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(11) | EP 2 613 117 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Trigger assembly and system including a blocking mechanism |
| (57) A trigger assembly (102) includes a trigger shoe (116) configured to disengage a
sear to release a firing mechanism (216) in response to force applied by a user. The
trigger assembly further includes a blocking mechanism (212)configured to selectively
prevent the release of the firing mechanism in response to a control signal.
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 13/342,817 filed on January 3, 2012 and entitled "Trigger Assembly and System Including a Blocking Mechanism" and to U.S. Patent Application No. 13/351,220 filed on January 16, 2012 and entitled "Trigger Assembly and Method of Optical Detection of a Trigger Assembly State," which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirities.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to trigger assemblies, and more particularly to trigger assemblies for use with small arms firearms, such as pistols and rifles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Firearm firing mechanisms generally include a number of components that cooperate to hold a spring-loaded hammer or firing pin in a cocked position and then selectively release the hammer or firing pin, which applies force directly, or through an intermediate device, to an ammunition cartridge loaded within a chamber of the firearm. The components for holding a hammer or firing pin in a cocked position and then releasing the hammer or firing pin may be referred to as a trigger assembly.
[0004] Generally, the trigger assembly includes a trigger shoe that is accessible to the user to apply a pulling force. When the user pulls the trigger shoe with sufficient force to move the trigger shoe a pre-defined distance, the movement of the trigger shoe releases the spring-loaded hammer or firing pin to fire the ammunition cartridge.
SUMMARY
[0005] In an embodiment, a trigger assembly includes a trigger shoe configured to disengage a sear to release a firing mechanism in response to a force applied by a user. The trigger assembly further includes a blocking mechanism configured to selectively prevent the release of the firing mechanism in response to a control signal.
[0006] In another embodiment, a trigger assembly includes a trigger shoe that is movable by a user to deliver a first force to a lever to disengage a sear to release a firing mechanism in response to pressure applied by a user. The trigger assembly further includes a blocking mechanism configured to selectively prevent the release of the firing mechanism in response to a control signal.
[0007] In still another embodiment, a system includes a trigger assembly and an electronic device. The trigger assembly includes a trigger shoe configured to disengage a sear to release a firing mechanism in response to force applied by a user, and includes a blocking mechanism configured to selectively prevent the release of the firing mechanism in response to a control signal. The electronic device is configured to selectively provide the control signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm including a trigger assembly system with a blocking mechanism.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the trigger assembly system including trigger assembly of FIG. 1 and an electronic device communicatively coupled to the trigger assembly.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a right side of the trigger assembly of FIGs. 1-2.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of an embodiment of a trigger assembly including an actuator and a lever configured to block movement of the trigger shoe.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a side view of a portion of an embodiment of a trigger assembly including an actuator and a lever configured to block movement of a lever to prevent discharge.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the trigger assembly system including trigger assembly of FIG. 1 and an electronic device communicatively coupled to the trigger assembly.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of a trigger assembly including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and optical sensors for determining a state of the trigger assembly.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of an electronic device including driver circuitry and analog-to-digital converter circuitry for communicating with the optical detection circuitry of the trigger assembly of FIG. 9.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a right side of the trigger assembly of FIGs. 9 and 10.
[0022] In the following discussion, the same reference numerals are used in the various illustrated examples to indicate the same or similar elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Embodiments of a trigger assembly system are described below that can be utilized with a small-arms firearm to improve accuracy and safety. In an example, the trigger assembly includes a trigger shoe (or trigger) to which a user may apply force to discharge a firearm and includes a blocking mechanism responsive to a control signal and configured to selectively prevent discharge of the firearm. The blocking mechanism can include an actuator or solenoid that is responsive to the control signal and configured to temporarily prevent discharge of the firearm until some predetermined condition is met.
[0024] Unlike a conventional electronic safety mechanism, the blocking mechanism is responsive to a control signal to change between operating modes, for example, from a blocking-enabled mode in which the blocking mechanism operates to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism, to a conditionally-delayed mode in which the blocking mechanism operates to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism until a condition is met. Further, the blocking mechanism can be disabled to permit a non-blocking or normal mode in which the trigger assembly disengages the firing mechanism in response to the user-applied force, like a trigger assembly without the blocking mechanism would.
[0025] In one instance, the blocking mechanism may be coupled to an electronic device, such as a digital scope, that includes image processing capabilities and that includes a controller configured to generate an electrical signal to selectively block discharge of the firearm until a user-configured digital mark (which can be assigned by the user to a target within a view area of the scope) aligns with the cross-hairs of a reticle of the digital scope or at least aligned to the reticle within an error margin that is below an error threshold. In another instance, the controller may detect an intervening object between the muzzle of the firearm and the target designated by the user-configured digital mark and may selectively block discharge of the firearm until the line of fire is clear.
[0026] Further, embodiments of a trigger assembly are described below that include a circuit including a sensor configured to detect a position of the trigger shoe. In one embodiment, the circuit includes a first printed circuit board (PCB) having light-emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned on a first side of the trigger components and a second PCB including optical sensors on a second (opposing) side of the trigger components. The LEDs are configured to emit light toward the second PCB and the optical sensors are configured to generate electrical signals proportional to the received light, which electrical signals indicate the relative positional state of one or more of the trigger components. In another embodiment, the sensor circuit can include, for example, one or more reed switches, lasers and laser detectors, proximity sensors, capacitive diaphragms, direct contact sensors, Hall Effect sensors, or other sensors configured to detect the position of one or more components of the trigger assembly. For example, if a Hall Effect sensor configuration were used, a magnet could be embedded within a portion of the trigger shoe, and a pair of sensors could be used to detect the strength of the magnetic field to determine the position of the trigger shoe.
[0027] This state information can be used by a control circuit. In one example, the control circuit may activate another circuit, such as a video camera, in response to optically detecting movement of the trigger shoe from a first position based on a change in the received light. In another embodiment, absence or presence of received light for an extended period by more than one optical sensor positioned adjacent to a component (such as a safety) may indicate that the safety mechanism is between states (i.e., not fully engaged), causing the controller to indicate an error condition, such as by providing a visual alert (such as illuminating an external LED), or to activate a blocking mechanism to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism until the safety mechanism is fully engaged or disengaged. One possible example of a small-arms firearm that includes an embodiment of a trigger assembly system is described below with respect to FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm 100 including a trigger assembly system with a blocking mechanism. In the illustrated example, the firearm 100 is a rifle with a trigger assembly 102 coupled to a digital scope 104. Firearm 100 includes a barrel 106, a stock 108, a handle 110, and a trigger guard 112.
[0029] Digital scope 104 includes circuitry for displaying a view area including the target on a digital display within the scope, for superimposing a digital image of a reticle onto the view area of the digital display, and for allowing a user to apply a digital marker or tag onto the display to identify a target of interest within the view area. Digital scope 104 includes image processing circuitry configured to determine alignment of the digital marker to the reticle and to generate a control signal, which it communicates to trigger assembly 102, when the digital marker is aligned to the reticle to a level of accuracy that is within a pre-determined threshold.
[0030] Trigger assembly 102 includes a trigger shoe 116 to which the user can apply force to discharge the firearm 100. Trigger assembly 102 further includes a blocking mechanism (shown for example in FIG. 2) that is responsive to the control signal from digital scope 104 to selectively block discharge of the firearm.
[0031] In a first mode, digital scope 104 may be configured to disable the controller. In this instance, the blocking mechanism within trigger assembly 102 is disabled. In this mode, application of force to the trigger shoe 116 can discharge the firearm 100. In a second mode, the controller within digital scope 104 operates to block discharge of the firearm 100 until a certain condition is met. The certain condition may include alignment of a user-defined target (digital marker) to a digital reticle of the scope. In another instance, the certain condition can be a time within a time range, a location within a range of location data, an image processing parameter indicating a clear line of sight to the target indicated by the digital marker, or some other condition.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the trigger assembly system 200 including trigger assembly 102 of FIG. 1 and an electronic device 204 communicatively coupled to the trigger assembly 102. Electronic device 204 can be a digital scope, an electronic safety device, or another electronic device configured to communicate control signals through a wired or wireless connection to trigger assembly 102.
[0033] Trigger assembly 102 includes trigger shoe 116 configured to apply a first force (a trigger force) to a firing mechanism 216 in response to a user-applied force. Trigger assembly 102 further includes a transceiver 210 configured to communicatively couple to electronic device 204. Transceiver 210 can be wired or wireless and configured for bi-directional communication with electronic device 204, such as to receive control signals and to send data. In an example, transceiver 210 may be omitted and the trigger assembly 102 may include a printed circuit board with an interface including pads or contacts for wired interconnection with a controller within electronic device 204. Transceiver 210 (or interface with contacts) includes an output coupled to an input of a blocking mechanism 212, which is configured to control a blocking lever 214 to apply a second force to firing mechanism 216 to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism, thereby preventing discharge of a firearm, for example. In a particular example, blocking mechanism 212 includes an actuator configured to move blocking lever 214 (which is a movable element) into a blocking position to prevent movement of sear lever 216.
[0034] In an example, the blocking mechanism 212 may include a solenoid or other actuator responsive to the control signal from electronic device 204 (a source) to move blocking lever 214 to apply the second force. In an embodiment, the second force is greater than the first force. In a particular example, the first force is proportional to the force applied by the user to the trigger shoe and is limited to a level that is less than the second force so that the user cannot overpower the blocking mechanism 212.
[0035] While the above-example has identified one possible implementation involving a small arms firearm, other types of devices that utilize a trigger for activation may also employ a similar blocking mechanism. For example, an electrical paint dispenser trigger may include a blocking mechanism for synchronizing paint spray to a specific location, such that the blocking mechanism prevents discharge of the paint until the dispenser is aimed toward the specific location. In another example, a crossbow may include a trigger to release the bolt and a blocking mechanism 212 to delay or prevent release of the bolt. Other types of trigger-activated devices may also utilize the blocking mechanism to selectively prevent activation.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the electronic device 204 of FIG. 2. Electronic device 204 is a data processing device. In one example, electronic device 204 is a digital scope that can be attached to a small arms firearm. In another example, electronic device 204 is a control circuit, a smart phone, a tablet computing device, or some other data processing device. Electronic device 204 includes a transceiver 302 configured to communicate via a wired or wireless communication channel to trigger assembly 102. In an alternative example, transceiver 302 may be replaced with a driver circuit coupled to an interface including pads or contacts that are coupled to trigger assembly 102 through wires. In the alternative example, the driver circuit can drive signals to trigger assembly 102 through the interface.
[0037] Electronic device 204 further includes a processor 304 coupled to transceiver 302. Processor 304 is coupled to an input interface 310 to receive user input, a display 306 for displaying text and/or images, to a range finder 324 for determining a distance from the electronic device 204 to a target, and a weather station 326 for determining cross-wind, humidity, and other environmental parameters that can affect the system. In a small arms firearm application, the environmental parameters of interest are any environmental parameters that can impact the trajectory of the bullet.
[0038] Electronic device 204 further includes a memory 308 that is coupled to processor 304. Memory 308 stores data and instructions that, when executed by processor 304, cause processor 304 to produce a digital view area with a digital reticle, to receive user inputs for configuring a digital marker on a target within the digital view area, to detect alignment of the digital marker to cross-hairs of the digital reticle, and to control blocking mechanism 212 within trigger assembly 102. Memory 308 stores digital image processing instructions 312 that, when executed, cause processor 304 to operate as an image processing device to process pixel data captured by a camera 328 coupled to processor 304. Memory 308 also stores reticle generation instructions 316 that, when executed, cause processor 304 to produce a digital representation of a reticle (calibrated to the small arms firearm) and to display the digital reticle within the digital view area.
[0039] Memory 308 further includes target marking instructions 318 that, when executed, cause processor 304 to receive user input to assign a digital marker onto an object within the digital view area. In a hunting application, the user may interact with input interface 310 (which may include one or more buttons) to apply a digital marker onto a target (such as a deer) that is within the digital view area. Digital image processing instructions 312 can isolate the portion of the digital view area that corresponds to the target having the digital marker so that the digital marker can move with the target as the target moves through the view area captured by camera 328. Memory 308 includes alignment detection instructions 320 that, when executed, causes processor 304 to determine a difference between cross-hairs of the digital reticle from the digital marker.
[0040] Memory 308 further includes controller instructions 314 that, when executed, cause processor 304 to control blocking mechanism 212 in FIG. 2. In particular, if the difference determined using alignment detection instructions 320 is less than a threshold difference, controller instructions 314 cause processor 304 to generate a control signal to release the blocking mechanism to allow the small arms firearm to be discharged. If the difference is greater than the threshold, controller instructions 314 cause processor 304 to generate the control signal to prevent discharge. Memory 308 may also include other instructions 322, such as upgrade instructions, user configuration instructions, and so on. Further, memory 308 may store ballistics data, calibration data, user settings, and/or other information.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view 400 of an embodiment of a right side of the trigger assembly 102 of FIG. 2. Trigger assembly 102 includes a printed circuit board 402 that includes circuitry, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), sensors, and other circuitry, which can be coupled to an actuator 410, which is part of blocking mechanism 212. In an alternative example, actuator 410 may be replaced with a solenoid or another electrically controllable transducer configured to prevent disengagement of a firing mechanism. Trigger assembly 102 includes side plates 404 and 406 and a safety lever 408 that engages a safety mechanism between side plates to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism. Trigger assembly 102 further includes an opening 418 for a trigger stop adjustment and a spring force adjustment element 420, which can allow for adjustment of the trigger pull resistance and stop position.
[0042] In operation, control signals from electronic device 204 are received by a transceiver on printed circuit board 402 or on a corresponding printed circuit board on the other side of trigger shoe 116. The control signals are provided to actuator 410 to control the blocking lever 214 to prevent discharge of the firearm. When the control signal causes actuator 410 to move the blocking lever 214 into a non-blocking position, force applied to trigger shoe 116 can cause disengagement of the firing mechanism, immediately (i.e., within a predictable amount of time, such as a lock time). In a particular implementation, the lock time can be approximately 5 ms. In an example, blocking mechanism 212 includes actuator 410 and blocking lever 214 and operates as a fire control system and not a safety. An example of the trigger assembly 102 with the side plate 404 removed showing the blocking lever is described below with respect to FIG. 5.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a side view 500 of the trigger assembly 102 of FIG. 4. Trigger assembly 102 includes trigger shoe 116 configured to move about an axis 504 in response to pressure applied by a user, causing a spring plunger 506 recessed in a bore 507 within trigger shoe 116 to contact a sear lever 508 at a contact location. Sear lever 508 contacts a proximal end of a lever 516 at a sear location. A distal end of lever 516 contacts a striker block 522. Lever 518 is configured to pivot about an axis 520 and to contact lever 516 to secure lever 516 against striker block 522. Trigger assembly 102 includes a trigger block 513 including the spring force adjustment element 420 for adjusting a pull force spring 514 and a trigger stop 512.
[0044] Trigger assembly 102 further includes striker block 522 configured to pivot about an axis 524 and to engage lever 516. Trigger assembly 102 includes a lever returns spring 530 configured to return lever 516 to a firing position. Trigger assembly 102 also includes a lever 526 configured to pivot about an axis 528 and to couple to safety lever 408. When engaged, lever 526 contacts sear lever 516 to prevent release of striker block 522.
[0045] Trigger assembly 102 further includes lever 214 configured to pivot about axis 502 and to contact sear lever 508 when engaged by actuator 410. In an example, actuator 410 is responsive to control signals from electronic device 204 to selectively move lever 214 into or out of contact with sear lever 508 to selectively prevent or allow disengagement of the firing mechanism (e.g., movement of lever 516 to disengage striker block 522).
[0046] In operation, trigger shoe 116 is moveable in response to force applied by the user. Spring plunger 506 applies a force proportional to the force applied by the user up to a limit set by the spring force of spring plunger 506. Trigger stop 513 prevents the trigger shoe 116 from advancing far enough to physically contact sear lever 508, allowing spring plunger 506 to supply the force to disengage sear lever 508. By limiting the applied force to the spring force, a solenoid or other electrical component (such as actuator 410) can be configured to move blocking lever 214 into a position with sufficient force to prevent movement of the sear lever 508, even when the user applies significant force to trigger shoe 116. When the control signal is not present, force applied to trigger shoe 116 disengages the firing mechanism.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a perspective view 600 of a left side of the trigger assembly 102 of FIG. 4. Trigger assembly 102 includes plates 404 and 406 and a printed circuit board 602 including transceiver 210. Transceiver 210 is coupled to actuator 410, which is configured to selectively move lever 214 to engage sear lever 508 to prevent discharge of the firearm, for example.
[0048] In general, the example of the blocking mechanism 212 (including actuator 410 and lever 214) represents one possible implementation of a mechanism to selectively delay or prevent disengagement of a firing mechanism, other configurations are also possible. Examples of other embodiments of the blocking mechanism and lever are described below with respect to FIGs. 7 and 8.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of an embodiment of a trigger assembly 700 including an actuator 702 and a moveable lever 704 configured to block movement of the trigger shoe 116 to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism. In this instance, actuator 702 is responsive to control signals from electronic device 204 and configured to apply a resistive force to a portion of trigger shoe 116 to prevent the disengagement. In this instance, the moveable lever 704 may include an adjustable trigger stop element that can be adjusted using lever 704 to stop movement of trigger shoe 116.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a side view of a portion of an embodiment of a trigger assembly 800 including an actuator 802 and a moveable lever 804 configured to block movement of a lever, such as striker block 522, to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism. In this instance, trigger shoe 116 does not deliver the force applied by the user to striker block 522, allowing actuator 802 to secure striker block 522 against any amount of force applied to trigger shoe 116 by the user.
[0051] While the above-examples have described embodiments that utilize an actuator to position a blocking element, such as a blocking lever, to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism in response to force applied by a user to trigger shoe 116, other blocking mechanisms may also be used. In an example where the trigger assembly is a fully electronic trigger that disengages the firing mechanism using electronic signals, the circuit may replace the actuator and lever with a switch that can be selectively opened to disengage the trigger from the firing mechanism and closed to couple the trigger to the firing mechanism. In this instance, the switch (or some other electronic circuit) can block or allow normal firing in response to a control signal.
[0052] Embodiments of a trigger assembly are described below that include a circuit including a sensor configured to detect a position of the trigger shoe. In one instance, the circuit includes a first printed circuit board (PCB) having light-emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned on a first side of the trigger components and a second PCB including optical sensors on a second (opposing) side of the trigger components. The LEDs are configured to emit light toward the second PCB and the optical sensors are configured to generate electrical signals proportional to the received light, which electrical signals indicate the relative positional state of one or more of the trigger components. In another embodiment, the sensor circuit can include, for example, one or more reed switches, lasers and laser detectors, proximity sensors, capacitive diaphragms, direct contact sensors, Hall effect sensors, or other sensors configured to detect the position of one or more components of the trigger assembly. For example, if a Hall Effect sensor configuration were used, a magnet could be embedded within a portion of the trigger shoe, and a pair of sensors could be used to detect the strength of the magnetic field to determine the position of the trigger shoe.
[0053] This state information can be used by a control circuit. In one example, the control circuit may activate another circuit, such as a video camera, in response to optically detecting movement of the trigger shoe from a first position based on a change in the received light. In another instance, absence or presence of received light for an extended period by more than one optical sensor positioned adjacent to a component (such as a safety) may indicate that the safety mechanism is between states (i.e., not fully engaged), causing the controller to indicate an error condition, such as by providing a visual alert (such as illuminating an external LED), or to activate a blocking mechanism to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism until the safety mechanism is fully engaged or disengaged. One possible example of a small-arms firearm that includes an embodiment of a trigger assembly system is described below with respect to FIG. 9.
[0054] FIG.9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the trigger assembly system 900 including trigger assembly 102 of FIG. 1 and electronic device 204 communicatively coupled to the trigger assembly 102. Electronic device 204 can be a digital scope, an electronic safety device, or another electronic device configured to receive sensor signals from trigger assembly 102 and to communicate control signals to trigger assembly 102 through a wired or wireless connection.
[0055] Trigger assembly 102 includes trigger shoe 116 configured to translate a first force (a trigger force) to a firing mechanism 216 in response to a user-applied force (trigger pull). Trigger assembly 102 further includes an interface 916 configured to communicatively couple to electronic device 204. Interface 916 can be wired or wireless and configured for bi-directional communication with electronic device 204, such as to receive control signals and to send data. In an example, interface 916 includes pads or contacts for wired interconnection with a controller within electronic device 204. Interface 916 includes an output coupled to an input of a control circuit 924. Additionally, interface 916 includes an output coupled to one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 918 and an input coupled to an output of one of more optical sensors 922. LEDs 918 and optical sensors 922 are positioned on opposing sides of trigger shoe 116, safety mechanism 926, and other components 928. LEDs 918 emit light toward optical sensors 922, and trigger shoe 116, safety mechanism 926, and other components 928 block the emitted light from optical sensors 922 in some instances and allow light to be received by optical sensors 922 in other instances, depending on the relative positions. In a particular example, force applied to trigger shoe 116 by a user causes trigger shoe 116 to move, causing one optical path through trigger shoe 116 to permit light to pass through while another optical path through trigger shoe 116 blocks the light. Optical sensors 922 are configured to sense changes in the emitted light from LEDs 918. In particular, electrical signals produced by optical sensors 922 vary in proportion to the received light, thereby allowing state detector 914 to determine the positional state of selected components of trigger assembly 102.
[0056] Trigger assembly 102 further includes firing mechanism 216 coupled to trigger shoe 116 and configured to disengage in response to force applied to trigger shoe 116. Firing mechanism 216 is also coupled to control circuit 924, which may include an actuator or other component to selectively control whether firing mechanism 216 can be disengaged in response to force applied to trigger shoe 116.
[0057] Electronic device 204 includes an interface 906 configured to couple to interface 916 within trigger assembly 102. Electronic device 204 further includes one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADC) 912 having inputs coupled to interface 906 and outputs coupled to a state detector 914, which may be implemented as a state machine or other configurable logic. State detector 914 includes an output coupled to a micro controller unit (MCU) 908. In some instances, state detector 914 may be incorporated within MCU 908. Alternatively, state detector 914 can be omitted, and MCU 908 can be configured to determine the state of trigger assembly 102. MCU 908 includes an output coupled to an input of one or more drivers 910, which include outputs coupled to inputs of interface 906.
[0058] In an example, MCU 908 controls drivers 910 to provide LED drive signals to LEDs 918 through interfaces 906 and 916. LEDs 918 emit light toward optical sensors 922, which receive the emitted light based on the relative positions of trigger shoe 116, safety mechanism 926, and other components 928. Optical sensors 922 provide signals proportional to the received light to ADCs 912 through interfaces 916 and 906. ADCs 912 convert the signals into digital values, which are provided to state detector 914 to determine the state of trigger assembly 102. Such states can include an initial state, a transitional state, a trigger-pulled state, and an error state with respect to trigger shoe 116. Further, such states can include a safety "on" state or a safety "off state with respect to safety mechanism 926. Such states may also include the states of other components of trigger assembly 102. In a particular instance, the states may include a blocked state and an unblocked state relative to a blocking mechanism, such as actuator 410 in FIGs. 4, 5, and 12-14, actuator 702 in FIG. 7, and actuator 802 in FIG. 8.
[0059] State detector 914 communicates the detected state of trigger assembly 102 to MCU 908, which can generate controls signals. In an example, in response to detecting the state of trigger assembly 102, MCU 908 generates control signals and sends them to control circuit 924 through interface 906 and interface 916 to control operation of firing mechanism 216 within trigger assembly 102.
[0060] While the above-discussion assumes an LED/optical sensor detection mechanism for determining the state of the trigger shoe 116, safety mechanism 926 and other components 928, as previously mentioned, it is also possible to utilize other types of detection circuits, including lasers and laser detectors, reed switches, proximity sensors, capacitive diaphragms, direct contact sensors, and so on. Regardless of the type of sensing mechanism used, the sensors should be arranged and configured to facilitate detection of the position of the particular component, and not just motion of the component. In an example, the sensing mechanism can detect that the trigger shoe is not in a first position and that it is in a second position. Thus, the sensing mechanism allows for determination of the component position, and not just motion.
[0061] While the example described above with respect to FIG. 9 includes the state detector and driver circuitry within electronic device 204, such circuitry may alternatively be provided within trigger assembly 102. An example of such an embodiment is described below with respect to FIG. 10.
[0062] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a second embodiment 1000 of trigger assembly 102 including LEDs 918 and optical sensors 922 for determining a state of trigger assembly 102. In this example, trigger assembly 202 includes a control circuit 1002 coupled to interface 916 and including an output coupled to a driver 1004 for driving one or more LEDs 918, which emit light toward optical sensors 922. Trigger shoe 116, safety mechanism 926, and other components 928 may block at least some of the emitted light, allowing optical sensors 922 to receive at least some of the emitted light and to produce electrical signals proportional to the received light. Optical sensors 922 provide the signals to ADCs 1006, which convert the signals into one or more digital values that are provided to a state detector 1008, which has an output coupled to control circuit 1002.
[0063] In this example, driver 1004, ADCs 1006, and state detector 1008 are moved from electronic device 204 into trigger mechanism 102. In this example, control circuit 1002 can control operation of trigger assembly 102 based on the state determined by state detector 1008 and/or in response to signals received from electronic device 204 via interface 916.
[0064] While the example of FIG. 9 depicted an MCU 908 for controlling operation of the drivers 910 and for receiving data from state detector 914 and/or from ADCs 912, MCU 908 can include a programmable processor configured to execute instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to determine a state of various components of trigger assembly 102. One example of such a programmable processor implementation is described below with respect to FIG. 11.
[0065] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of an electronic device 1100, such as electronic device 204 in FIG. 9, including drivers 910 and ADCs 912 for communicating with the optical detection circuitry of the trigger assembly 102 of FIG. 9. Electronic device 1100 includes a transceiver 302, which can be implemented as an interface having pads or terminals configured to couple to trigger assembly 102 via wires. Transceiver 302 includes inputs coupled to outputs of drivers 910 for receiving an LED driver signal. Drivers 910 include inputs coupled to processor 1104. Processor 304 is coupled to a display 306 for displaying data, a camera 1128 for capturing image data, and an input interface 310 for receiving user input. Processor 304 further includes an input coupled to a range finder 328, which may utilize a laser to determine a distance, and to a weather station 330, which can be used to detect ambient conditions, including temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and other environmental conditions. Processor 304 is also coupled to ADCs 912, which have inputs coupled to transceiver 302 and outputs coupled to processor 304. Processor 304 is further coupled to a memory 308, which stores data and processor-executable instructions.
[0066] Memory 308 includes LED driver control instructions 1114 that, when executed, cause processor 304 to control drivers 910 to drive LEDs within trigger assembly 102. Memory 308 further includes trigger assembly state detection instructions 1112 that, when executed, cause processor 304 to determine a state of trigger assembly 102 as a function of the values at the outputs of ADCs 912. Memory 308 further stores digital image processing instructions 1116 that, when executed, cause processor 304 to operate as an image processing device to process pixel data captured by camera 328. Memory 308 also stores reticle generation instructions 1120 that, when executed, cause processor 304 to produce a digital representation of a reticle (calibrated to the small arms firearm) and to display the digital reticle within the digital view area.
[0067] Memory 308 further includes target marking instructions 1122 that, when executed, cause processor 304 to receive user input to assign a digital marker onto an object within the digital view area. In a hunting application, the user may interact with input interface 310 (which may include one or more buttons) to apply a digital marker onto a target (such as a deer) that is within the digital view area. Digital image processing instructions 1116 can isolate the portion of the digital view area that corresponds to the target having the digital marker so that the digital marker can move with the target as the target moves through the view area captured by camera 328. Memory 308 includes alignment detection instructions 1124 that, when executed, cause processor 304 to determine a difference between cross-hairs of the digital reticle from the digital marker.
[0068] Memory 308 further includes controller instructions 1118 that, when executed, cause processor 304 to control, for example, an actuator within trigger mechanism 102 (such as actuator 410 depicted in FIGs. 12-14). In particular, if the difference determined using alignment detection instructions 1124 is less than a threshold difference, controller instructions 1118 cause processor 304 to generate a control signal to adjust the actuator to release a blocking mechanism to allow the small arms firearm to be discharged. If the difference is greater than the threshold, controller instructions 1118 cause processor 304 to generate the control signal to prevent discharge. Memory 308 may also include other instructions 1126, such as upgrade instructions, user configuration instructions, and so on. Further, memory 308 may store ballistics data, calibration data, user settings, and/or other information.
[0069] FIG. 12 is a perspective view 1200 of an embodiment of a right side of the trigger assembly 102 of FIGs. 1, 4-6, and 8-10. Trigger assembly 102 includes printed circuit board (PCB) 402 that includes circuitry, such as LEDs 1242, 1244, 1246, 1248, and 1250, and other circuitry, such as drivers for driving signals to cause LEDs 1242, 1244, 1246, 1248, and 1250 to emit light. PCB 402 may also include at least a portion of interface 916 in FIG. 9. PCB 402 is also coupled to an actuator 1210, which is part of a blocking mechanism configured to selectively delay or prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism. In an alternative example, actuator 1210 may be replaced with a solenoid or another electrically controllable transducer configured to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism. Trigger assembly 102 includes side plates 1204 and 1206 and a safety engagement lever 1208 that engages a safety mechanism between side plates to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism. Trigger assembly 102 further includes an opening 1218 for a trigger stop adjustment and a spring force adjustment element 1220, which can allow for adjustment of the trigger pull resistance and stop position.
[0070] In this example, LEDs 1244 and 1246 emit light through openings in a portion of trigger shoe 116 that extends between PCB 402 and a corresponding circuit board (PCB 602 in FIG. 14) on the other side of trigger assembly 102. Such openings define light paths through which the emitted light of LEDs 1242, 1244, 1246, 1248, and 1250 may pass, provided that a component of trigger assembly 102 does not interfere with or otherwise block the light path. Corresponding receivers on PCB 602 receive such emitted light that is not obstructed or blocked by trigger shoe 116. LEDs 1242 and 1248 emit light through openings in a substrate within trigger assembly 102 that are positioned to correspond to engaged and disengaged positions of a safety lever (safety lever 526 in FIG. 13). LED 1250 corresponds to a location associated with a blocking lever (blocking lever 214 in FIGs. 2, 5, 6, and 13) that is moveable by actuator 410 in response to a control signal to prevent discharge of the firing mechanism.
[0071] In operation, control signals from electronic device 204 are received by a transceiver on PCB 402 and are provided to one or more of LEDs 1242, 1244, 1246, 1248, and 1250 to cause them to emit light through corresponding openings toward optical sensors or receivers on the corresponding PCB on the opposing side of trigger assembly 102. Optical sensors on the corresponding PCB receive emitted light, and the pattern of received light versus blocked light can be used to determine the state of the trigger shoe 116, safety lever 526, and blocking lever 214, for example. Depending on the position of LEDs and corresponding openings, the position of other components may also be determined. In an example, the position of the safety lever 526 can be determined and a controller can send a control signal to actuator 410 to position blocking lever 214 to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism to assist the safety lever 526, providing a secondary safety mechanism in the event the safety mechanism is not fully engaged. An example of the trigger assembly 102 with the side plate 404 removed showing the blocking lever is described below with respect to FIG. 13.
[0072] FIG. 13 is a side view 1300 of the trigger assembly 102 of FIG. 12. Trigger assembly 102 includes trigger shoe 116 configured to move about an axis 504 in response to force applied by a user, causing a spring plunger 506 recessed in a bore 507 within trigger shoe 116 to contact a sear lever 508 at a contact location. Sear lever 508 contacts a proximal end of a lever 516 at a sear location. A distal end of lever 516 contacts a striker block 522. Lever 518 is configured to pivot about an axis 520 and to contact lever 516 to secure lever 516 against striker block 522. Trigger assembly 102 includes a trigger block 513 including the spring force adjustment element 420 for adjusting a pull force spring 514 and a trigger stop 512.
[0073] Trigger assembly 102 further includes striker block 522 configured to pivot about an axis 524 and to engage lever 516. Trigger assembly 102 includes a lever return spring 530 configured to return lever 516 to a firing position. Trigger assembly 102 also includes a safety lever 526 configured to pivot about an axis 528 and to couple to safety engagement lever 408. When engaged, safety lever 526 contacts lever 516 to prevent release of striker block 522.
[0074] Trigger assembly 102 further includes blocking lever 214 configured to pivot about axis 502 and to contact sear lever 508 when engaged by actuator 410. In an example, actuator 410 is responsive to control signals from electronic device 204 to selectively move blocking lever 214 into or out of contact with sear lever 508 to selectively prevent or allow disengagement of the firing mechanism (e.g., movement of lever 516 to disengage striker block 522.
[0075] Trigger assembly 102 includes openings 1342, 1344, 1346, 1348, and 1350 (behind Safety Lever 1326), which correspond to LEDs 1242, 1244, 1246, 1248, and 1250 (in FIG. 12) and optical sensors 1442, 1444, 1446, 1448, and 1450 (in FIG. 14), respectively. Openings 1342 and 1350 (behind Safety Lever 526) correspond to LEDs 1242 and 1250 and optical sensors 1442 and 1450 to detect a position of safety lever 526. Openings 1344 and 1346 correspond to LEDs 1244 and 1246 and optical sensors 1444 and 1446 to detect a position of trigger shoe 116. Optical sensor 1348 corresponds to LED 1248 and to optical sensor 1448 to detect a position of blocking lever 214.
[0076] In an example, trigger shoe 116 is moveable in response to force applied by the user. Spring plunger 506 applies a force proportional to the pressure applied by the user up to a limit set by the spring force of spring plunger 506. Trigger stop 512 prevents the trigger shoe 116 from advancing far enough to physically contact sear lever 508, allowing spring plunger 506 to supply the force to disengage lever 516. Before the force is applied to trigger shoe 116, LED 1244 emits light through opening 1344 and trigger shoe 116 blocks light from LED 1246. When force is applied to trigger shoe 116, trigger shoe 116 moves allowing emitted light from LEDs 1244 and 1246 through openings 1344 and 1346. When trigger shoe 116 reaches its end stop position, LED 1246 emits light through opening 1346 and trigger shoe 116 blocks light from LED 1244. In an alternative embodiment, the relative positions of openings 1344 and 1346 may be adjusted such that emitted light initially passes only through opening 1346, then through both openings 1344 and 1346, and then only through opening 1344.
[0077] In another example, safety lever 526 is moveable about axis 528 in response to force applied by a user to safety engagement lever 408. In this instance, LEDs 1242 and 1248 emit light through corresponding openings 1342 and 1350 (behind Safety Lever 526). Safety lever 526 is depicted in the "OFF" position, blocking light from LED 1248 so that is does not reach detector 1450. Light from LEDs 1242 and 1248 passes through opening 1342 and 1348 (behind Safety Lever 526). In a safety "ON" state, safety lever 526 blocks opening 1342, and in a safety "OFF" state, safety lever 526 blocks the opening 1350 that is hidden behind Safety Lever 526. In the intermediate state, a controller within electronic device 204 or within trigger assembly 102 can control actuator 410 to engage blocking lever 214 to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism until the safety lever 526 is in a fully "ON" or "OFF" state.
[0078] FIG. 14 is a perspective view 1400 of a left side of the trigger assembly 102 of FIG. 12. Trigger assembly 102 includes plates 404 and 406 and a PCB 602 including at least a portion of interface 916, which is coupled to actuator 410. Actuator 410 is configured to selectively move blocking lever 214 to engage sear lever 508 to prevent discharge of the firearm, for example. PCB 402 further includes a transceiver 210, which is configured to encode digital signals for communication of signals relating to the state of trigger mechanism 102. PCB 402 also includes optical sensors 1442, 1444, 1446, 1448, and 1450, which correspond to openings 1342, 1344, 1346, 1348, and 1350 (shown in phantom behind Safety Lever 526) (in FIG. 13) and to LEDs 1242, 1244, 1246, 1248, and 1250 (in FIG. 12).
[0079] In an example, optical sensors 1442, 1444, 1446, 1448, and 1450 are configured to receive emitted light through openings 1342, 1344, 1346, 1348, and 1350 (shown in phantom behind Safety Lever 1526). Each of the optical sensors 1442, 1444, 1446, 1448, and 1450 is configured to produce an electrical signal proportional to the received light. When light is received through an opening, each of optical sensors 1442, 1444, 1446, 1448, and 1450 is configured to produce a logical "1" value, and when light is blocked, each is configured to produce a logical "0" value. The logical values can be used to determine the state of components within trigger mechanism 102, as described above.
[0080] In some instances, the values produced by optical sensors 1442, 1444, 1446, 1448, and 1450 can be used to determine the state of components within trigger assembly 102, which state information can be used by a controller (either within electronic device 204 or within trigger mechanism 102 itself) to control operation of trigger assembly 102. In one instance, the controller can selectively control actuator to move blocking lever 214 into a position to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism when the state of safety lever 526 is indeterminate (i.e., between "ON" and "OFF" states). In another instance, the controller can trigger operation of another circuit in response to detecting movement of trigger shoe 116 based on changes in the optical signals received by optical sensors 1444 and 1446. In an example, the controller may trigger processor 304 to execute alignment detection instructions 1124 in response to movement of trigger shoe 116, and processor 304 may execute controller instructions 1118 to control actuator 410 to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism 216 until a target is aligned with a reticle within a threshold distance. In still another instance, controller can trigger operation of camera 328 to begin recording a video stream. Other operations may also be triggered based on detection of movement of trigger shoe 116.
[0081] While above-examples describe some control operations that may be activated or deactivated based on the state of components of trigger assembly 102, including a secondary safety mechanism, video camera functionality, tracking/alignment functionality, and so on, other functionality may also be activated. In an example, an error detection function may be triggered when components fail to reach their expected position within a period of time, which may be used to alert a user. In one instance, an LED on a peripheral edge of trigger mechanism 102 may be activated to emit light or to flash to alert the user that the safety mechanism is neither fully engaged nor disengaged. Other circuitry may also be included that can be used to provide indications to the user and/or to control operation of trigger mechanism 102 to prevent disengagement of the firing mechanism when the state of particular components is indeterminate (i.e., between known states).
[0082] In conjunction with the systems and trigger assemblies described above with respect to FIGs. 1-14, a trigger assembly includes a trigger shoe (or trigger) to which a user may apply force to discharge a firearm and includes a blocking mechanism responsive to a control signal and configured to selectively prevent discharge of the firearm. The blocking mechanism can include an actuator or solenoid that is responsive to the control signal and configured to temporarily prevent discharge of the firearm until some predetermined condition is met.
[0083] Further, the trigger mechanism can include one or more PCBs including sensors configured to determine a state of components of the trigger assembly and to communicate the state information to a controller, such as a control circuitry. Control circuitry on one of the PCBs or within an electronic device coupled to one of the PCBs utilizes the electrical signals to determine a state of one or more components of the trigger assembly. In some instances, the control circuitry utilizes the determined state information to control one or more elements of the trigger assembly, such as the blocking mechanism. In other instances, the control circuitry controls one or more components, such as LEDs, cameras, and other circuits in response to determining the state.
[0084] While the above-discussion has largely assumed that a single type of sensing mechanism, such as an optical sensing configuration using LEDs and optical sensors, is used within a single trigger assembly, it should be appreciated that multiple types of sensors may be used in a given trigger assembly. In an example, optical sensors and proximity sensors may be employed in a particular trigger assembly. In general, a particular trigger assembly can include optical sensors, reed switches, laser sensors, proximity sensors, capacitive sensors, direct contact sensors, Hall Effect sensors, or any combination thereof.
[0085] Additionally, while the above-discussion discussed utilizing the trigger assembly in connection with a rifle, it should be understood that the trigger assembly can be used with a pistol, an airsoft gun, a paintball gun, a crossbow, or any type of firing system that utilizes a trigger to disengage the firing mechanism.
1. A trigger assembly comprising:
a trigger shoe configured to disengage a sear to release a firing mechanism in response to force applied by a user; and
a blocking mechanism configured to selectively prevent the release of the firing mechanism in response to a control signal.
2. The trigger assembly of claim 1, wherein the blocking mechanism comprises an actuator
configured to move a lever into a blocking position to prevent disengagement of the
sear in response to the control signal.
3. The trigger assembly of claim 1, wherein the sear comprises:
a first lever configured to engage the firing mechanism; and
a second lever configured to engage the first lever at a sear location, the second lever to receive a trigger force corresponding to movement of the trigger shoe at a second location and configured to move in response to the movement of the trigger shoe to disengage the first lever.
4. The trigger assembly of claim 3, wherein the trigger shoe comprises:
a bore disposed at a location corresponding to the second location of the second lever; and
a spring plunger disposed within the bore and configured to contact the second lever at the second location to deliver a force to the second lever that is proportional to the force applied to the trigger shoe.
5. The trigger assembly of claim 1, wherein the blocking mechanism comprises an interface
including a transceiver configurable to receive the control signal from an optical
scope.
6. The trigger assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first circuit including at least
one sensor configured to determine a positional state of at least one component of
the trigger assembly and to provide a signal corresponding to the positional state
to a controller.
7. The trigger assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least component comprises at least
one of a trigger shoe, a sear, a blocking mechanism, a contact lever, and a striker
block.
8. The trigger assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an optical
sensor, the trigger assembly further comprising:
a second circuit on a side of the trigger assembly opposite that of the first circuit, the second circuit including at least one light emitting diode (LED) configured to emit light toward the at least one sensor of the first circuit.
9. The trigger assembly of claim 8, wherein the trigger shoe comprises:
at least one opening extending through a portion of the trigger shoe;
wherein the at least one LED is positioned adjacent to the at least one opening; and
wherein the at least one optical sensor is positioned adjacent to the at least one opening on a side of the trigger shoe opposite to the at least one LED.
10. A trigger assembly comprising:
a trigger shoe that is movable by a user to deliver a first force to a lever to disengage a sear to release a firing mechanism in response to a trigger pull; and
a blocking mechanism configured to selectively prevent the release of the firing mechanism in response to a control signal.
11. The trigger assembly of claim 10, wherein the sear comprises:
a first lever configured to engage the firing mechanism; and
a second lever configured to engage the first lever at a sear location and receive the first force at a contact location, the second lever configured to move to disengage the first lever in response to the first force.
12. The trigger assembly of claim 11, wherein the trigger shoe comprises:
a bore disposed at a location corresponding to the contact location of the second lever; and
a spring plunger disposed within the bore and configured to contact the second lever at the contact location and to deliver the first force to the contact location.
13. The trigger assembly of claim 12, wherein the first force is proportional to a force
of the trigger pull and the spring plunger limits the first force.
14. The trigger assembly of claim 11, wherein the blocking mechanism applies a second
force to the lever that is greater than the first force to prevent disengagement of
the sear.
15. The trigger assembly of claim 11, further comprising:
a printed circuit board including at least one sensor configured to detect a position of one or more components of the trigger assembly and including a transceiver configured to communicate position data to a gun scope; and
wherein the control signal is received from the gun scope in response to the position data.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description