TWI597138B - Pneumatic gun having mechanically-actuated pneumatic valve - Google Patents

Description

Pneumatic gun with mechanically actuated pneumatic valve [Related application]

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/710,106, filed on Oct. 5, 2012, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention generally relates to a pneumatic gun. More specifically, the present invention relates to pneumatic guns that provide multiple benefits over the prior art.

Electronically operated pneumatic guns have become commonplace in game and entertainment paintball games, and are also used in other fields and industries. For example, pneumatic guns can be used as remote delivery applications for veterinary, pesticides, pesticides, and the like. In particular, in paintballs, electronically operated spool designs are extremely popular among participants due to their relatively light weight, reliability, low pressure operation, and ease of maintenance. One such electronically operated paintball gun is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 7,617,820 (the '820 patent). It is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

However, unfortunately, prior to the present invention, there was no reliable mechanism for mechanically operated pneumatic guns having this and other types of spool designs.

In accordance with various embodiments and principles of the present invention, a mechanical pneumatic gun can provide many improvements over the prior art, including, for example, a mechanically operated trigger and valve assembly that can be used to drive a pneumatic assembly similar to an electronic paintball gun.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a mechanically operated trigger assembly for a pneumatic gun includes a trigger, a cam actuator, and a return mechanism. According to this aspect, the trigger pivots the cam actuator into contact with the valve actuator for activating the firing operation of the pneumatic gun. The trigger can interact with the cam actuator, for example, by a geared interconnect, a star wheel mechanism, or other suitable connector. The cam actuator is preferably constructed to contact the valve actuator for a sufficient length of time (residence time) during each pull trigger to allow the valve to release a sufficient amount of compressed gas to initiate a full firing cycle of the pneumatic gun. This can be accomplished, for example, by constructing the contact surface of the cam actuator with a surface area sufficient to contact the valve actuator for a sufficient length of time during each pull trigger.

The return mechanism can include, for example, one or more springs or one or more magnets that are configured such that the cam mechanism rotates sufficiently to return to its preparatory position after each pull of the trigger. For example, the return mechanism can be A spring assembly is constructed that pulls the cam mechanism from the actuated position to the initial position, and in the home position, the toothed cam surface reengages with the toothed trigger interconnect. Alternatively or additionally, magnets of opposite polarity may be used to apply a force that causes the cam assembly to rotate from the firing position back to the preparatory position.

In accordance with another aspect of the inventive concept, a mechanically actuated pneumatic valve may include an input port that receives compressed gas from a compressed gas regulator and one or more output ports. The surface seal can be disposed in the valve body and configured to move between the two positions. In the first position, the surface seal may allow compressed gas to be supplied from the input port to the first output port. In the second position, the surface seal can discharge compressed gas from the valve body through the exhaust port. An actuator, such as a needle or needle actuator, can be constructed and arranged to move the surface seal from the first position to the second position, for example, during the pull trigger. For example, the contact surface of the trigger can be constructed (either directly or through one or more other components or mechanisms) in contact with the surface of the needle actuator and drive the surface seal to its second position during actuation of the trigger.

In a pneumatic gun embodiment, compressed gas having a selected pressure may be supplied from a compressed gas regulator to a compressed gas storage chamber storage chamber of a pneumatic gun. The pneumatic valve may be configured to supply a selected pressure of compressed gas from the compressed gas regulator to the first surface of the spool piston via the first output port when the surface seal is disposed in its first unactuated position. The compressed gas acting on the first surface of the spool piston can overcome the aerodynamic or spring force acting on the second surface of the spool piston.

In an embodiment, the spool piston may include a bolt and a shot Hit the valve. The first surface may be a front surface, and the aerodynamic force acting on the first surface resists aerodynamic forces from the compressed gas storage chamber acting on the second piston surface area to retain the bolt in the rear position.

In an embodiment, the trigger may be constructed with a contact surface or actuator that is configured to contact the valve actuator or valve needle of the pneumatic valve (either directly or through one or more components or mechanisms). When the trigger is pulled, its contact surface or actuator contacts the valve actuator or needle to move the surface seal from the first position to the second position. In the second position, the compressed gas is prevented from being supplied from the compressed gas regulator to the first output port, and the gas from the first output port is discharged via the exhaust port in the valve body.

When the first output port is in communication with the front surface of the piston, the gas then drains from the area in communication with the front surface of the piston, and the force on the second rear surface of the piston drives the bolt forward and opens the firing valve. The bolt is then positioned at its front firing position, and compressed gas from the compressed gas storage chamber is discharged through the firing valve and via a weir disposed in the bolt to eject the bullet from the gun.

For example, the firing valve can include one or more surfaces of the bolt that are configured to communicate with one or more seals to retain gas in the compressed gas storage region until a firing operation is performed. During the firing operation, the bolt surface and seal may be configured to release compressed gas from the compressed gas storage region via the bolt and contact the paintball disposed in the breech of the paintball gun.

In an embodiment, the distance the surface seal travels from the first position to the second position is less than about 0.015 inches and may be less than about 0.0075 inches. This short travel distance allows the valve to be actuated through a relatively short pull trigger. Mechanically actuated surface seal valve designs are used to overcome many of the problems encountered in the prior art. For example, other mechanical and pneumatic designs use radial seals in the actuated valve and thus require a much longer pull puller. Longer pull triggers typically result in misfired or misfeeds when the operator is unable to fully pull or fully release the trigger during operation.

Other conventional mechanical valve designs typically also require lubrication to move the needle that controls the flow of gas through the valve. Axis or other parts. The mechanical surface seal design in accordance with the principles of the present invention also eliminates the lubrication requirements of the moving parts of the valve and significantly reduces maintenance issues associated with pneumatic control valves. With this design, the life of the valve can also be significantly increased.

Various aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the present invention are possible without departing from the principles disclosed herein. Thus, the invention is not limited to any of the specific aspects, embodiments and configurations described herein.

118‧‧‧ Trigger assembly

130‧‧‧Cam assembly

131‧‧‧Upper cam

134‧‧‧ lower cam

131a‧‧‧Part gear (drive gear)

134a‧‧‧Part gear (cam gear)

100‧‧‧Mechanical pneumatic valve assembly

120‧‧‧ Trigger

128‧‧‧Steel connecting rod

150‧‧‧Spring (return mechanism)

131b‧‧ needle

140‧‧‧Valve Actuator

132‧‧‧Cam Actuator

110‧‧‧Pneumatic valve assembly

60‧‧‧ grip frame

55‧‧‧Installation board

136‧‧‧ cam

20‧‧‧Pneumatic gun

100A‧‧‧Laser and valve assembly

113a‧‧‧ Input埠

113b‧‧‧First output埠

113c‧‧‧second output埠

113d‧‧‧Emissions

110a‧‧‧ valve body

112‧‧‧Surface seals

122‧‧‧ Connection point

116a‧‧‧Pneumatic connector

116b‧‧‧Pneumatic connector

28a‧‧‧ first

28b‧‧‧Second

30‧‧‧Pneumatic mechanism (spool piston)

144‧‧‧End

40‧‧‧Compressed gas regulator

42‧‧‧Connector

30a‧‧‧Bolts

21‧‧‧ bullets

30c‧‧‧ firing valve

26‧‧‧Compressed gas storage chamber

24‧‧‧Feed tube

117a‧‧‧ openings

117b‧‧‧ openings

117‧‧‧ bolt

124‧‧‧ anchor point

16a‧‧‧Pneumatic connector

16b‧‧‧Pneumatic connector

The foregoing and additional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description Schematic perspective view of a trigger, cam and valve assembly disassembled from a pneumatic gun; FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional translucent side view of a grip frame assembly of a pneumatic gun having a trigger, cam and valve assembly in accordance with an additional principle of the present invention; Is used to connect the grip frame of Figure 2 with the mechanical trigger assembly A schematic side view of an adapter mount to a conventional electro-pneumatic paintball gun; Figures 4 and 5 are enlarged schematic side views of the cam and large cam from the assembly of Figure 2, respectively; Figure 6 is an assembly of the assembly of Figure 2. Figure 7 is an enlarged schematic side view of the trigger of the assembly of Figure 2; Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the left grip frame of the assembly of Figure 2; Figure 9 is the right side grip of the assembly of Figure 2 A schematic side view of a frame; FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a pneumatic gun having a trigger assembly and a mechanically actuated pneumatic valve in accordance with another embodiment incorporating features of the inventive concept; FIG. A schematic cross-sectional exploded view of the trigger and valve assembly removed from the pneumatic gun of FIG. 10 along with its pneumatic connector; FIG. 12 is a mechanically actuated pneumatic valve and trigger assembly disposed in the pneumatic gun of FIG. A schematic cross-sectional enlarged side view showing the mechanical pneumatic valve in an unactuated position; FIG. 13 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional enlarged side view of the mechanically actuated pneumatic valve and trigger assembly of the pneumatic gun of FIG. Mechanical pneumatic In an actuated position; Figure 14 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional side view of the mechanically actuated pneumatic valve of Figure 12 showing the flow path of compressed gas through a pneumatic valve in an unactuated (closed) position; Figure 15 Is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the mechanically actuated pneumatic valve of FIG. 12 showing the flow path of compressed gas through a pneumatic valve in an actuated (open) position; 16 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional side view showing a pneumatic component of a pneumatic gun in accordance with an additional principle of the present invention; FIGS. 17A-17E are some schematic cross-sectional side views of the pneumatic gun of FIG. 16 showing the present invention in accordance with the present invention. The operation of the pneumatic gun constructed with additional principles; Figure 17A illustrates the position of the compressed gas and pneumatic components in the gun body during a normal rest state, wherein the pneumatic gun is ready to begin the firing operation; Figure 17B illustrates the firing operation of the pneumatic gun The position of the compressed gas and pneumatic components during the compression; Figure 17C also illustrates the flow of compressed gas and the positioning of the pneumatic components during the firing operation of the pneumatic gun; Figure 17D illustrates the compressed gas passing through the pneumatic gun during the loading operation of the pneumatic gun Figure 17E also illustrates the flow of compressed gas and the positioning of pneumatic components during the loading operation; Figures 18 and 18A are respectively some of the mechanical pneumatic valves for the pneumatic gun of Figure 10 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. A schematic perspective view and an exploded perspective view; and FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a trigger for the pneumatic gun of FIG. 10 in accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention.

The various features, benefits, and advantages of the principles of the invention are disclosed and described in the following description. Configuration. Additional features, benefits, and configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure, and all such features, advantages and arrangements are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

Various illustrative embodiments will now be described in conjunction with the drawings. In an embodiment, for example, the components of the trigger assembly 118 can be made from stamped or molded parts. Specifically, the cam assembly 130 can be made of two stamped parts that are pressed together. The design shown in Figure 1 includes two cams 131 and 134 that include two mating portion gears 131a, 134a that can be produced much finer by stamping depending on the gear teeth, which can be molded or stamped. The size of the two gears 131a, 134a can be increased to suit production constraints as long as their relative ratio remains substantially constant. Other designs, such as a star wheel mechanism or other interconnect between the trigger and cam assembly, are also possible.

With particular reference to Figure 1, there is shown a mechanical trigger and valve assembly 100 that has been removed from a pneumatic gun. In Figure 1, mechanism 100 is shown in a resting or ready state. In this particular design, the trigger 120 is limited to a 7 degree angle of rotation. When the trigger 120 rotates, it pulls the lower cam 134 via the steel link 128, which thus rotates clockwise (CW) by approximately 55 degrees. The rotation of the lower gear 134a then rotates the upper portion gear 131a on the upper cam 131 in a counterclockwise (CCW) direction by about 200 degrees, thereby bringing the larger lobes (cam actuators) 132 of the cam to the pneumatic valve assembly 110. Below the circular piston (valve actuator) 140. As the upper cam 131 rotates, the tension spring (shown by dashed line 150) is stretched. When the gear is disengaged at approximately 200 degrees mark At this time, the spring 150 is fully stretched, but the needle 131b that connects the spring 150 to the upper cam 131 is now in an eccentric position and freely pulls the upper cam 131 around the remainder of the loop, causing the contact surface of the cam actuator 132 to collide. The valve actuator 140 is actuated. The cam actuator 132 is preferably designed and constructed to maintain the armature plate (within the valve 110) for an upward correct length of time such that the valve 100 remains open for a desired dwell time. The spring 150 preferably pulls the upper cam 131 up to the starting position so that the trigger 120 is ready for the next shot.

Of course, many variations of this particular design are possible. For example, the size and number of teeth in the gear can be modified as needed to achieve the objectives of the present invention. The return force provided by the spring may be supplemented or completely replaced by a magnetic force (eg, provided by a magnet of opposite polarity suitably positioned within the assembly). The gears can be completely eliminated, for example by using a star wheel mechanism or other design. A shoe approach can be used to pull the cam against spring torsion, the cam being designed and constructed to not contact the valve piston when it is pushed back to prevent the valve from opening during the toggle portion of the trigger. One way to accomplish this is to laterally offset the cam during the pull-up phase.

As mentioned earlier, one possible way to eliminate the gear is to use a star wheel mechanism. The star wheel mechanism is a gear mechanism that converts continuous rotation into intermittent rotary motion. The rotary drive wheel has a needle that extends into the slot of the driven wheel such that the driven wheel advances step by step. The drive wheel also has an elevated circular blocking disk with its driven wheel locked in place between the stages. In the most common arrangement, the driven wheel has four slots and thus advances by 90° for each rotation of the drive wheel. If the driven wheel has n slots, it is The complete rotation of each drive wheel is advanced by 360°/n.

In another alternative embodiment, a small striker and button mechanism can be used to actuate the valve actuator. The spring loaded striker can be constructed to impact a small mechanical valve needle or needle actuator. The mechanically operated pneumatic valve can then be constructed to form an operating bolt and firing mechanism to initiate the loading and firing of the pneumatic gun. The valve assembly can also be constructed to push the striker back to the engaged position for the next shot.

As mentioned earlier, electronically operated pneumatic guns are common in game and entertainment paintball games. One such electronically operated paintball gun is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 7,617,820. Among other things, the principles of the present invention provide a mechanism for converting an electro-pneumatic paintball gun such as the '820 patent into a mechanically operated pneumatic gun.

Referring now to Figures 2-9, a mechanically operated trigger assembly 118 for a pneumatic gun is provided in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. The trigger assembly preferably includes a trigger 120, a cam actuator 132, and a return mechanism 150 disposed in the grip frame 60 of the pneumatic gun. The trigger 120 can be constructed such that the cam actuator 132 pivots into contact with the valve actuator 140 to initiate a firing and loading operation of the pneumatic gun.

The trigger can interact with the cam actuator 132, for example, via a toothed interconnect (not shown), a star wheel mechanism (not shown), or other suitable mechanical linkage. The cam actuator 132 is preferably constructed to contact the valve actuator 140 for a sufficient length of time (residence time) during each pull trigger to allow the valve 110 to release a sufficient amount of compressed gas to activate the complete pneumatic gun. Shooting loop. This can be done, for example, by actuating the cam The contact surface of the body 132 is constructed to have a surface area sufficient to contact the valve actuator 140 for a sufficient length of time during each pull trigger. The toothed connector 130 can be constructed, for example, to maintain communication between the drive gear 134a and the cam gear 131a until after the cam actuator 132 has traveled a desired distance along the valve actuator 140, or until the cam actuator 132 It is in contact with the valve actuator 140. The input and output of valve 110 can be the same or similar, for example, to a typical electro-pneumatic paintball gun.

The return mechanism can include, for example, one or more springs 150 or one or more magnets (not shown) that are configured such that the cam mechanism 131 rotates sufficiently after each pull to return to its preparatory position. For example, the return mechanism can be a spring assembly 150 constructed to pull the cam mechanism 131 from the actuated position to the starting or preparatory position, the toothed cam surface 131a and the toothed trigger interconnect in the initial or preparatory position. 134a is engaged again. Alternatively or additionally, magnets of opposite polarity (not shown) may be used to apply a force that causes the cam assembly 131 to rotate from the firing position back to the preparatory position.

As shown in Figure 3, the mounting plate 55 can be constructed to provide a support structure for converting a conventional electro-pneumatic paintball gun into a mechanically actuated pneumatic paintball gun. For example, the mounting plate 55 can provide a mounting structure for attaching the trigger assembly 118 and the valve actuator 40 along with the modified grip frame 60 to the body of a typical electro-pneumatic paintball gun. Figures 5-9 provide additional illustrations of the cams 130, 134, 136 that can be used with the previous embodiment; the trigger 120 and the grip frame 60.

As can be seen from the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings, in combination with the original The rational design can be constructed to allow for greater control over the dwell time produced by the mechanical pneumatic marker. In particular, the cam actuator 132 can be used to provide contact with the valve actuator 140 for a sufficient duration to provide the bolts of the recirculating spool valve pneumatic gun design and to dump the contents of the compressed gas storage chamber. The specific dwell time required to shoot the paintball gun. Thus, this design differs from a general mechanical marker in that it merely provides control of the force used to knock the firing valve or "lift valve" to perform the firing operation of the pneumatic gun. Using a conventional poppet valve design, it is difficult, if not impossible, to provide sufficient dwell time for the bolts of the recirculating spool valve system because the spool design requires more time (ie, longer dwell time / valve actuation time) to allow the bolts The contents of the compressed gas storage chamber are completely dumped.

In an alternate embodiment, magnets of opposite polarity (not shown) may be placed on surface 132 of cam 131 and valve actuator 140. In this embodiment, the repulsive force between the magnet on cam 131 and the magnet on valve actuator 140 can be used to actuate valve actuator 140 as cam 131 rotates. Thus, this design can eliminate surface-surface contact between the cam 131 and the valve actuator 140, thereby eliminating friction and wear that occurs between the two portions.

In another embodiment, the trigger 120 can be constructed to actuate a pneumatic piston (not shown), which in turn actuates the valve actuator 140. In this embodiment, a pneumatic piston (not shown) may be in direct contact with the valve actuator 140 or a reverse polarity magnet (not shown) may be used to form the force to open the valve actuator 140. For example, the trigger mechanism 118 can be constructed to actuate a control valve that controls the operation of a pneumatic piston (not shown) (not shown) Out), or it can be constructed to directly drive a pneumatic piston. Thus, this embodiment can eliminate the need for the cam assembly 130 and its associated gear mechanism.

10-19 are various schematic views of a pneumatic gun 20 and components thereof constructed in accordance with another embodiment incorporating the principles of the inventive concepts. 10 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional side view of a pneumatic gun 20 having a mechanically actuated pneumatic valve 110 in accordance with another embodiment of features in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Figure 11 is a somewhat schematic exploded cross-sectional view showing the trigger and valve assembly 100A removed from the pneumatic gun of Figure 10 along with its pneumatic connectors 16a, 16b. 12 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional enlarged side view of the mechanically actuated pneumatic valve and trigger assembly 100A disposed in the pneumatic gun 20 of FIG. 10, showing the mechanical pneumatic valve 110 in an unactuated position. 13 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional, enlarged side elevational view of the mechanically actuated pneumatic valve and trigger assembly 100A of the pneumatic gun 20 of FIG. 10 showing the mechanical pneumatic valve 110 in an actuated position. 14 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional side view of the mechanically actuated pneumatic valve 110 of FIG. 12 showing the flow path of compressed gas through the pneumatic valve 110 in an unactuated (closed) position. 15 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional side view of the mechanically actuated pneumatic valve 110 of FIG. 12 showing the flow path of compressed gas through the pneumatic valve 110 in an actuated (open) position.

Referring first to Figures 10-15, a mechanically actuated pneumatic paintball gun 20, in accordance with an embodiment of the present inventive concepts, preferably includes a mechanically actuated pneumatic valve 110 having a surface seal design. The mechanically actuated pneumatic valve 110 can include an input that receives compressed gas from a compressed gas regulator. 113a and one or more outputs 埠 113b, 113c. In operation, compressed gas may be continuously supplied from the input port 113a to the first output port 113b. The surface seal 112 may be disposed in the valve body 110a and constructed to move between the two positions. In the first position, the surface seal 112 may allow compressed gas to be supplied from the input port 113a to the second output port 113c. In the second position, the surface seal 112 may discharge compressed gas from the second output port 113c via the exhaust port 113d in the valve body 110a.

An actuator 140, such as a needle or needle actuator, can be constructed and arranged to move the surface seal 112 from a first position to a second position, such as during a pull trigger. The contact surface 132 of the trigger 120 can be configured to contact the valve actuator 140 and move it from a first position to a second position. When the trigger 120 is released, the spring 150 (or other return mechanism, such as a magnet of opposite polarity, etc.) can cause the trigger to return to its rest position, waiting for another pull trigger. In the case of the spring 150, one end of the spring 150 can be coupled to the attachment point 122 of the trigger 120 and the other end can be coupled to the grip frame 60.

Pneumatic connectors 116a, 116b can be coupled to corresponding suitable turns 28a, 28b in pneumatic gun 20. The first pneumatic connector 116a may be coupled to the first weir 28a for transferring compressed gas between the second output port 113c of the valve 110 and the first weir 28a, the first weir 28a and the aerodynamics disposed in the paintball gun 20. The front end portion of the mechanism 30 is in communication. The second pneumatic connector 116b can be coupled to the second weir 28b for transferring compressed gas from the first output weir 113b to the rear end of the pneumatic mechanism 30.

Referring now specifically to Figures 14 and 15, when the mechanical pneumatic valve 110 When not actuated (i.e., in its normal resting state), the valve 110 is closed, thereby allowing compressed gas entering the valve 110 from the regulator via the input port 113a to be supplied through the second output port 113c. The compressed gas from the regulator is also continuously supplied to the first output port 113b. When the mechanical pneumatic valve 110 is actuated (ie, actuated by upward movement of the valve actuator 140), the surface seal 112 sits against the inlet sidewall to prevent gas from the input weir 113a from entering the interior. The valve chamber is also delivered to the second output port 113c. At the same time, the exhaust gas enthalpy 113d is opened by the movement of the surface seal 112 moving away from the outlet side wall and the compressed gas in communication with the second output port 113c is discharged from the valve 110 via the output port 113d. For example, the end 144 of the valve actuator 140 can be disposed within the receptacle of the surface seal 112 or can be configured to contact the surface seal 112 or another component that is coupled to the surface seal 112 to cause the surface seal 112 moves between the first and second positions.

Referring to Figures 14 and 15, in this embodiment, the distance the surface seal 112 travels from the first position to the second position can be less than about 0.015 inches. The preferred travel distance of the surface seal 112 is less than about 0.0075 inches, but can be, for example, in the range between about 0.005 inches and 0.025 inches. By maintaining a small surface seal travel distance, only a short stroke puller is required and the force required to open the mechanically actuated pneumatic valve is small. This in turn helps to minimize the possibility of the pneumatic gun not firing or misfeeding. In addition, the use of a surface seal valve design eliminates the need for a lubrication valve operating mechanism, thereby significantly reducing maintenance issues associated with pneumatic control valves.

16-17E are diagrams illustrating additional principles in accordance with the present invention. A somewhat schematic cross-sectional side view of the pneumatic components of the pneumatic gun 20. Referring now to FIGS. 10-17E, in a pneumatic gun embodiment, compressed gas having a selected pressure may be supplied to the pneumatic gun 20 from a compressed gas regulator 40 that is coupled to the pneumatic gun 20 via a connector 42. The supply source receives the compressed gas. In this embodiment, the compressed gas from the regulator 40 is supplied to a mechanical pneumatic valve 110, which in turn supplies a constant supply of compressed gas to the storage chamber of the pneumatic gun 20 via the rear weir 28b. Room 26. As shown in Figure 17A, the pneumatic valve 110 can also be constructed to pass a selected pressure of compressed gas from the compressed gas regulator through the second output port 113c and the front gun when the surface seal 112 is disposed in its first unactuated position. The weir 28a is supplied to the first (e.g., forward facing) surface of the spool piston 30. The compressed gas acting on the first surface of the spool piston 30 can overcome the aerodynamic or spring force acting on the second (e.g., rearward facing) surface of the spool piston 30. In this state, the air gun 20 is loaded and ready to fire when the bullet 21 is placed in the loading chamber in front of the bolt 30a.

In this embodiment, the spool piston 30 may include a bolt 30a and a firing valve 30c. The first surface may be a forwardly facing surface, and the aerodynamic force acting on the first surface resists aerodynamic forces from the compressed gas storage chamber acting on the second rearward facing piston surface region to maintain the bolt in the rear position . Thus, the area of the second surface is preferably smaller than the area of the first surface.

The trigger 120 can be constructed with a contact surface or actuator 132 that is configured to interface with the valve actuator 140 or valve pin of the pneumatic valve 110. touch. When the trigger 120 is pulled, its contact surface 132 contacts the valve actuator or needle 140 to move the surface seal 112 from the first position to the second position. In the second position, the compressed gas is prevented from being supplied from the compressed gas regulator 40 to the second output port 113c, and the gas from the second output port 113c is discharged through the exhaust port 113d in the valve body 110a.

When the second output port 113c is in communication with the front surface of the piston and the valve 110 is open, the gas then drains from the region in communication with the front surface of the piston, and the force on the second rear surface of the piston drives the bolt 30 forward. The bolt 30 then moves to its front firing position (Fig. 17C), and the firing valve 30c opens to allow compressed gas from the compressed gas storage chamber 26 to pass through the firing valve 30c and through the weir disposed in the bolt 30a (not shown) The discharge is to fire the bullet 21 from the gun 20.

Once the trigger 120 is released, the pneumatic pressure (or spring or other biasing force) causes the valve seal 112 to return to its first position (ie, closed) and the compressed gas is again directed to the front surface area of the pneumatic piston 30. The force on the front surface area is preferably greater than the force acting on the back surface area (i.e., a constant supply of compressed gas from the compressed gas storage area). The bolt 30a thus moves rearward, allowing the paintball or other bullet 21 to fall into the loading area by the loading or feeding tube 24, and the firing valve 30c is closed. The gun 20 is then charged and loaded and ready for another shooting cycle.

18 and 18A are some schematic perspective and exploded perspective views of the mechanical pneumatic valve 110 for the pneumatic gun 20 of Fig. 10, respectively. Referring to Figures 18 and 18A, the valve body 110a may include two halves that are fastened together by screws 117, the screws 117 being through openings in the two halves of the valve body 117a, 117b screwed in. A surface seal 112 may be disposed at the center of the disk 114 having a weir 114a disposed through the disk 114 to allow free flow of compressed gas between opposite sides of the disk 114. The disk 114 can help maintain the surface seal 112 centered within the valve body 110a as the surface seal 112 moves up and down.

19 is a somewhat schematic perspective view of the trigger 120 for the pneumatic gun 20 of FIG. Referring to Figures 10 and 19, the trigger 120 can be disposed in the grip 60 of the paintball gun 20 such that it can be rotated about the anchor point 124 by a predetermined distance. The angle of rotation is preferably sufficient to allow the contact surface 132 of the trigger to contact the valve actuator 140 and move the valve actuator 140 a distance sufficient to open the valve 110 and actuate the firing sequence of the pneumatic gun 20. It should be noted that the terms "open" and "closed" for pneumatic valve 110 are relative terms and are used interchangeably to refer to various positions of valve 110 during operation.

The principles of the present invention have been described and illustrated in the preferred embodiments of the invention.

110‧‧‧Pneumatic valve assembly

60‧‧‧ grip frame

20‧‧‧Pneumatic gun

30‧‧‧Pneumatic mechanism (spool piston)

40‧‧‧Compressed gas regulator

42‧‧‧Connector

26‧‧‧Compressed gas storage chamber

24‧‧‧Feed tube

Claims (19)

A mechanical pneumatic valve for a pneumatic gun, comprising: a body comprising a plurality of cymbals for communicating compressed gas, the plurality of cymbals comprising an exhaust enthalpy; a contact surface surrounding the exhaust enthalpy; a surface seal that is configured to abut against the contact surface of the exhaust port and seal the exhaust port when the mechanical pneumatic valve is in an unactuated state; and a mechanically actuated valve actuator, Constructed to actuate the mechanical pneumatic valve when the mechanical pneumatic valve is operatively disposed within the pneumatic gun, wherein the valve actuator is constructed to form the surface seal without the need to follow the exhaust manifold Sliding the contact surface moves the surface seal away from the contact surface of the exhaust port for discharging compressed gas through the exhaust port. The mechanical pneumatic valve of claim 1, further comprising a contact surface surrounding an inner bore. A mechanical pneumatic valve according to claim 2, wherein the surface seal is constructed such that when the valve is actuated, the surface seal can seal the interior without sliding along the contact surface of the inner bore. The contact surface. The mechanical pneumatic valve of claim 1, wherein the plurality of crucibles are configured to deliver compressed gas to the valve and to be transported away from the valve, the plurality of crucibles further comprising: an input crucible; Multiple output ports; and An interior is disposed between the inlet port and at least one of the output ports and between the input port and the exhaust port. A mechanical pneumatic valve according to claim 4, further comprising a contact surface surrounding the inner bore. A mechanical pneumatic valve according to claim 5, wherein the surface seal is constructed such that when the mechanical pneumatic valve is actuated, the surface seal can be sealed without sliding along the contact surface of the inner bore. The contact surface of the inner crucible. A mechanical pneumatic valve according to claim 4, wherein the mechanical pneumatic valve is constructed to supply compressed gas from the input port to the output when the mechanical pneumatic valve is in an unactuated state. At least one of them. The mechanical pneumatic valve of claim 7, wherein the mechanical pneumatic valve is constructed to block the supply of compressed gas from the input port to the at least one output when the mechanical pneumatic valve is in an actuated state.埠 and discharging compressed gas from the valve body. A mechanical pneumatic valve according to claim 4, wherein the mechanical pneumatic valve is constructed to continuously supply a quantity of compressed gas received from the input port to the at least during operation of the mechanical pneumatic valve An output 埠. A mechanical pneumatic valve according to claim 1 wherein the valve actuator is configured to physically contact the surface seal and move the surface seal away from the contact surface of the exhaust port. For example, the mechanical pneumatic valve of claim 10, wherein The valve actuator includes a needle or needle actuator configured to physically contact the surface seal of the pneumatic valve through an opening of the body of the mechanical pneumatic valve. A mechanical pneumatic valve according to claim 10, wherein the valve actuator includes an actuator head configured to be contacted by a trigger actuator when it is operatively disposed within the pneumatic gun . The mechanical pneumatic valve of claim 1, wherein the valve actuator comprises a needle or a needle actuator having a first end and a second end, the first end providing a body for Contacting the actuator head of the trigger of the pneumatic gun, the second end extending through an opening in the body of the mechanical pneumatic valve, wherein the second end is constructed to cause the valve actuator to be The surface seal of the mechanical pneumatic valve is moved while moving. A mechanical pneumatic valve comprising: a body comprising a plurality of weirs for conveying compressed gas into the valve and transporting away from the valve, wherein the plurality of weirs comprise: an input port; an output port; a row a gas chamber; and an internal crucible disposed between the input port and the at least one output port and between the input port and the exhaust port; a first contact surface surrounding the inner crucible; surrounding the exhaust a second contact surface of the crucible; a surface seal configured to abut the second contact surface and seal the exhaust gas when the mechanical pneumatic valve is in an unactuated state; a valve actuator configured to physically contact the surface seal when the mechanical pneumatic valve is actuated and to seal the surface seal after the surface seal does not need to slide along the second contact surface Moving away from the second contact surface for discharging compressed gas from the exhaust enthalpy. A mechanical pneumatic valve according to claim 14 wherein the surface seal is constructed to abut the first contact surface and block the flow of compressed gas through the inner bore when the valve is in the actuated position. A mechanical pneumatic valve according to claim 14 wherein the valve actuator comprises a needle or needle actuator configured to physically contact the opening of the body of the mechanical pneumatic valve The surface seal of the pneumatic valve. A mechanical pneumatic valve according to claim 14 wherein the valve actuator includes an actuator head configured to be contacted by a trigger actuator when it is operatively disposed within an operating device . The mechanical pneumatic valve of claim 14, wherein the valve actuator comprises: a needle or a needle actuator having a first end, the first end providing a physical contact for an operation An actuator head of the actuator of the apparatus, the mechanical pneumatic valve being disposed therein; and a second end extending through an opening in the body of the mechanical pneumatic valve, wherein the The two ends are configured to move the surface seal of the mechanical pneumatic valve when the valve actuator is actuated. A mechanically actuated pneumatic valve comprising: a body comprising a plurality of weirs for conveying compressed gas, wherein The plurality of ports include: an input port; one or more output ports; an exhaust port; and an internal port disposed between the input port and the at least one output port of the output ports and the input port And a first contact surface surrounding the inner bore; a second contact surface surrounding the exhaust bore; a surface seal constructed to abut the second contact surface and Sealing the exhaust manifold when the mechanical pneumatic valve is in an unactuated state, the surface seal being further configured to abut the first contact surface when the mechanically actuated pneumatic valve is in an actuated state Sealing the inner bore; and a valve actuator comprising a needle or needle actuator having a first end that provides an actuator for physically contacting an operating device a mechanical head valve is disposed in the operating device, and a second end extending through an opening in the body of the mechanical pneumatic valve, wherein the second end is constructed and The seal is in physical contact and can be along the surface seal without following the The lower contact surface of the sliding surface of the sealing member can be moved away from the second contact surface for the compressed gas discharged from the exhaust port.