FR3072770B1 - METHOD FOR MANAGING SHOOTING MACHINES - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a method for managing at least one target launching device (2) of the type comprising a target storage element and a target launching system comprising a motor powered electrically by a battery (7). , comprising a projection arm of at least one target, the arm being movable in rotation, the launching system being controlled by a control element so as to operate a predefined series of at least one cycle of rotation of the arm, characterized in that it comprises: - a voltage measurement at the terminals (71, 72) of the battery (7) at least during a time interval; a comparison of the temporal evolution of the voltage during the time interval with at least one temporal evolution model of the voltage corresponding to a nominal evolution of the voltage during at least the predefined series; - an accounting of the targets drawn; a generation of at least one functional status information of the apparatus according to the comparison.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a management method and a target launching machine. The invention relates more particularly to the management of the triggering information of the machine and possible malfunctions.

A favorite application relates to the sport shooting industry, and more specifically to the balltrap industry, which includes all types of target movements (on the ground or in the air), all types of shots (weapons fire, bow in particular) and any kind of targets (including clay pigeons and polymeric foam targets).

BACKGROUND

In the field of launchers, the current trend of pigeon shooting stands is automation. The customers can then evolve freely and solicit the launchers of their choice, whereas the practice of the shooting was in the past much more static, with reference to the use of a unique machine and supervised by personnel dedicated to the triggering (denominated in English "puller"). This results in a greater difficulty in managing the machines, especially as regards the level of loading into targets of each.

Each modern machine is equipped with a control socket for connecting a tripping device. There are systems for retrieving trigger control information to count the number of targets launched by the machine. The user, who can be a manager of a shooting range, thus has access to an inventory of target values consumed by machine.

The applicant has found that this mode of management of the machines is clearly perfectible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention relates to a method of managing at least one target launching apparatus. This apparatus is preferably of the type comprising a target storage element and a target launching system comprising a motor powered electrically by a battery, comprising a projection arm of at least one target, the arm being movable in rotation, the launching system being controlled by a control element so as to operate a predefined series of at least one cycle of rotation of the arm.

Advantageously, the method comprises: a measurement of voltage across the battery at least during a time interval; a comparison of the temporal evolution of the voltage during the time interval with at least one temporal evolution model of the voltage corresponding to a nominal evolution of the voltage during at least the predefined series; a generation of at least one functional status information of the apparatus according to the comparison.

In this way, the invention exploits a source of information not yet used, namely the evolution of the voltage across the battery of the launcher. Advantageously, this source is conjugated with the trigger control information of the launch system. For example, the control information can be compared with the information from the battery voltage measurement so as to check the coherence of the operation of the apparatus. For example, a lock of the throwing arm will be identified when there is an inconsistency between the detection of a command and the subsequent cycle of battery voltage variation.

Preferably, the control signals originating from the control element are counted. This separable aspect of the invention advantageously makes it possible to form an intermediate casing between the control element and the launching device (via its control box) which captures the control commands in order to count them and, preferably, to return an accounting. these commands to a remote system, in particular a receiver, which will process this information for example to display a remaining target level or trigger an alert if a minimum threshold is reached. In this context, a separable aspect of the invention relates to a method of managing at least one target launching apparatus. This apparatus is preferably of the type comprising a target storage element and a target launching system comprising a motor powered electrically by a battery, comprising a projection arm of at least one target, the arm being movable in rotation, the launching system being controlled by a control element so as to operate a predefined series of at least one cycle of rotation of the arm. According to this aspect, the method comprises an accounting of the control signals from the control element.

A separable aspect of the invention relates to a control device which comprises a processing system configured to implement the method.

Another separable aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising at least one target launching apparatus and a control device. The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions configured, when executed by a processor, to implement the method.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF THE FIGURES Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawings given as non-limiting examples and in which: FIG. an exemplary implementation of the invention for a ball-trap type launching device; FIG. 2 shows a possibility of designing a controller; - Figure 3 shows an example of variation of battery voltage during operation of the launch device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, are set forth below optional features that may optionally be used in combination or alternatively: the at least one model of temporal evolution of the voltage comprises a first model comprising a chaining cycle: a first phase of voltage drop during a first predefined duration of time, corresponding to a first phase of the movement of the motorization configured to produce a loading of at least one target 2 in the launching system; a second voltage drop phase during a second predefined duration, corresponding to a second one second phase of the movement of the motorization undergoing a higher resistive torque than that encountered during the first movement; a rise in voltage corresponding to a rest of the engine. The measurement comprises detecting an effective cycle of a first effective phase of voltage drop and a second effective phase of voltage drop, wherein the comparison comprises a determination of a too long duration of the second phase; effective voltage drop with respect to the second duration, and the generation comprises a generation of a blocking information of the engine. The measurement comprises the detection of several effective cycles each comprising a first effective phase of voltage drop and a second effective phase of voltage drop, wherein the comparison comprises a determination of at least one undesired effective cycle, and wherein the generation comprises a generation of a shutdown fault information of the engine. The measurement comprises the detection of the absence of voltage drop, wherein the comparison comprises a determination of absence of the cycle, and wherein the generation comprises a generation of a fault information of the control element. The measurement comprises detecting a plurality of effective cycles each comprising a first effective voltage drop phase and a second effective voltage drop phase, wherein the comparison comprises a determination of a plurality of effective cycles associated with continuous trigger commands (at the more than three). Current disciplines require at most only two successive targets. The launch of more than three targets without discontinuity reflects a failure of the control element. - The at least one model of temporal evolution of the voltage comprises a second model comprising a predefined number of at least two successive cycles each chaining: - a first phase of voltage drop during a first predetermined duration, corresponding to a first phase movement of the motorization configured to produce a loading of at least one target 2 in the launching system, - a second voltage drop phase during a second predefined period, corresponding to a second phase of movement of the motorization undergoing a torque resistive higher than that encountered during the first movement; - a rise in tension, corresponding to a rest arm. The measurement comprises the detection of several effective cycles, each comprising a first effective voltage drop phase and a second effective voltage drop phase, in which the consecutive cycle number is greater than three and in which the comparison comprises a determining at least one undesired effective cycle, and wherein the generation comprises generating a fault information relating to the controller. - The comparison comprises a voltage determination during the second motion phase less than a predefined minimum voltage, and wherein the generation comprises a generation of a power failure information of the battery 7. - The time interval comprises the duration of the series. - The time interval starts to detection of a control signal from the control element. It is thus possible to limit the activation of all or part of the processing means. They can for example be put on standby and awake when a control signal is detected; generally, at the start of the device, the engine executes a first preparation cycle to prepare the launch of the first target to receive the control signal. The time interval can therefore also begin at this start, which allows to detect faults even before any target throwing. It may stop after a predetermined time or when the device is put to sleep or turned off. In practice, the stands never disarm or very rarely machines not to lose a target each time, and also for the time to devote to it. The comparison comprises a determination of the realization of one of the at least one model and in which the generation comprises a generation of information corresponding to the number of cycles of said model. - A comparison of the information corresponding to the number of cycles of said model with a number of controlled cycles defined by the control signal.

The processing system 15 comprises a controller 10 comprising processing means provided with an input of a battery electric signal and an input of the control signal, the controller 10 further comprising an output of the control signal. - The processing system 10 comprises a receiver 8 in communication with the controller 10 and comprising a sound interface and / or visual for a user.

The present invention makes it possible to manage the operating states of target launching machines. This management can be individualized, by machine, or be organized in a network. In the latter case, the invention makes it possible to pool means so as to manage a fleet of launching machines. For example, only one user can centrally access a series of information each corresponding to a launch device.

For simplicity, the representation of Figure 1 gives an exemplary embodiment of the invention applied to a single launcher 1. In general, the invention can be applied to different types of launcher.

In the case shown, it includes a target loading system. The latter comprises a barrel 3 organized in a plurality of columns for receiving stack 2 targets 2. These targets may be trays, including the clay pigeon type. Generally, the targets have a circular section. The barrel 3 allows storage of a large number of targets 2, which limits the frequency of reloading into targets of the launcher 1. However, it is understood that it is necessary to monitor the level of stock of targets in the machine to allow reloads preferably at periods not detrimental to the practice of shooters.

In the case of the machine shown, corresponding to a bunker machine, the barrel 3 is rotatably mounted about an axis parallel to the target storage columns 2 relative to a base itself mounted on a base 5 d 'sitting of the machine on the ground. The barrel 3 is rotated by the motorization. The base is provided with at least one delivery port, allowing an underlying tray to receive a target (or more depending on the type of shot to be made) in a position located in line with the delivery port. At this point, a launch arm can support the target (s) for projection. In general, the launching arm is a member movable in rotation about an axis. This mobility is ensured by a power supply drive system, by means of a battery 7. In particular, the drive system may comprise a motor, preferably a geared motor, and a power transmission chain of a kind to turn the arm. In general, the power transmitted by the geared motor during a phase of rotation of the arm ensures the tensioning of a cocking spring. When the spring is armed, it is a control of its release which ensures a sudden movement of the arm to operate the target projection phase.

To ensure the triggering of an operating cycle of the apparatus, generally comprising a rotational movement of the arm along a first angular sector for its positioning, then the second phase, in continuity, of the rotation movement of the arm following a another angular sector during which the spring is armed, the electric motor is connected to the anode 71 and the cathode 72 of the battery 7 and controlled by control means located in a control box 6 generally integral with the base 5 of the device 1.

The commands can be received in the control box 6 in the form of a signal emitted by a control element, generally distant from the apparatus 1. For example, it may be a 4-wire remote control or wireless as shown in Figure 1 having a trigger button of a launch control signal or a sequencer 9 corresponding to a programmable apparatus for controlling successive throws of targets in predetermined sequences. Several control elements can coexist. The throws may vary by the number of targets thrown simultaneously or by the inclination of the machine and its direction of launch at each throwing. Optionally, the control box 6 incorporates wireless communication means for receiving the control signal from a suitable transmitter, such as a wireless remote control. It can be a radiofrequency system.

According to the invention, it is possible to determine target counts and to deduce operating problems by exploiting the information provided by the battery 7. In particular, the applicant has found that the battery 7 is normally the object of a cycle of evolution of its voltage during the operation of the launcher. An example of a battery voltage evolution reference model is given in FIG. 3. It shows on the abscissa an evolution of time and on the ordinate a corresponding evolution of the voltage. At the beginning of the graph, the voltage across the battery is constant and at a nominal voltage level of 12.5 V in the case shown. Of course, the nominal voltage depends on the parameters of the battery and its level of wear; it evolves over time, downward. In addition, it is agreed that the nominal voltage may vary slightly between two batteries assumed to be identical, in particular within a range of plus or minus 5%. At this level, corresponding to the default value at rest of the battery 7, the device does not request the latter and is at rest. A first phase of voltage variation during which a voltage drop occurs, for example a value of 1 V (this value is indicative, depends on the charge level of the battery, its capacity as well as the energy level required for the motorization and can oscillate between 0.1 volt and 1 volt.This first phase corresponds to the idling operation of the geared motor for a first period of time, for example of the order of 1.5 seconds. For example, this phase ensures that a target (or several) is reloaded into the launch zone, followed by a second phase of voltage drop, for example for a duration of 0.5 seconds. 1.5 V additional value (this value is indicative, it can correspond to a loading of the spring corresponding to the placement of the arm in the armed position) This phase implies a greater resisting torque at the geared motor and this is why the voltage drop is high relative to the nominal value (in practice, the time of the complete cycle is about 2 seconds, and distributed in 1.7 seconds for the first phase and 0.3 seconds for the second; these elements may vary according to the level of load, the capacity as well as the effort required).

When the spring is energized and the arm is stopped waiting for a command to trigger its rotation, the voltage rises to the nominal value. Overall, a cycle of a fixed duration, for example two seconds, has been operated and will be repeated between each launch to rearm the arm and produce the delivery of a new target (or more) on the launch zone.

This voltage evolution cycle can be repeated as many times as necessary each time a target throwing is commanded or when an order concerns a burst (corresponding to the successive throws of targets).

It turns out that this change in voltage at the battery 7 is indicative of normal operating phases of a launcher. Therefore, the invention proposes to monitor this evolution and derive information relating to the state of operation of the machine to which the battery connected. One can in particular draw a first model corresponding to a simple throw (that is to say, a command to operate a single movement of the arm projection). For this first model, we can define a voltage evolution corresponding to that of Figure 3. We can define other models including a model for a series of multiple shots. In this case, the model comprises a plurality of voltage variation sequences of the type of that of FIG.

In a first embodiment, the measurement of the voltage of the battery makes it possible to detect a malfunction when arming the arm. In particular, it is possible to detect a too long duration of the second phase of voltage drop (for example more than 20 or 40% with respect to the predefined duration, for example during a value between 0.7 and one second). The control box of the machine is optionally equipped with a safety device type circuit breaker or fuse, but the time that this device takes effect and interrupts the power supply, the time allotted to phase 2 is largely exceeded). It can be deduced that the rotation of the geared motor is blocked in its progression during this arming phase, for example because an obstacle blocks the movement of a part in the transmission chain.

In another additional or alternative case, it is possible to detect a defect in the throwing control, for example in the repercussion of a command signal received at the throwing system, when no variation of tension occurs despite the generation of a control signal.

Another feature is the multiplication of voltage change cycles abnormally. In the case of a single throw, it is abnormal to see more than one cycle of variation of tension. In the case of successive shots controlled by a single control signal, it is abnormal to see more cycles of variation of voltage than successive shots controlled. It may be that a trigger element of the launch system is defective, for example a push button or a relay, causing the gear motor does not stop.

The measurement of the present invention can also be used to monitor the state of the battery. Indeed, if the voltage during phase 2 drops below a threshold threshold (for example 9.5 volts) for a minimum time as an example of 3 seconds, the battery is considered as discharged and requires recharging or a replacement.

Another potential feature is to count the number of launch cycles to determine the number of targets projected by the device. It is thus possible to make a count of the target stock contained in the storage element 3. Optionally, this counting information can be compared with counting information resulting from the processing of the launch control signals.

To implement the method of the invention, it is possible to install, in solidarity with or close to the apparatus 1, a controller 10 making it possible to carry out all or part of the steps of the method. The controller 10 may have a box-type envelope inside which are constituted processing means participating in the invention. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the controller 10 is advantageously connected, by a control output 11, to the input of the control unit 6 of the apparatus 1 so as to transmit to it the information of the control signals from the control element. Thus, an input of the control unit 6, usually intended to cooperate with the control element, is connected to the controller 10. The latter interfaces with the control element via an input 12 to which the control element can be connected. As a result, the control signals pass through the controller 10 between the control element and the control box of the apparatus. Advantageously, this transit is passive, in that the signal is not modified so that it can be interpreted by the device as if it were transmitted directly by the control element.

The controller 10 is also connected to the terminals 71, 72 of the battery as shown in Figure 1 and the line 13 of the signal input from the battery in Figure 2.

In the example shown, the controller 10 includes a processing system 15 receiving the battery voltage and control signal information. On this last point, a line 16 makes it possible to recover the information of the control signals in parallel with their transmission to the control output 11. The processing system 15 may comprise a microcontroller equipped with a processor and storage means, for example EPROM type, for storing program elements. Advantageously, the means 15 will furthermore make it possible to measure the voltage at the terminals of the battery. In addition, the controller 10 preferably comprises a transmitter 14 for the exchange of data with at least one remote element. Preferably, it is a wireless transmitter, at least emitter, for example radiofrequency type. Optionally, one or more adjustment buttons are accessible on the cabinet of the controller 10, for example for resetting the counting of targets or for a definition of operating parameters, for example the predefined reference models or the voltage levels. acceptable.

According to a first possibility, the controller 10 integrates all the processing means that are useful for carrying out the method of the invention. It can for example itself make the comparison between the evolution of the measured voltage and the predefined model or models. A visual or audible interface may be implemented in the controller 10 to inform the user of a malfunction.

According to another possibility, the controller 10 cooperates with a receiver 8 advantageously distant from the latter. An example of this cooperation is shown in Figure 1. Preferably, the communication between these two parts is via the transmitter 14. The receiver 8 is itself equipped with corresponding communication means, and in particular for the least a receiver. This solution allows at least to deport the visual and / or sound interface with the user at the receiver 8, that is to say at a distance from the device 1. Moreover, a receiver 8 can be associated to a plurality of controllers 10 so that it can be shared for the management of a plurality of launching devices 1.

In addition, the receiver 8 may itself incorporate part of the processing means for carrying out the method of the invention. For example, the controller 10 can provide the measurement of the voltage and the acquisition of the signals, in particular the control signal 16. This information can be transmitted to the receiver 8 which provides the further processing. In particular, the receiver 8 may, in this example, comprise a processor associated with a memory, for example of the EPROM type, making it possible to store the reference models, all the necessary parameters and the program elements making it possible to perform the comparison of the invention and the generation of the operating state signals. These processing means located in the receiver 8 can be shared for several devices 1. Advantageously, the receiver 8 comprises a display element, for example in the form of a screen, for displaying operating states of the equipment park. including, for example, possible defects and the level of target stock in each device 1. For example, when a minimum stock threshold is reached for a machine, an alert can be triggered so that managers can anticipate the reloading the launching device according to various constraints such as the distance, the difficulty of access or the rate of use of the device in question.

According to one possibility, the controller 10 retrieves the control signals that can correspond to electrical pulses from the control element and passing through the control channels 17. This information, particularly useful for counting the number of launched targets, can to be transmitted without delay to the receiver 8 or transmitted deferred, for example according to a predefined period or when a predetermined number of shots have been counted, for example in a batch of twenty. The receiver can then decrement the amount of targets associated with the device. When the manager is notified that the alert threshold is reached, he can fill the machine and then reset the operation of the controller 10, for example by pressing a pushbutton located on the box of the controller 10. This action informs the controller 10 that the quantity of targets stored in the apparatus 1 is again maximum. The maximum values can be managed in the controller 10 or at the receiver 8.

Note that the implementation of the invention does not interfere with the usual organization of the apparatus 1. In particular, conventional control elements such as a remote control 4 or a sequencer 9 specifically designed for a type of launching machine can be used without their operation being thwarted by the implementation of the invention. The controller 10 is simply inserted between the control element and the control box of the apparatus to be equipped.

However, the receiver and a control element can be associated in a single hardware set. The invention is not limited to the previously described embodiments but extends to all embodiments in accordance with his spirit.

REFERENCES 1. machine / launching device 2. target 3. cylinder 4. wired control 5. base 6. control unit 7. battery 8. receiver 9. sequencer 10. controller 11. control output 12. control input 13. Signal line from the battery 14. Transmitter 15. Processing system 16. Control signal line 17. Control channels 71. Anode 72. Cathode

Claims (18)

A method of managing at least one target launching apparatus (2) of the type comprising a target storing element and a target launching system comprising a motor powered electrically by a battery (7), comprising an arm of FIG. projection of at least one target, the arm being movable in rotation, the launching system being controlled by a control element so as to operate a predefined series of at least one cycle of rotation of the arm, characterized in that comprises: - a voltage measurement at the terminals (71, 72) of the battery (7) at least during a time interval; a comparison of the temporal evolution of the voltage during the time interval with at least one temporal evolution model of the voltage corresponding to a nominal evolution of the voltage during at least the predefined series; an accounting of the control signals originating from the control element; a generation of at least one functional status information of the apparatus according to the comparison. 2. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one temporal evolution model of the voltage comprises a first model comprising a ringing cycle: a first phase of voltage drop during a first predefined duration of time, corresponding to a first phase of movement of the motorization configured to produce a loading of at least one target (2) in the launching system; a second voltage drop phase during a second predefined duration, corresponding to a second phase of the movement of the motorization undergoing a resistive torque greater than that encountered during the first phase of the movement; a rise in voltage, corresponding to a rest of the engine. 3. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the measurement comprises the detection of an effective cycle of a first effective phase of voltage drop and a second effective phase of voltage drop, wherein the comparison comprises a determination of an excessively long duration of the second effective phase of voltage drop with respect to the second duration, and the generation comprises a generation of information blocking the motorization. 4. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the measurement comprises the detection of several effective cycles each comprising a first effective phase of voltage drop and a second effective voltage drop phase, wherein the comparison comprises a determination. at least one undesired effective cycle, and wherein the generation comprises generating a stopping fault information of the motorization. 5. Method according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the measurement comprises the detection of the absence of voltage drop, wherein the comparison comprises a determination of absence of the cycle, and wherein the generation comprises a generation of a fault information of the control element. 6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one temporal evolution model of the voltage comprises a second model comprising a predefined number of at least two successive cycles each chaining: - a first phase of fall of voltage during a first predefined duration, corresponding to a first phase of movement of the motorization configured to produce a loading of at least one target (2) in the launching system, - a second phase of voltage drop for a second predefined duration , corresponding to a second phase of movement of the motorization undergoing a resistive torque greater than that encountered during the first phase of movement; - a rise in tension, corresponding to a rest arm. 7. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the measurement comprises the detection of several effective cycles each comprising a first effective phase of voltage drop and a second effective phase of voltage drop, wherein the consecutive cycle number is beyond of three and wherein the comparison comprises a determination of at least one undesired effective cycle, and wherein the generation comprises generating a fault information relating to the controller. The method according to one of claims 2 and 6 alone or in combination with one of the preceding claims, wherein the comparison comprises a voltage determination during the second phase of movement less than a predetermined minimum voltage for a period of time. predefined, and wherein the generation comprises generating a power failure information of the battery (7). 9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the time interval comprises the duration of the series. 10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the time interval begins detection of a control signal from the control element. 11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the comparison comprises a determination of the realization of one of the at least one model and wherein the generation comprises a generation of information corresponding to the number of cycles of said model. 12. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising a comparison of the information corresponding to the number of cycles of said model with a number of controlled cycles defined by the control signal. 13. Control device for a target launching device of the type comprising a target storage element and a target launching system electrically powered by a battery and comprising a projection arm of at least one target (2), the arm being movable in rotation, the system being controlled by a control element so as to operate a predefined series of at least one cycle of rotation of the arm, characterized in that it comprises a processing system (15) configured to the method according to one of the preceding claims. 14. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the processing system (15) comprises a controller (10) comprising processing means provided with an input of a battery electric signal and an input of the control signal, the controller (10) further comprising an output of the control signal. 15. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the processing system (15) comprises a receiver (8) in communication with the controller (10) and comprising a sound interface and / or visual for a user. 16. A set comprising at least one target launching device of the type comprising a target storage element and a target launching system powered electrically by a battery (7) and comprising a projection arm of at least one target (2). ), the arm being movable in rotation, the system being controlled by a control element so as to operate a predefined series of at least one cycle of rotation of the arm, and a device according to one of the three preceding claims. 17. An assembly according to the preceding claim comprising a device according to claim 14, wherein the control signal output of the controller (10) is physically connected to an input of a control box (6) integral with the device. 18. Computer program product comprising instructions configured for, when executed by a processor, implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 12.