JP2020174947A - Ball shooting unit - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a ball shooting unit capable of sequentially shooting many balls which are set, at a short time interval without an operator.SOLUTION: A ball shooting unit of the invention comprises: a shooting cylinder; a ball supply part for supplying balls from a front side of the shooting cylinder to an internal part of the shooting cylinder; an arrival detection part for detecting a fact that a shot ball being a shooting object and being supplied from the ball supply part has arrived at a shooting position in the shooting cylinder; an air pressure application part for applying an air pressure to the shot ball at the shooting position on the basis of detection at the arrival detection part; and an angle control part for controlling an angle of the shooting cylinder. The angle control part directs a front part of the shooting cylinder to an upward angle until the shot ball is supplied from the ball supply part and then arrives at the shooting position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a ball launcher capable of firing balls by air pressure and reducing the work of a worker when firing balls one by one.

In batting practice in baseball and stroke practice in tennis, a ball launcher that automatically launches a baseball ball or a tennis ball is used. The ball launcher used for baseball practice is called a pitching machine or batting machine. In this way, a ball launching device called a pitching machine or a batting machine is used by practitioners in baseball batting practice and tennis stroke practice.

As a ball launching device for launching a ball in a ball game such as baseball or tennis, there is an arm type that launches a ball by rotating an arm on which the ball is placed at the tip. Alternatively, there is a roller type in which a ball is passed between a pair of adjacent rollers and the ball is launched by the rotation of the pair of rollers.

Unlike these, there is also an pneumatic ball launching device that applies air pressure by compressed air to a ball installed in a tubular launching cylinder and launches the ball by air pressure. A ball launcher that launches a ball with air pressure can control the speed and angle of the ball to be launched in various ways by adjusting the air pressure. With these various controls, it is possible to launch a ball with the optimum speed and control for the user. As a result, the practice efficiency using the ball launcher is improved.

For example, in baseball, you can practice batting more realistically by increasing or decreasing the speed or changing the type of ball. Alternatively, in tennis, you can practice strokes and volleys in line with actual battles by changing the speed, angle, course, and type of ball.
In particular, in the case of tennis, stroke practice and volley practice using a tennis court may be performed. At this time, the practitioner stands on the actual tennis court and hits back the ball fired from the opponent's court. The same applies to strokes and volleys. Here, as a more practical practice, it is preferable that a ball having the same trajectory and speed as the ball hit by the tennis player is launched from the opponent's court of the actual tennis court.

It is hoped that such practice can be performed by a pneumatic ball launcher.

Several techniques for such a ball launcher have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent No. 5625098 Jikkenhei 1-77784

In Patent Document 1, a ball launching means for launching a ball is connected to a ball controlling means for determining the firing direction and rotation of the ball, a ball passing passage through which the ball passes is formed in the ball controlling means, and a throwing port at the tip of the ball passing passage is used. In a pitching machine that throws a ball, the ball launching means comprises a ball supply mechanism that supplies the ball and an air injection mechanism that pneumatically launches the ball supplied from the ball supply mechanism, and the ball control means is a ball passage passage. A rotating body is provided on the lower side, and the rotating body is rotated in the traveling direction of the ball at a speed faster than the traveling speed of the ball to come into contact with the lower side of the ball fired from the air injection mechanism. Discloses a pitching machine characterized in that a friction body is provided above the baseball and the dynamic friction coefficient of the surface of the rotating body in contact with the ball is larger than that of the surface of the friction body in contact with the ball.

However, the ball launcher of Patent Document 1 installs the balls one by one at the installation site and launches the balls. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes time to install the ball at the installation site. Therefore, it is not suitable for the practice of firing balls one after another and hitting and receiving the fired balls. This is because the time interval for firing the ball becomes longer due to the longer installation time.

In addition, there is a problem that an operator is required in the operation of throwing the ball or the operation of launching the actual ball. For example, it is necessary to perform ball throwing, installation, and launch control while the operator is close to the ball launcher. In the case of baseball, the worker may be able to operate the ball launcher during team practice. However, when one coach has to teach a large number of players as in tennis, there is a problem that the coach sticks to the ball launcher and the players cannot be coached.

Alternatively, even if it is automatically operated by a remote controller, there is a problem that it is not suitable when the player needs to perform it and wants to practice firing balls one after another.

In addition, there is a problem that a large number of balls cannot be prepared at one time and the balls cannot be fired one after another at short time intervals. Due to this problem, there was a problem that it was not suitable for practicing by receiving a ball fire at a short time interval.

Patent Document 2 discloses a pitching machine provided with a ball rotating means for applying friction to a ball by bringing a mountain-shaped convex portion into contact with the surface of the ball moving in a cylinder under the pressure of high-pressure air. Patent Document 4 simulates that a human pitcher applies friction to a ball with two fingers by contacting two convex portions with a part of the surface of the ball moving in a cylinder. ing. By this simulated reproduction, the pitching machine disclosed in Patent Document 4 can impart rotation to the ball.

However, the technique of Patent Document 2 has the same problem as that of Patent Document 1. There is a problem that a small number of workers cannot fire balls one after another at short time intervals, which is not suitable for practice that requires this. Further, in the technologies such as Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a problem that the cost of the device is high, and there is also a problem that it is difficult to introduce depending on the type of ball game and the organization in which the ball game is introduced.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a ball launching device capable of firing a large number of balls set one after another at short time intervals without the need for an operator.

In view of the above problems, the attachment for the ball launcher of the present invention includes a launcher and a launcher.
A ball supply unit that supplies balls from the front of the launch tube to the inside of the launch tube,
A arrival detection unit that detects that the launch ball to be launched supplied from the ball supply unit has reached the launch position inside the launch tube.
An air pressure applying unit that applies air pressure to the launch ball at the launch position based on the detection by the arrival detection unit,
Equipped with an angle control unit that controls the angle of the launch tube,
The angle control unit directs the front of the launch tube at an upward angle until the launch ball is supplied from the ball supply unit and reaches the launch position.

In the ball launcher of the present invention, the balls contained in the ball container are supplied one by one from the front of the launch tube into the launch tube. The balls supplied one by one only reach a predetermined position at the base of the launch tube, and are launched under the application of air pressure. Therefore, since the installation of the ball for firing does not require an extra mechanism, labor, and time, the ball can be fired at short time intervals.

When the ball is launched, the next ball falls from the ball container and reaches a predetermined position at the base of the launch tube by gravity drop. When the arrival is detected, air pressure is applied and the next ball is also fired. In this way, the balls reach a predetermined position one by one from the ball container and are fired one after another. As a result, it is possible to fire the ball at short time intervals.

In addition, the ball falling from the ball container enters the launch tube from the front of the launch tube, and reaches a predetermined position at the base of the launch tube by gravity drop. As a result, it is possible to reduce the need for manually supplying balls one by one or requiring a special mechanism, and it is possible to eliminate the need for a dedicated worker who operates the ball launching device.

Also, when launching a ball with an angle from above, it is necessary to turn the launch tube slightly downward. By reducing the mechanism for fixing and installing the ball, there is a possibility that the ball will fall in front of the launcher, but this has been eliminated by providing a ball stopper.

In this way, by eliminating the mechanisms and procedures such as supplying the ball, moving the ball to the launch position, and installing the ball at the launch position by fixing, the cost of the device can be reduced, continuous launch with a short time interval, and work. While realizing the elimination of people, the problems that may occur due to this are also solved.

It is a side view of the ball launching apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state of the ball launch by the ball launcher in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which the ball is supplied from the ball supply part in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which the ball which reached the firing position in Embodiment 1 of this invention is launched. It is a schematic diagram when a ball launcher is used in a tennis court. It is a side view of the ball launching apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a side view of the ball launching apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram around a launching cylinder in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the ball launching apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the attachment and its periphery in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the ball launching apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention.

The attachment for a ball launcher according to the first invention of the present invention includes a launcher and a launcher.
A ball supply unit that supplies balls from the front of the launch tube to the inside of the launch tube,
A arrival detection unit that detects that the launch ball to be launched supplied from the ball supply unit has reached the launch position inside the launch tube.
An air pressure applying unit that applies air pressure to the launch ball at the launch position based on the detection by the arrival detection unit,
Equipped with an angle control unit that controls the angle of the launch tube,
The angle control unit directs the front of the launch tube at an upward angle until the launch ball is supplied from the ball supply unit and reaches the launch position.
With this configuration, the ball is fed into the launch tube by free fall and can reach the launch position. When the ball reaches the launch position, the ball is launched as it is, so that the operator's operation such as setting the launch position of the ball and the launch operation based on this can be unnecessary.

In the attachment for a ball launcher according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first invention, the launch ball supplied from the ball supply unit to the inside of the launch tube has its own weight because the launch tube has an upward angle. It falls and moves to the launch position.

With this configuration, the ball can reach the launch position by itself. No extra mechanism or operation is required.

In the attachment for a ball launcher according to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first or second invention, the launch position is provided at the base of the launcher.

With this configuration, air pressure can be applied to the ball that has reached the launch position by its own weight.

In addition to any one of the first to third inventions, the attachment for a ball launcher according to a fourth aspect of the present invention further includes a ball container connected to a ball supply unit to accommodate a plurality of balls.

With this configuration, balls can be supplied to the launcher one after another.

In the attachment for a ball launcher according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fourth invention, the ball supply unit receives the supply of the ball from the ball container, and the launch ball is supplied to the inside of the launcher. , Stop the next ball just before the inside of the launcher,
When the launch ball is launched from the launch tube, the ball supply unit supplies the next ball to the inside of the launch tube.

With this configuration, the balls are supplied to the launcher one by one and fired one after another.

In the attachment for a ball launcher according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fifth invention, the arrival detection unit moves to the ball supply unit after a predetermined time when the arrival of the launch ball at the launch position is detected. Instruct the supply of balls.

With this configuration, the next ball is supplied after the ball has been fired. Balls can be fired one after another without getting in the way of firing.

In the attachment for a ball launcher according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the fourth to sixth inventions, the balls are continuously supplied from the ball container to the ball supply unit by free fall. ..

With this configuration, it is possible to eliminate the need for each operator to supply and launch the ball.

In addition to any one of the first to seventh inventions, the attachment for a ball launcher according to the eighth aspect of the present invention further includes a compressed air tank that supplies compressed air to the air pressure applying portion.

With this configuration, the ball launcher can launch the ball pneumatically.

In the attachment for a ball launcher according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to eighth inventions, a stopper capable of stopping the launch ball at the launch position and in front of the launch ball. Further prepare.

With this configuration, even when the ball is launched with the launch tube facing forward and downward, it is not necessary to drop the ball from the front of the launch tube before applying air pressure.

In the attachment for a ball launcher according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the ninth invention, the angle control unit adjusts the angle of the launch tube according to the speed, angle, and ball type of the launch ball to be launched. It can be changed, and when launching from above, the launch tube should be facing down.
If the launch tube is pointing downwards, the stopper will stop the launch ball until it is launched into the launch position.

With this configuration, it is possible to launch the ball from above without dropping the ball by the stopper. In particular, it is effective in a ball launching device that omits a mechanism such as fixing the ball at the launching position. When a fixing mechanism or the like is introduced, it becomes impossible to set the ball at the launching position due to the drop of its own weight in the launching cylinder, and such a stopper is effective in the ball launching device of the present invention that solves this problem.

In the attachment for a ball launcher according to the eleventh invention of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to tenth inventions, an attachment for a ball launcher provided inside the launcher is further provided.
The attachment for the ball launcher is
The attachment body provided inside the launcher and
A friction body that is attached to the main body of the attachment and gives friction to the ball that moves inside the launcher.
A pressure applying part that applies pressure to the friction body,
It is equipped with a pipeline that connects the pressure-applying part and the compressed air tank.
In the pipeline, the compressed air from the compressed air tank applied to the ball launched from the launch tube is applied to the pressure applying portion, and the air pressure for launching the same launch ball and the air pressure applied to the friction body are applied. Are almost the same.

With this configuration, an air pressure proportional to the air pressure at which the ball is launched is applied to the friction body via the pressure applying portion. The friction body comes into contact with the ball moving in the launch tube by the pressure from the pressure applying portion. As a result, the ball is subjected to friction by the friction body at a pressure proportional to the firing pressure.

In the ball launcher attachment according to the twelfth invention of the present invention, in addition to the eleventh invention, a plurality of ball launcher attachments are attached to the launcher.

With this configuration, the variation of control such as the type of ball is further expanded.

Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)

(Overview)
FIG. 1 is a side view of the ball launcher according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The ball launcher 1 according to the first embodiment can launch a ball by controlling the angle of the launch tube 2, but in FIG. 1, it is shown at an upward oblique angle toward the launch direction of the launch tube 2. ..

The ball launching device 1 includes a launching cylinder 2, a ball supply unit 3, a arrival detection unit 4, an air pressure applying unit 5, and an angle control unit 6. Further, the ball launching device 1 includes a compressed air tank 7 that applies air pressure to the ball through the air pressure applying unit 5. Further, the ball launcher 1 includes a support frame 20, and the support frame 20 supports the structure of the entire ball launcher 1 while supporting the launcher 2.

The launch tube 2 is a tubular member that launches a ball. The ball is supplied from the ball supply unit 3 and moves inside the launch tube 2 by receiving the air pressure from the compressed air tank 7 in the air pressure applying unit 5. By this movement, the launcher 2 launches the ball. The launch tube 2 accelerates to the ball and creates a trajectory. As a result, the ball to which the air pressure is applied is launched from the launch tube 2 in a trajectory corresponding to the velocity corresponding to the magnitude of the air pressure and the direction and angle of the launch tube 2.

The ball supply unit 3 supplies the ball from the front of the launch tube 2 to the inside of the launch tube 2. In FIG. 1, the ball supply unit 3 is provided at a position in front of the launch tube 2 (rearward from the launch port) and at a position where the ball is supplied from above. The ball is supplied from above the launch tube 2 to the inside of the launch tube 2 through the ball supply unit 3. That is, the ball is supplied from the front of the launch tube 2 to the inside of the launch tube 2.

The ball is launched by receiving air pressure at the air pressure applying portion 5 provided at the base of the launching cylinder 2. Here, the launch tube 2 produces acceleration of the ball under the air pressure and stability of the trajectory. Therefore, the ball receives air pressure at the base of the launch tube 2, moves to the tip of the launch tube 2, and is launched from the launch tube 2.

Therefore, the ball supplied from the ball supply unit 3 needs to move to the base of the launch tube 2. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the launch tube 2 is directed forward at an upward angle until the ball is supplied from the ball supply unit 3 and reaches the launch position 21 of the launch tube 2. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the launch tube 2 faces diagonally upward forward.

By such a forward upward direction, the ball that has entered the inside of the launch tube 2 from the ball supply unit 3 in front of the launch tube 2 moves (rolls down) to the base of the launch tube 2 as the weight drops. As a result, it reaches the base of the launch tube 2. At the base of the launch tube 2, the air pressure applying portion 5 applies air pressure to the ball to start firing. There is a launch position 21. By having the ball at the firing position 21, the air pressure applying unit 5 can apply air pressure to the ball.

In this way, until the ball supplied from the ball supply unit 3 reaches the launch position 21, the launch tube 2 has a forward upward angle, so that the ball only drops to the launch position 21 by its own weight. Can be reached. The ball supplied from the ball supply unit 3 can reach the base launch position 21 from the front of the launch tube 2 without requiring an extra mechanism or automatic operation.

The arrival detection unit 4 detects that the ball supplied from the ball supply unit 3 to the inside of the launch tube 2 has reached the launch position 21 inside the launch tube 2. As described above, in the launch tube 2 having a forward upward angle, the ball that has entered the inside falls by its own weight toward the root. By this weight drop, the ball reaches the root. At the base of this is a firing position 21 that receives air pressure applied by the air pressure applying unit 5. The arrival detection unit 4 detects that the ball has reached the launch position 21.

For example, the arrival detection unit 4 has an infrared sensor and a weight sensor, and detects whether or not the ball has reached the launch position 21. Alternatively, it may have a sensor of another type or type (for example, a beam sensor using an LED, a laser sensor, a fiber sensor, etc.), thereby detecting that the ball has reached the firing position 21. ..

The arrival detection unit 4 notifies the air pressure applying unit 5 that the ball has reached the launch position 21.

The air pressure applying unit 5 applies air pressure to the ball at the launch position 21 based on the notification from the arrival detection unit 4. The air pressure applying unit 5 has a function of operating the compressed air tank 7, and can apply air pressure to the ball by outputting compressed air from the compressed air tank 7.

It is preferable that the air pressure applying unit 5 applies air pressure to the ball effectively and applies air pressure at the firing position 21 in order to launch the ball. Therefore, air pressure is applied by detection at the launch position 21 by the arrival detection unit 4.

The air-pressured ball moves inside the launch tube 2 and is launched from the tip of the launch tube 2. The rate of fire of the ball is controlled by the magnitude of the air pressure.

The angle control unit 6 controls the angle of the launch tube 2. This angle is mainly a vertical angle. Of course, the left and right angles may also be controlled. Here, by controlling the vertical angle by the angle control unit 6, the ball supplied from the ball supply unit 3 to the inside of the launch tube 2 can reach the launch position 21.

The angle control unit 6 controls the launch cylinder 2 forward and upward until the ball supplied from the ball supply unit 3 to the inside of the launch cylinder 2 reaches the launch position 21 by gravity drop. This is the state shown in FIG.

With the forward upward angle as shown in FIG. 1, the ball supplied from the ball supply unit 3 to the inside of the launch tube 2 falls by its own weight and moves to the launch position 21 to reach it. The arrival detection unit 4 detects this. Further, as described above, the launch position 21 is provided at the base of the launch tube 2.

The support frame 20 serves as a skeleton of the entire ball launcher 1 while supporting the launcher 2. As a result, even when the angle of the launch tube 2 is controlled, the angle and position of the launch tube 2 are stable. Further, when the ball launching device 1 is used, it can be installed on the ground or a table depending on the situation.

The compressed air tank 7 contains compressed air. The compressed air tank 7 applies air pressure by compressed air to the air pressure applying portion 5. By this application, air pressure is applied to the ball at the launch position 21.

(Outline of operation)

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a state of ball launch by the ball launcher according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The ball launching device 1 shown in FIG. 1 shows a state in which an actual ball 10 is supplied and launched. Here, the ball handled by the ball launching device 10 is referred to as a ball 10, and the ball to be launched supplied to the launching cylinder 2 is referred to as a launching ball 10A.

The balls 10 are supplied from the ball supply unit 3. Since the balls 10 are fired one by one from the launch tube 2, the balls 10 are supplied with the launch tube 2 empty. That is, in FIG. 2, the ball 10 supplied from the ball supply unit 3 is the launch ball 10A. Therefore, in FIG. 2, the launch ball 10A, which is the next launch target, is supplied to the inside of the launch tube 2.

At this point, the launch tube 2 is angle-controlled with a forward and upward angle. This is because the angle control unit 6 controls the launch tube 2 upward and forward. Therefore, inside the launch tube 2, the launch ball 10A falls by its own weight (gravity drop) and moves to the base of the launch tube 2. FIG. 2 shows the firing ball 10A in this moving state.

The launch ball 10A reaches the launch position 21 at the root by moving to the root. The launch position 21 is a portion where the launch ball 10A is launched at the base. The firing ball 10A stops at this portion. The arrival detection unit 4 detects this stopped state. Since it is in the stopped state, the arrival detection unit 4 can detect that the launch ball 10A has reached the launch position 21.

The arrival detection unit 4 notifies the air pressure applying unit 5 of the detection result. Upon receiving this notification, the air pressure applying unit 5 applies compressed air from the compressed air tank 7 to the launch ball 10A at the launch position 21. The air-pressured launch ball 10A moves inside the launch tube 2 and is launched from the launch port. In FIG. 2, the fired launch ball 10A is also shown.

As described above, in the ball launching device 1, the ball 10 supplied from the ball supply unit 3 provided in front of the launching cylinder 2 reaches the launching position 21 by its own weight. After that, it is launched from the launch tube 2 by receiving air pressure at the launch position 21. After the ball 10 is launched, the next ball 10 is also supplied from the ball supply unit 3, reaches the launch position 21 by its own weight drop, and is launched by applying air pressure.

By supplying the balls 10 one after another from the ball supply unit 3 in this way, air pressure is applied to the balls 10 at the firing position 21, and the balls 10 are fired one after another.

Unlike the prior art, the ball can be launched by applying air pressure only by controlling the angle of the launch tube 2 without fixing the ball at the launch position or moving the ball to the launch position by a drive mechanism or the like. This is because the ball 10 reaches the firing position 21 due to its own weight drop, and when this arrival is received, the process of applying air pressure and firing is sufficient. For this reason, it is possible to eliminate the need for a clear operation by the operator.

As a result, the balls 10 can be fired one after another at short time intervals. The ability to launch the balls 10 at such short time intervals is optimal for practicing ball games using the balls 10 that are launched one after another. It is suitable for practicing tennis and table tennis as well as baseball.

In particular, the ball launcher 1 automatically launches the balls 10 one after another. Therefore, if the ball 10 is set in the ball container 35, no further operation by the operator is required. In this respect, it can be said that it is suitable for tennis practice. So, for example, a tennis coach can concentrate on teaching near the practitioner. This improves the practice level.

(Angle control of launch tube)

The control of supplying the ball 10 to reach the launch position 21 and the control of launching the ball 10 at the timing of reaching the launch position 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a state in which balls are supplied from the ball supply unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a state in which a ball that has reached the firing position according to the first embodiment of the present invention is launched. Both FIGS. 3 and 4 show elements of only a part of the ball launcher 1. This is for ease of explanation.

As shown in FIG. 3, the launch ball 10A to be launched is supplied from the ball supply unit 3 at the upper front portion of the launch tube 2. The ball supply unit 3 communicates with the inside of the launch tube 2, and the launch ball 10A from the ball supply unit 3 enters the inside of the launch tube 2 as it is.

Here, in the ball supply state as shown in FIG. 3, the launch tube 2 is controlled at a forward upward angle. Therefore, the launch ball 10A that has entered the inside of the launch tube 2 from the front upper part falls by its own weight. Due to this self-weight drop, the launch ball 10A moves in the direction of arrow X. By this movement, the launch ball 10A moves to the base of the launch tube 2.

At the base of the launch tube 2, there is a launch position 21 that receives air pressure. The launch ball 10A reaches the launch position 21 corresponding to the state of the launch tube 2 that is licked. The arrival detection unit 4 can detect that the launch ball 10A has reached the launch position 21.

The arrival detection unit 4 notifies the air pressure applying unit 5 of the detection result and also notifies the angle control unit 6. The ball launching device 1 determines the firing angle according to various tastes and requests such as the type of ball game using the ball game, the practice method, and the practitioner. For example, in the case of launching an upward mountain ball, the ball launcher 1 launches the launch ball 10A at an angle of the forward upward launch tube 2 as shown in FIG.

At this time, the angle control unit 6 keeps the angle of the launch tube 2 as it is, in response to the detection result of the arrival detection unit 4. Then, the air pressure applying unit 5 applies air pressure to the launch ball 10A. As a result, the launch ball 10A is launched from the launch tube 2 having an upward angle.

Of course, even when firing at an upward angle, the firing ball 10A may be fired by changing the angle when it is supplied as shown in FIG. For example, the angle control unit 6 controls the angle of the launch tube 2 more upward, or controls the angle of the launch tube 2 downward.

For example, when it is desired to launch a more mountainous ball or when it is desired to launch a ball far away, the angle control unit 6 controls by changing the angle of the launch tube 2 more upward. On the contrary, when it is far away to some extent, but not so far, the angle control unit 6 controls the angle of the launch tube 2 to a constant upward state. In these cases, for example, the angle of the launch tube 2 in the state of FIG. 3 may be raised or lowered.

Alternatively, the ball launcher 1 may want to launch a more straight ball. It may be necessary to have a straight orbit, a fast orbit, or an orbit that reaches the front. In this case, the angle control unit 6 may change the angle of the launch tube 2 to an angle such as substantially horizontal as shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the launch tube 2 is controlled at a substantially horizontal angle.

The angle control unit 6 may control the launch tube 2 to such an angle. After this state is reached, the air pressure applying unit 5 applies air pressure to the launch ball 10A at the launch position 21. As a result, as shown by the arrow Y in FIG. 4, the launch ball 10A accelerates inside the launch tube 2 and is launched to the outside from the launch port of the launch tube 2.

At this time, the next ball 10A is in a standby state in the ball supply unit 3. The ball supply unit 3 includes a standby member 31, which waits for the next ball 10A. The standby member 31 waits for the ball 10 to enter the launch cylinder 2 from the ball supply unit 3 until the launch ball 10A to be launched is launched. As a result, the next ball coming to the ball supply unit 3 does not interfere with the launch ball 10A while it is being launched while moving inside the launch tube 2.

At a substantially horizontal angle as shown in FIG. 4, the ball 10 is launched in a straighter trajectory. The user may need the ball in such an orbit for convenience such as practice.

Further, even when it is desired to launch the launch ball 10A from the launch tube 2 at a substantially horizontal angle as shown in FIG. 4, the ball 10 supplied from the ball supply unit 3 needs to reach the launch position 21 by its own weight drop. .. Therefore, even if it is desired to launch the launch ball 10A from the launch tube 2 at a substantially horizontal angle, when the ball 10 is supplied from the ball supply unit 3, the angle is controlled to be forward and upward as shown in FIG. It is necessary.

In this way, when the new launch ball 10A is supplied from the ball supply unit 3, the angle control unit 6 controls the launch tube 2 to a forward and upward angle, and the arrival detection unit 4 moves to the launch position 21. When it is detected that the launch ball 10A has arrived, the angle control unit 6 controls the launch tube 2 to an angle required for the launch trajectory. Depending on the required ball trajectory, the angle control unit 6 keeps the angle of the launch tube 2 as it is, makes it substantially horizontal, makes it upward or downward. In this way, when the launch ball 10A can be launched, the angle control unit 6 changes the angle of the launch tube 2 to an angle that matches the launch.

Next, when the launch ball 10A is launched and the next ball 10A that has been made to stand by the standby member 31 is supplied to the inside of the launch tube 2, the angle control unit 6 launches again as shown in FIG. Turn the cylinder 2 forward and upward. As a result, the launch ball 10A supplied to the inside of the launch tube 2 reaches the launch position 21 by dropping its own weight. And it is fired again.

That is, the balls are fired one after another by repeating the aspects shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Since the angle control and the application of air pressure are performed starting from the arrival of the ball 10 at the firing position 21, the balls 10 can be fired one after another at short intervals. In particular, the arrival detection by the arrival detection unit 4 continuously operates the angle control of the launch tube 2 by the angle control unit 6 and the application of air pressure to the launch ball 10A by the air pressure applying unit 5 (all of these operations are performed). It suffices if the control unit 50 for controlling is provided).

Further, after the launch ball 10A is launched, the control unit 50 operates the standby member 31 of the ball supply unit 3 to put the next ball 10 into the launch tube 2. This is also controlled with the arrival detection by the arrival detection unit 4 as the time starting point.

In this way, when the ball 10 is supplied from the ball supply unit 3 to the inside of the launch tube 2, the ball 10 freely falls down the ball supply unit 3 and enters the inside of the launch tube 2. Next, since the launch tube 2 is facing forward and upward, the ball 10 that has entered moves by its own weight and reaches the launch position 21. When this is detected, the angle control according to the launch angle of the launch tube 2, the application of the air pressure by the air pressure applying unit 5, and the launch of the ball 10 are continuously controlled. Further, the launch tube 2 is angle-controlled forward and upward again to prepare a state in which the next ball 10 is supplied from the ball supply unit 3. At the same time, the standby member 31 is released to create a state in which the next ball 10 enters the inside of the launch tube 2 from the ball supply unit 3. The next ball 10 moves by its own weight again and reaches the launch position 21.

The control unit 50 controls these. By repeating these operations one after another, the ball launcher 1 can launch the balls one after another at short time intervals.

(Ball launch angle)

In FIG. 4, the ball 10 is launched from the ball launcher 1 whose angle is controlled at a substantially horizontal angle. Therefore, the ball 10 that draws a straight trajectory is fired. Here, when the ball launcher 1 is used for tennis practice, depending on the tennis stroke practice, if the ball 10 is desired to reach a deeper place on the court, the angle of the launcher 2 is It is preferably upward.

Alternatively, if a sharp ball 10 is desired to reach a shallow position on the court, it is preferable that the ball 10 is launched in a short and fast trajectory. This is achieved, for example, when the launch tube 2 is oriented horizontally or downward.

Alternatively, the ball 10 may be desired to reach by drawing a trajectory at a high arrival point such as Rob. In this case, the launch tube 2 is considerably upward, and the ball 10 is launched from the launch tube 2.

Alternatively, you may want to fire a ball with a long stroke in the cross direction of the court. In this case, it is necessary that the launch tube 2 faces in an oblique direction on a flat surface, and that the ball 10 is launched upward and with high air pressure.

As described above, the ball launching device 1 can launch various types of balls 10 by controlling a combination of the plane direction of the launching cylinder 2, the vertical angle, the magnitude of the applied air pressure, and the like. These may be switched by an operation program incorporated in the control unit 50 or an operation by an operator.

Therefore, it is also preferable that the angle control unit 6 can control the angle in the plane direction in addition to the angle in the vertical direction. The control unit 50 controls the angle control unit 6.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view when a ball launcher is used on a tennis court. A ball launcher 1 is installed on one side of the tennis court. The user practices on the opposite court. The ball launcher 1 launches the ball toward the court where the user is.

The trajectory A is a ball launch trajectory having a long and high-speed stroke. At this time, the launch tube 2 launches the ball at a horizontal or slightly upward angle. The trajectory B is the trajectory of the ball that enters the court shortly and sharply. Used for volley practice. In this case, the launcher 2 launches the ball at a horizontal or slightly downward angle.

Orbit C is a lob-like orbit. In this case, the launch tube 2 launches the ball upward. By pointing upwards, a fly-shaped lob ball can be fired. The trajectory D is a trajectory for launching a long-legged stroke ball in the cross direction. In this case, the launch tube 2 is oriented obliquely in the plane direction and launches the ball at a slightly upward angle. As a result, a ball having an orbit D can be launched.

As described above, the ball launcher 1 according to the first embodiment can launch balls of various trajectories. In addition, these can be switched, and each ball can have a different trajectory. These can also be realized by automatically launching the ball after the ball is supplied from the ball supply unit 3 in front of the launch tube 2 by free fall and self-weight movement.

Although the mode of use on a tennis court has been described with reference to FIG. 5, it can of course be used in other ball games.

As described above, the ball launching device 1 according to the first embodiment is set one after another without requiring a special mechanical structure or electrical processing for installing or fixing the ball at the launching position 21. You can fire the ball. Therefore, the ball launching device 1 of the first embodiment is appropriately used in a ball game in which it is required to launch a ball at short intervals.

(Embodiment 2)

Next, the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, various variations and additional elements will be described.

(Ball container)

FIG. 6 is a side view of the ball launcher according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The ball launcher 1 of FIG. 6 further includes a ball container 35. The ball container 35 is connected to the ball supply unit 3 to accommodate a plurality of balls 10. FIG. 6 shows this state.

The ball container 35 can accommodate a plurality of balls 10. In the ball launching device 1, it is arranged above the launching cylinder 2 and combined. The ball container 35 may be attached to all the elements of the support frame 20 or the like. Further, the ball container 35 is provided with a drop outlet 36 from which the ball 10 falls, which is connected to the ball supply unit 3. By this connection, the ball 10 falling from the drop outlet 36 enters the ball supply unit 3 as it is.

In FIG. 6, the launch ball 10A to be launched next falls from the ball container 35 and enters the ball supply unit 3. Since the ball supply unit 3 is connected to the launch tube 2, the launch ball 10A enters the launch tube 2. In this way, the balls 10 are supplied to the launching cylinder 2 one after another from the ball container 35. Since the ball container 35 is constructed on the upper part of the launch tube 2, the ball 10 falls from the drop outlet 36 to the ball supply unit 3 by free fall.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the ball launcher according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The ball supply unit 3 receives the supply of the balls 10 from the ball container 35. As shown in FIG. 6, when the launch ball 10A to be launched is supplied to the inside of the launch tube 2, the next ball 10 is stopped in front of the launch tube 2. At this time, the standby member 31 makes the next ball 10 stand by so as not to enter the launching cylinder 2.

Since the ball containers 35 are connected, the balls 10 are supplied to the ball supply unit 3 one after another. These balls 10 are in a standby state at the standby member 31. In this state, the launch ball 10A already inside the launch tube 2 is launched.

When the launch ball 10A in this firing state is launched from the launch tube 2, the standby member 31 opens to guide the next ball 10 into the launch tube 2. That is, the ball supply unit 3 supplies the next ball 10 as the launch ball 10A into the launch tube 2. At this time, even if a plurality of balls 10 are on standby, only one ball 10 is supplied to the inside of the launch tube 2.

In this way, the balls 10 that freely fall from the ball container 35 under the control of the standby member 31 are supplied to the inside of the launch tube 2 one by one. A plurality of balls 10 are supplied to the inside of the launch tube 2 so that the launch operation is not hindered.

The arrival detection unit 4 can detect that the launch ball 10A to be launched has reached the launch position 21. Upon notification of the detection result, the air pressure applying unit 5 applies air pressure to the launch ball 10A. At the same time, after a predetermined time from the timing when the arrival detection unit 4 detects the arrival of the launch ball 10A at the launch position 21, the ball supply unit 3 instructs the inside of the launch tube 2 of the next ball 10. At this time, the standby member 31 may be released, and the next ball 10 stopped at the standby member 31 may fall and be supplied to the inside of the launch tube 2.

At this time, a large number of balls 10 are housed in the ball container 35. Further, the ball container 35 is provided in the upper part of the launch tube 2 and is connected to the ball supply unit 3. Therefore, the balls 10 housed in the ball container 35 fall into the ball supply unit 3 by free fall. In the ball supply unit 3, the standby member 31 (which has a function of stopping the ball 10) stops the ball 10 and waits for it to enter the inside of the launch tube 2.

In such a situation, the arrival detection unit 4 instructs the ball supply unit 3 to supply the next ball 10 after a predetermined time from the arrival of the launch ball 10A. According to this instruction, the standby member 31 is released, and the next waiting ball 10 is dropped into the launch cylinder 2 and supplied. Of course, the standby member 31 closes immediately to prevent the next ball 10 from entering the launch tube 2. In FIG. 7, the standby member 31 is shown as one member, but it is a mechanism that supplies only one ball 10 to the inside of the launching cylinder 2 by having a plurality of stopping mechanisms. May be good.

Further, when the arrival detection unit 4 instructs the ball supply unit 3 to supply the next ball 10, the control unit 50 may be used. That is, the arrival detection unit 4 may notify the control unit 50 of the arrival detection, and the control unit 50 may manage this to control the ball supply unit 3 after a predetermined time. In this case, the arrival detection unit 4 performs until the detection result is notified, and the control unit 50 performs the actual operation control. This also applies to the application of air pressure by the air pressure applying unit 5. Upon receiving the detection by the arrival detection unit 4, the control unit 50 instructs the air pressure applying unit 5 to apply the air pressure.

As described above, by providing the ball container 35, the ball launching device 1 can launch the balls 10 one after another. In addition, the ball 10 can be manually added to the ball container 35. As a result, the balls 10 can be continuously fired for a longer period of time.

The ball 10 moves from the ball container 35 to the ball supply unit 3 by free fall. Next, the ball 10 is supplied from the ball supply unit 3 into the launch tube 2 by free fall. Since the launch tube 2 has a forward upward angle, the ball 10 can fall by its own weight and reach the launch position 21. When it is detected that the launch position 21 has been reached, the angle and direction of the champion cylinder 2 are appropriately controlled. In addition, the applied air pressure is also controlled. Based on these controls, air pressure is automatically applied. In this way, the ball 10 in an appropriate direction and ball type is launched.

Since the balls 10 are dropped one after another from the ball container 35, these operations are repeated one after another. By repeating this, the ball launcher 1 can continuously launch the ball 10. In particular, there is no need for a mechanism or labor such as fixing or setting at the launch position 21, and the ball 10 reaches the launch position 21 and the angle of the launch tube 2 at the time of launch is controlled individually. Can be easily set and fired.

As a result, the balls 10 can be fired one after another with a simple operation.

(Launcher)

As described above, the angle of the launch tube 2 is controllable. The angle control unit 6 can control the launch tube 2 at different angles depending on whether the ball 10 reaches the launch position 21 and when the ball 10 is launched. The angle control unit 6 can change the angle of the launch tube 2 according to the speed, angle, and ball type of the launch ball 10A to be launched.

For example, there is a case where it is desired to launch a ball 10 that is thrown down (downhill) from above. This is because it is necessary for practice such as tennis and baseball. In this case, the angle control unit 6 launches the ball 10 with the launch tube 2 facing downward.

On the contrary, there is a case where it is desired to launch a ball 10 that is thrown (launched) from the bottom to the top. In this case, the angle control unit 6 launches the ball 10 with the launch tube 2 facing upward.

(stopper)

FIG. 8 is a block diagram around the launch tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As described above, in some cases, it is desired to launch the ball 10 with the launch tube 2 facing downward. This is a case where the ball 10 is to be launched with a ball type that is thrown down or downhill from above.

When the ball launcher 1 of the present invention reaches the launch position 21 by dropping its own weight, the ball 10 is launched by applying air pressure. Therefore, at the launch position 21, there is no mechanism or process for fixing the ball.

Therefore, if the launch tube 2 is turned downward after the launch ball 10A to be launched reaches the launch position 21, the launch ball 10A shifts from the launch position 21 (eventually falls from the launch tube 2). there is a possibility). In order to cope with such a situation, it is also preferable to further provide a stopper 9 capable of stopping the launch ball 10A at the launch position 21 in front of the launch ball 10A. In FIG. 8, the stopper 9 is shown.

The stopper 9 can prevent the firing ball 10A from falling. This can be prevented even when the launch tube 2 is turned downward. In this state, when the launching cylinder 2 is turned downward for firing, the launching ball 10A is stopped at the firing position 21 until the stopper 9 is launched.

The stopper 9 is a protruding portion that can prevent free fall. Therefore, even if the air pressure is applied to the launch ball 10A by the air pressure applying portion 5, it does not hinder the launch. Alternatively, the stopper 9 may be pulled back at the timing of applying the air pressure. In this case, the movement of the launch ball 10A is not affected at all.

Further, since the launch tube 2 has a certain length at the tip of the stopper 9, the trajectory and speed of the launch ball 10A exceeding the stopper 9 are stabilized inside the launch tube 2. After this stabilization, it is fired from the tip of the launch tube 2, so that the stopper 9 has almost no effect.

In this way, even when the launch ball 10A must be launched at a downward angle, the stopper 9 realizes the stop of the launch ball 10A at the launch position 21. This also enables downward firing.

As described above, the ball launcher 1 according to the second embodiment can realize continuous launch and launch with a high degree of freedom.

(Embodiment 3)

Next, the third embodiment will be described. The ball launcher 1 according to the third embodiment includes an attachment for the ball launcher (hereinafter, appropriately abbreviated as "attachment"). The attachment contacts the launch ball 10A, which moves by firing inside the launch tube 2, and imparts friction. This friction imparts rotation to the launch ball 10A.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the ball launcher according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The ball launcher 1 of FIG. 9 includes an attachment 100. The ball container is omitted for the sake of readability of the figure.

The attachment 100 is provided inside the launch tube 2. Further, the launch ball 10A comes into contact with the launch ball 10A when it is subjected to air pressure and moves inside the launch tube 2 for launch. On the other hand, when the launch ball 10A is supplied from the ball supply unit 3 to the inside of the launch tube 2 and moves to the launch position 21, no contact is required. Therefore, it is sufficient that the attachment 100 is attached to the inside of the launch tube 2 in front of the ball supply unit 3.

The attachment 100 is attached at a position as shown in FIG. The attachment 100 comes into contact with the surface of the launch ball 10A to be launched by adjusting its position. Friction is given by contact. The firing ball 10A causes rotation by this contact, and is launched while rotating. Depending on the rotation, the type of ball, the trajectory, or the course is adjusted. With this adjustment, it is possible to launch the optimum ball required for baseball and tennis.

In baseball and softball, it is important for the ball launcher 1 to control the type and control of the ball. Due to the structure of the ball, when rotation is applied to the ball 10, a straight ball with elongation and a changing ball such as a curve or a chute can be realized. In addition, by giving rotation, it is easy to adjust the speed to the purpose. In addition, depending on the direction of rotation, a changing sphere can be realized and the control can be adjusted.

Even in tennis, etc., by giving rotation to the ball, it becomes possible to stabilize the trajectory and change the direction.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the attachment and its surroundings according to the third embodiment of the present invention. It is attached to the inside of the launch tube 2. For ease of explanation, the hidden members are actually shown as visible, but the actually manufactured ones may be visible or hidden depending on the combination of members.

The attachment 100 includes an attachment main body 20, a friction body 30, a pressure applying portion 40, and a pipeline 95. In the attachment 100 of FIG. 10, the friction body 30 and the pressure applying portion 40 are two sets, but one set may be used, or three or more sets may be used.

The attachment main body 20 forms the entire attachment 100 for the ball launcher. In addition, the attachment 100 is attached to the launch tube 2. For example, the attachment main body 20 includes an attachment device to be attached to the launch tube 2, and this attachment device enables attachment (or removal) of the attachment 100 to the launch tube 2.

The friction body 30 is provided in the attachment main body 20. The friction body 30 comes into direct contact with the launch ball 10A moving inside the launch tube 2. By this contact, friction is applied to the launch ball 10A moving inside the launch tube 2. Due to this friction application, the firing ball 10A is rotated.

The pressure applying portion 40 applies pressure to the friction body 30. The friction body 30 makes contact with the launch ball 10A. At this time, in the friction application of the friction body 30, the degree of friction application changes depending on the difference in pressure on the launch ball 10A. The pressure applying unit 40 applies a pressure that determines the degree of friction that the friction body 30 can apply.

If the pressure by the pressure applying portion 40 is high, the frictional pressure when the friction body 30 comes into contact with the firing ball 10A becomes large. On the contrary, if the pressure by the pressure applying portion 40 is low, the frictional pressure when the friction body 30 comes into contact with the firing ball 10A becomes small. The pressure applying unit 40 can set the pressure (degree) when the friction body 30 applies friction to the firing ball 10A in this way.

The pipeline 95 is connected to the pressure applying unit 40 to apply compressed air from the compressed air tank 7 to the pressure applying unit 40. That is, air pressure is applied. The pipeline 95 connects the compressed air tank 7 and the pressure applying portion 40.

The pipeline 95 supplies the compressed air from the compressed air tank 7 applied to the launch ball 10A launched from the launch tube 2 to the pressure applying unit 40. That is, when launching a certain launch ball 10A, the pipeline 95 applies compressed air having the same pressure as that applied to the air pressure applying section 5 when launching the launch ball 10A to the pressure applying section 40. The same level of pressure is applied to both the launch ball 10A installed at the launch position 21 and the friction body 30 controlled by the pressure applying portion 40.

As a result, the pressure applied to the friction body 30 by the pressure applying unit 40 becomes equal to the pressure of the air pressure applied to the firing ball 10A moving inside the launching cylinder 2. Further, the pressure applied to the friction body 30 is proportional to the frictional force applied to the launch ball 10A moving inside the launch tube 2.

That is, the air pressure of a certain pressure is applied to a certain launch ball 10A from the compressed air tank 7. At this time, air pressure is also applied to the pressure applying portion 40 from the same compressed air tank 7 at the same timing. The air pressure applied to each is substantially the same.

Therefore, the air pressure when the launch ball 10A is launched from the air pressure applying portion 5 and the air pressure by the friction body 30 with which the launch ball 10A comes into contact are in proportion to each other. By applying friction with the pressure in this proportional state, the optimum friction corresponding to the rate of fire of the firing ball 10A is given.

Of course, as described above, the pressure applied to the friction body 30 by the pressure applying unit 40 is proportional to the frictional force applied by the friction body 30 to the launch ball 10A moving inside the launch tube 2. That is, the frictional force applied by the friction body 30 to the launch ball 10A is determined by the pressure applied to the friction body 30 from the pressure applying portion 40 (the increase / decrease in pressure is proportional to the increase / decrease in frictional force).

(Contact mechanism with friction body)
That is, the frictional force applied by the friction body 30 to the firing ball 10A is proportional to the increase or decrease in the pressure applied to the friction body 30 by the pressure applying portion 40. Further, the air pressure supplied to the pressure applying unit 40 is the same as the air pressure applied at the time of launching the launch ball 10A to be launched. Therefore, when the launch ball 10A is launched, the same compressed air as applied to the launch ball 10A is applied to the launch ball 10A as the launch air pressure, and at the same time is applied to the pressure applying portion 40 as the friction air pressure. .. Therefore, the same air pressure as that for launching the launch ball 10A is also applied to the friction body 30.

As a result, the pressure used to launch the launch ball 10A and the pressure at which the friction body 30 applies friction to the launch ball 10A are at the same level. At the same level, when the rate of fire of the firing ball 10A is high, it comes into contact with the friction body 30 due to high pressure. When the rate of fire of the firing ball 10A is slow, it comes into contact with the friction body 30 due to low pressure. As a result, the optimum contact with the friction body 30 according to the speed of the ball can be realized.

The size of the arrow from the friction body 30 in FIG. 10 and the arrow applied to the firing direction of the firing ball 10A are the same in proportion to the firing speed of the firing ball 10A and the pressure applied from the friction body 30. Is shown.

The small arrow as shown in FIG. 11 indicates the case where the rate of fire and the frictional pressure are both small. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the ball launcher according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

A plurality of attachments 100 may be attached to the inside of the launch tube 2.

Further, the ball launching device 1 in FIG. 9 includes a pressure control unit 90. Compressed air from the compressed air tank 7 is applied to the air pressure applying portion 5 for launching the firing ball 10A and the pressure applying portion 40 of the attachment 100. Here, in the air pressure applying unit 5, if the compressed air from the compressed air tank 7 is applied, the firing ball 10A is launched at that moment. Therefore, the application of compressed air may be instantaneous.

On the other hand, the air applied to the pressure applying portion 40 of the attachment 100 needs to apply a frictional pressure to the launching ball 10A passing through the launching cylinder 2 by the friction body 30 as described later. At this time, the friction body 30 needs to continue to apply the frictional pressure until the launch ball 10A passes through. The compressed air from the compressed air tank 7 is instantaneous, and the compressed air applied to the pressure applying portion 40 of the attachment 100 is also instantaneous. Momentarily, when the launch ball 10A passes, the frictional pressure that can be applied by the friction body 30 may be weakened.

The pressure control unit 90 can prevent this.

The pressure control unit 90 realizes that the compressed air supplied from the compressed air tank 7 to the attachment 100 remains in the pressure applying unit 40 until after the launch ball 10A is launched. For example, the pressure control unit 90 includes a check valve, a solenoid valve, and the like. The compressed air supplied from the compressed air tank 7 to the pressure applying section 40 through the pipeline 95 by the check valve, the solenoid valve, or the like (may be a combination) remains in the pressure applying section 40 for a certain period of time even after being launched. That is, after the launch ball 10A is launched, the frictional pressure due to the compressed air is maintained until the launch ball 10A passes through the friction body 30.

The pressure control unit 90 can prevent the compressed air from escaping from the compressed air tank 7 by using a check valve or a solenoid valve, and can realize the pressure maintenance by the friction body 30 for a certain period of time. By providing the pressure control unit 90 by such a check valve or a solenoid valve, the friction body 30 can realize contact with a required friction pressure when the launch ball 10A passes through.

Alternatively, it may be provided with an electronic circuit capable of maintaining the pressure at the friction body 30 after applying compressed air for launching the launch ball 10A, instead of using a check valve or a solenoid valve. This is because such an electronic circuit also maintains the frictional pressure at the pressure applying portion 40 after the launch ball 10A is launched until the launch ball 10A passes through the friction body 30.

As described above, it is also preferable that the pressure control unit 90 and a dedicated electronic circuit are provided so that the pressure applied by the friction body 30 of the attachment 100 is appropriately performed when the firing ball 10A passes through.

Further, the pressure control unit 90 can stop the extrusion of the friction body 30 so as not to apply the compressed air from the compressed air tank 7 to the pressure applying unit 40 of the attachment 100. In this case, since the frictional air pressure is not applied to the pressure applying portion 40, no contact pressure is applied to the launch ball 10A. Such control is also possible when it is not desired to apply friction to the launch ball 10A.

As described above, the ball launcher 1 according to the third embodiment includes an attachment 100 that receives the air pressure used to launch the launch ball 10A and creates a frictional pressure. When the launch ball 10A comes into contact with the attachment 100, it receives friction and causes rotation. As a result, it is possible to launch the launch ball 10A in which the ball type, course, trajectory, etc. are controlled.

Combined with this, it is possible to expand the variation of the balls that are launched one after another and stabilize the ball type.

As described above, the ball launching device described in the first to third embodiments is an example for explaining the gist of the present invention, and includes deformation and modification within a range not deviating from the gist of the present invention.

1 Ball launcher 2 Launcher 21 Launch position 3 Ball supply unit 4 Arrival detection unit 5 Pneumatic pressure application unit 6 Angle control unit 7 Compressed air tank 10 Balls
20 Attachment body 30 Friction body 40 Pressure application 50 Control 90 Pressure control 95 Pipeline 100 Attachment

Claims (12)

With the launcher
A ball supply unit that supplies balls from the front of the launch tube to the inside of the launch tube,
A arrival detection unit that detects that the launch ball to be launched supplied from the ball supply unit has reached the launch position inside the launch tube.
An air pressure applying unit that applies air pressure to the launch ball at the launch position based on the detection by the arrival detection unit.
An angle control unit for controlling the angle of the launch tube is provided.
The angle control unit is a ball launching device that directs the front of the launching cylinder at an upward angle until the launching ball is supplied from the ball supply unit and reaches the launching position. The ball launching device according to claim 1, wherein the launching ball supplied from the ball supply unit into the launching cylinder falls by its own weight because the launching cylinder is at an upward angle, and moves to the launching position. The ball launcher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the launch position is provided at the base of the launch tube. The ball launching device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a ball container connected to the ball supply unit and accommodating a plurality of balls. The ball supply unit receives the supply of balls from the ball container, and when the launch ball is supplied to the inside of the launch tube, the next ball is stopped before the inside of the launch tube.
The ball launching device according to claim 4, wherein when the launching ball is launched from the launching cylinder, the ball supply unit supplies the next ball into the launching cylinder. The ball launching device according to claim 5, wherein the arrival detection unit instructs the ball supply unit to supply the next ball after a predetermined time of detecting the arrival of the firing ball at the firing position. The ball launching device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the balls are continuously supplied from the ball container to the ball supply unit by free fall. The ball launcher according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a compressed air tank for supplying compressed air to the air pressure applying portion. The ball launching device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a stopper capable of stopping the launching ball at the launching position and in front of the launching ball. The angle control unit can change the angle of the launch tube according to the speed, angle, and ball type of the launch ball to be launched, and when launching from above, the launch tube is turned downward.
The ball launching device according to claim 9, wherein when the launching cylinder faces downward, the stopper stops the launching ball until it is launched at the launching position. Further equipped with an attachment for a ball launcher provided inside the launcher,
The attachment for the ball launcher is
The attachment body provided inside the launcher and
A friction body provided in the attachment main body and applying friction to a ball moving inside the launch tube,
A pressure applying portion that applies pressure to the friction body, and
A conduit for connecting the pressure applying portion and the compressed air tank is provided.
In the pipeline, the compressed air from the compressed air tank applied to the ball launched from the launch tube is applied to the pressure applying portion, and the air pressure for launching the same launch ball and the friction thereof. The ball launcher according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the air pressure applied to the body is substantially the same. The ball launcher according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of attachments for the ball launcher are attached to the launcher.