U.S. patent application number 09/413320 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-21 for electronically actuated trigger mechanism for compressed gas powered weapons or the like.
Invention is credited to HATCHER, FOREST, KOTSIOPOULOS, THOMAS G..
Application Number | 20020170551 09/413320 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26800155 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020170551 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOTSIOPOULOS, THOMAS G. ; et
al. |
November 21, 2002 |
ELECTRONICALLY ACTUATED TRIGGER MECHANISM FOR COMPRESSED GAS
POWERED WEAPONS OR THE LIKE
Abstract
A compressed gas powered gun includes an electronic actuator to
achieve greater efficiency in the operation of the gun. In one
aspect, the gun is operable in either a manually operating mode or
an electronically operating mode.
Inventors: |
KOTSIOPOULOS, THOMAS G.;
(PROSPECT HEIGHTS, IL) ; HATCHER, FOREST; (FLAGLER
BEACH, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEYDIG VOIT & MAYER LTD
WESLEY O MUELLER
TWO PRUDENTIAL PLAZA
SUITE 4900
CHICAGO
IL
606016780
|
Family ID: |
26800155 |
Appl. No.: |
09/413320 |
Filed: |
October 6, 1999 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60103171 |
Oct 6, 1998 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
124/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 11/57 20130101;
F41B 11/71 20130101; F41B 11/723 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/54 |
International
Class: |
F41B 015/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An electronically actuating compressed gas firing system
operable in a first mode to discharge a projectile from a barrel of
a gun or the like and a second mode to reload the gun, the firing
system being powered by a compressed gas source which provides
compressed gas at an inlet, the firing system comprising: a firing
chamber disposed to receive compressed gas from the compressed gas
source for supplying compressed gas to expel the projectile through
the barrel when the firing system is in the first mode; a flow
valve disposed between the inlet and the firing chamber, the flow
valve being movable between an open position in the first mode of
the firing system wherein compressed gas is permitted to flow from
the compressed gas source to the firing chamber and a closed
position in the second mode of the firing system wherein the firing
chamber is isolated from the gas source so as to maintain a
preselected pressure in the firing chamber; a bolt assembly
operable to seal the firing chamber when the firing system is in
the second mode and to direct compressed gas discharged from the
firing chamber toward the projectile when the firing system is in
the first mode; an electronic actuator; and an electronic control
circuit operable to provide control signals to the electronic
actuator, thereby operatively releasing the bolt assembly when the
firing system is in the second mode.
2. The firing system of claim 1 wherein the control signals permit
firing of a single shot.
3. The firing system of claim 1 wherein the control signals permit
automatic firing of projectiles from the gun.
4. The firing system of claim 1 wherein the control signals permit
firing of the gun in a "burst" mode.
5. The firing system of claim 4 wherein the control signals permit
firing of the gun in a three-shot burst.
6. The firing system of claim 4 wherein the control signals permit
firing of the gun in a six-shot burst.
7. A paintball gun including a firing system being powered by a
compressed gas source comprising: a manual triggering mechanism
with a first linkage for actuating the firing system in a first
operating mode; an electronic actuating mechanism with a second
linkage for actuating the firing system in a second operating mode;
and a change-over mechanism for selectively coupling a trigger to
either the manual triggering mechanism or the electronic actuating
mechanism.
8. The paintball gun of claim 7 wherein the switch-over mechanism
comprises a selector switch including a cam surface, said cam
surface preventing the trigger from initiating the electronic
actuating mechanism when in the first operating mode.
9. An electronically actuating trigger mechanism for a weapon being
actuatable between a firing mode to fire the weapon and a
ready-to-fire mode to place the weapon in condition for firing,
comprising: a switching mechanism in operable relation with a
trigger; an actuator being operable to place the weapon in the
firing mode or the ready-to-fire mode; and a control circuit
operable to supply control signals to said actuator.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.
60/103,171, filed Oct. 6, 1998, the subject matter of which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is also
related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/955,047, filed Oct.
21, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,303, issued Jun. 22, 1999, and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/955,187, filed Oct. 21, 1997,
the subject matter of which is also incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to an electronic actuator
coupled with a trigger mechanism for use in compressed gas powered
weaponry or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A variety of different types of weaponry which utilize
discharged compressed gas to fire projectiles are known. These
compressed gas powered weapons have particular use in a variety of
applications including tranquilizer guns and pellet marking guns
which are sometimes referred to as "paintball guns." Generally
marking guns use compressed gas to fire a relatively fragile
projectile which comprises a frangible shell which is filled with a
marking composition. The capsules are designed to break upon impact
with a target and thereby discharge the marking material onto the
target.
[0004] Such marking guns have a variety of different uses. For
example, they may be employed to segregate livestock within a herd,
assist in the counting of wild animals or for training of military
or law enforcement personnel through simulation exercises.
Likewise, they may be used by military and law enforcement
personnel for crowd control. Another very popular use for such
marking guns is for recreation. In particular, paintball marking
guns are used for "war games" in which participants attempt to hit
other combatants with paintballs thereby marking them and
eliminating them from the game.
[0005] One attribute which is extremely important to users of
paintball marking guns which are intended for such recreational war
games, as well as those used for other purposes, is the manner in
which the gun is fired. Obviously, paintball marking guns which are
capable of increased firing rates offer the user a significant
competitive advantage over his/her fellow combatants. One
significant factor which influences the firing rate of any weapon
is the type of firing arrangement that is employed. Paintball
marking guns typically may employ manual, semi-automatic and fully
automatic firing arrangements. A manual firing arrangement requires
appropriate manipulation of the gun before successive projectiles
are fired. In contrast, a semi-automatic firing arrangement enables
a projectile to fired each time the trigger is depressed, while an
automatic firing arrangement will fire multiple projectiles each
time the trigger is pulled.
[0006] Although fully automatic weapons may seem desirable, they
suffer from various shortcomings. For example, they consume
increased amounts of both ammunition and compressed air and have
proven problematic, particularly due to feeding mechanism failure.
Moreover, they have not achieved widespread success due to
regulation prohibiting their use in many recreational settings.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, it is a general
object of the present invention to provide a trigger mechanism for
a weapon which overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
trigger mechanism for compressed gas powered weapons which provides
excellent performance and is very easy to maintain.
[0009] It is a more particular object of the present invention to
provide a compressed gas powered weapon that utilizes an
electronically actuated firing mechanism.
[0010] These and other features and advantages of the invention
will be more readily apparent upon reading the following
description of a preferred exemplified embodiment of the invention
and upon reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a side view of a compressed gas powered gun that
utilizes the teachings of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a partial side sectional view of the compressed
gas powered gun of FIG. 1, taken axially through the gun, showing
the firing system in a ready-to-fire mode;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a partial side sectional view of the compressed
gas powered gun showing the firing system in a firing mode prior to
release of an actuating bolt assembly;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an electrical block diagram illustrating control
circuitry used in the electronic actuating system according to one
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 5 is an electrical block diagram illustrating control
circuitry according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] While the invention will be described and disclosed in
connection with certain preferred embodiments and procedures, it is
not intended to limit the invention to those specific embodiments.
Rather it is intended to cover all such alternative embodiments and
modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0017] Generally, the present invention relates to an electronic
actuating system for a compressed gas powered weapon or the like
which is capable of being operated with greater efficiency as
compared to known firing systems. Such efficiency is achieved
through a novel trigger mechanism and control and actuating
circuitry which is incorporated into the firing system of the
present invention. In one embodiment, the trigger mechanism is
operable in either a mechanical mode or an electronically actuating
mode to assist the user in successively actuating the trigger.
[0018] While the present invention is described in connection with
a compressed gas powered gun, which has particular use a paintball
marking gun, it will be readily appreciated that the teachings of
the present invention can also be applied in other contexts. These
include, for example, other types of compressed gas powered
weapons. However, it should be understood that the actuating and
switch-over mechanism of the present invention may be utilized in
many applications other than compressed gas powered weapons.
[0019] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one preferred embodiment of a
compressed gas powered gun which incorporates the firing system of
the present invention. Certain details of the gun are also
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,778, which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety. As best shown in FIG. 1, the gun 10
comprises a longitudinally extending frame support or rail 12 with
a trigger-guard 14 and handle 16 depending therefrom. A pivotally
mounted trigger 18, the operation of which is described in more
detail below, is disposed within the trigger-guard 14.
[0020] The firing system is operable in a firing mode wherein a
projectile is expelled from the gun and a ready-to-fire or
reloading mode which places the gun in condition for firing. As
seen in FIG. 2, a projectile 20, such as a marking pellet or
paintball, exits an elongate, generally cylindrical barrel 22 in
the direction of arrow 24 during the firing mode. An ammunition
feeding tube 26 (FIG. 1) is disposed to supply a plurality of
projectiles to the gun, one at a time, as will be understood by
those skilled in the art.
[0021] For providing connection of the gun to a source of
compressed gas, the gun includes an inlet port 30 which in the
preferred embodiment comprises a conventional adapter which allows
an air line or hose (not shown) to be quickly and easily connected
and disconnected from the gun. The source of the compressed gas
preferably comprises a tank of compressed air (not shown) as will
be understood by those skilled in the art. In order to provide for
ease of movement, the compressed air tank may be strapped to the
back of the user or carried on a belt. The compressed gas source
preferably is supplied at a pressure of approximately 700 pounds
per square inch (psi). Of course, it should be appreciated that
different types of sources of compressed gas could be used with the
present invention. In addition, while compressed air is preferred,
other compressed gases such as nitrogen may be used.
[0022] The compressed gas or air passes from the inlet port 30 via
an annular inlet passageway which, in the illustrated embodiment,
extends along the rail of the frame 12. This inlet passageway
provides a passageway to a compressed gas delivery system which
operates to control and meter the compressed gas received from the
compressed gas source in both the firing and ready-to-fire modes of
the firing system. Specifically, the compressed gas delivery system
includes a pressure regulating system or assembly 34 and a fluid
pathway which interconnects the compressed gas inlet port with an
air or firing chamber 36.
[0023] In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a pressure regulating assembly is adapted to rapidly
recharge the firing chamber after it is expelled by filling at an
increased pressure until a preselected pressure is attained. In the
illustrated embodiment, the pressure regulating assembly 34 is
adapted to operate at a very high speed and provide for full
pressure recharge of the firing chamber 36. This results in the
firing chamber 36 being charged with compressed gas to the
preselected pressure very rapidly thereby increasing the potential
firing rate of the gun 10.
[0024] The pressure regulating assembly 34 and the fluid pathway
are disposed in a cylindrical terminal housing or valve body
section 38 of the gun. The regulating assembly 34 generally
comprises a screw-type control and valve arrangement including a
valve 40 disposed in the fluid pathway interconnecting the inlet
port 30 and the firing chamber 36 and a regulator piston
subassembly 42. The main structural details of the valve 40 include
a head portion 44, a valve stem 46, a seat 48 and a biasing spring
50. A generally cylindrical regulator valve chamber 52 is formed in
the valve body section 38 of the gun which is in fluid
communication with the inlet passageway 32 via a fluid passageway
54 provided in the field strip screw 55. The valve head 44 is
contained within the regulator valve chamber 52 while one end of
the stem portion 46 extends outwardly to the regulator piston
subassembly 42.
[0025] The valve 40 is operable to move between an open position,
wherein compressed gas flows from the inlet port 30 to the firing
chamber 36 via the fluid pathway and a closed position, wherein the
inlet port 30 is isolated from the firing chamber 36. Specifically,
when the valve 40 is in the closed position, the valve head 44
engages the valve seat 48 to thereby close off the flow of
compressed gas to the firing chamber 36 as shown in FIG. 3. When
the valve 40 is in the open position, compressed gas flows between
the outer periphery of the valve head 44 and the walls of the
regulator valve chamber 52 as shown in FIG. 2. The flow of
compressed gas past the valve 40 continues to an on/off flow valve
chamber 56 via a fluid passageway 58. In turn, the flow valve
chamber 56 is interconnected with the firing chamber 36 by way of a
second fluid passageway 60 which completes the fluid pathway
between the inlet port 30 and the firing chamber 36.
[0026] In order to control the pressure in the firing chamber 36,
the regulator piston subassembly 42 is adapted to move the valve 40
to a closed position when a predetermined pressure of compressed
gas is sensed and to urge the valve 40 to an open position when a
pressure less than the preselected pressure is sensed. The
regulator piston subassembly 42 is arranged in a regulator piston
bore 62 which is sealed from the flow of gas from the regulator
valve chamber 52. In order to prevent gas from leaking into the
regulator piston bore, around the valve stem an o-ring seal 64 is
provided. The main structural components of the regulator piston
subassembly include a threaded adjusting nut 66, a biasing spring
68 and a regulator piston 70.
[0027] In the preferred embodiment, a blow off valve arrangement
valve is provided which includes a head 67 and biasing spring 69.
When an over-pressure condition is sensed, the valve permits the
compressed to vent to atmosphere via an overflow port 73.
[0028] In order to sense the pressure of the gas in the firing
chamber 36, the regulating assembly 34 further includes a sensing
line 72. The sensing line 72 is in fluid communication with the
regulator piston bore 62 and is adapted to apply the pressure of
the gas in the firing chamber 36 to the regulator piston
subassembly 42. In a preferred embodiment, the forward end of the
valve stem 46 extends to a location adjacent the firing chamber 36
and the sensing line 72 comprises a bore in the valve stem 46 which
extends from adjacent the firing chamber 36 to the regulator piston
bore 62 as shown in FIGS. 2-3.
[0029] When the firing chamber 36 is being filled or charged with
compressed gas during the ready-to-fire mode of the firing system,
the regulating springs 68, 69 bias the regulator piston 70 toward a
forward position in the piston bore 62, which in turn, acts to move
the valve head 44 away from the valve seat 48 as best shown in FIG.
2. The regulator piston 70 remains in this forward position and
thereby prevents the valve 40 from closing until a predetermined
pressure is supplied to the firing chamber 36 and to the piston
bore 62 via the sensing line 72. When the pressure in the firing
chamber 36 and the piston bore 62 reach the predetermined pressure,
as shown in FIG. 3, the regulator piston 70 is moved counter to the
force of the regulator springs 68, 69 to a rearward position which
causes the valve 40 to engage the valve seat 48 and seal the
regulator valve chamber 52. The compressed gas in the portion of
the fluid pathway upstream from the valve head 44 and the biasing
spring 50 coact to maintain a closure tension on the valve 40.
[0030] When the pressure in the air chamber 36 and, in turn, in the
regulator piston bore once again falls below the predetermined
pressure such as after a firing sequence, the regulating piston
subassembly 42 urges the valve 40 to an open position. Compressed
gas supplied to the regulator piston bore 62 via the sensing line
72 thereafter acts against the tension of the regulating springs
68, 69 to move the piston 70 rearward. Thus, compressed gas is
again discharged until the pressure in the air chamber 36 reaches
the predetermined level sufficient to urge the valve 40 closed.
[0031] In contrast to conventional arrangements in which the
compressed gas is regulated to a lower pressure as soon as it
enters the gun or the compressed gas delivery system, the described
embodiment "regulates" the pressure in the firing chamber 36 itself
by shutting of the supply of compressed gas when the firing chamber
36 reaches the desired pressure. Thus, the regulating system allows
the firing chamber 36 to charge at very nearly the full line
pressure of the compressed gas source. As can be appreciated, this
allows the firing chamber to fill with compressed gas to the
desired pressure much more rapidly than conventional designs.
[0032] This arrangement also ensures precise operation of the gun
10 for successive firings over a wide range of ambient
temperatures. For example, when the ambient temperature increases,
thereby increasing the gas pressure in firing chamber 36 and the
piston bore 62, the regulator piston 70 is urged rearward to close
the valve 40. If the ambient temperature increases to a level where
the pressure in the piston bore 62 exceeds the desired firing
chamber pressure and the gas supply pressure by a sufficient
amount, i.e., 650 p.s.i., the overflow valve will move sufficiently
rearwardly to permit venting through the port 73. Conversely, when
the ambient temperature decreases, thereby decreasing the pressure
in the firing chamber 36 and the piston bore 62, the gas supply
pressure decreases, urging the valve 40 to an open position. In
this way, the pressure regulating assembly 34 operates to maintain
a desired pressure supplied to the air chamber 36 for each firing
of the gun.
[0033] In order to allow for the adjustment of the pressure to
which the firing chamber 36 is charged, and thereby the velocity of
the projectile 20, means are provided for adjusting the pressure at
which the regulator valve 40 closes. Specifically, in the
illustrated embodiment, the amount of force exerted by the first
regulating spring 68 on the regulating piston 70 can be controlled
through manual adjustment of a threaded velocity nut 66 provided on
the end of the valve body 38. For example, in order to increase the
pressure to which the firing chamber 36 is charged, the velocity
nut 66 is turned so as to increase the force that the first
regulating spring 68 applies to the regulating piston 70. A
relatively higher pressure will then be required to urge the
regulating piston 70 rearward and thereby close the valve 40. In a
preferred embodiment, the pressure regulating assembly 34 should be
set to shut off the flow of compressed gas from the inlet port 30
when the pressure in the air chamber 36 reaches approximately 450
psi.
[0034] In order to protect against an over pressure condition in
the compressed gas delivery system resulting from a seal failure or
the disassembly of the gun when the firing system is under
pressure, the blow off valve and over pressure vent 73, discussed
above, may also be provided.
[0035] In order to ensure that the preselected pressure is
maintained in the firing chamber 36 for the firing mode, the firing
system further includes a on/off valve 74 which seals off the
firing chamber 36 from the compressed gas source when the firing
system is operating in the firing mode. The on/off flow valve 74 is
movable between open and closed positions and, in particular, is
operable to open and thereby permit fluid communication between the
firing chamber 36 and the inlet port 30 in the ready-to-fire mode
of operation, as shown in FIG. 2. This enables the firing chamber
36 to be charged with compressed gas to the predetermined pressure
via the compressed gas delivery system during the ready-to-fire
mode. In the firing mode of operation, the on/off flow valve 74
closes thereby isolating the firing chamber 36 from the inlet port
30 and the compressed gas source. This isolation of the firing
chamber 36 from the compressed gas source prevents compressed gas
from flowing into the firing chamber to replace the air which has
been discharged from the firing chamber in order to expel the
projectile. This is of particular importance because the pressure
in the regulator piston bore 62 has dropped resulting in the
opening of the regulator valve 40. The on/off flow valve 74 is
movable transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the gun
between the open and closed positions. In order to prevent
compressed gas from leaking past the on/off flow valve when it is
in the closed position, an o-ring seal 78 is provided adjacent the
upper end of the flow valve chamber 56. In addition, a second
o-ring seal 79 is provided adjacent the lower end of the flow valve
chamber to prevent compressed gas from leaking out of the
compressed gas delivery system.
[0036] The air or firing chamber 36 supplies the compressed gas
that expels the projectile through the barrel 22 when the firing
system is in the firing mode. The air chamber 36 is defined by a
bore formed in the main body portion of the gun 10 terminating at
one end with an intermediate firing tube or power tube 80. An
annular sleeve 82 interfits within the power tube 80 and, along
with the power tube 80, defines a discharge path for compressed air
contained in the firing chamber 36 to blast into a breech 84 of the
gun 10. The annular sleeve 82 includes a tapered portion 86 that
further defines a passage for the blast of compressed gas. This
tapered portion 86 on the power tube 80 is configured such that the
air flows out of the air chamber 36 and the power tube at a
controlled rate which prevents relatively fragile projectiles such
as paintballs from breaking as a result of too much pressure
building up behind the paintball. Inasmuch as the pressure supplied
to the firing chamber 36 has been substantially reduced from the
maximum available pressure from the compressed gas source, the
volume defined by the firing chamber 36 is substantially larger
than found in many known arrangements.
[0037] The blast of compressed gas exits the air chamber 52 upon
actuation of a bolt assembly 88 which includes a power piston 90.
The power piston 90 comprises head and body sections 91 and 92,
respectively, with the body section 92 being sized to fit within
the annular sleeve 82 and power tube 80. FIG. 2 also illustrates
the remaining structural features of the bolt assembly 88,
including a cylindrical actuating bolt 94 disposed in surrounding
relation to the annular sleeve 82 and power tube 80. The actuating
bolt 94 includes a protruding dog portion 95 disposed at one of its
ends. A recoil spring 96 retracts the actuating bolt 94 against a
bumper 97 when the actuating bolt 94 is returned to a ready-to-fire
position.
[0038] In accordance with the invention, an electronic actuating
assembly is provided to permit precise operation of the gun. In
addition, control circuitry is provided which generates appropriate
signals to control the rate of fire, the number of shots fired per
trigger pull, and present a fully automatic mode of operation to
the user.
[0039] In keeping with the invention, the bolt assembly 88 is
maintained in a ready-to-fire position with the use of a trigger
mechanism which includes a sear 98 having an arm 99 that is
rotatable about a pivot 100, which in a preferred embodiment
comprises a threaded roller bearing axle. The arm 99 has a
transversely extending actuating member 102 at one end, located on
one side of a pivot 100, and an interlocking element 104 at the
other end, located on the other side of the pivot 100. The
actuating member 102 is generally aligned with the on/off flow
valve 74. The interlocking element 104 includes a notched portion
that engages the dog portion 95 of the actuating bolt 94 in the
ready-to-fire position. The interlocking element 104 preferably
also includes an elongated section extending substantially along
the path of travel of the actuating bolt assembly 88 to provide a
stop surface that prevents the actuating bolt assembly from
engaging the interlocking element 104 during recoil of the
actuating bolt assembly.
[0040] A first manual actuating lever 106 projects transversely on
the side of the latch arm 99 opposite the actuating member 102 and
the interlocking element 104. A sliding trigger arm 108 disposed
within the handle 16 operates to transmit force from the trigger 18
to the actuating lever 106. As explained in detail in said U.S.
Pat. No. 5,280,778, this provides for semi-automatic firing of the
gun 10 in operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger arm
108 comprises a first link 110 which is pivotally connected to the
manual actuating lever 106 and a second link 112 which is threaded
into the first link. With this arrangement, any play in the trigger
mechanism can be selectively adjusted merely by turning the second
link 112 relative to the first link 110 and thereby thread the
second link further out of or in to the first link.
[0041] For permitting electronic actuation of the gun, the sear 98
comprises a second electronic actuating lever 114 which extends
outwardly from the pivot 100. The second actuating lever 114 is
angularly offset from the first actuating lever 106. A push rod 116
is operably connected with a solenoid 118 disposed in the handle of
the gun. The push rod 116 operates to transmit force to the second
actuating lever 114 when the solenoid is energized. This action
rotates the sear 98 to release the bolt assembly.
[0042] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a
switch-over mechanism is provided for permitting selection between
a manually operable mode and an electronically actuating mode. As
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the trigger 18 comprises a
finger-engageable portion 18a, disposed on one side of a trigger
axis of rotation 18b. The trigger further includes an outwardly
protruding arm 18c, disposed opposite the finger-engageable portion
18a and the trigger axis 18b. The switch-over mechanism in this
embodiment is a movable selector lever 19 that coacts with the
trigger arm 18c. The lever 19 includes a camming surface 19a
disposed to selectively couple the trigger arm with the electrical
contacts of a trigger switch 150. When oriented in the position
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the switch-over mechanism permits the
trigger arm 18c to close the contacts of the electronic trigger
switch 150. On the other hand, when rotated such that the camming
surface 19a is disposed in contacting relation with the trigger arm
18c, the travel of arm 18c is restricted to effectively prevent the
arm from urging the trigger switch contacts in closed relation.
Optionally, the selector lever 19 is movable to a safe position to
effectively prevent the trigger from being pulled.
[0043] The switch-over mechanism thus permits a user to readily
manually select either a manual operating mode or an electronic
operating mode. This feature is particularly advantageous when, for
example, the user encounters a malfunction in one operating mode,
such as would be the case with electronic circuit malfunction or
power supply failure.
[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates a block circuit diagram for control
circuitry that may be utilized in conjunction with the electronic
mode of operation. Generally, the control circuitry is operable to
provide a single pulse of a particular duration, or alternatively,
a series or "burst" of pulses, each having a selected duration to a
solenoid 118. In this fashion, the control circuitry provides
various modes of operation, while at the same time, a precise
degree of control of movement of the sear 98. In the illustrated
embodiment, the control circuitry is operable to provide single
shot pulses between approximately 10 milliseconds and 70
milliseconds. These pulses, in turn, energize the solenoid coil L1.
The solenoid coil L1 operates in conjunction with an armature
winding as would be understood by those skilled in the art to
actuate the arm 114. This action, in turn, rotates the sear 98 in
order to release the bolt assembly and fire the gun.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, a voltage source, which in this case is
18 volts, is coupled through a main power switch 200, which is
manually operable by the user to permit use of the electronic
circuitry (see FIG. 1). The power supply may be located in the
trigger guard, as shown by the battery-receiving portions 152 and
154 in FIG. 3. Similarly, the control circuitry may be located on a
circuit board 156, disposed in the handle 16 of the gun.
[0046] The voltage supplied by the power source is sufficient to
energize the solenoid coil L1. However, this voltage is reduced
through a zener diode D1 to approximately 14.4 volts so that it may
be used to provide power to the control circuitry of the system. A
resistor R1 is coupled between the zener diode D1 and ground.
[0047] When the gun is operable in the electronic actuating mode as
described above, depression of the trigger closes the trigger
switch contacts 150. Closure of the trigger switch 150 causes a
capacitor C1 to begin charging through a resistor R3. The increased
voltage is applied to the input of a Schmidt trigger implemented as
a nand gate 204. Based on the time constant of the RC network of C1
and R3, the output of Schmidt trigger 204 is a negative pulse
having a duration of approximately 1 millisecond. Eventually, the
capacitor C1 becomes fully charged such that the current through
R3, and resultant voltage applied to gate 204 is zero.
[0048] The output of the gate 204 is applied to the trigger input
of a timer integrated circuit IC1 in order to provide a control
signal at the output (pin 3 of IC1). The duration of the output
control pulse determined by an RC time constant applied to the
threshold input of the timer circuit IC1, in this case a
potentiometer R5 and a capacitor C4. In the preferred embodiment,
the threshold of timer circuit IC1 is adjustable between 10
milliseconds and 70 milliseconds based on the adjustment of
potentiometer R5. The resultant output control signal is provided
at the output terminal of timer circuit IC1. This output pulse is
passed through a limiting resistor R5 to the gate of a switching
transistor, denoted as MOSFET Q1. When the output signal is applied
to the gate of Q1, current is drawn through the solenoid coil,
denoted as inductor L1. As described above, this causes the arm 116
to move and release the bolt assembly.
[0049] When the trigger is released, the trigger switch contacts
150 are opened. This causes the capacitor C1 to discharge through a
resistor R2 to reset the timer circuit IC1. Similarly, capacitor C4
discharges through the discharge input of the timer circuit.
[0050] The following Table 1 provides a summary of the components
utilized in one preferred implementation of the control circuit
shown in FIG. 4:
1 TABLE 1 Component Type, Value or Rating R1 65k ohms R2 100k ohms
R3 10k ohms R4 82k ohms R5 500k ohms C1, C2, C4 .1 .mu.F C3 .01
.mu.F Q1 BU2 71 MOSFET D1 IN 5227 D2 IN 4007 IC1 LMC 555 204 CD
4095
[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment for controlling
the electronic actuator. In this alternative embodiment, the power
source is supplied to a voltage regulator integrated circuit IC1.
The output of voltage regulator circuit IC1 provides a reduced
voltage signal at a node 204. The circuit further includes a
two-position DIP switch matrix 206. Based on the settings of the
dip switches of switch matrix 206, various functionality may be
achieved, as described below. The output of switch matrix 206 is
provided to inputs of a micro controller IC2. For example, the
following dip switch settings may correspond with the described
functionality:
2 DIP SWITCH SETTINGS Switch 1 Switch 2 Function 0 0 Single shot 0
1 Fully automatic 1 1 3-shot burst 1 0 6-shot burst
[0052] The micro-controller operates in a logical fashion based on
the switch settings to provide an output control signal or signals,
having a desired duration. This output control signal is provided
through resistor R4 to the gate terminal of a MOSFET transistor Q1.
The drain terminal of transistor Q1 is connected to one of the
terminals of the solenoid coil. In this manner, a control signal is
applied to precisely switch the solenoid on and off at the desired
times.
[0053] The following Table 2 provides a summary of the components
used in the implementation shown in FIG. 5:
3 TABLE 2 Component Type, Value or Rating R1, R2, R3, R5 10k ohms
R4 10 ohms C1 .33 .mu.F C2 .1 .mu.F IC1 NJM 78L05 IC2 Aftiny 12
microcontroller Q1 NDT 45JAN MOSFET
[0054] Of course, the microcontroller may be programmed to provide
additional functionality as well.
[0055] In accordance with an optional feature of the invention, the
trigger mechanism may be configured such that a user's finger is
"pushed back" after the gun 10 is fired through the execution of a
pull stroke of the trigger 18. This provides the sensation of a
"reactive trigger." The pushing back of the finger after the
trigger 18 is actuated or pulled to fire the gun 10 helps the user
pull the trigger in more rapid succession, thereby helping the user
to achieve an increased firing rate. The trigger mechanism is
operable to actuate the firing system from the ready-to-fire mode
to the firing mode to fire the gun upon the execution of a pull
stroke of the trigger 18 and from the firing mode back to the
ready-to-fire mode to place the gun back in condition for firing
upon the execution of a return stroke of the trigger 18. The
pushing back of the user's finger after the gun is fired is
accomplished by increasing the force applied through the trigger
mechanism on the trigger 18, and counter to which the trigger must
be pulled to fire the gun, immediately after the gun is fired.
Since a lesser force is necessary to pull the trigger 18, this
increase in the force opposing the trigger pull has a tendency to
force the trigger 18 through the return stroke even if the user has
not sufficiently released the trigger. Once the gun 10 is urged
back in condition for another firing sequence, the force applied on
the trigger 18 through the trigger mechanism is reduced in order to
enable the trigger to be manually pulled with greater ease.
[0056] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, an increased
force applied on the trigger after the gun is fired is accomplished
by configuring the on/off flow valve 74 with a differential piston
head 120. The differential head 120 of the flow valve comprises a
first portion 122 with a relatively larger effective surface area
and a second portion 124 with a relatively smaller surface area.
Thus, when the flow valve 74 is open, the system relies on the
second portion 124 of the differential piston since as the
effective area to which the pressure is applied. This results in a
relatively smaller force being applied to the on/off flow valve 74
by the compressed gas in the system when the flow valve is moving
to the closed position as compared to the force applied on the
on/off flow valve 74 as it moves to the open position. As the
differential piston head 114 is moved toward the O-ring seal 78,
the system relies on the force applied to the lesser diameter
portion 118 to provide resistance to the trigger pull.
[0057] On the other hand, when the air chamber has expelled and the
differential piston head 120 is in engagement with the upper O-ring
seal 78, the force applied to the system is transferred to the
larger first portion 122 of the piston head 120. At this point, the
gas from flow chamber beneath the head 120 has expelled. Likewise,
the regulator valve 40 opens and the system upstream from the
on-off valve goes to the full line pressure of the compressed gas
source. This slams the on-off valve back to the open position with
greater force than applied to the valve when moved from the open
position to the closed position. Once returned to the open
position, i.e., when the larger diameter head 114 is disengaged
from the O-ring seal 78, the effective area of the on-off valve
upon which the pressure acts is once again the smaller diameter
piston head 122.
[0058] Specifically, as the first step of the firing sequence, the
trigger 18 is pulled and the resultant longitudinal movement of the
trigger arm 108 acts to rotate the actuating lever element 106 of
the sear in a clockwise direction (relative to FIGS. 2-6) which in
turn rotates the sear arm 99 in the clockwise direction. As shown
in FIG. 4, the rotation of the sear arm 99 forces the on/off flow
valve 74 into the closed position in response to the movement of
the actuating member 102. This movement of the flow valve 74 into
the closed position is resisted by the downward force (relative to
FIGS. 2-6) exerted on smaller second portion 118 of the
differential piston head on the flow valve 74 by the compressed gas
in the system.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, once the on/off flow valve 74 has
closed, the interlocking element 104 on the sear 98 releases the
dog portion 95 of the actuating bolt and the compressed gas in the
firing chamber 36 moves the power piston 90 rapidly forward and is
released from the power tube 80 resulting in the discharge of the
projectile 20 from the barrel 22. Upon the release of the
compressed gas in the firing chamber 36, the compressed gas in the
regulator piston bore 62 is also released via the sensing line 72
resulting in movement of the regulator valve 40 back into the open
position. After the gun 10 has been fired, the gas pressure
maintained in the system upstream from the on/off flow valve 74
continues to exert a downward force on the on/off flow valve.
However, since all of the compressed gas downstream from the on/off
flow valve 74 has been discharged, the effective area on which it
acts is the larger first portion of the differential piston head.
Thus, the force acting on the flow valve 74, and in turn on the
trigger 18 through the sear 98, is increased immediately after the
compressed gas is discharged from the firing chamber 36. Since the
force now applied on the trigger 18 is greater than the force that
had to be overcome to pull the trigger (or to overcome the force
applied by the actuator), this force tends to force a user to
release the trigger 18 and allow the firing system to return to the
ready-to-fire mode. In one preferred embodiment, it takes
approximately 4 lbs. to pull the trigger and as soon as the gun is
fired the force increases to 8 lbs. It has been found that this
"reactive trigger" can enable a user to increase his or her firing
rate by approximately thirty-three percent over conventional
trigger arrangements.
[0060] In addition, upon the release of the compressed gas in the
firing chamber 36, the recoil spring 96 drives the actuating bolt
94 rearwardly against the bumper 97 where it is held in place by
the force of the recoil spring. The increased downward force
exerted on the on/off flow valve 74 will force the trigger 18
through the return stroke. In particular, the force on the on/off
flow valve 74 moves the actuating member 102 of the sear to effect
slight counterclockwise rotation of the sear 98 to both open the
on/off flow valve 74 and to latch the actuating bolt 94 with the
interlocking element 104. The firing chamber is then recharged to
the desired pressure via the compressed gas delivery system as
described above.
[0061] The differential between the force applied on the trigger 18
during the pull stoke and the force applied during the return
stroke is further accentuated by the regulating system of the
present invention.
[0062] Particularly, as soon as the regulator valve 40 reopens
because of the discharge of gas from the firing chamber 36, the
pressure in the portion of the compressed gas delivery system
upstream from the on/off flow valve 74 increases from the regulated
pressure to the full line pressure of the compressed gas source.
This increase in the pressure results in a greater downward force
being applied to the on/off flow valve 74.
[0063] Various modifications may be implemented as well. For
example, the electronic actuator may be replaced by an
electro-pneumatic actuator, such as a solenoid valve and a ram push
arm arrangement. In this case, the solenoid valve is operable to
open a pneumatic chamber to thereby permit a quantity of compressed
gas to enter the pneumatic ram. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the movement of the ram may be operable to either
extend or retract to actuate the sear. Alternatively, an additional
solenoid may be provided to provide precise control of compressed
air supplied to the on-off valve or other components of the
gun.
[0064] In accordance with another optional feature of the
invention, the electronics and other appropriate components may be
provided as a kit that is used to "retire-fit" existing paintball
guns configured to operate in a manual mode alone. That is, one or
more of the described components, i.e., the modified sear 98,
solenoid and actuating arm subassembly, circuit board 156 and/or
modified trigger guard 14, may be utilized to retire-fit such
existing weapons.
[0065] While this invention has been described with an emphasis
upon preferred embodiments, it will be obvious to those of ordinary
skill in the art that variations of the preferred embodiments may
be used and that it is intended that the invention may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this
invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit
and the scope of the invention as defined by the following
claims.
* * * * *