Gravity-loaded target launching machine

Abstract

Machine for launching discoidal targets, comprising a launching device comprising a launching arm rotationally movable in a cycle from and to an armed position starting from which the launching arm is configured to throw a target present in a launching area, a magazine, configured to store targets pending launching, above the launching area, a transfer portion between the magazine and the launching area, configured to move the targets from the magazine to the launching area, wherein the magazine comprises a first row configured to receive juxtaposed targets and a second row configured to receive juxtaposed targets, with the second row being located above the first row and the first row and second row leading into a target lowering column extending to the transfer portion.

1 . Machine for launching discoidal targets, comprising:
 a launching device comprising a launching arm rotationally movable in a cycle from and to an armed position starting from which the launching arm is configured to throw a target present in a launching area,   a magazine, configured to store targets pending launching, above the launching area,   a transfer portion between the magazine and the launching area, configured to move the targets from the magazine to the launching area,   
       wherein the magazine comprises a first row configured to receive juxtaposed targets and a second row configured to receive juxtaposed targets, with the second row being located above the first row and the first row and second row leading into a target lowering column extending to the transfer portion. 
     
     
         2 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the first row and the second row respectively feature a first ramp and a second ramp, each inclined downwards in a direction of the lowering column. 
     
     
         3 . The machine according to  claim 1 , comprising a device for retaining targets received in the first row which is active at least when the launching arm is in the armed position. 
     
     
         4 . The machine according to  claim 3 , wherein the retaining device is active within an angular sector of a rotational travel of the launching arm of at least 30°, preferably 40°, upstream from the armed position according to a direction of rotation of the launching arm. 
     
     
         5 . The machine according to  claim 3 , wherein the retaining device comprises a stop, movable between a position in which the stop is configured to halt targets present in the first row and a position in which the stop is configured not to halt targets present in the first row. 
     
     
         6 . The machine according to  claim 5 , wherein the retaining device comprises a kinematic coupling member configured so that the stop is rotated by the launching arm. 
     
     
         7 . The machine according to  claim 6 , wherein the stop is a lever which is movable in rotation. 
     
     
         8 . The machine according to  claim 7 , wherein the kinematic coupling member comprises a cam, rotationally integral with the launching arm and pushing on the lever. 
     
     
         9 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the launching device comprises a fairing equipped with two side walls parallel to each other and to a plane of rotational travel of the launching arm, and wherein the magazine comprises a fairing equipped with two side walls parallel to each other. 
     
     
         10 . The machine according to  claim 9 , wherein the fairing of the launching device and the fairing of the magazine are parallel and offset in a direction of an axis of rotation of the launching arm. 
     
     
         11 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the magazine is foldable towards the launching device or is movable.