TARGET LAUNCHER

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates in particular to a target launching machine.

[0002] A favorite application is in the shooting sports industry, and more specifically the clay pigeon shooting industry. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] The clay pigeon shooting environment is evolving by offering varied target trajectories. To achieve this, mechanisms give the launchers adjustable orientations. Patent publication FR 3066813 A1 discloses a target launching machine equipped with a base surmounted by 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 tilting of the assembly relative to the base to allow varied target shooting directions. This tilting device comprises, on the one hand, a first part connected to the base and comprising a fixed curved slide and an element guided by the slide following a single degree of freedom in tilting along the slide, and on the other hand, a second part connected to the assembly and comprising an element guided by the slide.

[0004] Also known from US patent publication 2242596A is a target throwing machine which allows adjustments to have varied target throws, for example in terms of throwing speed.

[0005] With a view to providing ever more efficient target launching machines, there is a need to increase the trajectory possibilities achievable by the target launching machine. The present invention proposes a target launching machine aimed at meeting this need. SUMMARY

[0006] To achieve this objective, one embodiment provides a target launching machine according to independent claim 1.

[0007] This machine increases the launch system's orientation possibilities, meaning that the target's launch trajectory can be defined over a wide range, including the target's inclination relative to the horizontal. Unlike current machines, this machine combines different types of mobility, including tilting mobility and pivoting mobility. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which: There Figure 1 represents the exterior view of a target launching machine of the present invention. The Figure 2 represents the exterior view of the tilting device of the present invention according to a first embodiment. The Figure 3represents a profile view of the Figure 2 . There Figure 4 represents an inclined view of the Figure 2 . There Figure 5 represents a side view of the tilting device and the turret of the present invention according to a second embodiment. The Figure 6 represents the exterior view of the mode switching device of the present invention according to the Figure 5 . There Figure 7 represents the exterior view of the tilting device of the present invention of the Figure 2 . There figure 8 represents an exploded view of the target launching machine of the present invention according to a third embodiment. The Figure 9 represents another exploded view of the figure 8 . There Figure 10 represents an exterior view of the machine. The Figure 11 depicts the side view of a target launching machine of the present invention in a configuration allowing a trajectory of targets towards the ground. The Figure 12Arepresents the side view of a target launching machine of the present invention in a configuration allowing an upward trajectory of the target. The Figure 12B represents the side view of a target launching machine of the present invention in a configuration allowing an upward trajectory of the target. The Figure 12C represents the side view of a target launching machine of the present invention in a configuration allowing an upward trajectory of the target. The Figure 13A represents the side view of a target launching machine of the present invention in a configuration allowing a downward trajectory of the target. The Figure 13B represents the side view of a target launching machine of the present invention in a configuration allowing a downward trajectory of the target. The Figure 13Crepresents the side view of a target launching machine of the present invention in a configuration allowing a downward trajectory of the target. The Figure 14A represents the side view of a target launching machine of the present invention in a configuration allowing a horizontal trajectory of the target. The Figure 14B depicts the side view of a target launching machine of the present invention in a configuration allowing a horizontal trajectory of the target.

[0009] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to the scale of practical applications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features that may optionally be used in combination or alternatively are set out below: According to one example, the pivot link comprises a base fixed 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 firing trajectories.

[0011] In one example, one of the fixed base and the turret includes at least one oblong hole, and the other of the fixed base and the turret includes at least one finger guided in the at least one oblong hole. This allows rotation of the turret relative to the fixed base.

[0012] According to one example, the one of the fixed base and the turret which includes at least one oblong hole includes at least two oblong holes. This makes it possible to increase the angular amplitude of the turret.

[0013] 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.

[0014] According to one example, the machine includes a motor drive system for driving the turret relative to the fixed base. This makes it possible to limit the efforts required to manually rotate the turret relative to the fixed base.

[0015] In one example, the turret includes a movable base extending parallel to an upper face of the fixed base and two side posts attached to the movable base and carrying the launching mechanism and the barrel.

[0016] 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.

[0017] In one example, the axis of the pivot link is located in a plane equidistant from the two slides. This allows for a symmetrical distribution of the forces exerted on the tilting mechanism.

[0018] In one example, the motor is located between the two slides and under the fixed base. This makes the machine less bulky.

[0019] In one example, the machine includes a control system configured to drive the tilting device and the pivot link. This allows the user to control the launching machine remotely.

[0020] According to one example, the pivot link is configured to allow rotation of the assembly with an angular amplitude greater than 200°.

[0021] In the following, a target launching device 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.

[0022] By "carried" we mean that the two elements are kinematically connected. All configurations respecting this kinematic simultaneity fall within the scope of the invention. The two elements can be directly or indirectly connected.

[0023] The term "solidary" means an element which, in its operation, is linked either by contact or by an intermediary to another organ.

[0024] We will now describe the invention through the embodiments of the figures.

[0025] The present invention describes a target launching machine comprising an assembly 1 and a base 2. It can be seen on the Figure 1 that the assembly 1 comprises a target launching mechanism 7 and a target storage barrel 4. The assembly 1 is movable relative to the base 2.

[0026] Barrel 4 is typically a set of columns directed in parallel and each capable of receiving stacked targets. Barrel 4 can be mounted in rotation following the direction of the columns so as to participate in the sequential delivery of targets to a launch zone.

[0027] In order to allow for various target firing directions, the machine comprises a tilting device 20 intended to allow the assembly 1 to tilt relative to the base 2. The tilting device 20 comprises on the one hand a first part linked to the base 2 and on the other hand a second part linked to the assembly 1.

[0028] The tilting device 20 is particularly described through the 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 according to a curve C1 defined by the shape of the tilting device 20. The tilting device 20 is advantageously configured to allow movement of the assembly 1 relative to the base 2. The tilting amplitude may be greater than 45°.

[0029] For this, the tilting device 20 is located between two cheeks 3 of the base 2 mounted parallel to each other and substantially perpendicularly on a base of the base 2. The first part of the tilting device 20 linked to the base 2 comprises one of a curved slide 10 and a guide element of the slide 10 following 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 of the slide 10 and the guide element.

[0030] 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.

[0031] According to a preferred example, and as shown in all of the figures, the tilting device 20 comprises two parallel slides 10 and two guiding or guided elements each associated with a different one of the two slides 10.

[0032] The guided element advantageously extends over the entire length of the slide 20, defining a tilting curve. The slide 10 and the guided element are mounted to be movable relatively along the curve of the slide 10.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the guided element has a series of rollers cooperating with the slide 10. The series of rollers is preferably integral with the base 2. The series of rollers has the function of cooperating with the slide 10 so as to facilitate and guide the tilting of the tilting device 20. As a non-limiting example and as illustrated in the Figure 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.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the machine comprises two guided elements, more precisely two series of rollers 11 secured to the base 2.

[0035] 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 of 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 a tilting. If the slide 10 is in an arc of a circle, the tilting has a circular trajectory. Thus the curve C1 defined by the slide 10 allows the displacement of the assembly 1 according to this curve C1. The assembly 1 can then advantageously be made to rise or lower relative to the base 2.

[0036] In order to allow the tilting of the tilting mechanism 20, the machine may comprise 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 actuates by switching on the motor 28, the rotation of the pinion 13 which prints a tilting movement according to the curve C1 of the rack 12 and therefore of the tilting device 20. For example, the Figure 2 shows this situation.

[0037] According to a second embodiment and as illustrated through the figures 5, 6 , 8 And 9, the user manually tilts 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 comprise 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 tilting device 20 to be tightened and locked with the base 2 in a stationary position.

[0038] In addition, in order to allow for various target firing directions, the machine also includes a pivot link along a rotation axis A2 intended to participate in the rotation of the assembly 1 relative to the base 2. This pivot link and all the elements necessary for its existence will be described through the figures 5 to 9 .

[0039] 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 integral with the base 2, precisely the fixed base 5 is integral with the upper part of the tilting device 20.

[0040] As illustrated on the figures 5 , 8 And 9 , the turret 6 may comprise a mobile base 60 extending parallel to an upper face of the fixed base 5. In addition, the turret 6 may comprise two lateral uprights 61 fixed to the mobile base 60 and carrying the launching mechanism 7 and the barrel 4.

[0041] According to a third embodiment and as represented through the figures 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 guided finger 56b in the at least one oblong hole 56a. Generally, 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. This makes it possible to increase the angular amplitude of the rotation of the assembly 1. A first rotation path 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 to the Figure 7The sum of the amplitudes of the angular sectors of two oblong holes offset by 90° determines the rotation capacity offered by the machine. For example, the angular sector of an oblong hole can be greater than 60°.

[0042] 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.

[0043] In order to lock the turret 6 in a stationary position before starting the launch mechanism 7 of a target, the finger 56b is lockable in position relative to the oblong hole 56a. For this, the machine comprises 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 makes it possible to lock the finger 56b in position.

[0044] The machine is then in a stationary position due to the immobilization of the pivot link and the immobilization of the tilt before launching a target. Thus the trajectory of a target can be established prior to launching.

[0045] 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°.

[0046] According to an alternative embodiment and as shown through the 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 least one chain or belt 14, and at least one wheel 15. The motor 28 can be located between the two slides 20 as shown in the Figure 6. This makes the machine less bulky. In addition, it helps 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.

[0047] The fixed base 5 and the mobile base 60 are preferably circular in shape.

[0048] The machine's launch mechanism 7 is detailed on the Figure 10 . Indeed, we see that the launching mechanism 7 comprises a motor (not shown) actuating a launching arm 8 intended to project the target located on a launching zone defined in part by a strip 9. The target is positioned halfway down the length of the launching arm 8 against the strip 9. The motor (not shown) drives a drive pinion itself connected by a transmission of the chain 24 or belt type to a pinion 23 carried by a rotation shaft 22 as shown in the Figure 10 . On the Figure 10, we see that a free wheel 25 of the rotation shaft 22 cooperates with the pinion 23. This launch zone is advantageously a part of a launch plate 26. Preferably, the launch plate 26 is carried by a carrier plate 27, which is integral with the launch mechanism 7. The rotation of the launch arm 8 is advantageously carried out in the trigonometric direction with the free wheel 25 preventing any rotation of the arm 8 in the opposite direction.

[0049] Thus, the machine can allow the mobility of assembly 1 relative to base 2 according to two degrees of freedom. These two degrees of freedom then follow a tilting according to curve C1 and a rotation according to the axis of rotation A2. For this purpose, a high number of possible configurations of assembly 1 relative to base 2 are allowed, thus allowing a high number of different possible firing trajectories.

[0050] These different possible configurations are described by the Figures 11 to 13C .

[0051] There Figure 11 represents the machine, which is configured to allow the target to be launched towards the ground. The target is then made 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 20 has reached its maximum height, and the turret 6 is configured to orient the assembly 1 so that the launching arm 8 is in an inclined position relative to the base 2 to direct the target during the launch towards the ground. This makes it possible to project the target onto the ground while providing a 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 clay pigeon shooting industry.

[0052] THE Figures 12A to 12Crepresent the machine, which is configured so as 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 perpendicular to the ground before the launch of the target, the arm 8 having a free end oriented towards the ground as shown in the Figure 12B ; itself inclined relative to an axis perpendicular to the ground as shown in the Figures 12A And 12C .

[0053] THE Figures 13A to 13Crepresent 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 perpendicular to the ground before launching the target, the arm 8 having a free end oriented away from the ground as shown in the Figure 13A ; itself inclined relative to an axis perpendicular to the ground.

[0054] THE Figures 14A And 14B represent the machine, which is configured to allow a horizontal 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 parallel to the ground before launching the target.

[0055] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the claims. List of references

[0056] 1Assembly 2Base 3Base cheeks 4Barrel 5Fixed base 6Turret 60Mobile base 61Side uprights 56aOblong hole 56bFinger Projecting part 7Launching mechanism 8Launching arm 9Screw 10Slide 11aRoller 11bRoller 12Rack 13Pinion 14Belt 15Wheel 16Operating wheel 17Nut 20Tilting device 22Rotation shaft 23Pinion 24Chain 25Idler 26Launching plate 27Carrier plate 28Motor A2Turret rotation axis C1Slide curve

Claims

1. A target launching machine comprising a base (2) on which an assembly (1) comprising a launching mechanism (7) and a rotary launcher (4) for storing targets is arranged, the assembly (1) being configured to be movable relative to the base (2), the machine comprising a tilting device (20) ensuring movability of the assembly (1) relative to the base (2), the tilting device (20) comprising on the one hand a first part connected to the base (2) and comprising one of a curved slide (10) and a guide element of the slide (10) along a single tilting degree of freedom along the slide (10), and on the other hand a second part connected to the assembly and comprising the other of the slide (10) and the guide element, the machine comprising a pivot connection along an axis of rotation A2 between the second part and the assembly (1), the pivot connection comprising a fixed base (5) relative to the second part and a turret (6) rotatably adjustable on the fixed base (5), one of the fixed base (5) and the turret (6) comprising at least one oblong hole (56a), and the other of the fixed base (5) and the turret (6) comprising at least one guided finger (56b) in the at least one oblong hole (56a).

2. The machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the one among the fixed base (5) and the turret (6) which comprises at least one oblong hole (56a) comprises at least two oblong holes (56a).

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

4. The machine according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a motor drive system for the turret (6) relative to the fixed base (5).

5. The machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the turret (6) comprises a movable base (60) extending parallel to an upper face of the fixed base (5) and two lateral posts (61) attached to the movable base (60) and bearing the launching mechanism (7) and the rotary launcher (4).

6. The machine according to one of claims 1 to 5, 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).

7. The machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the axis of the pivot connection is located in a plane at equal distance from the two slides (10).

8. The target launching machine according to any of the two preceding claims, in combination with claim 4, wherein the motor (28) is located between the two slides (10) and under the fixed base (5).

9. The machine according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a control system configured to control the tilting device (20) and the pivot connection.

10. The target launching machine according to any 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°.