to issue an error message when the second light barrier sensor detects the presence of a cartridge and the first light barrier sensor detects its absence. Thus, the processing unit can detect when a cartridge is stuck in the magazine, which can be displayed, for example, on a screen or an indicator light.

[0021] According to the invention, the handgun can further comprise a magazine. The magazine is designed such that it holds at least one cartridge in the first predetermined position and at least one cartridge in the second predetermined position when the magazine is inserted into the magazine compartment. In order for the magazine to be combined with the handgun according to the invention, it has at least one detection recess, preferably exactly one detection recess for each light barrier sensor, wherein the at least one detection recess allows a line of sight between the outside of the magazine and the inside of the magazine. For example, a slot extending along the length of the magazine can be provided as the detection recess, allowing a line of sight to all cartridges simultaneously. Alternatively, the magazine can have a separate viewing window for each cartridge.

[0022] To better understand the present invention, the accompanying figures are described in more detail below. These figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of the handgun according to the invention and show the essential features and components that contribute to achieving the desired advantages. The following figures are intended to supplement the description of the invention and facilitate understanding of the technical details and the operating principle. However, the figures only show preferred embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting. In particular, it should be noted that this is a "best mode" embodiment and, for example, it is not necessary for a sight rail to be present, so that the invention can also be used with other types of handguns.

[0023] Figure 1 shows an example of a handgun.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a magazine and a sensor system for detecting the cartridges in the magazine in a first perspective view.

[0025] Figure 3 shows the magazine and sensor system of Figure 2 from a second perspective view. Figure 4 shows a detail view of Figure 3.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a handgun 1, or hand-held firearm or pistol, which is particularly suitable for IPSC shooting. This handgun 1 could also be used for other purposes. Likewise, the components of this handgun 1 described below could be used in other handguns.

[0027] The illustrated handgun 1 comprises a grip 100, a barrel 200, a firing mechanism 300, a sight rail 400, and a slide 500. The sight rail 400 is optional and can be omitted. The handgun 1 may include additional elements such as a mounting bolt 600, one or more sights such as a front sight 701, a rear sight 702, or an optical sight 703, or other components described below.

[0028] It should be noted here that this handgun 1, when used as intended, defines a direction of fire. It is understood, however, that the direction of fire of the handgun 1 is also clearly defined when no shot is fired or even when some elements of the handgun 1 have been disassembled. The direction of fire is therefore also an inherent characteristic of the grip 100, the barrel 200, the firing mechanism 300, the sight rail 400, and the slide 500. The terms "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "left," and "right," and variations thereof, used herein, are defined by reference to the direction of fire and should be read in relation to the handgun 1 when used as intended.It is also noted that, due to the design of the handgun 1, the bore axis L is not only a feature of the barrel 400 itself, but a feature of the entire handgun 1 and its individual components during intended use. Herein, "in the direction of the bore axis" also means "parallel to the bore axis," unless otherwise specified.

[0029] The grip 100, shown in Figure 5, is usually made of plastic and / or metal and is the element that houses the trigger 301 of the firing system 300 and is gripped by the user to operate the handgun 1, i.e., to fire a shot. A magazine 710 can be inserted into the underside 101 of the grip 100. The grip 100 may also have an optional grip panel 102.

[0030] The 710 magazine is designed to hold cartridges in a predetermined position within the magazine. The 710 magazine typically has a spring-loaded inner base to push the cartridges upwards. When the 710 magazine is inserted into the magazine well, the cartridges are thus positioned in predetermined positions PI ... PI 7, generally Pi, within the magazine well. Figure 2 illustrates that the 710 magazine defines these predetermined positions Pi, so it can be said that the positions Pi are predetermined both within the 710 magazine and within the magazine well, as well as with respect to the handgun 1.

[0031] Depending on the length of the 710 magazine, it may also protrude from the magazine compartment, so that some cartridges may be in a predetermined position inside the magazine compartment and some cartridges outside the magazine compartment.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a sensor system 800 that can be used in the handgun of Figure 1 (or in any other handgun) to detect the number of cartridges remaining in the magazine 710 or, more generally, in the magazine compartment.

[0033] To implement this, the Sensor System 800 has at least two light barrier sensors.

[0034] The photoelectric sensors 801 each comprise a light transmitter 802 and a light receiver 803, as can be seen particularly in the detailed view in Figure 4. The photoelectric sensor 801, and thus the light transmitter 802 and the light receiver 803 of this photoelectric sensor 801, are arranged such that they are each directed towards a predetermined position. In other words, the components are arranged such that light emitted by the light transmitter 802 is detectable by the first light receiver 803 when a cartridge is located at a predetermined position Pi within the magazine 710 or magazine compartment. Furthermore, light emitted by the light transmitter 802 is not detectable by the first light receiver 803 when no cartridge is located at a predetermined position Pi within the magazine 710 or magazine compartment.

[0035] The cartridge is detected by the fact that the side of the cartridge facing the light barrier sensor 801 reflects the light beam emitted by the light transmitter 802, allowing this light beam to be detected again by the light receiver 803. If no cartridge is located at the predetermined position Pi, the light emitted by the light transmitter is not detected.

[0036] The emitted light beam 802 strikes the opposite side wall of the magazine 710 and is therefore either not sufficiently reflected back or directed in another direction, so that the light receiver 803 cannot detect the reflected light beam.

[0037] Figures 2 and 3 show that the light barrier sensors 801 are each directed forward, i.e., the light beam emitted by the light transmitter 802 is essentially in the firing direction of the handgun 1. The light transmitter 801 of a light barrier sensor 801 is usually located directly next to a light receiver 802 of the same light barrier sensor 801.

[0038] Figure 2 further shows that the magazine 710 has a detection recess, i.e., a viewing window, for each predetermined position Pi. When the magazine 710 is removed and loaded, a cartridge will therefore be visible to the naked eye at each detection recess. For example, each detection recess could be located in the center of the cartridge at the predetermined position Pi. However, these detection recesses could also be implemented differently, e.g., by one or two vertical slots, each allowing multiple cartridges to be seen. With a single detection recess, this could, for example, be a centrally located vertical slot.

[0039] Figure 3 shows that the sensor system 800 has a photoelectric sensor 801 for each predetermined position Pi. It is evident that the arrangement of the photoelectric sensors 801 in Figure 3 corresponds to the arrangement of the detection recesses in Figure 2.

[0040] Figure 3 further shows that all photoelectric sensors 801 are arranged on a common circuit board 804. This significantly simplifies manufacturing, calibration, and handling, as the entire circuit board 804 can be manufactured and calibrated as a single unit. Furthermore, the circuit board 804 can be easily installed in the handle 100, for example, by being inserted into a corresponding receptacle and / or screwed to the handle 100 using a mounting element 805.

[0041] Figures 3 and 4 further show that the circuit board 804 has a battery 806, which is used to power the light barrier sensors 801. The battery 806 can be soldered to the circuit board 804 or be removable, e.g., by means of plug or clamp contacts.

[0042] Figure 4 shows in particular that a computing unit 810 can also be provided on the circuit board 804. The circuit board 804 can be connected to all the light barrier sensors 801 of the sensor system 800, in particular to determine how many cartridges are in the magazine. For this purpose, the computing unit 810 can, for example, sum how many light barrier sensors 801 have detected the presence of a cartridge at the predetermined position Pi. Alternatively or additionally, the computing unit 801 can know the relative position of the light barrier sensors 801 and infer the charge level of the magazine 710 if, for example, a cartridge was detected at the third predetermined position P3, but not at the fourth position P4. In general, the computing unit 810 can infer the charge level of the magazine 710 if a cartridge was detected at a predetermined position, but not at the next predetermined position.

[0043] The 810 processing unit can implement further functions, such as malfunction detection. For example, if a cartridge is detected at the fourth predetermined position P4 but not at the third predetermined position P3, this may indicate a malfunction. More generally, the 810 processing unit can issue an error message if one 801 light barrier sensor detects a cartridge, but another 801 light barrier sensor located closer to the cartridge chamber does not.

[0044] The processing unit 810 can also be connected to a memory in which the charge level of the magazine 710 is periodically stored. This memory can be read via an interface 808, which is implemented, for example, as a USB interface. Alternatively or additionally, this interface 808 can also be used for charging the battery 806 and / or for installing firmware updates for the processing unit 810.

[0045] Figure 2 shows that the sensor system 800 can be connected to a screen 603, for example, via a cable 811. The charge level of the magazine 710, as determined by the processing unit 801, or the aforementioned error message can be displayed on this screen 603. The sensor system 800 can also be connected to one or more LEDs 613, preferably exactly one LED per photoelectric sensor 801. For example, eight LEDs 613 can be provided for sixteen or seventeen photoelectric sensors 801, so that one LED 613 is provided for every two photoelectric sensors 801. Here, for example, a different color state can indicate whether none, one, or both photoelectric sensors 801 have detected a cartridge at their respective predetermined position Pi.

[0046] Optionally, an input interface 809, such as a push button, is provided on the circuit board 804, via which the user can, for example, confirm entries on the screen 603. The interface 808 and / or the input interface 809 can each penetrate the handle 100 and thus be accessible to a user.

Claims

Claims:

1. Handgun (1) comprising a grip (100) with a magazine compartment into which a magazine (710) can be inserted, wherein the handgun (1) comprises a sensor system (800) located in the magazine compartment, which is configured to detect the number of cartridges located in the magazine compartment, characterized in that the sensor system (800) comprises at least a first light barrier sensor (801) and a second light barrier sensor (801), wherein the first light barrier sensor (801) comprises a first light transmitter (802) and a first light receiver (803) and the second light barrier sensor (801) comprises a second light transmitter (802) and a second light receiver (803), - wherein the first light barrier sensor (801) is arranged such that a light beam emitted by the first light transmitter (802) is detectable by the first light receiver (803) when a cartridge is located at a first predetermined position within the magazine compartment, and a light beam emitted by the first light transmitter (802) is not detectable by the first light receiver (803) when no cartridge is located at the first predetermined position (Pi) within the magazine compartment, - wherein the second light barrier sensor (801) is arranged such that a light beam emitted by the second light transmitter (802) is detectable by the second light receiver (803) when a cartridge is located at a second predetermined position within the magazine compartment, and a light beam emitted by the second light transmitter (802) is not detectable by the second light receiver (803) when no cartridge is located at the second predetermined position within the magazine compartment.

2. Handgun (1) according to claim 1, wherein all light emitters (802) of the sensor system (800) are configured to emit light beams substantially in the direction of fire.

3. Handgun (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all light barrier sensors (801) of the sensor system (800) are arranged on a common circuit board (804).

4. Handgun (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all light barrier sensors (801) of the sensor system (800) are connected to a common, preferably rechargeable, battery (806).

5. Handgun (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system (800) comprises exactly sixteen or exactly seventeen light barrier sensors (801) for detecting cartridges in the magazine compartment.

6. Handgun (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a computing unit (807) connected to the sensor system (800), which is configured to determine a number of cartridges in the magazine compartment on the basis of the measured values ​​output by the light receivers (803).

7. Handgun (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first light barrier sensor (801) is located between the second light barrier sensor (801) and a cartridge chamber of the handgun (1) and the computing unit (807) is configured to output an error message when the second light barrier sensor (801) detects the presence of a cartridge and the first light barrier sensor (801) detects the absence of a cartridge.

8. Handgun (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display device, preferably a screen (603) and / or at least two light-emitting diodes (613) on which a loading status of the magazine can be displayed.

9. Handgun (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a magazine (710) which has at least one detection recess, preferably exactly one detection recess for each light barrier sensor (801), wherein the at least one detection recess enables a line of sight between the outside of the magazine (710) and the inside of the magazine (710).

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