EP3966517A1

EP3966517A1 - Target launching machine

Info

Publication number: EP3966517A1
Application number: EP20723151.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte; Jean-Marc Fouques
Original assignee: Laporte Holding SAS
Current assignee: Laporte Holding SAS
Priority date: 2019-05-10
Filing date: 2020-05-07
Publication date: 2022-03-16
Also published as: FR3095856B1; WO2020229322A1; US11733007B2; FR3095856A1; US20220205764A1

Abstract

The invention describes a target launching machine comprising a base (2) on which there is arranged an assembly (1) comprising a launching mechanism (7) and a drum (4) for storing targets, the assembly (1) being configured so as to be able to move relative to the base (2), the machine comprising a tilting device (20) that allows the assembly (1) to move relative to the base (2), the tilting device (20) comprising on one hand a first portion connected to the base (2) and comprising one from among a curved rail (10) and an element for guiding of the rail (10) in a single degree of freedom of tilting along the rail (10), and on the other hand a second portion connected to the assembly and comprising the other from among the rail (10) and the guiding element, characterized in that it comprises a pivot connection about a rotation axis A2 between the second portion and the rest of the assembly (1).

Description

Target launch machine

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates in particular to a machine for launching targets.

A preferred application is for the shooting sport industry, more specifically the clay pigeon shooting industry.

STATE OF THE ART

The middle of the ball-trap evolves by proposing trajectories of varied targets. To do this, mechanisms give the launchers adjustable orientations. Patent publication FR 3066813 A1 discloses a target launching machine with a base topped with an assembly comprising a target launching mechanism and a target storage barrel. This assembly is movable relative to the base. A tilting device is intended to allow the inclination of the assembly relative to the base to allow various target firing directions. This tilting device comprises on the one hand a first part linked to the base and comprising an integral curved slide and an element guided by the slide in a single degree. of freedom in tilting along the slide, and on the other hand a second part linked to the assembly and comprising an element guided by the slide.

With a view to offering ever more efficient target launching machines, there is a need to increase the possibilities of trajectories achievable by the target launching machine. The present invention provides a target launching machine aimed at meeting this need.

ABSTRACT

To achieve this objective, one embodiment provides a target launching machine comprising a base on which is arranged an assembly comprising a launching mechanism and a target storage barrel, the assembly being configured to be movable relative to the base, the machine comprising a tilting device ensuring mobility of the assembly relative to the base, the tilting device comprising on the one hand a first part linked to the base and comprising one of a curved slide and a guide element of the slide according to a single degree of freedom in tilting along the slide, and on the other hand a second part linked to the assembly and comprising the other among the slide and the guide element, characterized in that it comprises a pivot connection along an axis of rotation A2 between the second part and the rest of the assembly.

Thanks to this machine, we multiply the possibilities of orientation of the launching system, that is to say that the launching trajectory of the target can be defined in a wide range including inclination of the target relative to the horizontal. Unlike current machines, the present machine combines mobility of a different nature, with in particular tilting mobility and pivoting mobility.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of launching targets, wherein the assembly is tilted relative to the pedestal and a base portion of the assembly is pivoted relative to the remainder of the assembly. . The tilt angle and pivot angle adjustment allows setting the launch position of targets in a wide range of possibilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of an embodiment of the latter which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the exterior view of a target launcher of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the exterior view of the tilting device of the present invention according to a first embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a profile view of Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows an inclined view of Figure 2.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the tilting device and the turret of the present invention according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 represents the exterior view of the tilting device of the mode of the present invention according to FIG. 5.

Figure 7 shows the exterior view of the tilting device of the present invention of Figure 2.

Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the target launcher of the present invention according to a third embodiment.

Figure 9 shows another exploded view of Figure 8.

Figure 10 shows an exterior view of the machine.

FIG. 11 shows the profile view of a target launching machine of the present invention in a configuration allowing a trajectory of targets towards the ground.

FIG. 12A shows the profile view of a target launcher of the present invention in a configuration allowing an upward trajectory of the target.

Figure 12B shows the profile view of a target launcher of the present invention in a configuration allowing an upward trajectory of the target.

Figure 12C shows the profile view of a target launcher of the present invention in a configuration allowing an upward trajectory of the target.

Figure 13A shows the profile view of a target launcher of the present invention in a configuration allowing a downward trajectory of the target.

FIG. 13B shows the profile view of a target launching machine of the present invention in a configuration allowing a downward trajectory of the target. FIG. 13C shows the profile view of a target launching machine of the present invention in a configuration allowing a downward trajectory of the target.

Figure 14A shows the profile view of a target launcher of the present invention in a configuration allowing a horizontal trajectory of the target.

Figure 14B shows the profile view of a target launcher of the present invention in a configuration allowing a horizontal trajectory of the target.

The drawings are given by way of examples and are not limiting of the invention.

They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before embarking on a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features are listed below which can optionally be used in combination or alternatively:

According to one example, the pivot link comprises a fixed base relative to the second part and a turret adjustable in rotation on the fixed base.

This makes it possible to multiply the number of possible target shooting trajectories.

According to one example, one of the fixed base and the turret includes at least one slot, and the other of the fixed base and the turret has at least one finger guided in the at least one slot.

This allows the turret to rotate relative to the fixed base.

According to one example, the one among the fixed base and the turret which comprises at least one oblong hole comprises at least two oblong holes.

This increases the angular amplitude of the turret.

According to one example, the finger is lockable in position relative to the oblong hole.

This allows the assembly to be fixed in a stationary position before launching a target.

In one example, the machine comprises a motor drive system for the turret relative to the fixed base.

This makes it possible to limit the efforts to perform the rotation of the turret relative to the fixed base manually. According to one example, the turret comprises a movable base extending parallel to an upper face of the fixed base and two lateral uprights fixed to the movable base and carrying the launching mechanism and the barrel.

According to one example, the tilting device comprises two parallel slides and two guide elements each associated with a different one of the two slides.

According to one example, the axis of the pivot connection is located in a plane equidistant from the two slides.

This makes it possible to have a symmetrical distribution of the forces exerted on the tilting mechanism.

According to one example, the motor is located between the two slides and under the fixed base.

This makes the machine less bulky.

According to one example, the machine comprises a control system configured to control the tilting device and the pivot link.

This allows the user to control the launching machine remotely.

According to one example, the pivot connection is configured so as to allow rotation of the assembly with an angular amplitude greater than 200 °.

In what follows, a device for launching targets used for sport shooting of the pigeon shooting type will be described, therefore frequently using clay targets. It should be emphasized that the present invention is not limited by such use and that it may relate to the launching of foam targets, for example intended for archery.

The term “carried” is understood to mean that the two elements are integral kinematically. All configurations respecting this kinematic simultaneity are within the subject of the invention. The two elements can be directly or indirectly related.

The term “integral” is understood to mean an element which, in its operation, is linked either by contact or by an intermediary to another organ.

We will now describe the invention through the embodiments of the figures.

The present invention describes a target launching machine comprising an assembly 1 and a base 2. It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the assembly 1 comprises a mechanism for launching targets 7 and a barrel 4 for storing targets. The assembly 1 is movable relative to the base 2. The barrel 4 is typically a set of columns directed in parallel and each capable of receiving stacked targets. The barrel 4 can be mounted in rotation in the direction of the columns so as to participate in the sequential delivery of the targets on a launching zone.

In order to allow various target firing directions, the machine comprises a tilting device 20 intended to allow the inclination of the assembly 1 relative to the base 2. The tilting device 20 comprises on the one hand a first part linked to the base. base 2 and on the other hand a second part linked to the assembly 1.

The tilting device 20 is particularly described through Figures 2 to 4 and 7 according to a first embodiment. The tilting device 20 is configured to allow mobility of the assembly 1 relative to the base 2 according to a degree of freedom, advantageously sliding along a curve C1 defined by the shape of the tilting device 20. The tilting device 20 is advantageously configured to allow a displacement of the assembly 1 relative to the base 2. The tilting amplitude can be greater than 45 °.

For this, the tilting device 20 is located between two cheeks 3 of the base 2 mounted parallel to one another and substantially perpendicularly on a base of the base 2. The first part of the tilting device 20 linked to the base 2 comprises the 'one of a curved slide 10 and a guide member of the slide 10 with a single degree of freedom in tilting along the slide 10, and the second part of the tilting device 20 linked to the assembly 1 comprises the other among the slide 10 and the guide element.

The base 2 and the first part of the tilting device 20 are integral so as to allow a degree of freedom in tilting along the tilting device 20.

According to a preferred example, and as shown in all of the figures, the tilting device 20 comprises two parallel slides 10 and two guide or guided elements each associated with a different one of the two slides 10.

The guided element advantageously extends over the entire length of the slide 20 by defining a tilting curve. The slide 10 and the guided element are mounted to move relatively along the curve of the slide 10.

According to a preferred embodiment, the guided element has a series of rollers cooperating with the slide 10. The series of rollers is preferably secured to the base 2. The function of the series of rollers is to cooperate with the slide 10 so to facilitate and guide the tilting of the tilting device 20. By way of nonlimiting example and as illustrated in FIG. 10, a first series of rollers 11a is in contact with an upper face of the slide 10 and a second series of rollers 11b is in contact with a lower face of the slide 10.

According to a preferred embodiment, the machine comprises two guided elements, more precisely two series of rollers 11 integral with the base 2.

The at least one curved slide 10 is integral with one of the assembly 1 or the base 2 according to a single degree of freedom in tilting along the slide 10 and the element guided by the slide 10 is integral with the other from the assembly 1 or the base 2. This degree of freedom advantageously follows the curve C1. The slide 10 being curved, the degree of freedom obtained is tilting. If the slide 10 is in an arc of a circle, the tilting has a circular path. Thus the curve C1 defined by the slide 10 allows the movement of the assembly 1 along this curve C1. The assembly 1 can then advantageously be caused to rise or fall relative to the base 2.

In order to allow the tilting of the tilting mechanism 20, the machine may include a motor 28 which actuates at least one pinion 13 cooperating with at least one rack 12 extending laterally to the slide 10, in the same plane as the slide 10. and following the same curve C1 as the slide. Thus in order to participate in the tilting of the tilting device 20. Thus the user activates by turning on the motor 28, the rotation of the pinion 13 which imparts a tilting movement along the curve C1 of the rack 12 and therefore of the tilting device 20. For example, Figure 2 shows this situation.

According to a second embodiment and as illustrated through FIGS. 5, 6, 8 and 9, the user manually rocks the tilting device 20 in order to move the assembly 1 so as to modify its inclination relative to the base 2 In addition, in order to fix the tilting device 20 in a stationary position, once the tilting device 20 has been manually positioned by the user, the machine may include an actuating wheel 16, which is preferably located on at least one. of the two cheeks 13 of the base 2 so as to allow the clamping and locking of the tilting device 20 with the base 2 in a stationary position.

In addition, in order to allow various target firing directions, the machine also includes a pivot link along an axis of rotation A2 intended to participate in the rotation of the assembly 1 relative to the base 2. This pivot connection and all the elements necessary for its existence will be described through Figures 5 to 9.

The pivot connection comprises a fixed base 5 relative to the second part and a turret 6 adjustable in rotation on the fixed base 5. The fixed base 5 is advantageously fixed to the base 2, specifically the fixed base 5 is fixed to the upper part of the device. tilt 20.

As illustrated in Figures 5, 8 and 9, the turret 6 may include a movable base 60 extending parallel to an upper face of the fixed base 5. In addition, the turret 6 may include two side uprights 61 attached to the mobile base 60 and carrying the launching mechanism 7 and the barrel 4.

According to a third embodiment and as represented through FIGS. 7 to 10, in order to allow the rotation of the turret 6 relative to the fixed base 5 according to this pivot connection, one of the fixed base 5 and the turret 6 comprises at least one oblong hole 56a, in which the other of the fixed base 5 and the turret 6 comprises at least one finger 56b guided in the at least one oblong hole 56a. In general, that among the fixed base 5 and the turret 6 which comprises at least one oblong hole 56a comprises at least two oblong holes 56a. This makes it possible to increase the angular amplitude of the rotation of the assembly 1. A first path of rotation can be provided with two oblong holes of the same angular amplitude and placed in opposition around the axis A2; as well as a second path, identical in design, but offset by 90 ° relative to the first path. This corresponds to the examples, for example in FIG. 7. The sum of the amplitudes of the angular sectors of two oblong holes offset by 90 ° determines the capacity of rotation offered by the machine. For example, the angular sector of an oblong hole can be greater than 60 °.

The guided finger 56b moves in the oblong hole 5 so as to cooperate to form a sliding pivot connection allowing a degree of freedom in rotation. Thus, the rotation of the turret 6 allows the rotation of the assembly 1.

In order to lock the turret 6 in an immobile position before starting the launching mechanism 7 of a target, the finger 56b is lockable in position relative to the oblong hole 56a. For this, the machine includes a nut 17 fixed to the fixed base 5 with rotational mobility along the axis of attachment to the mobile base 60. Thus the nut 17 allows the finger 56b to be locked in position.

The machine is then in a stationary position due to the immobilization of the pivot link and the immobilization of the tilting before proceeding to launch a target. Thus the trajectory of a target can be established prior to the launch. By way of non-limiting example, the pivot connection is configured so as to allow rotation of the assembly 1 with an angular amplitude greater than 200 °.

According to an alternative embodiment and as shown through Figures 5 and 6, the rotation of the turret 6 relative to the fixed base 5 is controlled by a motor drive system 28 of the turret 6, with for example at less a chain or a belt 14, and at least one wheel 15. The motor 28 can be located between the two slides 20 as shown in Figure 6. This makes the machine less bulky. In addition, this makes it possible to maintain symmetry within the machine. The motor 28 is also advantageously located under the fixed base 5. It can be centered between the slides.

The fixed base 5 and the mobile base 60 are preferably circular in shape.

The launching mechanism 7 of the machine is detailed in FIG. 10. In fact, it can be seen that the launching mechanism 7 comprises a motor (not illustrated) actuating a launching arm 8 intended to project the target situated on a zone of. launching defined in part by a slider 9. The target is positioned mid-length of the launch arm 8 against the slider 9. The motor (not shown) drives a drive pinion itself connected by a chain type transmission 24 or belt with a pinion 23 carried by a rotation shaft 22 as shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, it can be seen that a freewheel 25 of the rotation shaft 22 cooperates with the pinion 23. This zone The launching plate is advantageously part of a launching plate 26. Preferably, the launching plate 26 is carried by a carrier plate 27, which is integral with the launching mechanism 7. The launching arm 8 is rotated. advantageously in the trigonometric direction only with the free wheel 25 preventing any rotation of the arm 8 in the opposite direction.

Thus, the machine can allow the mobility of the assembly 1 relative to the base 2 according to two degrees of freedom. These two degrees of freedom then follow a tilting along the curve C1 and a rotation along the axis of rotation A2. To this end, a high number of possible configurations of the assembly 1 is authorized with respect to the base 2, thus allowing a high number of different possible firing trajectories.

These different possible configurations are described by Figures 11 to 13C.

FIG. 11 shows the machine, which is configured so as to allow the launch of the target towards the ground. The target is then caused to roll along the ground. For this, the tilting mechanism 20 is in the so-called extreme configuration, which corresponds to a configuration in which the tilting of the tilting mechanism. tilt 20 has reached its maximum height, and the turret 6 is configured so as to orient the assembly 1 so that the launching arm 8 is in an inclined position relative to the pedestal 2 to direct the target during launch towards ground. This allows the target to be projected onto the ground while providing maximum exposure surface. This configuration makes it possible to use the shooting launching machine for the use of so-called “Rabbit” models known in the balltrap industry.

Figures 12A to 12C show the machine, which is configured to allow an upward trajectory of the target. For this, the tilting mechanism 20 is preferably in the extreme configuration and the turret 6 is preferably positioned so that the launching arm 8 is itself perpendicular to the ground before launching the target, the arm 8 having a free end oriented towards the ground as shown in FIG. 12B; itself inclined relative to an axis perpendicular to the ground as shown in Figures 12A and 12C.

Figures 13A to 13C show the machine, which is configured to allow a downward trajectory of the target. For this, the tilting mechanism 20 is preferably in the extreme configuration, and the turret 6 is preferably positioned so that the launching arm 8 is itself perpendicular to the ground before launching the target, the arm 8 having a free end oriented away from the ground as shown in Figure 13A; self inclined with respect to an axis perpendicular to the ground.

Figures 14A and 14B show the machine, which is configured to allow a horizontal path of the target. For this, the tilting mechanism 20 is preferably in the extreme configuration and the turret 6 is preferably positioned so that the launching arm 8 is parallel to the ground before launching the target.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and extends to all the embodiments covered by the claims. List of references

1 Set

2 Base

3 Plinth cheeks

4 Barrel

5 Fixed base

6 Turret

60 Mobile base

61 Side uprights

56a Slotted hole

56b Finger Protruding part

7 Launch mechanism

8 Launch arm

9 Ruler

10 Slide

11a Pebble

11 b Pebble

12 Rack

13 Pinion

14 Belt

15 Wheel

16 Actuation wheel

17 Nut

20 Tilting device

22 Rotation shaft

23 Pinion

24 String

25 Freewheel

26 Throwing plate

27 Carrier plate

28 Engine

A2 Turret rotation axis

C1 Curve of the slide

Claims

1. Target launching machine comprising a base (2) on which is arranged an assembly (1) comprising a launching mechanism (7) and a barrel (4) for storing targets, the assembly (1) being configured for be movable relative to the base (2), the machine comprising a tilting device (20) ensuring mobility of the assembly (1) relative to the base (2), the tilting device (20) comprising on the one hand a first part linked to the base (2) and comprising one of a curved slide (10) and a guide element for the slide (10) with a single degree of freedom in tilting along the slide (10), and of on the other hand a second part linked to the assembly and comprising the other from the slide (10) and the guide element, characterized in that it comprises a pivot connection along an axis of rotation A2 between the second part and the rest of the set (1).

2. Target launching machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the pivot link comprises a fixed base (5) relative to the second part and a turret (6) adjustable in rotation on the fixed base (5).

3. Machine according to the preceding claim, wherein one of the fixed base (5) and the turret (6) comprises at least one oblong hole (56a), in which the other of the fixed base (5) and the turret (6) comprises at least one finger guided (56b) in the at least one oblong hole (56a).

4. Machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the one of the fixed base (5) and the turret (6) which comprises at least one oblong hole (56a) comprises at least two oblong holes (56a).

5. Machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the finger (56b) is lockable in position relative to the oblong hole (56a).

6. Machine according to one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a motor drive system of the turret (6) relative to the fixed base (5).

7. Machine according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the turret (6) comprises a movable base (60) extending parallel to an upper face of the fixed base (5) and two side uprights (61) fixed. on the mobile base (60) and carrying the launching mechanism (7) and the barrel (4).

8. Machine according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tilting device (20) comprises two parallel slides (10) and two guide elements each associated with a different one of the two slides (10).

9. Machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the axis of the pivot connection is located in a plane equidistant from the two slides (10).

10. A target launching machine according to any one of the preceding claims, in combination with claim 6, in which the motor (28) is located between the two slides (10) and under the fixed base (5).

11. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a control system configured to control the tilting device (20) and the pivot link.

12. Target launching machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot connection is configured so as to allow rotation of the assembly (1) with an angular amplitude greater than 200 °.