WO2021052910A1

WO2021052910A1 - Target launching device

Info

Publication number: WO2021052910A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/075648
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte; Jean-Marc Fouques
Original assignee: Laporte Holding
Priority date: 2019-09-17
Filing date: 2020-09-14
Publication date: 2021-03-25
Also published as: US20220349683A1; EP4031828A1; FR3100879B1; EP4031828B1; FR3100879A1; EP4031828C0

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for launching targets (2), comprising a launching arm (1) rotatable about an axis A1, and a drive system (3) for rotationally driving said launching arm (1), characterised in that the drive system (3) comprises an electric geared motor (30), the output shaft (301) of which is rotationally connected to said launching arm (1).

Description

"Target launching device"

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in particular to a device for launching targets. A preferred application is for the shooting sport industry, and more specifically the clay pigeon shooting industry. Targets can be of the clay pigeon type. They can also be targets made of other materials, in particular polymeric materials, for example for archery target shooting.

STATE OF THE ART The middle of the ball trap evolves by offering a variety of possible trajectories followed by the targets.

The throwing of a clay court target often results from the angular acceleration of a throwing arm.

It is known from target launchers that the energy used for carrying out a complete launch cycle very often comes from the relaxation of a spring. One of these devices corresponds for example to Figures 1A to 1 D.

FIGS. 1A to 1D show a device for launching targets of the state of the art using a spring. The target launching device shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D comprises a spring 40, coupled to the launching arm 1 by a connecting rod 41. During the launching step by ejection of the target from the device, the arm 1 performs, under the action of the relaxation of the tension spring 40, an almost instantaneous rotation. The tensioning of the spring 40 which precedes the relaxation of the spring 40, requires a geared motor 42 whose end is in contact with the connecting rod 41. The relaxation of the spring 40 is caused either by exceeding a point of equilibrium or by erasing a stop 47 blocking the progress of the launch arm 1. In particular, in order to vary the speed of rotation of the launching arm 1, the prior device has an additional motorized mechanism dedicated to the tension of the spring 40 in order to modify the load in a random manner and thus the launching speed of the targets 2. This type of device requires the addition of a second geared motor 43 equipped with a cam 44 acting on a rocker 45. The projection distances are adjusted by means of several position sensors 46. The device then comprises a set of two geared motors 42, 43 coupled with complex mechanical subassemblies. In addition, a device as disclosed by the state of the art can comprise a turret 48 as shown in FIG. 1B in order to provide a random angular variation of the trajectories along a horizontal plane. A third geared motor 49 is then necessary to ensure a controlled displacement in amplitude. In this case, the device then comprises a set of three geared motors 42, 43, 49 coupled with complex mechanical subassemblies.

This type of device is then very complex due to the multitude of geared motors it comprises and due to complex mechanical subassemblies (presence of many elements).

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution making it possible to simplify the system for driving the arm of the device.

The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages can be incorporated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve this objective, a separable aspect provides a device for launching targets, comprising a launching arm movable in rotation about an axis A1 and a system for driving the launching arm in rotation, characterized in that the system d The drive comprises an electric gear motor, the output shaft of which is integral in rotation with the launching arm.

Thanks to this device, there is no need for a plurality of geared motors. Thus the device as described by the present invention is less complex. In addition, thanks to this device, we avoid the presence of a spring which is, according to a constant prejudice in the field, a necessary organ. This avoids the presence of complex mechanical subassemblies which make the maintenance and handling of the device more tedious.

Moreover, the absence of a spring advantageously makes it possible to eliminate all vibrations when the device is in operation.

Finally, the device as described by the present invention allows the user to have a less bulky device than those already in existence.

A method of launching at least one target is also described comprising a phase of projecting at least one target from a starting position Pd, by rotation of a launching arm exerting a thrust on the at least one target, characterized in that the launching arm rotation is produced by an electric gear motor, the launching arm of which is integral in rotation. Another separable aspect of the invention relates to a device for launching targets comprising a launching plate configured to receive at least one target intended to be projected, the device comprising a member for maintaining the target in position, this member being configured to exert pressure on the target towards the throwing plate. Preferably, this member is configured to exert a support on a face of the target opposite to a face of the target resting on the launching plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description of an embodiment which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A shows a device for launching targets according to the prior art.

FIG. 1B shows a device for launching targets according to the prior art.

Figure 1C shows a device for launching targets according to the prior art.

Figure 1D shows a device for launching targets according to the prior art.

Figure 2 shows an exterior view of the target launcher training system.

Figure 3 shows schematically the different phases of the target launch device training system.

Figure 4 shows an inclined view of the training system of the target launcher.

Figure 5A shows a top view of the training system of the target launcher of the present invention in a first configuration.

Figure 5B shows a top view of the training system of the target launcher of the present invention in a second configuration.

Figure 5C shows a top view of the training system of the target launcher of the present invention in a third configuration.

Figure 6 shows a possibility of target positioning on a launch pad.

FIGS. 7A to 7C show successive positions of the target on the launching plate, and the cooperation of the target with retention means.

The drawings are given by way of example 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 may optionally be used in combination or alternatively:

According to one example, the output shaft and the launch arm are directly coupled. This makes it possible to limit the number of intermediate elements between the launch arm and the gear motor.

According to one example, the drive system comprises a member for controlling the rotation of the motor, the driving member being configured to control a first angular displacement Da1, called target positioning displacement, at a first speed of rotation w1, of the launch arm to a starting position Pd of target.

This will bring the launch arm into contact with the target.

According to one example, the pilot unit is configured so as to vary the starting position Pd.

This increases the number of possible trajectories of the target's projection out of the device.

In one example, the pilot being configured such that the positioning movement causes a target to pass from a home position Po to the target home position.

According to one example, the pilot member is configured to control a second angular displacement Da2, called target projection displacement, at a second rotational speed w2, of the launching arm from the target starting position Pd, the second speed of rotation w2 being greater than the first speed of rotation w1.

This allows the launch arm to reach sufficient speed to eject the target from the device. According to one example, the pilot member is configured to control a third angular displacement Da3, called return displacement, at a third rotational speed w3, from the launch arm to the original position Po.

This makes it possible to decelerate the launch arm after ejection of the target from the device in order to return it to the original position Po. In one example, the arm has a device for fixing the end of the output shaft. According to one example, the electric motor is of the brushless motor type, also known by the English term brushless. It may in particular be a brushless motor having the following characteristics: 24V, 4500 rpm, torque 1.7 N / m, intensity 35 A; it is advantageously equipped with a resolver (in particular with a precision of 16384 bits / revolution); the whole is preferably coupled to a reduction gear which may be of the reduced clearance coaxial planetary type with a reduction ratio of 1/10. This motor can be controlled by a drive, in particular of the fully digital intelligent servo drive type. Compatible with any type of motor, with and without brushes, or step by step, it works with incremental and absolute encoders. Engine speed management is advantageously accompanied by position, speed and torque control. Using a programming language such as TML (for Technosoft Motion Language), it is also capable of executing complex sequences without an additional system, in particular without a microcontroller and external memory.

According to one example, the device comprises a launching plate, configured to support at least one target to be launched. The device also advantageously comprises in in addition to a blade mounted on the arm so as to apply on a target present on the launching plate a pressure directed towards the launching plate.

According to one example, the launching method comprises: a first angular displacement Da1, called target positioning displacement, at a first rotational speed w1, of the launching arm to a target starting position, the starting position being variable; a second angular displacement Da2, called the target projection displacement, at a second rotational speed w2, of the launching arm from the target starting position, the second rotational speed w2 being greater than the first rotational speed w1. This speed is preferably adjustable so as to be variable and this results in a variable projection distance.

According to one example, the launching method comprises a third angular displacement Da3, called return displacement, at a third rotational speed w3, of the launching arm to an original position.

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 Figures 2 to 5C.

The present invention describes a device for launching 100 targets 2. The launching device 100 comprises a launching arm 1 and a drive system 3 in rotation of the launching arm 1 as shown in FIG. 2.

Although not illustrated in all of the figures, the target launcher advantageously comprises a target storage barrel. The target storage barrel 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.

The launch arm 1 is movable in rotation about an axis A1. The rotation of the launch arm 1 is advantageously carried out in the counterclockwise direction. The drive system 3 comprises an electric gear motor 30 which carries the launch arm 1. For this, the output shaft 301 of the gearmotor 30 is integral in rotation with the launch arm 1. In FIG. 2, it can be seen that in a preferred embodiment, the output shaft 301 of the gearmotor 30 and the launch arm 1 are coupled, preferably directly coupled. In order to allow the direct coupling of the arm 1 and the output shaft 301, the arm 1 comprises a device 10 for fixing the end of the output shaft 301. This makes it possible to make possible the rotation of the launching arm 1 around the axis A1. The coupling can include a key or preferably a hoop.

We will now describe Figure 3 of the present invention. FIG. 3 describes a launch cycle produced by the device 100, precisely produced by the drive system 3 of the device 100. For this, the drive system 3 comprises a member for controlling the rotation of the geared motor 30, which is configured. to control the launch cycle. Typically, the control member comprises an electronic card sending a control signal to the geared motor 30. The electronic card or another part of the control member advantageously itself comprises at least one control input, for example by a system. wired or by a wireless system. The control unit also advantageously comprises processing means, such as a microprocessor and a non-volatile memory. It is for example possible to store programs for varying the throws and / or the operating conditions. The electronic card can be integrated into a box and connected to a drive. The latter controls the speed of the geared motor and controls its position by means of a resolver.

The launch cycle advantageously comprises a first angular displacement Da1, called positioning displacement Da1 of target 2, at a first speed of rotation w1, from the launch arm 1 to a starting position Pd of target 2. As a non-limiting example, the first angular displacement Da1 is variable so as to vary the starting position of the target. It can for example cover an angular sector between 30 and 120 °. Advantageously, the first speed of rotation is low so as to minimize the centrifugal force applied to the target during this phase. If this force is small enough, it can be neglected. Optionally, it can be fully compensated by forces acting in reaction, in particular frictional forces on the launching plate or a force applied by a contact element with the target during this phase. Advantageously, the first speed of rotation is less than 20 rpm.

Of course, the movement of the arm includes an acceleration phase, a stabilized speed phase and a deceleration phase to the position to be reached. Depending on the type of motor used, the acceleration and deceleration phases can be brief. Thus, the rotational speeds considered in the present description are understood to mean the maximum speed obtained during a movement of the arm, typically the stabilized speed.

According to a preferred example, the member for controlling the rotation of the geared motor 30 is configured to control the launch arm 1 from a position called the original position Po. This original position Po corresponds to a position in which the arm 1 is located when the launch device 100 is at rest, that is to say when no launch cycle is in progress. The original position Po can be variable.

The positioning displacement Da1 of targets 2 is followed by a second angular displacement Da2, controlled by the piloting member. This second angular displacement Da2 is called displacement of projection Da2 of targets 2. This displacement of projection Da2 is carried out at a second speed of rotation w2, of the launch arm 1 from the starting position Pd of target 2.

Advantageously, the second rotational speed w2 is greater than the first rotational speed w1. This then makes it possible to accelerate the rotational movement of the launching arm 1 and consequently to give speed to the target 2 intended to be launched and ejected from the device 100. By way of non-limiting example, the second angular displacement Da2 is substantially equal to 130 °. Advantageously, the second speed of rotation can reach 450 rpm.

Finally, the projection movement Da2 of targets is followed by a third movement Da3, controlled by the pilot unit. This third angular displacement Da3 is called a return displacement Da3. This third displacement Da3 has a third speed of rotation w3, from the launch arm 1 to the original position Po. This third displacement Da3 corresponds to a deceleration phase of the launch arm 1. Indeed, the third speed of rotation w3 is lower than the second speed of rotation w2. By way of non-limiting example, the third angular displacement Da3 is substantially equal to 140 °.

The pilot is configured so that the positioning movement Da1 causes a target 2 to pass from an original position Po to the starting position Pd which is desired for target 2.

According to a preferred example, the pilot unit is configured so as to vary the starting position Pd. Indeed, the user can configure before the start of the launch cycle, the starting position Pd according to the direction in which he wants the target 2 to be launched. In fact, the direction of exit of targets from the device, which is along an axis A2, depends on the starting position Pd, corresponding to the position in which the projection displacement Da2 is initiated. In Figures 5A to 5C, it can be seen that depending on the position of the starting position Pd, the output axis A2 of the target is different. It can be noted that the target exit axis A2 is preferably parallel to the launch arm 1 when the arm 1 is positioned in the starting position Pd.

In addition, the target 2 is advantageously positioned halfway along the launch arm 1 against the launch arm 1 and on a launch plate 11. We can see in Figures 2 and 3 a guide rail disposed on the launch plate to serve as a guide.

This possibility can be replaced or supplemented by at least one of the positioning means presented in the embodiment corresponding to FIGS. 6 and 7A to 7C. In the present case, a guide rail 12, concentric with the axis A1, is located on the internal edge of the launching plate 11. A finger 13 movable in rotation around an axis A3 parallel to A1 is equipped. a return spring 14 (or any other return means). A strip 16 covered or made of an elastomer (or having at least an improved adhesion relatively to a direct contact of a target with the launching arm) is fixed along the arm 1. A retaining member is also present, for example in the form of a leaf spring 15. Preferably, the leaf spring 15 is fixed to the upper part of the launching arm 1, preferably between the guide rail 12 and the finger 13. The blade 15 may be in the form of a portion of sheet metal, a lower face of which is configured to be applied on an upper face of the target. We can play on the elastic deformation capacity of the blade 15 to operate the reversible support on the target. Of course, other elastic return solutions are possible, in particular with a flexible connection of the holding member relative to the launch arm, or any other spring means.

In general, it is advantageous for the holding member to have a bearing surface on the target which is located at rest at a height level lower than that of the top of the target and which moves in a reversible manner, to a position more in height so as to rest on the top of the target while exerting its support.

Advantageously, the lower face has a convex profile so that the docking of this blade 15 on the target takes place gradually and elastically raises the blade. The latter is preferably positioned on the arm so that the pressure on the target takes place at the level of the axis of symmetry of the latter. This member is configured to laterally maintain the target without preventing its movement induced by the launching arm on the plate. In one possibility, targets are used having an upper face with a planar apex and the member, such as blade 15, is configured to apply there. This flat part may be surrounded by a rim which can optionally serve as a wedge for the edge of the blade, which is then dimensioned so that its width corresponds at most to the width of the upper face of the target surrounded by the rim.

Advantageously, when the target 2 is taken over by the launch arm 1 between Po and Pd, the finger 13 forces the target 2 to come into contact with the rail 12, the pressure exerted by the return spring 14 being greater. to that coming from the leaf spring 15, the target 2 is positioned against the slide 16. The movement to Pd taking place at a first speed of rotation w1, being advantageously a slow speed, when the target 2 is no longer in contact with the finger 13, it is the pressure exerted by the leaf spring 15 which retains its relative position with respect to the guide rail 12. It is the acceleration phase during the angular displacement Da3 which will cause the movement of the target on the slide 16 until it is ejected.

We will now describe a typical launch of a target performed by the launch device 100.

The control member adjusts the original position Po and the starting position Pd of the drive system 3, the rotation of the launching arm 1 along the axis A1 is produced by the electric geared motor 30 including the launching arm 1 is integral in rotation. The launching arm 1 follows the following path: it moves according to a first angular displacement Da1, called positioning displacement Da1 of target 2, at a speed of rotation w1. The arm 1 moves to the starting position Pd of target 2. The starting position Pd of target 2 is commanded by the piloting unit, it can then vary from one launch cycle to another launch cycle. The arm 1 is then in contact with the target 2 at the starting position Pd. The arm 1 then begins a so-called projection phase Da2 of target 2 by exerting a thrust on the target 2. This projection phase Da2, in other words displacement of projection Da2 corresponds to a second angular displacement Da2, at a second speed of rotation w2 , of the launch arm 1. The second speed of rotation w2 being greater than the first speed of rotation w1 makes it possible to accelerate the movement of the arm 1 and to move the target 2 with a sufficiently high speed to allow the projection of the target 2 along an axis A2 outside of the launching plate 11. Finally, once the target 2 is no longer in contact with the launching arm 1 and / or the launching plate 11, the arm 1 initiates a third angular displacement Da3, called return displacement, at a third speed of rotation w3. The return movement stops when the launching arm 1 is at the original position Po, which is the same position that the arm 1 was in when initiating the first angular movement Da1. Thus the piloting member is capable of moving the launching arm 1 according to a launching cycle comprising three different phases at three different speeds, each phase possibly having a different angular amplitude. This eliminates the need for the use of complex mechanism systems such as a spring, a connecting rod, a stop surface, etc. The device 100 is then easier to use. In addition, this makes it possible to have a less bulky device 100.

Furthermore, dispensing with the use of complex mechanical systems makes it possible to limit tedious handling and maintenance of the device 100 in the event of breakage or failure.

The absence of a spring also leads to the suppression of vibrations associated with the use of a spring.

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

REFERENCES

100 Target launching device

1 Launch arm

10 Fixing device

11 Launch plate

2 Target

3 Drive system 30 electric gear motor 301 Output shaft

40 Spring

41 Connecting rod

42 Gear motor

43 Gear motor

44 Cam

45 Rocker

46 Sensor

47 Stopper

48 Turret

49 Gear motor

A1 Axis of rotation of the launch arm A2 Axis of exit of the target Da1 First angular displacement Da2 Second angular displacement Da3 Third angular displacement Pd Target starting position Po Target original position w1 First rotational speed w2 Second rotational speed w3 Third speed of rotation

Claims

1. Device (100) for launching targets (2), comprising a launching arm (1) movable in rotation about an axis A1 and a drive system (3) in rotation of the launching arm (1), wherein the drive system (3) comprises an electric gear motor (30) whose output shaft (301) is rotatably secured to the launch arm (1), characterized in that the drive system (3) comprises a device for controlling the rotation of the geared motor (30), the control device being configured to control a first angular displacement Da1, called target positioning displacement (2), at a first speed of rotation w1, of the launch arm (2) to a starting position Pd of target (2).

2. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the output shaft (301) and the launch arm (1) are directly coupled.

3. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control member is configured so as to vary the starting position Pd.

4. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, the control member being configured so that the positioning movement causes a target (2) to pass from an original position Po to the target starting position. (2).

5. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control member is configured to control a second angular displacement Da2, said target projection displacement (2), at a second rotational speed w2, of the launch arm (1) from the starting position Pd of target (2), the second rotational speed w2 being greater than the first rotational speed w1.

6. Device (100) according to the two preceding claims in combination, wherein the control member is configured to control a third angular displacement Da3, said return displacement, at a third rotational speed w3, of the launch arm (1 ) to the original position Po.

7. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm (1) comprises a fixing device (10) of the end of the output shaft (301).

8. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric gear motor (30) comprises a brushless motor.

9. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a launching plate (11), configured to support at least one target (2) to be launched, and a member for maintaining said target in position, this member being configured to exert pressure on the target towards the throwing plate.

10. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the holding member comprises a blade (15) mounted on the launching arm (1) and configured to apply pressure on said target directed towards the launching plate.

11. A method of launching at least one target (2) comprising a phase of projecting at least one target (2) from a starting position Pd, by rotating a launching arm. (1) exerting a thrust on the at least one target (2), in which the rotation of the launching arm (1) is produced by an electric geared motor (30), the launching arm (1) of which is integral in rotation, characterized in that it comprises: a first angular displacement Da1, called target positioning displacement, at a first rotational speed w1, from the launch arm (1) to a target starting position (2), the starting position being variable; a second angular displacement Da2, called target projection displacement (2), at a second rotational speed w2, of the launch arm (1) from the starting position of target (2), the second rotational speed w2 being adjustable and greater than the first speed of rotation w1.

12. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising a third angular displacement Da3, said return displacement, at a third rotational speed w3, of the launching arm (1) to an original position.