WO2018146243A1 - Device for launching targets comprising a member for repositioning the targets before launch - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a device (1) for launching targets comprising a loading system (100) provided with at least one delivery aperture (101), a plate (3) intended to receive a target (2) in a delivery position (21) in line with the delivery member (101), a launching arm (4) that is rotatably movable about an axis (40), and a positioning member (5) configured to move the targets from the delivery position (21) to a launch position (22). The positioning member (5) may be rotatably movable and makes it possible to sweep a receiving area of the plate (3) comprising a plurality of potentially non-superimposable delivery positions. Advantageously, the movability of the member (5) is partly slaved to the movability of the launching arm (4).

Description

 "Target launching apparatus comprising target repositioning member before launch

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

 The present invention relates to a target launching machine. The invention more particularly relates to a target positioning member before launch.

 A favorite application relates to the sport shooting industry, and more specifically the balltrap industry, particularly for projecting targets of the clay pigeon type.

BACKGROUND

 In the field of automatic target launchers, an important aspect concerns the precise positioning of the target at the launch arm, so as to launch the target along a planned trajectory with good reproducibility.

 One solution is to load the target directly into its launch position, manually or through an automatic loading system.

In the latter case, the delivery of the target can be done in line with its launch position for example. There is, however, space between the delivery port of the loading system and the launch pad receiving the target to allow passage of the launch arm. The target is no longer guided through this space, and is on the launch pad in a delivery position that does not exactly match its launch position. It is therefore necessary to correct this positioning error at the end of the delivery by moving the target from its delivery position to its launch position. In the case where the distance between the delivery position and the launching position is small and has few variations, a wedge system makes it possible to guide the target to its launching position during the approach phase of the launch.

 Document US 4146008 discloses such a positioning wedge directly mounted on the launching arm. This shim is fixed relative to the throwing arm and can be adjusted to a low deflection along the longitudinal axis of the throwing arm.

 Another important aspect of an automatic target launcher is the target capacity of the loading system. A loading system comprising a large number of targets makes it possible to optimize the use of the launcher by reducing the dead time necessary to reload said system. Such a loading system can be a rotary barrel with several stacks of targets delivered sequentially. Different barrels of variable size, adapted to a particular type of target for example, can be mounted on the launcher. These possibilities result in significant variations in the delivery position of the target on the launch pad. The distance of movement between the delivery and launch positions can then be significant.

 The solutions envisaged to precisely reposition a target before launching do not make it possible to take care of large displacements.

 An object of the present invention is to ensure accurate positioning of the targets before launching from one or more delivery positions of targets potentially far from the launch position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention relates to a target launching apparatus, comprising a target charging system provided with at least one delivery port, a platen for receiving a target in a first position in line with the port of delivery. delivery, a launching arm rotatable about an axis, and a member configured to move the targets from the first position to a second position different from the first position. Advantageously, the member has a mobility different from that of the launching arm, the mobility of the member being configured to exert a thrust on the target from the first position to the second position.

 This arrangement overcomes the problem of positioning targets requiring a large displacement between the delivery position and the launch position.

 According to one possibility, the mobility of the member is at least partly controlled by the mobility of the throwing arm, so that a single drive system makes it possible to set the launch arm and the repositioning member in motion.

 Alternatively, the loading system includes a rotatable barrel provided with at least two target delivery ports. This option combines the advantages of high target delivery capacity and precise positioning for each target delivered.

 Another aspect of the invention is a method of launching targets. BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF FIGURES

 Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawings given as non-limiting examples and in which:

 FIG. 1 shows a three-quarter front view of a launching plate comprising a launching arm and a member according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

 FIG. 2 shows a three-quarter-back view of a launching platform comprising a launching arm, a target and a member according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

 - Figures 3 to 8 show the kinematics of a launch arm, a target and an organ according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

 FIG. 9 shows a view from above of a loading system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

 Before starting a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, are set forth below optional features that may optionally be used in combination or alternatively:

 the mobility of the member comprises a rotation parallel to a plane of the plate;

the member comprises an axis of rotation integral with the plate; the mobility of the member is slaved to that of the throwing arm on a portion of a trajectory of rotation of the throwing arm;

 the mobility of the member is produced by a support of the throwing arm on the member during a movement of the throwing arm;

 - The support of the throwing arm is against a first side of the body;

the mobility of the member is configured to make a first contact with the target, and the mobility of the throwing arm is configured to make a second contact with the target, said second contact being subsequent to the first contact;

 - The member comprises a curvilinear portion at least on a second side intended to be in contact with the target;

 the member is configured to push the target towards the axis of rotation of the throwing arm;

 the mobility of the member induces at least two phases each comprising an acceleration and a deceleration during the thrust of the target from the first position to the second position;

 the curvilinear profile comprises a succession of sections of increasing and decreasing curvature radius configured to produce said phases;

 - The plate comprises a guide element configured to cooperate with a complementary member of the member;

 the member comprises a return spring configured to return the member from an extended position to a retracted position;

 the loading system comprises at least two separate delivery ports;

 - The loading system comprises a rotary barrel provided with at least two target storage columns at different levels of distance to the axis of rotation of the barrel.

 It will be appreciated that the present invention is particularly advantageous for target launching devices used in combination with loading systems having a large target storage capacity.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of a target launching apparatus 1 according to the invention comprises a launching platform 3 capable of receiving targets 2 from a loading system 100. The plateau 3 includes a target receiving zone 2 and a launching area. These zones are preferably arranged in a plane formed on one face of the plate 3. At least one delivery orifice 101 of the loading system 100 makes it possible to deliver at least one target 2 to the tray 3 in a delivery position 21 included in the receiving zone. The loading system is typically above the tray 3 so that delivery of the target 2 can be performed by gravity.

 According to one possibility, the target reception zone has dimensions that are compatible with a plurality of non-stackable delivery positions 21. The dimensions of the reception zone may have a width of between 100 mm and 200 mm, preferably substantially 170 mm, and a length of between 150 mm and 350 mm, preferably substantially 250 mm. Thus, there are potentially significant differences between different positions in which the targets are delivered from the system 100. This can occur particularly if the system includes a plurality of target storage compartments, such as columns, and the delivery of targets. is not operated in the same place for all compartments. The present invention makes it possible to compensate in this case the various (potentially two) target delivery positions on the reception zone of the plateau 3.

 The targets 2 are intended to be moved by sliding on a surface of the plate 3 during a first so-called positioning phase of the targets and during a second so-called launch phase.

 The first positioning phase comprises a displacement of the targets 2 from the delivery position 21 to a launch position 22.

 The second launching phase comprises an ejection of the target 2 of the plate 3 by the action of a throwing arm 4.

 The throwing arm 4 is movable in rotation parallel to a plane of the plate 3.

 Advantageously, the displacement of the targets during the first positioning phase can be ensured at least in part by a movement of a movable positioning member 5 and preferably by a part of the movement of the throwing arm 4 and by a part of the movement of the mobile positioning member.

 The positioning member 5 may have mobility in rotation about an axis 50 and parallel to the plane of the plate 3 and / or parallel to the axis of the launching arm 4.

A longitudinal direction of a retracted position 501 of the member 5 and a longitudinal direction of an extended position 502 of the member 5 form between them a angle a of vertex corresponding to the axis 50 of rotation of the member 5. The angle a may be between 20 ° and 40 °, preferably substantially 28 °.

 The mobility of the member 5 is configured to exert a thrust on the target 2 from a first position 201 to a second position 202 during the movement of the member from the position 501 to the position 502.

 The first position 201 may correspond to the delivery position 21. The second position 202 may possibly correspond to the launch position 22 or to an intermediate position between the delivery position 21 and the launch position 22. Indeed, one or more other means may complete the transfer of the target produced by the organ 5.

 The distance between the first position 201 and the second position 202 may be between 2 cm and 20 cm and advantageously between 5 and 15 cm.

 Advantageously, the mobility of the member 5 may be at least partly controlled by a movement of the throwing arm 4. This mobility of the member 5 may be produced by a support of the throwing arm 4 on the member 5 during the movement of the throwing arm 4. The support may be preferably on a first flank 51 of the positioning member 5. This flank 51 corresponds to a surface, preferably directed along the thickness of the member 5, according to the axis of rotation 50. A support element 6 integral with the throwing arm 3 makes it possible to exert this support on the first flank 51 of the member 5. This bearing element 6 may be for example a free-wheel rotating or a fixed stop having preferably a low coefficient of friction at the support. The support can be exerted continuously on a part of the flank 51 of the member 5 between the axis 50 of rotation of the member 5 and an end 55 of the member 5. Advantageously, a single system of drive 400 makes it possible to put in motion the launching arm 4 and the positioning member 5.

 In such a configuration, the member 5 is advantageously closer to the plate 3 than the arm 4, the support element 6 of the latter protruding towards the plate 3 to interfere with the member 5. Typically, the arm 4 is made to touch the targets at a height level higher than the member 5.

 It is not absolutely necessary that the drive of the member 5 is done by supporting the arm. In particular, the axis of the arm 4 and the axis of the member 5 can both be kinematically connected to an output shaft of an engine.

The arm 4 may have organized mobility in a cycle comprising a phase of preparation of the arm during which the arm is moved in rotation, by a motorization (typically electric) at low speed to a position of This preparatory phase also serves to accumulate energy in a spring. A projection phase is then performed by releasing the spring causing a violent movement of the arm 4 driving the target 2. Preferably, the drive of the member 5 by the arm 4 occurs during the preparation phase of the arm. In addition it is desirable that the member 5 has escaped the driving of the arm 4 before the projection phase.

 The mobility of the member 5 is configured to make a first contact with the target 2. The mobility of the throwing arm 4 is configured to make a second contact with the target 2. The second contact is preferably after the first contact.

 The positioning member 5 is preferably configured to exert the thrust on the target 2 in the direction of the axis of rotation 40 of the throwing arm 4. The target 2 is in this case folded towards a lower linear speed zone and can away from the periphery of the plate 3, for example to avoid unwanted contact with a border of the plate 3.

 The positioning member 5 advantageously comprises a curvilinear portion on a second flank 52 intended to be in contact with the target 2. This flank is located on a side opposite the flank 51 and is preferably also directed along the axis of rotation 50 The curvilinear portion may comprise a variable radius of curvature configured to produce a series of acceleration and deceleration phases of the target 2 when moving from the first position 201 to the second position 202. For example, the curvilinear portion comprises a first section of increasing radius of curvature intended to accelerate the displacement of the target 2 during a first phase, a second section of decreasing radius of curvature intended to decelerate the displacement of the target 2 during a second phase, a possible third section of increasing radius of curvature intended to accelerate the displacement of the target 2 during a third phase, and an eventual Fourth section of decreasing radius of curvature intended to decelerate the displacement of the target 2 during a fourth phase, so as to avoid a too abrupt displacement of the target 2 may break it.

 It will be understood that the curvilinear profile of at least one of the flanks 51, 52 can be adapted to modify the acceleration (which may be negative) of the target 2 along the thrust induced by the member 5.

Advantageously, the plate 3 comprises a guide element 35 configured to cooperate with a complementary element 53 integral with the positioning 5. The guide member 35 may be a groove, a groove or an oblong hole for example.

 The complementary element 53 may be a lug, a post or a stop, for example. The guide member 35 may have a curvature intended to direct the member 5 towards the axis of rotation 40 of the throwing arm 4.

 The surface of the plate 3 may be partially bordered on at least one side by a slide 31 advantageously fixed and optionally adjustable. This slide 31 advantageously makes it possible to prolong the guiding effect of the target 2 since the extended position 502 of the member 5 during the displacement of the target 2 towards the launch position 22.

 The member 5 advantageously comprises a return spring 54 intended to return the member 5 from the extended position 502 to the retracted position 501. The return spring 54 also makes it possible to maintain the support between the launching arm 4 and the positioning member 5 by a reaction force opposed to the thrust of the member 5.

 The throwing arm 4 may optionally relay the positioning member 5 to move the target 2 from the second position 202 to the launch position 22. The throwing arm 4 may comprise a ruler 41 having a good grip with the target in contact. The launching arm 4 may furthermore comprise a precision shim 42 intended to improve the reproducibility of the launching position 22. The target 2 may have in its launching position bearings against the launching arm 4, the fixed slideway 31, the precision wedge 42 and a comma 32.

 Figures 3 to 8 illustrate a kinematic positioning of the target 2 from the delivery position 21 to the launch position 22. The plane of the plate 3 is less than a plane comprising the positioning member 5, the element of support 6, the slide 31 and the point 32. This plane is itself less than a plane comprising the launch arm 4. Said planes are parallel to each other.

 Figure 3 shows a target 2 just delivered in the delivery position 201. Optionally, the member 5 may already be applied to the edge of the target 2 in this situation. The arm 4 is at a distance from the target 2 and the organ 5.

 FIG. 4 illustrates the beginning of the rotation of the arm 3 during which the arm, via the element 6 here in the form of a roller accosts the flank 51 of the member 5 and drives the latter in rotation. The target 2 is pushed, folded towards the axis of rotation of the arm 4. The arm does not touch the target 2 in this case.

In Figure 5, the organ has produced its effect and the target escapes. In FIG. 6, the arm has come into contact with the edge of the target 2 and completes its movement. During this second phase of transfer of the target 2, the slide 31 comes into contact with the edge of the target 2 avoiding its drift to the outside of the plate 3, as shown in FIG. 7. The member 5 is no longer pushed by the arm 3 and makes a return to position by the return of the spring. He is ready for a new cycle.

 Figure 8 shows a positioning for launch. A comma 32 forms a complementary support member on the edge of the target 2, so that the target 2 is in a well-defined position by the conjunction of several points of support. She is ready to undergo the sudden thrust of the arm for ejection of the device. Then, the arm will continue its rotation for a new phase of launch preparation.

 Referring to Figure 9, an embodiment of the invention also includes a loading system 100 provided with at least two separate delivery ports 101, 102. The loading system 100 may be a rotary drum 1000 having columns 1001, 1002 of targets arranged on two concentric rings for example. The rotation of the barrel 1000 can also be slaved to that of the arm so that during the preparation of the arm, the barrel is rotated to put a next column next to an orifice 101, 102. It is understood that the crowns generate deliveries of targets along two different radii relative to the axis of rotation of the barrel 1000.

 In this context, one of the orifices 101, 102 may be placed so as to deliver the targets in the desired position for launching or near this position. The other orifice is then inevitably further from this launch position and its delivery position on the plate is such that the member 5 is then used to correct the position of the target for launch, as previously described. It is not excluded to use more than two target delivery positions from the system 1000 or to use the member 5 to fold the targets from several delivery positions on the plate 3.

The invention is not limited to the previously described embodiments but extends to all embodiments in accordance with his spirit. REFERENCES

1. Launch device

 100. Loading system

 101, 102. Delivery ports

 1000. Barrel

 1001, 1002. Storage columns

1 100. Turning axis of the barrel

2. Target

 21. Delivery position

 201. First position

 202. Second position

 22. Launch position

 3. Plateau

 31. Slide

 32. Comma

 35. Guide element

 4. Launching arm

 40. Thrust arm rotation axis

 400. Training system

 41. Batten

 42. Precision wedge

 5. Body, positioning member

 50. Axis of rotation of the organ

 51. First flank

 52. Second flank

 53. Supplementary element

 54. Return spring

 501. Retracted position

 502. Extended position

 55. End

 6. Support element

Claims

Target launching apparatus (1) comprising a target loading system (100) provided with at least one delivery orifice (101), a plate (3) intended to receive a target (2) in a first position (201 ) to the right of the delivery orifice (101), a launching arm (4) movable in rotation around an axis (40), and a member (5) configured to move the target (2) from the first position (201) towards a second position (202) different from the first position (201), characterized in that the member (5) has a mobility different from that of the launching arm (4), and in that the mobility of the member (5) is produced by pressing the launching arm (4) on the member (5) during a movement of the launching arm (5), said mobility of the member (5) being configured to exert a thrust on the target (2) from the first position (201) to the second position (202). Target launching apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim in which the mobility of the member (5) comprises a rotation parallel to a plane of the plate (3). Target launching apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim in which the member (5) comprises an axis of rotation (50) integral with the plate (3). Target launching apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the mobility of the member (5) is controlled by that of the launching arm (4) over a portion of a rotation trajectory of the launching arm (4). Target launching apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the launching arm (4) is supported against a first flank (51) of the member (5). Target launching apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the member (5) is configured to move so that said member (5) makes a first contact with the target (2), and the arm launcher (4) is configured to move so that said launch arm (4) makes a second contact with the target (2), said second contact being subsequent to the first contact. Target launching apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the member (5) comprises a curvilinear part at least on a second side (52) intended to be in contact with the target (2). 8. Target launching apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the member (5) is configured to push the target (2) in the direction of the axis of rotation (40) of the launching arm ( 4). 9. Target launching apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims 5 wherein the member (5) is configured to move according to at least a first phase comprising an acceleration of the target and at least a second phase comprising a deceleration of the target when pushing from the first position (201) towards the second position (202). 10. Target launching apparatus (1) according to claims 7 and 9 in o combination in which the curvilinear part comprises a succession of sections of increasing and decreasing radius of curvature configured to produce said phases when the target is pushed along said succession of sections of the organ (5) by the launching arm (4). 1 1 . Target launching apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims 5 in which the plate (3) comprises a guide element (35) and the member (5) comprises a complementary element (53) configured to cooperate with the guide element (35). 12. Target launching device (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the member (5) comprises a return spring (54) 0 configured to return the member (5) from an extended position (502) to a retracted position (501). 13. Target launching apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the loading system (100) comprises at least two distinct delivery orifices (101, 102). 5 14. Target launching apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the loading system (100) comprises a rotating barrel (1000) provided with at least two columns (1001, 1002) for storing targets at different levels of distance from the axis (1100) of rotation of the barrel (1000).