WO2007102990A2 - Ensemble boulon pneumatique et soupape d'actionnement - Google Patents

Ensemble boulon pneumatique et soupape d'actionnement Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007102990A2
WO2007102990A2 PCT/US2007/004494 US2007004494W WO2007102990A2 WO 2007102990 A2 WO2007102990 A2 WO 2007102990A2 US 2007004494 W US2007004494 W US 2007004494W WO 2007102990 A2 WO2007102990 A2 WO 2007102990A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bolt
compressed gas
firing valve
firing
valve
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2007/004494
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2007102990A3 (fr
Inventor
Danial Jones
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Smart Parts Inc
Original Assignee
Smart Parts Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Smart Parts Inc filed Critical Smart Parts Inc
Publication of WO2007102990A2 publication Critical patent/WO2007102990A2/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Publication of WO2007102990A3 publication Critical patent/WO2007102990A3/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
    • F41B11/70—Details not provided for in F41B11/50 or F41B11/60
    • F41B11/72—Valves; Arrangement of valves
    • F41B11/721—Valves; Arrangement of valves for controlling gas pressure for both firing the projectile and for loading or feeding
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
    • F41B11/70—Details not provided for in F41B11/50 or F41B11/60
    • F41B11/71—Electric or electronic control systems, e.g. for safety purposes

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to pneumatic guns, such as paintball guns (“markers”), and their operating components. More particularly, this invention relates to pneumatic components used to load a projectile into and fire the projectile from a pneumatic gun.
  • markings paintball guns
  • a marker In the sport of paintball, it is generally desirable to have a marker that is as small and light as possible. Smaller and lighter markers increase a player's mobility. Players benefit from increased mobility by being able to move more quickly from bunker to bunker, making it easier to avoid being hit. Further, in paintball, the marker is treated as an extension of the body such that a hit to the marker counts as a hit to the player. It is desirable, therefore, to have a paintball gun with as small a profile as possible while maintaining or improving the performance of the marker, such as firing rate, accuracy, and gas efficiency.
  • the size of the paintball gun is generally related to the size and number of operating components that must be housed within the paintball gun body.
  • paintball marker or other pneumatic gun
  • a paintball marker or other pneumatic gun
  • the cost savings can then be passed on to the consumer.
  • the industry is in need of a small, light, and inexpensive paintball marker (or other pneumatic gun) that provides reliable and efficient operation.
  • the bolt back preferably includes a pneumatic passageway that conveys compressed gas between the valve chamber and a compressed gas input/output port.
  • the gas input/output port is preferably arranged to receive a supply of compressed gas from a supply port in the pneumatic housing.
  • the pneumatic passageway communicates the compressed gas from the input/output port to the valve chamber.
  • a plurality of bolt ports are preferably arranged through a sidewall of the bolt back in communication with the valve chamber to convey compressed gas from the valve chamber into a compressed gas storage chamber (area).
  • the bolt front preferably has a hollow passageway (firing port) formed through the bolt front to convey compressed gas from the compressed gas storage area through the firing valve chamber and into a breech of the paintball gun to launch a paintball during a firing operation.
  • a rearward end of the bolt front preferably connects to a forward end of the bolt back, such as through a threaded or other secure engagement.
  • the rearward end of the bolt front is preferably received in the valve chamber of the bolt back and preferably includes a valve seat.
  • the firing valve is preferably arranged in the valve chamber proximal to the valve seat.
  • the firing valve is preferably formed of rubber or other resilient material that provides some rigidity but also some degree of flexibility and also provides an adequate gas seal. More particularly, when filling the compressed gas storage chamber, a center portion of the firing valve preferably seats within the valve seat of the bolt front in a sealing relationship to seal off the firing port. An edge of the firing valve preferably extends beyond the side of the rearward end of the bolt front. The edge of the firing valve is preferably readily deformable in one direction such that compressed gas supplied to the valve chamber behind the firing valve will deform the edge of the valve toward the rearward end of the bolt front and permit the compressed gas to flow past the firing valve, through the bolt ports, and into the compressed gas storage chamber.
  • the gas input/output port of the bolt back is preferably arranged in communication with a vent to exhaust the compressed gas from the valve chamber behind the firing valve.
  • the compressed gas behind the valve When the compressed gas behind the valve is exhausted, the compressed gas from the compressed gas storage chamber engages the edge of the firing valve to push the valve rearward.
  • a rearward end of the firing valve is preferably arranged to seat in the back of the firing valve chamber in a sealing relationship within an opening to the pneumatic passageway to prevent compressed gas from the compressed gas storage chamber from exiting through the input/output port.
  • the bolt may further include a pneumatic piston arranged as part of the bolt itself, or as a separate mechanism connected to the bolt.
  • Compressed gas is preferably selectively supplied and vented from piston surface areas through a mechanical or electro-pneumatic valving mechanism to move the bolt between its forward and rearward positions.
  • FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a bolt assembly and firing valve arranged in a pneumatic housing, such as a paintball gun body, according to one embodiment incorporating principles of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional side view of the bolt assembly and firing valve of FIG. 1 , shown with the bolt disposed in a forward (e.g. , closed) position with a firing valve in a non-firing position;
  • FIG. 4 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional side view of the bolt assembly and firing valve of FIG. 1, shown with the firing valve in a open (e.g., firing) position;
  • FIGS. 1-4 are cross-sectional views of a bolt and firing valve assembly 20 arranged in a pneumatic housing 12 in a paintball gun body 10, illustrating various principles of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view with the bolt 22 in an open (loading) position to permit loading of a paintball (not shown) into the paintball gun 10.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view also showing the bolt 22 in an open position.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross- sectional side view similar to FIG. 2, but with the bolt 22 shown in a closed position and with the firing valve 24 shown in a non-firing (closed) position.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view similar to FIG.
  • a pneumatic paintball gun (or other pneumatic gun) 10 can include a pneumatic housing 12 and a bolt and firing valve assembly 20.
  • the bolt and firing valve assembly 20 can be arranged within the pneumatic housing 12 in a sliding relationship.
  • the pneumatic housing 12 can include a compressed gas storage area (chamber) 14 and a plurality of ports 16, 18.
  • the bolt and firing valve assembly 20 preferably includes a bolt 22 having a bolt front 22a and a bolt back 22b, with a firing valve 24 arranged in a firing valve chamber 25.
  • a plurality of ports and passageways 26, 28 can also be arranged inside the bolt and firing valve assembly 20 to direct a flow of compressed gas within the assembly 20.
  • a plurality of o-rings 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d, 19e are preferably provided in the pneumatic housing 12 to help direct the flow of compressed gas into the appropriate areas and prevent compressed gas from flowing into other undesired areas.
  • the bolt back 22b preferably includes a valve chamber 25 arranged in a forward portion 22c of the bolt back 22b.
  • a pneumatic passageway 26 can, for instance, be formed as a longitudinal passage through the bolt back and preferably conveys compressed gas between the valve chamber 25 and a compressed gas input/output port 28. With the bolt 22 in a rearward position, the gas inpul/output port 28 is preferably arranged to receive a supply of compressed gas from a supply port 18 in the pneumatic housing 12.
  • a plurality of bolt ports 29 can be arranged through a sidewall of the bolt back 22b to communicate compressed gas from the valve chamber to the compressed gas storage area 14.
  • the bolt front 22a preferably comprises a substantially cylindrical member having a hollow passageway formed longitudinally through the bolt front 22a to provide a firing port 23.
  • a rearward portion 22d of the bolt front 22a preferably connects to a forward portion 22c of the bolt back 22b, such as through a threaded engagement.
  • the rearward portion 22d of the bolt front 22a is preferably received in the valve chamber 25 of the bolt back 22b and has an opening 22e providing a valve seat.
  • the firing valve 24 is preferably arranged in the valve chamber 25 proximal to the valve seat 22e.
  • the firing valve 24 is preferably formed of rubber or some other resilient material that provides sufficient rigidity while also providing flexibility where desired.
  • a seal 24c arranged on center portion of a forward facing side 24a of the firing valve 24 preferably seats within the valve seat 22e and seals off the firing port 23.
  • An edge 24e of the firing valve 24 preferably extends beyond the side of the rearward end 22d of the bolt front 22a.
  • the edge 24e of the firing valve 24 is preferably deformable in one direction such that compressed gas supplied to the valve chamber 25 behind the firing valve 24 can deform the edge 24e of the valve 24 around the rearward end 22d of the bolt front 22a and permit the compressed gas to flow past the firing valve 24, through the bolt ports 29, and into the compressed gas storage chamber 14.
  • the firing valve 24 preferably prevents the flow of compressed gas in the opposite direction from the compressed gas storage area 14 into the passageway 26.
  • other unidirectional valving mechanisms could also be used to permit the flow of compressed gas from the input/output port 28 into the compressed gas storage area 14 while preventing the flow of compressed gas in the opposite direction. Referring specifically to FIGS.
  • the input/output port 28 of the bolt back 22b is preferably arranged in communication with a vent 16 to exhaust the compressed gas from the valve chamber 25 behind the firing valve 24.
  • the compressed gas behind the valve 24 is exhausted, the compressed gas from the compressed gas storage chamber 14 engages the edge 24e of the firing valve 24 and pushes the valve 24 rearward.
  • the valve 24 moves rearward, it is unseated from the valve seat 22e of the bolt front 22a and compressed gas from the compressed gas storage chamber 14 is permitted to exit the paintball gun 10 through the firing port 23 in the bolt front 22a.
  • a seal 24d on the rearward side 24b of the firing valve is preferably arranged in the rearward portion of the firing valve chamber 25 to seat within and seal off an opening 26a to the pneumatic passageway 26 to prevent compressed gas from the compressed gas storage chamber 14 from exiting through the input/output port 28.
  • the bolt and firing valve assembly 20 may include a pneumatic piston (not shown) arranged as part of the bolt 22 itself, or as a separate mechanism connected to the bolt 22. Compressed gas can be selectively supplied to and vented from surface areas of the piston through a mechanical or electro-pneumatic valving mechanism (not shown) to move the bolt and firing valve assembly 20 between a forward and rearward position and thereby perform the loading and firing operations of the paintball gun 10.
  • the valving mechanism can be a solenoid valve (such as a three-way solenoid valve), a mechanical valve, or other valving mechanism.
  • a solenoid valve such as a three-way solenoid valve
  • the valve preferably communicates with the trigger to vent the compressed gas away from the forward bolt piston surface area in response to a trigger pull.
  • an electronic circuit is preferably provided to control the operation of the solenoid valve based on actuation of a trigger mechanism.
  • a switch such as a microswitch or other switching device, is preferably arranged in communication with the trigger to send an actuation signal to the electronic circuit in response to a pull of the trigger.
  • a power source is also preferably provided to supply power to the electronic circuit and solenoid valve.
  • the valving mechanism preferably vents compressed gas away from a forward bolt piston surface area in response to a firing signal from the circuit board.
  • compressed gas is preferably supplied to the paintball gun 10 from a compressed gas container (not shown) through a pressure regulator (also not shown).
  • the compressed gas is preferably directed from the pressure regulator to the mechanical or electro- pneumatic valving mechanism and to a supply port 18 for feeding compressed gas into the compressed gas storage area 14.
  • Compressed gas can be transferred through the valving mechanism to a forward surface area of the bolt piston to push the bolt and firing valve assembly 20 to a rearward position.
  • the gas supply port 18 is preferably allowed to rapidly transmit compressed gas into the input/output port 28. More particularly, the gas supplied to the input/output port 28 is transmitted through the pneumatic passage 26 into the valve chamber 25. The compressed gas thereafter deforms the outer edge 24e of the firing valve 24 to flow past the edge 24e of the valve 24, through the bolt ports 29, and into compressed gas storage area 14.
  • a trigger mechanism can be configured to operate the paintball gun 10 using the valving mechanism (also not shown).
  • the valving mechanism preferably vents compressed gas away from the forward piston surface area of the bolt. Compressed gas is preferably applied to a rearward surface area of the bolt piston.
  • the pressure applied to the rearward bolt piston surface area preferably causes the bolt and firing valve assembly 20 to move to a forward position, as shown in FIG. 3.
  • a sealing member 19d arranged in the pneumatic housing 12 preferably prevents compressed gas from the supply port 18 from, entering the input/output port 28.
  • the input/output port 28 is preferably arranged in communication with an exhaust port 16 in the pneumatic housing 12 to vent compressed gas away from a rearward portion of the valve chamber 25.
  • the pressure applied to the rearward surface 24b of the firing valve 24 is relieved, compressed gas from the compressed gas storage chamber 14 acting on the edge 24e of the firing valve 24 forces it rearward in the valve chamber 25, as shown in FIG. 4.
  • valve 24 may be configured to permit compressed gas to flow forward past the edge 24e of the valve toward a compressed gas storage area but substantially prevent the flow of compressed gas in the opposite direction past the valve 24.
  • a recessed area 24f is preferably arranged between the center seal 24c and the edge 24e to permit flexing of the edge 24e in the direction of the forward side 24a.
  • a rearward seal 24d can be arranged on the rearward side 24b of the firing valve to seal off a passageway 26 in the rearward portion of the valve chamber 25 (see FIG. 4).
  • FIG. 6 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional side view of a paintball gun body 100 having a firing valve 124 constructed according to principles of the present invention in an alternative embodiment.
  • the firing valve 124 can be arranged in a lower portion 102 of the paintball gun 100, rather than as part of the bolt assembly (not shown).
  • compressed gas is supplied to the compressed gas storage chamber 114 around an edge 124e of the firing valve 124.
  • compressed gas pressure is relieved from an opposing surface 124b to permit the firing valve 124 to unseat itself from a valve seat 104 and permit compressed gas to enter the bolt (not shown) and fire the gun 100.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

L'ensemble boulon pour un pistolet à billes de peinture pneumatique selon l'invention comprend de préférence une face de boulon, une soupape d'actionnement et un dos de boulon. Le dos de boulon comprend de préférence une chambre de soupape et un passage pneumatique reliant la chambre de soupape à un port d'entrée/sortie. La face de boulon est de préférence reliée à une extrémité avant du dos de boulon en communication avec la chambre de soupape. La soupape d'actionnement est de préférence installée dans la chambre de soupape. Une pluralité de ports de boulon peut être formée dans le dos de boulon en communication fluidique avec la chambre de soupape pour transférer du gaz comprimé à une chambre de stockage de gaz comprimé et à partir de celle-ci. Dans une position avant, le gaz comprimé peut être amené à une partie arrière de la chambre de soupape à partir du port d'entrée/de sortie à travers le passage pneumatique. La soupape d'actionnement peut être poussée vers l'avant par la pression pneumatique et se loger à l'intérieur d'un siège de soupape formé dans une extrémité arrière de la face de soupape. La pression pneumatique déforme de préférence davantage un bord de la soupape d'actionnement et remplit la chambre de stockage de gaz comprimé, et dans une position arrière, le gaz comprimé est de préférence évacué hors de la partie arrière de la chambre de soupape à travers le port d'entrée/de sortie. La soupape d'actionnement est de préférence entraînée vers l'arrière par le gaz comprimé dans la chambre de stockage de gaz comprimé et est délogée de la face de soupape. Le gaz comprimé peut ainsi s'échapper à travers la face de boulon et projeter une bille de peinture hors du pistolet à billes de peinture. L'extrémité arrière de la soupape d'actionnement peut de préférence se loger dans la partie arrière de la chambre de soupape d'actionnement pour boucher le passage pneumatique et empêcher le gaz comprimé de s'échapper de la chambre de stockage de gaz comprimé à travers le port d'entrée/de sortie.
PCT/US2007/004494 2006-03-08 2007-02-21 Ensemble boulon pneumatique et soupape d'actionnement Ceased WO2007102990A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US78056406P 2006-03-08 2006-03-08
US60/780,564 2006-03-08
US11/673,157 US20070209649A1 (en) 2006-03-08 2007-02-09 Bolt assembly and firing valve
US11/673,157 2007-02-09

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007102990A2 true WO2007102990A2 (fr) 2007-09-13
WO2007102990A3 WO2007102990A3 (fr) 2008-10-23

Family

ID=38475337

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2007/004494 Ceased WO2007102990A2 (fr) 2006-03-08 2007-02-21 Ensemble boulon pneumatique et soupape d'actionnement

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20070209649A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007102990A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7886731B2 (en) 2002-03-06 2011-02-15 Kee Action Sports I Llc Compressed gas gun having reduced breakaway-friction and high pressure dynamic separable seal flow control device
US7237545B2 (en) 2002-03-06 2007-07-03 Aj Acquisition I Llc Compressed gas-powered projectile accelerator
US8413644B2 (en) 2002-03-06 2013-04-09 Kee Action Sports I Llc Compressed gas gun having reduced breakaway-friction and high pressure dynamic separable seal and flow control and valving device
US7708002B2 (en) * 2005-03-25 2010-05-04 Martin Gerardo Pressurized air shooting device
USD587766S1 (en) 2006-07-20 2009-03-03 Kee Action Sports I Llc Paintball field marker
US20080216806A1 (en) * 2007-03-09 2008-09-11 Shu-Mei Tseng Blowgun
US20140026878A1 (en) * 2012-07-30 2014-01-30 Danial Jones Pneumatically timed control unit for a gas operated projectile launching device

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5613483A (en) * 1995-11-09 1997-03-25 Lukas; Michael A. Gas powered gun
US5778868A (en) * 1997-02-03 1998-07-14 K.K.M. Inc. Pneumatic gun
US6644295B2 (en) * 2001-07-03 2003-11-11 Smart Parts, Inc. Pneumatic assembly for a paintball gun
US7617820B2 (en) * 2004-06-15 2009-11-17 Smart Parts, Inc. Pneumatic paintball gun
US7185646B2 (en) * 2003-10-27 2007-03-06 Smart Parts, Inc. Pneumatic assembly for a paintball gun
US20070151549A1 (en) * 2005-12-01 2007-07-05 Aj Acquisitions I Llc Paintball marker
US20070163562A1 (en) * 2006-01-19 2007-07-19 Yiauguo Gan Gas gun having pneumatic driving device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2007102990A3 (fr) 2008-10-23
US20070209649A1 (en) 2007-09-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7461646B2 (en) Bolt for pneumatic paintball gun
US7617820B2 (en) Pneumatic paintball gun
US7610908B2 (en) Pneumatically operated projectile launching device
US7866308B2 (en) Pneumatic paintball gun with volume restrictor
US8176908B2 (en) Variable pneumatic sear for paintball gun
US20030005918A1 (en) Pneumatic assembly for a paintball gun
US7556032B2 (en) Pneumatic paintball gun
US20070209649A1 (en) Bolt assembly and firing valve
CA2304621A1 (fr) Dispositif de lancement de projectiles a commande pneumatique
WO2007139934A2 (fr) Soupape autorégulatrice
US7735479B1 (en) Hollow tube paintball marker
US20050155591A1 (en) Electronically controlled gas-powered guns for firing paintballs
US6990971B1 (en) Pneumatically amplified trigger actuator for a gas operated marker gun
US20050166747A1 (en) Pneumatic apparatus for actuating a second valve device (such as a high or low-pressure valve system) useful in applications such as opening the valve of an air-powered projectile-launching machine

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 07751265

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2