JP2002263233A - Pitching machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pitching machine having a three-dimensional ball receiving part for effective pitching practice impossible in a conventional pitching machine wherein a strike zone is simply displayed two-dimensionally and a pitcher cannot hardly aim at a target because of a non-three dimensional ball receiving part in the position aimed by the pitcher and cannot practice pitching satisfactorily or effectively because of lack of reality. SOLUTION: This pitching machine is provided with a starting switch, the ball receiving part emitting a signal when it is hit by a flying ball, a vertical/ horizontal shifting device capable of shifting and arranging the ball receiving part in both of the vertical and horizontal directions, an operation part capable of vertically and horizontally moving the vertical/horizontal shifting device, a ball catching sound generator generating a catching sound according to the signal from the ball receiving part, a display part for displaying the number of strikes counted when the flying ball hits the ball receiving part positioned inside a predetermined area and the number of balls.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ball trainer capable of freely setting the position of a ball receiving portion of a ball thrown by a pitching trainer, measuring the ball speed, and determining whether or not the ball has been thrown at a target receiving position. The present invention relates to a pitching practice machine that can also judge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional pitching practice machine used for pitching practice such as baseball and softball is provided with pitching position detecting means for detecting the position of a pitched ball. There is provided a means for comparing the pitched position with the strike zone position displayed on the preset ball collision buffer to determine the strike or ball of the pitched ball. And JP-A-11-137753.

[0003]

However, hitherto, the ball receiving portion at the position aimed by the pitching trainer is not three-dimensional, and the strike zone is simply displayed in a plane. Because of that, it was difficult to narrow down the target, the sense of presence was not boiled, and pitching practice was felt unsatisfactory, and effective pitching practice was not possible. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a pitching practice machine that has a three-dimensional ball receiving portion and is more realistic.

[0004]

In order to solve this technical problem, a first technical means of the present invention is to provide a start switch 7 and a ball receiving portion 2 which emits a signal when the flying ball 3 abuts. , 112 and the ball receiving portions 2, 11
A vertical / horizontal movement device 4 capable of moving and arranging the vertical / horizontal movement device 2 in any of vertical and horizontal directions;
A ball catching sound generator 8 for generating a ball catching sound based on a signal from the ball receiving portions 2 and 112; and the ball receiving portions 2 and 11 in which the flying ball 3 is located within a predetermined area.
And a display unit 10 for displaying the number of strikes and the number of balls when the ball 2 comes into contact.

[0005] Therefore, since the pitcher has a three-dimensional ball receiving portion which can be moved vertically and horizontally during pitching practice, the target of pitching can be clearly recognized before throwing, and the throwing target can be clearly recognized. Immediately after, the catching sound from the catching sound generator that generates catching sound by the signal from the ball receiving portion can be immediately heard, and the satisfaction of being able to throw the ball at the intended position, Recognition of the catching sound by, you can get double satisfaction, more focused and realistic motivated pitching practice, and you can see the number of strikes and the number of balls and see the pitching content You can practice devised and effective practice.

[0006] The second technical means is a start switch 7
A ball receiving unit 2, 112 that emits a signal when the flying ball 3 comes into contact, a vertical and horizontal movement device 4 that can move and arrange the ball receiving unit 2, 112 in both vertical and horizontal directions,
An operation unit 6 that can vertically and horizontally move the vertical and horizontal movement device 4, a ball catching sound generator 8 that generates a ball catching sound based on signals from the ball receiving units 2 and 112, and a ball tracking device 9 for the flying ball 3. The measured ball speed of the ball 3 flying by the ball tracking device 9;
And a display that displays the total number of pitches by the signal from the ball tracking device 9, the number of strikes when the flying ball 3 comes into contact with the ball receiving portions 2, 112 located in a predetermined area, and the number of balls. And a unit 10.

[0007] Therefore, for a pitching trainer, since the ball receiving portion is three-dimensionally present, the target of the pitch can be clearly recognized before throwing, and generated by a signal from the ball receiving portion immediately after pitching. By listening to the sound of the catching sound from the catching sound generator, you can feel satisfied that you were able to throw the ball at the intended position, motivate you, and concentrate more on the presence In addition to the action and effect exhibited by the first technical means capable of practicing a certain pitching, the ball tracking device and the display device of the flying ball provide the ball speed,
You can check the total number of pitches, strikes, and the number of balls, and you can practice effective pitching content.

The third technical means is that the start switch 7
A ball receiving unit 2, 112 that emits a signal when the flying ball 3 comes into contact, a vertical and horizontal movement device 4 that can move and arrange the ball receiving unit 2, 112 in both vertical and horizontal directions,
An operation unit 6 that can vertically and horizontally move the vertical and horizontal movement device 4, a ball catching sound generator 8 that generates a ball catching sound based on signals from the ball receiving units 2 and 112, and a ball tracking device 9 for the flying ball 3. The measured ball speed of the ball 3 flying by the ball tracking device 9;
And a display that displays the total number of pitches by the signal from the ball tracking device 9, the number of strikes when the flying ball 3 comes into contact with the ball receiving portions 2, 112 located in a predetermined area, and the number of balls. Part 10 and batter doll 15
And that it comprises:

Therefore, the pitcher can clearly recognize the target of the pitch before throwing because the ball receiving section is three-dimensional, and immediately after the pitching, the signal is generated by the ball receiving section. Listening to the ball catching sound generated by the ball sound generator with your ears, you can be confident that you have successfully pitched the ball at the intended position, and get satisfaction. In addition to the effect of the second technical means such as the ability to confirm the ball speed, the total number of pitches, the number of strikes, and the number of balls by the ball tracking device and the display device for the flying ball, Since the doll stands so as to cover the ball receiving portion, the pitching practicer can perform a more realistic pitching practice with the batter in view.

The fourth technical means is that the start switch 7
A ball receiving unit 2, 112 that emits a signal when the flying ball 3 comes into contact, a vertical and horizontal movement device 4 that can move and arrange the ball receiving unit 2, 112 in both vertical and horizontal directions,
An operation unit 6 that can vertically and horizontally move the vertical and horizontal movement device 4, a ball catching sound generator 8 that generates a ball catching sound based on signals from the ball receiving units 2 and 112, and a ball tracking device 9 for the flying ball 3. The measured ball speed of the ball 3 flying by the ball tracking device 9;
And a display that displays the total number of pitches by the signal from the ball tracking device 9, the number of strikes when the flying ball 3 comes into contact with the ball receiving portions 2, 112 located in a predetermined area, and the number of balls. Part 10 and batter doll 15
And a loudspeaker 16 for uttering a strike or a ball based on a signal from the ball tracking device 9 and a signal from the ball receiving unit 2, 112.

Therefore, for a pitching trainer, since the ball receiving portion is three-dimensionally present, the target of the pitch can be clearly recognized before throwing, and the ball catching sound generator is generated by the signal generated by the ball receiving portion. Listening to the catching sound generated by the player with his ears, he is convinced that he has been able to throw the ball at the intended position and gets satisfaction. The ball tracking device and display device for the incoming ball can be used to check the ball speed, total number of pitches, number of strikes, and the number of balls. Stands above the ball receiving portion, and can practice with the batter conscious. In addition to the effects exerted by the third technical means, in addition to the sound of catching the ball after pitching, The strike from the bowl or the utterance of the ball makes it possible to practice the pitch more realistically.

The fifth technical means is that the start switch 7
The ball receiving unit 2, 112, which emits a signal when the flying ball 3 comes into contact, the ball tracking device 9 for the flying ball 3, and the ball receiving unit 2, 112 by operating the operation unit 6, the vertical or horizontal direction. The ball receiving units 2, 1 can be moved and arranged in the direction, and are placed on the predicted course of the flying ball 3 calculated by the ball tracking device 9.
It is provided with a vertical / horizontal movement device 4 that can move and arrange the ball 12 in both vertical and horizontal directions, and a ball catching sound generator 8 that generates a ball catching sound based on signals from the ball receiving portions 2 and 112.

[0013] Therefore, for a pitching trainer, since the ball receiving portion is three-dimensionally present, the target of the pitching can be clearly recognized before throwing, and the ball released from the hand is tracked by the ball tracking device. , Because the ball receiver is waiting on the predicted course and you can hear the catching sound,
Since a feeling as if the catcher is actually catching a ball is obtained, pitching practice with a more practical effect can be performed.

Sixth technical means is the start switch 7
The ball receiving unit 2, 112, which emits a signal when the flying ball 3 comes into contact, the ball tracking device 9 for the flying ball 3, and the ball receiving unit 2, 112 by operating the operation unit 6, the vertical or horizontal direction. The ball receiving units 2, 1 can be moved and arranged in the direction, and are placed on the predicted course of the flying ball 3 calculated by the ball tracking device 9.
A vertical and horizontal moving device 4 that can move and arrange the ball 12 in both vertical and horizontal directions, a ball catching sound generator 8 that generates a ball catching sound by a signal from the ball receiving portion 2, 112, and a ball tracking device 9. The measured ball speed of the ball 3 to be hit, the total number of pitches by the signals from the start switch 7 and the ball tracking device 9, and the incoming ball 3 comes into contact with the ball receiving portions 2, 112 located in a predetermined area. Display section 10 for displaying the number of strikes at the time and the number of balls
And that it comprises:

[0015] Therefore, for the pitcher, since the ball receiving portion is three-dimensionally present, the target of the pitch can be clearly recognized before throwing, and the ball that has been separated from the pitcher's hand can be tracked. Tracked by equipment,
The ball receiving section is waiting on the predicted course and the catching sound can be heard, so that the fifth technical means that the feeling that the catcher is actually catching the ball is obtained. In addition to the functions and effects that can be obtained, the ball tracking device and display device of the flying ball can also confirm the ball speed, total number of pitches, number of strikes, and the number of balls, so that pitching practice with a more practical effect was devised and devised the pitching content Is possible.

The seventh technical means is a start switch 7
The ball receiving unit 2, 112, which emits a signal when the flying ball 3 comes into contact, the ball tracking device 9 for the flying ball 3, and the ball receiving unit 2, 112 by operating the operation unit 6, the vertical or horizontal direction. The ball receiving units 2, 1 can be moved and arranged in the direction, and are placed on the predicted course of the flying ball 3 calculated by the ball tracking device 9.
A vertical and horizontal moving device 4 that can move and arrange the ball 12 in both vertical and horizontal directions, a ball catching sound generator 8 that generates a ball catching sound by a signal from the ball receiving portion 2, 112, and a ball tracking device 9. The measured ball speed of the ball 3 to be hit, the total number of pitches by the signals from the start switch 7 and the ball tracking device 9, and the incoming ball 3 comes into contact with the ball receiving portions 2, 112 located in a predetermined area. Display section 10 for displaying the number of strikes at the time and the number of balls
And a batter doll 15.

Therefore, since the pitcher has a three-dimensional ball receiving portion, the target of the pitching can be clearly recognized before throwing, and the ball released by the player can be tracked by the ball tracking device. , Because the ball receiver is waiting on the predicted course and you can hear the catching sound,
In addition to the effect exerted by the sixth technical means, such as a feeling that the catcher actually catches the ball, the batter doll stands so as to cover the ball receiving portion, This makes it possible to practice pitching with a sense of reality more effectively from the perspective of the batter.

Eighth technical means is that the start switch 7
The ball receiving unit 2, 112, which emits a signal when the flying ball 3 comes into contact, the ball tracking device 9 for the flying ball 3, and the ball receiving unit 2, 112 by operating the operation unit 6, the vertical or horizontal direction. The ball receiving units 2, 1 can be moved and arranged in the direction, and are placed on the predicted course of the flying ball 3 calculated by the ball tracking device 9.
A vertical and horizontal moving device 4 that can move and arrange the ball 12 in both vertical and horizontal directions, a ball catching sound generator 8 that generates a ball catching sound by a signal from the ball receiving portion 2, 112, and a ball tracking device 9. The measured ball speed of the ball 3 to be hit, the total number of pitches by the signals from the start switch 7 and the ball tracking device 9, and the incoming ball 3 comes into contact with the ball receiving portions 2, 112 located in a predetermined area. Display section 10 for displaying the number of strikes at the time and the number of balls
And a batter doll 15 and a loudspeaker 16 for uttering a strike or a ball based on a signal from the ball tracking device 9 and a signal from the ball receivers 2 and 112.

Therefore, for the pitching trainer, since the ball receiving portion is three-dimensionally present, the target of the pitch can be clearly recognized before throwing, and the ball released from the hand is tracked by the ball tracking device. The ball receiver is waiting on the predicted course, you can hear the catching sound, you can feel as if the catcher is actually catching the ball, and the display speed and total number of pitches thrown by the display ,
The number of strikes and the number of balls can be confirmed. In addition, the effect of the seventh technical means, such as the batter doll standing on the ball receiving portion and practicing with the batter conscious, can be performed. In addition, after the pitching, in addition to the catching sound, you can hear the strike from the loudspeaker or the utterance of the ball, making it possible to practice more effective pitching by considering the pitching content with a more realistic feeling .

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an external view of a pitching practice machine 1 of the present invention. The pitching practice machine 1 has a ball receiving portion 2 mounted in front of a vertical and horizontal movement device 4 so as to be movable in both vertical and horizontal directions, and a ball catching sound generator 8 and a ball tracking device above the vertical and horizontal movement device 4. 9 and a loudspeaker 16 are provided. The ball tracking device 9 is a ball 3 thrown by a pitching trainer.
The moving speed can be measured based on the so-called Doppler effect principle based on each frequency of the irradiated radio wave and the radio wave reflected by the flying ball 3. The ball catching sound generator 8 causes the ball 3 to receive the ball 3 in response to a signal generated by the ball receiving unit 2 described later.
This is a collision sound when the vehicle collides with the mitt 2 (ball receiver main body 2a or 112a). An example of the ball catching sound generator 8 that generates a ball catching sound will be described later with reference to FIG.

The utterer 16 utters a strike or a ball based on a signal from the ball tracking device 9 and a signal from the ball receivers 2 and 112. These ball receiving parts 2, 112
The vertical and horizontal moving device 4 having a right and left batter box 18 and the left batter box 19 is located at the center of the vertical and horizontal moving device 4 provided at the center of a lower frame cover 54 (described later). The back net 21 is arranged so as to be aligned with the position display 4a and the center line of the home base 17, and further behind the back net 21 so as to surround them. A pitcher plate 20 is arranged in front, and an operation unit 6 is arranged on a table 22 provided near the pitcher plate 20.

The operation unit 6 is driven by a battery (FIGS. 1 and 14).
(A), but the internal structure such as the arrangement of the battery is omitted). Of course, this drive may be a solar cell drive or a commercial power supply drive. FIG. 14A is a plan view of the operation unit 6, and FIG.
(B) The display unit 1 when the strike zone is set by the operation unit 6
FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view of a group of buttons 0 and a display column change button 27.
(C) is a partially enlarged view of the display unit 10 and the display column change button group 27 during pitching practice. The operation unit 6 includes a case 23 having a first case 24 and a second case 25. In the second case 25 of the case 23, a power switch 46, a start switch 7, a vertical and horizontal movement button group 26, a display field change button group 27, a liquid crystal display A display unit 10 as a display unit is formed. When the power switch 46 is pressed once, the power is turned on, and the display unit 10 is bright and easy to see. After a short time elapses, the display unit 10 becomes the power saving mode screen, for example, after about 10 seconds, and the display characters and the like appear black and the screen becomes a slightly dark display state. Further, the columns of the display unit 10 (see FIGS. 14 (b) and 14 (c)) are arranged in order from the front to the near side, 11 in the display column 1 and 1 in the display column 2.
The columns of the display unit 10 are divided, such as 2, display column 3 13 and display column 4 14.

The display field change button group 27 includes a first button 31, a second button 33, a third button 34,
The fourth button 36 is arranged. When the first button 31 is first pressed, 11 of the display field 1 becomes brighter and black "strike" characters are displayed, and the right side is blank. When the first button is pressed for the second time, “strike total” is displayed. When the first button is pressed for the third time, “left strike zone” is displayed. When the button is pressed for the fourth time, the display returns to “STRIKE”. Hereinafter, the display is repeated cyclically. If any display is left as it is, the power saving mode is set after about ten seconds elapse, and the ground color of 11 in the display column 1 becomes dark, but the display characters can be read.

Similarly, when the second button 33 is first pressed, 12 in the display field 2 becomes brighter and black "ball" characters are displayed, and the right side is blank. When the second button is pressed for the second time, “Ball Total” is displayed, and for the third time, “Right Strike Zone” is displayed, and the space above it is blank. Hereinafter, the display is repeated cyclically. Next, when the third button 34 is first pressed, 13 in the display field 3 becomes brighter, and a black “number of pitches” character is displayed, and the right side is blank. Pressing the third button 34 a second time gives “total number of pitches” and pressing it the third time gives an “up strike zone”
Is displayed, and the upper part is blank. Hereinafter, the display is repeated cyclically. And the fourth button 36
When is first pressed, 14 in the display field 4 becomes brighter and black "ball speed" characters are displayed, and the right side is blank.
Pressing the fourth button 36 for the second time displays "highest ball speed", pressing the fourth button 36 for the third time displays "lowest ball speed", and pressing the fourth button displays "lower strike zone". The space above is blank. Hereinafter, the display is repeated cyclically. After about 10 seconds have elapsed, the display switches to the power saving mode, and the background color of each display column becomes dark, but black display characters can be read.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vertical and horizontal moving device 4, FIG. 3 is a front view of the vertical and horizontal moving device 4, and FIG. Referring to these figures, the vertical / horizontal moving device 4 (which will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 5) includes the vertical / horizontal moving device main body 5 of the first embodiment and the first embodiment on the front surface of the vertical / horizontal moving block 70 of the vertical / horizontal moving device main body 5. The ball receiving portion 2 of the embodiment and the control portion 29 are attached to the front portion on the left leg plate 53 by screws. The control unit 29 includes a power cord 30 connectable to a commercial power supply. In the ball receiving portion 2, a ball receiving portion main body 2a fixedly supported by a shaft portion 94 from a joint 92 of the front cover 41 projects forward and appears. Further, on the upper cover 44, a ball catching sound generator 8 and a strike or ball loudspeaker 16 are attached to the left and right around the ball tracking device 9 by screws. These will be described later with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the vertical and horizontal moving device 4. The operation of the operation unit 6 is performed by setting the movement arrangement area of the ball receiving unit 2 sandwiched between the right side cover 42 and the left side cover 43 and further between the upper cover 44 and the lower frame cover 54 into a strike zone and a ball zone. Can be classified by The vertical / horizontal movement device 4 is located at the left / right center position of the lower frame cover 54 (which is also the center position between the right leg plate 52 and the left leg plate 53).
The center position display 4a in the left-right direction is provided. The center position display 4a in the left-right direction is convenient for setting a strike zone when the vertical and horizontal movement device 4 is installed in accordance with the center line of the home base 17 (see FIG. 1).

Next, FIGS. 3, 14 (a), 14 (b),
Referring to FIG. 14C, a method of setting a strike zone will be described. First button 31 of display column change button group 27
Is pressed several times, and “left strike zone” is displayed in 11 of display column 1 of display unit 10. In this state, when the left button 37 of the vertical / horizontal movement button group 26 is pressed once, a slightly longer vertical bar is displayed at the center of the space above the character display of the “left strike zone”, and then the left button 37 is pressed once. Each time the button is pressed, the short vertical bar increases to the left of the long bar one by one, and stops when the total of the vertical bars reaches six. At this time, the left end of the ball receiving portion 2 is on the BB line (the ball receiving portion 2
(A position corresponding to the left end of the home plate 17). In this state, the setting of the leftmost strike zone is completed. Here, if it is desired to narrow the left end strike zone, if the right button 38 is pressed, the vertical bar disappears by the number pressed, and the left end strike zone is set narrow.

Similarly, when the second button 33 is pressed several times, "Right strike zone" is displayed in 12 of the display field 2. In this state, the right button 3 of the vertical / horizontal movement button group 26
8 once, a slightly longer vertical bar is displayed in the center of the space above the character display of the "right strike zone", and each time the right button 38 is pressed once, a shorter bar is displayed to the right of the longer bar. The number of vertical bars increases one by one, and stops when the total number of vertical bars reaches six. At this time, the right end of the ball receiving portion 2 is on the CC line (the center of the ball receiving portion 2 is the home plate 17).
(A position corresponding to the right end of). In this state, the setting of the strike zone at the right end is completed. If you want to narrow the strike zone at the right end, use the left button 37
When you press, the vertical bar disappears as many times as you press, and the strike zone at the right end is set narrow. Thus, the setting of the left and right strike zones is completed.

Then, the third button 34 is pressed several times, and "upper strike zone" is displayed in the display column 3. In this state, when the upper button 40 is pressed once, the lower side is displayed, and a slightly longer horizontal bar is displayed near the space above the character display of the “upper strike zone”. Thereafter, each time the upper button 40 is pressed once, the longer horizontal bar is displayed. Shorter vertical bars increase one by one above the horizontal bars, and stop when the total number of vertical bars reaches five.
At this time, this corresponds to a state in which the upper end of the ball receiver 2 is on the EE line (the center of the ball receiver coincides with the upper end of the strike zone in the baseball rules). In this state, the setting of the upper strike zone is completed. If you want to narrow the strike zone at the upper end here, press the lower button 39 and the horizontal bar disappears in order from the number you pressed from the top, and at the same time,
The strike zone at the right end is set narrow.

Next, the fourth button 34 is pressed several times, and the display column 4 displays "Lower strike zone". When the lower button 39 is pressed once in this state, it is lowered, and a slightly longer horizontal bar is displayed near the space above the character display of the "upper strike zone", and each time the button is pressed once, the upper side of the longer horizontal bar is displayed. The number of shorter vertical bars increases by one, and stops when the total number of vertical bars reaches five. At this time, this corresponds to a state in which the lower end of the ball receiving portion 2 is on the DD line (the center of the ball receiving portion coincides with the lower end of the strike zone in the baseball rules). In this state, the setting of the lower strike zone is completed. Here, if it is desired to narrow the lower strike zone, the upper button 40 is pressed, and the horizontal bar disappears in order of the number pressed from below, and at the same time, the lower strike zone is set to be narrow. Thus, the setting of the upper and lower strike zones is completed.

As described above, the strike zone is a region on the right side of the BB line and on the left side of the CC line, and a region of the DD below the EE line.
A region above the line, that is, a region surrounded by oblique lines in FIG. 3 is a strike zone. The ball receiving portion 2 is arranged in this strike zone, and the ball 3
When strikes the ball receiving portion 2, a strike signal is issued, and in other areas, a ball signal is emitted. As described above, the setting or change of the strike zone can be easily performed. The strike zone set once is stored in the memory 165 and is reproduced even when the power is turned on again. Note that the memory may be provided in the operation unit 6.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the vertical and horizontal moving device 4.
The vertical / horizontal movement device 4 is located on the front side of the vertical / horizontal movement device main body 5, the ball receiving portion 2 is arranged to project to the left of the right side cover 42, and the rear cover 45 is arranged to the rear side (right side in FIG. 4). The right side cover 42 and the back cover 45 are attached to the right frame 49 and the left frame 50 of the vertical and horizontal moving device main body 5 by screws, respectively. Similarly, the left side cover 43 is symmetrically attached to the right side cover 42. The upper cover 44 is attached to the right frame 49 and the left frame 50 with screws above. A control unit 29 having a power cord 30 is attached to a front portion on the left leg plate 53 with screws. The control unit 29 may be installed at another location if it is convenient to exchange control signals. Left and right leg plate 5
At both ends of the pins 3 and 52, a state where the pins 79 are driven is displayed. The pin 79 is driven into the ground, so that the vertical and horizontal movement device 4 is securely fixed.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the vertical and horizontal moving device main body 5 of the first embodiment partially broken. A right frame 49 and a left frame 50 are fixed to the right and left ends of the lower frame 48 at right angles by screws. The right and left ends of the right frame 49 and the left frame 50 have a bearing 6 at the center.
A first screw shaft 57 is provided which is supported by 0, 60 (the right bearing 60 is hidden behind the right frame 49 and cannot be seen), and this screw shaft 57 penetrates the first screw block 58 in the center part from side to side. In the through hole of the first screw block 58, the first
A female screw that fits smoothly with the screw shaft 57 is provided.
One end (here, the left end) of the first screw shaft 57 penetrates through the left frame 50 and is connected to a shaft (not shown) of the first motor 59. At this time, if an Oldham coupling or the like is used, the displacement of the shaft center can be absorbed, the smooth rotation of the first motor 59 is transmitted to the first screw shaft 57, and the left and right movement of the first screw block 58 can be smoothly performed.

The first screw block 58 has a moving plate 61 extending and fixed in a direction perpendicular to the left and right directions (here, vertical direction or vertical direction) through which the screw shaft 57 passes. Guide blocks 63, 63 penetrated by the upper first guide shaft 62 and the lower first guide shaft 62 are fixed to the movable plate 61 near the upper and lower ends on the rear side. First guide shafts 62, 6 penetrating the guide blocks 63, 63
The first guide shafts 62 are arranged in parallel with the first screw shaft 57 and penetrate through holes of the guide blocks 63, 63.
Means that it can slide smoothly. Further, the right end of each first guide shaft 62 is fixed to the right frame 49, and the left end is fixed to the left frame 50 by screws 66, 66, respectively. The upper and lower two first guide shafts 62, 62 jointly form a strong frame structure by the lower frame 48, the right frame 49 and the left frame 50. As a result, the rotational force of the first motor 59 is transmitted to the first screw shaft 57, and the first screw block 58 and, consequently, the moving plate 61 fixed to the first screw block 58 can move smoothly in the left-right and lateral directions.

In a direction perpendicular to the upper and lower ends of the movable plate 61 on the surface opposite to the surface on which the guide blocks 63 are attached, the first member 64 is located at the lower portion and the second member is located at the upper portion. The members 65 are fixed to the moving plate 61 with screws (not shown) facing each other. This first
Between the member 64 and the second member 65, two second guide shafts 6 are provided.
8 and 68 are disposed at right angles to the first guide shafts 62 and 62, and the upper and lower ends of the first and second guide shafts 62 and 62 are respectively screwed (not shown).
It is fixed to the member 64 and the second member 65. Thereby, together with the moving plate 61, the first member 64, and the second member 65, 2
The second guide shafts 68, 68 form a strong frame structure that supports the vertical and horizontal movement block 70. Further, a second screw shaft 67 is provided in the middle of and parallel to the second guide shafts 68, 68. The second screw shaft 67 includes bearings 60, 6 provided on the first member 64 and the second member 65.
It is rotatably supported at 0. And the second screw shaft 6
One end (upper end in this case) of 7 penetrates through the second member 65 and is connected to a shaft (not shown) of the second motor 69. At this time, the displacement of the shaft center is absorbed by using Oldham's joint, etc.
The rotation of the motor may be smoothly transmitted to the second screw shaft 67.

The second screw shaft 67 and the two second guide shafts 68 sandwiching the second screw shaft 67 from right and left penetrate through the vertical and horizontal moving block 70 and are arranged in parallel with each other. The portion of the vertical / horizontal movement block 70 through which the second screw shaft 67 passes is provided with a female screw that fits smoothly with the screw of the second screw shaft 67. And two second guide shafts 68,
The fitting between the 68 and the vertical and horizontal moving block 70 can be slid smoothly in the axial direction. By the way, the first member 64, the second member 65, the moving plate 61 and the two second guide shafts 68, 68 form a strong guide frame, so that the rotation of the second motor 69 is controlled by the second screw shaft 67. , It is possible to smoothly move the vertical and horizontal movement block 70 and, consequently, the ball receiving portion 2 attached to this surface in the vertical and vertical directions.

That is, the ball receiving section 2 is attached to the surface of the vertical and horizontal moving block 70. This makes the first
If the motor 59 and the second motor 69 are motors such as servo motors that can control forward and reverse rotation, the ball receiving section 2 can move freely in vertical and horizontal directions. This is because the horizontal and horizontal movement of the vertical and horizontal movement block 70 is caused by the rotation of the first motor 59 so that the movable plate 61 moves in the horizontal and lateral directions, and the second guide shafts 68 and 68 supported by the movable plate 61 move vertically and horizontally. The moving block 70 is moved in the horizontal direction. The vertical movement is performed by rotating the second motor 69 with the second screw shaft 6.
7 to move the vertical and horizontal movement block 70 smoothly in the vertical and vertical directions.

A first sensor 72 and a second sensor 73 are provided inside the right frame 49 and the left frame 50 from the front, respectively, when the first member 64 supported by the moving plate 61 moves rightward. The first sensor 72 detects the rightward movement limit point, and when the first member 64 moves to the left, the second sensor 7
3, the first motor 59 can be stopped at the time of detection, so that the left and right (lateral) movable limit range of the ball receiving portion 2 is determined. .

Similarly, a third sensor 74 and a fourth sensor 7 are provided on the right side of the opposing surfaces of the first member 64 and the second member 65, respectively.
When the vertical / horizontal movement block 70 supported by the two second guide shafts 68, 68 moves downward, the third sensor 74 detects a downward movable limit point, and the vertical / horizontal movement block 70 is detected. Is moved upward, the fourth sensor 75 can detect the upward movement limit point, the second motor 69 can be stopped at the time of detection, and thus the vertical (vertical) ) The movable range in the direction is determined. The first to fourth sensors are proximity switches, for example, a micro switch, a permanent magnet and a reed switch, or a combination of a light emitting / receiving diode and a shielding plate.

On the lower surface of the lower frame 48, a right leg plate 52 extending in the front-rear direction is fixed to the right end, and a left leg plate 53 extending in the front-rear direction is fixed to the left end. A total of four casters 76 with stop levers 77 are provided on the lower side surfaces of the left and right leg plate portions 53, 52 at the front and rear ends, respectively, so that the vertical and horizontal movement device 4 can be easily moved in the pitching range. . And the stop lever 77 of the caster 76
Thus, the vertical and horizontal moving device 4 can be fixed. In order to further secure the fixing, the fixing pins 7 should be positioned at the front and rear ends of the left and right leg plate portions so as not to interfere with the casters 76.
A relatively small diameter through-hole 78 into which 9 can be inserted is provided, and the vertical and horizontal movement device 4 can be reliably fixed by inserting the fixing pin 79 into this through-hole 78 (up to four) and inserting it into the ground.

In addition, a lower frame cover 54 is provided at the lower part of the front of the right frame 49 and the left frame 50, and an upper frame cover 55 is provided at the upper part of the front. The lower frame cover 54 and the upper frame cover 55, which are stretched left and right, function as a guide plate for the front cover 41 as described later (FIG. 7). The surface of the lower frame cover 54 is provided with a process in the middle between the left and right so that the center position indicator 4a in the left and right direction does not disappear even if it is rubbed (see FIGS. 1 and 3). This is a mark that matches the center line of the home base 17 as a reference when the vertical and horizontal moving device 4 is installed. (It is not displayed in FIG. 5 because of a cutout portion. FIG. 6 is a front view of the vertical and horizontal movement device 4, and is shown in FIG.
FIG. A first guide shaft 62 and a first screw shaft 57 supported by a right frame 49 and a left frame 50 are fixed to a moving plate 61 inside a rear cover 45 of the vertical and horizontal moving device main body 5. It can be seen that it is disposed through the block 58. In front of it, two second guide shafts 6
A vertical / horizontal movement block 70 that is penetrated and supported by 8, 68 and the second screw shaft 67 is disposed, and the ball receiving section 2 is disposed on the front surface of the vertical / horizontal movement block 70.

A front cover 41 composed of a right front cover 41a and a left front cover 41b is disposed with the shaft 94 of the ball receiving portion 2 interposed therebetween. That is, a first right hook 81 is fixed to the right end face of the vertical and horizontal movement block 70, and a first left hook 82 is fixed to the left end face by screws 83, 83, respectively. Each of the first right hook 81 and the first left hook 82 has a second right hook 84 and a second left hook 8.
5 is hung. Immediately in front of the lower frame cover 54 (partially broken), a right front cover main body 86 in the right portion of the right front cover 41a is provided in the right side cover 42, and a left front cover is provided in the left side cover 43. The left front cover main body 87 in the left portion of 41b is housed in a spiral shape.

Right front cover body 86, left front cover body 87
Has a spiral shape in the state of a relatively thin plate made of synthetic resin or metal, and when pulled, it loosens and stretches flat,
A structure that has the function of maintaining the original spiral state when loosened is adopted. As another embodiment of the winding function, although not shown, the right and left cover bodies 86 and 87 are
A flat thin synthetic resin material or a woven fabric material such as canvas may be used.
Alternatively, right and left cover bodies 86 and 8 are attached to the respective shafts, both ends of which are supported in the vicinity of the left frame 50 so as to be freely rotatable in the vertical direction and rotatable.
One end of 7 is fixedly wound. These covers 86, 8
7 have second right hook 84 and second left hook 8 respectively.
5 and rivet as in the first embodiment. Then, an inner end of a spiral spring wound in a direction opposite to a winding direction of the right and left cover bodies 84 and 85 is attached to one end side of each of the shafts, and an outer end of the spiral spring is a right frame 49, Alternatively, it is fixed to each of the left frames 50. With such a structure, when the right and left cover main bodies 84 and 85 are unwound and pulled out, they rotate around the respective axes and the spiral springs are entrained to accumulate the rotational force. When the right and left cover bodies 84 and 85 are loosened, the right and left cover bodies 84 and 85 are wound around shafts by the force of a spiral spring. Such a winding structure may be used.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the front cover 41 of the vertical / horizontal moving device 4. The front cover 41 is a right front cover 41
a and a left front cover 41b. A vertical / horizontal moving block 70 penetrated by the second screw shaft 67 and the second guide shafts 68, 68 is disposed in front of the moving plate 61. A first right hook 81 is provided on the right end face of the vertical and horizontal moving block 70.
However, the first left hook 82 has a screw 83 on the left end face,
It is fixed at 83. The first right hook 81, the first
A second right hook 84 and a second left hook 85 are hung on each of the left hooks 82.

The second right hook 84 extends vertically in a substantially inverted U-shaped cross section, and is provided with a lower notch 84b and an upper notch 84c at its lower end and upper end, respectively. A tongue-like piece is formed. By extending the tongue-shaped portion over the upper edge of the lower frame cover 54 and the lower edge of the upper frame cover 55 (each partially broken), the upper and lower edges of the right front cover 41a are laid. And the upper and lower ends of the left front cover 41b do not come off from the upper edge of the lower frame cover 54 and the lower edge of the upper frame cover 55, so that the left and right movement of the front cover 41 is smooth. You are being guided.

Right front cover 41a and left front cover 41b
Is a symmetrical shape. For this purpose, for example, the second left hook 85 is symmetrical to the second right hook 84 and has a substantially U-shaped cross section. Since the other component configurations are also symmetrical, the structure of the left front cover 41b-related parts will be indicated in parentheses below to omit the expression. The left end of the right front cover main body 86 (the right end of the left front cover main body 87) is overlapped on the second right hook 84 (the second left hook 85), and then a right flexible member 88 (left flexible The right end (left end) of the sex member 89) is overlapped, the holding plate 90 (holding plate 90) is stacked thereon, and each member is connected to the second right hook 84 (second left hook) using a rivet 91 (rivet 91). 85) Hole 84a
(Hole 85a), each hole 86a (87a), 8
8a (89a) and 90a (90a)
The rivet 91 (rivet 91) is swaged and fixed. The rivet holes formed in each member are provided at equal intervals, and here are five places (the left front cover 41b side also has five places).

The right end of the right front cover main body 86 is spirally formed in the right side cover 42 attached to the right frame 49, and the left end of the left front cover main body 87 is formed in the left side cover 43 attached to the left frame 50. It is stored. A plate-shaped right flexible member 88 (left flexible) which is crimped on the second right hook 84 (second left hook 85) hooked on the first right hook 81 (first left hook 82). The member 89)
A projection 88b (projection 89b) is formed at the left end (right end). A permanent magnet such as a rubber magnet magnetized in a flexible member is formed on each of the protrusions 88b and 89b. The end surfaces of the protrusion 88b and the protrusion 89b are The shaft portions 94 are interposed therebetween and attracted to each other. This can prevent dust from entering the front and the inside of the vertical and horizontal movement device 4. When the ball receiving portion 2 moves in the vertical and vertical directions, the shaft portion 94 moves through the gap between the joints 92 between the end surfaces of the projecting portions 88b and the projecting portions 89b to which the shaft portions 94 are in close contact, and the shaft portions 94 have passed. After that, seam 92 again
Are in close contact with each other and can prevent dust from entering the front and the inside of the vertical and horizontal moving device 4.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the ball receiving section 2 of the first embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a right side view of FIG. In the ball receiving portion 2, a shaft portion 94 is vertically mounted substantially at the center of a rectangular mounting plate 93 by welding or bonding, and the shaft portion 94 is provided with a groove 95 along the axis. This groove 95
The groove width is slightly larger than the plate thickness of a crank arm 99 made of a plate-like body, which will be described later. Also, on one end of the shaft portion 94 on the mounting plate 93 side, with respect to the groove bottom 96,
An opening 97 communicating with the groove 95 and an opening 95a communicating with the groove 95 are formed on the other end side with respect to the groove bottom 96. Further, a hole is formed in the vicinity of the opening 95a so as to insert a pin 98 that penetrates the groove 95 at right angles and that also penetrates the crank arm 99. In the groove 95, a plate-shaped crank arm 99 is formed at a substantially central portion with a pin 98 into which a pin 98 is fitted. The crank arm 99 is inserted into the groove 95, and the pin 98 is assembled through the shaft portion 94 and the crank arm 99. The pin 98 is prevented from coming off by caulking or the like, and the crank arm 99
Is rotatably supported by a pin 98. A disk-shaped ball receiving portion main body 2a is fixed to one end (here, the left end side) of a plate-shaped crank arm 99 by welding, bonding, or the like.

The front surface of the ball receiving portion main body 2a forms a concave portion 2b, and has a shape like a catcher mitt. It may be in the form of a glove or the like. A convex portion 100 is formed on one side surface of the other end of the crank arm 99 so that an operating portion of a micro switch 106 described later can be pressed. A spring post 101 is provided on the other side of the other end of the crank arm 99 so that one end of a tension spring 103 can be hooked. When the flying ball 3 abuts against the ball receiving portion main body 2a, the impact is reduced, and the crank arm 99 is once rotated clockwise about the pin 99, and then the crank arm 99 is rotated counterclockwise. At this time, when the crank arm 99 rotates around the pin 98 (see FIGS. 9 and 10), the spring post 101 also serves as a stopper that abuts on the shaft portion 94 and cannot further rotate.

The mounting plate 93 is provided with another bracket 105, which is provided with a microswitch 10
6 and a spring post 104 are provided. This spring post 104 corresponds to a spring post 101 provided at the other end of the crank arm 99, and a tension spring 103 is hung between the two to urge the crank arm 99 counterclockwise in FIG. . The ball receiving section 2 having such a configuration is attached to the front surface of the vertical and horizontal moving block 70 with screws 102.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining the operation of the ball receiving section 2 of the first embodiment. This is because when the flying ball 3 comes into contact with the ball receiving portion main body 2a, the crank arm 99 rotates clockwise about the pin 98 to relieve the impact force, and the projection 100 at the other end of the crank arm 99 becomes the micro switch. It emits a signal away from the actuation of 106. This is a state in which a signal is emitted when the flying ball 3 comes into contact with the ball receiving portion 2. After the impact force and the tension of the tension spring 103 are balanced, the rotation direction of the crank arm 99 reverses counterclockwise. Then, the spring post 101 of the crank arm 99 comes into contact with the shaft portion 94 and stops.

FIG. 11 shows the ball receiving portion 11 of the second embodiment.
2 is a right side view of FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the ball receiving unit 112. In the ball receiving portion 112, a right end of a hollow tube-shaped shaft portion 114 is vertically attached to a substantially central portion of a rectangular mounting plate 113 by welding, bonding, or the like. A slot 114a is provided parallel to the axis. A stopper 116 to be described later penetrates the groove 114a. Inside the shaft 114, a moving shaft 115 made of a hollow tube having a thickness that fits smoothly is inserted. At the left end of the moving shaft portion 115, a disk-shaped ball receiving portion main body 112 in the shape of a catcher mitt is provided.
a is fixed by welding or bonding. The slot 114a
Is fixed near the right end of the moving shaft portion 115 by screwing or the like.

Further, a compression spring 1 is provided inside the moving shaft 115.
The compression spring 117 urges the ball receiving portion main body 112a to the left so as to increase the distance between the ball receiving portion main body 112a and the mounting plate 113.
The stopper 116 provided on the moving shaft 115 is
The ball receiving portion main body 112a and the mounting plate 11 are in contact with the left end inside the slot 114a provided in the shaft portion 114.
The opening of the interval 3 has stopped and is waiting. In this state, the stopper 116 presses the operating portion of the micro switch 119. The micro switch 119 is mounted on a bracket 118, and the
Is provided on the mounting plate 113. Ball receiver 112
The front surface of the ball receiving portion main body 112a forms a concave surface 112b. Thereby, the ball receiving portion main body 112a has a shape of a catcher mitt.

FIG. 12 shows the ball receiving portion 11 of the second embodiment.
2 illustrates the operation of FIG. That is, when the flying ball 3 comes into contact with the ball receiving portion main body 112a, the ball receiving portion main body 112a moves rightward while compressing the compression spring 117, and the right end of the moving shaft portion 115 is mounted while being guided by the shaft portion 114. It moves rightward until it comes into contact with the plate 113.
At this time, since the stopper 116 that is fixed to the moving shaft 115 also moves rightward, the state in which the stopper 116 is pressing the operating part of the microswitch 119 is released. As a result, when the flying ball 3 comes into contact with the ball receiving portion 112, a signal is emitted.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the vertical and horizontal moving device main body 121 of the second embodiment with respect to the vertical and horizontal moving device main body 5. The vertical and horizontal moving device main body 121 is an example in which a toothed pulley and a toothed belt are used as power transmission means. By the way, it is easy to replace the toothed pulley and the toothed belt with a steel wire and a pulley.

The right frame 122 and the left frame 123 are fixed to the right and left ends of the lower frame 135 at right angles by screws. Right frame 12
2. At the center of the left frame 123, square holes 133 and 134 are provided at opposing positions, respectively. On the outer surface of the right frame 122, a drive-side toothed pulley 128 is arranged on the shaft of the first motor 127 as desired in the square hole 133.
One end of each of the two bearings 132, 13
The driven toothed pulley 130 on the other end of the driven shaft 131 supported by the drive shaft 2 is desirably attached to the square hole 134. A first toothed belt 129 is stretched left and right between the driving-side toothed pulley 128 and the driven-side toothed pulley 130 through the square holes 133 and 134.

A moving plate 126 extending in the up-down (longitudinal) direction is disposed in front of the first toothed belt 129, and a substantially central portion on the rear side of the moving plate 126 and the surface of the toothed belt 129 are connected to the driving side. Toothed pulley 128 and driven toothed pulley 1
It is fixed with rivets, screws, or the like in a state where it does not interfere with meshing with 30. Further, near the upper and lower ends of the rear side of the movable plate 126, guide blocks 125, 125 penetrated by the upper first guide shaft 124 and the lower first guide shaft 124.
Are fixed with screws or the like. The first guide shaft 124, which passes through these guide blocks 125, 125,
124 is arranged in parallel with the toothed belt 129, and each guide block 125 and each first guide shaft 124 slide smoothly with each other. The right ends of the first guide shafts 124, 124 are in the right frame 122, the left ends are in the left frame 123,
3 and 143 (the left end screw is not shown). Further, the upper ends of the right frame 122 and the left frame 123 are the upper frame 1
It is attached with screws via 36. The upper and lower 2
The first guide shafts 124, 124 of the book, the lower frame 135, the upper frame 136, the right frame 122, and the left frame 123 form a strong structure. Thus, the rotational force of the first motor 127 can be smoothly moved in the left and right direction of the first toothed belt 129, and the left and right side movement of the moving plate 126 fixed thereto can be smoothed.

Then, the upper and lower ends of the movable plate 126 are perpendicular to the surface opposite to the surface on which the guide blocks 125, 125 are mounted, and the first member 139 is located at the lower portion.
In the upper part, the second members 140 face each other and are attached with screws (not shown). First member 139 and second member
Between the members 140, the two second guide shafts 124a, 124
4a is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the first guide shafts 124, 124, and is fixed at both upper and lower ends by screws (not shown). The two second guide shafts 124a, 124a pass through the vertical and horizontal movement block 141 at an intermediate portion, and the through hole and the two second guide shafts 124a, 124a can slide smoothly. The horizontal and horizontal movement of the vertical and horizontal movement block 141 supported by the movement plate 126 as described above is the first movement.
This is performed by the motor 127. (As a result, the ball receiving portion 2 attached to the vertical and horizontal movement block 141
Or 112 is moved laterally left and right. )

The surface of the vertical / horizontal movement block 141 is divided into a mounting surface 141a of the ball receiving portion 2 or 112, a right side is divided into a mounting surface 141b of the first right hook 81 for hooking the front cover 41, and a left side is divided into two parts. , The front half includes the mounting surface 141c of the first left hook 82,
The left rear half forms a projecting piece 141d. The other side of the second toothed belt 129a is brought into contact with the protruding piece 141d, and is attached with a rivet, a screw, or the like (not shown). Outer surface of the first member 139 (here, the downward surface side)
The driven toothed pulley 1 has a driven shaft 131 whose one end is supported by two bearings 132, 132.
30 is disposed so as to project to the left, and the second member 140
Of the second motor 12
7a is disposed on the shaft so that the drive-side toothed pulley 128 projects leftward. Then, the second toothed belt 12
9a is a drive-side toothed pulley 128 and a driven-side toothed pulley 1
It is stretched in the up-down direction between the two.

The moving plate 126, the first member 139, the second member 140, and the two second guide shafts 124a, 124a form a strong guide frame, and the first member 139 and the second member 14
0 are attached to face each other, and two second guide shafts 124a, 124 are provided at an intermediate portion between the first member 139 and the second member 140.
The vertical / horizontal movement block 141 is supported by passing through 124a, and the through hole and the two second guide shafts 124a, 124a can smoothly slide. As a result, the rotational force of the second motor 127a causes the second toothed belt 129a to move vertically and vertically, thereby moving the vertically and horizontally moving block 141 vertically and vertically, and as a result, vertically and vertically moving the ball receiver 2 or 112. Will be.

The first sensor 72 and the second sensor 73 attached to the bracket 144 are provided inside the right frame 122 and the left frame 123 from the front surface, respectively. This is the second
The toothed belt 129a and the pulley 130 are moved by the amount of protrusion. Thereby, the left frame 123 and the second toothed belt 1
29a and the pulley 130 can be prevented from interfering with each other. When the first member 139 supported by the moving plate 126 moves to the right, the first sensor 72 detects a rightward movement limit point, and when the first member 139 moves to the left, the second sensor The movement limit point in the left direction can be detected at 73, and the second motor 127a can be stopped at the time of the detection. In this way, the left and right (horizontal) of the ball receiving portion 2 or 112 can be detected.
The movable range of the direction is determined.

Similarly, the first member 139 and the second member 140
, The third sensor 74 and the fourth sensor
A sensor 75 is provided and two second guide shafts 124a, 124
When the vertical / horizontal movement block 141 supported by a moves downward, the third sensor 74 detects a downward movable limit point, and when the vertical / horizontal movement block 141 moves upward, the fourth sensor 75 moves upward. The movement limit point in the direction can be detected, and the second motor 127a can be stopped at the time of detection, and thus the ball receiving portion 2 or 112 can be detected.
The upper and lower (longitudinal) movement capacity limits are determined. Lower frame 1
A right leg member 137 is provided at a lower right end portion of the 35, and a left leg member 138 is provided at a lower left end portion. The rest is the same as the configuration of the vertical and horizontal moving device main body 5.

FIG. 15 is a right side view showing the internal structure when the right side plate portion of the ball catching sound generator 8 is temporarily removed. A catching sound generator 8 is attached by a screw in front of the upper cover 44 of the vertical and horizontal moving device 4. Front frame 14 on base plate 145
6. The rear frame 147 is fixed, and a channel material 148 is provided substantially in the center of the inside, and a spacer 1 is provided on the front side (here, left side).
The drum 151 is mounted with bolts 150 with the 49 interposed therebetween. A solenoid coil 153 supported by two brackets 152, 152 is provided on the upper surface of the channel material 148.
However, a plunger 154 having a limiter 158 and a compression spring 155 is arranged.

A wire mesh 159 is provided in the front, and a top plate 156 is provided in the upper portion.
However, a side plate 157 is arranged rearward (here, on the right side). The plunger 154 receives a signal generated when the incoming ball 3 comes into contact with the ball receiving portion 2 or 112, and the plunger 154 opposes the compression spring 155 so that the solenoid coil 1
53, and the tip of the plunger 154 is
Hitting 1 generates a catching sound. The ball catching sound generator 8 may be combined with the voicing device 16 separately from this configuration. That is, the memory 1 is used as a part of the function of the utterance unit 16 described in FIG.
65 (a) is a plan view of the operation unit 6, FIG. 14 (b) is a partially enlarged view of the display unit 10 and the display field change button group 27 when the strike zone is set by the operation unit 6, and FIG. 2 shows a partially enlarged view of the display unit 10 and the display field change button group 27 at the time. Take out the electronic sound stored in the speaker 1
7 can be uttered.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the control unit 29, the operation unit 6, the ball tracking device 9, and the loudspeaker 16. The controller 29 is connected to a commercial power supply by a power cord 30. A power supply unit 161 is provided inside, and a central processing unit (CPU) 1
60, an infrared device 162, a memory 165, and the like. Part of the contents of the memory 165 may be shared with the operation unit 6. The infrared element 162 includes a transmission unit 163 and a reception unit 164. The loudspeaker 16 has the amplifier 1
69 and a speaker 170, and a protection net 171 is disposed in the cabinet in front of (in this case, to the left of) the speaker 170. Similarly to the control unit 29, the operation unit 6 is provided with a transmission unit 167 and a reception unit 168 (see FIG. 14A).

Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation outline when the pitcher practice machine 1 is installed in a practice field and then used will be described. First, the power cord 30 of the power supply 29 is connected to a commercial power supply, and a power switch 161 provided on the power supply 29 is connected.
Input a. Next, when the power switch 46 of the operation unit 6 is pressed, 11 in the display column 1 of the display unit 10 of the operation unit 6 is displayed.
Indicates a character string of "STRIKE" and a blank space to the right of the character display. In the display column 2, the character “ball” is displayed at 12 and the space to the right is blank. In the display column 3, 13 is displayed with the character number of the number of pitches, and the right side is blank. In the display field 14, the character “ball speed” is displayed and a space to the right is blank. This state is a standby state. After about 10 seconds, the display unit 10 enters the power saving mode and the screen becomes dark, but the displayed characters can be read.

Next, the start switch 7 of the operation unit 6 is pressed, and a start signal is emitted from the transmission unit 167 and received by the reception unit 164 of the control unit 29. It is finally the practice of pitching. A trainer standing on the pitcher mound throws a ball at the ball receiving portions 2 and 112 of the vertical and horizontal moving device 4. The ball 3 separated from the hand flies in the direction of the vertical and horizontal moving device 4.

The ball tracking device 9 starts operating, detects the movement of the flying ball 3, and determines the ball speed and the predicted course by C.
The ball receiving unit main body 2a, 112a of the lateral movement device 4 is calculated by the PU 160 so that the flying ball 3 can collide.
Is placed on the predicted course. When the flying ball 3 collides, the signal C from the ball receiving portions 2 and 112 is received.
A ball catching sound generator 8 that generates a ball catching sound according to a PU command
And the measured ball speed of the ball 3 arriving by the ball tracking device 9 are displayed in the display field 4 as "ball speed 145".
(Unit km) ", the number of pitches 5 (at the time of the fifth ball) is displayed in 13 of the display field 3 by the signal from the start switch 7 and the ball tracking device 9, and the incoming ball 3 is within a predetermined area. When the ball abuts on the ball receiving portions 2 and 112 located in the display column 2, “ball 3 (here, 3
Ball)) or “Strike 2
(Here, the second ball is displayed.) (Each display first becomes bright in the screen but darkens in the power saving mode after about 10 seconds.) At the same time, the striker 16 or the “ball” is uttered by the vocalizer 16. In this way, one cycle of a series of movements after the start switch is pressed is completed, and the apparatus enters a standby state. The pitcher again presses the start button to perform a series of operations in the next two cycles, and then enters a standby state.

At the time of pitching practice, the progress can be known. For example, when the first button 31 is pressed several times, 11 in the display field 1 becomes brighter and the “strike” in black is displayed.
2 "," Total strike 18 ", and" Left strike zone (the vertical bar is displayed at the top) can be cyclically displayed. When the second button 33 is pressed several times, 12 of the display column 2 becomes bright and the black display ""Ball3","Ball total 9", "Right strike zone (vertical bar is displayed at the top)", and the display repeats cyclically each time the second button is pressed. Next, when the third button 34 is pressed several times, the number 13 in the display field 3 becomes brighter and the number of pitches displayed in black is displayed.
5 "," Total number of pitches 19 "," Upper strike zone (horizontal bar displayed above) ". Hereinafter, the display is cyclically repeated every time the third button is pressed. And the fourth button 36
By pressing several times, 14 in the display field 4 becomes brighter, and the "ball speed 145", "highest ball speed 158", "lowest ball speed 28" and "lower strike zone (the upper horizontal bar is displayed)" are displayed in black. Hereinafter, the display is cyclically repeated every time the fourth button is pressed. Thus, the pitcher can know the progress of the pitching practice. At the end of the pitching practice, the power switch 46 of the operation unit 6 and the power switch 161a of the control unit 29
And cut it off. When the power switch 46 of the operation unit 6 is turned on again, the contents of the previous exercise and the result are displayed. This is cleared by pressing the center button 28 of the vertical and horizontal movement button group 26 for 5 seconds or more, and the display of the display unit 10 is shown in FIG. The right side of the character display of the strike, the ball, the number of pitches, and the ball speed in (c) is blank, and a new practice is possible. The method of setting the strike zone is as described above.

As described above, the present invention has a three-dimensional ball receiving portion, and can provide a more realistic pitching practice. In other words, since there is a three-dimensional ball receiving part that can be moved vertically and horizontally during pitching practice, the target of the pitch can be clearly recognized before throwing, and
Immediately after throwing, the catching sound from the catching sound generator that generates catching sound by the signal from the ball receiving portion can be immediately heard, and the feeling that the ball was thrown at the intended position, Recognition of the catching sound by, you can get double satisfaction, more focused and realistic motivated pitching practice, and also adjust the ball speed, the total number of pitches, the number of strikes, and the number of balls You can check it and practice the pitching effectively. And, since the batter doll stands, the pitching practice can be performed by the pitcher who is aware of the batter. Furthermore, in addition to the catching sound after the pitch, the strike from the vocal device or the utterance of the ball enables a more realistic pitching practice. In addition, the catcher actually catches the ball as it tracks the incoming ball away from the pitcher and can hear the sound of the ball being caught on the predicted course. Such feeling can be obtained. In addition, the progress of the pitching exercise is displayed on the display unit, and the maximum or minimum ball speed of the pitched ball, the total number of pitches, the number of strikes, the number of balls, the cumulative number of strikes, the cumulative number of balls, etc. can be confirmed, and the pitching content is further devised and devised. Effective throwing practice that has been possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a pitching practice machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vertical and horizontal moving device 4;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the vertical and horizontal moving device 4;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the vertical and horizontal moving device 4.

FIG. 5 is a partially broken vertical and horizontal moving device main body 5 according to the first embodiment;
It is a perspective view of.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a front cover portion of the vertical and horizontal movement device 4.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the ball receiving section 2 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a right side view of FIG.

FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory view of the ball receiving section 2 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a right side view of a ball receiving portion 112 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an operation explanatory view of the ball receiving section 112 of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a vertical and horizontal moving device main body 121 according to a second embodiment.

14A is a plan view of the operation unit 6, FIG. 14B is a partially enlarged view of the display unit 10 and the display field change button group 27 when the strike zone is set by the operation unit 6, and FIG. Represents a partially enlarged view of the display unit 10 and the display column change button group 27 during pitching practice.

FIG. 15 is a right side view showing the internal structure when the right side plate portion of the catching sound generator 8 is temporarily removed.

FIG. 16 shows a control unit 29, an operation unit 6, a ball tracking device 9,
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the loudspeaker and the utterance device 16.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a pitching exercise machine, 2 and 112 are ball receiving units, 3 is a ball, 4 is a vertical and horizontal movement device, 5 is a vertical and horizontal movement device main body, 6 is an operation unit, 7 is a start switch, 8 is a ball catching sound generator, 9 Is a ball tracking device, 10 is a display unit, 15 is a batter doll, 16
Is an utterance device, and 29 is a control unit.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A start switch, a ball receiving portion for emitting a signal when a flying ball comes into contact, a vertical and horizontal moving device capable of moving and positioning the ball receiving portion in both vertical and horizontal directions, and a vertical and horizontal moving device. An operation unit that can be moved, a ball catching sound generator that generates a ball catching sound based on a signal from the ball receiving unit, and a ball catching sound generator that is used when the flying ball contacts the ball receiving unit located in a predetermined area. Number of strikes,
And a display unit for displaying the number of balls. 2. A start switch, a ball receiving portion for emitting a signal when a flying ball comes into contact, a vertical and horizontal moving device capable of moving and disposing the ball receiving portion in both vertical and horizontal directions, and a vertical and horizontal moving device. An operation unit that can be moved, a ball catching sound generator that generates a ball catching sound based on a signal from the ball receiving unit, a ball tracking device for the flying ball, and the number of the ball flying by the ball tracking device are measured. A display that displays the ball speed, the total number of pitches based on the signals from the start switch and the ball tracking device, the number of strikes when the flying ball hits the ball receiving portion located in a predetermined area, and the number of balls A pitching practice machine comprising: 3. A start switch, a ball receiving portion for emitting a signal when a flying ball comes into contact, a vertical and horizontal moving device capable of moving and disposing the ball receiving portion in both vertical and horizontal directions, and a vertical and horizontal moving device. An operation unit that can be moved, a ball catching sound generator that generates a ball catching sound based on a signal from the ball receiving unit, a ball tracking device for the flying ball, and the number of the ball flying by the ball tracking device are measured. A display that displays the ball speed, the total number of pitches based on the signals from the start switch and the ball tracking device, the number of strikes when the flying ball hits the ball receiving portion located in a predetermined area, and the number of balls And a batter doll. 4. A start switch, a ball receiving portion for emitting a signal when a flying ball comes into contact, a vertical and horizontal moving device capable of moving and positioning the ball receiving portion in both vertical and horizontal directions, and a vertical and horizontal moving device for the vertical and horizontal movement. An operation unit that can be moved, a ball catching sound generator that generates a ball catching sound based on a signal from the ball receiving unit, a ball tracking device for the flying ball, and the number of the ball flying by the ball tracking device are measured. A display that displays the ball speed, the total number of pitches based on the signals from the start switch and the ball tracking device, the number of strikes when the flying ball hits the ball receiving portion located in a predetermined area, and the number of balls Unit, a batter doll, and a loudspeaker that utters a strike or a ball based on a signal from the ball tracking device and a signal from the ball receiving unit. Pitching trainer aircraft which is characterized in. 5. A ball switch for emitting a signal when a flying ball comes into contact with a start switch, a ball tracing device for the flying ball, and an operation unit for operating the ball receiving unit in any of vertical and horizontal directions. A vertical and horizontal movement device that is movable and displaceable, and that can move and arrange the ball receiver in any of vertical and horizontal directions on the predicted course of the flying ball calculated by the ball tracking device; A pitching practice machine comprising: a ball catching sound generator that generates a ball catching sound by a signal. 6. A start switch, a ball receiving portion for emitting a signal when the flying ball comes into contact with the ball, a ball tracking device for the flying ball, and an operation portion for operating the ball receiving portion in any of vertical and horizontal directions. A vertical and horizontal movement device that is movable and displaceable, and that can move and arrange the ball receiver in any of vertical and horizontal directions on the predicted course of the flying ball calculated by the ball tracking device; A ball catching sound generator that generates a ball catching sound by a signal, a measured ball speed of the flying ball by the ball tracking device, a total number of pitches by a signal from the start switch and the ball tracking device, and the flying ball A display unit for displaying the number of strikes and the number of balls when the ball comes into contact with the ball receiving unit located in a predetermined area. Pitching trainer aircraft which is characterized in. 7. A start switch, a ball receiving portion for emitting a signal when a flying ball comes in contact with the ball, a ball tracking device for the flying ball, and an operation portion for operating the ball receiving portion in any of vertical and horizontal directions. A vertical and horizontal movement device that is movable and displaceable, and that can move and arrange the ball receiver in any of vertical and horizontal directions on the predicted course of the flying ball calculated by the ball tracking device; A ball catching sound generator that generates a ball catching sound by a signal, a measured ball speed of the flying ball by the ball tracking device, a total number of pitches by a signal from the start switch and the ball tracking device, and the flying ball A display unit for displaying the number of strikes and the number of balls when the ball hits the ball receiving unit located in a predetermined area, and a batter doll, Pitching trainer aircraft which is characterized in that it comprises. 8. A start switch, a ball receiving portion that emits a signal when a flying ball comes in contact with the ball, a ball tracking device for the flying ball, and the ball receiving portion is moved in any of vertical and horizontal directions by operating an operation portion. A vertical and horizontal movement device that is movable and displaceable, and that can move and arrange the ball receiver in any of vertical and horizontal directions on the predicted course of the flying ball calculated by the ball tracking device; A ball catching sound generator that generates a ball catching sound by a signal, a measured ball speed of the flying ball by the ball tracking device, a total number of pitches by a signal from the start switch and the ball tracking device, and the flying ball A display unit for displaying the number of strikes and the number of balls when the ball hits the ball receiving unit located in a predetermined area, and a batter doll, Serial pitching trainer, characterized by comprising, a vocalization unit for voicing the strike or a ball by a signal of the signal and the ball receiving part of the ball tracking device.