DE2361147A1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR EJECTING BALL-SHAPED OBJECTS, SUCH AS TENNIS BALLS ETC. - Google Patents

Description

As / U

-H. Church, and John Nielsen, New York, F, Y. 10019 (U.S'.A.)

Method and device for ejecting spherical objects such as tennis balls, etc.

The invention relates to a device for ejecting spherical objects, such as tennis balls, baseballs etc.

There are already pneumatic, operated devices for Throwing balls, for example on a regular basis Episode, known. The known devices have devices for feeding a sequence of:

on
Bales in a Rohi /, in which an air flow prevails in such a way that the balls get into a position in the air flow and then are brought up to a stop or a locking member, are held back there before going over and then ejected or respectively , be dismissed. In the known devices, complicated mechanisms are required in order to introduce the balls one after the other into the air stream so that they can be ejected in a selected time sequence.

According to the invention a device is provided which causes the balls to enter an ejector tube and

409828/0267 - 2 -

to move against a resilient stop or latching member of improved construction which interrupts the movement of the ball until the pressure behind the ball is built up and has reached a value to develop a propulsive force of the air flow through which the ball emerges from the ejection tube is ejected. The construction includes a receiving tube, the tube at the receiving end of the ejector. and is arranged immediately adjacent to a feed pipe which feeds the spherical objects or balls to a flap door. The flap door is preloaded or pretensioned towards a closed position, and the balls are only delivered when the pressure in the ejection tube is reduced by the ejection of the previous ball and the working pressure has dropped to a value immediately in front of the receiving tube which the flap door lowers and a single ball is inserted into the pipe.

An important feature of the invention is that the speed of the balls can be adjusted in a simple and easy manner by the fact that the speed is regulated with which the accumulated air in the air storage chamber enter the ejector tube can when a ball is kicked.

Another important feature of the invention consists in the formation of the stop or locking member that is in the form of a resilient sleeve with a portion of enlarged diameter which. on the inside wall of the ejector tube is attached and the one mouth has a smaller diameter and is designed in such a way that it only allows the ball to pass through

409828/0267 " ⁵ "

2361U7

if the force of the built-up pressure is sufficient to expel the ball. -

Another feature of the invention is the incorporation of the device into an inexpensive container or a drum which also contains a pivot guide for the ejector end 'of the ejector tube. The ejecting of the The ejector tube is advantageously pivotable and flexible with the receiving end of the ejector tube Connection. Or a bellows-like link connected.

Accordingly, the invention is based on the object To provide an improved apparatus for ejecting bales and similar items, the following parts comprises: an ejector tube and means for causing a ball to enter the tube and against a stop. To move locking device in this, and after arrival of the ball on the stop member behind the ball builds up a pressure that is ultimately sufficient to

BJalte.kcaft to overcome the stop link and the Throwing ball.

The invention also provides a device for automatic feeding of a series of bales into one Pick-up tube that is at the pick-up end of an ejector tube is arranged and a fan for supplying air into the annular space between the receiving tube and the ejection tube has and is able to generate a negative pressure at the inner end of the pick-up tube cause to enter the receiving tube and yourself. along the ejector tube against the stop or To move locking member, and after the ball has reached the stop member, behind the ball gradually

409828/0267 " ⁴ "

to build up a pressure, so that this eventually that The holding force of the stop member overcomes and the ball is ejected to the outside.

The invention further provides a Ballwurfvorriehtung with a drum, which is superposed at the front end by means of a U-carrier and at the rear end by a base panel in a horizontal position and at its top a supply line for balls and having a threw the tube outlet at one end and in the interior carries a blower driven by an electric motor which causes the delivery of the balls and the ejection of the same through the outer mouth end of the ejection tube.

The invention also provides a ball throwing device of simple training and rough construction that can be produced economically.

In the drawing are two embodiments of the invention for example shown.

Pig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ball throwing device according to FIG the invention;

ig. 2 is a partial section taken along line 2-2 in . 1; '

Fig. 3 is a section taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a section taken along line 4-4 in Fig. 2;

Pig. Figure 5 is a section taken along line 5-5 in Figure 2;

409828/0267 - 5 -

Pig. '6 is a perspective view of a second Embodiment of the launching device;

Pig. Figure 7 is a section along line 7-7 in Jig, Figure 6; Pig. 8 is a section taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 3. 7 and Pig. 9 is a section along FIG. Line 9-9 in Pig.

The drawing shows a ball throwing device with a Housing 10, which in the illustrated embodiment a cylindrical container, for example the size of a large Parb canister with a top closure is what the latter is an attachment for an upper one Housing section 14- forms. The container 10 is advantageously at rest on a! support frame 16, which, for example, through openings 18 for the passage of

22nd
Air during operation of the fan / through an intake port 20 may have. The blower 22 is equipped with a delivery nozzle 24 which is connected to a connection 28 on the upper housing section 14 via a flexible hose 26. This' upper housing part 14 is in "connection" with the container interior chamber 30 via a channel 32.

According to the invention, the upper housing carries a Auswerfrohr · 34 having a mouth at one end for the ejection of balls and a B _a lleintrittsende 32a at the other end within the upper case 14. A portion 32b of the Auswarfrohres 32 is attached to stationary brackets or pedestals 36 pivotally mounted about a horizontal pivot member 38 so that the mouth (not shown) for ejecting the balls / at a "desired angle"

■ - 6 -

403828/0267

can be tilted. TJm this pivoting movement of the outer To enable liridäbschnittes 32b, the ejector tube 32 has an intermediate section 32c made of a flexible material or with a bellows-like or accordion-like wall is provided, which allows the pivoting movement. '·

According to an important feature of the invention, the outer mouth end of the tube 32 is provided with a stop or latching member in the form of a sleeve 42 made of an elastic material such as rubber and having an end portion 42a of larger diameter on the Inner wall of the ejector tube 32 is fixed and has an end 42b of smaller diameter which is directed towards the mouth end of the ejector tube .32. Balls 40, which are supplied to this stop sleeve, are retained in the section 42b of narrow diameter until sufficient pressure is built up behind the ball, which expands the section 42b γόη small diameter, so that it releases the ball and it passes through at high speed ejected the mouth end of the ejector tube

According to a further feature of the invention, at the receiving end 32a of the ejecting tube 32 is a ball receiving tube 44 arranged, which has a portion which extends into the .Rohr 32, and an annular Flow channel 46 is limited between the receiving tube and the ejection tube. The receiving tube 44 is on one Intermediate wall 48. Carried, which the upper housing part 14 into a high pressure flow chamber 50 and a back- pressure chamber 52 divided. The one supplied by the fan 22 and supplied through the connecting pipe 28

409828/0267 - 7 -

- Π -

2361Η7

Air flows in the direction of the arrows 54 through the annular channel 46 and, if there is no ball in the stop sleeve 42, generates a reduced pressure directly in front of the inner end of the receiving tube 44.This also results in a reduction in the pressure in the back pressure chamber 52 which, according to a further feature of the invention, is arranged directly under a ball feed tube 54. The balls fed to this tube 54 rest on a hinged door 56 which is pivotably mounted on a horizontal pivot bearing 58 and is held closed by means of a counterweight 60 which is sufficient to keep a predetermined number of balls in the tube 54 in balance . When the pressure in the chamber 52 is reduced, the door 56 is moved downwards (arrow 62) and allows the passage of a "ball which then passes along the door into the receiving tube 44". The ball 40 is reduced by the reduced pressure Pressure is driven through the tube 44 immediately before the inner end and, under the action of the air flow from the blower, is moved through the ejector tube 32 to the stop on the stop sleeve 42. W _e nn the ball at the. If the stop sleeve 42 has come to rest, the pressure behind the ball begins to rise and to spread completely into the receiving end of the ejector tube and through the receiving tube 44 into the back pressure chamber 52. This has the consequence that the door 56 is closed so that a further increase in the back pressure is made possible until the ball retained by the stop member 42 is ejected with violent force through the mouth end of the ejector tube 32 to the outside.

According to a further feature of the invention, the

409828/0267 " ⁸

Ball ejection force or speed changed v / ground by the build-up of back pressure within the container, causing the ejection of the from the stop member 42 held ball causes is changed. This change is controllable by. Regulation of the flow cross-section in the connection of the chamber 30 of the container 10 via the channel 32 with the back pressure chamber 52. This is done by arranging a valve member (3? Ig.3), which is pivotably mounted on a vertical pivot bearing 66 and a widened end section 64a which partially covers the opening to the channel 32. The Y-valve member 64 is spring-loaded by means of an Eeder 66 so that its end 64b on the plank of a Cam 68 is applied. The cam 68 is carried on a shaft 70 which extends through, the cover 12 and the upper Housing section I4 extends through upwards and in an operating button 72 ends, which is used to change the The ejection speed of the balls can be actuated.

An extremely important feature of the invention is that the pressure under which a ball is ejected is automatically controllable by means of a simple control valve mechanism. The working mechanism for feeding the balls is advantageous fully automatic, and the speed at which the balls are ejected depends on that Build-up of back pressure within the chamber and from that exerted on the ball by stop member 42 " elastic force.

The stop or locking member 42 is insofar a Improvement over the known facilities

- 9 -409828/0267

of this type for gate directions of the genus in question .dar, as it is from a complete sleeve that is made around the entire circumference of the ball attacks and a tight seal of the ball channel forms so that no compressed air escapes during operation. The arrangement is made in such a way that, when finally a ball is ejected by the mechanism, the pressure in the container is released, so that the next ball is delivered by a downward movement of the flap door. The feed movement _... ,,, the ball is promoted by the reduced pressure, which is generated in front of the pickup tube so that the ball moves quickly through the pickup tube and against the stop member is thrown and immediately the hinged door is closed and the supply of balls is interrupted will. The weight on the flap door 60 and. the performance of the blower are chosen so that the Operation is quick and automatic and you-direction requires little maintenance or changes. Changes can be made by changing the diameter of the narrow portion 42b of the stop sleeve 42 or the material from which it is made to change ■

the elasticity can be changed. In addition, the mass of the weight 60 or its lever arm can be changed to control the activity of the flap door 56. In addition, by changing the size of the container chamber 10, the preferred operating pressure conditions can be changed. In some! "All it has been found to be desirable to form the upper housing part 14 as a one-piece part of the container 10 and to arrange the container in such a way that it is arranged to the side thereof and the ejection tube is arranged at a right angle to the container axis (S ¹ Ig. 2 ) essentially 'parallel

- 10 40982 & / & 26 7

to this lies.

6-9 show another embodiment at 100. a ball throwing device, which has a cylindrical container 102, which with its longitudinal axis in arranged essentially horizontally and with his

standing front end by means of a U-shaped / frame 106

is supported on a base plate 104. The frame is equipped with support bolts or screws 103 which extend into the cylindrical container 102 and support its front end. The rear end is supported on a small bracket 110, which has a section 110a in contact with the floor, which can be aligned in accordance with the inclination of the base plate 104 and, for example, attaches the container to an enclosure
store / with its longitudinal axis im-

is essentially horizontal.

The container 102 can be converted into a ball throwing machine in a cost-saving and simple manner by adding its front surface 102a by means of fastening devices such as mounting screws 114, a TJ-shaped Mounting bracket 112 is attached. Eb console 112 forms a carrier. for a pivot bearing 116 of a throwing tube. support 118 which surrounds a throwing tube 120. Throw tube 120 has a central bellows section 120a connecting it to an inner section 120b. The inner section 120b is at its inner end 120c widened like a trumpet, and in this inner end an inlet tube 122 extends, which between itself and the tubular section 120b surrounding it, an annular flow channel 123 for the working air limited. Through the tubular section 120b

- 11 -

409828/0267

and the inlet tube 122 protrudes a small strip 124, which forms a running guide for the balls 126 are caused to enter the inlet tube and to move through the throwing pipe 120th The balls 126 are supplied through a loading chute or feed line 128 which, for example, can be connected to a "widened drive (not shown). When the balls 126 are introduced into the delivery line 128, they first abut a loading control element 130," from which an arm connector 130a extends through an opening 132 of the supply line and prevents the ball from passing through. The feed power is controlled by means of a small electric motor 134 which is arranged in a housing part 136 and which is operated via a crank arm 7 and an ICurbe! 39 drives the regulating element 130 for the ball feeder. The regulating element for the delivery of the balls is loaded by means of a spring 140 into a position in which the end 130a or also another end 130b enters the receiving cutouts 132. or 132 ^{! of} the feed line 128. The rotation of the curb 137 has the consequence that the end 130a moves out of the recess 13 2 moves out and releases a ball 126 for downward feed, and when this occurs, arm section 130b is moved into flow recess 1.32 'so that it prevents the next ball from being brought down until the former ball passes the channel has released.

If then a ball 126 is in the down slide. · or the feeder channel 128 on the loading arm 130 "moved downward ^ he opens a flap door 140, which is pivoted at 142 and

- 12 409828/0267

2361H7

is loaded by means of a weight 144 such that it is normally in the closed position sieve. The trap door HO is opened by the weight of the ball, and the ball is released from it by a blower 146 generated air flow is detected. The fan 146 has a delivery port 144a, which leads into a room, which surrounds the tubular portion 12Ob, so that a working air flow passes into the annular space 123, which passes through the flow tube 120 flows. As soon as a ball 126 is delivered to the inlet tube 122, it is released from the Working airflow causes it to pass through the inner tubular Section 120b and the bellows section 128 to a holding member or stop member 148 to move. The stop member consists of an elastic sleeve with a narrow portion 148a, the diameter of which is smaller than that of the ball 126 used, so that there is at least the forward movement of the ball temporarily interrupts. As a result, the pressure generated by the fan 146 builds up behind the ball and look rearward into a rear chamber 150 and partially into a widened chamber 152 the inside of the container 102 spreads. The amount of air entering the widened chamber 152 depends on the position of a valve member 154 which is arranged such that it is a connecting opening 156 at least partially closes between the back pressure chamber 150 and the widened chamber 152. The valve 154 can be regulated by means of an adjusting knob 158, the rotation of which causes the valve member 154 sum changing the free cross section of the opening 156 is rotatable. By, this simple setup can the total back pressure generated by the fan can be regulated, and this allows manipulation the magnitude of the force behind the ball

409828/0267 - 13 -

is built up and with which the ball comes out of the throwing tube is ejected, and consequently the influence the speed of the ball. Through this simple Adjustment option can change the throwing distance and throwing speed of the ball to a large extent Limits are made possible .. '. . "

The invention thus relates to a device for ejecting spherical objects, such as tennis balls, Baseballs, etc., comprising: a throwing tube through which the spherical objects should be ejected and that a Mim d Tragseilüe and has an opposite receiving end / em receiving tube in the latter for the passage of the spherical object and for its entry into the throwing tube. A fan conveys into one Eammer for generating a current in the annulus surrounding the receiving tube and in.dem throwing tube. The blower creates a reduced pressure at the inner end of the pick-up tube, so that the spherical objects, such as tennis balls, baseballs, etc., which are delivered to the receiving tube are caused to enter the throwing tube. The device also has a stop or latching member in the Porm ■ an elastic sleeve member made of rubber, the a ball that has first been made to move through the pick-up tube and into the throwing tube against the To move the mouth end of the same brings to a standstill. When the ball is held back like this, it rises the pressure inside the tube increases until the ball-retaining force of the stop member is overcome and the ball comes out of the muzzle end of the Vfur fr obres is ejected.

■ - 14 -

40 9 8 2-8 / 02 6?

Although only two preferred embodiments of the invention to illustrate the principles of the same have been shown and described by way of input, the person skilled in the art will recognize the possibility of manifold Modifications without deviating from the inventive concept.

- patent claims -

- 15 -

A09828 / 0267

Claims (18)

236IU Claims Μ. / Device for ejecting spherical objects, such as Tennis balls, baseballs, etc., characterized by a .- stands Throwing tube for ejecting the spherical counter / with a mouth end through which the ball is ejected is, and with a receiving end, a receiving tube for the spherical member for the passage of the same with: at least one inside the throwing tube in their belongings of the receiving end of the same arranged inner section and a ball delivery end which is against the Llündungsende of the throwing tube is directed, as well as with a ball inlet end opposite that, wherein the receiving tube is located at a distance inward of the inner wall of the ffurfrohres and an annular flow channel for the working air between them and that forms, a supply device for supplying a spherical object to the area of the inlet opening of the receiving tube, a device that A flow of air is created through the duct and downstream the receiving tube a reduced pressure and an air stream against the mouth end of the Throwing robres to the spherical object to cause it to pass through the pick-up tube and for ejection through the mouth of the Throwing tube to move through this, and a detachable Stop or locking member in the throwing tube that the movement of the spherical object through the Throwing pipe interrupts until behind that-an air flow pressure of a predetermined value has built up is, and then the spherical η object for the Ejecting from the end of the litter of the throwing robres releases. '- 16 - 409828/0287 2361H7 2. Device according to. Claim 1, characterized in that that the stop or latching device is an elastic sleeve with an end portion of large diameter which is connected to the inner wall of the throwing tube, as well as a section of smaller diameter with which the ball comes to rest. 3. Torrichtung according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop or locking means is an elastic sleeve through which is moved the ball and with which the B ll _a arrives at elastic system. 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by a housing on which the Throwing tube is mounted and its intake and dag
the end surrounds / has a back pressure chamber section adjoining the inlet end of the receiving tube, the delivery device having a feed line which opens into the housing, a hinged door mounted under the feed line pivotably in the housing and a weight on the hinged door for loading the same into a closed position, in which it closes the feed line, the door opening by the drop in pressure in the back pressure chamber to a predetermined value which occurs when a ball is released from the stop or holding device. 5. Door direction to. Claim 4, characterized in that that the back pressure chamber has two chamber sections, between which a valve device for controlling the Between the flow cross-section of the connection - 17 -409828/0267 2361 U7 Share to influence the on-the-door and that Is arranged receiving tube acting back pressure. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5 »thereby characterized in that the throwing tube has a flexible Has intermediate portion and a mouth end portion and that this mouth end portion for Aligning the same is pivotally mounted in a selected direction. ., - ■■ - 7. "Device for ejecting spherical objects, such as tennis balls, baseballs, etc., characterized by a housing with a first and a housing with this connected second section, an adjustable valve device between the first and the with this-'connected second section for controlling the flow between them, one on the housing mounted blower with a delivery nozzle that is conductively connected to the first section, a throw tube for the spherical objects mounted in the first part of the housing a mouth end extending outward therefrom and through which a spherical object is to be ejected, and with a ball receiving end opposite this, one in the first part of the housing arranged ball receiving tube with an inner end that into the Throwing tube protrudes into it and turns into one Distance from the inner wall is so that there is an annular flow channel with this limited to the throwing pipe, a partition wall on which the receiving tube is mounted and which is the first Chamber., Into a working pressure chamber and a back - 18 - ' 409828/0267 pressure chamber divided, wherein the fan is itsdruckkammer connected for generating a flow of air from the latter through the annular channel and the throwing pipe by its supply pipe to the Arbe, so that the inner end of the receiving s pipes, a region reduced D _r uekes there is provided a ball feeder for the charge, which is connected to the first housing part on the pressure chamber side of the partition wall and opens into this, a pressure-actuated door which is carried on the first housing part in the pressure chamber section of the same and closes the charge feed line, the pressure-actuated door Door by reducing the pressure in the back pressure chamber for the release of a ball for movement from the feed line into the pick-up tube under the influence of the reduced pressure at the front inner end of the pick-up tube, so that the ball is under the force of the blower generated pressure is propelled through the throwing tube, and a connection ag- or R _a steinrichtung in the throwing tube, which holds the ball temporarily until a predetermined pressure is built up behind the ball, and then releases the ball for ejection of the same from the mouth of the throwing tube, the D ₁ UCk in the back pressure chamber for closing the door is built behind the ball until it is released, and for opening and releasing another ball for entry into the receiving tube is decreased after the previous ball has been released. 8. Apparatus according to claim. 7, characterized in that that the pressure operated door is a pivotably mounted door between the feed line and the 409828/0267 - 19 - first housing part is that the 5 door to hold back a ball at the top thereof is biased or biased to a closed position and that the door to open the connection between the feed line and the housing as well as the ball. receiving tube while overcoming the preload or Gate tension by reducing the pressure in the Back pressure chamber part of the first. Housing part is movable. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the fan is arranged in the second housing part, that the second housing part is a container or has a container having an inlet opening for the fan, and that the delivery part of the G _e Blower has a flexible hose section and the throwing tube has a flexible intermediate section which enables a pivoting movement of the outer muzzle end of the throwing tube. 10. Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the. Stop or Latching device is an elastic sleeve. 11 * Device for inducing movement more solid Bodies, such as spheres or balls, characterized by a first throwing tube, one surrounding the throwing tube. Chamber at the level of the entry end of the same, a receiving tube, which is suitable for the passage of the extending solid objects through a wall of the chamber and into the entry end of the throwing tube, which latter is located at a distance outward of the receiving tube and with this one - 20 - 40982870267 Working channel limited, and a Grebläseeinrichtung, providing an air flow through the duct between the pickup tube and the throwing tube and through the latter directed, which passes the inner end of the receiving tube and at the inner end a negative pressure generated by pulling a solid object through the receiving tube and through, the throwing rotir is moved. 12. Device according to A _n demanding 11, characterized by a stop or locking device within the throwing pipe for sealing the solid article from the walls of the casting tube IMD for temporarily retaining the objects, which is elastic and said ball after establishment of a predetermined pressure releasing behind this . 13. Device according to claim or 12, characterized by, means defining a Rücfcdruckkammer on the entry side of the receiving tube, and means connected to the back pressure chamber conduit means for a flow of air in the back pressure chamber, or from this for the regulation of the D _r uckes in this . · 14. Device according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by a cylindrical container, a support means for supporting the cylindrical Container with a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis and a front surface on the cylindrical Container from which the first, throwing tube extends outwardly, the receiving tube - 21 - 409628/0267 - 21 - ■ ■. 2361-Ü are arranged together with the fan on the inside of the container « 15. The device according to claim 14, characterized by a U-shaped mounting bracket on which the front end of the container is supported, and a mounting bracket that is attached to the bottom of the container and its rear end is supported. 16. Ball throwing device, characterized by a cylindrical drum / support devices for supporting both ends of the drum with a substantially horizontal "axis on a base plate and having a front end face and a on this mounted support bracket for a ball throwing tube, one mounted on the bracket so that it can pivot Throw pipe with a flexible intermediate section and an inner section protruding into the drum, a ball receiving tube in the drum that extends into the inner end of the inner section of the ball throwing tube extends into it, a fan in der.Trommel zur Creation of a working air flow in the space between the receiving tube and the inner end of the ball throwing tube5 a charging ball feed line, extending into the top of the drum, one level with the inner one. End of the ball feed tube hingedly mounted hinged door that biases into a closed position is a device that allows a single ball to be fed through the tube allowed down to rest on the flap door, which latter is oriented so that it a rolling of the ball out of the delivery pipe in . ■ - 22 - 40982B702 & 7 - "■■" the ball receiving tube, so that the working air flow the movement of the ball by the ball-throwing tube and a stop or locking device in the ball tube to temporarily hold back the Balles until pressure is built up behind it, and to release it for ejection from the Muzzle of the throwing tube. 17. Gate direction according to A-nspruch 16, characterized by Walls that delimit a back pressure chamber that the inner end of the receiving tube on the inside the drum around the loading ball feed line surrounds, the drum having a large residual area which delimits an additional back pressure space, with the pressure chamber in connection stands, and a valve device for influencing the conductive connection between the back pressure chamber and the extended additional back pressure area. 18. Stop or locking device 'for use for Holding back bales or spherical objects before they are ejected, characterized in that that it is an elastic sleeve with an end portion of large diameter, larger than the diameter of the spherical object, which can be fastened in a fixed position, and with a converging Intermediate portion is formed which ends in an opposite end of small diameter, which is suitable for elastic contact with the spherical object and for releasing it for the movement of the same can be expanded through the small-diameter end, after a predetermined one Force acts on the back of the ball. 409828/0267 Leersejte