Safety device for firearm and remote control system of one or more firearms provided with said device

The present invention relates to a safety device for firearms and a remote control system for one or more firearms equipped with said device.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a device of the above type, developed and implemented in particular for use on firearms, permitting its use only by authorized users.

[0003] As is well known, the acquisition of firearms by civilian users is becoming more widespread at present, for both legislative and objective reasons. Therefore, firearms are often available in private homes for security reasons.

[0004] In any case, it is possible to have firearms at home, also for sporting and hunting purposes.

[0005] Currently the most common types of firearms in the said civilian residence are short firearms and rifles.

[0006] The main problem is that said firearms can also be accidentally used by juvenile users. Of course, this threatens their safety very much.

[0007] Various solutions already exist to solve this problem. Among the most common are the use of metal wire closed with a padlock. Said metal wire is placed in a channel passing through the mechanical elements of said firearm, preventing its operation. The padlock prevents removal of said wire.

[0008] Another solution is to use plugs attached to the firearm magazine chamber. These plugs are fastened by means of appropriate fastening means and prevent the firearms from firing unintentionally.

[0009] Finally, it is also possible to deploy said firearm to prevent it being used by said users.

[0010] The main problem with all of the above is that firearms cannot always be available for use. In other words, in case of need or threat, to be able to use firearms, it is necessary to remove the locking devices or to assemble them. Such activities take time and, if necessary, these firearms are not ready for use.

[0011] Another serious danger arises from the fact that said inexperienced users may use a firearm. For example, in the event of a burglary and in case of danger or scuffle, firearms can be in the hands of the thief himself. In this situation, the scared thief could use a firearm against its owner or against his parents.

[0012] A suitable prior art includes US Patent 6,412,207 B1, which describes a safe firearm according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0013] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used in all types of firearms, allowing its use only by authorized users.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is that said device can be installed in an existing firearm directly or during its manufacture.

[0015] Therefore, the specific object of the present invention is a safety device for firearms, comprising implementing means suitable for engaging with the mechanical components of said firearm, so as to prevent and / or allow its operation; a control unit operatively connected to said implementing means, said control unit comprises transceiver means cooperating with external certification means worn by an authorized user to exchange signals with it for the purpose of coded remote control of said implementing means characterized in that said means executive include an electric motor with a shaft, operably coupled to said control unit; a body sliding within said firearm, said body engaging with the mechanical components of said firearm; and means for converting movement coupled to said electric motor and said body, converting the rotational movement of said motor into translational movement of said body; activation of said engine allows translational movement of said body, allowing connection or disconnection of said body from said mechanical components of said firearm, preventing and / or allowing its operation.

According to the invention, said motion conversion means comprise a worm screw wedged on said shaft, a worm gear comprising a first and a second half-worm screw positioned inside a cavity made inside said body, said first and second half-worm screws are adjacent and a threaded channel is made between them, inside which the said worm screw is located; and elastic means between the inner wall of said body and said second half-screw, suitable to allow for compensation of possible dimensional deviations and secure engagement of said worm screw within said threaded channel made between said first and second half-screw.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the invention, said transceiver means may comprise electromagnetic transceiver means, and said certification means cooperating with them comprise a transponder, said transponder is worn by an authorized user.

[0018] Still according to the invention, said electromagnetic transceivers may comprise a coil and a modulation / demodulation radio unit.

[0019] In any case, according to the invention, said transponder may be a passive transponder.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the invention, said transponder may comprise an integrated circuit storing the identification code.

[0021] Still according to the invention, said transponder may be in a bracelet worn by said authorized user, a ring always worn by said authorized user, or under the skin of said authorized user.

[0022] In any case, according to the invention, said reception means may comprise a voice recognition device, said voice recognition device activates said implementing means via a voice signal and deactivating them via a second voice signal and / or after a set period.

[0023] Still according to the invention, said control unit may comprise a processing unit connected to a power supply system for piloting said actuating means.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the invention, said processing unit may comprise a microcontroller, preferably a programmable microcontroller.

[0025] In any case, according to the invention, said mechanical elements can be elements carrying out the kinematic movement between the trigger and the striking element of said firearm and include a lever transferring movement, rotated on the trigger of said firearm and having a shoulder, said body engages with its head in the said offsetting said movement transfer lever.

[0026] Still according to the invention, said means for converting movement may comprise a worm screw wedged on said shaft; and also a threaded channel made in said body which can engage with said worm screw.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the invention, said elastic means may be a spring. [0028] In any case, according to the invention, said motion conversion means may comprise an additional body wedged on said shaft, having a circumferential helical groove, as well as a mandrel protruding from the inner surface of said body, and they may engage with said helical groove of said additional body.

Preferably, according to the invention, said actuating means can be arranged in part under the trigger of the firearm, whereby the forces exerted on the trigger are not transferred to the moving parts and the cage of said engine.

[0030] Still according to the invention, said actuating means may comprise an electromagnetic bolt, said electromagnetic bolt consists of a bolt and an inductor.

[0031] Furthermore, according to the invention, said bolt can join inside a recess made on the trigger of said firearm.

[0032] In any case, according to the invention, said security device may comprise power means comprising a battery, which is a lithium battery and / or high efficiency cells, as well as an additional battery operating after discharging said battery, said power means may include a case provided with an additional battery that can be connected to the said battery via electrical contacts to recharge it, when said firearm is placed in said case.

Preferably, according to the invention, said battery can be electrically connected to said control unit via a switch, said switch closes when gripping said firearm.

[0034] The present invention will now be described, for purposes of illustration and not limitation, according to its preferred embodiments, with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a block diagram of a safety device for a firearm according to the present invention, figure 2 is a transparent side view of a user-held firearm with the safety device of figure 1;

figure 3 is a transparent side view of the firearm of figure 2; figure 4 shows the trigger of the firearm of figure 2; figure 5 is a longitudinal section of a firearm with a preferred embodiment of the actuating means of the device according to the invention; figure 6 is a cross-sectional view from above of the firearm according to the invention; figure 7 is a longitudinal view of the mechanical conveying system between the trigger and the striking element of the firearm and the interaction with it of the actuators of the device according to figure 5 in the locked position; figure 8 shows a longitudinal view of the mechanical transmission system between the trigger and the striking element of the firearm and the interaction with it of the actuators of the device of figure 5 in the released position; figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the actuating means of figure 5;

figure 10a shows the actuating means in rest position in longitudinal section taken along the plane BB in figure 9; figure 10b is a view of the operating means in a rest position in a longitudinal section taken along the plane CC of figure 9; figure 11a shows the actuating means in an active position in longitudinal section taken along the plane BB in figure 9;

figure 11b shows the actuating means in an active position in longitudinal section taken along the plane CC of figure 9; Figure 12a shows a transparent longitudinal view of the actuators in a rest position;

figure 12b shows the operating means in a rest position in longitudinal section taken along the plane AA in figure 12a; figure 13a shows a transparent longitudinal view of the actuating means in the active position;

figure 13b shows the actuating means in an active position in longitudinal section taken along the plane AA in figure 12a.

[0035] Referring to figure 1, it is possible to see a block diagram of a safety device 1 for a firearm according to the invention.

[0036] Said device 1 mainly comprises a control unit 2, electrically connected to the transceivers 3, a battery 6 supplying said control unit 2 and actuators 10.

In the described embodiment, said transceiver means 3 comprise a coil 4, cooperating with a transponder 5. Said control unit 2 and said transponder 5 can interact with each other when the latter is near the coil 4 receiving a signal from it from said transponder 5, as will be better explained later.

[0038] The battery 6 may be of different types. In this case, an ultra-flat battery is used to save space, and the entire device 1 was light. This makes it possible to place said device 1 also in very small firearms.

[0039] Said control unit 2 mainly has three functional blocks inside: a processing unit 7, electrically connected to the radio unit 8 and to the supply unit 9.

[0040] Said processing unit consists in the present embodiment of a programmable microcontroller.

[0041] The radio unit 8 may be of different types. In particular, it can be active or passive. In the first case, quartz may be used, possibly connected to a passive electric wire. Instead, in the second case, an optionally integrated oscillator can be used.

[0042] Finally, the device 1 comprises actuators 10 consisting, in the embodiment shown in figure 1, of an electromagnetic bolt 10 'installed inside the firearm, suitable for coupling to its mechanical components. In other words, the firearm cannot function normally because said 10 'electromagnetic bolt stops its operation.

[0043] Said electromagnetic bolt 10 'consists essentially of a bolt whose movement is controlled by an inductor.

[0044] The operation of the security device 1 according to the invention will be better explained below. The radio unit 8 generates a signal, which is radiated in the space surrounding said device 1 by said coil 4, which in this case acts as an antenna. Said radio unit 8 is constructed so that it is in resonance when it approaches the transponder 5.

[0045] Said transponder 5 mainly consists of a receiving antenna connected to a resonant circuit which is connected to an integrated circuit.

[0046] Said transponder 5 can be active or passive. It is usually appropriate to use a passive transponder that does not necessarily require autonomous power supply for operation. In other words, said transponder 5 can be powered by itself using the energy radiated by the coil 4 itself.

[0047] The signal radiated from said coil 4 is coded and modulated accordingly. In this way, not every transponder of the same type can activate the control unit 2. In fact, the transponder integrated circuit 5 is suitably programmed to recognize the above coded and modulated signal. [0048] When the transponder 5 is in the vicinity of said coil 4, it receives a signal containing the recognition code modulated in the respective carrier frequency. Said radio unit 8 demodulates the signal by sending it to said processing unit 7. After recognizing said code, said processing unit 7 pilot the supply unit 9, inducing pilot current in the inductance in the electromagnetic bolt 10 '.

[0049] Therefore, the rafter 10 'is retracted after the magnetic field has acted on said inductance. Said 10 'bolt is detached from the mechanical elements of the firearm, allowing its use.

[0050] In the event that the transponder 5 is moved away from said coil 4, the radio unit 8 stops resonation and the processing unit 7 disconnects the piloted supply unit. The 10 'bolt is released, re-engaging the mechanical components of the firearm.

[0051] Referring now to figures 2 and 3, it is possible to see the implementation of said safety device 1 in firearms 11.

[0052] It should be noted that the safety device 1 is built into the handle 12 of said firearm 11.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the transponder 5 is placed inside a bracelet worn by the user. When the firearm 11 is held by that user U, the transponder 5 is located at a distance sufficient to enable activation of said electromagnetic bolt 10 '. In this way, firearms 11 can be used.

[0054] In figure 3 it can be seen that when the authorized user U releases the handle 12 of said firearms 11, the electromagnetic connection between the transponder 5 and the coil 4 disconnects and consequently the firearms 11 can no longer be used.

[0055] Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which said bolt engages with the mechanical components of said firearm 11. In this case, said recess 14 or channel is formed in said trigger.

[0056] When operation of said firearm 11 is prevented, said bolt 10 'is introduced into said cavity 14, blocking the movement of said trigger 13. On the contrary, as a result of said transponder 5 approaching said coil 4, said bolt 10' comes out of said cavity 14, releasing said trigger 13, as is clear to those skilled in the art.

[0057] Said device 1 may also be equipped with interface means such as, for example, small LEDs (micro LEDs) (not shown in the figures) indicating the operating mode of the firearm.

[0058] For example, a red LED may be provided to indicate that the firearm cannot function and a green LED to indicate that the firearm is active.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the circumference of the device 1 (component surface) is about 20 x 30 mm with a maximum thickness of 3 mm. The red micro LED is located on the side of the circuit. Said micro LED is located so that it is on the same plane, protruding about 3 mm from the right side of the printed base, coming out of the plastic body of the firearm 11, so that it is visible when the firearm is caught by both right-handed shooter and left-handed shooter.

[0060] On the opposite side of the circuit of said device 1 is a double plug outlet, lying on the plane of the circuit board, for connection with mechanical elements suitable for transferring movement to the trigger block or the striking element.

[0061] Battery housings 6 or other power plugs (not included in the physical dimensions of said circuit board) are located on the bottom side along the same plane.

[0062] In addition, in order to achieve better versatility, firearms 11, especially in the case of short and semi-automatic firearms, can be equipped with a professional holster. The charging of the battery 6 is achieved by induction and is carried out automatically and continuously every time said firearm 11 is inserted into the case where the battery charging kit is located, which is also rechargeable.

In order to activate the transponder 5, the minimum distance from said transceivers (activation field) is 60 mm, preferably 100 mm.

[0064] When the device 1 is switched on, even just to insert the battery 6, after a brief check, during which the LED emits an acousto-visual sequence, the permanent activation of the device 1 will occur accordingly at the end of the acoustic signal and the deactivation of the single red LED.

[0065] Advantageously, in order to obtain greater operational reliability, it is possible to use an auxiliary battery (not shown in the figure), activated when the main battery is depleted.

[0066] Especially after such an event, it is appropriate to use an optional additional LED in said device 1 to indicate that said battery 6 is depleted and must be replaced.

[0067] During normal operating conditions, with the battery 6 fully charged, the red LED will always be off. When the transponder 5 enters the activation area of ​​said actuating means 3, then the red LED will turn on while remaining on while the transponder 5 remains in this area.

[0068] In the event that the main battery 6 is almost discharged, the red LED will light up quickly when the transponder 5 is in the transponder area

5. When the system automatically switches to additional power, the red LED will light up more slowly when the transponder 5 is in the area. When the auxiliary battery is completely depleted, the red LED will not light up, indicating that safety device 1 is not OK.

[0069] Said supply system can last in standby mode for a long time, preferably 1 year, while in an uninterrupted function of activation-deactivation or when the firearm is captured for up to 7 days or for 1000 on / off cycles (firearms caught three times a day for 1 year).

[0070] Said batteries (both main battery 6 and auxiliary battery), in addition to the embodiment of figure 1, especially lithium batteries, can also be the last generation batteries, very thin and cheap, high-performance cells.

[0071] Said device 1 may be made on a printed circuit board or completely integrated in the integrated circuit. In the latter case, the high degree of miniaturization that can be achieved is evident.

[0072] As already mentioned, the transponder shown in figures 2 and 3 is in a bracelet worn by said user U. It is of course possible to use other positions, for example the wedding ring marked with reference number 15 in the figures above.

[0073] In another embodiment, it is possible to place said transponder 5 under the skin.

[0074] Finally, in order to use the mentioned types of firearms much more safely, it is possible to improve the position of said device 1. In particular, it is possible to put a certain type of switch on the handle of said firearms which, when it is closed after the firearms gripping by said user U, activates the power supply for said device 1.

[0075] Therefore, it is not sufficient to bring said transponder 5 closer to said coil 4 to activate said electromagnetic bolt 10 'or other actuating means. You will also need to grab said firearm to power said device 1 through battery 6.

[0076] In other embodiments, it is possible to take into account the use of different types of transceivers 3. For example, it is possible to replace said transponder 5, said coil 4 and said radio unit 8 with a suitable learning voice recognition unit. Thanks to this, only users recognized by the said voice recognition unit will be able to use firearms.

[0077] Of course, it is possible to use any other type of recognition device to implement the invention.

[0078] Figures 5 and 6 show, respectively, a longitudinal section view relative to the plane A-A and a top view of firearms 11, in which the preferred embodiment of the actuators 10 according to the present invention is installed, and an assembly in which said actuators 10 cooperate with a firearm mechanism 11. In addition, figures 5a-5d show a first embodiment of actuators 10 in various operating positions.

[0079] Firearms 11 comprise a striking element 16, i.e. a cock, suitable for striking a bullet fed from a magazine 17 placed in the handle 12 to allow the propellant charge to be initiated.

[0080] Said striking element 16 can be moved by a suitable mechanism connected by means of a lever 18 transferring the movement of the rotatable on the stem 18 'of the trigger 13', which is rotated on the firearm by the stem 13 '.

[0081] When the trigger 12 is fully depressed, the lever 18 moves in the direction A, thus releasing the impact element 16, suitably preloaded, causing a shot.

[0082] In an embodiment, said actuating means 10 comprises an electric motor 19 with a shaft wedged on a worm screw 21, whose thread is engaged by a matched thread of a threaded body channel 22, said electric motor 19 is located inside the bottom of the trigger 13 of said firearm 11, so that the forces exerted on the trigger 13 are not transferred to the moving parts and to the cage of the engine 19 itself.

[0083] Furthermore, said lever 18 has a shoulder 23 at the bottom, in which the upper part or head 22 'of the body 22 can be engaged.

[0084] The operation of the above assembly is described below with reference to figures 7 and 8.

[0085] Indeed, by making reference to Figure 7 first, it is possible to first observe in detail the said actuating means 10 for blocking firearms 11.

[0086] In particular, it can be seen that the head 22 'of the body 22 is inserted into the shoulder 23 made in said movement lever 18. In this configuration, when pulling the trigger in direction B, said movement control lever 18 is limited by said body 22 and cannot transfer movement in direction A, thereby preventing firearms because the striking element 16 is stopped.

[0087] On the contrary, figure 8 shows the actuating means 10 with the firearm 11 released.

[0088] Due to the control signal arriving from the supply unit 9, which is controlled by the processing unit 7, the motor 19 (of course connected to said supply unit) is started, causing the rotation of its shaft 20 and thus the rotation of the worm screw 21 with it combined. The rotation of said worm screw 21 displaces the body 22, disconnecting it from the shoulder 23 of the transfer lever 18.

[0089] Now pressing the trigger 13 all the way in direction B, the transfer lever 18 moves in direction A, thereby enabling the impact element 16, suitably preloaded, to be activated to shoot.

[0090] Figures 9, 10a, 10b, 11a and 11b show a second embodiment of said actuating means, in particular the coupling between said worm screw 21 and said body 22.

[0091] Looking at the above figures, it can be seen that the shaft 20 of the motor 19 is wedged on the worm screw 21 and said screw is engaged with a screw thread consisting of the first and second half-screw 24 and 25 adjacent the seat 22 "inside the body 22.

[0092] Between said second half-screw 25 and the inner surface of said seat 22 "of body 22 there is a compensating spring 26, suitable for maintaining optimal engagement between the threads of said worm screw 21 and said threaded channel consisting of said first and second half-screws 24 and 25, for example, compensating for thermal expansion.

[0093] Upward rotation of said worm screw 21, i.e. to the blocking position of the firearm 11 (please compare figures 10a-11a and 10b-11b, respectively) or vice versa, downwards, i.e. to the release position of the firearm 11 of the assembly formed by the body 22, said first and second interface half-screws 24 and 25, so as to allow the head 22 'of the body 22 to be connected to said shoulder 23 of the transfer lever 18 or to disengage from it.

[0094] Of course, it is possible for said actuating means 10 to block any projection, gear, lever or spindle connected to the trigger 13 (or any other element connected to the trigger itself) or any other striking element 16, i.e. the tap or the gear to the tap toothed assembly or kinematic parts for motion transmission. In particular, it is known that most firearms use a trigger mechanism having a trigger acting directly on the impact tooth limiting tooth. In these cases (e.g. rifles), the actuating means 10 carrying out the blocking action can be directly connected by means of a trigger either to the trigger lever or to the limiting tooth of the impact needle. For example, in the Mauser system and the like, the limiting tooth of the striking needle is certainly the best example of a support element for actuators 10.

[0095] Finally, figures 12a and 12b once 13a and 13b show a further embodiment of said actuating means in terms of the coupling between said screw screw 21 and said body 22. In particular, an additional body 21 ', wedged on said shaft 20, said additional body can be seen has a 21 "peripheral helical groove engaging the 22" pin. Said pivot 22 "projects from the inner surface of said body 22. [0096] Figures 12a and 12b show the body 22 in the rest position (firearm 11 released), while Figures 13a and 13b show the body 22 in the active position (firearm 11 locked).

[0097] Rotation of said additional body 21 'up, i.e. to the locked position of the firearm, or vice versa, i.e. down to the released position of the firearm, the assembly consisting of the body 22 and said additional body 21', so as to allow head 22 'of the body 22 for connecting or disconnecting from the shoulder 23 of the transfer lever 18.

[0098] It should be noted that the device 1 according to the present invention can be used on any type of firearm.

[0099] The security device 1 according to the invention makes it possible to implement a centralized remote control system for one or more firearms 11.

[0100] In particular, said system consists of data control and transmission via two different electronic control systems connected to each other via a two-tagged complete security protocol, preferably using a bluetooth transmission protocol.

[0101] An advantage of the present invention is the way in which the code transponder and microcontroller chip can be given to police, allowing control of both firearms and users.

[0102] Another advantage of the present invention is the possibility of miniaturizing the components of said security device, allowing its implementation in existing firearms and easy installation in manufactured firearms.

[0103] Another advantage of the present invention is that said firearm safety device can be applied to any type of firearm, whether commercial or military.

[0104] Another advantage of the present invention is that said safety device can be installed in any type of firearm, such as short, long, automatic or semi-automatic firearms.

[0105] The present invention has been described for purposes of illustration and not limitation, according to its preferred embodiments, but it should be understood that those skilled in the art may make modifications and / or changes without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the appended claims.