TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to implementations of a modular electronic switch system. In particular, the present invention is primarily directed to implementations of a modular electronic switch system that can be configured to operate one or more electrical accessories.

BACKGROUND

Switch operated electrical accessories, such as illumination tools, IR illuminators and lasers, are often adapted for being secured to firearms. These electrical accessories are often mounted to a firearm so that any emitted light beam is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the longitudinal axis of the firearm's barrel.

Remote switches are often used to operate one or more electrical accessories mounted on the same firearm. These remote switches often include one or more cables, each cable includes a plug that is removably connectable to a complementary jack of an electrical accessory. In this way, the firearm user is provided with a single switch device that can be remotely positioned relative to the one or more electrical accessories its connected to. Example remote switches are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,332,682 to Paul Y. Kim, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,991,062 to Trent Zimmer.

A modular remote switch device would be highly desirable as there are many different types of firearm mounted electrical accessories and many different preferences for their mounting and operation. The ability of a user to mount an electrical accessory in a particular location on a firearm with a particular presentation of the controls is paramount to ease of use and user effectiveness.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for the modular electronic switch system disclosed herein. It is to the provision of a modular electronic switch system that is configured to address these needs, and others, that the present invention in primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Implementations of a modular electronic switch system are provided. The modular electronic switch system can be attached to a mounting interface for firearm accessories, such as a Picatinny rail interface, and used to operate power-consuming firearm accessories (e.g., an illumination device, a laser aiming module, etc.) connected thereto by a suitably configured flexible cable, or wireless transceiver. In this way, the modular electronic switch system can be remotely positioned relative to any connected accessories.

An example modular electronic switch system comprises:

a switch body, the switch body includes a first switch configured to operate conductively connected power-consuming firearm accessories;

a cable module, the cable module includes a first cable having a connector adapted for being conductively connected to a complementary connector of a power-consuming firearm accessory, the first cable is configured to conductively connect the modular electronic switch system to the connector; and

an end cap configured to enclose one end of the switch body;

wherein the cable module and the end cap are removably secured to a first end and a second end, respectively, of the switch body;

wherein the modular electronic switch system is configured to engage with a mounting interface for firearm accessories;

wherein the first switch of the switch body is positioned parallel to the mounting interface for firearm accessories while the modular electronic switch system is secured thereto.

In some implementations, the modular electronic switch system further comprises: a program module configured to set switching and control capabilities for the modular electronic switch system. The program module can be removably secured to the switch body in-lieu of the end cap.

Another example modular electronic switch system comprises:

a switch body, the switch body includes a first switch configured to operate at least one wirelessly connected power-consuming firearm accessory;

a program module configured to set switching and control capabilities for the modular electronic switch system;

an end cap configured to enclose one end of the switch body; and

a wireless transceiver configured to facilitate operation of at least one wirelessly connected power-consuming firearm accessory;

wherein the end cap and the program module are removably secured to a first end and a second end, respectively, of the switch body;

wherein the modular electronic switch system is configured to engage with a mounting interface for firearm accessories;

wherein the first switch of the switch body is positioned parallel to the mounting interface for firearm accessories while the modular electronic switch system is secured thereto.

Also disclosed herein is a remote switch device. The remote switch device can be used to operate power-consuming firearm accessories (e.g., an illumination device, a laser aiming module, etc.) connected thereto by a suitably configured flexible cable.

An example remote switch device comprises:

a housing configured to engage with a mounting interface for firearm accessories,

a first switch configured to operate conductively connected power-consuming firearm accessories, the first switch is a non-binary position and force sensor; anda first cable having a connector, the first cable is configured to conductively connect the first switch to the connector, the connector of the first cable is adapted for being conductively connected to a complementary connector of a power-consuming firearm accessory;wherein the first switch is positioned parallel to the mounting interface for firearm accessories while the remote switch device is secured thereto.

