EP3186580A1

EP3186580A1 - Combat zone lighting module, short firearm having a combat zone lighting module and holster for a short firearm having a combat zone lighting module

Info

Publication number: EP3186580A1
Application number: EP15747151.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Spielberger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-08-28
Filing date: 2015-08-04
Publication date: 2017-07-05
Anticipated expiration: 2035-08-04
Also published as: WO2016030152A1; AT515299B1; EP3447434A1; EP3186580B1; EP3447434B1; AT515299A4; US10337829B2; US10900746B2; US20170284769A1; US20190170481A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a combat zone lighting module (1) comprising a light source (2) for a short firearm (3), a short firearm (3) comprising a corresponding combat zone lighting module (1) and a holster (14) for holding a corresponding short firearm (3), the light source (2) comprising a primary light source (4) which is designed as a light source that can be deployed from a rest position to a working position.

Description

Combat field lighting module, short weapon with a battlefield lighting module and holster for a short weapon with battlefield lighting module

The invention relates to a battlefield lighting module with a light source for a short weapon, a short weapon with a corresponding battlefield lighting module and a holster for receiving a corresponding short weapon.

Especially in the field of military and police special units devices for battlefield lighting are well known. In addition to lasers, which are usually used for targeting, also bulbs such as lamps, headlights or the like are used. Attached directly to the weapon, the task of these bulbs is to illuminate the immediate surroundings so far that the soldiers, officials or shooters, a recognition and assessment of the situation is possible.

For example, US 2012/0124885 A1 shows a lighting module which is fastened in the region of the mouth or the trigger guard of a short weapon. As a short weapon those firearms are designated in which the barrel including closure has a total length of less than 30 cm. If such conventional lighting modules with a lamp are used, they are, due to the lamp reflector, relatively bulky in design. This subsequently leads to the problem that the storage bag provided for the weapon type, commonly referred to as a holster, does not permit the problem-free picking up of the weapon, including the battlefield illumination module. If a holster adapted to the battlefield illumination module is used, then this in turn is unsuitable for picking up the weapon without a battlefield illumination module, since the safe keeping of the weapon can not be ensured due to the poor grip in the holster. Another problem that arises in the usual lighting modules is the question of activation. Usually, a corresponding switch is provided on the illumination module with which the lamp or headlight or the aforementioned laser is activated for the target marking. Such an additional switch requires an additional effort for the shooter, hereinafter referred to as an official, in the case of use or use of weapons.

Such a system requires a precise procedure in the weapon handling so that the battlefield lighting or the target marker is activated at the right time. Such a course of individual actions is of course practiced in the course of training and drills of the above-mentioned officials. Nevertheless, it can not be guaranteed that in the course of an assignment, ie under a considerably increased stress level, the decisive actions are taken in the right moments, and thus the battlefield lighting and the target marking are activated or activated at the right moment. The object of the present invention is to design a compact field illumination module for a short weapon as compact as possible.

The object is achieved according to the present invention in a battlefield lighting module or in a short weapon of the type mentioned above in that the light source comprises a primary light source, which is made extendable from a rest position to a working position. This allows the most compact design of the battlefield lighting module in the rest position while still full functionality of the light source in the appropriate working position. This minimizes the difference in volume of a short weapon with and without a battlefield lighting module and allows the use of a holster for the short weapon with and without a battlefield lighting module.

Advantageously, it is provided that the light source has a power supply and that the light source is connected only in the working position with the power supply. This avoids that the light source emits light in its rest position. On the one hand, this can avoid an increased energy consumption, on the other hand, an official, as a carrier of the short weapon, by an unconsciously switched on light source not unintentionally attract attention.

Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided that the light source further comprises a secondary light source and that the secondary light source is formed by at least one laser. Thus, in addition to illumination of the immediate surroundings, simplified targeting of possible targets by means of a laser-generated marking at the destination is made possible.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the secondary light source is formed by a plurality of lasers of different wavelengths and a first switching element for selecting at least one laser is provided on the battlefield illumination module. For example, if several officials are located at a localized place of ice, such as a single room, the individual markings can be distinguished from each other as a result of the differences in color. Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one laser of the secondary light source is preceded by a symbol-imaging auxiliary lens. As a result, the laser instead of a point, for example, a circular ring, a crosshair or the like shown, which in turn ensures better distinguishability to other markings. An advantageous embodiment provides that the lasers are preceded by different symbol-imaging auxiliary lenses and that the symbol-imaging auxiliary lenses are preferably exchangeable. Depending on the selected laser, a corresponding symbol for marking the target can thus be selected. The interchangeability makes it possible to deviate from given symbols and, depending on the number of officers in use, to select different symbols for marking the target.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the battlefield illumination module, a second switching element for the primary light source and / or the secondary light source is provided. This makes it possible to activate the respective light source in case of need, ie to put it in a light-emitting state or to deactivate it. It is advantageously provided that the battlefield illumination module, a third switching element is provided via which the primary light source is, if necessary, in a non-light-emitting state displaceable. If, for example, lighting the immediate environment is not required, the primary light source can be deactivated in this way.

Advantageously, the third switching element is formed by a brightness sensor. If, therefore, the immediate environment is sufficiently illuminated anyway, this is detected by the brightness sensor and the primary light source is deactivated.

In a described battlefield lighting module is advantageously provided that the second switching element is formed by a sensor arrangement. This eliminates the need to operate a mechanical switch or pushbutton, which greatly simplifies operability, especially in stressful situations.

An already mentioned short weapon is known to have a trigger, it being provided that the sensor arrangement detects the immediate area of the trigger. In this way, the second switching element, which puts the light source in a light-emitting state, activated only if, for example, the finger of an official in the immediate area of the trigger is detected. Inadvertent activation of the light source is avoided in this way.

Furthermore, a holster may be provided for receiving a short weapon with the battlefield lighting module described above, wherein the holster has an electric holster contact for the direction of a charging current which is connected via corresponding lines to a, with respect to the battlefield lighting module, external power source, and located in holster short gun, the energy supply of the light source of the short weapon mounted battlefield lighting module via the electrical Kontak- tion with the holster contact.

This allows, during the storage of the short weapon within the holster, a recharge of the power supply of the light source of the mounted on the short weapon battlefield lighting module. A surprising failure of the light source due to lack of energy supply is thereby avoided. Instead of contacting the recharging could also be done inductively in a known manner as it is used for example for electrical equipment in wet rooms.

The subject invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4, which show by way of example, schematically and not by way of limitation advantageous embodiments of the invention. 1 shows parts of a short weapon shown schematically and a battlefield illumination module according to the invention attached thereto, FIG.

2 parts of the short weapon shown schematically with the battlefield lighting module attached thereto and the primary light source in working position,

3 detection range of the sensor arrangement which advantageously forms the second switching element,

4 parts of the short weapon in a schematically indicated holster.

In Figure 1, parts of a short weapon 3 shown schematically as it is used for example in the military field or by officials of the executive, recognizable. In the region of the barrel of the illustrated short weapon 3, a battlefield illumination module 1 according to the invention with a light source 2 is arranged.

FIG. 1 shows that the battlefield illumination module 1 is fastened to a Picatinny rail 21, the attachment variant of this type being chosen only as an example. Handguns 3 or firearms in general, are usually in the area below the barrel with such, designated as Picatinny rail 21, mounting option that allows you to attach a variety of accessories to the short weapon to 3. Of course, it is also conceivable that for attaching the battlefield lighting module 1 any other clamping or fastening system is used. It should also be noted that such a Picatinny rail 21 is applied to a wide variety of firearms. In view of further possible clamping and fastening systems, it should be pointed out that the use of the described battlefield illumination module 1 is not limited exclusively to use on a short weapon 3. Nevertheless, for the sake of simplicity, in the following, in connection with the use of the battlefield lighting module 1, it is merely spoken of a short weapon 3.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 2, the light source 2 comprises a primary light source 4, which is designed to be extendable from a rest position shown in FIG. 1 into a working position shown in FIG. The extension movement in the variant illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is realized by way of example in the form of a pivoting or folding movement about the hinge 17. Of course, the extension movement is also conceivable in the form of a horizontal or vertical displacement of the primary light source 4. Naturally, the working position, as shown in Figure 2, characterized in that the light which is emitted by the primary light source 4, for the most part in the direction of the battlefield, or away from the shooter or official, is sent out. This allows the lighting of the immediate environment of the officer who has the short weapon 3 or has directed to a destination.

In handling the short weapon 3, it is assumed that the short weapon 3 is stored or carried in a storage bag, commonly referred to as a holster 14. Usual, provided for the type of the short weapon 3 holster 14, however, to ensure the secure hold of the short weapon 3, only enough space for the short weapon 3 itself. Is the short weapon 3 a conventional battlefield lighting provided, is also a suitably shaped holster 14th necessary. For this reason, any compatibility issues with the use of a short weapon 3 in conjunction with possibly different, provided for the battlefield lighting elements. Also offers a holster 14, which is intended for a short weapon 3 including a battlefield lighting, not sufficient support for the short weapon 3 if this is not equipped with the appropriate battlefield lighting.

The inventive design of a battlefield lighting module 1 allows a compact design as possible of the battlefield lighting module 1 in its rest position while still full functionality of the light source 2 in the corresponding working position. This minimizes the difference in the volume of a short weapon 3 with and without the battlefield illumination module 1, and makes it possible to use a standard holster 14 provided for the type of short weapon 3. The transition from the rest position to the working position takes place when pulling the short weapon 3 from its holster 14. As can be seen for example in Figure 2, the hinge 17 is acted upon by a spring 18 with a corresponding spring force. Due to the spring force, the primary light source 4 tends to extend / swing out in its working position. If the short weapon 3 is pushed into its holster 14, thereby the primary light source 4 is pressed against the spring force in the rest position.

Of course, a nearly identical structure is also conceivable when the extension movement is realized in the form of a previously mentioned, horizontal or vertical displacement of the primary light source 4. In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the at least one light source 2 has a power supply 5 and that the light source 2 is connected to the power supply 5 only in the working position. This avoids that the light source 2 emits light in its rest position. On the one hand, this can avoid an increased energy consumption, on the other hand, an official who wears the short weapon 3, by an unconsciously switched light source does not unintentionally attract attention. As soon as the primary light source 4 is extended / swung out as described above, the power supply 5 is connected to the light source 2. For example, a corresponding contact can be provided for this purpose. In the reverse manner, the connection of the power supply 5 with the light source 2, or the corresponding contact, interrupted when the primary light source 4 is retracted or pivoted. The mentioned power supply 5 is shown only schematically in FIG. It can be formed by any electrical energy storage.

2, the secondary light source 6 is formed by at least one laser 61, in the variant shown in FIG. 2, by a plurality of lasers 61, 62, 63 of different wavelengths, with a first switching element on the battlefield illumination module 1 8 is provided for selecting at least one laser 61, 62, 63.

The different wavelengths of the individual lasers 61, 62, 63 are, of course, to be chosen such that clear color differences result for the human eye. In the variant illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, a corresponding red laser 61, green laser 62 and blue laser 62 can be used. The use of three lasers 61, 62, 63 is merely an example. Of course, several or even fewer lasers 61, 62, 63, which differ in their wavelength, can be used. Thus, in addition to illumination of the immediate environment by means of the primary light source 4, a simplified sighting of possible targets by a, caused by the laser 61, 62, 63 mark on the target allows. As a result of the fact that different lasers 61, 62, 63 with different wavelengths are available for selection, it is possible, for example, for a number of officials involved in an assignment to coordinate one another, so that each official can be assigned a "separate" color-coded marking.

The first switching element 8 can be formed, for example, by the use of a corresponding DIP switch arranged on the battlefield lighting module 1, or the like. In order optionally to give other officers who participate in an operation the possibility of distinguishing their corresponding marking produced by a laser 61, 62, 63 from those of other officials, it can be provided that at least one laser 61, 62, 63 of the secondary light source 6 has a symbol imaging ancillary lens 7 is upstream. through the use of at least one such symbol-imaging conversion lens, the point formed by the laser 61, 62, 63 on a target can be changed to a corresponding symbol. As a symbol, for example, a circle, cross, crosshair, ... can be selected. This makes it possible, despite the use of lasers of the same wavelength, so the same color to distinguish them at the destination of each other.

In order to be able to differentiate between a maximum number of officers and their target markings, it may be provided that the lasers 61, 62, 63 are preceded by different symbol-imaging auxiliary lenses 71, 72, 73 and the symbol-imaging auxiliary lenses 71, 72, 73 are preferably interchangeable.

This allows a multitude of possibilities to combine different lasers with different auxiliary lenses in order to be able to differentiate between a large number of target markings.

If the light source 2 is not already activated upon extension of the primary light source 4, a second switching element 9 for the primary light source 4 and / or the secondary light source 6 can be provided for activation on the battlefield illumination module 1. This makes it possible, if necessary, to activate the respective light source accordingly or, of course, to deactivate it. This second switching element 9 can be formed for example by a switch or a button on the battlefield lighting module 1.

In addition, the battlefield illumination module 1, a third switching element 10 is provided via which the primary light source 4, if necessary, is displaceable in a non-light-emitting state. For example, the immediate environment of the official In addition, it should be adequately lit, so that additional lighting by the primary light source 4 only leads to an increased energy consumption, but not to an improvement of the perceptibility of the immediate environment by the official. Advantageously, it can be provided that the third switching element 10 is formed by a brightness sensor. As a result, the primary light source 4 can be switched to an inactive state without the official having to operate the third switching element 10 manually.

In a just described field illumination module 1, it may also be provided that the second switching element 9 is formed by a sensor arrangement 1 1. The use of a corresponding sensor arrangement 1 1 simplifies handling, since the second switching element 9 does not have to be operated by pressing a switch or button accordingly. Especially in a stressful situation, in which the officer is undoubtedly in use, thus the operability is increased accordingly. The "processing" of a corresponding sequence is omitted here, since the sensor arrangement 1 1 detects a corresponding hand or finger position and the primary light source 4 and / or the secondary light source 6 is set in a light-emitting state.

Advantageously, the sensor arrangement 1 1 detects the immediate area of the trigger 13 of the short weapon 3. As a result, the primary light source 4 and / or the secondary light source 6 is activated or put into a light-emitting state only if, for example, the finger of an official in the immediate area of the trigger 13 of the short weapon 3 is detected. Inadvertent activation of the light source 2 or the primary light source 4 and / or the secondary light source 6 is avoided in this way. A possibly unintentional, longer switching on the light source 2 is thereby avoided. In this way, the power supply 5 of the light source 2 is spared accordingly.

In connection with the energy supply, the present invention provides a possibility to prevent a premature failure of the light source 2 due to lack of energy supply.

As stated previously, short weapons 3 are usually stored in a holster 14. Figure 4 shows parts of the short weapon 3 as they are inserted into the holster 14. It is provided according to the invention that the battlefield illumination module 1 has an electrical contact 15 for conducting a charging current. These contacts are also clearly visible in FIG. 2, for example. The electrical contact 15 is connected to the, in Figure 2 only schematically indicated power supply 5 of the light source 2. The holster 14 may have an electric holsterkontakt 20 for directing a charging current which is connected via corresponding lines 19 with a, with respect to the battlefield illumination module 1, external power source 16, wherein in holster 14 located short gun 3, the power supply 5 of the light source 2 of the short weapon 3 mounted battlefield lighting module 1 is connected via the electrical contact 15 with the holster contact 20.

For example only, the energy source 16 is shown disposed within the holster 14. Of course, the power source 16 may also be worn outside the holster, for example, on the belt of the officer. Direct contact of the electrical contact 15 with the holster contact 20 is not necessarily necessary. For example, the electrical contacting 15 and the holster contact 20 may also be corresponding contacts which operate in an inductive manner.

This allows, during the safekeeping of the short weapon 3 within the holster 14, a recharging of the power supply 5 of the light source 2 mounted on the short weapon 3 battlefield lighting module 1. A surprising failure of the light source 2 due to lack of energy supply is thereby avoided. It should be taken for granted that the power source 16 must have a corresponding capacity and current to allow charging of the power supply 5 of the light source 2. The described, usable for a short weapon 3 battlefield illumination module 1 has due to the described embodiments a compact design as possible.

Claims

claims

1 . Combat field lighting module (1) with a light source (2) for a short weapon (3), characterized in that the light source (2) comprises a primary light source (4), which is made extendable from a rest position to a working position.

2. battlefield illumination module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source (2) has a power supply (5) and that the light source (2) is connected only in the working position with the power supply (5).

3. battlefield illumination module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized marked, that the light source (2) further comprises a secondary light source (6) and that the secondary light source (6) by at least one laser (61) is formed.

4. battlefield illumination module (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the secondary light source (6) by a plurality of lasers (61, 62, 63) of different wavelength is formed and the battlefield illumination module (1) a first switching element (8) for selecting at least one laser (61, 62, 63) is provided.

5. battlefield illumination module (1) according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that at least one laser (61, 62, 63) of the secondary light source (6) is preceded by a symbol-imaging auxiliary lens (7).

6. battlefield illumination module (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the lasers (61, 62, 63) different symbol-imaging auxiliary lenses (71, 72, 73) are upstream and the symbol-imaging auxiliary lenses (71, 72, 73) are preferably exchangeable.

7. battlefield illumination module (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the battlefield illumination module (1) a second switching element (9) for the primary light source (4) and / or the secondary light source (6) is provided.

8. battlefield illumination module (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the battlefield illumination module (1) a third switching element (10) is provided via which the primary light source (4) is required, in a non-light-emitting state displaceable.

9. battlefield illumination module (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the third switching element (10) is formed by a brightness sensor.

10. battlefield illumination module (1) according to at least one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the second switching element (9) by a sensor arrangement (1 1) is formed.

1 1. Short weapon (3) with a trigger (13) and a battlefield lighting module (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (1 1) detects the immediate area of the trigger (13).

12. holster (14) for receiving a short weapon (3) according to claim 1 1 with a battlefield illumination module (1) according to claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the holster (14) has an electric Holsterkontakt (20) for conducting a charging current - Which, via corresponding lines (19) with one, with respect to the battlefield lighting module (1), external energy source (16) is connected, and that in the holster (14) located short weapon (3), the power supply (5) Light source (2) of the attached to the short weapon (3) battlefield lighting module (1) via the electrical contact- (15) with the Holsterkontakt (20) is connected.