MACHINE FOR LAUNCHING TARGETS WITH ROTATING BARREL
A machine for launching targets, the machine having a chassis on which a barrel is mounted mobile in rotation, a launching arm mounted mobile in rotation according to a cycle and configured to project at least one target, the cycle including a phase of arming by stressing a spring member until an armed angular position of the launching arm, a launching phase wherein a releasing of stress of the spring member is configured to rotate the arm and a phase of returning to an angular position for rearming the launching arm. The axis of rotation of the barrel and the axis of rotation of the arm are combined.
The present invention relates, in particular, to a machine for launching targets and, in particular, storing targets of such a machine.
A preferred application relates to the industry of shooting sports, and in particular the clay pigeon shooting industry, in particular for launching targets of the clay pigeon type.
TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUNDPatent publication FR 3,016,208 A1 discloses a machine for launching targets integrating a chassis and a barrel mounted rotating on the chassis. The barrel comprises, on the periphery thereof, columns wherein are stacked targets to be launched. The capacity of the barrels varies according to the height of the number of columns. According to this prior art, the barrel is rotated about the axis thereof by way of a drive mechanism itself driven by an electric motorisation. Simultaneously, the arm for launching targets is rotated about the axis thereof by way of another drive mechanism itself also driven by the electric motorisation. Overall, the barrel is an assembly, often voluminous and quite heavy, particularly when it is loaded with targets and the movement thereof relative to the chassis is a technical difficulty.
There is a need for a machine for launching targets improving the operation of the barrel within the machine.
The invention allows to resolve all or some of the disadvantages of the current techniques.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn aspect of the invention relates, in particular, to a machine for launching targets, comprising:
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- a chassis on which a barrel is mounted mobile in rotation along an axis of rotation, said barrel comprising a plurality of columns for storing targets in a stack,
- a launching 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 a phase of arming the launching arm by stressing, by a motorisation assembly, a spring member to an armed angular position of the launching arm, a launching phase wherein a release of stress of the spring member from the armed angular position is configured to rotate the arm, while the at least one target is born on the launching arm, and a phase of returning to an angular position for rearming the launching arm.
Advantageously, the axis of rotation of the barrel and the axis of rotation of the arm are combined.
Thus, the barrel is centred relative to the launching system comprising the arm. Thus, until now, the barrel is highly laterally deported relative to the arm, the invention recentres the operation of these two rotating parts. The balance of the machine is clearly improved.
In a preferred embodiment, the machine comprises a system for rotating the barrel, said system being configured to produce a rotation of the barrel during the arming phase.
This can occur during only one 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 for actuating in rotation a barrel of a machine for launching targets.
Other features, aims and advantages of the present invention will appear upon reading the following detailed description, and regarding the appended drawings given as non-limiting examples and wherein:
Before entering into the details of preferred embodiments of the invention in reference to the drawings in particular, other optional features of the invention, which can be implemented in a combined manner according to any combinations or alternatively, are indicated below:
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- preferably, a 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 a conversion element between the first part and the second part, the conversion element receiving the drive force and rotating the second part;
- according to a possibility, the first part comprises a thrust member 18 off-centre relative to the axis of rotation A.
- possibly, the thrust member 18 comprises a roller rotatably mounted on the launching arm 3;
- preferably, the second part comprises a gearwheel 13;
- according to a non-limiting possibility, the conversion element comprises a ratchet 14 configured to drive the gearwheel 13 and a drive member 17 on which is mounted the ratchet 14, the drive member 17 comprising a support surface 26 of the thrust member 18;
- optionally, the support surface 26 has a convex curved line profile;
- preferably, the ratchet 14 is rotatably mounted on the drive member 17;
- according to a possibility, the drive member 17 is rotatably mounted relative to the support 2;
- in an embodiment, the conversion element comprises a member for returning the ratchet 14 configured to maintain the ratchet 14 born on the gearwheel 13;
- according to a preferred embodiment, the ratchet 14 is rotatably mounted on the drive member 17 by way of a shaft 16, said shaft 16 passing through a space 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 centre of the barrel 7.
The representation of
As a counterpoint,
Furthermore, the following are noted:
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- a motorisation 6, typically a geared motor, comprising an electric motor and an output gear train;
- a launching arm 3 mounted in rotation by way of a shaft 23 about a geometric axis A;
- a spring member 5, working in particular in traction, to reach an armed position;
- the system comprising the motorisation has, furthermore in the illustrated case, a chain transmission 24 engaging with a gearwheel itself rotating a drive system 22 (here, the connecting rod) configured to displace an end of the spring member 5 to tension it; the spring member 5 is also configured to rotate the arm 3 via the shaft 23 during the launching phase; a freewheel system can in particular be used, such that the launching arm is inactive during the phase of arming the spring and that it is active in another operating direction of the freewheel, during the launching phase.
Advantageously, the machine has a metal frame.
The arm 3 can have a mobility organised according to a cycle broken down in
During a launching cycle, the launching arm 3 evolves along a circular trajectory over 360 degrees. In the starting position, the end of the launching arm 3 is oriented in the direction substantially opposite the direction of ejection of the target 9. The sudden expansion of the spring member 5 makes the arm 3 undergo an acceleration, the target is projected, for example after a progression of about 140 degrees (for example, the average speed of the arm at the ejection of the target is thus 500 rpm); at 180 degrees for example, the spring member 5 arrives at the end of the expansion thereof but, carried by the inertia thereof, the arm will continue the progression thereof to, for example, about 270 degrees and will freeze the position thereof using an anti-return wheel.
If the cycle is made with a target, the arm will freeze the position thereof a little earlier, in particular before 270 degrees. If the cycle is made without any target, the arm will freeze the position thereof a little later, in particular beyond 270 degrees.
Once this position is reached, the arm will evolve a motor speed (for example, 20 rpm, however, a speed comprised between 5 rpm and 50 rpm, can also be used for information purposes) to the armed position.
An aspect of the invention is to benefit from the breakdown of this cycle to rotate the barrel 7 (advantageously, this rotation of the barrel is made along the same axis as that of the rotation of the launching arm 3, but the system for driving the barrel 7 could be used separately from the single axis feature). In particular, the arming phase can be benefited from during which the launching arm evolves at a speed controlled by the motorisation, advantageously constant speed.
Below, the barrel 7 and an embodiment for the rotation thereof are described in more detail.
As
Advantageously, the barrel 7 is rotatably mounted about the axis A. Preferably the axis of rotation A of the barrel 7 is placed in the centre of said barrel 7.
The barrel 7 comprises a plurality of columns for storing 8 targets. Advantageously, the targets are stored by stacking inside said storage columns 8. Preferably, the plurality of columns for storing 8 targets form a crown concentric to the axis of rotation A. The crown allows to define an inner volume of the barrel 7. The storage columns 8 each comprise a perimeter defining a volume inside which the targets will be positioned. At the centre of this perimeter, and for each of the storage columns 8, a central axis of the storage column 8 is present. Advantageously, said central axis of the storage column 8 corresponds to the axis of symmetry of the storage column 8. This preferred configuration allows to have a central axis of the storage column 8 perfectly centred at the middle of the volume defined by the perimeters of the storage column 8. Thus, the volume receiving the targets is symmetrical about the central axis of the storage column 8. Advantageously, this axis is parallel to the axis of rotation A.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the perimeter of the storage columns 8 is not complete. Thus, a free space in this perimeter allows more easily the lateral insertion of targets. In the embodiment illustrated in
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 non-limiting 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 one same barrel 7 have the same diameter.
Generally, the barrel 7 performs successive rotations configured to deliver the targets (one per column) of all the columns. A rotation, in several steps, of 360°, corresponds to a complete cycle. In this embodiment, the angular displacement of the barrel at each of the rotations thereof is preferably identical to the preceding rotation.
Preferably, the barrel 7 is mounted above a support 2 fixed relatively to the chassis and surmounting the launching plate 4 and the launching arm 3.
Advantageously, the hole 10 is positioned in order to enable a displacement of a target coming from a storage column 8 to the launching plate 4, at the level of a zone for receiving 11 the plate 4 presented in particular in
The rotation of the launching arm advantageously allows the target present on the launching plate 4 to converge to a supporting element applicable on the section of the target in view of the ejection of said target in good guiding conditions.
It is understood therefore, that the rotation of the barrel 7 which delivers the targets 9 has a significant functionality regarding the remainder of the machine, in particular regarding the launching by the arm 3.
An aspect of the invention is to propose an advantageous driving of the barrel 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 rotation torque) applied by the arm 3, preferably via an intermediate assembly, allowing the power transmission. In the embodiment presented below, a force produced by the arm 3 is used during the phase of arming the latter.
The drive system further comprises, in the case represented, a conversion element allowing to convert a thrust force of the member 18 (or more generally of the first part of the drive system mounted on the arm 3) into a force for rotating the barrel (by way of the second part of the drive system, mounted on the barrel 7). In particular, the conversion element can comprise a ratchet system. Thus,
Preferably, the profile of the support surface 26 of the member 17 is a curved line, and particularly is a concave curved line. Furthermore, during the rotation of the barrel 7, the engagement of the member 18 and of the member 17 is preferably configured to move closer to the member 18 from the pivot point 25.
In
The contact is made progressively and at motor speed. The inner curved shape of the member 17 interferes with the member 18, which causes the rotation thereof about the axis 25. The ratchet 14 linked to the member 17 is displaced until coming into contact with a tooth 21 of the gearwheel 13.
The displacement 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 thus deposited on the zone for receiving 11 the launching plate 4. This progressive rotation corresponds to
In the angular position of the arm 3 corresponding to
During the steps described above, the motorisation 6 also ensures the rearming of the spring member 5.
Then, the triggering of a launch is commanded and the arm 3 suddenly rotates by releasing the energy stored in the spring member 5.
In the embodiment illustrated, for information purposes, the barrel 7 containing eight columns, 45 degrees suffice for the loading of targets which involves an oscillation of the ratchet over 65 degrees ensures the perfect delivery thereof.
The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but extends to all embodiments according to the scope thereof.
REFERENCES
Claims
1. A machine for launching targets comprising:
- a chassis on which a barrel is mounted mobile in rotation along an axis of rotation, said barrel comprising a plurality of columns for storing targets in a stack,
- a launching 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 a phase of arming the launching arm by stressing, by a motorisation assembly, of a spring member to an armed angular position of the launching arm, a launching phase wherein a releasing of stress of the spring member from the armed angular position is configured to rotate the arm while the at least one target is born on the launching arm, and a phase of returning to a rearming angular position of the launching arm;
- a drive system for rotating the barrel, said system being configured to produce a rotation of the barrel during the arming phase;
- and wherein the axis of rotation of the barrel and the axis of rotation of the arm are combined;
- and wherein the drive system comprises a first part mounted on the launching arm and a second part integral with the rotation of the barrel, the first part being configured to generate a force for driving the second part during the arming phase.
2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the drive system comprises a conversion element between the first part and the second part, the conversion element receiving the drive force and rotating the second part.
3. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the first part comprises a thrust member off-centre relative to the axis of rotation.
4. The machine according to claim 3, wherein the thrust member comprises a roller rotatably mounted on the launching arm.
5. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the second part comprises a gearwheel.
6. The machine according to claim 5, wherein the drive system comprises a conversion element between the first part and the second part, the conversion element receiving the drive force and rotating the second part, the first part comprises a thrust member off-centre relative to the axis of rotation, the conversion element comprises a ratchet configured to drive the gearwheel and a drive member on which is mounted the ratchet, the drive member comprising a support surface of the thrust member.
7. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the support surface has a convex curved line profile.
8. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the drive member is rotatably mounted relative to the support.
9. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the ratchet is rotatably mounted on the drive member.
10. The machine according to claim 9, wherein the conversion element comprising a member for returning the ratchet configured to maintain the ratchet born on the gearwheel.
11. The machine according to claim 9, wherein the ratchet is rotatably mounted on the drive member by way of a shaft, said shaft passing through a space configured to guide the shaft and formed in the support.
12. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the axis of rotation of the barrel is perpendicular to a plane comprising the support and is placed in the centre of the barrel.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 28, 2019
Publication Date: Dec 9, 2021
Inventors: Jean-Michel LAPORTE (Biot), Jean-Marc FOUQUES (Claviers)
Application Number: 17/257,478