DE102020001628B4 - gun magazine - Google Patents

Abstract

Weapons magazine (2) containing a magazine body (4) for accommodating cartridge ammunition (20), a magazine feeder (8), a magazine spring (10) and a magazine floor (14), with the weapon magazine (2) being assigned an energy source (28), with at least one actuator designed as a light source (26) and an activation switch (30) assigned to it, the light beams of the light source (26) assigned to the magazine propagating in the interior (34) of the magazine body (4), characterized in that the light beams on at least one light-guiding body (40), which is provided with an opaque layer and has a design running longitudinally in the loading direction, and can be coupled to at least one defined point (48) of the light-guiding body (40), and cartridges (20) in the magazine body (4) influence the coupling of light in such a way that a state of charge can be detected as a result.

Description

The invention relates to a weapon magazine. The magazine is a firearm built-in or interchangeably attached receptacle for one or more cartridges. For example, in the case of bolt-action weapons, these are removed from the magazine by the manual reloading movement of the breech, in the case of semi-automatic and fully automatic weapons, they are removed by a corresponding mechanism and inserted into a cartridge chamber.

The box magazine represents a magazine design, which is mainly used in military and hunting bolt-action rifles. Unlike the magazine box built into such weapons, it can be removed. The cartridges are usually stored in two rows, the capacity usually varies between four and ten cartridges.

In addition to the box magazine, the so-called bar magazine is the most common form of magazine for self-loaders (such as semi-automatic or fully automatic long or handguns). It is mainly used in pistols (handguns) with capacities between 5 and 40 cartridges. The cartridges are arranged in one, two or four rows and are pressed by a spring in the direction of the loading opening in the loading space or towards the breech and held there.

Bar magazines can be divided into single or multiple row magazines. A double-stack bar magazine, typically with a capacity of up to 17 rounds, is used in the Glock 17 self-loading pistol, for example. The magazine sits, as is usual with handguns. in the grip of the gun.

Magazines are made of steel. aluminum or plastic. There is a spring in the magazine housing with the magazine feeder at the top end. It presses the cartridges against a magazine lip that forms the top rim of the magazine housing. Positioned between these lips, the ammunition is fed through the breech into the chamber. The magazine floor forms the lower end of the magazine. On some weapons, it is extended to give a better grip on the weapon, or it is rubber-coated. so that the magazine is not damaged if it falls on the ground. So that the magazine does not fall out of the weapon, it is usually held by a pin belonging to the weapon, which can be withdrawn using a control element on the weapon.

Another common embodiment is the curved magazine. The curved magazine is a special form of the rod magazine and is nowadays used almost exclusively in assault rifles and submachine guns. These weapons mainly use cartridges with conical cases (e.g. 5.56 x 45 mm NATO). In order to be able to exert an even spring pressure on the cartridges, the magazine is curved - the degree of curvature depends on the type of cartridge used. Curved magazines often have beads or stiffening ribs to make them more stable. Cam magazines made of transparent plastic have the advantage that the fill level can be read more easily; they are also lighter and cheaper.

The magazines mentioned are not exhaustive here, there are other variants, such as the drum or disk magazine. As mentioned in the case of the curved magazine, designs are known which almost completely (apart from, for example, the magazine floor, feeder unit and spring) have a cover made of transparent plastic in order to be able to deduce the state of charge. Instead, magazines with such a loading indicator can also only be provided with a window, which is closed with a transparent plastic and runs longitudinally along the loading direction.

A particularly simple but nevertheless effective charge indicator is represented by magazines which are provided with openings which are introduced at points where the cartridge base is positioned after the loading process. Since the cartridge cases are mostly made of brass, the charging status of the magazine can be determined through the openings made.

The Glock 17 self-loading pistol and other variants of this handgun, for example, have a two-row magazine with circular openings in the grip of the weapon to indicate the loading status. The openings have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the cartridge case and they are also provided with numbers, which should indicate the exact loading status, namely the number of cartridges still in the magazine.

The utility model DE 200 00270 U1 discloses a level indicator for one-, two- and multi-row ammunition magazines for all types of semi-automatic and fully automatic firearms including mechanical components, mechanical-electrical, mechanical-electronic or mechanical-opto-electronic components. With the level indicator, the respective state of charge and the number of cartridges available or the remaining amount in firearms can be read at any time and especially during and during the use of a gun by day or night, thus ensuring that the operator is informed immediately. In addition to operation, the level indicator also improves safety when handling firearms, since the weapon with the magazine now has a reliable visual display of the loading status.

the DE 698 15 065 T2 from the patent EP 0960315 B1 discloses a magazine for a firearm having all the essential elements for calculating and displaying the number of rounds contained therein when that number changes due to loading or unloading. An ammunition supply indicator system is incorporated within the magazine and includes: a housing for receiving a plurality of rounds, the housing having an open end through which the rounds are loaded and unloaded; a slider disposed in the housing and slidable along the longitudinal axis of the magazine; a spring urging the slide toward the open end with a force to urge the cartridges toward the open end; electronic counting means integrated with the magazine for counting the number of cartridges contained in the magazine after loading the cartridges into the magazine and unloading the cartridges from the magazine; and display means for displaying the number of cartridges contained in the magazine.

In the U.S. 2011/0 030 257 A1 Apparatus for indicating a limited amount of ammunition remaining in a firearm magazine is disclosed. Inside the magazine, a switch is attached to a plate at the bottom of the magazine. The plate can be a magazine insert, a base plate, a base plate or a base pad. The switch cooperates with or is responsive to a segment or part of a magazine spring. A display port is coupled to the switch. A change of state of the switch enables and disables the indicator clamp. The display port may be electrically connected to a display device. The indicator can be an LED, an incandescent lamp or a light. The "on" and "off" states of the switch correspond to different positions of the spring segment relative to the switch or plate and the associated different amounts of ammunition in the magazine.

The patent application discloses a magazine that can be attached to an automatic and/or semi-automatic firearm U.S. 2008/0276517 A1 , including a distance-sensing mechanism that measures a distance between an ammunition pusher and cartridges in the magazine.

the US5826360A discloses an ammunition clip or magazine for a firearm including a self-contained system for sensing the amount of ammunition contained in the magazine and for visually or audibly indicating that value to the firearm operator. The counting and display system may be configured to display the number of rounds remaining in the magazine itself or the total number of rounds remaining in the firearm (the number of rounds of ammunition in the magazine plus one round in the chamber of the firearm, if applicable) , or it may be configured to simply indicate that the magazine is empty or that the number of rounds remaining in the magazine is below some other predetermined threshold.

The patent application U.S. 2020/0 025 479 A1 proposes a linear encoder that can be used to accurately determine a number of rounds within a magazine. Furthermore, using a set of magnetic sensors in a buffer tube of a firearm, it is possible to determine if a round is loaded in a chamber of the firearm and/or if the firearm is jammed. Determining cartridges within the magazine in conjunction with determining whether a cartridge is in a chamber of a firearm can provide a user with an accurate ammo count. In addition, the use of the linear encoder allows for an accurate determination of the cartridge count when different cartridges are loaded in the magazine or when the quality of the magazine degrades over time.

the US5149897A shows a transparent magazine made of a polyamide composition, in which cartridges in the magazine are visible by the design of the walls (material and thickness) with the aid of external light. The magazine has a front wall, a back wall and two side walls connecting the front wall to the back wall. It also has a bottom plate that seals the bottom of the magazine. A follower is spring biased to move away from the floor pan. There are a number of integral windows between inner ribs to allow light rays from outside to pass through. Cartridges, if any, can be seen through these windows.

the U.S. 2017/0 350 666 A1 shows a magazine device for a firearm, which comprises a generally curved elongate housing, a spring-loaded cartridge driver, an illumination element, and a plurality of transparent windows. The cartridge driver is configured to move from a lower end of the housing to an upper end of the housing. The lighting element is housed near a rear portion of the cartridge driver, the lighting element being configured to illuminate the vicinity of the cartridge driver. The transparent windows are positioned on the housing in alignment with the predetermined positions of the cartridge driver, the transparent windows being configured to indicate the level and number of ammunition remaining in the cartridge driver after a firing event.

the U.S. 5,735,070 A shows a weapon including an illuminated sight system that allows the user to aim and fire the weapon in varying ambient lighting conditions. A sensor is responsive to ambient light conditions to adjust the intensity of light emitted by the light emitting elements such that the intensity of light emitted by the light emitting elements increases and decreases in direct relation to changes in ambient light conditions. A low ammunition warning system includes a detector and circuitry for tracking the depletion of ammunition contained in the weapon

However, it would be desirable to improve the visibility of the charge indicator known from the prior art in such a way that the charge status of the magazine can be read even in poor light conditions or even in total darkness. However, the known devices of the type mentioned above are not suitable for this purpose. A loading status, especially with magazines such as those used in the Glock 17, can only be read when there is sufficient ambient light and due to the contrast differences between the magazine (usually made of black plastic) and the cartridges with the cartridge case made of brass. The light source should have the lowest possible energy requirement and at the same time have the highest possible efficiency in order to keep the size small and the service life of the energy source long. A charge indicator would also be desirable. which not only allows a statement about the state of charge on the basis of an optical display, but also simplifies and/or improves the perceptibility of the state of charge in an alternative or supplementary embodiment.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in that light rays can impinge on at least one light-conducting body, which is provided with an opaque layer and has a design running longitudinally in the loading direction, and can be coupled in at least one defined point of the light-conducting body and cartridges in the magazine body the light coupling influence in such a way that a state of charge can be detected.

The invention is based on the consideration that the state of charge in the case of magazines known from the prior art can only be detected visually if the lighting conditions are sufficient and if you look closely. The problem occurs with all magazine types and shapes mentioned at the beginning. Even magazines with a transparent magazine body require at least enough ambient light to see the cartridges in the magazine. For this reason in particular, the loading status of a magazine that does not have a transparent housing but only one or more loading windows makes it even more difficult to recognize the loading status, since only the contrast between the magazine body and the cartridge or the cartridge case can be used to tell whether or how many cartridges are still in the magazine. In order to enable or improve the visual recognition, the magazine could be provided with another actuator as a further embodiment or in addition, as a result of which a charging status can be perceived in a way other than visually. Furthermore, there should also be the possibility of retrofitting magazines that are already available on the market in order to arrive at a magazine according to the invention. The modification should be as simple as possible and possible with little effort and use of tools or without tools. In this way, the handling of existing magazines could be improved, resources could be conserved and the operational area or area of application of weapons could be expanded by means of such magazines.

This is achieved by assigning a light source to the magazine. When the light source radiates light into the interior of the magazine body, the light beams are absorbed, transmitted and/or scattered, depending on the surface properties of the inner surfaces and the material of the magazine body. If rays of light hit a loading window, this can be seen from the outside of the magazine. In the simplest case, the loading window is a continuous opening made in the magazine body and reaching into the interior of the magazine, through which direct or indirect light rays of the light source can exit. However, a magazine body with closed loading windows made of transparent plastic is also conceivable. It could be seen as an advantage that light only exits at the points on the magazine which the state of charge is to be read. The shape of the loading window can have all imaginable useful shapes and dimensions, as long as the light beams of the light source in the magazine body are influenced by the cartridges received in such a way that more or less light from the outside of the magazine can be seen depending on the loading status.

An energy source is assigned to the light source. The energy source can be designed as a battery or as a rechargeable battery, for example. So-called button cell batteries such as those from VARTA CR 2032 Li-Mn with a supply voltage of 3V would be conceivable. However, other battery types and shapes can also be used as long as they are suitable for installation in the magazine in terms of their properties and external dimensions. When using a rechargeable battery, the magazine floor is preferably provided with electrically conductive contacts. This makes it possible to charge the energy source in the magazine in a charging station, similar to charging a cordless telephone.

So that a long service life can be achieved and the light source is only activated when required, the energy source is assigned an activation switch designed as an activation element. However, it is also conceivable to use an activation element which enables a number of switching states in order not only to switch the light source on or off. but to change their light output in steps or continuously. An advantage of this embodiment could be seen in this. that the state of charge indicator is controlled in dependence on the ambient light, for example through the use of a light sensor coupled to the energy source and the light source.

The magazine according to the invention can also be used for magazines with a transparent magazine body. For this purpose, the magazine body is designed in such a way that the light generated inside the magazine cannot escape in the area of the magazine in which the cartridges are located. The area of the magazine that is visible from the outside shows the charging status.

Irrespective of whether the magazine body is transparent or opaque, it is proposed, for better identification of the state of charge, to have a second light source visible from the outside, preferably provided by a light-conducting medium, inside the magazine. but visible from the outside of the magazine in the area of the loading opening. When the light source is activated, light travels from there via the light-conducting medium directly to the visible area of the loading opening. In this way, the state of charge can be read even better. For example, light emerging only in the area of the magazine opening then means that the magazine has a maximum charge state, while light emerging in the entire area provided as a charge indicator means that the magazine is empty. However, a state of charge between these two states of charge can also be read better and more quickly using the second derived light source.

In a further or supplementary embodiment, the magazine is designed in such a way that light beams from the light source can impinge on at least one light-conducting body and are coupled in at a defined point of the light-conducting body and routed to at least one light-sensitive activation switch, to which at least one second actuator is assigned. The second actor can be any actor suitable for good perception. The actuator assigned to the light-sensitive activation switch is preferably designed as a vibration actuator. The light-conducting body is preferably arranged in the magazine body in such a way that, analogously to the selective light radiating outwards through the loading window or windows depending on the state of charge, it can radiate onto the light-conducting body, which has a design extending longitudinally in the loading direction. The light-guiding body is designed in this way. that only light from the light source that hits a certain point is coupled in. For this purpose, the light-guiding body is preferably provided with a reflective layer and light can only enter the light-guiding body and be forwarded to the light-sensitive activation switch at a point provided for light coupling. For a particularly effective coupling of the light beams, the light-guiding body is preferably provided with a structure at this defined point or, in the simplest case, its surface is roughened.

If light rays from the light source reach the point on the light-guiding body provided for coupling, light is passed on to the light-sensitive activation switch, which changes its switching state after a certain threshold value has been reached. The switching state change, i.e. when the actuator coupled to the light-sensitive activation switch is switched on or off, is preset by the light-sensitive activation switch, but can also be influenced by the surface on the light-conducting body provided for the light coupling, such that with a larger surface more Light is coupled in depending on the state of charge than with a smaller area. Preferably, the entire surface of the light-guiding body associated with the magazine body is provided with a reflective layer, with the defined point for the Light coupling along the loading direction is freely selectable by the reflective layer can be selectively partially removed. When the actuator coupled to the light-sensitive activation switch is activated and a state of charge is displayed can advantageously be set individually as a result.

The light beams are preferably coupled in at a point near the loading opening in order to indicate the loading status shortly before the magazine is emptied.

By using an actuator preferably designed as a vibration actuator, the charge status can also be indicated by a perceptible vibration when a magazine is in the weapon, especially when the weapon is in use, when a critical charge status has been reached, i.e. only a certain level number of cartridges in the magazine. For this purpose, the activation switch for the light source and the actuator coupled to the light-sensitive activation switch can be operated from the outside, when the magazine is inserted into the weapon, and the activation switch is preferably arranged on the magazine floor. When using the weapon, the entire state of charge monitoring according to the invention can be activated or deactivated as required. Alternatively, of course, instead of the externally accessible activation switch or in addition, a tilt and/or acceleration sensor can be used such that the charge state monitoring according to the invention is activated when the weapon is in a normal position during use and/or when the weapon is moving.

Each cartridge is preferably assigned a loading window and the loading window is dimensioned depending on the size of the cartridge such that the cartridge in the magazine body reduces or prevents light escaping through the loading window. So if there is no cartridge in the magazine, the light from inside the magazine can reach the outside largely unhindered through the loading window and thus indicates an empty magazine. If cartridges are now inserted into the magazine through the loading opening, the first cartridge preferably already influences the light exiting to the outside by preferably covering a single loading window as a whole or partially covering the entire loading window, so that there is no or significantly less light in the area of the cartridge than through an open loading window.

In an advantageous embodiment, each cartridge is assigned a loading window and the loading windows are numbered consecutively for the exact reading of the loading status, whereby the number of cartridges still in the magazine can be determined exactly.

In an advantageous embodiment, the loading windows are located on the side of the magazine where the cartridge bases are located. Since magazines are usually designed in two rows, a loading window can be assigned to each cartridge in this way, as a result of which the loading status can advantageously be read on one side of the magazine, on the back of the magazine.

The light source, the energy source and the activation switch are particularly preferably arranged in the magazine in the vicinity of the magazine base on a magazine plate assigned to it. By arranging the individual components required to provide the magazine according to the invention in the area of the magazine base, they can be accommodated in the magazine body even when the magazine is loaded and without the magazine having to be changed in terms of its usual design and/or its dimensions. The fact that, due to its design and function, sufficient space is available in the area of the magazine base even when the magazine is fully loaded, it is possible to accommodate the components. The available space results primarily from the magazine spring, which is usually designed as a so-called helical spring, which leaves sufficient space inside the spring for accommodating the components even when it is fully tensioned (full magazine). Alternatively, the necessary components can also be accommodated in the form of a magazine extension or extension.

Even if the designation magazine plate suggests the use of a flat element, the element does not necessarily have a flat design. Designs are known from the prior art in which the magazine plate forms a type of sleeve which can accommodate one end of the magazine spring.

Another advantage of this embodiment is the easy access to the interior of the magazine. Magazines can usually be opened in the area of the magazine floor without great effort and tools. which allows easy retrofitting or replacement of defective components. When using a rechargeable battery, contact points can be provided without much effort. Additional components assigned to the device according to the invention can also advantageously be arranged in the vicinity of the magazine.

In a further expedient embodiment, the activation switch is designed as a tilt, acceleration or touch switch. By using a tilt switch, which is positioned so that the light source is only activated in a certain position, on the one hand it can be prevented that the light source is also in operation when no state of charge is to be read. This is the case, for example, when the magazine is inserted into the weapon or the magazine is stored separately. The aim is therefore to arrange the tilt switch in such a way that the position of the magazine at which the charge status should be readable according to the invention. does not correspond to a situation such as the situation during normal use of the weapon, storage of the weapon or the magazine. It is therefore considered advantageous to position the inclination sensor in such a way that the light source is only activated when the magazine is upside down, i.e. upside down. This means that when the magazine is in a vertical position, its loading opening is at the bottom and the magazine floor is at the top. A rotation around the longitudinal axis. in order to be able to read the state of charge on the page with the loading windows would advantageously have no influence on the switching state of the activation switch.

However, the activation switch can also be designed as an acceleration switch. In this embodiment, the acceleration switch or its controller is preferably set in this way. that activation of the light source does not occur during normal use of the weapon or magazine. It is considered advantageous if the light source is activated when the magazine is in a vertical position, which is advantageous when using a tilt switch, and at the same time it is being moved rapidly back and forth. The light-emitting charging windows then appear visually as horizontal lines, which can lead to a better assessment of the charging status.

In a further variant, the activation switch is designed as a pushbutton switch, which is actuated by pressing it and automatically returns to the starting position after it is released. The pushbutton switch can be actuated by hand when a state of charge is to be read. However, it is considered to be a particularly advantageous embodiment if the pushbutton switch is arranged on or in the magazine such that the pushbutton switch is deactivated when a magazine is inserted into the weapon and activated by its removal and remains activated until the magazine has been reinserted into the weapon is.

According to a preferred development, the magazine body, the magazine floor and/or the magazine plate are provided with a layer that reflects, emits or transmits the light from the light source. Because parts and/or surfaces inside the magazine are provided with a light-reflecting layer or reflective material is used for the magazine, the light from the light source can be better used. The light beams are reflected back and forth similar to a lamp reflector and the intensity of the illuminated charging windows increases, which can lead to improved visibility of the charge status.

Another advantageous embodiment can result from the use of a light-conducting body running on the inside of the magazine body, in which the light is radiated or coupled directly from the light source into the light-conducting body and is either emitted uniformly over the entire surface or the light-conducting body is designed in such a way that Light is only emitted in certain areas inside the magazine. In this way, the already described second light source that can be seen from the outside could also be provided for better identification of the state of charge, in that the light-conducting body ends in the area of the loading opening of the magazine, so that it can be seen from the outside.

The inner surfaces of the magazine can preferably also be provided with a layer which emits the light of a light source with a time delay. The effect used here is based on phosphorescence, whereby light is stored in the form of excitation energy. The light can preferably come from the actuator designed as a light source in the magazine or, similar to a charging station for a mobile phone, from a station provided with a suitable light source, in which the magazine can be “loaded” simply by means of an opening, for example through an opening in the magazine floor, is attached to the light source of the station, so that light is radiated into the interior of the magazine onto the light-emitting layer. Such a solution would not require accommodating the components (light source, energy source and activation switch) inside the magazine.

In the case of the magazine according to the invention and the use of the time-delayed light-emitting layer, it is advantageously possible to read off the state of charge even without activating the light source at the same time. This is, for example, when using a tilt switch. the state of charge can be recognized independently of the position of the magazine, since the light required for reading a state of charge can be provided by the light-emitting layer, which also acts as a light source, even with a deactivated actuator designed as a light source.

In a further preferred development, the magazine feeder is made of a transparent Plastic formed, this allows that the loading window or a portion of the loading window in the area of the magazine feeder. is reliably illuminated when the light source is activated to indicate the actual charging status. On the other hand, the loading status displayed can deviate from the actual loading status, even if the loading window is covered by the magazine feeder and not just by the cartridges. When using such a magazine feeder, it is considered advantageous to provide the magazine feeder alone or in addition with the time-delayed light-emitting layer, such that when the light source is activated, its rays impinge on the magazine feeder and the light can be stored by the light-emitting layer and at the same time guaranteed is. that light rays can escape over or through the magazine feeder via the loading windows. For this purpose, for example, the magazine feeder can be formed as a hollow body that is open on its underside, the inner surfaces or at least one inner surface of the side facing the loading window being provided with the time-delayed light-emitting layer.

It is also preferred that the light source is in the form of a light-emitting semiconductor component. For example, by using a light-emitting diode, an energy-saving. relatively bright light source are provided, which is shockproof, the brightness can be adjusted, a large selection of colors is available and the heat generation is negligible. For example, red, green, white or multicolored light can be generated depending on the application and requirements.

In an alternative or additionally advantageous development, the light source is designed in such a way, or an optical element is assigned to the light source, whereby different-colored light is emitted at different emission angles, whereby different-colored light can radiate onto or through the loading window or windows. This enables a visible color spectrum to be displayed depending on the loading state, such that red light is emitted through the loading window or windows in the area of the loading opening and green light is emitted outwards in the area of the magazine floor. The light, which spreads out in different directions and consists of different colors, can be generated by means of one or more light-emitting diodes, such as a so-called RGB LED, which consists of 3 LEDs (red, green, blue) but is housed in a single housing. Instead of or in addition to the RGB light-emitting diode, an optical element such as a prism can also be used in order to achieve or improve the desired effect. In this embodiment, the inner surfaces of the magazine body are preferably provided with a light-absorbing layer in order to counteract mixing of the colors by reflected light rays.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the energy source is designed as a generator and electric power is generated to operate the light source in that the generator converts kinetic energy and/or thermal energy into electrical energy. converts. An energy store is preferably assigned to the generator in order to be able to activate the light source even if there is no movement of the magazine and when the magazine is inserted and the energy store is fed when the weapon moves.

All generators known from the prior art whose design and dimensioning are suitable for use according to the invention can be used to generate energy. For example, such generators are known from the prior art, which are used for charging so-called smartphones or in watches.

In order to modify magazines known from the prior art accordingly in order to be able to provide a magazine according to the invention, a module is proposed which is characterized in that it contains a light source, an energy source and an activation switch according to the present invention and which in one known from the prior art magazine can be arranged with at least one loading window in the magazine body. The module preferably has a design and dimensions that are suitable for being arranged inside the magazine spring. This ensures that the magazine spring can expand and relax largely unhindered around the module. The module is particularly preferably assigned to the magazine plate or the module is designed as a base plate so that the module cannot move in the magazine body when the magazine is loaded and unloaded, during which the magazine spring moves or as a result of a movement of the magazine itself.

In the case of a rod magazine known from the prior art with an attached magazine floor, a particularly simple modification to the magazine according to the invention can be carried out by using a module designed as a magazine plate according to the invention, by removing the magazine floor and replacing the magazine plate with the module.

The advantages achieved by the invention consist in particular in providing a magazine for both long and short guns in which the loading status, ie the number of cartridges still in the magazine, can be reliably read even under unfavorable or insufficient lighting conditions. Due to a modular design, it is possible to retrofit magazines and thus also weapons in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner according to the invention. The use of a magazine according to the invention is also conceivable, for example in emergency situations in which the transmission of light signals is helpful or simply a light source is needed because no flashlight is available. By using a light-emitting layer, the charging status can also be checked without the magazine lighting up conspicuously and possibly from afar. For this purpose, for example, to stimulate the light-emitting layer, this type of light source can be activated in a concealed manner by means of a tilt switch and a suitable position of the weapon with the magazine. A combination of different activation switches is also possible, for example in order to make activation of the light source dependent on the position of the magazine and at the same time on the switching state of a pushbutton switch and vice versa.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is described in more detail below.

• 1 Die Explosionszeichnung eines aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten zweireihigen Stangenmagazins 2,
• 2 schematisch ein vollständig geladenes zweireihiges Stangenmagazin 2 mit Sicht auf die Böden 22 der Patronen 20 und im Bereich des Patronenbodens 22 auf einer diesen zugeordneten Bodenplatte 12, auf der eine Lichtquelle 26, eine Energiequelle 28 und ein als Tastschalter 30 ausgebildeter Aktivierungsschalter angeordnet sind,
• 3 schematisch ein teilweise geladenes zweireihiges Stangenmagazin 2 mit Sicht auf die Böden 22 der Patronen 20 und im Bereich des Patronenbodens 22 auf einer diesen zugeordneten Bodenplatte 28, auf der eine Lichtquelle 26, eine Energiequelle 28 und ein als Tastschalter 30 ausgebildeter Aktivierungsschalter angeordnet sind.
• 4 schematisch ein Magazinzubringer 8 aus einem transparenten, lichtdurchlässigem Material, welcher als an seiner Unterseite offener Hohlkörper ausgebildet ist, wobei eine Innenfläche der Ladefenster 6 zugewandten Seite mit einer zeitverzögert lichtabgebenden Schicht 36 versehen ist.
• 5 schematisch ein einreihiges Stangenmagazin 2 mit Im Vergleich zum Magazin 2 in den 2 und 3 nicht im Magazinrücken sondern seitlich im Magazinkörper 4 eingebrachter Ladefenster 6,
• 6 schematisch das Kurvenmagazin 2 einer halb- oder vollautomatischen Langwaffe, bei der nur ein einziges Ladefenster 8 im unteren Bereich In der Nähe des Magazinbodens 14 angeordnet ist,
• 7 schematisch ein Modul 38 zur Bereitstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Waffenmagazins 2, umfassend eine Energiequelle 28. einem als Lichtquelle 26 ausgebildeten Aktor, einem lichtleitenden Körper 40 und einem diesen zugeordneten lichtsensitiven Aktivierungsschalter 42, welcher mit einem Vibrationsaktor 44 gekoppelt ist sowie einem als Neigungsschalter 46 ausgebildeten Aktivierungsschalter.

Show it:

• 1 The exploded drawing of a two-row rod magazine 2 known from the prior art,
• 2 Schematically, a fully loaded two-row bar magazine 2 with a view of the bases 22 of the cartridges 20 and in the area of the cartridge base 22 on a base plate 12 assigned to it, on which a light source 26, an energy source 28 and an activation switch designed as a pushbutton switch 30 are arranged,
• 3 schematically shows a partially loaded two-row bar magazine 2 with a view of the bases 22 of the cartridges 20 and in the area of the cartridge base 22 on a base plate 28 assigned to it, on which a light source 26, an energy source 28 and an activation switch designed as a pushbutton switch 30 are arranged.
• 4 schematically shows a magazine feeder 8 made of a transparent, light-transmitting material, which is designed as a hollow body open on its underside, wherein an inner surface of the side facing the loading window 6 is provided with a time-delayed light-emitting layer 36 .
• 5 Schematically a single-row bar magazine 2 with In comparison to the magazine 2 in the 2 and 3 loading window 6 not in the spine of the magazine but in the side of the magazine body 4,
• 6 Schematically the curve magazine 2 of a semi-automatic or fully automatic long gun, in which only a single loading window 8 is arranged in the lower area near the magazine floor 14,
• 7 schematically shows a module 38 for providing a weapon magazine 2 according to the invention, comprising an energy source 28, an actuator designed as a light source 26, a light-conducting body 40 and a light-sensitive activation switch 42 assigned to it, which is coupled to a vibration actuator 44 and an activation switch designed as a tilt switch 46.

Identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

A two-row rod magazine 2 for a handgun (pistol) known from the prior art in the form of an exploded view is shown in 1 shown. The rod magazine 2 has a magazine body 4 . which has loading windows 6 arranged in the longitudinal direction (loading direction), a magazine feeder 8, a magazine spring 10, a base plate 12 and a magazine base 14. Magazine 2 can be assembled and disassembled without tools. For assembly, first the magazine feeder 8, then the magazine spring 10 and then the base plate 12 are inserted and held in the magazine body 4 in the direction of a loading opening 18 under slight pressure. Finally, the base plate 12 is pushed on perpendicularly to the loading direction and held in place by a type of shoe clip connection. During the loading process, cartridges 20 are introduced via the loading opening 18 into the magazine 1 in the loading direction, with the magazine spring 10 exerting a force counter to the loading direction, as a result of which the cartridges 20 are pressed in the direction of the loading opening 18 .

2 shows a two-row rod magazine 2 according to the invention, completely filled with cartridges 20 (fully loaded) with a view of the cartridge bases 22, the cartridge bases 22 through the larger circle and the primers 24 (priming capsules for igniting the propellant charge) centrally introduced into the cartridge base 22 through the therein drawn smaller circle are shown. The magazine spring 10 is maximally tensioned due to the full magazine 2 . The magazine 2 contains in the area of the magazine floor 14 on the floor plate 12 is a light source 26 designed as a light-emitting diode, a power source 28 designed as a 3 V battery (button cell) for operating the light-emitting diode 26 and an activation switch 30 designed as a push-button switch to switch the light-emitting diode 26 off and on. A white area can be seen in the area of the magazine spring 10 solely for reasons of better representation, in order to be able to show the light-emitting diode 26, the energy source 28 and the pushbutton switch 30 better on this. In fact, these elements (26,28,30) are arranged inside the magazine spring designed as a spiral spring.

The light-emitting diode 26 is deactivated by means of the pushbutton switch 30 when the magazine 2 is inserted into the weapon, in that an actuating element 32, which protrudes outwards through an opening in the magazine body 4, due to its beveled end, moves in the direction of the pushbutton switch 30 when it is inserted into the weapon moves and disables it. If the magazine 2 is removed from the weapon, the pushbutton switch 30 activates the light-emitting diode, as a result of which an interior 34 of the magazine 2, or the space within the magazine spring 10, is illuminated. Since the magazine 2 is completely filled, all the loading windows 6 are also covered or closed by the cartridges, in particular by the cartridge bases 22, so that no light or no significant portion of the light can escape from the interior of the magazine 34 to the outside. The state of charge is displayed as fully charged, so that no light penetrates outwards from any of the charging windows 6, or that no charging window 6 is visible from the outside.

As in 3 shown, the magazine is out 2 now only partially filled with a total of 9 cartridges 20. The back of the bar magazine 2 (back of the magazine) is shown schematically with the loading windows 6 numbered in the loading direction, which have approximately the same diameter as the diameter of the primer caps 24. When the light-emitting diode 26 is activated, the interior of the magazine 34 is illuminated, and light can also shine through spread through the partially tensioned magazine spring 10 inside the magazine body 4 and spread over an area below the filled upper area. For this purpose, the magazine feeder 8 consists of a transparent, light-transmissive material, the magazine feeder 8 also having light-conducting properties due to the law of refraction and total reflection that occurs, whereby all loading windows 6 below the filled upper area of the magazine 2 are illuminated and due to the light rays reaching the outside , a charge level is visible. The magazine thus shows through the loading window 6 that is illuminated in the lower area 6 that 6 cartridges are currently missing in the magazine 2 . Each loading window 6 is assigned a cartridge 20 which, during the loading process, covers or closes that loading window 6 which corresponds to the number of cartridges 20 still in the magazine 2 .

4 shows schematically in two different views a magazine feeder 8 made of a transparent, light-transmitting material, which is designed as a hollow body open on its underside, with an inner surface of the side facing the loading window 6 being provided with a time-delayed light-emitting layer 36. The first upper view in 4 corresponds to one as in the 1 and 2 shown view of the magazine feeder 8, in which a loading windows 6 facing side of the magazine feeder 8 is shown. The magazine feeder 8 is designed as a hollow body which is open on its underside, a side facing the magazine floor 14 . Depending on its material thickness a, b, light is also radiated into the magazine feeder 8, so that this acts as a light source itself due to its light-conducting properties and thus also illuminates a loading window 6 closed by it, which shows that there is something behind the loading window in question 6 no cartridge 20 is located.

The magazine feeder 8 is partially provided with a time-delayed light-emitting layer 36, as shown in the second view in FIG 4 is evident. Due to the light-conducting properties, the light from the light-emitting diode 26 is stored in this layer and released again in the direction of the charging window 6 with a time delay. Due to its light-conducting properties, the light radiating on the underside of the magazine feeder 8 causes the magazine feeder 8 to glow or be illuminated and the light-emitting layer 36 to store the light from the light source. The visible radiation emitted by the light-emitting layer 36 is illustrated by the arrows shown.

5 shows a schematic of a single-row bar magazine compared to the magazine in FIGS 2 and 3 not in the back of the magazine, but in the side of the magazine body 4 loading window 6, with an activatable light source 26 arranged in the interior 34 of the magazine 2. In this embodiment, the loading windows 6 are at least partially covered depending on the number of cartridges 20 still in the magazine 2, whereby the charging status can be read when magazine 2 is removed. In this embodiment, the magazine base 14 cannot be dismantled. The magazine 2 is disassembled via the loading opening 18.

6 shows schematically a curve magazine 2 of a semi-automatic or fully automatic long gun only a single loading window 6 is arranged in the lower area in the vicinity of the magazine floor 14 . with an activatable light source 26 arranged in the interior 34 of the magazine. The loading window 6 is provided with a transparent. sealed in translucent plastic. Depending on the state of charge, the loading window 6 does not light up at all or only very slightly (corresponds to a full magazine), essentially with only part of its transparent area (part of the cartridges was fired) or with the entire transparent area (approximately half of the cartridges are missing or full). . were shot).

7 schematic and compared to the 2 and 3 increases a module 38 to provide a as in the 2 and 3 illustrated double-row weapon magazine 2, comprising an energy source 28, an actuator designed as a light source 26, a light-conducting body 40 and a light-sensitive activation switch 42 associated with it, which is coupled to a vibration actuator 44 and an activation switch designed as a tilt switch 46. The light-sensitive activation switch 42 includes, in particular, a photoresistor with a control device, which changes the switching state for switching the vibration actuator 44 on or off. By means of the light-conducting body 40, when a specific charging state is reached, light reaches the photoresistor, as a result of which its resistance changes and the change is detected by the control device. Above a specific resistance value (threshold value), the control device switches on the vibration actuator 44 . The control device can be configured in such a way that the threshold value and/or switching on or off can take place according to a specific pattern. For example, the vibration actuator 44 is not permanently activated once a certain charge level has been reached. but only in the form of a switch-on pulse with a certain switch-on duration, due to which the switch-on state is clearly perceptible. The vibration actuator 44 is designed as a vibration motor, as is known from the prior art and as is typically used in smartphones, for example. Since the light-guiding body 40 is designed in such a way that light can be coupled in at more than just one point 48, the control device also makes it possible for the vibration actuator 44 to be switched on and off via different switching patterns depending on when different threshold values are reached . This could make different states of charge perceptible. The light-guiding body 40 is formed as a flexible light guide made of plastic, which can be pushed into the magazine body 4 . Care must be taken that this does not impair the function of magazine 2. Depending on requirements, it is also possible to adapt the light guide 40 depending on the length of the magazine 2 and to shorten it if necessary. The length of the light guide 40 is therefore chosen so that as many magazines 2 of one type of magazine can be retrofitted with the module 38 according to the invention. Of course, magazines 2 produced according to the invention can also be equipped with a light guide integrated in the magazine body 4 instead of with a flexible light guide 40 . In this embodiment variant, the light-guiding body 40 is angled at the upper end. This end can be inserted or inserted into a designated opening in the magazine body 4 . Through a viewing window in the grip of the weapon, which is located at the height of the opening when the magazine is inserted, the charge status can also be visually perceived in addition to the vibration.

The magazine 2 according to the invention is specifically designed for reliable detection of the loading status of a weapon magazine 2 . When the magazine 2 has been removed from the weapon, the loading status can be seen even in unfavorable light conditions or in complete darkness. The light-conducting body 40 allows the charge status to be monitored even when the magazine 2 is inserted and the weapon is in use. Magazines 2 known from the prior art can be retrofitted in a particularly simple manner with a module 38 designed according to the invention. In addition, the exchange of a battery 28 as an energy source is possible without great effort.

Reference List

02

gun magazine

04

magazine body

06

loading window

08

magazine feeder

10

magazine spring

12

bottom plate

14

magazine floor

18

loading port

20

cartridges

22

cartridge bottom

24

primers

26

light source (light emitting diode)

28

Power source (battery 3V)

30

Activation switch (push button for light emitting diode)

32

actuator

34

magazine interior

36

layer (time-delayed light-emitting)

38

Module for weapon magazine

40

body

42

Activation switch (light-sensitive)

44

vibration actuator

46

Activation switch (tilt switch)

48

Surface (point) of the light-guiding body that is intended for light coupling

Claims (9)

Weapons magazine (2) containing a magazine body (4) for accommodating cartridge ammunition (20), a magazine feeder (8), a magazine spring (10) and a magazine floor (14), with the weapon magazine (2) being assigned an energy source (28), with at least one actuator designed as a light source (26) and an activation switch (30) assigned to it, the light beams of the light source (26) assigned to the magazine propagating in the interior (34) of the magazine body (4), characterized in that the light beams on at least one light-conducting body (40), which is provided with an opaque layer and has a structural shape running longitudinally in the loading direction, and can be coupled to at least one defined point (48) of the light-conducting body (40), and cartridges (20) in the magazine body (4) influence the coupling of light in such a way that a state of charge can be detected as a result. Weapon magazine (2) after claim 1 , characterized in that the magazine body (4), the magazine base (14) and/or the light-conducting body (40) are provided with a layer that reflects the light beams. Weapon magazine (2) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that light beams are directed by means of the light-conducting body (40) to at least one light-sensitive activation switch (42), to which at least one second actuator (44) is assigned. Weapon magazine (2) after claim 3 , characterized in that the second actuator (44) is designed as a vibration actuator. Weapon magazine (2) after claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that it comprises a control device with which a threshold value that changes the switching state of the activation switch (42) can be set. Weapon magazine (2) according to one or more of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the light beams are coupled into the light-guiding body (40) near the loading opening. Weapon magazine (2) according to one or more of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the light source (26) associated activation switch (30) is designed as a tilt, acceleration or touch switch. Weapon magazine (2) according to one or more of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the entire surface of the light-conducting body (40) is provided with an opaque layer, the defined point for the light coupling along the charging direction being freely selectable by selective partial removal of this layer. Weapon magazine (2) according to one or more of the Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that the light-guiding body (40) is angled at its upper end and an outwardly visible opening is introduced in the magazine (2).

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