Impact test device and method for carrying out an impact test

Abstract

The invention relates to an impact test device (1) comprising: - a projectile guide (10) capable of guiding the translation of a projectile (60) 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 datum representative of a determination by the detector that the projectile (60) occupies the second projectile position; - an immobilisation system (20) capable of immobilising the projectile (60) in a third projectile position offset with respect to the second projectile position, the third position corresponding to a projectile immobilisation position; - a control unit (90) capable of receiving, from the detector (80), the impact datum generated by the detector (80), the control unit (90) also being capable of sending, to the immobilisation system (20) and upon receiving the impact datum, a control datum in order to cause the immobilisation system (20) to immobilise the projectile (60) in the third projectile position.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Impact test device and method for carrying out an impact test

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The invention, which belongs to the field of object robustness testing, and in particular to that of shock and impact resistance testing of electronic devices, relates to an impact testing device having high reliability and high maneuverability and its operating method.

[0005] Preamble

[0006] Products intended for commercial use must generally have a high degree of robustness and reliability in order to guarantee their long-term proper functioning, to enable them to achieve a satisfactory lifespan and to ensure consumer safety.

[0007] It is therefore necessary, before marketing them, to subject the products to various tests enabling their behavior to be assessed in scenarios corresponding to normal operation or to more or less exceptional situations such as falls, shocks or even abnormal or inappropriate uses.

[0008] The testing phases of objects intended for marketing are therefore an integral part of their production process, and they generally take place after manufacturing, or even during various intermediate stages during manufacturing.

[0009] In particular, special attention must be paid to the reliability and safety of electrical and electronic devices. These products, which include electronic components and circuits and are designed to operate on batteries or by being connected to the mains, present additional risks and are likely to cause particularly significant damage in the event of shock or misuse.

[0010] Indeed, significant falls or blows from heavy or blunt objects can not only damage or even 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. For these reasons, electrical and electronic devices must generally undergo a battery of demanding and rigorous controls and tests before they can be marketed. In addition, 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 conformity of the devices tested with the norms and standards in force.

[0011] Among the tests to be carried out on electrical and electronic devices, impact tests, which allow testing the resistance of the casings of these devices to intentional or involuntary aggression, comply in particular with international standards IEC 60068-2-75 and IEC 62262. The production process for this type of product must therefore systematically and precisely include the various tests necessary for their certification with respect to these standards by guaranteeing their compliance with certain predefined resistance levels.

[0012] Impact tests generally consist of producing one or more impacts on a product to be tested, i.e. a target, using a projectile of a particular shape and of which the mass is known precisely.

[0013] In order to certify the conformity of the tested products to the standards in force, it is also necessary to carry out impacts on the target in a controlled manner, that is to say that the manner in which and the precise number of times that the projectile impacts the target must correspond to certain well-defined criteria.

[0014] In particular, the speed reached by the projectile at the moment of impact, the trajectory of the projectile and the area of ​​the target struck by the projectile are parameters that must be monitored at all times.

[0015] Furthermore, when the projectile impacts the target for the first time, a rebound usually occurs, which means that the projectile is then likely to hit the target at least a second time in a completely uncontrolled manner. Such unwanted impacts due to the projectile bouncing off the target are undesirable as disruptive elements of the tests, and should therefore be systematically avoided.

[0016] While the importance of impact testing is obviously not in question, the inventors noted that little attention had been paid, in the industry in general, to the usability, efficiency and practicality of the tools and devices necessary for the implementation of such impact tests.

[0017] Indeed, existing impact testing machines generally require the presence of at least two operators to carry out the tests, both for safety reasons and to ensure proper testing. This is unsatisfactory and negatively impacts team productivity.

[0018] In addition, some of the operations required to carry out the tests, such as releasing the projectile or managing 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 creates significant risks for the safety of the operators.

[0019] Finally, the accuracy of existing impact testing machines is not satisfactory, as the management of the point of impact of the projectile on the target is approximate. This is problematic when the tests involve impacting the target several times at the same precise location.

[0020] Summary of the invention

[0021] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0022] In particular and according to a first aspect of the invention, the present application relates to an impact testing device capable of causing impacts on a target by means of a projectile, said device comprising:

[0023] - A projectile guide capable of guiding the projectile in translation between at least a first projectile position and a second projectile position corresponding to an impact position of the projectile on the target;

[0024] - a detector capable of determining that the projectile occupies the second projectile position and of generating impact data representative of a determination by the detector that the projectile occupies the second projectile position;

[0025] - an immobilization system capable of immobilizing the projectile in a third projectile position offset from the second projectile position;

[0026] - a control unit capable of receiving, from the detector, said impact data generated by the detector, the control unit being further capable of sending, to the immobilization system and upon receipt of the impact data, control data in order to cause the immobilization system to immobilize the projectile in the third projectile position. Thanks to the provisions of the invention, the control unit causes the immobilization system to immobilize the projectile after the impact, during the rebound of the projectile, in a third projectile position corresponding to a projectile immobilization position. In this way, a single impact is caused on the target, and a second impact following the rebound of the projectile on the target is systematically avoided.

[0027] In addition, 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 it is immobilized, which allows the projectile to be released easily later without the need to move or manipulate the target.

[0028] By automating the management of the projectile's rebound on the target, the device of the invention also makes it possible to reduce the number of operators required to carry out an impact test, without impacting the safety or reliability of the tests. Automating rebound management, by no longer requiring human resources to prevent the unwanted second impact, improves both the reliability and safety of the tests, since possible human failure is no longer an issue.

[0029] Thus, in addition to enabling a gain in productivity by reducing the human resources required to implement impact tests, the device of the invention not only reduces the risks of accidents involving the device and / or but also improves the integrity of the device.

[0030] Alternatively, the target includes an object whose robustness and / or impact resistance needs to be tested.

[0031] According to one possibility, the target includes an object intended to be marketed.

[0032] According to one possibility, the target includes an electronic device.

[0033] According to one possibility, the target includes an electronic payment terminal or an ATM.

[0034] According to one possibility, the impact testing device comprises a target support capable of receiving at least one target to be tested.

[0035] According to one possibility, the target support is movable, and is in particular capable of occupying at least one first target support position in which the target support is arranged in proximity to the impact testing device, and at least one second target support position in which the target support is distant from the impact testing device. According to one possibility, the 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.

[0036] In other words, when a target is received by the target holder in the use position, the projectile impacts the target when it reaches the second projectile position. It is also understood that, in this case, the at least one first projectile position is further from the target than the second projectile position.

[0037] According to one possibility, the device comprises a target support position adjustment system capable of modifying the target support position.

[0038] According to one possibility, the target support comprises a receptacle within which the target to be tested can be arranged.

[0039] According to one possibility, the guide is adapted to guide the projectile between a plurality of first target positions and the second projectile position.

[0040] According to one possibility, the projectile comprises a main body of substantially circular section having a constant diameter and extending along a longitudinal axis of the projectile.

[0041] According to one possibility, the projectile has a substantially cylindrical shape over at least a portion of its length along the longitudinal axis of the projectile.

[0042] According to one possibility, the projectile comprises at least one end having a domed shape.

[0043] According to one possibility, the projectile comprises at least one end having a dome shape.

[0044] According to one possibility, the projectile has a weight between 1 and 20 kilograms (kg).

[0045] According to one possibility, the projectile has a weight between 3 and 10 kg.

[0046] According to one possibility, the projectile weighs approximately 5 kg.

[0047] The control unit is capable of communicating with the detector, and in particular can receive data from the detector.

[0048] The control unit is also capable of communicating with the immobilizer system on the other hand, and can in particular send data, and in particular control data to an immobilizer system actuator. According to one possibility, the control unit comprises a programmable logic controller.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the projectile guide is arranged to guide the projectile in translation between the at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position on a projectile trajectory, the third projectile position being arranged on said projectile trajectory between the first projectile position and the second projectile position.

[0050] 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 impact position of the projectile on the target. After impact, the projectile rebounds on the target and the projectile is then guided by the projectile guide along the projectile trajectory but in the opposite direction, i.e. towards the first projectile position corresponding to the initial projectile position.

[0051] According to the invention, at a time to, the projectile leaves the 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 ti. The projectile then rebounds on the target and moves back towards the at least one first projectile position along the projectile trajectory, until it reaches the third projectile position in which the projectile is immobilized at a time t2 by the immobilization system, and this before moving back towards the target. In this way, it is ensured that the projectile cannot, after the rebound, impact the target a second time.

[0052] Obviously, the time difference between instant ti and instant t2 is short enough to prevent any risk of a second impact of the projectile on the target. In particular, said time difference is configurable, and is for example between 75 milliseconds and 125 milliseconds.

[0053] According to one possibility, the device comprises a projectile guide support adapted to maintain the projectile guide in at least one use position, i.e. a position in which the projectile guide is adapted to cause a projectile to move on the projectile trajectory between the at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position.

[0054] According to this possibility, the projectile guide is movably mounted on the projectile guide support, i.e. the projectile guide is movable and able to occupy a plurality of positions of use while being held by the projectile guide support. According to one embodiment, the projectile guide comprises a guide tube within which the projectile is able to move in translation on the projectile trajectory between the 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 section whose diameter is slightly greater than the diameter of the projectile. Thus, the projectile is able to move within the guide tube without generating any friction on the internal surface of the wall of the guide tube. In addition, the guide tube extends along a longitudinal guide axis between a first guide tube end and a second guide tube end, and the second projectile position is located near the second guide tube end such that the projectile is still partly disposed inside the guide tube when the second projectile position is reached, i.e. the position in which the projectile impacts the target.

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

[0058] According to one possibility, the projectile guide support comprises a frame, and for example a rigid frame, adapted to maintain the guide tube in at least one position of use in which the guide tube is adapted to guide the projectile along the projectile trajectory between the at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position.

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

[0060] According to one possibility, the guide tube is movable, and the device comprises a guide tube position adjustment system capable of modifying the position of use occupied by the guide tube. According to this possibility, the guide tube is capable of occupying a plurality of positions of use.

[0061] 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 use position 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 support in the use position is substantially equal to 20 millimeters. According to one embodiment, the projectile guide is capable of causing the projectile to perform a free fall in a substantially vertical direction between the at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position.

[0063] According to one possibility, the projectile guide comprises a hollow guide tube extending along a guide longitudinal axis, said hollow tube being held by the projectile guide support in a position of use in which the guide longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the ground.

[0064] By floor is meant the substantially horizontal floor of a room in which the impact testing device is normally located. Thus, the projectile guide comprises a hollow guide tube held perpendicular to a horizontal floor such that the at least one first projectile position is further from the floor than the second projectile position corresponding to the impact position of the projectile on the target. In other words, the 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 the at least one first projectile position to the second projectile position, the projectile performs a 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.

[0065] Furthermore, the hollow guide tube includes a first guide tube end distant from the ground, and a second guide tube end closer to the ground than the first guide tube end.

[0066] In this embodiment, the projectile moves via free fall between the at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position so as to impact the target at the second guide tube end. In other words, the second projectile position corresponding to the impact position is located proximate to the second guide tube end such that the projectile is still at least partially disposed within the guide tube when it impacts the target.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the detector comprises an impact detector capable of determining that the projectile impacts the target.

[0068] According to one possibility, the detector comprises 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. According to one possibility, the detector comprises 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.

[0069] According to one possibility, the detector comprises a data generation system, which is in particular capable of generating the impact data representative of a determination by the detector that the projectile has impacted the target.

[0070] According to one possibility, the detector comprises a communication module capable of transmitting at least one piece of data to the control unit, and in particular the impact data signaling that the detector has determined that the projectile has impacted the target.

[0071] Alternatively, the impact data generated by the detector is sent to the control unit within a very short, or even negligible, period of time following the instant in which the impact detection occurs.

[0072] In other words, the transmission of the signal representing the determination of the impact by the detector is carried out in real time, which means that the control unit receives said signal immediately after the production of the impact of the projectile on the target.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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 projectile guide support frame.

[0075] According to one possibility, the immobilization system comprises at least one cylinder, and for example a pneumatic cylinder, which is capable of moving the immobilization system from the release position to the immobilization position, and vice versa. According to this possibility, the immobilization system comprises an immobilization system actuator capable of actuating the at least one cylinder so as to automatically move the immobilization system from the release position to the immobilization position and vice versa.

[0076] According to these provisions, the control unit is able to communicate with the immobilization system actuator, and can in particular send data, and in particular control data, to the immobilization system actuator so as to cause the latter to automatically move the immobilization system from the release position to the immobilization position and vice versa. According to one possibility, the immobilization system comprises an immobilization element able to immobilize the projectile in the third projectile position when the immobilization system occupies the immobilization position. According to this possibility, the immobilization element comes into contact with the projectile when the immobilization system occupies the immobilization position, and the immobilization element moves away from the projectile when the immobilization system occupies the release position.

[0077] According to this possibility, the wall of the guide tube comprises a first opening capable of allowing the immobilizing element of the immobilizing system to come into contact with the projectile in order to immobilize it when the immobilizing system occupies the immobilizing position. Thus, the immobilizing element is capable of moving through said first opening of the wall of the guide tube.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a blocking system 30 capable of immobilizing the projectile 60 in at least one first projectile position.

[0079] 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 frame of the projectile guide support. According to this possibility, the locking system is movable along the at least one of the columns of the frame of the projectile guide support.

[0080] The blocking system is capable of occupying a release position in which the blocking system releases the projectile, and a blocking position in which the blocking system immobilizes the projectile.

[0081] 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 unlocking position to the locking position, and vice versa. According to this possibility, the locking system comprises a locking system actuator capable of actuating the at least one cylinder so as to automatically move the locking system from the unlocking position to the locking position and vice versa.

[0082] 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 switch the locking system from the unlocking position to the locking position and vice versa.

[0083] According to one possibility, the blocking system comprises a blocking element adapted to immobilize the projectile in the at least one first projectile position when the blocking system occupies the blocking position. According to this possibility, the blocking element comes into contact with the projectile when the blocking system occupies the blocking position, and the blocking element moves away from the projectile when the immobilization system occupies the unlocking position.

[0084] According to this possibility, the wall of the guide tube comprises at least one second opening capable of allowing the blocking element of the blocking system to come into contact with the projectile in order to immobilize it when the blocking system occupies the blocking position. Thus, the blocking element is capable of moving through the at least one second opening of the wall of the guide tube.

[0085] According to one possibility, the blocking system is movable, and for example movable 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.

[0086] According to one possibility, the at least one 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.

[0087] According to one possibility, the minimum distance is substantially equal to 200 millimeters, and the maximum distance is substantially equal to 600 millimeters.

[0088] Alternatively, the wall of the guide tube includes a plurality of second openings corresponding to the plurality of first projectile positions.

[0089] Thanks to these arrangements, with a single impact testing 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.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a sighting system arranged so as to precisely establish a point of impact between the projectile and the target.

[0091] Thus, the device of the invention makes it possible to carry out impacts with very high precision and perfect control of the point of impact of the projectile on the target. This advantage notably implies the fact of being able to carry out several impacts in succession on the same area of ​​the target, in order in particular to test the resistance of the target to a repetition of identical impacts, that is to say all carried out at the same point of impact.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the aiming system comprises a laser aiming device comprising a laser pointer and a laser pointer support. 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.

[0093] According to one possibility, the laser pointer holder is adapted to hold the laser pointer in a use position in which the laser pointer is adapted to mark a point on a target disposed on a target holder in the use position.

[0094] 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 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 testing device.

[0095] According to one possibility, when the laser pointer occupies the use position, the laser aiming device is arranged near the projectile guide, and in particular near one end of the projectile guide.

[0096] According to one possibility, when the projectile guide of the impact testing device comprises a hollow guide tube, the laser pointer holder comprises a disc having a diameter at least equal to the diameter of the guide tube and a receptacle adapted to receive the laser pointer.

[0097] According to this possibility, when the laser pointer occupies the use position, the laser aiming device is arranged at the first end of the guide tube opposite the second end of the guide tube near which the second projectile position is located.

[0098] In particular, when the longitudinal axis of the hollow guide tube extends parallel to the vertical, the disc of the laser pointer holder is arranged on the guide tube at the first guide tube end.

[0099] According to one possibility, the disc of the laser pointer holder comprises at least one opening arranged so that, when the laser pointer occupies the use position, an operator can observe through said at least one opening the point marked on the target by the laser pointer in operation.

[0100] According to a third aspect, the present application relates to a method for implementing an impact test using the impact test device previously described, said method comprising the following steps: - A step of arranging a target on a target support occupying a position of 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;

[0101] - A step of arranging a projectile in a first projectile position;

[0102] - A step of releasing the projectile so as to allow the projectile to move from the first projectile position to the second projectile position;

[0103] - A step of determining, by the detector of the impact test device, that the projectile occupies the second projectile position corresponding to the impact position of the projectile on the target;

[0104] - A step of generating, by the detector, impact data representative of the determination by the detector that the projectile occupies the second projectile position;

[0105] - A step of transmission, by the detector, of the impact data to the control unit of the impact test device;

[0106] - A step of sending, by the control unit and upon receipt of the impact data, a control data item to 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 relative to the second projectile position.

[0107] According to one possibility, the method of implementing an impact test comprises 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.

[0108] According to one possibility, the step of releasing the projectile comprises a step of arranging the locking system of the impact testing device in an unlocking position in order to release the projectile.

[0109] According to one possibility, the method of implementing an impact test comprises a step of arranging the target support in the use position, and a step of arranging a target on the target support in the use position.

[0110] According to one possibility, the method for implementing an impact test comprises a step of arranging the laser aiming device as described previously so that the laser pointer is in the position of use, that is to say in a position in which it is capable of marking an impact point on the target arranged on the target support in the position of use.

[0111] Brief Description of the Figures The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description, which is given below in relation to the figures, among which:

[0112] [Fig.1 a] represents a front view in longitudinal section of an impact testing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0113] [Fig.1 b] represents a longitudinal sectional profile view of the impact test device of Fig. 1 a;

[0114] [Fig.2a] represents a view of a lower part of the impact test device of figure 1a, of a target, of an exemplary embodiment of a target support and of an exemplary embodiment of a projectile occupying a first projectile position;

[0115] [Fig.2b] represents a view of a lower part of the impact test device of figure 1a, of the target, of the target support and of the projectile occupying the second projectile position or impact position;

[0116] [Fig.2c] represents a view of a lower part of the impact test device of figure 1a, of the target, of the target support and of the projectile occupying the third projectile position;

[0117] [Fig.3a] represents a perspective view of a sighting system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0118] [Fig.3b] represents a perspective view of the aiming system of Fig. 3a occupying a position of use, the support of the laser aiming pointer being arranged at the first end of the guide tube;

[0119] [Fig.3c] shows a perspective view of what an operator sees looking through one of the apertures in the sighting pointer support;

[0120] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of the impact testing device according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 a and the aiming system in the position of use;

[0121] [Fig.5] schematically represents the communicating electronic elements of the impact test device according to the embodiment example of figure 1 a.

[0122] Detailed description

[0123] The impact testing device 1, which is capable of causing impacts on the target 70 by means of the projectile 60, comprises a projectile guide 10 capable of guiding the projectile 60 in translation between at least a first projectile position, which is visible in FIG. 2a, and a second projectile position, visible in FIG. 2b, corresponding to an impact position of the projectile 60 on the target 70.

[0124] The impact testing device 1 comprises 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 impact data representative of a determination by the detector 80 that the projectile 60 occupies the second projectile position.

[0125] The impact test device 1 also comprises an immobilization system 20 capable of immobilizing the projectile 60 in a third projectile position offset relative to the second projectile position, said third projectile position being visible in FIG. 2c.

[0126] The impact testing device 1 also comprises a control unit 90 shown schematically in FIG. 5, which is capable of receiving, from the detector 80, 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 item in order to cause the immobilization system 20 to immobilize the projectile 60 in the third projectile position visible in FIG. 2c.

[0127] As shown in Figures 2a to 2c in particular, the projectile 60 comprises a main body of substantially circular section and constant diameter and extends along a longitudinal axis of the projectile. Furthermore, the projectile 60 has a substantially cylindrical shape over most of its length, and comprises an end having a domed shape.

[0128] As shown in Figure 2b, the projectile impacts the target at its domed end.

[0129] As shown in Figures 2a to 2c, the target 70 is arranged on a target support 71, and in particular on a receptacle 72 of the target support 71 in the use position, that is to say occupying a position in which the projectile 60 impacts the target 70 arranged within the receptacle 72 when the projectile occupies the second projectile position.

[0130] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 90 is able to communicate with the detector 80, and can in particular receive data from the detector.

[0131] The control unit 90 is also capable of communicating with the immobilizer system 20, and in particular with an immobilizer system actuator 23, and can in particular send data, and in particular control data, to said immobilizer system actuator 23.

[0132] The projectile guide 10 is arranged to guide the projectile 60 in translation between at least the first projectile position corresponding to the initial position of the projectile 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 arranged. Thus, the third projectile position is located between the first projectile position and the second projectile position.

[0133] Indeed, after the impact corresponding to the second projectile position visible in figure 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, that is to say towards the first projectile position or initial position of the projectile.

[0134] It is understood that if the projectile reaches the second projectile position or impact position at a time ti, 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.

[0135] The impact testing device 1 comprises a projectile guide holder adapted to hold the projectile guide 10 in a use position, i.e. a position in which the projectile guide 10 is adapted to cause a projectile to move on the projectile trajectory between the at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position.

[0136] The projectile guide 10 comprises a guide tube 11 within which the projectile 60 is able to move in translation on the projectile trajectory between the at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position.

[0137] The guide tube 11 is a hollow tube comprising a wall and having a circular 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.

[0138] In addition, the guide tube 11 extends along a longitudinal guide axis between a first guide tube end 14 and a second guide tube end 15, and the second projectile position is located near the second guide tube end 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. Indeed, as can be seen in FIG. 2b, only the end of the projectile 60 having a domed shape is located outside the guide tube 11 when the projectile occupies the second projectile position.

[0139] As can be seen in Figures 2a and 2b in particular, the projectile trajectory is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide.

[0140] The projectile guide support comprises a rigid frame 50 capable of holding the guide tube in a use position in which the guide tube 11 is held in a use position in which the longitudinal guide axis is substantially perpendicular to the ground. In this way, the guide tube 11 is capable of causing the projectile 60 to perform a free fall in a substantially vertical direction between the at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position.

[0141] As can be seen in Figure 4, the chassis 50 comprises a platform capable of supporting the target support 71, four columns capable in particular of supporting elements for holding the guide tube 11, and a support element capable of supporting a housing 55 in which the control unit 90 is arranged in particular.

[0142] The detector 80 comprises 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 signaling that the detector 80 has determined that the projectile 60 has impacted the target 70.

[0143] The immobilization system 20 is capable of occupying a release position, visible in FIGS. 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.

[0144] As can be seen in Figures 2a to 2c, the immobilization system 20 is mounted on the chassis 50, and in particular on one of the four columns of the chassis 50 and comprises a system of jacks comprising three jacks 22 capable of moving the immobilization system 20 from the release position visible in Figures 2a and 2b to the immobilization position visible in Figure 2c, and vice versa.

[0145] The immobilization system comprises 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. As shown schematically in FIG. 5, the control system 90 of the impact testing 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.

[0146] As can be seen in Figures 2a to 2c, the immobilization system 20 comprises an immobilization element 21 capable of immobilizing the projectile 60 in the third projectile position when the immobilization system 20 occupies the visible immobilization position. As shown in Figure 2c, the immobilization element 21 comes into contact with the projectile when the immobilization system 20 occupies the immobilization position.

[0147] As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the immobilizing element 21 is moved away from the projectile 60 when the immobilizing system 20 occupies 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 occupies the release position.

[0148] To allow 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 comprises a first opening 12.

[0149] The immobilizing element 21 is able to move through said first opening 12 of the wall of the guide tube 11.

[0150] The impact test device 11 further comprises a blocking system 30 capable of immobilizing the projectile 60 in the first projectile position as can be seen in particular in FIG. 2a.

[0151] The locking system 30 is mounted on the chassis 50, and in particular on one of the four columns of the chassis 50.

[0152] The blocking system 30 is capable of occupying an unlocking position, visible in figures 2b and 2c, in which the blocking system 30 releases the projectile 60, and a blocking position, visible in figure 2a, in which the blocking system 30 immobilizes the projectile 60.

[0153] The locking system comprises 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. The locking system 30 comprises 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.

[0154] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 90 is able to send 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.

[0155] As visible in Figures 2a to 2c, the blocking system 30 comprises a blocking element 31 capable of immobilizing the projectile 60 in the at least one first projectile position when the blocking system 30 occupies the blocking position.

[0156] As particularly visible in Figure 2a, the blocking element 31 comes into contact with the projectile 60 so as to form a stop and to immobilize the projectile 60 when the blocking system 30 occupies the blocking position.

[0157] As seen in Figures 2b and 2c, the blocking element 31 is moved away from the projectile when the immobilization system 30 occupies the unlocking position.

[0158] The wall of the guide tube 11 comprises a second opening 13 capable of allowing the blocking element 31 of the blocking system 30 to come into contact with the projectile 60 when the blocking system 30 occupies the blocking position.

[0159] The locking element 31 is able to move through the second opening 13 of the wall of the guide tube 11.

[0160] It is noted that Figure 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 blocking system 30 is movable 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.

[0161] Thus, the second opening 13 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal guide 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.

[0162] The impact testing device 1 also comprises a sighting system 40 arranged so as to precisely establish a point of impact between the projectile 60 and the target 70. The sighting system 40 comprises a laser sighting 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 in particular visible in FIG. 3c.

[0163] As shown in Figure 3a, the laser aiming device comprises a laser pointer 41 and a laser pointer holder 42 capable of holding the laser pointer 41 in a use position in which the laser pointer is capable of marking a point on a target arranged on a target holder in the use position, which is particularly visible in Figure 3c.

[0164] The laser pointer holder 42 comprises a disc having an external diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the guide tube 11 and a receptacle adapted to receive the laser pointer 41.

[0165] Thus and as shown in Figure 3b and in Figure 4, the disk of the laser pointer support 42 is able to be arranged on the guide tube 11, at the first end 14 of the guide tube 11. In this way, when the laser pointer 41 is arranged in the receptacle of the laser pointer support 42 thus arranged on the guide tube, the laser pointer 41 is in a position of use in which it is able to mark an impact point on the target 70.

[0166] The laser pointer holder 42 comprises four openings arranged so that, when the laser pointer occupies the use position, an operator can observe through at least one of said four openings the point marked on the target by the laser pointer in operation. This is particularly visible in FIG. 3c.

[0167] The main steps of a method for carrying out an impact test using the impact test device 1 are now described in relation to Figures 2a to 2c.

[0168] In Figure 2a, the target 70 is arranged within the receptacle 72 of the target support 71, which occupies a use position in which the projectile 60 moving in the projectile guide 11 of the impact testing device 1 is able to impact the target 70 arranged on the target support 72. In addition, the projectile 60 is arranged 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 Figure 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 use position, that is to say the position in which it is able to mark an impact point on the target 70 arranged on the target support 71 in the use position.At time to, the blocking system 30 is then caused to move from the blocking position visible in Figure 2a to the unlocking position visible in Figure 2b, which causes the projectile 60 to be released and to move towards the second projectile position, the direction of movement of the projectile 60 being visible in Figure 2b by means of the vertical arrow.

[0169] In Figure 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 testing 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 datum 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 testing device 1, and the control unit 90 sends control data to the immobilization system 20 of the impact testing device 1 in order to cause the immobilization system 20, at time t2, to immobilize the projectile 60 in a third projectile position offset relative to the second projectile position as shown in FIG. 2c.

[0170] The invention is obviously not limited to the example embodiment shown in the figures and encompasses all the variant embodiments conceivable for those skilled in the art upon reading this patent application.

[0171] In particular, the impact testing device shown in the figures may naturally take other shapes or configurations without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, both the chassis and the projectile guide of the impact testing device shown may naturally have different sizes, dimensions and configurations.

[0172] 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 other dimensions.

[0173] Likewise, the immobilization system and the blocking system as shown in Figures 2a to 2c are only examples of embodiment and other systems, capable respectively of immobilizing the projectile in the third projectile position and of blocking the projectile in the first projectile position, are obviously possible and usable without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0174] 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 system, and in particular other types of laser aiming devices, are obviously conceivable by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Impact testing 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 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 relative to the second projectile position;a control unit (90) capable of receiving, from the detector (80), 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, 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 the at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position on a projectile trajectory, the third projectile position being arranged 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 on the projectile trajectory between the at least one first projectile position and the second projectile position.

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

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

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which 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 one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a blocking system (30) capable of immobilizing the projectile (60) in the at least one first projectile position.

8. Device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the blocking system (30) is capable of occupying an unlocking position in which the blocking system (30) releases the projectile (60), and a blocking position in which the blocking system (30) immobilizes the projectile (60).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sighting system (40) arranged so as 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 comprising a laser pointer and a laser pointer holder.

11. Method for carrying out an impact test using the impact test device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, said method comprises the following steps: A step of arranging a target (70) on a target support (71) occupying a use position in which a projectile (60) moving in the projectile guide (10) of the impact testing device is capable of impacting the target (70) arranged on the target support (71); A step of disposing 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 step of determining, by the detector (80) of the impact testing 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 step of generating, by the detector (80), an impact datum representative of the determination by the detector (80) that the projectile (60) occupies the second projectile position; A step of transmission, 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 control data item to the immobilization system (20) of the impact testing device (1) in order to cause the immobilization system (20) to immobilize the projectile (60) in a third projectile position offset relative to the second projectile position.

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