EP3430347A1

EP3430347A1 - Machine for launching at least one target

Info

Publication number: EP3430347A1
Application number: EP17709723.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte; Jean-Marc Fouques
Original assignee: Laporte Holding SAS
Current assignee: Laporte Holding SAS
Priority date: 2016-03-14
Filing date: 2017-03-14
Publication date: 2019-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-14
Also published as: EP3430347B1; WO2017157946A1; US20190154412A1; FR3048772A1; US10690458B2; FR3048772B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine for launching at least one target, comprising: a launch plate; a launch arm which is rotatably movable at least between a supply position, an armed position and an ejection position; a guiding element bearing on a first portion of a periphery of the target; and a movable stop exerting a force on a second portion of the periphery of the target. The launch arm comprises an ejection part designed to apply an ejection force to a third portion of the target in the armed position, the first, second and third portions being different. The launch arm comprises a finger provided with a contact part designed to bear on a fourth portion of the periphery of the target in the armed position, the fourth portion being different from the other portions.

Description

"Launch machine for at least one target"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in particular to a machine for launching at least one target for launching said target along a precise and repeated trajectory.

A favorite application is the shooting sport industry and in particular the balltrap.

BACKGROUND

In the field of the shooting sport industry, target launching machines are well known. Several target launcher models exist and in many cases the accuracy of target ejection is not required. This is often the case for launchers of targets with rotational mobility. For these devices, the target launching machine needs only a launch plate, a launching arm and possibly a guide element to guide the target.

On the other hand, when the target launchers are fixed, the repeatability of the trajectories is more often required. For example, for Olympic disciplines or for "hunting courses" the repetition of a trajectory by a pitcher is essential to allow a fair competition. Indeed, in these disciplines one seeks to evaluate the competitors only according to their marksmanship. Thus, there should be no discrimination between competitors through targets more or less difficult to reach or the variable trajectory.

These fixed machines thus incorporate for example a movable stop and a guide element.

The main function of the movable stop is to maintain the target applied to the throwing arm by means of a return spring. Keeping the target on the launch arm helps prevent shocks that could break the target when the arm is suddenly accelerated to eject the target.

Incidentally, the bearing of the target in contact with the movable stop and the throwing arm makes it possible to fold the target against the guide element.

This solution is effective when the periphery of the target is perfectly smooth, and the launch plate is perfectly dry. Indeed, when the launch plate and / or the periphery of the target have an increased adhesion, such as for example when water on the launch plate, the target does not position itself against the guide element. This then changes the expected trajectory of the target.

There is therefore a demand to improve the accuracy of the ejection of a target by a target launching machine.

The invention solves all or part of the disadvantages of current techniques. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the invention particularly relates to a machine for launching at least one target comprising:

• a launch pad configured to support a lower face of the target;

A launching arm movable in rotation about an axis of rotation at least between a supply position, an armed position and an ejection position;

A guiding element configured to be applied on a first portion of a periphery of the target in the armed position;

A movable stop configured to exert a force on a second portion of the periphery of the target in the armed position; machine in which the launching arm comprises an ejection portion configured to apply an ejection force on a third portion of the target in the armed position, the first, second and third portions being distinct. Advantageously, this machine is such that the launch arm comprises a finger having a contact portion configured to be applied to a fourth portion of the periphery of the target in the armed position, the fourth portion being distinct from the first, second and third portions.

This arrangement advantageously makes it possible to apply a fourth constraint to the target. This constraint will force the target to position itself at a precise position along the launching arm. And those unimportant the shape of the edge of the target, or the launch pad. The force exerted by the launching finger thus avoids the effects of suction cup for example when the throwing plate is wet.

The invention also relates to a machine in which the contact portion is configured to exert a bearing on the target having a non-zero component in the direction of the guide element.

Advantageously and always with the aim of guaranteeing the target a starting position along the identical launch arm, the contact part will push the target against the guide element.

Thus, the target is in abutment against the guide element, the throwing arm and the finger. The precise position allowing this simultaneous contact is unique. Thus, the target is always positioned at the same location of the throwing arm.

The invention also relates to a method for launching at least one target comprising the target launching machine and in which the following steps are performed:

Supply of the launch arm with at least one target, the step of supplying the launch arm comprising the following steps:

^■ supply from a store of at least one target on the launch pad;

first rotation of the launch arm from the supply position during the first rotation:

Contact between the contact portion of the finger and the fourth portion of the periphery of the target; ^■ moving the target under the effect of the finger in a first direction to position the second portion of the periphery of the target against the movable stop;

^■ sliding the target, under the combined effect of the thrusts produced by the contact portion and the movable stop on the target, along a second direction to position the third portion of the periphery of the target against the guide member;

stopping the first rotation in the armed position of the throwing arm, the armed position of the throwing arm being reached at the end of the sliding target, the target being, in said armed position, in simultaneous contact with the contact part the surface inner of the guide member, the distal end of the movable stop and the ejection portion;

second rotation of the launch arm configured to produce an ejection of the target.

Advantageously, this method allows the repeated and systematic positioning of the target at a precise position on the launch arm. This precise position, coupled to an axis of rotation of the fixed arm allows an improvement in the control of the trajectory of the target during its ejection. 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:

• Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein the finger comprises a rectilinear contact portion;

FIG. 2 is a view from above of an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the finger has an elbow shape.

FIGS. 3a to 3e show the views of steps, making it possible to go from a target supply step to an armed position of the target launching machine. These views show these steps including a first embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4a to 4f show the views of steps, making it possible to go from a target supply step to the ejection of the target. These views show these steps including an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5a to 5d illustrate successive steps of another embodiment of the invention; Figure 5e is a cutaway view of Figure 5d; • Figure 6 shows a machine of the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before going into detail of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings in particular, other optional features of the invention, which can be implemented in combination in any combination or alternatively, are indicated below:

the contact portion is configured to bear on the target having a non-zero component in the direction of the movable stop;

- The contact portion of the finger is located closer to the axis of rotation of the throwing arm that the ejection portion of said throwing arm; the contact portion is rectilinear;

the ejection portion is rectilinear along a longitudinal axis;

the longitudinal axis and the contact portion of the finger form a non-zero angle. the angle a is between 5 ° and 45 °, preferably between 8 ° and 16 ° and preferably 12 °;

the finger comprises an elongate body, a distal portion of which forms at least part of the contact portion;

The finger is formed of a monolithic piece

the coefficient of friction of the ejection portion on the target is greater than that of the contact portion of the finger on the target;

the material of the finger is advantageously an aluminum alloy; the movable stop is configured to exert a force on the second portion of the periphery of the target toward the ejection portion of the launch arm;

at least the contact of the machine on at least one of the first, second, third and fourth portions is punctual in a plane parallel to a launch pad plane. ;

the end of the step of passage armed position of the throwing arm automatically triggers the second rotation;

the second rotation is triggered manually by a user, the machine comprises a target release device 300 configured so that the movable stop 1 10 no longer applies to the target 300 in a predefined angular position of the arm 200 located downstream of the armed position in the direction of rotation of the arm 200;

the release device comprises a first stop 117 carried by the mobile stop 1 10 and a second stop 213 carried by the arm 200, the second stop 213 being configured to exert a thrust on the first stop 1 17 from the predefined angular position;

the second stop 213 is located on the finger 210;

- The second stop 213 is configured to no longer exert thrust on the first stop 1 17 after a predetermined angular sector according to the predefined angular position;

the predefined angular position is configured to correspond to a position of the target 300 in contact with a portion located at or upstream of a distal end 122 of the guide member 120.

For a good understanding of the invention, we will understand:

• Finger: a piece of any form used to support or stop another;

• ejection trajectory: the trajectory followed by a target during its ejection;

· Low coefficient of friction: a coefficient of friction lower than that of aluminum on a target, in particular a clay pigeon.

The invention relates to a machine for launching at least one target having a reproducible ejection trajectory. The object of the invention is thus to precisely control the ejection trajectory of the target.

The target launching machine thus advantageously comprises a launch plate 100 and a launching arm 200 as well as at least one target.

300. Advantageously, the targets 300 are included in a magazine (not visible in the figures). This store may in particular be a barrel with several columns stacking targets. Thus, the machine can embark a large number of targets 300. This is particularly useful during competitions or hunting trips. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the magazine supplies the launch arm 200 with a single target 300 at a time.

Examples of components of the invention are given below, in a nonlimiting manner.

The target 300

The target 300 may be of the "clay pigeon" type and is preferably capable of being broken when the shooter reaches it. The target 300 comprises a circumference 301, a underside and an upper face of the target 302. Advantageously, the target is based on resins. The periphery 301 of the target 300 corresponds to the connecting portion between the lower face and the upper face of the target 302. Thus, the periphery 301 of the target corresponds to the thickness dimension of the target 300. Advantageously and preferably, the upper faces 302 and lower are parallel. In one embodiment of the invention, the upper face 302 and the lower face of the target are of identical diameters. In this embodiment the periphery 301 is advantageously included in a plane perpendicular to the plane comprising the upper faces 302 and lower of the target 300.

In another preferred embodiment of the target 300, the upper face 302 has a smaller diameter than the lower face. In this case, the periphery 301 may be circular and rectilinear or not. When the edge of the periphery 301 is not rectilinear it may advantageously comprise at least one step and preferably a succession of steps, configured to reduce the diameter of the periphery towards the upper face.

The launch pad

The launching support comprises a launch plate 100, a movable stop 1 10 and a guide element 120.

Advantageously, the launch plate 100 comprises a distal edge

103, a proximal edge 104, a first portion 101, a second portion 102, an inner edge 105, and an outer edge 106

Preferably, the launch plate 100 is flat. It advantageously comprises a first portion 101 and a second portion 102. The second portion 102 preferably comprises the distal edge 103 of the launch plate 100, said distal edge 103 corresponding to the end not connected to the machine. When ejecting a target 300, the last part of the machine in contact with the target 300 will be said second portion 102. In order to ensure the most perfect speed and trajectory possible, the second portion 102 is smooth. The goal here is to avoid as much as possible deviations of trajectory due to obstacles or asperities.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second portion 102 is made of stainless steel or steel with a zinc coating.

The first part 101 is connected to the machine. It advantageously comprises the proximal end of the launch plate 104. It is said first portion 101 which will receive the target 300 at the time of supply from the magazine, and it is also this first part 101 which will advantageously support the movable stop 1 10 and the guide element 120. In other embodiments of the invention, the movable stop 1 10 and the Guiding element 120 are carried by the frame of the machine and not by the launch plate 100.

The launch plate 100 is preferably made of metal or metal alloy. Thus, the plate can be steel, aluminum or composite materials.

Advantageously, the launch plate 100 has a substantially bent shape. This bent shape allows the target 300 to have a support during the entire rotation of the throwing arm 200. Nevertheless, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the throwing plate 100 has a different shape. It may for example be of a diamond shape.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention and because of its substantially bent shape, the borders extending between the distal edge 103 and the proximal edge 104 are not of identical size.

Advantageously, the inner border 105 will be called the edge extending between the distal edge 103 and the proximal edge 104, the size of which is the smallest.

Conversely, the outer rim 106 will be referred to as the border connecting the proximal edge 104 and the distal edge 103 which is the largest size.

Finally, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the first portion 101 and the second portion 102 each represent 50% of the total area of the launch plate 100. According to other embodiments the distribution between the first portion 101 and second part 102 is not identical.

The movable stop 1 10

Advantageously, the movable stop 1 10 comprises an outer surface 1 1 1, an inner surface 1 12, a return element 1 13, a distal end 1 14, a proximal end 1 15 and an axis of rotation 1 16.

The movable stop 1 10 is advantageously positioned on the first part

101 of the launch plate 100. More specifically, the movable stop 1 10 is positioned near the inner edge 105 on the first portion 101.

The movable stop 1 10 advantageously comprises an inner surface 1 12, an outer surface 1 1 1, a distal end 1 14, a proximal end 1 15 and a return element 1 13 and an axis of rotation 1 16.

The movable stop 1 10 advantageously has the shape of a claw. So the end proximal 1 15 of the movable abutment 1 10 is the end closest to the proximal edge 104 of the launch plate 100. Conversely, the distal end 1 14 of the movable stop 1 10 is the furthest end of the proximal end 1 15.

Advantageously, between the two ends, the movable stop 1 10 has a substantially rectilinear portion and a curved portion. The proximal end 15 is in this configuration the end included in the substantially rectilinear portion.

The distal end 14 is the opposite end, that is to say the end of the curved portion. The movable stop 1 10 preferably having a curved portion, the inner and outer surfaces connecting each of the ends do not have an identical length. As a result, the outer surface 11 1 is called the longest surface. Advantageously, the outer surface 11 1 is oriented vis-à-vis the first portion 101 of the launch plate 100. Conversely, the inner surface 1 12 comprises the smallest dimension between the two ends of the movable stop 1 10 The inner surface 1 12 is in this embodiment turned towards the outer edge 106 of the launch plate 100.

The distal end 1 14 of the movable stop 1 10 will be in contact with the target 300. And preferably it is the inner surface 1 12 of the distal end 1 14 which is in contact with a second portion of the periphery 301 of the target 300.

The stop is rotatably mounted on the first portion 101 of the throwing plate 100. To do this, said abutment comprises, on the substantially rectilinear portion near the curved portion, an axis of rotation 1 16 visible in FIGS. 3a and 4a. especially. This axis of rotation 116 is perpendicular to the plane in which is included the launching plate 100.

Advantageously, the proximal end 1 15 of the movable stop 1 10 is connected to a first end of the return element 1 13. The second end of the return element 1 13 is advantageously fixed to the launch plate 100.

Preferably, the fixing of the return element 1 13 is effected on the first portion 101 of the launch plate 100. More specifically, this return element 1 13 is attached to the vicinity of the junction between the inner edge 105 and the proximal edge 104 of the throwing plate 100. The biasing member 13 comprises a deformable portion having a high coefficient of elasticity. At rest, the return element 1 13 is configured to maintain the return abutment in a first position. For example, the biasing member 13 may be a spring.

In action, when the movable stop 1 10 moves from a first position to a second position, the return element 1 13 is configured to return the stop mobile

1 10 from the second position to the first position. Advantageously and non-limitingly, it will be understood by passing from a first position to the passage of a second position of the movable stop 1 10, the displacement of the proximal end 1 15 of the movable stop 1 10 towards the border In this configuration, when the proximal end 1 of the movable abutment 1 10 moves in the direction of the outer rim 106, the distal end 11 of the movable abutment 1 a movement towards the inner edge 105 of the throwing plate 100. This movement is preferably articulated around an axis of rotation 1 16.

Advantageously, all these features of the movable stop 1 10 allow said movable stop 1 10 to exert a pressure point on the periphery 301 of the target 300 in the direction of the proximal edge 104 of the launch plate 100.

According to an option visible in FIGS. 5a to 5e, the movable stop 1 10 carries a first abutment 1 17 adapted to cooperate with a second abutment 213 carried by the finger 210. This contributes to forming an embodiment of a device for releasing the target 300 relative to the movable stop 1 10 in an angular position of the arm 200 located downstream of the armed position in the direction of rotation of the arm 200. The stop 1 17 may be a fixed surface relative to the rest of the movable stop 1 10 or again, as in FIG. 5a, comprising a ring rotatably mounted on an axis integral with the body of the mobile abutment 1 10.

The guide element 120

Advantageously, the launch plate 100 also comprises a guide element 120. The guide element 120 is positioned on the first part 101 of the launching plate 100. In each of these embodiments, and preferably the guide element 120 is near the outer edge 106 of the launch plate 100.

Advantageously, the guide element 120 is curvilinear concave and preferably a circular arc. The purpose of the guide element 120 is to guide the target

300 during its ejection by the throwing arm 200. Preferably the guide element 120 is held at the throwing plate 100 by at least two screws, including a screw at the end of the guide element 120. closer to the distal edge 103 of the throwing plate 100. preferentially, the guide element 120 is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction.

In another embodiment of the invention the guide member 120 is made of any material but includes a low friction coating.

The contact between the guide element 120 and the target 300 is preferably on a first portion of the periphery 301 of the target 300.

The launch arm 200

The launching arm 200 advantageously comprises an ejection part

201, a fixing portion 202 and a finger 210.

Advantageously, the fastening portion 202 comprises an axis of rotation of the throwing arm 204. This axis of rotation of the throwing arm 204 is, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, located outside the inner edge 105 of the first part 101 of the launching plate 100. The link between the launching arm 200 and the launching machine is effected through this axis of rotation 204. In another embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation of the launch arm 204 is carried by the launch plate 100.

Advantageously, the axis of rotation 204 of the throwing arm is perpendicular to the plane comprising the throwing plate 100. Preferably, the throwing arm 200 is in a plane parallel to the plane comprising the throwing plate 100 and preferably above above it.

The ejection portion 201 of the launch arm 200 may include a contact portion 206 configured to apply to the target as it is pushed. Advantageously, the ejection portion 201 is rectilinear along a longitudinal axis 205. The longitudinal axis 205 preferably extends along the length dimension of the launching arm 200. Advantageously, the longitudinal axis 205 is perpendicular to the axis rotation of the throwing arm 204.

For example, the contact portion 206 is a surface of the launch arm 200 in contact with the target 300. Preferably the contact between the target 300 and the launch arm 200 is performed on a fourth portion of the periphery 301 of the target 300.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact portion 206 comprises a strip 203. In this embodiment, the strip 203 is interposed between the target 300 and the contact portion 206. This is particularly this embodiment which is represented in FIG. the figures. Advantageously and not exhaustively the strip 203 is made of a material with a high coefficient of friction or comprises a coating with high coefficient of friction. The material or coating of the strip 203 may thus for example be an elastomer (rubber, polyurethane).

In one embodiment, the arm 200 comprises a main body, for example a metal body, connected to a shaft that rotates it at the axis 204.

The finger 210

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the finger 210 is a part exerting additional support on the target, in particular by modifying the angle between the ejection portion 201 and the target 300. We have previously said that a portion of the ejection portion 201 was preferably rectilinear with a longitudinal axis 205. It thus has an angle of 0 °. The finger 210 in the preferred embodiment of the invention modifies this angle on another portion of the arm. The finger 210 comprises in a preferred case a rectilinear contact portion 21 1. Thus the ejection portion 201 is no longer following a single line, but includes an angle called a. This angle may be between 5 ° and 45 ° and is preferably 12 °. The angle a is advantageously turned towards the axis of rotation of the launching arm 204.

The finger 210 is advantageously made of a material with a low coefficient of friction, or has a coating with a low coefficient of friction. In this embodiment, the finger 210 may be an attached element attached to the launch arm 200 in a number of ways. For example, a portion of the finger 210 may extend under the launch arm 200 and be fixed below. For example, if the arm 200 has a main body, the finger 210 may be attached to the underside of the body; it then forms an extra thickness of the arm 200, facing the launch plate 100. Figure 5e makes this option explicit, with a finger 210 in the form of a plate attached to the body of the arm, by its lower face.

In another hypothesis, the finger 210 can be fixed directly on the edge of the launch arm 200. In any event, the finger 210 is in contact with a fourth portion of the periphery 301 of the target 300. Advantageously, this modification of the The angle of the part in contact with the target 300 makes it possible, during the rotation of the throwing arm 200, to exert a force on the target 300 moving said target 300 towards the guide element 120. And more precisely towards the end of the guide element closest to the distal edge 103 of the launch plate 100.

The advantage of this embodiment is that the finger 210 is suitable for all target diameters. Finally, in another embodiment, the finger 210 and the launch arm 200 are formed of a monolithic piece.

In a third embodiment of the invention, the finger 210 is formed by an elongated element, for example in the shape of a bend. In this embodiment the finger 210 comprises an end of contact with the target. Advantageously, this contact end is made of a material or comprises a coating with a low coefficient of friction. In addition, a wheel may be present at the contact end to achieve said contact. In this embodiment the end of the finger 210 opposite the contact end is mounted on the launch arm 200. In addition, this other end is preferably articulated about an axis of rotation of the finger. The axis of rotation of the finger being parallel to the axis of rotation of the arm 204. In this embodiment the elbow is oriented towards the inner edge 105 of the throwing plate 100. This bent shape has the main advantage of accentuating the thrust the finger 210 against the target 300 in the direction of the guide element 120.

The purpose of the finger 210 is always to force the target 300 to position against the guide element 120. In this embodiment, the finger 210 is advantageously articulated in rotation to accommodate all target diameters. The adaptation to said diameter can be done manually. In this case, a user adjusts the finger 210 so that its contact end bears on the target 300 and clamps the other end of the finger through for example a screw and a nut.

In the remainder of the description, other embodiments of the finger 210 are given, in particular with reference to FIGS. 5a to 5e.

The positioning of the contact points with the target 300

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower surface of the target 300 is in a plane parallel to the plane comprising the launch plate 100. Nevertheless, the target 300, resting on the launch plate 100, is above of said launch plate.

Advantageously but not exclusively, the movable stop 1 10 and more particularly the distal end 1 14 and the guide element 120 and more particularly the inner surface of the guide element 121 are in a similar plane, and parallel to the plane of the launch plate 100. This plane is positioned relative to the target 300 above the lower surface, but on a lower portion of the periphery 301 of the target 300. Thus, the contacts of the first and the second portions of the periphery 301 of the target 300 with the inner surface of the guide element 121 and the distal end 11 are on the lower part of the periphery 301 of the target 300.

In the event that the periphery 301 of the target 300 comprises at least one step, then the contact between the first and the second portion of the periphery of the target with respectively the inner surface of the guide element 121 and the distal end 1 14 is on one of the first steps starting from the lower surface of the target. Preferably the contacts are on the first step from the bottom surface of the target.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the ejection portion 201 and the finger 210 are provided for a support in the same plane and parallel to the plane of the launch plate 100. In this embodiment, the ejection portion 201 and the finger 210 contact respectively the third and fourth portion of the perimeter 301 of the target 300. The third and fourth portions are advantageously located on an upper part of the periphery 301 and therefore above the first and second portions of the circumference 301 of the target 300. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the launch arm 200 and the finger 210 are in parallel planes located one above the other. In this embodiment, the finger 210 is advantageously on the launch arm 200.

Other embodiments are of course possible for the operation of the invention such as for example by assigning independent and parallel planes to the ejection part, the finger 210, the inner surface of the guide element 121 and the However, in all these embodiments, the launch arm 200 and the finger 210 is in one or more planes above the plane or planes of the distal end 1 14 and the inner surface of the guide element 121. The purpose of this shift is that during the rotation of the throwing arm 200, it can pass over the guide member 120 and the movable stop 1 10.

In general, the four bearing portions of the target should be located on angularly distinct areas of the target. That is to say at different locations of this periphery 301 advantageously circular.

The use of the target launching machine advantageously comprises a supply step, a step of passage in armed position of the launch arm 200 and an ejection position of the target 300.

The procurement stage At the beginning of the supply step (FIGS. 3a and 4a) the target is provided by a magazine (not visible in the figure) and comes to rest on the first part 101 of the launch plate 100. Advantageously, the target 300 rests on its underside. Preferably, during this step, the target is not in contact with the launch arm 200, the finger 210, the movable stop 1 10 or the guide element 120. Still in this embodiment, however, it is surrounded by the launch arm 200, the finger 210, the movable stop 1 10 and the guide element 120.

In another embodiment of the invention, the periphery 301 of the target is in contact with the proximal edge 104 of the launch plate 100 and the proximal end 1 15 of the movable stop 1 10.

The launch arm 200 will then perform a first rotation. The direction of this rotation is intended to bring the ejection portion 201 of the launch arm 200 of the distal edge 103 of the launch plate 100 passing over the guide member 120.

During this first rotation, the finger 210 will come into contact with the fourth portion of the periphery of the target 300 (FIGS. 3b and 4b). This contact will allow the finger 210 to exert a thrust on the target 300. This thrust is advantageously achieved through the contact portion 21 1. The thrust advantageously allows the target 300 to move towards the distal end 14 of the movable stop 1 10 (FIG. 3c), in particular so that said distal end 1 14 comes into contact with a first portion of the periphery 301 of the target 300. Then, while continuing the rotation of the throwing arm 200, the force exerted jointly by the finger 210 and the movable stop 1 10 will force the target 300 to move towards the guide element 120 (FIGS. and 4c). The movable stop 1 10 is able to exert a force through its return element 1 13. It is also important to note that the fourth and second portions of the periphery 301 of the target 300 are not diametrically opposed. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to exert a pinch on the target. The finger 210 and the end of the movable stop 1 10 having a low coefficient of friction, this nip allows the sliding of the target towards the guide element 120 and more precisely towards the inner surface of the guide element 121.

The passage in armed position of the throwing arm 200.

The guide element 120 and more precisely towards the inner surface of the guide element 121 then comes into contact with the second portion of the periphery 301 of the target 300 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3e and 4d). At this moment, the arm of launch 200 and more precisely the ejection portion 201, and preferably the strip 203 also comes into contact with the third portion of the periphery 301 of the target 300. This last step corresponds to the passage in the armed position of the throwing arm 200. Advantageously in the armed position, the target 300 is in simultaneous contact with the ejection portion 201, the distal end 14 of the movable stop 1 10, the guide member 120 and the finger 200. In an alternative embodiment, the finger 200 is no longer in contact with the target 300.

The ejection of the target 300

The ejection step of the target 300 can be automatically performed following the arming step of the throwing arm. It may also, in another embodiment of the invention, be triggered manually by a user. During the ejection step, the launch arm 200 will perform a second rotation in a direction similar to the first. During this second rotation, the target 300 will roll along the guide element and lose contact with the finger 210 and the movable stopper 1 10. Thus the target will advantageously pass on the second portion 102 of the launch plate 100 in the direction of the distal edge 103, and therefore on the side of the outer surface 1 1 1 of the movable stop (Figures 3e, 4e and 4f).

Figs. 5a to 5e show a further embodiment based on an alternative embodiment of Figs. 3a to 3f. According to this other example, the finger 210 comprises in addition to the contact portion 21 1 with the target 300, a second stop 213. Preferably, the second stop 213 is formed by a portion of the edge of the finger 210, in particular located in the direction of the axis of rotation of 104 as the contact portion 21 1. Referring to Figure 5a, the second stop 213 has a rectilinear portion between a first end 214 and a second end 215. Preferably, a round is formed at level of at least one of the ends 214, 215. In the case of the aforementioned figure, the finger 210 is such that the portion of 1 1 1 and the second stop 213 are concurrent.

The movable stop 1 10 comprises a first stop 1 17 configured to cooperate by contact with the second stop 213. In the illustrated case, the first stop 1 17 is a finger protruding from the body of the movable stop 1 10 towards the arm 200. Preferably, the first stop 1 17 is positioned on the movable stop 1 10 between the axis of rotation 1 16 and the distal end 1 14.

In the case shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the first stop 1 17 and the second stop 213 are not in contact with each other. The operation of the movable stop and the finger 210 is then in accordance with the descriptions given. previously, particularly with reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3a to 3f. In FIG. 5c, the first stop 1 17 and the second stop 213 apply to one another, because of the rotation of the arm 200 tending to bring these 2 parts together during the thrust phase of the target 300 Preferably, this initiation of contact between the two stops occurs at the moment when the target 300 reaches the distal end 122 of the guide element 120, or before, or after, in particular in an angular sector of rotation of the arm 200 between -10 ° and 10 ° around the position of the arm in which the target 300 is in contact with the distal end 122 of the guide element 120. Such a situation is visible in Figure 5c.

FIG. 5d reveals that the continued rotation of the arm 200 generates a thrust of the second stop 213 on the first stop 1 17 so that the contact previously established between the target 300 and the distal end 11 of the movable stop 1 10 be released. Indeed, it is advantageous that the support exerted by the movable stop 1 10 on the target 300 is inactivated when a contact is no longer made on the target 300 by the guide element 120. In this way, it is ensured that no parasitic thrust of the movable stop 1 10 on the target 300, which could tend to move the latter towards the free end of the arm 200, can occur. The accuracy of the throw can be improved.

Subsequently, with the continued rotation of the arm 200, with the relative displacement of the first stop 1 17 along the second stop 213, the first stop 1 17 progressively reaches the second end 215 of the second stop 213. Overcoming the end 215, the abutment 1 17 is found more constrained by the movement of the arm 200 and can resume its initial position by applying the return effect of the spring 1 13. Note that the first abutment 1 17 is advantageously configured to not interfere with other parts of the arm 200 during the course of the rotation. For this purpose, for example, the abutment 1 17 may project beyond the body of the movable abutment 1 10 only to a thickness such that the abutment 1 17 does not cross the thickness of the edge of the finger 210. FIG. 5e shows a disposition of the arm which allows this aspect, with a finger 210 attached under the body of the arm 200 and forming, by its edge, the stop 213.

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

Thus, the invention may also include embodiments where, for example, the movable stop 1 10 and / or the guide element 120 are absent, but still embodiments or the movable stop 1 10 and the guide element 120 are not not carried by the launch plate 100, but directly by the chassis of the machine. In addition, other embodiments for the guide member 120 and the movable stop 1 10 are feasible. Indeed, in alternative embodiments, these elements are not curved, but rectilinear. The goal always being to apply forces on the target 300 in order to move it against the guide stop 120.

REFERENCE

100. Launch pad

101. First part

102. Second part

103. distal border

104. Proximal border

05. Inside edge

106. Exterior border

1 10. Moving stop

1 1 1. Outside surface

1 12. Interior surface

1 13. Reminder element

1 14. Distal end

1 15. Proximal end

1 16. Rotation axis

17. First stop

120. Guide element

121. Inside surface of the guide element 122. Distal end

200. Launching arm

201. Ejection part

202. Fixing part

203. Ruler

204. Rotating arm rotation axis

205. Longitudinal axis

206. Contact section

210. Finger

21 1. Contact part

213. Second stop

214. First end

215. Second end

300. Target

301. Around the target

302. Top face of the target

Claims

1. A machine for launching at least one target (300) comprising:

A launch plate (100) configured to support a lower face of the target (300);

• a launching arm (200) rotatable about an axis of rotation (204) at least between a supply position, an armed position and an ejection position;

A guiding element (120) configured to apply to a first portion of a periphery (301) of the target (300) in the armed position;

A movable stop (1 10) configured to exert a force on a second portion of the periphery (301) of the target (300) in the armed position;

machine in which the launch arm (200) comprises an ejection portion (201) configured to apply an ejection force on a third portion of the target (300) in the armed position, the first, second and third portions being separate,

characterized in that the launch arm (200) comprises a finger (210) having a contact portion (21 1) configured to apply to a fourth portion of the periphery (301) of the target (300) in the armed position, the fourth portion being distinct from the first, second and third portions.

2. Machine according to the preceding claim wherein the contact portion (21 1) is configured to exert a bearing on the target (300) having a non-zero component in the direction of the guide member (120).

3. Machine according to the preceding claim wherein the contact portion (21 1) is configured to exert a bearing on the target (300) having a non-zero component in the direction of the movable stop (1 10).

4. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact portion (21 1) of the finger (210) is located closer to the axis of rotation of the throwing arm (204) than the ejection portion ( 201) of said launching arm (200).

5. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the contact portion (21 1) is rectilinear.

6. Machine according to the preceding claim wherein the ejection portion (201) is rectilinear along a longitudinal axis (205), and wherein the longitudinal axis (205) and the contact portion (21 1) of the finger (210). ) form a non-zero angle α.

7. Machine according to the preceding claim wherein the angle a is between 5 ° and 45 °, preferably between 8 ° and 16 ° and preferably 12 °.

8. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the finger (210) comprises an elongate body, a distal portion at least partially forms the contact portion (21 1).

9. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the coefficient of friction of the ejection portion (201) on the target (300) is greater than that of the contact portion (21 1) of the finger (210). on the target (300).

10. Machine according to the preceding claim wherein the material of the finger (210) is an aluminum alloy.

1 1. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the movable stop (1 10) is configured to exert a force on the second portion of the periphery (301) of the target (300) towards the ejection portion (201) the launching arm (200).

Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the contact of the machine on at least one of the first, second, third and fourth portions is punctual in a plane parallel to a launch pad plane. (100).

A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a target release device (300) configured so that the movable stop (1 10) no longer applies to the target (300) in a predefined angular position of the target arm (200) located downstream of the armed position in the direction of rotation of the arm (200).

14. Machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the device of release comprises a first stop (1 17) carried by the movable stop (1 10) and a second stop (213) carried by the arm (200), the second stop (213) being configured to exert a thrust on the first stop ( 1 17) from the predefined angular position.

15. Machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the second stop (213) is located on the finger (210).

16. Machine according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the second stop (213) is configured to no longer exert thrust on the first stop (1 17) after a predetermined angular sector according to the predefined angular position.

Machine according to one of the four preceding claims, wherein the predefined angular position is configured to correspond to a position of the target (300) in contact with a portion located at or upstream of a distal end (122). ) of the guide element (120).

18. A method of launching at least one target comprising the use of a target launching machine according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and wherein the following steps are performed:

supplying the launch arm (200) with at least one target (300), the step of supplying the launch arm (200) comprising the steps of:

o Supply from a store of at least one target (300) on the launch plate (100);

first rotation of the launch arm (200) from the supply position;

during the first rotation:

Contact between the contact portion (21 1) of the finger (210) and the fourth portion of the periphery (301) of the target (300);

• moving the target (300) under the effect of the finger (210) in a first direction to position the second portion of the periphery (301) of the target (300) against the movable stop (1 10);

Sliding of the target (300), under the combined effect of the thrusts made by the contact part (21 1) and the mobile stop (1 10) on the target (300), in a second direction in order to position the third portion of the periphery (301) of the target (300) against the guide member (120);

stopping the first rotation in the armed position of the throwing arm (200), the armed position of the throwing arm (200) being reached after sliding the target (300), the target (300) being, in said position in contact with the contact portion (21 1) the inner surface of the guide member (121), the distal end (1 14) of the movable stop (1 10) and the ejection portion ( 201);

second rotation of the launch arm (200) configured to produce an ejection of the target (300).

19. The method as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the end of the step of passage armed position of the throwing arm (200) automatically triggers the second rotation.

The method of claim 18, wherein the second rotation is manually triggered by a user.

21. Method according to one of claims 18 to 20, comprising a release of the target (300) configured so that the movable stop (1 10) no longer applies to the target (300) in a predefined angular position of the arm (200) ) located downstream of the armed position in the direction of rotation of the arm (200).