U.S. patent application number 14/702769 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-18 for automatic air rifle.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jui-Fu Tseng. Invention is credited to Jui-Fu Tseng.
Application Number | 20160047620 14/702769 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55301933 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160047620 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tseng; Jui-Fu |
February 18, 2016 |
Automatic air rifle
Abstract
A receiver of an automatic air rifle includes a front sliding
sleeve including upper and lower recesses; a main biasing member
secured to the front sliding sleeve and the charging handle
respectively; a roller; an L-shaped rod; a rear diversion channel
through the front sliding sleeve; a rear sliding sleeve including
pivotal upper and lower hooks; a main tube through the rear sliding
sleeve and including a rear inlet and an annular flange proximate
the rear inlet; a gas piston disposed forwardly of the main tube;
an inlet member at a rear end of the gas piston; and an auxiliary
biasing member put on the main tube and biased between the front
sliding sleeve and the rear sliding sleeve. The air rifle is
capable of firing in semi-automatic or fully automatic
position.
Inventors: |
Tseng; Jui-Fu; (Yilan,
TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tseng; Jui-Fu |
Yilan |
|
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
55301933 |
Appl. No.: |
14/702769 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
124/65 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 19/33 20130101;
F41B 11/64 20130101; F41A 19/06 20130101; F41B 11/72 20130101; F41B
11/721 20130101; F41B 11/55 20130101; F41B 11/62 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41B 11/64 20060101
F41B011/64; F41A 19/06 20060101 F41A019/06 |
Claims
1. An automatic air rifle capable of automatic and semiautomatic
fire comprising: a receiver; a hollow limit member secured to a
rear portion of the receiver; a spring-actuated cup member disposed
in the limit member; an elongated cavity disposed in the receiver;
a receptacle disposed at a front end of the cavity; an air chamber
disposed at a rear end of the cavity; a fire control selector
rotatably mounted on the receiver, the fire control selector being
configured to rotate to point to a safe position, a semi-automatic
position, or a fully automatic position; a cam member disposed in
the receiver and co-rotated with the fire control selector; a first
spring-biased member disposed to the left of the cam member; a
second spring-biased member disposed to the right of the cam
member; a spring-biased trigger pivotably secured to the receiver;
a spring-biased pivotal member partially disposed in the trigger; a
charging handle retractably disposed in the receiver; a front
sliding sleeve disposed in a forward portion of the cavity and
including an upper recess at a rear end and a lower recess under
the upper recess; a main biasing member secured to the front
sliding sleeve and the charging handle respectively; a roller
rotatably disposed in the cavity; an L-shaped rod disposed in the
cavity; a rear stop member disposed at an end of a short part of
the L-shaped rod and between the cam member and the second
spring-biased member; a front stop member disposed at an end of a
long part of the L-shaped rod; a rear diversion channel formed
through the front sliding sleeve; a rear sliding sleeve disposed
rearward of the front sliding sleeve and including a spring-biased,
pivotal upper hook and a spring-biased, pivotal lower hook; a main
tube disposed through the rear sliding sleeve and having a rear end
slidably disposed in the cup member, and a front end fastened in
the front sliding sleeve, the main tube including a rear inlet and
an annular flange disposed forwardly of the rear inlet; a gas
piston disposed forwardly of the main tube and partially in the
front sliding sleeve, the gas piston having a front end disposed in
the receptacle; a magazine releasably secured to the receiver and
including a column for storing at least one pellet wherein one of
the at least one pellet is pushed to contact an outer surface of
the front end of the gas piston; a barrel having a rear end
communicating with the front end of the gas piston; an inlet member
formed at a rear end of the gas piston; and an auxiliary biasing
member put on the main tube and biased between the front sliding
sleeve and the rear sliding sleeve; wherein in response to rotating
the fire control selector to the semi-automatic position, the cam
member is disposed perpendicular to both the first and second
spring-biased members, the rear stop member is not urged by the cam
member, a pulling of the charging handle pulls the front sliding
sleeve to be proximate the main tube, the gas piston moves rearward
to allow one of the at least one pellet to enter the receptacle,
the main biasing member expands, the upper hook lockingly engages
the upper recess, the lower hook lockingly engages the lower
recess, the auxiliary biasing member compresses, a releasing of the
charging handle compresses the main biasing member to push both the
front and rear sliding sleeves forward, the gas piston moves
forward to push one of the at least one pellet into a rear end of
the barrel, the upper hook is pressed by the roller in the forward
movement of the rear sliding sleeve to disengage from the upper
recess, a pulling of the trigger counterclockwise rotates both the
pivotal member and the lower hook to unlock the front sliding
sleeve, the auxiliary biasing member expands to push the rear
sliding sleeve rearward, the main tube moves rearward to compress
the cup member until the flange contacts the limit member and the
rear inlet communicates with the air chamber, pressurized gas flows
through the barrel via the air chamber, the rear inlet, the main
tube, and the gas piston to discharge one of the at least one
pellet out of the barrel, a portion of the pressurized gas flows
into the diversion channel to push the front sliding sleeve
rearward by compressing the auxiliary biasing member and expanding
the main biasing member, the gas piston moves rearward to allow a
next one of the at least one pellet to enter the receptacle, a stop
of flowing the pressurized gas pushes the cup member forward to
disengage the rear inlet from the air chamber, the upper hook
lockingly engages the upper recess, the lower hook lockingly
engages the lower recess, a pulling of the trigger counterclockwise
rotates the pivotal member and moves the pivotal member along an
outer surface of the lower hook without counterclockwise rotating
the lower hook, the main biasing member compresses to push the rear
sliding sleeve forward and compress the auxiliary biasing member,
the upper hook is pressed by the roller in the forward movement of
the rear sliding sleeve to disengage from the upper recess, and a
release of the trigger clockwise rotates the pivotal member to
disengage from the lower hook to dispose the trigger in a ready
position; and wherein in response to rotating the fire control
selector to the fully automatic position, the cam member is
disposed perpendicular to both the first and second spring-biased
members, the rear stop member is not urged by the cam member, a
pulling of the charging handle pulls the front sliding sleeve to be
proximate the main tube, the gas piston moves rearward to allow one
of the at least one pellet to enter the receptacle, the main
biasing member expands, the upper hook lockingly engages the upper
recess, the lower hook lockingly engages the lower recess, the
auxiliary biasing member compresses, a releasing of the charging
handle compresses the main biasing member to push both the front
and rear sliding sleeves forward, the gas piston moves forward to
push one of the at least one pellet into a rear end of the barrel,
the upper hook is pressed by the roller in the forward movement of
the rear sliding sleeve to disengage from the upper recess, a
pulling of the trigger counterclockwise rotates both the pivotal
member and the lower hook to unlock the front sliding sleeve, the
auxiliary biasing member expands to push the rear sliding sleeve
rearward, the main tube moves rearward to compress the cup member
until the flange contacts the limit member and the rear inlet
communicates with the air chamber, first pressurized gas flows
through the barrel via the air chamber, the rear inlet, the main
tube, and the gas piston to discharge one of the at least one
pellet out of the barrel, a portion of the first pressurized gas
flows into the diversion channel to push the front sliding sleeve
rearward by compressing the auxiliary biasing member and expanding
the main biasing member, the gas piston moves rearward to allow a
next one of the at least one pellet to enter the receptacle, a stop
of flowing the first pressurized gas pushes the cup member forward
to disengage the rear inlet from the air chamber, the upper hook
lockingly engages the upper recess, the lower hook lockingly
engages the lower recess, the main biasing member compresses, the
auxiliary biasing member compresses to push the rear sliding sleeve
forward, the upper hook is pressed by the roller in the forward
movement of the rear sliding sleeve to disengage from the upper
recess, a pulling of the trigger counterclockwise rotates both the
pivotal member and the lower hook to unlock the front sliding
sleeve, the auxiliary biasing member expands to push the rear
sliding sleeve forward, the upper hook is pressed by the roller in
the forward movement of the rear sliding sleeve to disengage from
the upper recess, the pivotal member pivotably pushes the lower
hook to disengage from the lower recess, the auxiliary biasing
member expands to push the rear sliding sleeve rearward, the main
tube moves rearward to compress the cup member until the flange
contacts the limit member and the rear inlet communicates with the
air chamber, second pressurized gas flows through the barrel via
the air chamber, the rear inlet, the main tube, and the gas piston
to discharge one of the at least one pellet out of the barrel, a
portion of the second pressurized gas flows into the diversion
channel to push the front sliding sleeve rearward by compressing
the auxiliary biasing member and expanding the main biasing member,
the gas piston moves rearward to allow a next one of the at least
one pellet to enter the receptacle, a stop of flowing the second
pressurized gas pushes the cup member forward to disengage the rear
inlet from the air chamber, the upper hook lockingly engages the
upper recess, the lower hook lockingly engages the lower recess,
the main biasing member, the main biasing member expands, the
auxiliary biasing member compresses, and both the front and rear
sliding sleeves move forward to dispose the trigger in the ready
position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to air rifles and more particularly to
a feeding mechanism of an automatic air rifle having improved
characteristics.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] A conventional automatic firearm capable of automatic or
semiautomatic fire is comprised of a receiver having a moveable
hammer located therein; a selector rotatably mounted in the
receiver, a first sear rotatably mounted in the receiver to engage
the hammer, the first sear contacting a first camming surface of
the selector; a second sear rotatably mounted in the receiver to
engage the hammer, the second sear contacting a second camming
surface of the selector; and a disconnect rotatably mounted in the
receiver, the disconnect contacting a third camming surface of the
selector. The selector has a number of selectable positions so that
rotation of the selector between a first position and a last
position of the selectable positions is less than 180 degrees.
[0005] While the device enjoys its success in the market,
continuing improvements in the exploitation of feeding mechanism of
an air gun of rifle type are constantly sought.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is therefore one object of the invention to provide an
automatic air rifle capable of automatic and semiautomatic fire
comprising a receiver; a hollow limit member secured to a rear
portion of the receiver; a spring-actuated cup member disposed in
the limit member; an elongated cavity disposed in the receiver; a
receptacle disposed at a front end of the cavity; an air chamber
disposed at a rear end of the cavity; a fire control selector
rotatably mounted on the receiver, the fire control selector being
configured to rotate to point to a safe position, a semi-automatic
position, or a fully automatic position; a cam member disposed in
the receiver and co-rotated with the fire control selector; a first
spring-biased member disposed to the left of the cam member; a
second spring-biased member disposed to the right of the cam
member; a spring-biased trigger pivotably secured to the receiver;
a spring-biased pivotal member partially disposed in the trigger; a
charging handle retractably disposed in the receiver; a front
sliding sleeve disposed in a forward portion of the cavity and
including an upper recess at a rear end and a lower recess under
the upper recess; a main biasing member spaced from the front
sliding sleeve, the main biasing member secured to the receiver and
the charging handle respectively; a roller rotatably disposed in
the cavity; an L-shaped rod disposed in the cavity; a rear stop
member disposed at an end of a short part of the L-shaped rod and
between the cam member and the second spring-biased member; a front
stop member disposed at an end of a long part of the L-shaped rod;
a rear diversion channel formed through the front sliding sleeve; a
rear sliding sleeve disposed rearward of the front sliding sleeve
and including a spring-biased, pivotal upper hook and a
spring-biased, pivotal lower hook; a main tube disposed through the
rear sliding sleeve and having a rear end slidably disposed in the
cup member, and a front end fastened in the front sliding sleeve,
the main tube including a rear inlet and an annular flange disposed
forwardly of the rear inlet; a gas piston disposed forwardly of the
main tube and forwardly of the front sliding sleeve, the gas piston
having a front end disposed in the receptacle; a magazine
releasably secured to the receiver and including a column for
storing at least one pellet wherein one of the at least one pellet
is pushed to contact an outer surface of the front end of the gas
piston; a barrel having a rear end communicating with the front end
of the gas piston; an inlet member formed at a rear end of the gas
piston; and an auxiliary biasing member put on the main tube and
biased between the front sliding sleeve and the rear sliding
sleeve; wherein in response to rotating the fire control selector
to the semi-automatic position, the cam member is disposed
perpendicular to both the first and second spring-biased members,
the rear stop member is not urged by the cam member, a pulling of
the charging handle pulls the front sliding sleeve to be proximate
the main tube, the gas piston moves rearward to allow one of the at
least one pellet to enter the receptacle, the main biasing member
expands, the upper hook lockingly engages the upper recess, the
lower hook lockingly engages the lower recess, the auxiliary
biasing member compresses, a releasing of the charging handle
compresses the main biasing member to push both the front and rear
sliding sleeves forward, the gas piston moves forward to push one
of the at least one pellet into a rear end of the barrel, the upper
hook is pressed by the roller in the forward movement of the rear
sliding sleeve to disengage from the upper recess, a pulling of the
trigger counterclockwise rotates both the pivotal member and the
lower hook to unlock the front sliding sleeve, the auxiliary
biasing member expands to push the rear sliding sleeve rearward,
the main tube moves rearward to compress the cup member until the
flange contacts the limit member and the rear inlet communicates
with the air chamber, pressurized gas flows through the barrel via
the air chamber, the rear inlet, the main tube, and the gas piston
to discharge one of the at least one pellet out of the barrel, a
portion of the pressurized gas flows into the diversion channel to
push the front sliding sleeve rearward by compressing the auxiliary
biasing member and expanding the main biasing member, the gas
piston moves rearward to allow a next one of the at least one
pellet to enter the receptacle, a stop of flowing the pressurized
gas pushes the cup member forward to disengage the rear inlet from
the air chamber, the upper hook lockingly engages the upper recess,
the lower hook lockingly engages the lower recess, a pulling of the
trigger counterclockwise rotates the pivotal member and moves the
pivotal member along an outer surface of the lower hook without
counterclockwise rotating the lower hook, the main biasing member
compresses to push the rear sliding sleeve forward and compress the
auxiliary biasing member, the upper hook is pressed by the roller
in the forward movement of the rear sliding sleeve to disengage
from the upper recess, and a release of the trigger clockwise
rotates the pivotal member to disengage from the lower hook to
dispose the trigger in a ready position; and wherein in response to
rotating the fire control selector to the fully automatic position,
the cam member is disposed perpendicular to both the first and
second spring-biased members, the rear stop member is not urged by
the cam member, a pulling of the charging handle pulls the front
sliding sleeve to be proximate the main tube, the gas piston moves
rearward to allow one of the at least one pellet to enter the
receptacle, the main biasing member expands, the upper hook
lockingly engages the upper recess, the lower hook lockingly
engages the lower recess, the auxiliary biasing member compresses,
a releasing of the charging handle compresses the main biasing
member to push both the front and rear sliding sleeves forward, the
gas piston moves forward to push one of the at least one pellet
into a rear end of the barrel, the upper hook is pressed by the
roller in the forward movement of the rear sliding sleeve to
disengage from the upper recess, a pulling of the trigger
counterclockwise rotates both the pivotal member and the lower hook
to unlock the front sliding sleeve, the auxiliary biasing member
expands to push the rear sliding sleeve rearward, the main tube
moves rearward to compress the cup member until the flange contacts
the limit member and the rear inlet communicates with the air
chamber, first pressurized gas flows through the barrel via the air
chamber, the rear inlet, the main tube, and the gas piston to
discharge one of the at least one pellet out of the barrel, a
portion of the first pressurized gas flows into the diversion
channel to push the front sliding sleeve rearward by compressing
the auxiliary biasing member and expanding the main biasing member,
the gas piston moves rearward to allow a next one of the at least
one pellet to enter the receptacle, a stop of flowing the first
pressurized gas pushes the cup member forward to disengage the rear
inlet from the air chamber, the upper hook lockingly engages the
upper recess, the lower hook lockingly engages the lower recess,
the main biasing member compresses, the auxiliary biasing member
compresses to push the rear sliding sleeve forward, the upper hook
is pressed by the roller in the forward movement of the rear
sliding sleeve to disengage from the upper recess, a pulling of the
trigger counterclockwise rotates both the pivotal member and the
lower hook to unlock the front sliding sleeve, the auxiliary
biasing member expands to push the rear sliding sleeve forward, the
upper hook is pressed by the roller in the forward movement of the
rear sliding sleeve to disengage from the upper recess, the pivotal
member pivotably pushes the lower hook to disengage from the lower
recess, the auxiliary biasing member expands to push the rear
sliding sleeve rearward, the main tube moves rearward to compress
the cup member until the flange contacts the limit member and the
rear inlet communicates with the air chamber, second pressurized
gas flows through the barrel via the air chamber, the rear inlet,
the main tube, and the gas piston to discharge one of the at least
one pellet out of the barrel, a portion of the second pressurized
gas flows into the diversion channel to push the front sliding
sleeve rearward by compressing the auxiliary biasing member and
expanding the main biasing member, the gas piston moves rearward to
allow a next one of the at least one pellet to enter the
receptacle, a stop of flowing the second pressurized gas pushes the
cup member forward to disengage the rear inlet from the air
chamber, the upper hook lockingly engages the upper recess, the
lower hook lockingly engages the lower recess, the main biasing
member, the main biasing member expands, the auxiliary biasing
member compresses, and both the front and rear sliding sleeves move
forward to dispose the trigger in a ready position.
[0007] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side elevation of an automatic air rifle
according to the invention;
[0009] FIG. 1A is a detailed view of the area in a rectangle of
FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the bolt carrier
in the receiver but shown in an acute angle;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the bolt carrier
in the receiver showing the fire control selector rotated to the
semi-automatic position in a first firing mode;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the gas piston
pushed backward, the main spring expanded, and a round pushed
upward to a ready position by pulling the charging handle
rearward;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the gas piston
pushed forward, the main spring compressed, and the round pushed
forward a small distance by releasing the charging handle;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the trigger being
pulled to start a firing process;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the round being
fired at the end of pulling the trigger;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing a portion of the
gasses being diverted to push the front sliding sleeve rearward,
and a new round being pushed upward after firing the round;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the gas piston
being pushed backward and the new round pushed to a ready to fire
position;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the trigger
being pulled and actions of other associated components;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing the trigger
being released and actions of other associated components;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing the trigger and
other associated components in a ready to fire position;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 1A showing the fire
control selector rotated to the automatic position in a second
firing mode;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the bolt carrier
in the receiver showing the fire control selector in the automatic
position;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing the gas piston
pushed backward, the main spring expanded, and a round pushed
upward to a ready position by pulling the charging handle
rearward;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 showing the charging
handle being released and the front sliding sleeve being moved
forward, and the round being ready;
[0025] FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 showing the gas piston
pushed forward, the main spring compressed, and the round pushed
forward a small distance after releasing the charging handle;
[0026] FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 17 showing the trigger
being pulled to start a firing process;
[0027] FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18 showing the round being
fired at the end of pulling the trigger;
[0028] FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19 showing a portion of
the gasses being diverted to push the front sliding sleeve
rearward, and a new round being pushed upward after firing the
round;
[0029] FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 20 showing the gas piston
being pushed backward, and the new round pushed to a ready to fire
position;
[0030] FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 showing the trigger and
actions of other associated components;
[0031] FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22 showing a portion of
the gasses being about to divert to the push the front sliding
sleeve rearward and actions of other associated components after
firing;
[0032] FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 23 showing the portion of
the gasses being diverted to the push the front sliding sleeve
rearward and actions of other associated components after
firing;
[0033] FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 24 showing the front
sliding sleeve being locked by the rear sliding sleeve due to the
diversion of the gasses;
[0034] FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 25 showing the trigger
being returned to its inoperative position; and
[0035] FIG. 27 is a view similar to FIG. 26 showing the front
sliding sleeve and the rear sliding sleeve being unlocked after the
trigger returning to its inoperative position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 27, an automatic air rifle in
accordance with the invention comprises the following components as
discussed in detail below in which a first firing mode of the air
rifle is discussed in FIGS. 1 to 12.
[0037] A receiver 1 is provided. An elongated internal cavity 11 is
provided in the receiver 1. A receptacle 12 is provided at a front
end of the cavity 11. An air chamber 13 is provided at a rear end
of the cavity 11. A fire control selector 14 is rotatably mounted
on the receiver 1. The fire control selector 14 can be rotated to
point to a "SAFE" (i.e., at which the air rifle cannot be fired)
mode, a "SEMI" (i.e., semi-automatic) mode, or an "AUTO" (i.e.,
fully automatic) mode. A cam member 15 is provided in the receiver
1 and co-rotated with the fire control selector 14. A first
spring-biased member 151 is provided to the left of the cam member
15 and a second spring-biased member 152 is provided to the right
of the cam member 15 respectively (see FIG. 2). An exposed trigger
16 is pivotably secured to the receiver 1. The trigger 16 is
pivotal because, at least, a forward spring 17 is provided in a
front portion and a rear spring 19 is provided in a rear portion.
The rear spring 19 is biased between the trigger 16 and a pivotal
member 18 which is rearward of the rear spring 19. A charging
handle 10 is provided in the receiver 1 and exposed so that a user
may pull or push the charging handle 10. A front sliding sleeve 2
is provided in a forward portion of an intermediate portion of the
cavity 11. A main spring 20 is provided above the front sliding
sleeve 2. The main spring 20 has one end fastened in the receiver 1
and the other end secured to the charging handle 10 which in turn
is secured to the front sliding sleeve 2. Thus, the charging handle
10 is made a spring-actuated member and the front sliding sleeve 2
is configured to move in response to compression or expansion of
the front sliding sleeve 2.
[0038] A roller 21 is provided on an upper portion of the cavity
11. An L-shaped rod 3 is provided on a lower portion of the cavity
11. A rear stop member 31 s provided at an end of the short part of
the L-shaped rod 3. The rear stop member 31 is disposed between the
cam member 15 and the second spring-biased member 152 and contacts
the same respectively. A front stop member 32 is provided at an end
of the long part of the L-shaped rod 3. The front sliding sleeve 2
has a forward part and a rear part having a diameter less than that
of the forward art. A diversion channel 22 is formed through an
intermediate portion of the front sliding sleeve 2 joining the
forward part and the rear part of the front sliding sleeve 2. A
rear sliding sleeve 4 is provided rearward of the front sliding
sleeve 2 and includes a spring-biased, pivotal upper hook 41
configured to lockingly engage an upper recess 23 at a rear end of
the front sliding sleeve 2, and a spring-biased, pivotal lower hook
42 configured to lockingly engage a lower recess 24 at the rear end
of the front sliding sleeve 2. A main tube 5 is provided through
the rear sliding sleeve 4 and has a rear end fastened in a
spring-actuated cup member 71 at a rear portion of the receiver 1.
The cup member 71 is fastened in a hollow limit member 7 which is
secured to the rear portion of the receiver 1. A front end of the
main tube 5 is fastened in the front sliding sleeve 2. An inlet 51
is provided proximate the rear end of the main tube 5. An annular
flange 52 is provided adjacent to the rear end. The flange 52 is
between a rear end of the upper hook 41 and a rear end of the lower
hook 42. A gas piston 54 is provided forwardly of the main tube 5.
The gas piston 54 has a front end in the receptacle 12 and a
substantial portion disposed in the front sliding sleeve 2. A
pellet 53 stored in a column 61 of a magazine 6 is pushed to
contact an outer surface of the front end of the gas piston 54. A
barrel 50 has a rear end in communication with the front end of the
gas piston 54. An inlet 55 is provided at a rear end of the gas
piston 54. An auxiliary spring 40 is put on the main tube 5 and
biased between the front sliding sleeve 2 and the rear sliding
sleeve 4. Thus, the front sliding sleeve 2 is made into a
spring-actuated member.
[0039] The first firing mode is discussed be low. In response to
rotating the fire control selector 14 to the "SEMI" position (see
FIG. 1A), the cam member 15 is disposed upright as shown in FIG. 3.
The rear stop member 31 is not urged by the cam member 15. Next, a
user may pull the charging handle 10 to pull the front sliding
sleeve 2 (i.e., moving rearward) to a position proximate the front
end of the main tube 5 (see FIG. 4). The gas piston 54 moves
rearward a short distance to allow the pellet 53 to enter the
receptacle 12. And in turn, the main spring 20 expands. Also, the
upper hook 41 lockingly engages the upper recess 23 and the lower
hook 42 lockingly engages the lower recess 24. Also, the auxiliary
spring 40 is compressed. This is a ready to fire position. After
releasing the charging handle 10, the main spring 20 compresses to
push both the front sliding sleeve 2 and the rear sliding sleeve 4
forward. And in turn, the gas piston 54 moves forward to push the
pellet 53 into a rear end of the barrel 50 to be ready to fire. The
upper hook 41 is pressed by the roller 21 in the forward movement
of the rear sliding sleeve 4. Thus, the front end of the upper hook
41 clears the upper recess 23 (see FIG. 5). The user may pull the
trigger 16 to counterclockwise rotate the pivotal member 18. The
counterclockwise rotation of the pivotal member 18 counterclockwise
rotates the lower hook 42, thereby unlocking the front sliding
sleeve 2 (see FIG. 6). The auxiliary spring 40 then expands to push
the rear sliding sleeve 4 rearward (see FIG. 7). The main tube 5
moves rearward to compress the cup member 71 until the flange 52
contacts the limit member 71, and the inlet 51 communicates with
the air chamber 13. Pressurized gas from an air canister (not
shown) flows to the air chamber 13 and in turn flows through the
main tube 5 via the inlet 51. And in turn, the gas flows through
the gas piston 54 to discharge the pellet 53 out of the barrel 50
to fire. At the same time, a portion of the gas flows into the
diversion channel 22 to push the front sliding sleeve 2 rearward by
compressing the auxiliary spring 40 and expanding the main spring
20 (see FIGS. 7, 8 and 9). And in turn, the gas piston 54 moves
rearward to unblock the top opening of the column 61, resulting in
a new pellet 53 being pushed upward into the receptacle 12 to be
ready for a next firing. Gas is stopped from supplying to the air
chamber 13. The cup member 71 is pushed forward due to the
expansion of the elastic component thereof. The flow path from the
air chamber 13 to main tube 5 via the inlet 51 is blocked due to
the disengagement the inlet 51 from the air chamber 13. Further,
the upper hook 41 lockingly engages the upper recess 23 and the
lower hook 42 lockingly engages the lower recess 24. This loading
of pellet is automatic. Next, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the user
may pull the trigger 16 to cause the pivotal member 18 to
counterclockwise rotate. The counterclockwise rotation of the
pivotal member 18 compresses the rear spring 19 so that the pivotal
member 18 may moves along the outer surface of a lower portion of
the lower hook 42 without counterclockwise rotating the lower hook
42. The main spring 20 then compresses to push the rear sliding
sleeve 4 forward, thereby compressing the auxiliary spring 40. The
upper hook 41 is pressed by the roller 21 in the forward movement
of the rear sliding sleeve 4. Thus, the front end of the upper hook
41 clears the upper recess 23. The user may release the trigger 16
to expand the rear spring 19, thereby clockwise rotating the
pivotal member 18 to disengage from the lower hook 42 to return to
the ready position (see FIG. 12).
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 27, a second firing mode of the air
rifle is discussed below. In response to rotating the fire control
selector 14 to the "AUTO" position (see FIG. 13), the cam member 15
is disposed horizontal as shown in FIG. 14. The rear stop member 31
moves rearward to be clamped by and between the cam member 15 and
the second spring-biased member 152. The lower hook 42 is not
supported by the pivotal member 18. Next, a user may pull the
charging handle 10 to pull the front sliding sleeve 2 (i.e., moving
rearward) to a position proximate the front end of the main tube 5
(see FIG. 15). The gas piston 54 moves rearward a short distance to
allow the pellet 53 to enter the receptacle 12. And in turn, the
main spring 20 expands. Also, the upper hook 41 lockingly engages
the upper recess 23 and the lower hook 42 lockingly engages the
lower recess 24. Also, the auxiliary spring 40 is compressed. This
is a ready to fire position. After releasing the charging handle
10, the main spring 20 compresses to push both the front sliding
sleeve 2 and the rear sliding sleeve 4 forward. And in turn, the
gas piston 54 moves forward to push the pellet 53 into a rear end
of the barrel 50 to be ready to fire (FIG. 17). The upper hook 41
is pressed by the roller 21 in the forward movement of the rear
sliding sleeve 4. Thus, the front end of the upper hook 41 clears
the upper recess 23. The user may pull the trigger 16 to
counterclockwise rotate the pivotal member 18 (see FIG. 18). The
counterclockwise rotation of the pivotal member 18 counterclockwise
rotates the lower hook 42, thereby unlocking the front sliding
sleeve 2 (see FIG. 19). The auxiliary spring 40 then expands to
push the rear sliding sleeve 4 rearward. The main tube 5 moves
rearward to compress the cup member 71 until the flange 52 contacts
the limit member 71 and the inlet 51 communicates with the air
chamber 13 (see FIG. 20). Pressurized gas from an air canister (not
shown) flows to the air chamber 13 and in turn flows through the
main tube 5 via the inlet 51. And in turn, the gas flows through
the gas piston 54 to discharge the pellet 53 out of the barrel 50
to fire. At the same time, a portion of the gas flows into the
diversion channel 22 to push the front sliding sleeve 2 rearward by
compressing the auxiliary spring 40 and expanding the main spring
20 (see FIGS. 19, 20 and 21). And in turn, the gas piston 54 moves
rearward to unblock the top opening of the column 61, resulting in
a new pellet 53 being pushed upward into the receptacle 12 to be
ready for a next firing. Gas is stopped from supplying to the air
chamber 13. The cup member 71 is pushed forward due to the
expansion of the elastic component thereof. The flow path from the
air chamber 13 to main tube 5 via the inlet 51 is blocked due to
the disengagement the inlet 51 from the air chamber 13. Further,
the upper hook 41 lockingly engages the upper recess 23 and the
lower hook 42 lockingly engages the lower recess 24. This loading
of pellet is automatic. Next, as shown in FIG. 22, the compression
of the main spring 20 and the compression of the auxiliary spring
40 pushes the rear sliding sleeve 4 forward. And in turn, the upper
hook 41 is pressed by the roller 21 in the forward movement of the
rear sliding sleeve 4, thereby disengaging the front end of the
upper hook 41 from the upper recess 23. Also, the pivotal member 18
pivotably pushes the rear portion of the lower hook 41 upward to
disengage the front end of the lower hook 42 from the lower recess
24. The auxiliary spring 40 then expands to push the rear sliding
sleeve 4 rearward. The main tube 5 moves rearward to compress the
cup member 71 until the flange 52 contacts the limit member 71 and
the inlet 51 communicates with the air chamber 13 (see FIG. 23).
Pressurized gas from an air canister (not shown) flows to the air
chamber 13 and in turn flows through the main tube 5 via the inlet
51. And in turn, the gas flows through the gas piston 54 to
discharge the pellet 53 out of the barrel 50 to fire. At the same
time, a portion of the gas flows into the diversion channel 22 to
push the front sliding sleeve 2 rearward by compressing the
auxiliary spring 40 and expanding the main spring 20 (see FIGS. 23,
24 and 25). And in turn, the gas piston 54 moves rearward to
unblock the top opening of the column 61, resulting in a new pellet
53 being pushed upward into the receptacle 12 to be ready for a
next firing. Gas is stopped from supplying to the air chamber 13.
The cup member 71 is pushed forward due to the expansion of the
elastic component thereof. The flow path from the air chamber 13 to
main tube 5 via the inlet 51 is blocked due to the disengagement
the inlet 51 from the air chamber 13. Further, the upper hook 41
lockingly engages the upper recess 23 and the lower hook 42
lockingly engages the lower recess 24. The main spring 20 is
expanded and the auxiliary spring 40 is compressed. This loading of
pellet is automatic. Next, as shown in FIG. 25, the user may pull
the trigger 16 but the pivotal member 18 does not pivot. A
releasing of the trigger 16 disengages the pivotal member 18 from
the front stop member 32 due to expansion of the rear spring 19
(see FIG. 26). Finally, both the front sliding sleeve 2 and the
rear sliding sleeve 4 move forward to a ready to fire position of
the automatic firing mode (see FIG. 27).
[0041] While the invention has been described in terms of preferred
embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and
scope of the appended claims.
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