DE3937647A1 - Automatic return device for golf balls on practice grounds - has funnel shaped plane leading to underground pipe containing blower for transporting balls - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for returning balls for golf practicing areas comprises a funnel-shaped plane (9) at whose lowest point there is an inlet opening (10) leading to a conveyor pipe (2). A blower (1) in the pipe (2) produces an air stream which conveys the incoming balls to the desired location (normally an automatic ball machine). A motor driven stirring rod (5) mounted directly above the inlet opening prevents ball congestion. USE - Autpmatic retrieval of balls.

Description

The invention relates to a device for reversing Golf balls or the like for golf practice facilities or the like

The invention has for its object a To develop ball return device for golf practice systems, which is capable of operating within a certain area hitting balls independently by one from the outside if possible invisible pipe running in the ground into one To transport ball machines or to any other place, the balls generally have to overcome gradients.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the Device has a funnel-shaped level, in the deepest Point an entry opening through a stir bar in front of possible Ball stagnation is preserved. The balls are entered by means of an air flow through a delivery line to the desired location promoted.

Since the case can occur with larger training facilities that too many balls get into the delivery line in quick succession, may result due to limited air blower performance Congestion occurs in the delivery line.

This problem is remedied by the fact that in such Plant the entry frequency of the balls through a Cell wheel lock between the inlet opening and the delivery line an optimal value can be set.

An embodiment of the invention is in the drawing shown and is described in more detail below. It shows

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section of a device for recycling of golf balls for golf practice facilities,

Fig. 2 is a top view.

The device shown in the figures has a funnel-shaped plane ( 9 ) located in front of a safety net ( 8 ), at the lowest point of which there is an inlet opening ( 10 ).

A roof ( 6 ) protects the pipe system from rainwater or other contamination. A stirring rod ( 5 ) which is arranged directly above the inlet opening and can be driven by a motor (preferably an electric gear motor) eliminates any ball stalls in front of the same.

A cellular wheel sluice ( 4 ) is located below the inlet opening and can be driven by a motor (preferably an electric gear motor). This cellular wheel sluice ( 4 ) here consists of a rotating disc which has at least one bore in the direction parallel to its axis of rotation, which is designed so that it can accommodate a certain number of golf balls (usually one). Immediately below the above-mentioned disc there is a second, fixed disc, which has an opening opposite the inlet opening ( 10 ) through which the balls enter the delivery line ( 2 ).

A non-return valve ( 3 ) is inserted immediately before the junction in the delivery line ( 2 ) to prevent a loss of air pressure in the falling pipe. This non-return valve ( 3 ) is equipped with a counterweight, which is dimensioned so that the valve remains closed in the idle state, but is briefly opened by its own weight while passing a ball. (Of course, a spring or the like can also be used instead of a counterweight.)

A fan ( 1 ), which is generally arranged at the end of the extended delivery line before the inlet of the ball, ensures the air flow in the delivery line ( 2 ).

There is a drainage valve ( 7 ) at the lowest point in the pipe system. This consists of a chamber with a lower and an upper ball or another element floating on water. When the valve is at rest, this element seals the lower opening of the valve chamber against loss of air pressure. If there is water in the pipe, this element will float further up until the water has escaped.

Claims (6)

1. Device for returning balls for golf practice systems or the like., Characterized by a funnel-shaped plane ( 9 ), in the lowest point of which an inlet opening ( 10 ) to a conveyor line ( 2 ) is arranged, with a blower ( 1 ) in the Conveying line ( 2 ) generates an air flow that conveys the balls that have entered to the desired location (generally into a ball machine). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a directly above the inlet opening ( 10 ) arranged, motor-driven stirring rod ( 5 ) prevents ball sticking in front of the same. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a motor-driven cellular wheel sluice ( 4 ) is used in a falling tube between the inlet opening ( 10 ) and the junction in the delivery line ( 2 ), which can consist of two disks, of which the upper, rotating disc has at least one bore parallel to its axis of rotation, which is designed so that it can receive a certain number of balls (usually one). The lower, upright disc has an opening opposite the upper ball inlet, through which the balls can reach the delivery line ( 2 ) at a frequency determined by the speed. 4. Device according to one or more of claims 1-3, characterized in that a check valve ( 3 ) is used before the confluence in the delivery line ( 2 ) to prevent air pressure loss, which is designed so that it remains closed in the idle state, opens briefly when passing a ball. 5. The device according to one or more of claims 1-4, characterized in that a roof is arranged above the inlet opening ( 10 ), which protects the pipe system from rain and contamination. 6. The device according to one or more of claims 1-5, characterized in that a drainage valve ( 7 ) is arranged at the lowest point of the line system.