Multiple air guns

Abstract

A pellet supply device is described. The pellet supply device includes a channel configured to receive a pellet and a pellet driver configured to drive the pellet through the channel. The pellet supply device also includes a pellet guide configured to guide the pellet through the channel. The pellet guide includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to receive the pellet from the channel and the second portion is configured to receive the pellet from the first portion. The first portion is configured to be positioned in a first position and the second portion is configured to be positioned in a second position.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant patent applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Utility Patent Application 17 / 153,661, filed January 20, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 964,498, filed January 22, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] A type of air gun with a folding barrel. Background Technology

[0004] Traditional folding air rifles feature a stock and receiver, which are hinged to the barrel. The receiver houses a spring that stores energy, and a trigger that releases this stored energy drives a piston into a compression tube with a feed port, which transfers pressure from the compression tube to the breech end of the barrel. In this type of air rifle, the barrel is hinged to the receiver. When the user wishes to use the folding air rifle, they rotate the barrel relative to the stock and receiver. This separates the breech end of the barrel from the feed port, allowing a projectile to be loaded. After loading, the user rotates the barrel to a position where the breech end is positioned close to the feed port. The barrel can also be connected to a spring in a manner that allows energy to be stored in the spring during the folding process.

[0005] The actions of rotating the barrel to and from the loading position can be performed quite quickly. However, manually loading a single bullet into the breech of the barrel when holding an air rifle can be very challenging and significantly increase the time between each shot.

[0006] There is a need for a folding-barrel air rifle that can automatically load a projectile during the cocking action. Meeting this requirement is particularly challenging because the cocking action of a folding-barrel rifle separates the barrel from the breech, and therefore loading must be performed during this separation process.

[0007] This need has long existed and efforts have been made to meet it by using a lifting system that receives bullets from a magazine. This magazine uses a loading mechanism located above the bore axis of the barrel to load the bullets into the lifting system, which descends into the air gun to form a path between the delivery port and the chamber of the air gun. Examples of this method are shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,722,382, entitled “Loading Plate for a Repetitive Air Rifle for Projectiles and Ammunition,” and Patent ES1007337U, entitled “Filling Mechanism for a Compressed Air Carbine,” both granted to Orozco on March 3, 1998.

[0008] It should be understood that this type of elevator system requires the bullet to be perfectly loaded within the length of the elevator to prevent it from jamming when lowered to approximately align with the axis of the barrel chamber. Furthermore, misalignment between the elevator and the chamber axis will cause a portion of the bullet to strike the edge of the barrel, resulting in a change in the projectile's geometry upon firing and potentially causing jamming. Additionally, this solution involves firing compressed air through the elevator. To avoid energy loss in the elevator system, two seals must be maintained during firing: one between the elevator and the feed port, and the other between the elevator and the barrel chamber. These seals are designed to release during detonation to allow the barrel to tilt and separate, and to allow the elevator to shuttle between the firing and loading positions during detonation and return to the sealed position for firing. However, this method increases cost, weight, and complexity, making it impractical in field environments.

[0009] Efforts to address these challenges include providing user-adjustable controls to help establish and maintain proper alignment between the elevator and the barrel, as described in patent GB978,502 entitled "Improvements or Related Improvements to an Air or Gas Pressure Gun," granted to Vesely et al. and published on December 23, 1964. However, this approach requires constant adjustments and introduces usability issues.

[0010] Furthermore, this solution involves firing compressed air via a lifter. To avoid energy loss in a lifter-type system, two seals must be maintained during firing: one between the lifter and the feed port, and the other between the lifter and the barrel's breech. These seals must be configured to release during detonation to allow the barrel to tilt and separate, and the lifter to shuttle between the firing and loading positions during detonation and return to the sealed position for firing.

[0011] These seals are typically made of conformal materials to ensure a good seal under compression, but they are also susceptible to damage when exposed to uncompressive loads, such as the frictional loads that can occur when the elevator slides from the firing position to the loading position. This will damage the elevator seals, allowing compressed air to leak during firing, which has the consequence of reducing the amount of energy available to propel the bullet. Reduced energy decreases the velocity of fire and the bullet's spin rate, making it more difficult for the user to predict the point of impact.

[0012] These and other challenges make it difficult to provide a folding-barrel rifle with a straight-through lifting loading system capable of achieving high shooting accuracy.

[0013] An alternative to the straight-through lifting mechanism is to use a loading and retraction mechanism to load the bullet into the barrel, while the barrel separates from the feed port and retracts the loading mechanism during firing, so that the barrel and feed port are directly abutting each other. An example of this type, sold by Gamo Industrias, as shown in Figure 1, uses a loading and retraction mechanism 2 mounted above the barrel 3. When the barrel and feed port are configured for firing, the loading and retraction mechanism 2 has a retainer 3 located near but above the breech of the barrel.

[0014] During the firing position, the components of rifle 1 can be moved from the firing position to a firing position where the breech is separated from the barrel. When this occurs, the loading and retraction mechanism 2 moves the loader 3 downward from a position above the barrel chamber 4 to a position adjacent to the barrel chamber 4, allowing the loader 3 to place a bullet into the barrel chamber. When the barrel returns to the firing position, the loading and retraction mechanism 2 raises the loader 3 to a position above the barrel axis 4, preventing the loader 3 from getting stuck between the breech and the barrel when these components are closed against each other.

[0015] Hatsan Arms, a company based in Izmir, Turkey, has also introduced a folding-barrel rifle 6 with a loading and retraction mechanism. One example, the Hatsan SpeedFire Vortex multi-round folding-barrel air rifle, is shown in Figure 2, where the stock and a portion of the barrel are cut off. This self-loading folding-barrel rifle 6 features a downwardly extending pivot mechanism 7 mounted above the barrel bore axis 8. As shown in Figure 2, when the breech is closed against the barrel, the loader 9 is positioned by the pivot mechanism 7 near but above the barrel bore axis 8. When the components of the rifle 6 move from the shown closed position to the ready-to-fire position with the breech and barrel separated, the pivot mechanism 7 pivots the loader 9 downward from its position above the barrel bore axis 8 to a position adjacent to the barrel bore axis 8, allowing the loader 9 to place a round into the barrel bore. When the barrel returns to the firing position, the pivot loading mechanism 7 raises the loader 9 above the bore axis 8, preventing the loader 10 from getting stuck between the breech and the barrel when these components are closed against each other. The system also requires a significant bore axis clearance S between the bore of the barrel 8 and the axis of the aiming device b.

[0016] It should be understood that this loading and retraction solution requires mechanisms mounted above the air rifle barrel, which substantially obstruct the shooter's field of vision within a range above the bore axis of the corresponding gun. These ranges are represented as ranges G and H in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. In this system, aiming is achieved by positioning the sight generally above the loading mechanism. However, this requires a significant vertical separation between the aiming axis and the bore axis. This separation creates parallax problems requiring advanced aiming adjustments, which few recreational shooters can master. This separation also necessitates mounts that can rigidly maintain the aiming device in a fixed relationship over considerable distances. This creates obstruction hazards, increases the risk of damage or misalignment of the sight due to accidental contact, and adds weight, complexity, and cost.

[0017] This downward-loading solution requires a large number of parts, all of which must remain above the barrel during firing. Furthermore, this downward-loading solution necessarily requires weather resistance and robustness. Therefore, this solution is bulky, complex, increases weight and cost, exposes the weapon to the environment, and increases the risk of obstruction.

[0018] Therefore, there is a need for an air gun that provides automatic loading capabilities without introducing the aiming, cost, and complexity of existing systems. Furthermore, there is a need for an air gun that meets these requirements while maintaining the traditional design of air guns.

[0019] Furthermore, autoloading addresses a challenge in using this type of air rifle. However, the challenge of providing a rifle and ammunition storage device that allows users to quickly and efficiently insert and remove ammunition storage systems (such as magazines) also impacts overall satisfaction with the air rifle user experience, and existing autoloading solutions do not solve this challenge. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 is a left-side view of a prior art downward-loading folding-barrel rifle, in which part of the stock and barrel are cut off.

[0021] Figure 2 is a left-side view of a prior art downward-loading folding-barrel rifle, in which part of the stock and barrel are cut off.

[0022] FIG. 3 This is a partial right-side view of an embodiment of an air gun 10 with an automatic loading system and a magazine-type ammunition loading system, wherein a portion of the stock and barrel are cut off.

[0023] FIG. 4 This is a rear, top, and right perspective view of the automatic loading system, with the tube, barrel, and part of the firing arm cut off.

[0024] FIG. 5 yes FIG. 3The right view of an embodiment of an automatic loading system, which does not have a slurry loading system retainer and has the breech, fork, and part of the barrel cut off.

[0025] FIG. 6 yes FIG. 3 A top view of an embodiment of an automatic loading system, wherein the bolt is in firing orientation and the bullet holding system is concealed.

[0026] FIG. 7 yes FIG. 3 An embodiment of the automatic loading system is shown in a side cross-sectional view of the firing position, where the forestock is removed and part of other components are cut off.

[0027] FIG. 8 yes FIG. 3 The automatic loading system is located in a partial cross-sectional view of the firing position, but there is no bullet storage device in the magazine holder.

[0028] FIG. 9 yes FIG. 3 Partial top view, front view and right side view of the automatic loading system.

[0029] FIG. 10 It is used for FIG. 3 Rear, right, and top perspective views of an embodiment of a magazine-type ammunition supply device for an air gun.

[0030] FIG. 11 yes FIG. 10 Rear view of an embodiment of a magazine-type ammunition supply device.

[0031] FIG. 12 yes FIG. 10 A front view of an embodiment of a magazine-type ammunition supply device.

[0032] FIG. 13 yes FIG. 3 A cross-sectional view of the breech, bolt, and a portion of the barrel in the embodiment, as shown below. FIG. 7 The cut is shown in the image.

[0033] FIG. 14 Is it like this? FIG. 13 The rear view shown is a partial view of the breech, barrel retainer, and barrel components.

[0034] FIG. 15 yes FIG. 3 A right-side cross-sectional view of the air management system of an air gun in preparation for firing.

[0035] FIG. 16 yes FIG. 3 A right-side cross-sectional view of the air management system of an air gun during firing.

[0036] FIG. 17It is a cross-sectional view of the cut-off portion of the compression tube and the breech, showing a first embodiment of a compression seal for reducing gas loss between the compression tube and the compression piston.

[0037] FIG. 18 It is a cross-sectional view of the cut-off portion of the compression tube and the breech, showing a second embodiment of a compression seal for reducing gas loss between the compression tube and the compression piston.

[0038] FIG. 19 The image shows a right front perspective view of an embodiment of a cross-section of a portion of a compression piston and a compression seal 18 for reducing such gas loss.

[0039] FIG. 20 This is a right-side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an air gun, which has optional features intended to provide more predictable firing force.

[0040] FIG. 21 This is a right-side cross-sectional view of the automatic reloading system immediately after the air gun is fired.

[0041] FIG. 22 yes FIG. 21 The right-side view of the automatic loading system in the indicated state.

[0042] FIG. 23 yes FIG. 21 A right-side cross-sectional view of the automatic loading system during the early stage of rotating the breech relative to the compression tube in the first direction.

[0043] FIG. 24 yes FIG. 21 Automatic loading system in FIG. 23 The right-side view in the indicated state.

[0044] FIG. 25 This is a right-side view of the automatic loading system at another relative point of rotation between the compression tube and the breech along the first direction.

[0045] FIG. 26 yes FIG. 21 The automatic loading system in the embodiment is shown in a cross-sectional view on the right side of the firing position.

[0046] FIG. 27 yes FIG. 21 Automatic loading system in FIG. 26 The right-side view in the indicated state.

[0047] FIG. 28 It is when the rotation in the second direction causes the cam cam to contact the bolt positioner. FIG. 21 The right-side view of the automatic loading system.

[0048] FIG. 29 yes FIG. 21The automatic loading system of the embodiment is shown in a right-side cross-sectional view at another rotation point along the second direction.

[0049] FIG. 30 yes FIG. 21 Automatic loading system in FIG. 29 The right-side view in the indicated state.

[0050] FIG. 31 This is a right-side view of another embodiment of the automatic loading system, which has an optional latch at the first rotation point.

[0051] FIG. 32 yes FIG. 31 The right-side view of an embodiment, wherein the bolt positioner engages with the latch.

[0052] FIG. 33 A top right front view of another embodiment of the automatic loading system is shown, which has a first fork 44 and a second fork containing mounting members and allows for the separation of the cam cam and the mounting of the cam cam to the automatic loading system.

[0053] FIG. 34 A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an automatic loading system having an air management system that does not pass through the bolt is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0054] FIG. 3 This is a right-side partial view of an embodiment of an air gun 10, which consists of an automatic loading system and a magazine-type ammunition supply and loading system, with a portion of the stock and barrel cut off. FIG. 4 This is a perspective view of the rear and top right side of the automatic loading system, in which the tube, gun barrel, and part of the firing arm have been removed. FIG. 5 yes FIG. 3 The right view of an embodiment of an automatic loading system, wherein the bolt is in firing orientation and the bullet holder is concealed. FIG. 6 yes FIG. 3 A top view of an embodiment of an automatic loading system having a bullet supply device. FIG. 7 This is a top view of an embodiment of an automatic loading system 60 without a bullet supply device.

[0055] like FIG. 3 As shown, the air gun 10 has a stock 12 with a grip 14, a forestock 16, a mounting rail 18, a trigger system 20 (with a trigger 22), a safety device 24, and a trigger guard 26. The air gun 10 also has a barrel 30 through which bullets, such as projectiles, are propelled toward a target.

[0056] like FIG. 4-7 As shown, the compression tube 40 allows the compression tube 40 and the barrel 30 to... FIG. 3 to FIG. 10The firing orientation and the anti-fire orientation are connected to the barrel 30 in a manner that allows them to move relative to each other. In this embodiment, the compression tube 40 has a compression tube end portion 42, which has a first fork 44 and a second fork 46 separate from the first fork 44. The first fork 44 has a first pivot mount 45 and the second fork 46 has a second pivot mount 47 mechanically associated therewith, the first and second pivot mounts being connected to a separate extending pivot 48 spanning between the first fork 44 and the second fork 46.

[0057] The breech 70 is also connected to the pivot mount 48. However, the features of the breech 70 will be described in more detail below, such as FIG. 4-7 As shown, the breech has a barrel mount 72 for holding the barrel 30, a bolt guide 82, and a bullet supply retainer 170. The bullet supply retainer 170 is positioned between the barrel 30 and the bolt guide 82 and is shown having a bolt-side surface 172, a barrel-side surface 174, and a bottom surface 178 adapted to hold the bullet supply device 130. The bolt guide 82 provides a surface for guiding the bolt 100 for movement in and out of the bullet supply retainer 170 and the barrel 30.

[0058] In an embodiment, the automatic loading system 60 may include a breech 70 with a bolt guide 82, a bolt 100, a bolt positioner 78, a cam surface 92, a bolt biasing system 120, and a bullet supply retainer 170. Reference will now be made to... FIG. 8 To discuss these characteristics in more detail, FIG. 8 It includes FIG. 3 A partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the air gun 10 of the automatic loading system 60 of an embodiment, and FIG. 9 This is a partial three-dimensional view of the top, front, and right side of the automatic loading system 60.

[0059] like FIG. 8 As shown, the compression tube 40 has a compression tube end portion 42, through which the delivery tube 50 extends. FIG. 8 As shown, the compression piston 54 is located in the compression tube 40. The compression piston 54 is biased by a biasing member (not shown), which may be a gas spring, a coil spring, or other elastic member or mechanism that can rapidly release energy to move the compression piston 54 during firing, as described herein or otherwise known in the art. As will be discussed in more detail below, during the ready-to-fire operation, the compression piston 54 moves against the bias of the spring (not shown) to the position where the compression piston 54 is fixed by the trigger system 20. This creates an inflation space within the compression tube 40 between the compression piston 54, the tube wall 52, and an opening 56 in the delivery tube 50 extending through the compression tube end portion 42 and the compression tube end wall 62.

[0060] The compression piston 54 has a piston seal 58, which limits the extent to which air from the inflation space can escape between the piston seal 58 and the tube wall 52. Therefore, when the trigger 22 is pulled, energy from the biasing member (not shown) is released to rapidly accelerate the compression piston 54 toward the opening 56 in the delivery tube 50. In the inflation state, this has the effect of compressing gas. This compressed gas is delivered through the delivery tube 50 via the outlet 66. Ultimately, this compressed gas applies pressure against the bullet P, which is positioned to be fired through the chamber 28 of the barrel 30. When the pressure reaches a predetermined level or range, sufficient force is applied against the bullet P to cause the bullet P to pass through the chamber 28 of the barrel 30 and exit the air gun 10.

[0061] As described above, the breech 70 is mechanically associated with the barrel 30 to move with it. In this non-limiting embodiment, this mechanical association can be provided by a barrel mount 72, which includes a barrel sleeve 74 for receiving the barrel 30. A pin 36 is disposed in a pin mounting region 77 of the breech 70, which interacts with a recess 38 in the barrel 30 to retain the barrel 30 in the barrel sleeve portion 74. Other known methods, structures, and mechanisms can be used to provide a barrel 30 mechanically associated with the breech 70 to move with it, including but not limited to using a common base to form the barrel 30 and the breech 70.

[0062] The breech 70 also includes a pivot mount 80 and a bolt guide 82. The pivot mount 80 is configured to be mounted to a pivot 48 such that the compression tube 40 and the breech 70 can rotate relative to each other. Here, the pivot 48 is shown in a non-limiting embodiment as having a cylindrical structure that can be threaded between the first fork 44 and the second fork 46. Similarly, the pivot mount 80 is shown as a cylindrical mount in which the pivot 48 can be mounted. Other structures and mechanisms can be used to achieve relative movement between the compression tube 40 and the breech 70.

[0063] The bolt guide 82 takes the form of a region at least partially located within the breech 70, within which the bolt 100 can be located. This region is configured to cooperate with the bolt 100 such that the bullet contact surface 108 of the bolt 100 can move the bullet P from the bullet supply device 130, whose bullet holder 132 is moved to a position where the bullet P can be fired through the chamber 28 of the barrel 30, held by the bullet supply positioner 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the bolt guide 82 is formed as a path within the breech 70. In this embodiment, the bolt guide wall 84 is configured to interact with at least one outer bolt surface 114 to guide the bolt 100 along a path generally parallel to the axis 94 of the barrel chamber 28.

[0064] In other embodiments, the bolt guide 82 may include a configuration with more than one wall and may use structures other than walls. As an example, but not a limitation, frames, webs, screens, guides, mesh members, roller assemblies, blades, and bearings may be used in conjunction with the breech 70 to jointly guide the bolt 100. Furthermore, and again, not a limitation, the bolt guide 82 may be provided in the form of mechanical, magnetic, fluid, or electromagnetic guides or bearing assemblies. In other embodiments, the bolt guide 82 may be unrestricted in the form of one or more structures assembled to the breech 70, and the bolt guide 82 or its components may be formed from a common substrate or otherwise formed as components of the breech 70.

[0065] The bolt 100 is shown having a bolt body 102, a bolt seal 104, an optional bolt feed port 106, a bullet contact surface 108, and a bolt guide 116. The bolt body 102 is shaped to mate with the bolt guide 82 such that the bullet contact surface 108 can be moved between a firing orientation and a waiting orientation. In the firing orientation, the bullet contact surface 108 has pushed the bullet P into a position where air pressure can be supplied to drive the initial bullet P through the barrel chamber 28. In the waiting orientation, the bolt 100 does not interfere with the movement of the bullet holder 132 in the bullet supply device 130, and the bolt 100 can move from the waiting orientation to allow subsequent bullets P to pass through the chamber 28 for firing.

[0066] FIG. 8 An automatic loading system 60 with a bolt 100 and a bullet P in the firing position is shown. In this example, the bolt 100 positions the bullet P within the barrel chamber 28. However, other embodiments are possible; for example, but not limited to, the bullet P may be partially positioned within the chamber 28 and partially positioned in a section of the barrel 30 or breech 70 that is substantially aligned with the chamber 28. In another non-limiting example, the bullet P may be at least partially positioned within the bullet supply holder 132 or the bullet supply device 130.

[0067] A biasing system 120 is also provided to bias the bolt 100, such that the bullet contact surface 108 can overcome the bias supplied by the biasing system 120 to move from the side of the bullet supply positioner 140 closer to the bolt guide 82 to the side of the bullet supply positioner 170 closer to the barrel 30. The biasing system 120 may take any known form, including but not limited to mechanical or gas springs, devices with one or more magnets or electromagnets, elastically expanding materials, or other structures, mechanisms, materials, or systems capable of providing bias as described herein.

[0068] The biasing system 120 is shown as a biasing member 121 in the form of a compression spring and is positioned within the biasing member path 122 between the spring guide surface 112 of the bolt 100, the spring guide surface 118 of the breech 70, the bolt biasing surface 124, and the breech biasing surface 126. Other configurations of the bolt biasing system 120 may also be used.

[0069] An optional alignment rod 128 is also shown positioned within the biasing system path 122. Here, the alignment rod 128 is positioned within a compression spring-type biasing member 120 to reduce the risk of the biasing member 120 folding within the biasing member path 122. This alignment rod 128 can be used with other types of biasing members 102 to the extent that it is useful for providing axial support and may not be necessary in other embodiments.

[0070] In one embodiment, the biasing member 120 may be configured to interact with the breech 70 and the bolt 100 directly or via an intermediate structure as shown. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the bolt biasing system 120 may be configured to interact with the bolt 100 in other ways, including but not limited to applying tension to bias the bolt 100 away from the barrel 30 or by using pneumatic, electromagnetic, or elastic devices.

[0071] Bullet supply device and bullet supply holder

[0072] The ammunition supply device 130 stores ammunition in an ammunition holder 132 and is configured during loading to position at least one ammunition holder 132 with at least one ammunition to a predetermined loading area 144, which is located approximately between and aligned with a portion of the travel path of the ammunition contact surface 108 of the bolt 100 as the ammunition contact surface 108 advances from the ready-to-fire position toward the firing position near the barrel chamber 28.

[0073] The ammunition supply holder 170 is adapted to receive a magazine-type ammunition supply device 130. FIG. 10 This is a rear, top, and right perspective view of an example of a magazine-type ammunition supply device 130, which can be used with an ammunition supply holder 160. FIG. 11 yes FIG. 10 A front view of the magazine-type ammunition supply device 130, with the cover partially loaded and removed. FIG. 12 yes FIG. 10 Rear view of the magazine-type ammunition supply device 130. (See image below.) FIG. 11-13As seen, the ammunition supply device 130 has a plurality of ammunition holders 132. Each ammunition holder 132 can be individually loaded with an ammunition P. The ammunition holders 132 are configured to move through the loading area 144 from other parts of the ammunition holders 132 in a generally predetermined pattern to bring a series of loaded ammunition into the loading area 144. The magazine-type ammunition supply device 130 includes a cover 150 which generally prevents the ammunition P loaded in the ammunition holders 132 from leaving the ammunition holders 132 on one side of the ammunition holders 132, while a housing 136 generally prevents the ammunition in the ammunition holders 132 from leaving the ammunition holders 132 on the other side of the ammunition holders 132.

[0074] like FIG. 11 , 12 As shown in Figure 13, this embodiment of the bullet supply device 130 has multiple bullet holders 132, which are moved by a wheel 138 that rotates about a pivot 134. The pivot 134 is coupled to the wheel 138 and the housing 136. A rotary spring 139, such as a clock spring or a helical spring, is located in the bullet supply device 130 and is connected to the pivot 134 and the wheel 138 to store energy that propels the wheel 138 to rotate along a first direction 142 through the loading region 144. This energy can be stored by rotating the wheel along a second direction 156.

[0075] The stop 146 is positioned close to the loading area 144. The wheel 138 and the bullet holder 132 are configured such that when there is no bullet P in the bullet holder 132 located in the loading area 144, the wheel 138 can rotate in the first direction 142 without being substantially disturbed by the stop 146.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the bullet holder 132 provides a stop gap 148 through which the stop 146 can pass to allow rotation when there is no bullet or other object in the bullet holder 132 near the loading area 144. However, the bullet holder 132, the wheel 138, and the stop 146 can also be configured such that when a bullet P or other object is in the bullet holder 132, movement of the stop 146 through the stop gap 148 is blocked. In this way, the blocked bullet P and the bullet holder 132 holding the blocked bullet P are located in the loading area 144. Access to the bullet holder 132 located in the loading area 144 is provided by a cover path 152 in the cover 150 and a housing path 154 in the housing 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover path 152 and the housing path 154 are generally positioned such that the portion of the bolt 100 having the bullet contact surface 108 can move through the cover path 152 and the housing path 154 as the bolt 100 moves. In other embodiments, the bullet P can be fired from within or from a position between the bullet holder 132 and the housing path 154. In this embodiment, the bolt 100 does not necessarily need to move completely through the housing path 154.

[0077] The magazine-type ammunition supply device 130 can be detached from the air gun 10 to facilitate loading of ammunition into the magazine-type ammunition supply device 130 or to enable rapid reloading as an example but not a limitation, and the ammunition supply locator 170 typically holds the magazine-type ammunition supply device 130 to the air gun 10 between the bolt guide 82 and the barrel chamber 28, such that movement of the bolt 100 and the guide 116 allows the ammunition contact surface 108 to move through the positioned ammunition holder 132 and can move the ammunition from the magazine-type ammunition supply device 130 to a position where such ammunition can be fired through the chamber 28 of the barrel 30.

[0078] FIG. 13 yes FIG. 3 A cross-sectional view of the breech, bolt, and a portion of the barrel in an embodiment, as shown below. FIG. 7 The bolt 100 is shown positioned outside the ammunition supply holder 10. FIG. 14 It's an air gun, like the 10. FIG. 13 The image shown is a partial rear-view cross-sectional view. FIG. 13 and 14 An embodiment of a magazine-type ammunition supply positioner 170 for use with a magazine-type ammunition supply device 130 is shown. In this embodiment, the ammunition supply positioner 170 has a bolt-side surface 172 and a barrel-side surface 174 separated by approximately the width of the magazine-type ammunition supply device 130 to be used with the air gun 10. The bolt-side surface 172 and the barrel-side surface 170 generally define the magazine-type ammunition supply device (…). FIG. 13 and14 (Not shown) Range of movement along the length of the air rifle 10. In this embodiment, the rifle positioning member 180 is located on the barrel side surface 174 and provides at least one alignment feature 188, such as a feature of the magazine-type ammunition supply device 130, to provide a predetermined range of accuracy in the position of the magazine-type ammunition supply device 130 relative to the barrel bore 28, bolt 100, bolt guide 116, and bullet contact surface 108. The bottom surface 178 may interact with the cover 150 or housing 156 of the magazine-type ammunition supply device 130 to limit rotational movement of the magazine-type ammunition supply device 130. Other mechanisms and structures may also be used for this purpose.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment feature 180 includes an alignment feature 188 in the form of a surface extending from the barrel side surface 174 to a common circular platform 182 generally centered around the barrel bore 28 and the rifling surface 184 leading to the bore 28. In this embodiment, the ammunition supply device 130 has a housing 146 having one or more commonly designed magazine position surfaces 184 shaped to interact with the magazine positioning surface 180 to aid in positioning the loading region 144 relative to the barrel bore 28 in an axial direction relative to the axis of the barrel bore 28. The rifle positioning member 180 may take other shapes; by way of example but not limitation, the rifle positioning member 180 may take the form of a cube, hemisphere, cone, rhomboid, or other shapes. In embodiments, the rifle positioning member 180 may take the form of a recess in the barrel 30 or breech 70, and the magazine positioning surface 184 on the housing 146 may protrude into these recesses.

[0080] In addition, other forms of physical interaction between the magazine and the rifle include electromagnetic, magnetic, or fluid interfaces. Furthermore, in embodiments, the magazine positioning surface 184 may be located on other surfaces of the ammunition supply holder 160, wherein the ammunition supply device 130 has common design features to mate with it as needed.

[0081] When the magazine-type ammunition supply device 130 is positioned in the ammunition supply holder 160, the housing 136 and the cover 150 or the components connected thereto move with the bolt 100 to position the ammunition supply device 130, which has a loading area 144, in the path of travel of the bolt guide 116 and the ammunition contact surface 108.

[0082] Compressed air management

[0083] FIG. 15 It shows when preparing to fire. FIG. 3 The right-side cross-sectional view of the air management system of the air gun. (See diagram below.) FIG. 15As shown, before firing, gas 192 fills the initial volume VI formed between the compression tube 40, tube end 42, compression piston 54, delivery tube 50, intermediate pressure holding path 192, chamber 28, and bullet P in the pressure system 190. The gas 192 in the initial volume VI serves as the initial pressure for applying the initial force IF to the bullet P.

[0084] FIG. 16 It shows FIG. 3 A right-side cross-sectional view of the air management system of an air gun during firing. (See diagram below.) FIG. 16 As shown, when the air gun 10 fires, the compression piston 54 rapidly advances towards the end 42 of the O-tube, thereby... FIG. 11 The initial volume 200 shown is reduced to a smaller volume 204. This produces a compressed gas 206 with a pressure that eventually reaches a level sufficient to apply a firing force FF, which overcomes the holding force HF and drives the bullet P through the barrel 28.

[0085] When the air gun 10 is in the ready-to-fire position, the amount of gas contained in the pressure system 190 is limited. Therefore, high-speed and consistent accurate firing is optimally achieved when the initial amount of gas within the pressure system 190 is reliably maintained during firing and gas loss during compression is preferably limited. It will also be understood that consistent, high-speed, repeatable, and accurate firing of the bullet P from the air gun 10 is also optimized when the volume of other parts of the pressure system 190 does not expand during firing.

[0086] Controlling energy loss due to leakage and volume increase is particularly valuable for compression piston air guns, because in such guns, the peak pressure generated by the gas in the compression pressure system 190 during firing typically increases proportionally to the degree of volume reduction of the pressure system 190 between the initial volume VI and firing. Therefore, even a small movement of the bullet P within the chamber 28 during the final compression moment can have a significant and negative impact on the final force applied to the bullet P.

[0087] Therefore, it is valuable to ensure that pressure is not lost due to gas escaping between the compression tube 40 and the compression piston 54. FIG. 17 This is a transverse interface diagram of the cut-off portion of the compression tube 40 and the breech 70, illustrating a first embodiment of a compression seal for reducing gas loss between the compression tube 40 and the compression piston 54. FIG. 17 In one embodiment, the compression piston 54 has a piston surface 220 and a compression seal 230 having a mounting surface 232 and a sealing surface 234, the mounting surface being configured to mount generally around the periphery of the compression piston 54 and the sealing surface facing the delivery pipe 50.

[0088] A peripheral groove 236 is provided in the sealing surface 234, which generally surrounds the periphery of the compression seal 230. The compression seal 230 is made of a material that is elastic enough to allow the sealing surface 238 of the compression seal to bend elastically outward.

[0089] As the compression piston 54 moves toward the delivery pipe 50, the volume of the compression pipe 40 between the compression piston 54 and the delivery pipe 50 decreases. This compresses the gas in the compression pipe 40. The compressed air resists compression by applying a force 240 to the surface containing the compressed air. A portion of this force 240 enters the peripheral groove 236 and applies a sealing force 244, which seals the sealing surface 238 against the delivery pipe wall 52, allowing the sealing surface 234 to maintain better contact with the wall of the compression pipe 40. It should be understood that in this embodiment, as the force applied by the compressed gas against the seal 230 increases, the force pushing the sealing surface 238 against the pipe wall 52 also increases. Therefore, the sealing force 244 increases with increasing pressure.

[0090] However, relying on pressurized air to increase the sealing force may result in a low sealing force in the early stages of the compression piston 54's stroke, potentially allowing some gas to escape between the seal 230 and the compression tube 40. This would reduce the efficiency of the air gun 10. However, if the size of the groove 236 is increased to increase the sealing force in the early stages of the compression process, the peripheral groove 236 will begin to have a volume sufficient to accommodate enough compressed air to reduce the efficiency of the air gun 10.

[0091] FIG. 18 This is a transverse interface diagram of the cut-off portion of the compression tube 40 and the breech 70, illustrating a second embodiment of a compression seal for reducing gas loss between the compression tube 40 and the compression piston 54. FIG. 19 A right-front perspective view of a cross-section of a portion of the piston 54 and a second embodiment of a compression seal for reducing such gas loss are shown. Here, a reinforced pre-filled seal 246 is used to provide a seal between the compression piston 54 and the pipe wall 52. The pressure-reinforced pre-filled seal 250 has a mounting surface 252 and a sealing surface 254, the mounting surface being configured to mount generally around the periphery of the compression piston 54, and the sealing surface facing the delivery pipe 50. FIG. 18 and 19 As shown in the embodiment, a peripheral groove 256 is provided in the sealing surface 254, which generally surrounds the periphery of the compression seal 230. The pressure-enhanced pre-filled seal 250 is made of a material with sufficient elasticity to allow the sealing surface 258 of the compression seal to bend elastically outward.

[0092] For example FIG. 18 and 19As shown, a compression-sealing biasing member 260 is provided, which generates an outward force 266 that pushes the sealing surface 258 against the sidewall of the compression tube 40 in an outward direction. FIG. 17 In the illustrated embodiment, the compression sealing bias member 260 may be in the form of an elastic member that applies an outward sealing force 246 against the sealing surface 254. This force can push the sealing surface 254 to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the compression tube 40 when unconstrained. In one such embodiment, inserting the compression piston 54 into the compression tube 40 can cause elastic deformation of the elastic bias member 260, which resists this elastic deformation to generate the sealing force 266. In other embodiments, other structures, articles, and mechanisms may be used to push the sealing surface 254 against the compression tube 40, including but not limited to magnetic, pneumatic, or other mechanisms.

[0093] During operation, when the pressure in the volume between the compression piston 54 and the compression tube end 42 is lower in the compression tube 40, the initial sealing force 266 helps reduce the degree of gas escape between the compression piston 54 and the compression tube 40 during the early portion of the stroke of the compression piston 54. This contributes to higher efficiency during this portion of the stroke of the compression piston 54. As pressure builds up in the volume between the compression piston 54 and the delivery tube 50, these pressures exert forces 242, which generate forces 244 that enhance the pressure exerted against the sealing surface 254.

[0094] It will also be observed that, in this embodiment, the presence of the compression-sealing biasing member 260 in the groove 256 reduces the total volume in the groove 256, thereby limiting potential pressure loss due to the additional volume of the groove 256 between the compression piston 54 and the compression tube end 42. Furthermore, the compression-sealing biasing member 260 can be made of a material different from the intermediate pressure path 180 that provides a fluid connection between the compression tube 40 and the bullet P. In this embodiment, the annular member 260 can be made of a different material than the material used to form the pressure-enhanced pre-filled seal 250 to achieve the desired combined effect. In one example, the pressure-enhanced pre-filled seal 250 can be made of a material that is more flexible or less elastic than the annular member 260. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the compression-sealing biasing member can be provided using a structure that drives the pressure-enhanced pre-filled seal 250 against the tube wall 52. Other types of constructions are also possible.

[0095] FIG. 20An embodiment of the air gun 10 is shown, featuring optional features intended to provide a more predictable firing force, illustrated herein as FF. As described above, during firing, the gas pressure contained in the pressure system 190 increases many times over in a short period of time through a mechanism that reduces the volume of the pressure system 190. Therefore, air gun components such as the compression tube 40, compression piston 54, tube end 42, intermediate pressure holding path 192, and chamber 28 can be arbitrarily manufactured, assembled, and made of materials selected to exhibit relatively small expansion when exposed to the expected gas pressure during firing of the air gun 10. Conversely, the bullet P and the chamber 28 are designed to allow the bullet P to be pushed downward into the chamber 28, which effectively increases the volume of the pressure system 190 and reduces the pressure. Therefore, the force applied to the bullet P in the folding-barrel air gun typically reaches its peak just before the bullet P moves downward into the chamber 28.

[0096] To reach the desired peak pressure, the bullet P must not advance significantly downward into the chamber 28 until the gas pressure in the pressure system 190 reaches the bullet P and generates a predetermined firing force FF.

[0097] The final holding force (UHF) is the force used to hold the bullet P in the proper position within the chamber 28 while building pressure into the firing force FF. The holding force HF in an air gun can be partly caused by the need for the co-design of the bullet P and the chamber 28 to limit the extent to which gas might leak through the bullet P and escape from the chamber 28. In some cases, this is achieved by providing a tight fit between the bullet P and the chamber 28. In other cases, this is achieved by providing a slight interference fit between the bullet P and the chamber 28. In a further case, the bullet P may have a skirt S, which is constructed around the periphery of the bullet P and designed to be positioned within the chamber and flexible enough to bend outward under the firing force, such that the skirt S presses outward against the chamber 28 to form a seal against the chamber 28. These methods generate static and dynamic friction, which also contributes to the holding force HF between the bullet P and the chamber 28 and is typically reduced by providing lubricant within the chamber 28.

[0098] Holding force (HF) may also include the force required to conform the shape of the bullet to the rifling groove pattern in the barrel. For example, in FIG. 3 to FIG. 8In this embodiment, the bullet P is positioned by the bullet contact surface 108 in at least a portion of the bolt guide 116, extending into the chamber 28, and fully positioned inside the chamber 28 when the air gun 10 is ready to fire. In this embodiment, the chamber 28 is shown as having a rifling surface 29 spaced apart by a gapped chamber wall portion 27. The rifling surface 29 is generally helical along a continuous path within the chamber 28 and extends inward from the gapped chamber wall portion 27 to a degree sufficient to engage the bullet P attempting to pass through the chamber 28, thereby imparting axial rotation to the bullet P as it is pushed down into the chamber 28 during firing. Various known shapes and rates of torsion exist for such rifling, and various different types of rifling surfaces 29 are known and useful.

[0099] The dimensions of the chamber wall portion 27 and the bullet P are typically designed to allow the bullet P to accelerate through the bore 28 with minimal leakage of propellant gases. However, the rifling surface 29 extends into the space between the chamber wall portions 27, requiring the bullet P to plastically deform to conform to the shape and configuration of the rifling surface 29 before it can travel along the bore 28. Typically, the rifling surface 29 is made of a stronger material than the material used to form the portion of the bullet P that engages with the rifling surface 29, such that when sufficient force is applied to the bullet P, it will begin to plastically flex to conform to the shape of the rifling surface 29.

[0100] Therefore, it should be understood that there are many different system design factors, such as geometry, material selection, and design choices regarding the interaction between the chamber 28 and the bullet P in a manner that contributes to the holding force HF. It will also be understood that all of these system design factors can vary within manufacturing tolerances. Furthermore, it should be understood that temperature and other environmental conditions can also introduce variations, including but not limited to variations in bullet geometry or chamber geometry, causing the actual amount of holding force of a particular air gun to vary, thereby leading to variations in firing velocity and accuracy.

[0101] There is a risk that, in certain situations, during gas compression in system 190 but before the pressure in pressure system 190 reaches the predetermined range of pressure required to generate the desired firing force FF, this change in the final holding force UHF can allow the bullet P to travel a small distance downward along the barrel 28. When this movement occurs, the volume of pressure system 190 effectively increases. As mentioned above, even a small increase in the volume of pressure system 190 can partially offset the pressure increase achieved through compression. This limits the pressure achievable in pressure system 190 during firing of the air gun 10 and prevents the firing force from reaching the desired range. This reduces the spin rate and velocity, which negatively impacts the bullet trajectory. Therefore, as... FIG. 20As shown, in the embodiment, the bolt guide 116 and the bullet contact surface 108 can at least partially compress the bullet P into contact with the rifling surface 29, so as to at least cause deformation of the bullet P, which is necessary for driving the bullet P through the chamber 28.

[0102] The skirt S of bullet P is located at the rear of bullet P and is designed to bend radially outward within the chamber 28 as the force acting on bullet P increases with the firing force. This outward bending forces the skirt SP against the chamber 28 to provide a seal against the chamber 28, wherein the sealing force increases with the air pressure against bullet P. This helps to limit the amount of compressed air (if present) passing through bullet P when the air pressure rises to a level sufficient to transmit the firing force.

[0103] In one embodiment, the skirt S is positioned in the bore 28 such that during firing, the skirt S first deforms to engage the rifling surface 29 and further deforms to seal the gap-filling bore wall portion 27. However, this approach can lead to air leakage and pressure loss when the skirt S bends. In other embodiments, the skirt S is positioned to partially engage the rifling portion of the bore 28 and partially engage an excessive crown or tapered portion surrounding the breech portion of the bore 28. This allows the skirt to engage a smooth surface to prevent leakage without first deforming into the guide rail. It should be understood that achieving these first and second deformations requires energy and that this deformation contributes to retaining force. Retaining force variations occur as the projectile and bore geometry change and the projectile material changes.

[0104] However, in such FIG. 20 In the illustrated embodiment, the bullet P is positioned near a rifling-free surface 184, shown here as a continuous tapered shape having a diameter extending from a first diameter to the bore 28. Here, the bolt 100 positions the bullet P such that the bullet skirt S is positioned close to the bore 28 and configured for firing through the bore 28, but the bullet P can also be positioned such that it is held with a sufficient initial holding force IHF to allow the skirt S to expand against the rifling-free skirt engagement surface 182 close to the bore 28 and respond to increased pressure during firing. The rifling-free surface 182 is configured to engage with the pressure-expanding skirt S to generate a skirt holding force SHF, which can be used alone or in combination with the initial holding force IHF to form a final holding force UHF, which is within a predetermined range narrower than the potential range of the initial holding force IHF.

[0105] Importantly, it will be observed that the geometry traditionally used to form the bore 28 offers very little freedom in bullet design, considering the need to impart ballistic spin to the bullet P and the need to reduce air loss. However, greater freedom exists in designing the interaction between the skirt and the skirt engagement surface 128, which can be used to more precisely define the skirt holding force (SHF) to achieve the desired final holding force. Furthermore, it should be noted that the pattern of skirt holding force that the bullet will experience can be defined as the bullet eventually begins to move.

[0106] Therefore, the air gun 10 can be designed to reduce dependence on the interaction between the bullet P and the rifling surface 29 to provide a final holding force UHF. This reduction in dependence can take the form of enabling a greater firing force to be established before allowing the bullet P to move, or reducing variability.

[0107] For example FIG. 20 As shown, in one embodiment, the skirt engagement surface may have a continuous shape different from the initial shape of the skirt S to produce a desired skirt holding force (SHF). In other embodiments, the skirt engagement surface has a stepped configuration, a slope variation, or other variations designed to hold the bullet P or control the SHF. In one embodiment, the bullet contact surface 108 may be configured to compress or shape the skirt S into a configuration that engages with the skirt engagement surface 184 to limit the amount of air escaping between the skirt S and the skirt engagement surface 184 before firing and help define the skirt holding force (SHF) and thus determine the final holding force (UHF). In yet another embodiment, the bolt 100 may be configured to drive and hold the portion of the skirt S between the bullet contact surface 108 and the skirt engagement surface 184 and help define the skirt holding force (SHF) and thus help define the final holding force (UHF). In yet another embodiment, the skirt holding force (SHF) may be provided by a brittle portion of the skirt S such that the desired firing force is determined based on the amount of force required to tear or otherwise separate the brittle portion from the remainder of the skirt S.

[0108] As also shown, in this embodiment, a barrel seal 110 can be provided to block or restrict airflow between the bolt guide 116 and the chamber 28 at one end of the chamber 28, while the bullet P is used to block or restrict airflow through the other end of the chamber 28. During firing, as long as the bullet P remains relatively stationary, the compression piston 54 can reduce the volume of the system, thereby increasing the pressure in the system.

[0109] Loading system

[0110] FIG. 21 This is a cross-sectional view of the automatic reloading system 60 immediately following the firing of the air gun 10. FIG. 22 yes FIG. 21The image shows a right view of the automatic loading system 60 in the indicated state. In this state, the chamber 28 is empty, the magazine-type ammunition supply device 130 remains positioned in the ammunition supply holder 170, and the bolt guide 116 extends through the ammunition holder 132 of the cylinder 138, thereby preventing the ammunition holder 132 from rotating and allowing a new ammunition (not shown) to be positioned in the loading area 144. Similarly, in this position, the bolt biasing system 200 can push the bolt 100 away from the chamber 28 and the ammunition holder 132. In an embodiment, the bolt biasing system 200 can push the bolt seal 104 against the compression tube end wall 62 to determine the positioning of the bolt 100 in the firing position in this embodiment. The degree to which the bolt 100 moves relative to the chamber 28 by the bolt biasing system 200 is defined as the degree to which the biasing force 201 applied by the bolt biasing system 200 compresses the bolt seal 104 against the compression tube end wall 62. In other embodiments, the interaction between the compression tube end wall 62 and the bolt tube facing surface 103 can limit the extent to which the bolt 100 is positioned relative to the chamber 28 by the bolt bias system 200 when in the firing position.

[0111] However, in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 In the illustrated embodiment, when in the firing position, the position of the bolt 100 relative to the chamber 28 can be determined by the position of the bolt positioner 78 abutting against the cam surface 92, driven by the bolt biasing system 200. This reduces the degree of separation between the bullet contact surface 116 and the bolt positioner 78 in the firing position, and this reduction can suppress the influence of thermal or other variables that may affect bullet positioning by the bolt 100. Additionally, in the embodiment, the position can be adjusted by making the bolt positioner 78 replaceable with bolt positioners of different sizes or by having different portions of its circumference with different radii from the center of rotation, so that when moved into and held in the firing position, the user can adjust the degree of movement of the bolt 100, bolt guide 116, and bullet contact surface 108 relative to the chamber 28 by rotating different portions of the circumference near the cam surface 92.

[0112] When the user rotates the breech 70 relative to the compression tube 40 in the first direction 300, the process of cocking and reloading the air gun 10 begins. However, as FIG. 22 and FIG. 23As shown, rotating the breech 70 relative to the compression tube 40 along the first direction 300 drives the bolt positioner 78 against the first cam convex surface 302. The bolt positioner 78 and the first cam convex surface 302 are configured such that when the bolt positioner 78 is driven against the first cam convex surface 302, a detonation force 301 is generated, thereby pushing the bolt positioner 78 and the bolt 100 away from the compression tube end wall 62. The detonation force 301 first has the effect of counteracting the bias force 201 to release any clamping force between the bolt seal 104 and the tube end 42, and then can overcome the bias force 201 to allow the bolt seal 104 to separate from the tube end 42 as the breech 70 begins to rotate along the direction 300. During these detonation phases, the reduction of clamping force and the final separation of the bolt seal 104 from the tube end 42 help protect the bolt seal 104 from damage that could occur if the bolt seal 104 were to remain against the clamping force of the tube end 42. This helps reduce maintenance requirements and prevents air loss between the tube tip 42 and the bolt 100 during firing.

[0113] Furthermore, this allows for separation between the lower edge 107 of the bolt tube facing surface 103 and the compression tube end wall 62 during the relative rotation of the compression tube 40 and the breech 70, thereby reducing frictional contact between the bolt 100 and the compression tube end wall 62 and the risk of any accidental modification that may result from such contact. Moreover, this method reduces the risk that such contact with the bolt 100 would cause the bolt 100 to move in a manner that could have unintended consequences on the bolt guide 116, the bullet contact surface 108, or elsewhere on the bolt 100.

[0114] like FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 As further shown, after the compression tube 40 and breech 70 have rotated further, control of the position of the bolt positioner 78 changes from the first cam surface 302 to the second cam surface 303, which controls how the bolt 100 is again pushed away from the chamber 28 by the force of the bolt biasing system 200. This helps to ensure separation between the two.

[0115] FIG. 23 yes FIG. 21 A cross-sectional view of the automatic loading system 60 in the early stage of rotating the breech 70 relative to the compression tube 40, and FIG. 24 yes FIG. 21 The automatic loading system 60 FIG. 23 The right-side view shows the state as indicated. In this state, the chamber 28 is empty and the magazine-type ammunition supply device 130 is positioned in the retainer 170. FIG. 23As shown, in this position, the bolt guide 116 continues to extend through one of the cartridge holders 132 of the cylinder 138, thereby preventing the cartridge holder 132 from rotating and allowing a new cartridge (not shown) to be positioned in the holding area 144. Similarly, in this position, the bolt biasing system 200 can push the bolt 100 to abut the bolt positioner 78 against the first cam surface 302 of the cam surface 92, thereby continuing to protect the seal 104. In this embodiment, the bolt positioner 78 and the first cam surface 302 may also be optionally configured such that the bolt tube face surface 103 remains separated from the tube end 42 until the breech 70 reaches a point of rotation where allowing the tube face surface 203 to move further away from the bore 28 would risk contacting the tube face surface 203 with the tube end 42.

[0116] FIG. 25 This is a right-side view of the automatic loading system 60 at another relative point of rotation between the compression tube 40 and the breech 70 along the first direction 300. (See image) FIG. 25 As shown, at this point, this relative rotation has caused the second cam surface 92 to move from a position approximately near the bore end 304 of the bolt positioner track 86 to a position near the tube end 306 of the bolt positioner track 86 along the path that allows the bolt bias force 201 to move the bolt 100 along the bolt positioner track 86.

[0117] In this embodiment, the bolt positioner 78 and the tube end 306 are configured such that when the bolt positioner 78 is in this position, the bolt guide 116 is sufficiently retracted to allow the spool 138 to rotate. The bolt positioner 78 is then held against the tube end 306 by the bolt bias force 201 until it reaches the area of ​​force applied by the bolt positioner 78 to overcome the bolt bias force 201.

[0118] FIG. 26 It shows FIG. 3 A cross-sectional view of the automatic loading system 60 of an embodiment of the air gun 10 in the fully ready-to-fire rotating position. FIG. 27 A right-side view of the automatic loading system 60 is shown. (As shown) FIG. 26 and 27 As shown, in this position, the compression tube 40 and the breech 70 rotate relative to each other about the pivot 48. FIG. 26 and 27 As shown, in the fully ready-to-fire position, the bolt biasing system 120 continues to push the bolt 100 away from the chamber 28 and the bolt 100 is now positioned for loading.

[0119] like FIG. 26As shown, the bolt positioner 78 and the bolt guide wall 84 are configured such that when the bolt 100 is pushed toward the tube end portion 306, the bolt guide 116 retracts from the chamber 28 and the cartridge holder 132. This allows the cylinder 138 of the ammunition supply device 130 to rotate to bring the next cartridge holder 132 with the cartridge 140 into the loading area 144 as described above.

[0120] After reaching the fully ready-to-fire position, the compression tube 40 and breech 70 can be returned to the firing position by relative rotation of the tube 40 and breech 70 about the pivot 48 in a second direction 310 opposite to the first direction 300. Rotation in the second direction 310 causes the second cam cam 302 and the bolt positioner 78 to re-engage, as... FIG. 28 As shown, this image represents the current moment. FIG. 21 The right-side view of the automatic loading system shown.

[0121] FIG. 29 The further relative rotation along the second direction 310 shown causes the second cam cam angle 302 to drive the bolt positioner 78 from a position near the tube end 306 of the bolt positioner track 86 toward the bore end 304 of the bolt positioner track 86. As described above, this causes the bolt 100 to begin advancing toward the bore 28 and further causes the bolt head 116 to advance the bullet contact surface 108 into the bullet supply device 130 and contact the bullet P in the bullet supply device 130 to begin pushing the bullet P toward the bore 28.

[0122] The second cam surface 303 is also configured to engage with the bolt positioner 78 to define the distance between the bolt 100 and the tube end 42, thereby protecting the seal 104 on the tube face surface 103 from damage due to friction and exposure to shear forces when the compression tube 40 and breech 70 are rotated to the firing position. This engagement can act as described above to reduce the risk of contact between the lower edge of the bolt tube face surface 107 and the compression tube end wall 106.

[0123] Further relative rotation of the compression tube 40 and the breech 70 in the second direction 310 moves the bolt positioner 78 to a position contacting the first cam cam angle surface 302, which controls the rate of rotation that allows the bolt 100 to move toward the position it will occupy during firing. This control helps reduce the risk of contact between the lower edge of the bolt tube facing surface 107 and the compression tube end wall 62. Furthermore, in this embodiment, this control can also be used to approximate the position where the bullet contact surface 108 will position the bullet P relative to the chamber 28 for firing.

[0124] It should be understood that the automatic loading system 60 provides a mechanism that, when the air gun 10 is in the firing position, can be fully contained within the overall profile of the air gun 10. Therefore, this mechanism is protected from exposure to elements and other environmental contaminants, optionally utilizes components and surfaces already provided in the air gun 10 (e.g., the surfaces of the first fork 44 and the second fork 46 require fewer additional components), and operates substantially with the compression tube and chamber to minimize or otherwise significantly reduce the range that optical aiming solutions (e.g., iron sights, red dot sights) and scopes must be positioned away from the chamber axis 94. This reduces parallax-based aiming challenges and lowers obstacle risk.

[0125] FIG. 30 and 31 A right-side view of another embodiment of the autoloading system 60 is shown, which has latching surfaces 310 provided on the first fork 44 and / or the second fork 46 to allow a user to latch the autoloading system 60 into a ready-to-fire position. This can be used, for example, to facilitate the maintenance or cleaning of the air gun 10, to hold the air gun in a fully ready-to-fire position for storage in a folded configuration, or for other purposes. FIG. 32 As shown, the user manually depresses the tube face surface 103 of the bolt 100 to position the bolt positioner 78 near the bore end 304 of the positioner track 86, where the cam surface 92 will not interfere with further rotation of the bolt positioner 78 during cocking. With the bolt positioner 78 thus positioned, the user can rotate the bolt to a position where the bolt positioner is advanced into the latch surface 310 within the bolt guide 82, reaching a position closer to the bolt guide end 304 of the bolt guide 85.

[0126] FIG. 33 Another embodiment of the automatic loading system is shown, having a first fork 44 and a second fork 46, each having mounting members 324 and 326 that allow individual cam lobes 334 and 336 to be mounted thereto by, for example, but not limited to, individual fasteners 344 and 346. This can be used for a variety of purposes. In an embodiment, the individual fasteners 344 and 346 may be made of a different material than the first fork 44 and the second fork 46, for example by providing a material with greater rigidity. Furthermore, in an embodiment, mounting members 324 and 326 may be adapted to be mounted to the individual cam lobes 334 and 336, each supporting a surface intended to interact with the bolt positioner 78. These individual cam lobes 334 and 336 may be positioned within a range of different locations along cam surfaces 92 and 93. In one such embodiment, the ability to mount the cam lobes 334 and 346 within a range of different locations can be used to aid in the alignment of the cam lobes 334 and 346.

[0127] The ability to mount the cam lobes 334 and 346 in different position ranges allows the cam lobes 334 and 346 to be positioned within a first position range when the tube end 42, the first fork 44, and the second fork 46 are used in a first air gun design, and to be positioned within a second position range when the tube end 42, the first fork 44, and the second fork 46 are used in a second air gun design.

[0128] FIG. 34 Another embodiment of an autoloading system 60 with an air management system 190 that does not pass through the bolt 100 is shown. This embodiment provides a secondary air path 330 extending from the compression tube 40 into or near the chamber 28 or located at an opening 332 between the bolt 100 and the bullet P. In this embodiment, the bolt guide 116 may be adapted or shaped to assist in guiding pressurized air to the bullet P.

Claims

1. An air gun for use with a bullet supply device, the bullet supply device having a housing and a passage extending along a supply axis, wherein when the passage is open, the bullet supply device positions a bullet in the passage, the air gun comprising: A compression tube having a delivery port through which compressed air passes during the firing of the compression piston; A bolt having a leading portion sized to enter the bullet supply passage; A bolt positioner that moves together with the bolt; The breech has a bullet supply retainer adapted to hold the bullet supply device, wherein the bullet supply passage is generally aligned with the bore of the barrel, and the breech provides a bolt guide that positions the bolt between the compression tube and the bullet supply retainer for movement along a path generally coaxial with the passage and the bore. A bolt positioner guide is positioned to interact with the bolt positioner to advance the bolt between a first position extending through the passage and a second position retracted from the passage. A pivot that connects the breech to the compression tube for movement between a firing position and a reloading position in which the feed port, the passage and the bore are substantially aligned; The cam surface moves together with the compression tube when the compression tube rotates relative to the breech. The gas flow path is located between the delivery port and the firing position in the barrel; The cam surface and the bolt positioner are configured such that rotation from the firing position to the reloading position causes the cam surface to overcome bias and drive the bolt positioner from the first position to the second position to open the passage; and The cam surface and the bolt positioner are configured such that rotation from the firing position to the reloading position causes the cam surface to drive the bolt positioner through the passage to drive the bullet in the passage to a position where pressurized gas in the firing position will push the bullet through the chamber.

2. An air gun for use with a magazine having multiple cartridge holders, the air gun comprising: A compression tube with a detachable fork; A pivot that extends across the surface of the fork and tube fork cam; A magazine locator adapted to hold a magazine such that a magazine holder is positioned in the loading area between the fork side of the magazine locator and the bore side of the magazine locator. The breech, which is pivotally mounted to the fork for movement between a closed orientation and an open orientation of the compression tube near the breech, wherein the breech has a barrel retainer that positions the barrel opening on the barrel side of the magazine positioner and a bolt guide located on the bolt guide side of the magazine retainer. A bolt, shaped to interact with the bolt guide such that the contact surface of the bolt can be pushed between a loading position on the bolt side of the magazine holder and a firing position on the barrel side of the magazine holder; and interacts with the bolt, which has a bolt positioner whose position determines the position of the contact surface; A biasing member that pushes the drive surface against the surface of the fork cam; The fork cam surface is shaped to interact with the bolt positioner to move the bolt, such that when the compression tube and the breech rotate from the closed position to the open position, the contact surface moves from the firing position through the magazine holder to the loading position, and wherein the fork cam surface is further shaped to interact with the bolt positioner to move the bolt, such that when the compression tube and the breech rotate from the open position to the closed position, the contact surface moves from the loading position through the magazine holder to drive the bullet in the magazine holder to a position where compressed gas from the delivery tube can travel through the gas management system to push the bullet through the chamber.

Images