ITVI20090049A1 - COMPACT DEVICE FOR RECHARGING AIR TANKS, PARTICULARLY FOR COMPRESSED AIR WEAPONS. - Google Patents

Description

COMPACT DEVICE FOR REFILLING AIR TANKS, ESPECIALLY FOR COMPRESSED AIR WEAPONS

TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a compact device for recharging air tanks, particularly for compressed air weapons.

As is known, compressed air weapons are throwing weapons in which projectiles are fired by exploiting the thrust given by the expansion of compressed gases, such as, for example, air or carbon dioxide.

In detail, weapons of this type can be essentially classified into two categories: those with compressed air properly so-called, or those with pre-compressed air.

While in the former the air is compressed substantially at the moment of firing, by means of suitable devices integrated into the structure of the weapon itself, in the latter the air is compressed in advance.

More particularly, the pre-compressed air weapons, otherwise called PCP (Pre Charged Pneumatic), adopt a system for the propulsion of the projectile that uses the high pressure air contained in a fixed or removable tank associated with the weapon.

The tank, essentially consisting of a metal cylinder, is preloaded by means of a special volumetric piston pump capable of delivering pressures up to 200-250 bar.

Such pumps, similar to those for bicycles, are generally provided with an ergonomic handle which extends orthogonally to the pumping direction and allows their manual operation.

Alternatively, the tank can be refilled using a scuba tank which has been previously preloaded with suitable high pressure compressors.

However, these solutions present multiple problems ranging from the considerable amount of strength and physical resistance required in the first case, to the need to use a particularly expensive high-pressure compressor in the second case.

To limit these drawbacks, a preloading system has been recently developed essentially consisting of a double-acting pneumatic cylinder supported by a tubular structure that accommodates the volumetric pump.

The pneumatic cylinder is axially coupled to the piston rod of the pump and is powered by a compressor, preferably a professional type.

However, this apparatus can be perfected, as it is burdened by significant technical prejudices.

It should first be considered that the axial coupling between the pneumatic cylinder and the pump makes the device considerably bulky, giving it a length which on the whole is approximately three times that of the pump alone.

Consequently, given its length, this apparatus is inconvenient and its transport is undoubtedly problematic.

Furthermore, since the dimensions of the aforementioned tubular structure must necessarily be adequate to those of the volumetric pump used, such equipment cannot be given a standard configuration, compatible with all plunger pumps commonly used for refilling tanks. of PCP weapons.

A further drawback arises from the fact that, in order to operate a pump capable of developing 200-250 bar, a pneumatic cylinder of considerable size must be used. Consequently, it is necessary to use a considerable amount of air both to push the stem out and to make it retract. Furthermore, the fact that the applied cylinder is double acting leads to double the already considerable air consumption to complete one pump cycle.

This circumstance considerably reduces the possibility of using a hobby-type compressor to power such an actuation device and undoubtedly makes a professional-type compressor, equipped with high power and equipped with a large air reservoir, more suitable. However, these machines prove to be particularly expensive and therefore the solution described is not economically convenient.

The aim of the invention is to solve the above problems, creating a compact device for recharging air tanks, particularly for compressed air weapons, which optimizes the operation of a high pressure piston pump. .

Within the scope of the above aim, a particular object of the invention is to provide a compact device for refilling air tanks that can be used substantially with all the piston pumps commonly used for refilling the tanks of PCP weapons. .

Another object of the invention is to provide a compact device for recharging air reservoirs which can be operated with an external source of compressed air of large consumption, such as for example a hobby-type compressor.

Another object of the invention is to provide a compact device for recharging air tanks which is reduced in size and easily transportable.

A further object of the invention is to provide a compact device for recharging air tanks that is safe and complies with the applicable standards in force.

Not least object of the invention is to provide a compact device for recharging air tanks which is pleasant in appearance and advantageous from a purely economic point of view.

The aforementioned task, as well as the aforementioned purposes and others which will appear better later, are achieved by a compact device for recharging air tanks, particularly for compressed air weapons, comprising at least one high-pressure volumetric pump removably associated to a base bracket, said volumetric pump being constituted by an airtight piston sliding in a cylindrical body, said device being characterized in that it comprises improved actuation means associated with said volumetric pump and able to automatically control the alternate sliding of said piston.

Further characteristics and advantages will become clearer from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a compact device for refilling air tanks, according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings in which: figure 1 is a perspective view of a compact device for recharging air tanks, according to the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a compact device for recharging air tanks, according to the invention, equipped with a first type of volumetric pump;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a compact device for recharging air tanks, according to the invention, equipped with a second type of volumetric pump;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a compact device for recharging air tanks, according to the invention, equipped with a third type of volumetric pump;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a compact device for recharging air tanks, according to the invention.

With reference to the aforementioned figures, a compact device for recharging air tanks, particularly for compressed air weapons, is globally indicated with the reference number 1.

The compact device for recharging air tanks 1 comprises a high pressure volumetric pump 10, whose base 11 is associated, in a removable way, with a base bracket 2.

More in detail, the volumetric pump 10 is a plunger pump, per se known, in which the volume variation is obtained with the alternating sliding of an air-tight piston in a cylindrical body 12.

On the base 11 there is an outlet duct 13, which can be provided with a flexible hose reinforced with an anti-expansion mesh, not shown in the attached figures, or it can be connected directly, in a removable way, to a tank 20 to be filled. .

In correspondence with the outlet pipe 13 there is a pressure gauge 14 which allows to measure the pressure reached during the refilling of the tank 20.

According to the invention, the compact device for refilling air reservoirs 1 comprises improved actuation means 50 associated with the volumetric pump 10 to automatically control the alternating sliding of its piston.

The improved actuation means 50 essentially take the form of a first actuator, preferably constituted by a first pneumatic cylinder 51, operatively connected to the rod 15 coupled to the piston of the volumetric pump 10.

More particularly, the first pneumatic cylinder 51 is fixed to the base bracket 2, so as to be substantially parallel to the cylindrical body 12, and the end portion of its stem 52 is connected to a coupling plate 55 to which it is fixed also the terminal portion of the stem 15.

The action of the first pneumatic cylinder 51 is advantageously assisted by a second actuator consisting of a second pneumatic cylinder 53 coupled to the previous one.

The second pneumatic cylinder 53 is therefore also substantially parallel to the cylindrical body 12 and the terminal portion of its stem 54 is connected to the coupling plate 55.

The two actuators are differently sized, in fact, the diameter of the second pneumatic cylinder 53 is less than the diameter of the first pneumatic cylinder 51. This, if on the one hand reduces the thrust power of the second pneumatic cylinder 53, on the other hand it reduces considerably its air consumption during the active phase.

The possibility of adopting a similar solution arises from the fact that, while the first pneumatic cylinder 51 assists the volumetric pump 10 during its pressing action, therefore requiring a considerable thrust force which requires a conspicuous flow of air, the second pneumatic cylinder 53 assists the volumetric pump 10 only during the suction action, which instead requires very little force.

The pistons of the first pneumatic cylinder 51 and of the second pneumatic cylinder 53 are piloted in one direction only by a three-way distribution valve 56, which can be operated manually by means of a lever 57.

The distribution valve 56 is in fact connected to the two actuators, through the pipes 58 and 59, and to an external source of compressed air, not shown in the attached figures.

The compact device for refilling the air tanks 1 is protected by a casing 60 associated, in a removable way, with the base bracket 2.

The casing 60 is advantageously provided with a carrying handle 61, with support feet and with a pair of slots 62a and 62b obtained in such a way as to allow to check the position of the coupling plate 55 and, consequently, the state of the two actuators.

It is important to note that the compact device for refilling air tanks 1 can be equipped with different models of positive displacement pump 10. In particular, it can be used substantially with all volumetric piston pumps currently used for recharging PCP weapons. .

This versatility derives not only from the structure of the improved actuation means 50, but also from the presence of adaptation means 40.

The adaptation means 40 essentially consist of bushings and shims which compensate for the dimensional and shape differences that exist between the different pump models.

In a different embodiment, not shown in the attached figures, an automatic distribution valve 56 can be used, operated by a suitable steering mechanism.

Under these hypotheses, the compact device for refilling the air tanks 1 is equipped with a pressure switch connected to the volumetric pump 10, in order to correctly manage the external source of compressed air and avoid the danger of explosion due to overpressure of the tank. 20.

For the latter purpose, the presence of a safety valve may also be provided, positioned so as to be able to discharge the tank 20 should it be subjected to a dangerous pressure.

The operation of the device according to the invention is as follows.

After having connected the tank 20 to the outlet duct 13, the distribution valve 56 is connected to an external source of compressed air, such as, for example, a common hobby compressor.

Starting, conventionally, from a condition in which the rods 15, 52 and 54 are in the retracted position, the lever 57 is positioned so as to operate the second pneumatic cylinder 53, causing the active release of its rod 54 and the removal of the plate coupling 55.

The displacement of the plate 55 causes the passive exit of the rod 52 of the first pneumatic cylinder 51 and brings the volumetric pump 10 to the suction.

After verifying, through the slot 62a that all the rods have reached the maximum extension, the lever 57 is moved so as to operate the first pneumatic cylinder 51, causing the active retraction of its rod 52 and the approach of the coupling plate 55 .

In this case, the movement of the plate 55 causes the passive retraction of the rod 54 of the second pneumatic cylinder 53 and brings the volumetric pump 10 into compression.

After having checked, through the slot 62b, that all the stems have returned, it is possible to act again on the lever 57 to repeat the cycle.

The manual activation of the distribution valve 56 allows to progressively check, through the pressure gauge 14, the pressure reached by the tank 20, so as to interrupt the recharge cycle before running into danger of bursting due to overpressure.

If the distribution valve 56 were of the automatic type, it would be sufficient to connect it to the external source of compressed air, entrusting the pressure switch with the correct management of the refilling operations.

In the event of excessive pressure in the tank 20, the aforementioned safety valve would in any case come into operation.

It is very important to note how the choice of using two actuators with different characteristics and dimensions to manage the two different actions of the volumetric pump 10 allows to obtain a considerable air saving, giving the possibility to use external compressed air sources with characteristics almost common in the hobby sector.

The limited consumption of air required by the second pneumatic cylinder 53 to control the volumetric pump 10 during the suction phase in fact makes the air remaining in the external source sufficient to directly actuate the first pneumatic cylinder 51 and bring the volumetric pump 10 into compression, without no break.

In practice it has been found that the compact device for recharging air tanks, particularly for compressed air weapons, according to the invention, fully achieves the intended task, since it allows to optimize the operation of a high pressure pump. piston, using an external source of compressed air of large consumption, such as a hobby-type compressor.

Furthermore, the compact device for refilling air tanks, in addition to having small dimensions and being easily transportable, can be used substantially with all the high-pressure piston pumps currently used for refilling the tanks of PCP weapons.

The compact device for recharging air tanks thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept; moreover, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, the materials employed, so long as compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

Claims (13)

CLAIMS 1. Compact device for recharging air tanks, particularly for compressed air weapons, comprising at least one high-pressure volumetric pump removably associated with a base bracket, said volumetric pump being constituted by an air-tight sliding piston in a cylindrical body, said device is characterized in that it comprises improved actuation means associated with said volumetric pump and adapted to automatically control the alternating sliding of said piston. 2. Compact device for refilling air tanks, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said improved actuation means comprise at least a first actuator operatively connected to the rod of said piston to control said piston during the pressing action of said piston. volumetric pump, said first actuator being joined to said base bracket and being substantially parallel to said cylindrical body. 3. Compact device for refilling air tanks, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said improved actuation means comprise a second actuator operatively connected to the rod of said piston to control said piston during the suction action of said volumetric pump, said second actuator being coupled to said first actuator and being substantially parallel to said cylindrical body. 4. Compact device for recharging air tanks, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first actuator is more powerful than said second actuator. 5. Compact device for refilling air tanks, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first actuator and said second actuator are respectively constituted by a first pneumatic cylinder and by a second pneumatic cylinder. 6. Compact device for refilling air tanks, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said improved actuation means comprise a coupling plate adapted to join the rod of said piston to the rods of said first pneumatic cylinder and of said second pneumatic cylinder. 7. Compact device for refilling air tanks, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said improved actuation means comprise a three-way distribution valve connected to said first pneumatic cylinder, to said second pneumatic cylinder and to an external source of compressed air, said distribution valve being adapted to drive said first pneumatic cylinder and said second pneumatic cylinder. Compact device for refilling air tanks, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said distribution valve comprises a control lever, said distribution valve being manually operated. Compact device for recharging air tanks, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said distribution valve comprises a control mechanism, said distribution valve being automatically activated. 10. Compact device for refilling air tanks, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a pressure switch connected to said volumetric pump, said pressure switch being able to manage said external source of compressed air. 11. Compact device for recharging air tanks, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a safety valve connected to said volumetric pump. 12. Compact device for refilling air tanks, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a casing removably associated with said base bracket, said casing being adapted to protect said volumetric pump, said first fluid-dynamic cylinder and said second fluid-dynamic cylinder. 13. Compact device for refilling air tanks, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said casing comprises a pair of slots for controlling the position of the rods of said pneumatic cylinders.