WO2020007725A1

WO2020007725A1 - Machine for launching targets with rotary barrel

Info

Publication number: WO2020007725A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/067286
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte; Jean-Marc Fouques
Original assignee: Laporte Holding
Priority date: 2018-07-06
Filing date: 2019-06-28
Publication date: 2020-01-09
Also published as: FR3083598A1; EP3818327A1; US20210381810A1; FR3083598B1

Abstract

The present invention concerns a machine for launching targets, comprising: • - a chassis (1) on which a barrel (7) is rotatably mounted, • - a launching arm (3) rotatably mounted according to a cycle and configured to project at least one target (9), the cycle comprising an arming phase by tensioning a spring member (5) to an armed angular position of the launching arm (3), a launching phase in which a release of the tension of the spring member is configured to rotate the arm and a return phase to a rearming angular position of the launching arm. The axis (A) of rotation of the barrel and the axis of rotation of the arm are coincident.

Description

"Target launching machine with rotating barrel"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in particular to a target launching machine and in particular to the storage of targets of such a machine.

A preferred application relates to the shooting sport industry, and particularly the balltrap industry, in particular for the launching of clay pigeon type targets.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Patent publication FR 3,016,208 A1 discloses a target launch machine integrating a chassis and a barrel rotatably mounted on the chassis. The barrel comprises on its periphery columns in which are stacked targets to launch. The capacity of the barrels varies according to the height and the number of columns. According to this prior art, the barrel is driven in rotation about its axis by means of a drive mechanism itself driven by an electric motor. At the same time, the target launch arm is driven in rotation about its axis by means of another drive mechanism which is also also driven by the electric motor. Overall, the barrel is a together, often bulky and fairly heavy, especially when it is loaded with targets and setting it in motion relative to the chassis is a technical difficulty.

There is a need for a target launch machine improving the operation of the barrel within the machine.

The invention makes it possible to solve all or part of the drawbacks of current techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention relates in particular to a target launching machine comprising:

a chassis on which a barrel is mounted movable in rotation along an axis of rotation, said barrel comprising a plurality of columns for storing targets in a stack,

a launch arm mounted mobile in rotation along an axis of rotation according to a cycle and configured to project at least one target extracted from the barrel, the cycle comprising an arming phase of the launch arm by stressing, by a motorized assembly , of a member springing up to an angular position armed with the launching arm, a launching phase in which a relaxation of stress of the member springing from the angular position armed is configured to drive the arm in rotation while the at least one target is in contact with the launch arm, and a phase of returning to an angular position for rearming the launch arm.

Advantageously, the axis of rotation of the barrel and the axis of rotation of the arm are combined.

Thus, the barrel is centered relative to the launch system comprising the arm. While, until now, the barrel has been offset a lot laterally relative to the arm, the invention refocuses the operation of these two rotating parts. The balance of the machine is significantly improved.

In a preferred embodiment, the machine comprises a barrel rotation drive system, said system being configured to produce a barrel rotation during the arming phase.

This can take place during only part of the arming phase; preferably, the rotation of the barrel occurs only during this phase.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method, in particular of actuation in rotation of a barrel of a target launching machine. BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF FIGURES

Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples and in which:

- Figure 1 shows a cutaway perspective view of a machine according to the invention, in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the angular movement of the launching arm during a rotation cycle,

- Figure 3a shows a top view of certain aspects of the machine according to the invention in one embodiment, and Figure 3b shows a top view revealing other aspects;

- Figure 4a and Figure 4b show some components of the barrel rotation drive system;

- Figure 5a and Figure 5b show a top view of the relative positions of certain components of the machine of the invention, in a first state of the launch arm corresponding to a first angular position thereof; Figures 6a and 6b, Figures 7a and 7b, Figures 8a and 8b, Figures 9a and 9b and Figures 10a and 10b show successive phases of operation of the barrel drive system, during rotational progression the launch arm;

- Figure 11 shows a top view of some components of the invention while a target is being projected;

- Figure 12 is a cutaway perspective view of certain components of a launch arm machine and a rotary barrel according to the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

- Preferably, a drive system 22 for rotating the barrel 7 is configured to produce a rotation of the barrel 7 during the arming phase; advantageously, the drive system 22 comprises an element for converting between the first part and the second part, the element for conversion receiving the training effort and causing the second part to rotate;

- According to one possibility, the first part comprises a thrust member 18 offset relative to the axis of rotation A.

- Optionally, the thrust member 18 comprises a roller mounted to rotate on the launching arm 3;

- Preferably, the second part comprises a toothed wheel 13;

- According to a nonlimiting possibility, the conversion element comprises a pawl 14 configured to drive the toothed wheel 13 and a drive member 17 on which the pawl 14 is mounted, the drive member 17 comprising a surface of support 26 of the pushing member 18;

- Optionally, the support surface 26 has a convex curvilinear profile;

- Preferably, the pawl 14 is rotatably mounted on the drive member 17;

- According to one possibility, the drive member 17 is rotatably mounted relative to the support 2;

- In one embodiment, the conversion element comprises a pawl return member 14 configured to keep the pawl 14 in abutment on the toothed wheel 13;

- According to a preferred embodiment, the pawl 14 is rotatably mounted on the drive member 17 via a shaft 16, said shaft 16 passing through a lumen 15 configured to guide the shaft 16 and formed in the support 2;

advantageously, the axis of rotation of the barrel 7 is perpendicular to a plane comprising the support 2 and is placed in the center of the barrel 7.

The representation of FIG. 12 shows a partial perspective view of a machine for launching targets of the clay pigeon type according to the state of the art. Such a machine has a chassis 1 on which is mounted a set of components allowing the driving of a launching arm 3 around an axis A1. One of these components is a motorization 6, typically a geared motor. The output of this motorization 6 firstly drives a drive finger D in a rotational movement during which the latter can approach a part corresponding to one end of a spring 5 which is then moved to a positioning position in traction. The launch arm 3 is integral with the spring system 5 so that, when a release of the spring is released, the latter violently rotates the launch arm, for the projection of a target in position on a launching plate 4. On the other hand, the machine has a barrel of which only a support part 2 forming its base is shown; the barrel body is rotatable about an axis A2. The motorization 6 is also used for the displacement in rotation of the barrel, by means of a set of transmissions comprising a system of connecting rods B, a shaft mounted in rotation around an axis A3 and a secondary connecting rod C. It will be noted the very substantial spacing between axes A1 and A2.

In counterpoint, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A chassis 1 is still present to support the assembly. Immediately above, if necessary, a tilt adjustment system is used.

We also note:

- A motorization 6, typically a geared motor, comprising an electric motor and an output gear train;

- A launch arm 3 rotatably mounted by means of a shaft 23 around a geometric axis A;

- A spring member 5, working in particular in traction, to reach an armed position;

- The system comprising the motorization has, in addition in the illustrated case, a chain transmission 24 cooperating with a toothed wheel itself driving in rotation a drive system 22 (here the connecting rod) configured to move one end of the spring member 5 to tension it; the spring member 5 is also configured to drive the rotation of the arm 3 via the shaft 23 during the launch phase; one can in particular use a freewheel system so that the launch arm is inactive during the arming phase of the spring and that it is active, in another direction of operation of the freewheel, during the launch.

Advantageously, the machine has a metal frame.

The arm 3 can have an organized mobility according to a cycle broken down in FIG. 2 and comprising a phase of preparation of the arm 3, otherwise called arming phase, during which the arm 3 is moved in rotation, by the motorization 6 at low speed up to a starting position, otherwise called armed angular position P ₀ , this preparation phase also serving to accumulate energy in the spring 5. A launch phase is then executed by releasing the spring 5 generating a violent movement ( with a kinetic energy V _0i revealing a strong acceleration) of the arm 3 driving the target 9. At this stage, the arm is in a position of end of launching P- _\ and the target 9 escapes from the launching plate 4 for to be projected. The arm 3 continues its movement until it stops in a position P ₂ corresponding to a start for rearming. Between Pi and P ₂ , the arm progressively decelerates, corresponding to the kinetic phase marked V ₁₂ .

During a launch cycle, the launch arm 3 evolves along a circular path over 360 degrees. In the starting position, the end of the launching arm 3 is oriented in the direction substantially opposite to the direction of ejection of the target 9. The sudden relaxation of the spring member 5 makes the arm 3 accelerate, the target is projected, for example after a progression of approximately 140 degrees (for example, the average speed of the arm at the ejection of the target is then 500 rpm); at 180 degrees for example, the spring member 5 comes to the end of its relaxation but, carried away by its inertia, the arm will continue its progression until, for example, about 270 degrees and will freeze its position using an anti-wheel -return.

If the cycle is performed with a target, the arm will freeze its position a little earlier, especially before 270 degrees. If the cycle is carried out without a target, the arm will freeze its position a little later, especially beyond 270 degrees.

Once this position is reached, the arm will move at engine speed (for example 20 rpm, however, a speed between 5 rpm and 50 rpm can also be used as an indication) until the armed position.

One aspect of the invention is to take advantage of the decomposition of this cycle to cause the barrel 7 to rotate (advantageously, this rotation of the barrel takes place along the same axis as that of the rotation of the launch arm 3, but the barrel drive system 7 could be used separately from the single axis feature). In particular, one can take advantage of the arming phase during which the launch arm moves at a speed controlled by the motorization, advantageously constant speed.

The barrel 7 and an embodiment for its rotary drive are described below in more detail.

As shown in FIG. 1, the launching arm 3 overcomes a launching plate 4 (receiving at least one target 9 intended to be projected). The target in question comes from the barrel 7 surmounting the launching plate 4 and the launching arm 3 and comprising a plurality of columns 8.

Advantageously, the barrel 7 is rotatably mounted around the axis A. Preferably, the axis of rotation A of the barrel 7 is placed in the center of said barrel 7.

The barrel 7 comprises a plurality of columns 8 for storing targets.

Advantageously, the targets are stored by stacking inside said storage columns 8. Preferably, the plurality of target storage columns 8 form a crown concentric with the axis of rotation A. The crown makes it possible to define an interior volume of the barrel 7. The storage columns 8 each comprise a periphery defining a volume inside which the targets will be positioned. At the center of this periphery, and for each of the storage columns 8, a central axis of storage column 8 is present. Advantageously, said central axis of storage column 8 corresponds to the axis of symmetry of the storage column 8. This preferred configuration makes it possible to have a central axis of storage column 8 perfectly centered in the middle of the volume defined by the edges of the storage column 8. Thus, the volume accommodating the targets is symmetrical about the central axis of storage column 8. Advantageously, this axis is parallel to the axis of rotation A.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the periphery of the storage columns 8 is not complete. Thus, a free space in this periphery allows easier lateral insertion of targets. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, this periphery is defined by a plurality of rods which laterally delimit the columns 8. Preferably, the part of the missing periphery is the part turned towards the outside of the barrel 7. That is to say -to say the part of the periphery furthest from the axis of rotation of the barrel 7. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the storage columns 8 have a complete periphery.

The number of storage columns 8 present in the barrel 7 depends on the diameter of said barrel 7 and on the size of the targets.

In a preferred and nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, the number of storage columns is eight. However, this number of storage columns 8 is not limiting. Advantageously, all the storage columns 8 of the same barrel 7 have the same diameter.

Generally, the barrel 7 operates successive rotations configured to deliver the targets (one per column) from all the columns. A rotation, in several stages, of 360 °, corresponds to a complete cycle. In this embodiment, the angular displacement of the barrel at each of its rotations is preferably identical to the previous rotation.

Preferably, the barrel 7 is mounted above a support 2 fixed relative to the chassis and surmounting the launching plate 4 and the launching arm 3. FIG. 3a in particular shows the plate 2 and a base 12 of the rotating barrel 7 relative to the plate 2. The plate 2 carried by the frame 1 advantageously comprises at least one hole 10. Advantageously, the hole 10 is positioned in order to allow movement of a target from a storage column 8 towards the launching plate 4, at the level of a reception zone 11 of the plate 4 presented in particular in FIG. 3b. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the targets are brought one by one to the launching plate, in order to supply the launching arm 3 with a single target. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the launching arm 3 is supplied, for each launch, with at least two targets from the barrel7.

The rotation of the launching arm advantageously allows the target present on the launching plate 4 to converge on a support element applicable on the edge of the target with a view to ejecting said target under good guidance conditions.

It is therefore understood that the rotation of the barrel 7 which delivers the targets 9 has an important functionality with respect to the rest of the machine, in particular with respect to launching by the arm 3.

One aspect of the invention is to provide an advantageous barrel drive 7. In this context, a preferred option of the invention is to produce the rotation of the barrel 7 by the application of a force on the latter (preferably in the form of a torque) applied by the arm 3, preferably via an intermediate assembly, allowing power transmission. In the embodiment presented below, a force produced by the arm 3 is used during the arming phase of the latter.

FIG. 3a illustrates a part of the system for driving in rotation the barrel 7, this part being integral in rotation with this barrel 7. This includes in the illustration a toothed wheel 13 movable in rotation integrally with the barrel around the axis A Another part of the drive system is integral with the rotational movement of the arm 3, and is for example at least partially formed by the thrust member 18 visible in FIG. 3b. As shown, the member 18 is optionally disposed at a distance from the axis A. In a preferred embodiment, the member 18 is a roller mounted to rotate on the arm 3, the axis of rotation of the roller preferably being parallel to axis A. It is understood that the angular movement of the arm 3 will modify the position of the thrust member 18.

The drive system further comprises, in the case shown, a conversion element making it possible to convert a pushing force of the member 18 (or more generally of the first part of the drive system mounted on the arm 3) into a barrel rotation drive force (via the second part of the drive system, mounted on the barrel 7). In particular, the conversion element may include a ratchet system. Thus, Figure 3a shows a pawl 14 configured to mesh with the toothed wheel 13. This pawl 14 is itself mounted, preferably by a pivot at an axis 16 identified in FIG. 3b on a pawl drive member 17; the member 17 is preferably pivotally mounted relative to the rest of the machine, for example by a pivot on the support 2. Furthermore, the thrust member 18 is applied to a bearing surface 26 of the member 17 so as to move the member 17 in rotation by a push induced by the arm 3. It is understood that the combined rotational movement of the member 17 and the pawl 14 will make it possible to move the toothed wheel 13 in rotation in a direction of movement of the pawl 14. The profile of the toothed wheel 13 is of course configured to allow this drive.

Figures 4a and 4b show other details of the barrel drive system 7. In particular, they have a spring 19 serving as a means for returning the pawl 14 to an application position on the periphery of the toothed wheel 13. Thus , in a direction of rotation corresponding to the drive, it is guaranteed that the pawl 14 is applied, by a projecting portion, in a tooth 21 of the toothed wheel 13. In the other direction of rotation, the toothed wheel 13 and the pawl 14 are configured not to transmit power between them. The toothed wheel 13 can for example be screwed through the underside of the base 12 of the barrel 7. Preferably, it surmounts the support 2 provided with the hole 10, as shown in FIG. 4b. The support 2 advantageously includes a light 15, having for example an oblong shape, configured to guide the movement of the axis (physically a shaft) of the pivot of the pawl 14 relative to the member 17. A pivot point 25 of the member 17 on the support 2 is also presented.

Preferably, the profile of the bearing surface 26 of the member 17 is curvilinear, and particularly concave curvilinear. In addition, during the rotation of the barrel 7, the cooperation of the member 18 and the member 17 is preferably configured to bring the member 18 closer to the pivot point 25.

FIGS. 5a to 10b show successive phases of cooperation of the parts of the barrel drive system 7.

In FIG. 5a, the launching arm 3 is situated at the level of the position P ₂ for the start of rearming. Upstream of this position and advantageously at the start of the resetting phase, the barrel drive system 7 is configured so as not to impose any force at this last point, this is revealed in FIG. 5a by the fact that the pawl 14 and the toothed wheel 13 do not mesh. However, in this position P ₂ , the thrust member 18 comes to tangent the member 17 as shown in FIG. 5b. Contact takes place gradually and at engine speed. The internal curved shape of the member 17 interferes with the member 18, which causes its rotation about the axis 25. The pawl 14 linked to the member 17 moves until it comes into contact with a tooth 21 of the toothed wheel 13. Figures 6a and 6b show this docking.

The movement of the launching arm 3 causes the rotation of the base of the barrel 7 until the storage column 8 corresponding to the target 9 to be delivered is positioned above the drop hole 10. A target 9 is then deposited on the receiving zone 11 of the launching plate 4. This progressive rotation corresponds to FIGS. 7a to 9b.

In the angular position of the arm 3 corresponding to FIGS. 10a and 10b, the member 17 no longer interferes with the member 18, and under the action of the spring 19, it pivots until the axis 16 enters contact with the distal end 20 of the lumen 15. The shape of the teeth 21 of the toothed wheel 13 allows the pawl to slide 14. Finally, the launching arm 3 comes into contact with the target 9 before stopping, as shown in Figure 10b. This stop is preferably made against a retractable stop element to trigger the projection.

During the previously described steps, the motorization 6 also ensures the rearming of the spring member 5.

Then, the triggering of a throw is controlled and the arm 3 rotates violently, releasing the energy stored in the spring member 5. FIG. 11 is inscribed during this phase.

In the illustrated embodiment, as an indication, the barrel 7 containing eight columns, 45 degrees is sufficient for loading the targets which implies that an oscillation of the pawl over 65 degrees ensures their perfect delivery.

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

REFERENCES

A1. Arm axis

A2. Barrel axis

A3. Connecting rod axis

B. Rod

C. Secondary connecting rod

D. Training finger

A. Axis

P ₀ . Armed position

Pi. End of launch position

P ₂ . Reset position

V _0i . First kinetic phase

V ₁₂ . Second kinetic phase

V ₂₀ . Third kinetic phase

1. Chassis 15. Light

2. Support 16. Tree

3. Launch arm 17. Drive unit for 4. Ratchet launch plate

5. Spring 35 18. Pushing member

6. Motorization 19. Spring

7. Barrel 20. End

8. Storage column 21. Tooth

9. Target 22. Training system

10. Hole 40 23. Tree

1 1. Reception area 24. Channel

12. Barrel base 25. Pivot point

13. Toothed wheel 26. Support surface

14. Ratchet

Claims

1. Target launch machine comprising:

a chassis (1) on which a barrel (7) is mounted so as to be able to rotate along an axis of rotation, said barrel (7) comprising a plurality of stacking columns (8) for targets (9) in stacking,

- a launch arm (3) mounted mobile in rotation along an axis of rotation according to a cycle and configured to project at least one target (9) extracted from the barrel (7), the cycle comprising an arming phase of the launch arm (3) by stressing, by a motorized assembly, a spring member to an angular position armed with the launching arm (3), a launching phase in which a release of stress from the member comes out from the armed angular position is configured to drive the arm in rotation while the at least one target (9) is in contact with the launch arm, and a phase of return to an angular position of rearming the launch arm;

- a drive system (22) for rotating the barrel (7), said system being configured to produce a rotation of the barrel (7) during the arming phase;

and in which the axis of rotation of the barrel and the axis of rotation of the arm coincide;

and in which the drive system (22) comprises a first part mounted on the launching arm (3) and a second part integral with the rotation of the barrel (7), the first part being configured to generate a drive force of the second part during the arming phase.

2. Machine according to the preceding claim, in which the drive system (22) comprises a conversion element between the first part and the second part, the conversion element receiving the drive force and driving the second in rotation. part.

3. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first part comprises a thrust member (18) offset relative to the axis of rotation (A).

4. Machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the thrust member (18) comprises a roller rotatably mounted on the launching arm (3).

5. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which the second part comprises a toothed wheel (13).

6. Machine according to the preceding claim in combination with the combination of claims 2 and 3, wherein the conversion element comprises a pawl (14) configured to drive the toothed wheel (13) and a drive member (17) on which is mounted the pawl (14), the drive member (17) comprising a bearing surface (26) of the pushing member (18).

7. Machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the bearing surface (26) has a convex curvilinear profile.

8. Machine according to one of the two preceding claims, in which the drive member (17) is rotatably mounted relative to the support (2).

9. Machine according to one of the three preceding claims, in which the pawl (14) is rotatably mounted on the drive member (17).

10. Machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the conversion element comprising a pawl return member (14) configured to keep the pawl (14) in abutment on the toothed wheel (13).

1 1. Machine according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the pawl (14) is rotatably mounted on the drive member (17) by means of a shaft (16), said shaft (16) passing through a light (15) configured to guide the shaft (16) and formed in the support (2).

12. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the axis of rotation of the barrel (7) is perpendicular to a plane comprising the support (2) and is placed in the center of the barrel (7).