EP4285073A1

EP4285073A1 - System with three target launchers

Info

Publication number: EP4285073A1
Application number: EP22700999.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Michel Laporte; Jean-Marc Fouques
Original assignee: Laporte Holding SAS
Current assignee: Laporte Holding SAS
Priority date: 2021-01-29
Filing date: 2022-01-25
Publication date: 2023-12-06
Also published as: FR3119451A1; FR3119451B1; WO2022161947A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for launching targets for sport shooting, comprising, one after the other in an alignment direction, a first target throwing machine, a second target throwing machine and a third target throwing machine, each of the first, second and third machines comprising: - a launch unit (3), which is rotatably movable relative to a base; - a launch arm (32), which is rotatably movable relative to the launch unit (3); the target launching system being characterised in that the base (110) is shared by the first, second and third target throwing machines, and in that it comprises a stand (100) on which the shared base (100) is rotatably movable along a base axis (112).

Description

“Three Target Launcher System”

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of sports shooting and more particularly to target launching machines. It finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of clay pigeon shooting and in particular the discipline of the “Olympic pit”.

STATE OF THE ART

The “Olympic Trench” is a series shooting discipline. It generally requires fifteen shooting machines called "launchers" divided into five groups of three as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Each launcher is precisely configured to throw a target repeatedly along a very precise trajectory. Mechanisms have been proposed giving launchers manually adjustable orientations. A state-of-the-art machine from the applicant is illustrated in Figure 3. This machine comprises a base 1 which is fixed relative to the ground and which supports the entire machine, including a launching unit 3. The latter is the part of the machine at the level of which at least one target 4 can be projected by means of a throwing arm 32 mobile in rotation about an axis of rotation 33, the target 4 being guided on a surface of a throwing plate 31. Generally, the rapid throwing movement of the throwing arm 32 is linked to the release of the energy contained in a tensioned spring during an arming cycle.

In order to reduce the number of machines in this sports practice, solutions have been proposed such as that of document US2011/186023 A1 which discloses a shooting machine whose launch of a disc can be adjusted according to three parameters via three motorized actuators. In this prior art, it is specified that it is possible to modify the angle of projection the height projection as well as the lateral position of the machine by translation on a rail. In the context of an Olympic pit event, this technical solution could theoretically have been suitable and thus replace fifteen throwers, nevertheless it has a major drawback in its use because it does not allow a satisfactory speed of execution essential for a rapid sequence of shots and its adaptability to each shot is reduced. Indeed, the time separating two target projections in two different directions must be sufficiently short (for example the machine must be able to travel up to two meters in translation and/or 90° in horizontal rotation between two shots), and moreover , on this type of solution, the increase in speed is necessarily accompanied by a loss of precision concerning the trajectories of the targets. Patent publication WO 96/18864 A1 discloses an apparatus for the double throwing of targets of the clay pigeon type. It has two juxtaposed launchers.

In general, there is a need to optimize installations using target throwing machines in complex contexts of use, typically that of the Olympic pit involving a plurality of relative positions between shooters and machines.

An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a system making it possible to optimize the design of machines intended for target launching, particularly in the context of an Olympic pit event.

The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a review of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It is understood that other benefits may be incorporated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment there is provided a target launching system for sport shooting comprising, successively in an alignment direction, a first target throwing machine, a second target throwing machine and a third target throwing machine, each of the first machine, the second machine and the third machine comprising:

- a mobile launch unit in rotation relative to a base,

- a throwing arm mobile in rotation relative to the throwing unit, characterized in that the base is a base common to the first target throwing machine, the second target throwing machine and the third target throwing machine , and in that it comprises a base on which the common base is rotatable along a base axis.

Thus, the machines are organized in a rotating interdependent game. This allows, in one movement, to adjust the angular position of the trio of machines, in particular to adapt it to the position of a shooter, positioned on a firing point among a plurality of firing points. While current techniques require multiplying the projection machines according to the number of shooters, the proposed system greatly rationalizes the installations.

Another aspect relates to an installation for sports shooting comprising a system as described previously and a plurality of firing points arranged successively along an arc of circle centered on the base axis.

According to one possibility, in this installation, the system is configured to move the common base in rotation relative to the base to alternately place the common base in one of a plurality of angular positions, each position corresponding to a situation in which the direction of The alignment is perpendicular to a straight line passing through the base axis and the center of one of the firing points.

Another aspect relates to a method of controlling a system of three target launching machines in an installation comprising:

- a placement of the common base relative to the base in an angular position of the plurality of angular positions,

- an execution of at least one throw of at least one target,

- a displacement in rotation of the common base relative to the base, to another angular position of the plurality of angular positions,

- a new execution of at least one throw of at least one target 4.

Possibly, the placement is carried out in an angular position corresponding to a firing point located at a first end of the arc of a circle and in which the displacement in rotation and the new execution are carried out successively up to a firing point located at a second end of the circular arc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge better from the detailed description of an embodiment of the latter which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an example of a launch system for the Olympic pit as found in the prior art comprising five sets of three launchers.

Figure 2 shows an example of a launching system for the Olympic pit as found in the prior art with a shooter moving on the different firing point locations.

FIG. 3 represents a target launcher from the prior art.

Figures 4A to 4B show a launcher according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 represents a combination of three launchers according to the present invention.

Figure 6 represents the angular sectors of movement of the three launchers illustrated in Figure 5.

Figures 7A to 7F represent an adjustment of an anchor point of an actuator in three different positions and according to the invention.

FIG. 8 represents, in a view parallel to the ground, a diagram in the form of a zone of the angular sectors of movement of a system of three launchers according to the invention.

Figure 9 shows in perspective an example of mounting a base common to the three machines on a base.

Figure 10 is a side view of the elements shown in Figure 9.

Figure 11 gives details of rotational articulation of certain elements. Figure 12 is a detail view of part of a rolling device.

Figure 13 is a detail view of another part of a rolling device.

FIG. 14A is a top view of an installation, in a first angular position of the common base, suitable for firing from a first firing point.

Figure 14B is a top view of the system in the angular position of the previous figure.

Figure 15A is a top view of an installation, in a second angular position of the common base, suitable for firing from a second firing point.

Figure 15B is a top view of the system in the angular position of the previous figure.

Figure 16A is a top view of an installation, in a third angular position of the common base, suitable for firing from a third firing point.

Figure 16B is a top view of the system in the angular position of the previous figure.

The drawings are given by way of examples and do not limit the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily scaled to practical applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before starting a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional characteristics are set out below which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively:

- the base axis 112 coincides with the axis of rotation (or first direction 35), with respect to the common base 110, of the launch unit 3 of the second machine;

- A base actuator 130 is configured to rotate the common base 110 relative to the base 100;

- A rolling device 120 is interposed between an upper face 101 of the base 100 and a lower face of the common base 110;

- the rolling device 120 comprises at least one rolling assembly 123 comprising on the one hand a raceway with a profile in a portion of a circle centered on the base axis 112 and arranged on one of the upper face 101 of the base 100, and, on the other hand, at least one roller rotatably mounted on the other among the upper face 101 of the base 100 and the lower face of the common base 110 and configured to move along the raceway 122;

- the rolling device 120 comprises several rolling assemblies 123, at least some of which have rolling paths 122 at different distances relative to the base axis 112;

- The rolling device 120 comprises four bearing assemblies 123 arranged in pairs on either side of the axis of rotation, relative to the common base 110, respectively of each of the first machine and the second machine; - each pair of bearing assemblies 123 is arranged opposite one, different, among the launching unit 3 of the first machine and the launching unit 3 of the third machine;

- the rolling device 120 comprises at least one rolling assembly 123 arranged opposite the launching unit 3 of the second machine;

- the bearing assembly 123 arranged opposite the launch unit 3 of the second machine comprises a raceway 122 in the shape of a circle;

- each of the first machine, the second machine and the third machine is configured to respectively scan a first angular sector 61 of movement, a second angular sector 62 of movement and a third angular sector 63 of movement, said sectors being different from each other others.

The three machines are preferably preconfigured to respectively scan an angular sector of movement from among a plurality of different predetermined angular sectors. These machines may be identical except as regards the angular sector of movement in rotation. Each machine can be assigned, without the possibility of sector adjustment, a given angular sector (and different from that of the other machines), but, preferably, these machines are adjustable and are set separately to produce this difference in angular sector.

According to one possibility, the machines of the system each comprise a system for adjusting the angular sector of movement selectively making it possible to reduce the angular sector of movement to one among a plurality of different predetermined angular sectors comprising at least a first angular sector, a second angular sector and a third angular sector.

As a result, the adjustment makes it possible to reduce the angular displacement and thus the throwing arm only moves a few degrees to reach the desired throwing angle. As a result, the device is more precise and the target is projected according to the planned trajectory. The adjustment system allows at least three distinct configurations for the same machine, which also allows multiple use of a universal launcher and thus a reduction linked to production costs. Reducing the angular sector to be scanned makes it possible to limit the speed of the actuator and therefore to choose actuators, in particular cylinders, which are more stable in the stationary position even in the event of a power cut; typically, it is the power transmission links which are more irreversible and which thus avoid parasitic movements due to the forces applied by the elements of the machine.

According to one example, the adjustment system is configured to modify the position of the actuator. This allows an advantageous optimization of the orientation of the actuator according to the angular sector of travel selected. Indeed, the actuator is thus ideally positioned to maximize its efficiency.

According to one example, the actuator 71, 72, 73 is an electric cylinder.

According to one example, the adjustment system comprises a plurality of anchor points where capable of cooperating alternately with at least one anchoring unit of the actuator 71, 72, 73. The anchoring unit is preferably at one of the ends of the actuator, for example at the distal end of a cylinder rod or at the rear end of a cylinder body.

According to one example, an adjustment system is configured to modify an anchor point of the first actuator 71 on the base 1 .

According to one example, an adjustment system is configured to modify an anchor point of the first actuator 71 on the launch unit 3.

Preferably, the adjustment system is configured to modify a distance separating an anchoring unit of the actuator on an anchoring point of the base 1 and an anchoring unit of the actuator on an anchoring point of the support 2. In other words, the distance separating the anchoring of the actuator on the support 2 and the anchoring of the actuator on the base is modified by using different anchoring points, at least on one of the base and stand.

Optionally, an anchoring unit can equip one end of an actuator and another anchoring unit can equip the other end of the actuator. An anchoring unit means any element able to ensure a connection between the actuator and a part of the machine among the base and the support. An anchor point means any element capable of cooperating with an anchor unit to ensure the connection. Such a connection may typically be a pivot connection along an axis parallel to that of the rotation offered by the actuator in question.

According to one example, a second actuator 72 allows an additional adjustment of the angular position of the launch unit 3 in an angular sector of displacement in rotation along a second direction 36, allowing an inclination of the launch unit 3 with respect to the base 1, the first direction being different from the second direction

According to one example, an energy accumulation spring makes it possible to move the throwing arm 32 and the machine further comprises a system for varying the tension of the spring, the system is configured so as to maintain a constant throwing distance and regardless of the angular position set by the second actuator 72 in a sector of rotation along the second direction 36.

According to one example, the three machines are arranged so that a central machine is centered between two lateral machines and the angular sectors of the lateral machines are symmetrical with respect to a direction of fire 34 of the central machine.

According to one example, the predetermined angular sectors 61, 62, 63 intersect.

According to one example, the stage of selective adjustment of the deflection angle is carried out by modifying the position of the first actuator 71 .

According to one example, a machine is used comprising an actuator 71, 72, 73 which comprises an anchoring unit able to cooperate with a fixing element on an anchoring point among several anchoring points on one of the base 1 and support 2 to allow the selective adjustment step.

It is specified that in the context of the present invention, the term “launcher” is sometimes used instead of “machine” as claimed object, these terms should be considered as equivalent. In the context of the invention, the positioning precision in the assembly of the various components of the launchers depends on the precision of the shot and thus the play of the mechanisms is likely to cause theoretical lateral disparities in the trajectories of the targets for two identical machines. . For example, we can see a lateral deviation of 25 cm for a shot of 76 m. It is therefore appropriate to accept a target trajectory deviation margin between two machines having the same settings. These deviations will therefore be taken into account when two trajectories are qualified as identical. The allowable dropout uncertainty of the target can also correspond to a square of 2 m side centered at 76 m from the launcher.

In the context of the invention, the term “radial orientation” or “radially” will be understood to refer to the positioning of a mobile element in rotation with respect to an axis.

In the rest of the description, the term “on” does not necessarily mean “directly on”. Thus, when it is indicated that a part or a component A is resting "on" a part or a component B, this does not mean that the parts or components A and B are necessarily in direct contact with the other. These parts or components A and B can either be in direct contact or be supported on one another by the intermediary of one or more other parts. It is the same for other expressions such as for example the expression "A acts on B" which can mean "A acts directly on B" or "A acts on B via one or more other parts ".

In the present patent application, the term mobile corresponds to a rotational movement or to a translational movement or even to a combination of movements, for example the combination of a rotation and a translation.

In the present patent application, when it is indicated that two parts are distinct, it means that these parts are separate. They are :

- positioned at a distance from each other, and/or

- movable relative to each other and/or

- secured to each other by being fixed by added elements, this fixing being removable or not.

A unitary one-piece part cannot therefore be made up of two separate parts.

In the present patent application, the term "united" used to qualify the connection between two parts means that the two parts are linked/fixed with respect to each other, according to all the degrees of freedom, except if is explicitly specified differently. For example, if it is indicated that two parts are integral in translation along an X direction, this means that the parts can be movable relative to each other except along the X direction. In other words, if one moves a part along the X direction, the other part performs the same movement. In the present patent application, an elastic means can for example be a spring, such as a coil spring, elastic washers such as Belleville washers, an elastomer, a rubber.

PRESENTATION OF THE OLYMPIC PIT

As a reminder of the technology usually encountered, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, a series of fifteen launchers 91 distributed along a line and advantageously oriented and parametrized, make it possible to validate the standards required by the regulations of an official "Olympic pit" event. In the general case, the orientation of each of the launchers 91 is parameterized so as to remain the same throughout an event. Thus, each launcher 91 is able to launch a target 4 according to a pre-established projection, and adjusted so as to repeat the launch as faithfully as possible in order to obtain identical trajectories.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a shooter 81 moves throughout the event between the different firing point locations 8 in order to position himself in front of a system 9 comprising three launchers 91 which, randomly, are capable of ejecting a projectile in a predefined direction, either to the left, or to the right, or to the center. Thus, the shooter does not know in advance which of the three launchers 91 of the system 9 will project a target 4. Possibly, shooters 81 can each be in position on a different firing point.

Details are first given below corresponding to the possibilities that the launching machines, or launchers, implemented in the system of the invention may present.

Next, the system itself is described.

STRUCTURAL DESCRIPTION OF A LAUNCHER

Unless otherwise provided, the machine proposed here may take up one or more aspects of such a launcher, the terms machines and launchers being considered equivalent. As illustrated in FIG. 3 and according to an example of a device from the prior art, the launcher 91 comprises a base 1 on which is positioned a launch unit 3 by means of a support 2 movable in rotation relative to the base via an axis 20 of support. The launching unit comprises a launching plate 31 as well as a launching arm 32 movable in rotation relative to the launching plate 31 via an axis 33. A target 4 is advantageously positioned on a launching plate 31. The throwing arm 32 by an accelerated movement comes to cooperate by contact with the target 4 in order to project it according to a pre-established trajectory.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION OF A LAUNCHER

According to this same example, the accelerated movement of the arm can be triggered via a mechanical actuator. Advantageously, it is an elastic means such as a stretched spring. When, for example, the spring is released, it triggers, by release of mechanical energy, an accelerated movement of the throwing arm 32 and the projection of the target 4 follows.

As illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, and according to a preferred embodiment, the launcher 91 comprises a base 1 on which is mounted a support 2 supporting a launch unit 3. We will see later that the base 1 of each machine is shared for all three machines. The bases 1 of the machines thus form a single common base 100. The launch unit 3 comprises a launch plate 31 surmounted by a barrel 37 making it possible to reload the targets 4 in an automated and continuous manner. The launch unit 3 is rotatable relative to the support 2 along at least one direction 36 so that the launch plate is oriented along a firing direction 34 here schematized purely illustrative. The support 2 is rotatable relative to the base 1 in a direction 35. The first direction 35 may be vertical in a position of use of the machine in a pit; the second direction 36 may be perpendicular to the first direction 35, it may be a direction of inclination relative to a horizontal plane in a position of use of the machine in a pit.

According to this same embodiment, the support 2 and the launching unit 3 are integral in rotation along the first direction 35 and consequently, the orientation of the launching unit 3 along the first direction 35, is carried out simultaneously with the rotation of the support 2 with respect to the base 1 . This rotation is performed automatically and preferably semi-automatically using a motorized actuator 71. The orientation can be carried out laterally or in height by playing on the rotations according to the directions 35,36. However, a single rotational mobility may suffice.

We can also consider a target projection power setting of 4.

By motorized actuator 71, 72, 73, we mean any type of powered element whose purpose is to produce a mechanical movement by energy transformation. This may, for example, be a hydraulic or electrical supply. The term "motorized" means a non-manual drive. An actuator may comprise a rod or arm movable in translation on command. It can be the rod of a cylinder, or a rod of a crank rod system whose rotation is provided by the output shaft of an engine.

According to this example, the launcher 91 is advantageously adjustable according to two, or even three parameters, and these adjustments are carried out automatically. This allows the same launcher 91 to randomly project targets 4 according to a multitude of different programmed trajectories. These adjustments can then be made in real time during the "Olympic pit" event so that they allow an optimized configuration of the launchers.

Thus, according to this example, the invention proposes an alternative technical solution to those of the prior art from a single group of three optimized launchers 91. Advantageously, this technical solution requires only one firing point 9 since after each target projection 4, the trajectories of the three launchers 91 are preferentially modified automatically, for example in less than eight seconds. The shooter 81 no longer needs to move, the system 9 of three launchers 91 is capable of reproducing, in a cyclic manner, the fifteen trajectory variants in accordance with the requirements of the regulations for “Olympic pit” events. According to one embodiment, the base 1 comprises a flat surface parallel to the ground and the main direction 35 can be modeled by an axis perpendicular to the ground. Advantageously, the height of the machine is vertical when a launcher 91 is positioned for an Olympic pit event.

ACTUATORS

In order to allow at least partial automation of the adjustments of the trajectory of a target 4, the rotation of the launching unit 3 according to the first direction 35 using a first actuator 71, allows an automated lateral adjustment of the launcher 91. According to an example complementary to the preferred embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the launcher unit launch 3 is mobile in order to allow adjustment of the inclination of the launch plate 31 and consequently of the angle of ejection of the targets 4. This adjustment being carried out using a second actuator 72. Finally according to an example also compatible with the preferred embodiment, the launcher 91 comprises a third actuator 73 allowing adjustment of the projection power of the target 4.

ACTUATOR ANCHORING

According to the preferred mode of the invention, the first actuator 71 allows adjustment of the orientation of the base in the direction 35 and therefore the first actuator 71 radially orients the launch unit 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 and in order to allow better responsiveness and better precision of the launcher 91, the lateral adjustment of each launcher 91 is deliberately reduced and limited between two lateral terminals 610 and thereby defines a first angular sector of movement. A firing direction corresponds in this figure to a throwing direction in line with the machine, without angle, in front of the shooter. In the case of the Olympic pit, advantageously, the three machines are capable of firing in this direction; indeed, it is advantageous for the angular sectors of each of the three machines to partially overlap. The preferred embodiment, particularly suitable for the Olympic pit and illustrated, implements three machines, but the invention does not exclude more than three machines, in a context of different types of shots in particular.

Thus the launcher 91 is configured according to an angular sector of travel 61, 62, 63 from among a plurality of different predetermined angular sectors comprising at least a first angular sector 61, a second angular sector 62 and a third angular sector 63.

Preferably, each launcher 91 is predefined according to a different angular sector. The angular sector will preferably be less than or equal to 60° and preferably less than or equal to 30°. According to an example and as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, in a system 9, the three launchers 91 are aligned, preferably along a line perpendicular to a mediator passing through the firing station and the machine located in the center, the back of the launcher from the center is oriented so as to face the shooter 81 so that its median direction of fire 34 is aligned with the position of the shooter 81 and its angular sector of movement 62 is equal to 20° in total advantageously distributed by two angular sectors of 10° symmetrical with respect to the direction of fire 34. Preferably, the two other launchers 91 are equally distributed so that their angular sector is arranged symmetrically with respect to the direction situated at the level of a straight line at the level of the median direction of projection of the central launcher 91 and possibly their angular sectors extend over 30° or 60°. Advantageously, the machine located to the right of the central machine has an angular sector of movement at least mainly, or even completely, directed towards the left, unlike the machine on the left.

According to one example, the actuator 71, 72, 73 comprises at least one anchoring unit, preferably located on at least one end. The anchoring unit is advantageously pivotable relative to the actuator 71, 72, 73, for example thanks to a system of bearings simple. The anchoring unit is formally configured so as to be able to cooperate with fixing elements on at least one anchoring point, preferably on three different anchoring points. The anchoring unit includes residual mobility in order to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the actuator 71, 72, 73. The anchoring unit can include, for example, a hook, an opening, a fastening system.

According to a non-illustrated example, the system for adjusting the angular sector of movement comprises a path in an oblong hole capable of cooperating with a fixing system, which can be for example a bolting element such as a screw and/or a nut. Advantageously, the path takes a curved trajectory. Preferably, on an anchor point, the actuator 71, 72, 73 can be dismantled by loosening from a first anchor point then reassembled and held in position in a second anchor point by tightening, preferably by screwing.

According to one example, the anchoring unit comprises an opening, a hook or a ball, capable of cooperating with reception elements positioned at the anchoring points. The reception elements preferably being rods, hooks, or any other mechanical element facilitating the setting and maintaining in position of an actuator 71, 72, 73.

According to one embodiment, the first actuator 71 is an electric jack. Advantageously it comprises two anchoring units, one of which is integral with the support 2 and the other is located in contact with the base 1. The anchoring unit, located in contact with the base 1, is preferably removable since it is located on one of the three anchor points.

According to one example, the base 1 is a plate, preferably metallic, which comprises a rounded protrusion at the anchor points and each anchor point defines a different angular sector of movement.

SYSTEM OF THREE MACHINES OR LAUNCHERS

As illustrated in FIG. 5 and according to the invention, a system 9 comprises three launchers 91 which can be arranged within the same shelter 92 or pit.

In this figure, it is noted that the system 9 is integrated into an installation which comprises firing points 8 in which a shooter can take up position. In the example shown, corresponding to the practice of the Olympic pit, five shooting ranges are present. Advantageously, each firing point has a center, the centers of the firing points following each other along an arcuate line; preferably, the arcuate line is centered on the base axis 112 of rotation of the common base, explained later. In particular, the radius of the arc of a circle could correspond to a value of 15 m (see the dimension 15,000 mm in figure 5); alternatively or in addition, the firing points can be spaced 2.5 m apart (see the dimension of 2500 mm in figure 5); advantageously, along the arc of a circle, the firing points 8 are spaced apart by a constant angular sector, preferably of approximately 10°, corresponding for example to the value of 9.56° as shown in FIG. 5.

The details of the rotation of the common base 110 and of the relative position of the system 9 and the firing points 8 are given later in the description.

SHOOTING ANGLES According to one embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the three launchers 91 are configured so as to be able to be oriented according to an angular sector of travel 61, 62, 63 comprising a direction of fire 34 which can sweep a different angular sector for each of the three machines.

ANCHOR POINTS

According to one embodiment, each launcher has at least one angular sector of travel 61, 62, 63 predefined upstream of an “Olympic pit” event. These angular sectors are preferably adjusted manually. Preferably, the actuator 71, 72, 73 is advantageously secured to two elements of the launcher 91 by two anchor points. For a given actuator, it is advantageously the distance between the two anchors which is modified by motor to vary the firing angle (or the firing power). But to modify the angular sector of this motorized deflection, the position of at least one of the anchorages is adjusted, preferably manually. Thus, the launcher 91 is advantageously configured so that the at least one anchor point of the actuator 71, 72, 73 can be easily dismantled from a first location and then reassembled on a second location provided for this purpose. Thus the at least one anchor point of the actuator 71, 72, 73 may vary, and thereby allow optimization of the positioning of the actuator relative to the desired firing direction sector 34.

According to one embodiment, the dismantling of the actuator at at least one anchor point is carried out using a mechanical fastening element which can be, for example, parts of bolts, such as for example a screw/nut system. .

According to one embodiment, an adjustment clearance is provided at at least one anchoring point of the actuator 71, 72, 73 in order to facilitate its fixing on the base 1 or on the support 2. This may be by example of an oblong adjustment hole.

According to a preferred embodiment, a system 9 comprises three launchers 91 which differ only in the anchoring point of an actuator 71, preferably this will be the first actuator 71.

In one example, all 91 launchers are identical in that they have exactly the same components.

EXAMPLE ACCORDING TO A PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT

In Figures 7A to 7F are illustrated an example according to a particular embodiment in which an actuator 71, 72, 73 is advantageously positioned in order to vary a firing direction 34 in an angular sector of travel 61, 62, 63 preset. Indeed, the modification of the positioning of the actuator preferentially makes functional another angular sector of direction of fire 34. In each of the three configurations given for the angular sectors, the direction of fire 34 is included in the angular sector of movement 61 , 62, 63 which is set.

According to this last example, the first actuator 71 is advantageously integral with the launcher 91 at two anchoring points. A first anchor point is located on the support 2. A second anchor point is located on the base 1. According to a preferred embodiment, in that second anchor point, the first actuator 71 is configured so as to be disassembled, then reassembled on at least one additional anchor point, preferably two additional anchor points, located on the base 1 . According to one possibility, it is one end of the rod of an actuator jack 71 which is connected to an anchoring point of the support and one end of the body of the actuator jack 71 which is connected to a point base anchor.

Preferably, the possible anchor points of the base are differently spaced from the anchor point of the support so that, in each of the situations represented in FIGS. 7A/7B, 7C/7D, 7E/7F, the length of the actuator between the two anchor points is different. In the case of a cylinder, this corresponds to a different cylinder rod extension length in the three situations. In other words, the formation of each angular sector is carried out by modifying the sector of travel in translation of the actuator, and for example of the rod of a cylinder. The angular sectors can overlap, so that the sectors of travel in translation of the actuator can also overlap but they are different.

Thus, the machine of FIGS. 7A and 7B preferably corresponds to the machine on the right of FIG. 6. Overall, the cylinder rod is more retracted there than in the two other positions, of FIGS. 7C/7D and 7E/7F. Thus, in FIG. 7A, a firing direction 34 is located in the sector 63. As the rod is more retracted, its movement at the outlet is greater, which allows actuation of the support 2 mainly in a counterclockwise direction. This is what makes it possible to reach the position represented in FIG. 7B which here corresponds for example to a terminal of the angular sector 63.

The machine of Figures 7C and 7D preferably corresponds to the machine in the middle of Figure 6. The distance separating the two anchorages is less important than in the previous case and this position is advantageously configured so that the rod can move in translation according to strokes of equivalent length on entry or exit around the position represented, which may correspond to a neutral position. The two extreme positions of the cylinder rod correspond respectively to the illustrations of FIGS. 7C and 7D to modify the direction of fire 34 in sector 62 accordingly.

Figures 7E and 7F correspond preferentially to the machine on the left in Figure 6. This time, the distance between the anchors is maximum, so that the actuator 71 is the most extended in this position. In the case of a cylinder, it is in this situation that the rod is extended the most, for a throw to the right of the pit. On the other hand, the length of re-entrant stroke of the rod of the cylinder is greater there, which allows greater travel in a trigonometric direction. Thus, one can operate a movement of 30° in the sector 61 by a reentrant movement of the cylinder rod from the firing direction 34 of FIG. 7E to that of FIG. 7F.

As a result of the previous explanations, one aspect of embodiments of the machine makes it possible to modify the length of the outgoing rod in a situation for a shot at the right of the pit by modifying at least one of the anchorings of the cylinder. Thanks to this modification, it is possible to modify the stroke of the actuator in the direction of rod extension and the stroke of the actuator in the direction of retraction of the rod. It is thus possible to make the actuator 71 of one of the machines work so that the angular sector covered is mainly induced by an outgoing translation of the rod. In addition, the actuator 71 of another machine can be made to work so that the angular sector covered is mainly induced by a reentrant translation of the rod. Furthermore, the actuator 71 of another machine, preferably the central machine, can be made to work, so that the angular sector covered is distributed identically between the outgoing stroke and the retracting stroke of the cylinder rod.

The explanations given above are applicable mutatis mutandis to a deflection of moving parts in translation other than the rod of a cylinder, for example an arm of a crank rod system.

VARIANTS AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS (ANCHORING BASE ON ROTATING CARRIAGE, BASE ON TRANSLATION CARRIAGE.)

According to a particular embodiment, the base is removable and the actuator 71, 72, 73 may not be removable. Preferably, the base is mounted on a mobile carriage in rotation and whose rotation can be blocked according to three predefined anchoring points.

According to another embodiment, the base 1 is mounted on a movable carriage in translation. ELECTRIC JACK

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the actuators 71, 72, 73 is an electric jack. Preferably, these may be 12V electric actuators associated with sensors dedicated to the positioning of the actuators, which may be of the potentiometer, optical or Hall effect type. According to one example, the number of pulses per mm of stroke is 12599 and the permitted load is 6000 N. In each angular sector 61, 62, 63, the stroke of the cylinder may be low, for example less than 5 cm.

ANGULAR SECTORS OF DEBATEMENT

As illustrated in FIG. 8 and according to one embodiment of the invention, the system 9 comprising three launchers 91 is configured so as to be able to project targets 4 according to three different angular sectors of travel, a first angular sector 61, a second angular sector 62 and a third angular sector 63.

SECOND ADJUSTMENT DIRECTION

According to a particular embodiment in which a first adjustment is configured to allow disassembly of a first actuator 71 from a first location then reassembly of the first actuator 71 in a second location, the invention provides that at least a second adjustment equivalent can be performed on at least a second actuator 72. Possibly the launcher 91 is configured so as to allow a third equivalent adjustment of an at least third actuator 73.

POWER ADJUSTMENT

According to a particular embodiment, the launcher 91 comprises a system for varying the launch tension operating thanks to an elastic element and preferably a spring, typically a spring put under tension during an arming phase. The actuator 73 preferably includes an anchor connected to one end of the spring so that the tension of the charged spring can be adjusted according to the position of this anchor. The system is advantageously configured to keep a projection distance constant despite the modification of at least one angular position per actuator 7.

According to one embodiment, the origin of movement of the actuators 71, 72, 73 or the load of the spring/s can be moved electronically within a calculation unit in order to compensate for the variations in trajectory due to altitude, winds or other meteorological parameters.

According to one embodiment, a sequencer controls the system 9 comprising the three launchers 91. Preferably, it integrates the data relating to all the trajectories and manages, for example, the evolution of the combinations during the firing session for one or more shooters 81. The sequencer may include a processor and an instruction storage memory for executing actuator commands.

In the context of training and according to a particular embodiment, the sequencer also offers the possibility of selecting specific trajectories, of repeating them, and of modifying their difficulty by decreasing or increasing the speed of projection of the targets 4, or by creating your own shooting sequence.

According to one example, the sequencer also determines which launcher 91 must be requested for the upcoming shot.

According to one embodiment, the invention comprises an interface between the shooter and the sequencer. Preferably, it can be a radio control comprising a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter can be for example a "lavalier microphone" in order to allow a departure of the target under command of the voice or devices more complex acoustics using tripod microphones.

EXAMPLE OF ROTATING MOBILE COMMON BASE

Figure 9 provides a perspective view of the cooperation of a base 100 and a common base 110 receiving each of the machines.

Preferably, the base 100 is fixed relative to the ground, but this arrangement is not exclusive. An upper face 101 of the base supports the common base 110; the latter itself has an upper face 111 supporting the machines; the support 2 of each machine is pivotally mounted relative to the common base 110. The common base 110 has a face opposite its upper face 111 which faces the upper face 101 of the base 100. The common base 110 is pivotally mounted relatively to the base 100, around a geometric axis 112, here referred to as the base axis.

In the example shown, the base 100 can be a basic element of all three machines, metallic. The common base 110 is advantageously a planar structure and can be at least partially formed by a metal plate; the machines 91 being aligned on the common base 110, the latter can have an elongated shape as shown in FIG. 9, the three machines succeeding each other along their direction of alignment 114. Advantageously, the main directions 35 of the machines 91 have spacing (for example between 1 meter to 1.10 meters), the second machine being located in the center relative to the other two. Preferably, the base axis 112 coincides with the main direction 35 of the machine 91 disposed in the middle, that is to say the second machine following the alignment direction 114. Thus, the rotation of the support 2 and the rotation of the common base 110 takes place along the same axis, the assembly therefore being perfectly centered.

FIG. 9 further shows that the mobility in relation to the common base 110 can be produced by means of a base actuator 130; in the representation, the latter has a first connection 131 for mounting it, preferably rotationally, on the common base 110 and a second connection 132 for mounting it, preferably rotationally, on the base 100.

For the actuator 130, by way of example, an electric actuator can be used, for example with a working voltage of 12 V; sensors dedicated to the positioning of the cylinder (and possibly to the positioning of other machine actuators) can be of the type: potentiometer, optical or Hall effect. The actuator acts, in the case of the figure, on a lever arm oriented towards the center of the common base 110 is perpendicular to the direction of alignment 114 of the three machines.

Figure 10 provides another view of the embodiment of Figure 9, in profile, in a vertical plane in the normal position of use of the system.

To ensure the rotation of the common base 110 relative to the base 100, a rolling device 120 is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, raceways 122 are used (here produced on the upper face 101 of the base 100) on which rollers 121 (here mounted in rotation on the lower face of the common base 110, along an axis perpendicular to the base axis 112 and directed along a radius of the circular path of the common base 110,) move. The raceways 122 have a circular profile, or a portion of a circle, as is the case for the two end bearing assemblies 123 shown in FIG. 11 and arranged at the level of the first machine and the third machine , or in a complete circle, as is the case with the bearing assembly 123 arranged at the level of the second machine.

According to one possibility, for each machine, a set of bearings 123 is associated, that is to say located at the same level as the machine, and preferably opposite, below, the support 2. A set 123 can comprise two raceways 122 arranged on two circles of different diameters centered on the base axis 112. Preferably, the main axis 35 of each machine is arranged between each of these two paths, and preferably at mid-distance. This makes it possible to balance the resumption of effort. For a raceway 122 considered, at least one roller 121 is used, and for example one or two rollers. One can for example provide three rollers in total for a set 123, to form a three-point force recovery, as shown in Figure 12 opposite the first machine 91 .

At the level of the base axis 112, the common base 110 has in its lower part, in its center, a ring 115 containing a bearing, as shown in FIG. 13 more particularly. A shaft 102 integral with the base 100 makes it possible to center the common base 110 by crossing its thickness. Figures 14A to 16B give examples of the succession of movements of the common base 110 to adapt to different firing points 8.

In the example shown, having five firing points 8, the common base 110 preferably performs four successive rotations of approximately 10° each in a first direction (for example trigonometric) from an end firing point 8, as the one bearing the number 1 in FIG. 14A; each time, the execution of a target throw is operated. Once arrived at the position bearing the number 5, the common base 110 is rotated in the opposite direction, to perform a reverse path by traversing all the firing points 8, to return to the firing point number 1.

As shown in Figure 14A, a configuration for firing from step number 1 is such that the line 93 passing through the center of the firing point under consideration and the base axis 112 is perpendicular to the direction of alignment 114 of the machines. This corresponds to the angular position of the common base 110 shown in Figure 14B.

To adapt to the next firing point, firing point number 2 in Figure 15A, the common base 110 performs a rotation, shown schematically by the arrows in Figure 15B. It is line 93 corresponding to firing point number 2 which is then adjusted.

Figure 16A shows the adjustment at firing point number 3, which is central here. Figure 16B shows the relative position of the common base 110 and the base 100. As indicated above, additional successive movements advantageously continue until firing point number 5, in the same way.

According to one embodiment, the invention provides a solution in which an "Olympic Pit" with three launchers 91, preferably arranged within a shelter 92.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments in accordance with its spirit.

DIGITAL REFERENCES

1 . Elemental basis

2. Bracket

20. Axis

3. Launch Unit

31. Launch Plate

32. Throwing arm

33. Axis of rotation

34. Direction of fire

35. First Direction

36. Second Direction

37. Barrel

4. Target

61. First angular sector 610. Lateral terminal

62. Second angular sector 63. Third angular sector

71. First Actuator

72. Second actuator

73. Third Actuator

8. No shooting

81 . Shooter

9. System

91 . Machine

92. Shelter

93. Right

100. Base

101 . Upper side

102. Tree

110. Common basis

111 . Upper side

112. Core Axis

113. Shaft bearing

114. Alignment direction

115. Support pivot ring

120. Bearing device

121. Pebble

122. Raceway

123. Pair of bearing sets

130. Basic Actuator

131 . First link

132. Second Binding

Claims

1 . Target throwing system for sports shooting comprising, successively in an alignment direction, a first target throwing machine, a second target throwing machine and a third target throwing machine, each of the first machine, the second machine and the third machine comprising:

- a launch unit (3) mobile in rotation relative to a base,

- a throwing arm (32) movable in rotation relative to the throwing unit (3), characterized in that the base is a common base (110) to the first target throwing machine, the second target throwing machine targets and the third target projection machine, and in that it comprises a base (100) on which the common base (110) is rotatable along a base axis (112).

2. System according to the preceding claim, in which the base axis (112) coincides with the axis of rotation, with respect to the common base (110), of the launching unit (3) of the second machine.

3. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a base actuator (130), configured to rotate the common base (110) relative to the base (100).

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a rolling device (120) interposed between an upper face (101) of the base (100) and a lower face of the common base (110).

5. System according to the preceding claim, in which the rolling device (120) comprises at least one rolling assembly (123) comprising on the one hand a rolling track (122) with a profile in a portion of a circle centered on the axis base (112) and arranged on one of the upper face (101) of the base (100) and the lower face of the common base (110), and, on the other hand, at least one roller (121) mounted rotating on the other of the upper face (101) of the base (100) and the lower face of the common base (110) and configured to move along the raceway (122).

6. System according to the preceding claim, in which the rolling device (120) comprises several bearing assemblies (123), at least some of which have raceways (122) having different distances relative to the base axis (112 ).

7. System according to the preceding claim, in which the rolling device (120) comprises four bearing assemblies (123) arranged in pairs on either side of the axis of rotation, relative to the common base (110), respectively of each of the first machine and the second machine.

8. System according to the preceding claim, in which each pair of bearing assemblies (123) is arranged opposite one, different, among the launch unit (3) of the first machine and the launch unit (3) of the third machine.

9. System according to any one of the three preceding claims, in which the rolling device (120) comprises at least one rolling assembly (123) arranged opposite the launching unit (3) of the second machine.

10. System according to the preceding claim, in which the rolling assembly (123) arranged opposite the launching unit (3) of the second machine comprises a rolling track (122) in the shape of a circle.

11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each of the first machine, the second machine and the third machine is configured to respectively scan a first angular sector (61) of movement, a second angular sector (62) of movement and a third angular sector (63) of movement, said sectors being different from each other.

12. System according to the preceding claim, in which each of the first machine, the second machine and the third machine comprises a system for adjusting the angular sector of movement making it possible to selectively reduce the angular sector of movement to one of the first sector angular (61), the second angular sector (62) and the third angular sector (63).

13. Installation for sports shooting comprising a system according to any one of the preceding claims and a plurality of firing points (8) arranged successively along an arc of a circle centered on the base axis (112).

14. Installation according to the preceding claim, in which the system is configured to move the common base (110) in rotation relative to the base (100) to alternately place the common base in one of a plurality of angular positions, each position corresponding to a situation in which the alignment direction (114) is perpendicular to a straight line passing through the base axis (112) and the center of one of the firing points (8).

15. Method for controlling a system according to one of claims 1 to 12 in an installation according to the preceding claim, comprising:

- a placement of the common base (110) relative to the base (100) in an angular position of the plurality of angular positions,

- an execution of at least one throw of at least one target (4),

- a displacement in rotation of the common base (110) relative to the base (100), to another angular position of the plurality of angular positions,

- a new execution of at least one throw of at least one target (4).

16. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the placement is carried out in an angular position corresponding to a firing point (8) located at a first end of the arc of a circle and in which the displacement in rotation and the new execution are successively operated up to a firing point (8) located at a second end of the arc of a circle.