impact testing device and method for implementing an impact test

Abstract

Impact test device (1) comprising: A projectile guide (10) capable of guiding a projectile (60) in translation between at least a first projectile position and a second projectile position corresponding to an impact position; a detector (80) capable of determining that the projectile (60) occupies the second projectile position and of generating an impact data representative of a determination by the detector that the projectile (60) occupies the second projectile position; an immobilization system (20) capable of immobilizing the projectile (60) in a third projectile position offset from the second projectile position, said third position corresponding to a projectile immobilization position;a control unit (90) capable of receiving, from the detector (80), the impact data generated by the detector (80), the control unit (90) further being capable of sending, to the immobilization system (20) and upon receipt of the impact data, a control data in order to cause the immobilization system (20) to immobilize the projectile (60) in the third projectile position. Figure 2c;

Description

Title of the invention: Impact testing device and method for carrying out an impact test. Technical field

[0001] The invention, which belongs to the field of robustness testing of objects, and in particular to that of shock and impact resistance testing of electronic devices, relates to an impact testing device with high reliability and high maneuverability and its operating method. Preamble

[0002] Products intended for commercialization must generally exhibit a high degree of robustness and reliability in order to ensure their proper functioning over the long term, to enable them to achieve a satisfactory lifespan and to ensure consumer safety.

[0003] It is therefore necessary, before marketing them, to subject the products to various tests allowing to evaluate their behavior in scenarios corresponding to normal operation or to more or less exceptional situations such as falls, shocks or even abnormal or inappropriate uses.

[0004] The testing phases of objects intended for commercialization are therefore an integral part of their production process, and they generally take place after manufacturing, or even during various intermediate stages during manufacturing.

[0005] In particular, special attention must be paid to the reliability and safety of electrical and electronic equipment. Indeed, these products, which include electronic components and circuits and are intended to operate on battery power or when connected to the mains, present additional risks and are liable to cause particularly serious damage in the event of shocks or misuse.

[0006] Indeed, significant falls or blows from heavy or blunt objects can not only damage or render unusable an electrical or electronic device, by degrading its external appearance or some of its internal components, but also and above all cause significant electrical risks for users, or even fires or explosions.

[0007] For these reasons, electrical and electronic devices must generally undergo a battery of demanding and rigorous checks and tests before they can be placed on the market. Furthermore, the tests carried out on this type of device must comply with very specific rules and criteria in order to guarantee their reliability and the The tested devices conform to the applicable norms and standards.

[0008] Among the tests to be carried out on electrical and electronic equipment, impact tests, which make it possible to test the resistance of the enclosures of these devices to an intentional or unintentional attack, comply in particular with the international standards IEC 60068-2-75 and IEC 62262. The production process of this type of product must therefore systematically and precisely include the various tests necessary for their certification with regard to these standards by guaranteeing their conformity to certain predefined levels of resistance.

[0009] Impact tests generally consist of producing one or more impacts on a product to be tested, i.e. a target, by means of a projectile of particular shape and whose mass is known in particular with precision.

[0010] In order to certify the conformity of the tested products to the standards in force, it is also necessary to make impacts on the target in a controlled manner, that is to say that the way in which and the precise number of times that the projectile impacts the target must correspond to certain well-defined criteria.

[0011] In particular, the speed reached by the projectile at the time of impact, the trajectory of the projectile and the area of ​​the target struck by the projectile are parameters that need to be monitored at all times.

[0012] Furthermore, when the projectile impacts the target for the first time, a rebound generally occurs, meaning that the projectile is then likely to strike the target at least a second time in a completely uncontrolled manner. Such unintended impacts due to the projectile rebounding off the target are undesirable as disruptive elements in the tests, and should therefore be systematically avoided.

[0013] While the importance of impact tests is obviously not in question, the inventors noted that little attention had been paid, in industry in general, to the ease of use, efficiency and practicality of the tools and devices necessary for the implementation of such impact tests.

[0014] Indeed, existing impact testing machines generally require the presence of at least two operators to perform the tests, both for safety reasons and to ensure the tests are conducted correctly. This is unsatisfactory and negatively impacts team productivity.

[0015] In addition, some of the operations necessary to carry out the tests, such as the release of the projectile or the management of the rebound, are still carried out manually and are therefore likely to be disrupted by human errors or inaccuracies, which reduces the reliability of the tests and also generates significant risks for the safety of the operators.

[0016] Finally, the accuracy of existing impact testing machines is not satisfactory, because the management of the projectile's point of impact on the target is approximate. This is problematic when the tests involve impacting the target multiple times in the same precise location. Summary of the invention

[0017] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0018] In particular, and according to a first aspect of the invention, the present application relates to an impact testing device capable of producing impacts on a target by means of a projectile, said device comprising:

[0019] - A projectile guide capable of guiding the projectile in translation between at least one first projectile position and a second projectile position corresponding to the projectile's impact position on the target;

[0020] - a detector capable of determining that the projectile occupies the second position of projectile and to generate an impact data representative of a determination by the detector that the projectile occupies the second projectile position;

[0021] - an immobilization system capable of immobilizing the projectile in a third projectile position offset relative to the second projectile position;

[0022] - a control unit capable of receiving said data from the detector impact generated by the detector, the control unit is also capable of sending, upon receipt of the impact data, a command data to the immobilization system in order to cause the immobilization system to immobilize the projectile in the third projectile position.

[0023] Thanks to the provisions of the invention, the control unit causes the immobilization system to immobilize the projectile after impact, during the projectile's rebound, in a third projectile position corresponding to a projectile immobilization position. In this way, only one impact is made on the target, and a second impact following the projectile's rebound on the target is systematically avoided.

[0024] Furthermore, the third projectile position, corresponding to the projectile immobilization position, is offset, i.e., located at a distance, from the second projectile position. Thus, the projectile is not in contact with the target when immobilized, which allows the projectile to be easily released later without the need to move or manipulate the target.

[0025] By automating the management of the projectile's rebound off the target, the device of the invention also reduces the number of operators required to perform an impact test, without compromising the safety or reliability of the tests. Automating rebound management, by eliminating the need for human intervention to prevent an undesirable second impact, improves both the reliability is superior to the safety of the tests, since a possible human error is no longer a concern.

[0026] Thus, in addition to enabling a gain in productivity by reducing the human resources required to carry out impact tests, the device of the invention not only reduces the risks of accidents involving the device and / or also improves the integrity of the device.

[0027] According to one possibility, the target includes an object whose robustness and / or resistance to impacts needs to be tested.

[0028] According to one possibility, the target includes an object intended for commercialization.

[0029] According to one possibility, the target includes an electronic device.

[0030] According to one possibility, the target includes an electronic payment terminal or a ATM.

[0031] According to one possibility, the impact test device includes a target support capable of receiving at least one target to be tested.

[0032] According to one possibility, the target support is movable, and is in particular able to occupy at least a first target support position in which the target support is disposed near the impact test device, and at least a second target support position in which the target support is away from the impact test device.

[0033] According to one possibility, at least one first target support position corresponds to a use position in which, when a target is actually received by the target support, the projectile impacts the target when it is in the second projectile position.

[0034] In other words, when a target is received by the target carrier in the firing position, the projectile impacts the target when it reaches the second projectile position. It is also understood that, in this case, at least one first projectile position is further from the target than the second projectile position.

[0035] According to one possibility, the device includes a target support position adjustment system capable of modifying the target support position.

[0036] According to one possibility, the target support includes a receptacle in which the target to be tested is suitable for being placed.

[0037] According to one possibility, the guide is capable of guiding the projectile between a plurality of first target positions and the second projectile position.

[0038] According to one possibility, the projectile comprises a main body of substantially circular cross-section having a constant diameter and extending along a longitudinal axis of the projectile.

[0039] According to one possibility, the projectile has a substantially cylindrical shape over at least part of its length along the longitudinal axis of the projectile.

[0040] According to one possibility, the projectile includes at least one end having a convex shape.

[0041] According to one possibility, the projectile comprises at least one end having a dome shape.

[0042] According to one possibility, the projectile has a weight between 1 and 20 kilograms (kg).

[0043] According to one possibility, the projectile has a weight between 3 and 10 kg.

[0044] According to one possibility, the projectile weighs approximately 5 kg.

[0045] The control unit is capable of communicating with the detector, and in particular can receive data from the detector.

[0046] The control unit is also capable of communicating with the immobilization system on the other hand, and can in particular send data, and in particular control data, to an immobilization system actuator.

[0047] According to one possibility, the control unit comprises a programmable logic controller.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the projectile guide is arranged to guide the projectile in translation between at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position on a projectile trajectory, the third projectile position being disposed on said projectile trajectory between the first projectile position and the second projectile position.

[0049] According to the invention, the projectile is guided along the projectile trajectory between the first projectile position, corresponding to an initial projectile position, and the second projectile position, corresponding to the projectile's impact position on the target. After impact, the projectile rebounds off the target and is then guided by the projectile guide along the projectile trajectory but in the opposite direction, that is, towards the first projectile position, corresponding to the initial projectile position.

[0050] According to the invention, at time t0, the projectile leaves at least one first projectile position. Then, the projectile moves along the projectile trajectory to the second projectile position corresponding to the impact position, which is reached by the projectile at time tb. The projectile then rebounds off the target and moves again towards at least one first projectile position, following the projectile trajectory, until it reaches the third projectile position in which the projectile is immobilized at time t2 by the immobilization system, before moving again towards the target. In this way, it is ensured that the projectile cannot, after the rebound, impact the target a second time.

[0051] Obviously, the time interval between time t1 and time t2 is sufficiently short to prevent any risk of a second impact of the projectile on the target. In particular, said time gap is configurable, and is for example between 75 milliseconds and 125 milliseconds.

[0052] According to one possibility, the device includes a projectile guide support capable of maintaining the projectile guide in at least one use position, i.e. a position in which the projectile guide is capable of causing a projectile to move along the projectile trajectory between at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position.

[0053] According to this possibility, the projectile guide is mounted in a movable manner on the projectile guide support, that is to say that the projectile guide is movable and able to occupy a plurality of operating positions while being held by the projectile guide support.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the projectile guide comprises a guide tube within which the projectile is able to move in translation along the projectile trajectory between at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position.

[0055] According to one possibility, the guide tube is a hollow tube comprising a wall.

[0056] According to one possibility, the guide tube is hollow and has a circular cross-section whose diameter is slightly larger than the diameter of the projectile. Thus, the projectile is able to move within the guide tube without generating any friction on the inner surface of the guide tube wall. Furthermore, the guide tube extends along a longitudinal axis between a first end of the guide tube and a second end of the guide tube, and the second projectile position is located near the second end of the guide tube so that the projectile is still partially positioned inside the guide tube when the second projectile position is reached, that is, the position in which the projectile impacts the target.

[0057] According to one possibility, the projectile trajectory is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide.

[0058] According to one possibility, the projectile guide support includes a chassis, and for example a rigid chassis, suitable for holding the guide tube in at least one operating position in which the guide tube is suitable for guiding the projectile along the projectile trajectory between at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position.

[0059] According to one possibility, the chassis includes a platform suitable for supporting the target support and at least one column suitable in particular for supporting elements for holding the guide tube.

[0060] According to one possibility, the guide tube is movable, and the device includes a guide tube position adjustment system capable of changing the position depending on the position occupied by the guide tube. According to this possibility, the guide tube is suitable for occupying a plurality of operating positions.

[0061] According to one possibility, the distance between the second end of the guide tube and the target disposed in the receptacle of the target holder in the position of use is substantially equal to 10 millimeters.

[0062] According to one possibility, the distance between the second end of the guide tube and the target arranged in the receptacle of the target holder in the position of use is substantially equal to 20 millimeters.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the projectile guide is capable of causing the projectile to fall freely in a substantially vertical direction between at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position.

[0064] According to one possibility, the projectile guide comprises a hollow guide tube extending along a longitudinal guide axis, said hollow tube being held by the projectile guide support in an operating position in which the longitudinal guide axis is substantially perpendicular to the ground.

[0065] By floor, we mean the substantially horizontal floor of a room in which the impact test device is normally located. Thus, the projectile guide comprises a hollow guide tube held perpendicular to a horizontal floor such that at least one first projectile position is farther from the floor than the second projectile position corresponding to the projectile's impact position on the target. In other words, at least one first projectile position corresponds to a high position and the second projectile position to a low position, and when the projectile moves from at least one first projectile position to the second projectile position, the projectile undergoes free fall to the extent that the internal diameter of the hollow tube is at least slightly larger than the diameter of the projectile so as to prevent any friction.

[0066] Furthermore, the hollow guide tube includes a first guide tube end away from the ground, and a second guide tube end closer to the ground than the first guide tube end.

[0067] In this embodiment, the projectile travels by free fall between at least one first projectile position and a second projectile position so as to impact the target at the second end of the guide tube. In other words, the second projectile position, corresponding to the impact position, is located near the second end of the guide tube so that the projectile is still at least partially inside the guide tube when it impacts the target.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the detector includes an impact detector capable of determining that the projectile impacts the target.

[0069] According to one possibility, the detector includes a piezoelectric sensor, which is for example capable of detecting an electrical signal representative of a force generated by an impact of the projectile on the target.

[0070] According to one possibility, the detector includes an amplification unit capable of amplifying the electrical signal representative of the force generated by the impact in order to facilitate its detection by the detector.

[0071] According to one possibility, the detector includes a data generation system, which is particularly capable of generating the impact data representative of a determination by the detector that the projectile has impacted the target.

[0072] According to one possibility, the detector includes a communication module capable of transmitting at least one piece of data to the control unit, and in particular the impact data indicating that the detector has determined that the projectile has impacted the target.

[0073] According to one possibility, the impact data generated by the detector is sent to the control unit in a very short, or even negligible, period of time following the moment when the impact detection occurs.

[0074] In other words, the transmission of the signal representing the determination of the impact by the detector is carried out in real time, so that the control unit receives said signal immediately after the production of the impact of the projectile on the target.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the immobilization system is capable of occupying a release position in which the immobilization system releases the projectile, and an immobilization position in which the immobilization system immobilizes the projectile.

[0076] According to one possibility, the immobilization system is mounted on the projectile guide support, and for example on at least one of the columns of the chassis of the projectile guide support.

[0077] According to one possibility, the immobilizing system comprises at least one cylinder, for example a pneumatic cylinder, which is capable of moving the immobilizing system from the release position to the immobilizing position, and vice versa. According to this possibility, the immobilizing system comprises an immobilizing system actuator capable of actuating at least one cylinder so as to automatically move the immobilizing system from the release position to the immobilizing position and vice versa.

[0078] According to these provisions, the control unit is capable of communicating with the immobilizer system actuator, and can in particular send data, including control data, to the immobilizer system actuator so as to cause the latter to automatically move the immobilizer system from the release position to the immobilizer position and in- payment.

[0079] According to one possibility, the immobilization system includes an immobilization element capable of immobilizing the projectile in the third projectile position when the immobilization system is in the immobilization position. According to this possibility, the immobilization element comes into contact with the projectile when the immobilization system is in the immobilization position, and the immobilization element moves away from the projectile when the immobilization system is in the release position.

[0080] According to this possibility, the wall of the guide tube includes a first opening adapted to allow the immobilizing element of the immobilization system to come into contact with the projectile in order to immobilize it when the immobilization system is in the immobilization position. Thus, the immobilizing element is able to move through said first opening in the wall of the guide tube.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the device further includes a locking system 30 capable of immobilizing the projectile 60 in at least one first projectile position.

[0082] According to one possibility, the locking system 30 is mounted on the projectile guide support, and for example on at least one of the columns of the projectile guide support frame. According to this possibility, the locking system is movable along at least one of the columns of the projectile guide support frame.

[0083] The locking system is capable of occupying an unlocking position in which the locking system releases the projectile, and a locking position in which the locking system immobilizes the projectile.

[0084] According to one possibility, the locking system comprises at least one cylinder, for example a pneumatic cylinder, which is capable of moving the locking system from the unlocked position to the locked position, and vice versa. According to this possibility, the locking system comprises a locking system actuator capable of actuating at least one cylinder so as to automatically move the locking system from the unlocked position to the locked position and vice versa.

[0085] According to these provisions, the control unit is able to communicate with the locking system actuator, and can in particular send data, and in particular control data, to the locking system actuator so as to cause the latter to automatically move the locking system from the unlocking position to the locking position and vice versa.

[0086] According to one possibility, the blocking system includes a blocking element capable of immobilizing the projectile in at least one initial projectile position when the blocking system is in the blocking position. According to this possibility, the blocking element comes into contact with the projectile when the blocking system is in the blocking position, and the blocking element moves away from the projectile when the immobilization system occupies the unlocking position.

[0087] According to this possibility, the wall of the guide tube includes at least one second opening adapted to allow the locking element of the locking system to come into contact with the projectile in order to immobilize it when the locking system is in the locked position. Thus, the locking element is adapted to move through at least one second opening in the wall of the guide tube.

[0088] According to one possibility, the locking system is mobile, and for example mobile in translation along a direction parallel to the trajectory of the projectile so as to be able to immobilize the projectile in a plurality of first projectile positions.

[0089] According to one possibility, at least a second opening extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the projectile guide, between a first lower projectile position located at a minimum distance from the second projectile position, and a first upper projectile position located at a maximum distance from the second projectile position.

[0090] According to one possibility, the minimum distance is approximately equal to 200 millimeters, and the maximum distance is approximately equal to 600 millimeters.

[0091] According to another possibility, the wall of the guide tube comprises a plurality of second openings corresponding to the plurality of first projectile positions.

[0092] Thanks to these provisions, with a single impact test device according to the invention, it is possible to vary the distance between the first projectile position and the second projectile position, in order to be able to carry out different impact tests corresponding to different distances between the starting point of the projectile and the target.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a sighting system arranged to precisely establish a point of impact between the projectile and the target.

[0094] Thus, the device of the invention makes it possible to make impacts with very high precision and perfect control of the point of impact of the projectile on the target. This advantage notably implies the ability to make several impacts in succession on the same area of ​​the target, in particular to test the resistance of the target to a repetition of identical impacts, that is to say, all made from the same point of impact.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the aiming system includes a laser aiming device comprising a laser pointer and a laser pointer support.

[0096] According to this possibility, the laser aiming device is in particular capable of marking a point on a target corresponding to a point of impact of the projectile on the target.

[0097] According to one possibility, the laser pointer holder is suitable for maintaining the laser pointer in a working position in which the laser pointer is suitable for marking a point on a target placed on a target support in the position of use.

[0098] According to a second aspect, the present application relates to a laser aiming device capable of marking a point on a target intended to be impacted by a projectile, at the level of an impact point corresponding to the point marked by the laser aiming device, said projectile being capable of moving between at least a first projectile position and a second projectile position corresponding to an impact position within a projectile guide of an impact test device.

[0099] According to one possibility, when the laser pointer is in the operating position, the laser aiming device is located near the projectile guide, and in particular near one end of the projectile guide.

[0100] According to one possibility, when the projectile guide of the impact test device includes a hollow guide tube, the laser pointer support includes a disc having a diameter at least equal to the diameter of the guide tube and a receptacle suitable for receiving the laser pointer.

[0101] According to this possibility, when the laser pointer occupies the position of use, the laser aiming device is disposed at the first end of the guide tube opposite the second end of the guide tube near which the second projectile position is located.

[0102] In particular, when the longitudinal axis of the hollow guide tube extends parallel to the vertical, the disc of the laser pointer support is disposed on the guide tube, at the level of the first end of the guide tube.

[0103] According to one possibility, the laser pointer support disc includes at least one opening arranged so that, when the laser pointer is in the operating position, an operator can observe through said at least one opening the point marked on the target by the operating laser pointer.

[0104] According to a third aspect, the present application relates to a method for implementing an impact test using the impact testing device described above; said method comprises the following steps:

[0105] - A step of arranging a target on a target support occupying a position use in which a projectile moving in the projectile guide of the impact test device is capable of impacting the target arranged on the target support;

[0106] - A step of arranging a projectile in a first projectile position;

[0107] - A projectile release step to allow the projectile to move from the first projectile position to the second projectile position;

[0108] - A determination step, by the detector of the impact test device, that the projectile occupies the second projectile position corresponding to the projectile's impact position on the target;

[0109] - A step of generating, by the detector, an impact data representative of the determination by the detector that the projectile occupies the second projectile position;

[0110] - A step of transmitting, by the detector, the impact data to the unit of control of the impact testing device;

[0111] - A sending step, by the control unit and upon receipt of the impact data, of a command data intended for the immobilization system of the impact test device in order to cause the immobilization system to immobilize the projectile in a third projectile position offset from the second projectile position.

[0112] According to one possibility, the method of carrying out an impact test includes a step of arranging the locking system of the impact test device in a locking position in order to immobilize the projectile in the first projectile position.

[0113] According to one possibility, the projectile release step includes a step of arranging the impact test device's locking system in an unlocking position in order to release the projectile.

[0114] According to one possibility, the method of carrying out an impact test includes a step of arranging the target support in the position of use, and a step of arranging a target on the target support in the position of use.

[0115] According to one possibility, the method of carrying out an impact test includes a step of arranging the laser aiming device as described above so that the laser pointer is in the position of use, i.e. in a position in which it is able to mark a point of impact on the target arranged on the target support in the position of use. Brief description of the figures

[0116] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description, which is given below in relation to the figures, among which:

[0117] [Fig. la] represents a front view in longitudinal section of an impact test device conforming to an example of an embodiment of the invention;

[0118] [Fig. 1b] represents a longitudinal sectional profile view of the impact test device of [Fig.la];

[0119] [Fig. 2a] represents a view of a lower part of the impact test device of the [Fig.la], of a target, of an example of the realization of a target support and of an example of the realization of a projectile occupying a first projectile position;

[0120] [Fig.2b] represents a view of a lower part of the impact test device of the [Fig.la], of the target, the target support and the projectile occupying the second projectile position or impact position;

[0121] [Fig.2c] represents a view of a lower part of the impact test device of the [Fig.la], of the target, the target support and the projectile occupying the third projectile position;

[0122] [Fig.3a] represents a perspective view of a sighting system according to an example of realization;

[0123] [Fig.3b] represents a perspective view of the sighting system of the [Fig.3a] occupying a position of use, the support of the laser aiming pointer being arranged at the level of the first end of the guide tube;

[0124] [Fig.3c] represents a perspective view of what an operator looking at the through one of the openings of the aiming pointer support;

[0125] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of the impact test device conforming to the example of the realization of [Fig.la] and the aiming system in the position of use;

[0126] [Fig.5] schematically represents the electronic elements in common Implementation of the impact testing device conforming to the example shown in [Fig. 1a]. Detailed description

[0127] The impact test device 1, which is capable of causing impacts on the target 70 by means of the projectile 60, includes a projectile guide 10 capable of guiding the projectile 60 in translation between at least a first projectile position, which is visible on [Fig.2a], and a second projectile position, visible on [Fig.2b], corresponding to an impact position of the projectile 60 on the target 70.

[0128] The impact test device 1 includes a detector 80, shown schematically in [Fig.5], which is capable of determining that the projectile 60 occupies the second projectile position and of generating an impact data representative of a determination by the detector 80 that the projectile 60 occupies the second projectile position.

[0129] The impact test device 1 also includes an immobilization system 20 capable of immobilizing the projectile 60 in a third projectile position offset from the second projectile position, said third projectile position being visible in [Fig.2c].

[0130] The impact test device 1 also includes a control unit 90 schematically represented in [Fig.5], which is capable of receiving, from the detector 80, the said impact data generated by the detector 80, the control unit 90 being further capable of sending, to the immobilization system 20 and upon receipt of the impact data, a control data in order to cause the immobilization system 20 to immobilize the projectile 60 in the third projectile position visible in [Fig.2c].

[0131] As shown in particular in Figures 2a to 2c, the projectile 60 comprises a main body of substantially circular cross-section and constant diameter, extending along a longitudinal axis of the projectile. Furthermore, the projectile 60 has a substantially cylindrical shape over most of its length and includes a domed end.

[0132] As shown in [Fig.2b], the projectile impacts the target at its end which has a convex shape.

[0133] As shown in Figures 2a to 2c, the target 70 is disposed on a target support 71, and in particular on a receptacle 72 of the target support 71 in the position of use, i.e. occupying a position in which the projectile 60 impacts the target 70 disposed within the receptacle 72 when the projectile occupies the second projectile position.

[0134] As shown in [Fig.5], the control unit 90 is capable of communicating with the detector 80, and in particular can receive data from the detector.

[0135] The control unit 90 is also capable of communicating with the immobilization system 20, and in particular with an immobilization system actuator 23, and can in particular send data, and in particular control data, to said immobilization system actuator 23.

[0136] The projectile guide 10 is arranged to guide the projectile 60 in translation between at least the first projectile position corresponding to the initial projectile position visible in [Fig. 2a] and the second projectile position corresponding to the impact position visible in [Fig. 2b] on a projectile trajectory on which the third projectile position visible in [Fig. 2c] is located. Thus, the third projectile position is situated between the first projectile position and the second projectile position.

[0137] Indeed, after the impact corresponding to the second projectile position visible on [Fig.2b], the projectile 60 rebounds on the target 70 and is then guided by the projectile guide 10 along the projectile trajectory but in the opposite direction, i.e. towards the first projectile position or initial position of the projectile.

[0138] It is understood that if the projectile reaches the second projectile position or impact position at a time tb the time t2 at which the immobilization system 20 immobilizes the projectile in the third projectile position is sufficiently close to ti so that any risk of a second impact of the projectile 60 on the target 70 is avoided.

[0139] The impact test device 1 includes a projectile guide support adapted to hold the projectile guide 10 in a working position, i.e., a position in which the projectile guide 10 is capable of causing a projectile to move along the projectile trajectory between at least one first position of projectile and the second projectile position.

[0140] The projectile guide 10 includes a guide tube 11 within which the projectile 60 is able to move in translation along the projectile trajectory between at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position.

[0141] The guide tube 11 is a hollow tube comprising a wall and having a circular cross-section whose diameter is slightly greater than the diameter of the projectile 60. Thus, the projectile 60 is able to move within the guide tube 11 without generating any friction on the internal surface of the wall of the guide tube.

[0142] Furthermore, the guide tube 11 extends along a longitudinal guide axis between a first end of guide tube 14 and a second end of guide tube 15, and the second projectile position is located near the second end of guide tube 15 so that the projectile 60 is still partly disposed inside the guide tube 11 when the second projectile position is reached, i.e. the position in which the projectile 60 impacts the target 70.

[0143] Indeed, as can be seen in [Fig.2b], only the end of the projectile 60, which has a convex shape, is located outside the guide tube 11 when the projectile occupies the second projectile position.

[0144] As can be seen in particular in Figures 2a and 2b, the projectile trajectory is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide.

[0145] The projectile guide support comprises a rigid frame 50 adapted to hold the guide tube in an operating position in which the guide tube 11 is held in an operating position in which the longitudinal axis of the guide is substantially perpendicular to the ground. In this way, the guide tube 11 is adapted to cause the projectile 60 to fall freely in a substantially vertical direction between at least one first projectile position and a second projectile position.

[0146] As can be seen in [Fig.4], the chassis 50 includes a platform suitable for supporting the target support 71, four columns suitable in particular for supporting elements for holding the guide tube 11, and a support element suitable for supporting a housing 55 in which is disposed in particular the control unit 90.

[0147] The detector 80 includes an impact detector capable of determining that the projectile impacts the target and a communication module capable of transmitting in real time to the control unit 90 the impact data indicating that the detector 80 has determined that the projectile 60 has impacted the target 70.

[0148] The immobilization system 20 is capable of occupying a release position, visible in Figures 2a and 2b, in which the immobilization system releases the projectile, and an immobilization position, visible in [Fig.2c], in which the immobilization system immobilizes the projectile.

[0149] As can be seen in Figures 2a to 2c, the immobilizing system 20 is mounted on the chassis 50, and in particular on one of the four columns of the chassis 50 and includes a jack system comprising three jacks 22 suitable for moving the immobilizing system 20 from the release position visible in Figures 2a and 2b to the immobilizing position visible in [Fig.2c], and vice versa.

[0150] The immobilization system includes an immobilization system actuator 23, shown schematically in [Fig.5], capable of actuating the three cylinders 22 so as to automatically move the immobilization system 20 from the release position to the immobilization position and vice versa.

[0151] As schematically represented in [Fig.5], the control system 90 of the impact test device 1 is capable of sending control data to the immobilization system actuator 23 so as to cause the latter to automatically move the immobilization system 20 from the release position to the immobilization position and vice versa.

[0152] As can be seen in Figures 2a to 2c, the immobilization system 20 includes an immobilization element 21 capable of immobilizing the projectile 60 in the third projectile position when the immobilization system 20 is in the visible immobilization position. As shown in [Fig. 2c], the immobilization element 21 comes into contact with the projectile when the immobilization system 20 is in the immobilization position.

[0153] As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the immobilizing element 21 is moved away from the projectile 60 when the immobilizing system 20 is in the release position, that is to say in particular that the immobilizing element 21 is no longer in contact with the projectile 60 when the immobilizing system 20 is in the release position.

[0154] To enable the immobilizing element 21 to come into contact with the projectile 60 to immobilize it when the immobilizing system 20 occupies the immobilizing position visible in [Fig.2c], the wall of the guide tube 11 includes a first opening 12.

[0155] The immobilizing element 21 is able to move through said first opening 12 of the wall of the guide tube 11.

[0156] The impact test device 11 further includes a locking system 30 capable of immobilizing the projectile 60 in the first projectile position as can be seen in particular in [Fig.2a].

[0157] The locking system 30 is mounted on the chassis 50, and in particular on one of the four columns of the chassis 50.

[0158] The locking system 30 is capable of occupying an unlocking position, visible in Figures 2b and 2c, in which the locking system 30 releases the projectile 60, and a locking position, visible in [Fig.2a], in which the locking system 30 immobilizes the projectile 60.

[0159] The locking system includes a cylinder system comprising three cylinders 32 capable of moving the locking system 30 from the unlocking position to the locking position, and vice versa.

[0160] The locking system 30 includes a locking system actuator 33, shown schematically in [Fig.5], capable of actuating said three cylinders 32 so as to automatically move the locking system 30 from the unlocking position to the locking position and vice versa.

[0161] As shown in [Fig.5], the control unit 90 is capable of sending control data to the locking system actuator 33 so as to cause the latter to automatically move the locking system 30 from the unlocking position to the locking position and vice versa.

[0162] As seen in Figures 2a to 2c, the locking system 30 includes a locking element 31 capable of immobilizing the projectile 60 in at least one first projectile position when the locking system 30 occupies the locking position.

[0163] As particularly visible in [Fig.2a], the locking element 31 comes into contact with the projectile 60 so as to form a stop and to immobilize the projectile 60 when the locking system 30 occupies the locking position.

[0164] As can be seen in figures 2b and 2c, the locking element 31 is moved away from the projectile when the immobilization system 30 is in the unlocking position.

[0165] The wall of the guide tube 11 includes a second opening 13 suitable for allowing the locking element 31 of the locking system 30 to come into contact with the projectile 60 when the locking system 30 is in the locking position.

[0166] The locking element 31 is able to move through the second opening 13 in the wall of the guide tube 11.

[0167] It is noted that [Fig.2a] represents the projectile 60 in a first possible projectile position among a plurality of first projectile positions that the projectile 60 can occupy. In fact, the locking system 30 is mobile in translation along a direction parallel to the projectile trajectory so as to be able to immobilize the projectile in a plurality of first projectile positions.

[0168] Thus, the second opening 13 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide tube 11, between a first lower projectile position located at a minimum distance from the second projectile position, and a first upper projectile position located at a maximum distance from the second projectile position.

[0169] The impact test device 1 also includes a sighting system 40 arranged to precisely establish a point of impact between the projectile 60 and the target 70.

[0170] The aiming system 40 includes a laser aiming device 40 capable of marking a point on a target corresponding to a point of impact of the projectile 60 on the target 70, which is particularly visible in [Fig.3c].

[0171] As shown in [Fig.3a], the laser aiming device includes a laser pointer 41 and a laser pointer holder 42 capable of holding the laser pointer 41 in a position of use in which the laser pointer is capable of marking a point on a target disposed on a target holder in position of use, which is particularly visible in [Fig.3c].

[0172] The laser pointer support 42 includes a disc having an external diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the guide tube 11 and a receptacle suitable for receiving the laser pointer 4L

[0173] Thus and as shown in [Fig.3b] and in [Fig.4], the disc of the laser pointer support 42 is suitable for being placed on the guide tube 11, at the first end 14 of the guide tube 11. In this way, when the laser pointer 41 is placed in the receptacle of the laser pointer support 42 thus placed on the guide tube, the laser pointer 41 is in a position of use in which it is suitable for marking a point of impact on the target 70.

[0174] The laser pointer holder 42 includes four openings arranged so that, when the laser pointer is in the operating position, an operator can observe through at least one of said four openings the point marked on the target by the operating laser pointer. This is particularly visible in [Fig. 3c].

[0175] The main steps of a process for carrying out an impact test using the impact test device 1 are now described in relation to Figures 2a to 2c.

[0176] In [Fig.2a], the target 70 is disposed within the receptacle 72 of the target support 71, which occupies an operating position in which the projectile 60 moving in the projectile guide 11 of the impact test device 1 is able to impact the target 70 disposed on the target support 72. In addition, the projectile 60 is disposed in a first projectile position and the blocking system 30 occupies the blocking position in which the blocking element 31 immobilizes the projectile 60 in said first projectile position. As shown in [Fig.4], the laser aiming device is arranged on the guide tube 11, at the first end of the guide tube 14 so that the laser pointer 41 is in the position of use, i.e. the position in which it is able to mark a point of impact on the target 70 arranged on the target support 71 in the position of use.

[0177] At time t0, the locking system 30 is then moved from the position of visible blockage on [Fig.2a] to the unlocking position visible on [Fig.2b], which causes the projectile 60 to be released and move to the second projectile position, the direction of movement of the projectile 60 being visible on [Fig.2b] by means of the vertical arrow.

[0178] On [Fig.2b], the projectile 60 reaches the second projectile position at time ti and impacts the target 70 at the point of impact previously determined by the laser pointer 41. The detector 80 of the impact test device 1 then determines that the projectile 60 occupies the second projectile position corresponding to the impact position of the projectile 60 on the target 70, and generates an impact data representative of the determination by the detector 80 that the projectile 60 occupies the second projectile position.The detector 80 then transmits the impact data to the control unit 90 of the impact test device 1, and the control unit 90 sends a control data to the immobilization system 20 of the impact test device 1 in order to cause the immobilization system 20, at time t2, to immobilize the projectile 60 in a third projectile position offset from the second projectile position as shown in [Fig.2c].

[0179] The invention is obviously not limited to the example of embodiment shown in the figures and encompasses all conceivable embodiment variants for a person skilled in the art upon reading this patent application.

[0180] In particular, the impact test device shown in the figures can naturally take other forms or configurations without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, both the chassis and the projectile guide of the impact test device shown can naturally have different sizes, dimensions, and configurations.

[0181] Likewise, both the projectile and the target support shown are only examples of embodiments among others, and the target support in particular may have other shapes and dimensions.

[0182] Similarly, the immobilization system and the locking system as shown in Figures 2a to 2c are only examples of embodiments, and other systems, respectively capable of immobilizing the projectile in the third projectile position and of locking the projectile in the first projectile position, are obviously possible and usable without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0183] Finally, the laser aiming device shown in Figures 3a to 3c is only one example of an embodiment of a aiming system according to the invention. Other types of aiming systems, and in particular other types of laser aiming devices, are obviously conceivable by those skilled in the art.

Claims

Demands

1. Impact test device (1) capable of causing impacts on a target (70) by means of a projectile (60), said device comprising: - A projectile guide (10) capable of guiding the projectile (60) in translation between at least a first projectile position and a second projectile position corresponding to an impact position of the projectile (60) on the target (70); - a detector (80) capable of determining that the projectile (60) occupies the second projectile position and of generating an impact data representative of a determination by the detector (80) that the projectile (60) occupies the second projectile position; - an immobilization system (20) capable of immobilizing the projectile (60) in a third projectile position offset from the second projectile position;- a control unit (90) capable of receiving, from the detector (80), the said impact data generated by the detector (80), the control unit (90) also being capable of sending, to the immobilization system (20) and upon receipt of the impact data, a control data in order to cause the immobilization system (20) to immobilize the projectile (60) in the third projectile position.;

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the projectile guide (10) is arranged to guide the projectile (60) in translation between at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position on a projectile trajectory, the third projectile position being disposed on said projectile trajectory between the first projectile position and the second projectile position.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the projectile guide (10) comprises a guide tube (11) within which the projectile (60) is able to move in translation along the projectile trajectory between at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projectile guide (10) is capable of causing the projectile (60) to perform a free fall in a substantially vertical direction between at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position.

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detector (80) comprises an impact detector capable of determining that the projectile (60) impacts the target (70).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the immobilization system (20) is capable of occupying a release position in which the immobilization system (20) releases the projectile (60), and an immobilization position in which the immobilization system (20) immobilizes the projectile (60).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking system (30) capable of immobilizing the projectile (60) in at least one first projectile position.

8. Device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the locking system (30) is able to occupy an unlocking position in which the locking system (30) releases the projectile (60), and a locking position in which the locking system (30) immobilizes the projectile (60).

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sighting system (40) arranged to precisely establish a point of impact between the projectile (60) and the target (70).

10. Device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the aiming system (40) comprises a laser aiming device including a laser pointer and a laser pointer holder.

11. A method for carrying out an impact test using the impact test device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said method comprising the following steps: - A step of arranging a target (70) on a target support (71) in a position of use in which a projectile (60) moving in the projectile guide (10) of the impact test device is able to impact the target (70) arranged on the target support (71); - A step of arranging a projectile (60) in a first projectile position; - A step of releasing the projectile (60) so as to allow the projectile (60) to move from the first projectile position to the second projectile position; A determination step, by the detector (80) of the impact test device (1), that the projectile (60) occupies the second projectile position corresponding to the impact position of the projectile (60) on the target (70); A generation step, by the detector (80), of an impact data representative of the determination by the detector (80) that the projectile (60) occupies the second projectile position; A transmission step, by the detector (80), of the impact data to the control unit (90) of the impact test device (1); A step of sending, by the control unit (90) and upon receipt of the impact data, a command data to the immobilization system (20) of the impact test device (1) in order to cause the immobilization system (20) to immobilize the projectile (60) in a third projectile position offset from the second projectile position.

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