JP7417323B1 - golf ball throwing device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a golf ball throwing device that can make maximum use of the ball throwing power of a blower without causing any hindrance to the supply of balls. [Solution] A blower 11, an air suction hose 52', an air pressure feeding hose 52, a ball suction hose 65, a ball pressure feeding hose 63, a box 12, and a golf ball tilted toward a second storage section 30 in the box. A rotary disk 15 that has a plurality of individual arrangement parts 15b for separately arranging the parts, and is provided so that each individual arrangement part sequentially passes between the end of the hose 52 and the end of the hose 63 by rotation. A plate member 13 that covers the surface of the upper half of the rotary disk on the side of the first housing section 20 and has an opening 13a that connects to the end of the hose 52 in a sealed state, and a second housing section around the axis of the rotary disk. A plate member that covers the surface on the 30 side, seals both sides of the upper half of the rotary disk that rotates together with the plate member 13, and has an opening 14a that sealsly connects to the end of the hose 63. It has 14. [Selection diagram] Figure 2

Description

The present invention provides a first ball storage section disposed at a first position between equipment such as a golf ball collecting device, an automatic golf ball washing/drying device, and a golf ball vending machine provided at a golf driving range. Regarding a golf ball sending device for sending a golf ball to a second ball storage portion disposed at a second position, for example, a golf ball feeding device for feeding a golf ball in a ball tank provided in an automatic golf ball washing/drying device. This invention relates to a golf ball throwing device that throws a ball to a golf ball vending machine.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a golf ball throwing device provided at a golf driving range, there is a golf ball throwing device that uses air as power for throwing a golf ball. This type of golf ball throwing device was first introduced in the industry by the applicant of the present invention, and is currently manufactured by several companies.

This type of golf ball throwing device includes a pressure-feeding golf ball throwing device and a suction-type golf ball throwing device.
Conventional pressure-feeding golf ball sending devices include, for example, a first ball storage section (e.g., a ball tank provided in an automatic golf ball washing/drying device) and a second ball storage section (e.g., a golf ball sales device). machine) with a hose equipped with an injector, take a long hose from the injector to the second ball storage part (golf ball vending machine), and connect the injector to the first ball storage part (ball tank). ) At the same time, the air inside the injector is expelled while the golf balls inside the injector are sucked in, and the air inside the injector is sent from the blower to the injector, which sends air into the hose from the injector to the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine). There is a configuration in which the golf ball is thrown by using the golf ball.
In addition, as a suction-type golf ball throwing device, for example, a first ball storage section (for example, a ball tank provided in an automatic golf ball washing/drying device) and a second ball storage section (for example, a golf ball sales machine) with a hose equipped with an injector, increase the length of the hose from the first ball storage part (ball tank) to the injector, and increase the suction force of the golf ball in the injector. At the same time, the air in the injector is discharged from the injector by sucking in the golf balls in the first ball storage part (ball tank), and air is sent from the blower to the injector to cause the injector to move into the second ball storage part (golf ball sales tank). There are golf balls that are configured to send air through a hose up to the golf ball.

However, in these pressure-feeding golf ball throwing devices and suction-type golf ball throwing devices that use an injector, the injector sucks in and blows out air at the same time, making it difficult to efficiently utilize the blower's pumping power. However, since a large air volume is required to throw a golf ball, the blower becomes larger, which increases the burden of maintenance and makes the operating noise louder.There are also problems such as adjusting the amount of air taken in and discharged by the injector. Since the blowers are linked together, there is a problem in that it is difficult to adjust the amount of air needed to forcefully feed the golf balls from the blower.

In addition, as a pressure-feeding type golf ball throwing device that does not involve an injector, for example, a ball feeding device is provided in place of the injector provided in the above-mentioned pressure-feeding type golf ball throwing device, and a ball feeding device is provided in place of the injector provided in the first ball storage portion (for example, a golf ball automatic The hose that connects the ball tank installed in the cleaning/drying device and the ball supply device is tilted downward toward the ball supply device, a ball supply valve is provided on the hose, and the ball supply valve is opened. A predetermined number of golf balls are thrown into the ball supply device by their own weight from the ball storage part (ball tank) of the ball tank, and the predetermined number of golf balls thrown into the ball supply device are transferred to a second ball with air from the blower. Some golf balls are configured to send the ball to a ball storage unit (for example, a golf ball vending machine).

In addition, as a suction-type golf ball sending device that does not involve an injector, for example, a vacuum box is provided above the second ball storage section (for example, a golf ball vending machine), and a vacuum box is provided above the first ball storage section (for example, a golf ball vending machine). A hose is used to connect the ball tank installed in the automatic cleaning/drying device to the vacuum box, the vacuum box to the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine), and the vacuum box to the blower, so that the blower sucks air. At the same time, the length of the hose from the first ball storage part (ball tank) to the vacuum box is made long, and the golf balls in the first ball storage part (ball tank) are sucked into the vacuum box by the suction force of the blower. When the vacuum box is full of golf balls, the suction of the balls is stopped, the bottom plate of the vacuum box is opened, and the balls are dropped into the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine). There is something.

However, in these golf ball throwing devices that do not involve an injector, it is necessary to close the supply valve to prevent air from flowing backwards from the blower until a predetermined number of golf balls are delivered to a predetermined position. Since the supply of golf balls is cut off when the vacuum box is closed, there is a problem that the amount of balls supplied is reduced (forced-type golf ball feeding device), and when the vacuum box is full, the supply of golf balls is cut off. Since it is necessary to stop sucking balls into the vacuum box until the balls are completely dropped into the second ball storage part (golf ball vending machine), the amount of balls supplied decreases, and Since it is necessary to arrange the vacuum box above the ball storage section (golf ball vending machine), there is a problem in that the installation of the vacuum box becomes large-scale (suction type golf ball throwing device).

Therefore, the inventor of the present invention has considered and investigated measures for solving these problems inherent in conventional golf ball throwing devices. In the process of consideration and study, we discovered that the blower, the air pressure hose whose one end was connected to the blower, and the air supply hose whose one end was connected to the first ball accommodating section (for example, a golf ball automatic washing/drying device) a golf ball feeding hose connected to a tank), a golf ball pressure feeding hose whose one end is connected to a second ball storage section (for example, a golf ball vending machine), and a golf ball feeding hose whose other end is connected to a second ball storage section (e.g., a golf ball vending machine); At the same time, there is a box body into which the other end of the air pressure feeding hose and the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose are introduced into the interior with the other ends facing each other. The ball vending machine has a disc part and a plurality of individual arrangement parts formed along the outer periphery of the disc part to separate and arrange golf balls individually, and is centered around an axis passing through the disc part. A rotary disk that rotates and is provided in such a manner that each individually disposed portion sequentially passes between the other end of the air pressure feeding hose and the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose, and a rotary disk that is fixed inside the box body. , a first opening that tightly covers the surface of the upper half of the rotary disk facing the first ball storage section (ball tank) and that is connected to the other end of the air pressure feeding hose in a sealed manner; The first plate member is fixed to the inside of the box, closely covers the surface of the rotary disk on the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) side around the axis, and is compatible with the first plate member. A second plate member includes a second plate member that seals both sides of the upper half of the rotary disk that rotates in a downward direction, and has a second opening that is connected to the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose in a sealed manner. In addition, a golf ball throwing device was developed in which a golf ball sending hose that connects the first ball storage section (ball tank) and the box body is inclined downward toward the box body side.

According to the golf ball sending device configured as described above, the golf ball sent from the first ball storage part (ball tank) to the box body is rotated by the rotation of the rotary disk to prevent air leakage. It is possible to move the golf ball to the throwing position and make maximum use of the blower's pumping force. Problems such as increasing the size of the golf ball and difficulty adjusting the amount of air flow required to forcefully feed the golf ball, as well as problems inherent in golf ball sending devices that do not include an injector, such as reducing the amount of golf balls supplied and the installation of a vacuum box, are becoming more difficult. Problems such as becoming large-scale can be solved.

However, upon further consideration and examination by the inventor of the present invention, it has been found that the golf ball throwing device having the above configuration has an improvement point in order to make maximum use of the ball throwing power provided by the blower.

The present invention was made in view of these problems, and it is possible to miniaturize the blower by maximizing the ball throwing power of the blower without hindrance to the supply of golf balls. The problems inherent in the equipment were: the blower became larger because the blower's power could not be utilized efficiently; it was difficult to adjust the amount of air needed to forcefully transport the golf balls; the amount of golf balls supplied was reduced; Problems such as large-scale installation can be solved, and even when the throwing distance from the first ball accommodating part to the second ball accommodating part becomes very long, the blower can be prevented from increasing in size. It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf ball throwing device that can send a golf ball in a first ball storage part to a second ball storage part by making the most of the ball throwing power of a blower.

In order to achieve the above object, a golf ball throwing device according to the present invention provides a golf ball throwing device in which a golf ball in a first ball accommodating portion disposed at a first position is transferred to a golf ball disposed in a first ball accommodating portion disposed at a second position at a golf driving range. A golf ball sending device that sends a ball to a second ball storage portion, the device includes at least one blower, an air suction hose whose one end is connected to an air intake port of the blower, and one end of which is connected to an air exhaust port of the blower. an air pressure feeding hose connected to the outlet; a golf ball suction hose having one end connected to the first ball storage section; and a golf ball pressure feeding hose having one end connected to the second ball storage section. The hose is connected to the other end of the air suction hose and the other end of the golf ball suction hose, and the other end of the air pressure feeding hose and the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose are opposed to each other. A box body is introduced into the box body in a state in which golf balls are individually guided into the box body, and a disc part and a golf ball are formed along the outer periphery of the disc part, which is inclined toward the second ball accommodating part inside the box body. It rotates around an axis passing through the disc part, and the rotation causes each of the individual arrangement parts to connect to the other end of the air pressure feeding hose and the golf ball pressure feeding hose. a rotary disk provided so as to pass sequentially between the other end of the hose; and a rotary disk fixed inside the box body so as to bring the upper half of the rotary disk into close contact with the surface on the first ball accommodating section side. a first plate member having a first opening that covers the air pressure hose and connects the other end of the air pressure hose in a sealed state; closely covers the surface of the second ball accommodating section side of the rotary plate, and seals both sides of the upper half of the rotary disk that rotates together with the first plate member, and also presses the golf ball. and a second plate member having a second opening that connects to the other end of the hose in a sealed state.

Further, in the golf ball sending device of the present invention, it is preferable that the air suction hose and the air pressure feeding hose each include an adjustment valve that can adjust the flow rate of air passing through the inside.

Further, in the golf ball throwing device of the present invention, the blower includes the air intake port to which the air suction hose connects, and the blower includes the air outlet to which the air pressure feeding hose connects. Preferably one and the same blower.

Further, in the golf ball throwing device of the present invention, the blower includes the air intake port to which the air suction hose connects, and the blower includes the air outlet to which the air pressure feeding hose connects. Preferably two separate blowers.

Further, in the golf ball sending device of the present invention, the golf ball suction hose has one end of the first suction hose, both ends of the iron pipe having a stepped portion in the pipe, and the first suction hose in the vicinity of the box. It is preferable to include a portion connected to one end of the second suction hose.

Further, the golf ball throwing device of the present invention preferably includes a rotational speed adjusting means capable of adjusting the rotational speed of the rotary disk.

According to the present invention, the blower can be miniaturized by making maximum use of the ball throwing power of the blower without hindrance to the supply of golf balls. Eliminates problems such as the blower becoming larger due to inefficient use, difficulty adjusting the amount of air flow required to forcefully feed golf balls, less supply of golf balls, and the large-scale installation of a vacuum box. Even if the throwing distance from the first ball storage part to the second ball storage part becomes very long, the ball throwing power of the blower can be maximized without increasing the size of the blower. Thus, a golf ball throwing device capable of sending a golf ball in the second ball storage section to the second ball storage section is obtained.

1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a golf ball throwing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the structure of a suction path, a pressure feeding path, and the inside of a box between a first ball accommodating section and a second ball accommodating section in the golf ball throwing device of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the rotary disk and the first and second plate members in the golf ball throwing device of FIG. (b) is a front view of the first plate member shown in (a), and (c) is a front view of the second plate member shown in (a). FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of a main part of a golf ball suction hose in the golf ball sending device of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a golf ball throwing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a conventional golf ball throwing device, in which (a) is an overall view, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air blown from a blower and air sucked in and discharged by an injector. . FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing another example of a conventional golf ball throwing device. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing still another example of a conventional golf ball throwing device. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing still another example of a conventional golf ball throwing device. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the overall configuration and the internal configuration of a box body of a golf ball throwing device that was derived by the inventor at an intermediate stage in the process of deriving the present invention; FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the rotary disk and the first and second plate members in the golf ball throwing device of FIG. (b) is a front view of the first plate member shown in (a), and (c) is a front view of the second plate member shown in (a).

Prior to describing the embodiments, the circumstances leading to the derivation of the present invention and the effects of the present invention will be described.
The inventor of the present invention conducted consideration and study in order to sort out the problems inherent in conventional golf ball throwing devices that use air as the motive force for throwing golf balls.
As described above, this type of golf ball throwing device includes a ball force feeding type golf ball throwing device and a ball suction type golf ball throwing device.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a conventional golf ball throwing device, where (a) is an overall view, and (b) is an explanation showing the flow of air blown from a blower and air sucked in and discharged by an injector. It is a diagram.
The golf ball sending device shown in FIG. 6 includes a pressure-feeding blower 51, a pressure-feeding hose 52, a golf-ball suction hose 62, an injector 61, and a golf-ball pressure-feeding hose 63.
The golf ball throwing device shown in FIG. ) 30 are connected with hoses 62 and 63 equipped with an injector 61, and the hose 63 from the injector 61 to the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30 is made long, At the same time as the golf balls in the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 are sucked in, the air in the injector 61 is discharged, and air is sent from the pressure-feeding blower 51 to the injector 61, so that the second ball storage is carried out from the injector 61. The golf ball sending device is configured as a pressure-feeding type golf ball sending device with a throwing length of about 50 to 150 m, which sends air into a hose 63 up to the section (golf ball vending machine) 30 to send the golf ball.

In the golf ball throwing device shown in FIG. 6, air is sent into the injector 61 from the blower 51. Further, golf balls are continuously discharged from the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20. The ejected golf ball is sucked in by the injector 61, passed through a predetermined position within the injector, and then discharged, and is then pumped by air sent from the blower 51. In the golf ball sending device shown in FIG. 6, the amount of air blown from the blower 51 necessary for forcefully feeding the golf ball is adjusted by adjusting the amount of air taken in and the amount of air discharged through the injector 61. ing.

According to the golf ball throwing device shown in FIG. 6, since the injector 61 exhales and sucks in air at the same time, balls can be thrown continuously, and many golf balls can be sent to the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30. be able to.
However, in the golf ball throwing device of FIG. 6, since the injector 61 discharges and sucks in air at the same time, the pressure of the air sent from the blower 51 to the injector 61 is weakened, and the pumping force of the blower 51 is efficiently reduced. Since a large amount of air is required to throw a golf ball, the blower 51 becomes large in size.
Further, since the amount of air taken in and the amount of air discharged by the injector 61 are adjusted in conjunction with each other, it is difficult to adjust the amount of air blown from the blower 51 necessary to forcefully feed the golf ball.
Furthermore, as the blower 51 becomes larger, the burden of maintenance increases and the operating noise becomes louder and noisy.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing another example of a conventional golf ball throwing device.
The golf ball throwing device shown in FIG. 7 has the same basic components as the golf ball throwing device shown in FIG. 6, but the golf ball throwing device shown in FIG. The length of the golf ball suction hose 62 from the ball tank) 20 to the injector 61 is adjusted to increase the suction force of the golf balls in the injector 61. (Ball tank) At the same time as the balls in the ball tank 20 are sucked in, the air in the injector 61 is discharged, and the air is sent from the pressure-feeding blower 51 to the injector 61, so that the injector 61 can move the ball to the second ball storage part (for example, golf balls). Vending machine) It is configured as a suction type golf ball throwing device with a throwing length of about 50 to 150 m, which sends air into a hose 63 up to 30 meters to send a golf ball.

In the golf ball throwing device of FIG. 7 as well, like the golf ball throwing device of FIG. 6, the injector 61 simultaneously discharges and sucks in air, so the pressure of the air sent from the blower 51 to the injector 61 is weakened. As a result, the pumping force of the blower 51 cannot be utilized efficiently, and the blower becomes larger in order to increase the air volume for throwing the golf ball from the blower 51.
Furthermore, since the intake and discharge of air by the injector 61 are linked, it is difficult to adjust the air volume.
Furthermore, as the blower 51 becomes larger, the maintenance burden increases and the operating noise becomes louder and noisy.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing still another example of a conventional golf ball throwing device.
The golf ball sending device shown in FIG. 8 includes a pressure-feeding blower 51, a pressure-feeding hose 52, a golf-ball feeding hose 62', a ball supply device 71, and a golf-ball pressure-feeding hose 63.
More specifically, the golf ball throwing device shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a ball feeding device 71 instead of the injector 61 provided in the golf ball throwing device shown in FIG. - The golf ball feeding hose 62' that connects the ball tank (20 provided in the drying device) and the ball feeding device 71 is tilted downward toward the ball feeding device 20 side, and a ball feeding valve is attached to the golf ball feeding hose 62'. 72 is provided, and by opening the ball supply valve 72, the golf ball from the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 is thrown into the ball supply device 71 by its own weight, and the ball is thrown into the ball supply device 71. The device is configured as a pressure-feeding golf ball throwing device with a ball throwing length of about 50 to 150 m, which uses air from a pressure-feeding blower 51 to send the golf ball to a second ball storage unit (for example, a golf ball vending machine) 30. ing.

In the golf ball sending device shown in FIG. 8, the pressure-feeding blower 51 is kept in operation at all times, and by opening the ball supply valve 72, about five golf balls are transferred into the inclined golf ball sending hose 62'. The ball is thrown into the ball feeding device 71 by its own weight. When about five golf balls enter the ball supply device 71, the ball supply valve 72 is closed, and about five golf balls are force-fed at once by the air from the pressure-feeding blower 51. When the golf balls being pumped reach a predetermined position within the golf ball pumping hose 63, the ball supply valve 72 is opened and the next five golf balls are sent.

According to the golf ball sending device shown in FIG. 8, by closing the ball supply valve 72, the air flow from the pressure-feeding blower 51 does not flow backward within the ball feeding device 71. Therefore, the air pumping force from the pressure-feeding blower 51 can be utilized to the maximum, and golf balls can be thrown with a small-capacity blower.
However, in the golf ball throwing device shown in FIG. 8, closing the ball supply valve 72 blocks the golf ball supply path. Further, the ball supply valve 72 remains closed until the golf ball to be pressure-fed reaches a predetermined position within the golf ball pressure-feeding hose 63. Therefore, in the golf ball throwing device shown in FIG. 8, the amount of balls supplied is reduced. Furthermore, if the length of the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63 is increased, it will take longer to supply the next five golf balls to the ball supply device 71, and it will take longer to supply the next five golf balls to the ball supply device 71. It will take a long time.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing still another example of a conventional golf ball throwing device.
The golf ball sending device shown in FIG. 9 includes a suction type blower 51', an air suction hose 52', a vacuum box 81, a golf ball suction hose 62, and a golf ball sending hose 62'. .
More specifically, the golf ball throwing device shown in FIG. A hose (a golf ball tank) 20 and a vacuum box 81, a vacuum box 81 and a second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30, a vacuum box 81 and a suction type blower 51', respectively The length of the golf ball suction hose 62 from the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 to the vacuum box 81 is determined by connecting the suction hose 62, golf ball feeding hose 62', and air suction hose 52'. The golf balls in the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 are sucked into the vacuum box 81 by the suction force of the suction type blower 51', and when the golf balls in the vacuum box 81 are full. Then, the suction of the golf ball by the suction type blower 51' is stopped, the bottom plate of the vacuum box 81 is opened, and the golf ball is dropped into the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30, when the throwing length is 50 to 150 m. It is configured as a suction type golf ball throwing device.

According to the golf ball throwing device shown in FIG. 9, the air suction force of the suction type blower 51' can be utilized to the maximum, and the golf ball can be thrown with a small capacity blower.
However, in the golf ball throwing device shown in FIG. 9, when the vacuum box 81 is full, the bottom plate of the vacuum box 81 is opened and the golf ball is dropped into the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30. In addition, it is necessary to stop the suction operation by the suction type blower 51', resulting in a decrease in the amount of golf balls supplied. Further, it is necessary to install the vacuum box 81 above the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30, and the installation of the vacuum box 81 becomes more extensive than when the vacuum box 81 is placed horizontally.

Therefore, the inventor of the present invention has considered and investigated measures for solving these problems inherent in the conventional golf ball throwing devices shown in FIGS. 6 to 9. In the process of consideration and investigation, we derived the golf ball throwing device shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the overall configuration and the internal configuration of a box body of a golf ball throwing device that was derived by the inventor at an intermediate stage in the process of deriving the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the rotary disk and the first and second plate members in the golf ball throwing device of FIG. FIG. 3(b) is a front view of the first plate member shown in (a), and (c) is a front view of the second plate member shown in (a).
The golf ball sending device shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 includes a pressure feeding blower 51, an air pressure feeding hose 52, a golf ball feeding hose 62', a golf ball pressure feeding hose 63, a box body 12, and a rotary disk. 15, a first plate member 13, and a second plate member 14.

One end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 is connected to an air outlet (not shown) of the pressure feeding blower 51.
One end of the golf ball feeding hose 62' is connected to the first ball storage section 20 (for example, a ball tank provided in an automatic golf ball washing/drying device).
One end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63 is connected to the second ball storage section (for example, a golf ball vending machine) 30 .
The box body 12 is connected to the other end of the golf ball feeding hose 62', and is introduced into the interior with the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 and the other end of the golf ball feeding hose 63 facing each other. There is.
Further, a golf ball sending hose 62' connecting the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 and the box body 12 is inclined downward toward the box body 12 side.

The rotary disk 15 is provided inside the box body 12 in an inclined state toward the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30, and has a disk section 15a and a plurality of individual arrangement sections 15b. The individual arrangement section 15b is formed along the outer periphery of the disc section 15a, and consists of two ring-shaped frames with different diameters and a plurality of rod-shaped frames extending radially at equal angles from the center of the disc section 15a, and individually arranges golf balls. It is structured so that it can be divided and arranged.
The rotary disk 15 rotates around a shaft 16 that passes through the disk portion 15a, and due to the rotation, each individual arrangement portion 15b is connected between the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 and the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63. are set up so that they pass through them sequentially. Note that the shaft 16 is configured to rotate via a rotation drive device (not shown).
The first plate member 13 is fixed inside the box 12, closely covers the upper half of the rotary disk 15 on the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 side, and also covers the first opening. A portion 13a is provided. The first opening 13a has a size and shape that allows the golf balls in the air pressure feeding hose 52 to pass through and be introduced into the individual arrangement portion 15b, and is sealed with the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52. is configured to connect in the state.
The second plate member 14 is fixed inside the box 12, closely covers the surface of the rotary disk 15 on the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30 side around the shaft 16, and Together with the first plate member 13, both surfaces of the upper half of the rotary disk 15 are sandwiched in a sealed state, and a second opening 14a is provided. The second opening 14a has a size and shape that allows the golf balls in the individual arrangement portion 15b to pass through and be introduced into the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63, and the second opening 14a has the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63. It is configured to be connected in a sealed manner. In addition, in FIG. 11(c), 14b is a shaft hole having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 16 and through which the shaft 16 passes.

In the golf ball throwing device configured in this manner, when the pressure-feeding blower 51 operates, compressed air is discharged from an air discharge port (not shown). In addition, when the pressure-feeding blower 51 operates, the rotary disk 15 operates and rotates.
The golf ball moves from the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 into the box body 12 through the golf ball sending hose 62' due to its own weight. The golf balls that have moved inside the box body 12 are individually divided and entered into the respective individual arrangement portions 15b of the rotary disk 15 that rotates around the shaft 16. At this time, the rotary disk 15 is inclined toward the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30 side, and the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30 around the axis 16 in the rotary disk 15 is tilted toward the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30 side. The side surfaces are more closely covered by the second plate member 14. Therefore, while being supported by the second plate member 14, the golf ball that has entered the individual placement portion 15b is moved between the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 located above and the golf ball pressure feeding hose. 63 and the other end.

The compressed air discharged from the air outlet (not shown) passes through the air pressure feeding hose 52, passes through the first opening 13a in the first plate member 13, and connects the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 with the golf ball. It is sent between the other end of the ball pressure feeding hose 63. At this time, since the first plate member 13 and the second plate member 14 jointly sandwich both surfaces of the upper half of the rotary disk 15 in a sealed state, the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 and the golf ball The air sent between the other end of the ball pressure feeding hose 63 does not leak to the outside, and even if the rotary disk 15 rotates, the air pressure from the air pressure feeding hose 52 is not weakened. The golf balls that have entered the individual arrangement portion 15b fed between the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 and the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63 are fed into the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63. The golf balls sent out from the individual placement section 15b into the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63 are forced by air from the air pressure feeding hose 52 and guided to the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30.

According to the golf ball sending device configured in this manner, the golf balls sent by their own weight from the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 to the box body 12 are subjected to air leak prevention measures by the rotation of the rotary disk 15. The golf ball can be moved to the ball throwing position where the ball is being thrown, making maximum use of the blower's pumping power, and the blower's pumping power, which was inherent in conventional golf ball throwing devices with an injector, can be used efficiently. There are problems such as the blower becomes larger and it is difficult to adjust the amount of air needed to forcefully feed the golf balls, and the problem is that the amount of golf balls supplied is reduced, which is inherent in golf ball sending devices that do not involve an injector. Problems such as the installation of the box becoming a large-scale task can be solved.

However, upon further consideration and examination by the present inventor, it has been found that the golf ball throwing device having the above configuration has an improvement point in order to make maximum use of the ball throwing power provided by the pressure-feeding blower 51.

Specifically, in the golf ball sending device of FIG. 10, when the distance from the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 to the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30 is long, the pressure-feeding blower 51, the distance from the pressure-feeding blower 51 to the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30 is reduced, and the distance from the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 is reduced accordingly. It is necessary to increase the distance from the box body 12 to the box body 12.
However, in the golf ball throwing device shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the golf ball throwing hose 62' that connects the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 and the box body 12 is tilted downward toward the box body 12. Because of this configuration, as the distance from the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 to the box body 12 becomes longer, the slope of the golf ball throwing hose 62' becomes gentler, and the golf ball throwing hose 62' becomes more gentle. It becomes difficult for the golf balls inside to move to the box body 12 under their own weight, which may cause problems in the supply of golf balls.

However, golf driving ranges vary in size and design, and some driving ranges may require a long distance from the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 to the box 12. Therefore, the golf ball throwing device shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 cannot be applied to a golf driving range where it is necessary to increase the distance from the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 to the box body 12. is difficult.
Furthermore, there are golf driving ranges designed in such a way that the throwing distance from the first ball storage part (ball tank) to the second ball storage part (golf ball vending machine) is very long. Even in such golf driving ranges, the golf balls in the first ball storage part (ball tank) can be transferred to the second ball storage part while improving the efficiency of the ball throwing power by the blower without causing a problem in the supply of golf balls. It is necessary to be able to throw a ball up to (golf ball vending machine).

Therefore, the inventor of the present invention has conducted further consideration and study, and has found that it is possible to miniaturize the blower by making maximum use of the ball throwing power of the blower without causing any hindrance to the supply of golf balls, which is inherent in conventional golf ball throwing devices. The blower becomes larger because the blower's power cannot be used efficiently, it is difficult to adjust the amount of air needed to forcefully feed the golf balls, the amount of golf balls supplied decreases, and the installation of a vacuum box is expensive. It is possible to solve the problems such as the ball being thrown by the blower without increasing the size of the blower, even when the throwing distance from the first ball storage part to the second ball storage part becomes very long. A golf ball throwing device of the present invention has been developed which is capable of throwing a golf ball in a first ball storage part to a second ball storage part by making maximum use of force.

The golf ball throwing device of the present invention is configured to send a golf ball in a first ball storage section disposed at a first position to a second ball storage section disposed at a second position at a golf driving range. A golf ball throwing device comprising: at least one blower; an air suction hose having one end connected to an air intake port of the blower; and an air pumping hose having one end connected to an air outlet of the blower. a golf ball suction hose whose one end is connected to the first ball storage section; a golf ball pressure feeding hose whose one end is connected to the second ball storage section; and a golf ball suction hose whose one end is connected to the second ball storage section; The other end of the hose is connected to each of the other ends of the golf ball suction hose, and the other end of the air pressure feeding hose and the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose are introduced into the interior with the other ends facing each other. a box body that is inclined toward the second ball accommodating portion inside the box body, a disk portion, and a plurality of golf balls formed along the outer periphery of the disk portion for individually dividing and arranging golf balls; The individual arrangement portions rotate around an axis passing through the disk portion, and the rotation causes each of the individual arrangement portions to move between the other end of the air pressure feeding hose and the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose. a rotary disk fixed to the inside of the box body so as to closely cover the surface of the upper half of the rotary disk facing the first ball accommodating portion; a first plate member having a first opening that connects to the other end of the hose in a sealed state; and a second ball housing fixed to the inside of the box body and surrounding the shaft in the rotary disk. The upper half of the rotary plate, which rotates together with the first plate member, is tightly sandwiched between both sides of the rotation plate, and the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose is tightly sealed. and a second plate member having a second opening that is connected in a state.

Like the golf ball sending device of the present invention, the golf ball is sent out through the rotary disk, the first plate member, and the second plate member in a state where the suction path by the blower and the pressure feeding path are completely separated. If configured so that the blower and rotary disk are constantly operated, the golf balls in the first ball storage section can be transferred to the second ball storage section while the suction force and pressure force of the blower are not hindered. It becomes possible to always throw a ball to the ball storage section.
In addition, since the suction power and pressure power of the blower cannot be weakened, it is possible to install the box at a desired location by making the blower as small as possible, and by adjusting the suction and pressure flow adjustment valves respectively. The ball throwing distance between the first ball accommodating part and the second ball accommodating part can be extended compared to conventional golf ball throwing devices.
In addition, since the suction force of the blower sucks the golf balls from the first ball accommodating part into the inside of the box, even if the distance between the first ball accommodating part and the box is far, the golf balls can be removed. It becomes possible to reliably introduce it into the box.
Furthermore, since the suction force and pressure feeding force of the blower are not weakened, the golf ball suction hose that connects the first ball accommodating part and the box body, and the golf ball pressure feeding hose that connects the box body and the second ball accommodating part. There is no longer a need to limit the slope of the hose; it is now possible to set a slope of up to 90 degrees, allowing freedom in the way the hose is laid between the first ball storage part and the second ball storage part. It becomes possible to increase the degree of

Further, in the golf ball sending device of the present invention, preferably, the air suction hose and the air pressure feeding hose each include an adjustment valve that can adjust the flow rate of air passing through the inside.
In this way, the size and design can be varied, and the capacity of the blower, the installation position of the blower, the first ball storage part, the second ball storage part, the box, the air suction hose, the air pressure supply hose, etc. Depending on the length of the golf ball suction hose or the golf ball pressure feeding hose, the blower's suction power or pressure feeding force may be adjusted at golf driving ranges where the air suction or air pressure feeding force of the blower is too strong. , it becomes possible to throw a golf ball by making maximum use of the blower's suction force and pumping force without changing the capacity of the blower.

Further, in the golf ball sending device of the present invention, preferably, the blower includes the air suction port to which the air suction hose connects, and the blower includes the air outlet to which the air pressure feeding hose connects. The blowers are one and the same blower.
In this way, it is possible to throw a golf ball by making maximum use of the suction force and pressure force of the small-capacity blower without increasing the number of blowers.

Further, in the golf ball sending device of the present invention, preferably, the blower includes the air suction port to which the air suction hose connects, and the blower includes the air outlet to which the air pressure feeding hose connects. The blowers are two separate blowers.
In this way, the first ball storage can be used even for a practice range designed to throw a golf ball over a long distance, far exceeding the typical distance of, for example, 50 to 150 meters. The blower for sucking golf balls from the second ball storage part and the blower for sending the golf balls to the second ball storage part can be maximized without increasing the size of each blower, and the suction power and pressure feeding power can be maximized. It becomes possible to throw a golf ball at a golf driving range where the throwing distance from the first ball storage part to the second ball storage part is extremely long.

Further, in the golf ball sending device of the present invention, preferably, the golf ball suction hose includes one end of a first suction hose and both ends of an iron pipe having a stepped portion in the pipe, in the vicinity of the box. and a portion connected to one end of the second suction hose.
The golf balls sucked from the first ball storage section are transported at a faster speed and have more momentum as they approach the box. Therefore, if the golf ball suction hose is bent near the box, a hole is likely to form when a golf ball collides with the inner wall of the golf ball suction hose.
In the golf ball sending device of the present invention, the golf ball suction hose has one end of the first suction hose, both ends of the iron pipe having a stepped portion in the pipe, and the second suction hose in the vicinity of the box. If the configuration includes a part connected to one end of the hose, even if the golf ball suction hose is bent near the box, golf balls that enter the iron pipe from the first suction hose can be removed. The force is reduced by colliding with the step inside the pipe. Therefore, the golf ball after passing through the iron pipe can collide with the inner wall of the bent part of the second suction hose with reduced momentum, making it difficult for the golf ball to form a hole due to the collision of the golf ball. The durability of the suction hose can be improved.

Further, the golf ball throwing device of the present invention preferably includes a rotational speed adjusting means capable of adjusting the rotational speed of the rotary disk.
In this way, the amount of the golf ball thrown can be adjusted in accordance with the distance the golf ball is thrown while making the most of the blowing force of the blower.
For example, when the golf ball is thrown over a short distance, the blower exerts a strong force on the golf ball, so even if the rotating speed of the rotary disk is increased, the rotation will cause the other end of the air pressure feeding hose to It is easy to reliably send the golf ball located between the golf ball and the other end to the golf ball pressure feeding hose side. However, according to the golf ball throwing device of the present invention, when the golf ball throw distance is short, the rotation speed of the rotary disk is increased by the rotation speed adjusting means to maximize the amount of golf balls thrown. can.
Also, for example, if the distance the golf ball is thrown is long, the force the blower has on the golf ball will be weakened by that amount. It becomes difficult to send the golf balls located between the other end of the golf ball pumping hose and the other end of the golf ball pumping hose to the golf ball pumping hose side, and there is a possibility that balls may become clogged. However, according to the golf ball throwing device of the present invention, when the golf ball is thrown over a long distance, the rotation speed of the rotary disk is slowed down by the rotation speed adjustment means, thereby increasing the capacity of the blower while preventing ball clogging. It becomes possible to throw the golf ball to the maximum extent possible.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the blower can be downsized by making maximum use of the ball throwing power of the blower without causing any problems in the supply of golf balls, and the blower can be made smaller, which was inherent in the conventional golf ball throwing device. The blower becomes larger because the pumping power cannot be used efficiently, it is difficult to adjust the amount of air needed to pump the golf balls, the amount of golf balls supplied decreases, and the installation of a vacuum box becomes large-scale, etc. Even if the problem can be solved and the ball throwing distance from the first ball storage part to the second ball storage part becomes extremely long, the ball throwing power of the blower can be maximized without increasing the size of the blower. Thus, a golf ball throwing device capable of delivering the golf ball in the first ball storage section to the second ball storage section is obtained.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
First embodiment
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a golf ball throwing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a first ball storage section and a second ball storage section in the golf ball throwing device of FIG. 1. It is an explanatory view showing typically a suction route between parts, a pumping route, and a structure inside a box. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the rotary disk and the first and second plate members in the golf ball throwing device of FIG. FIG. 3(b) is a front view of the first plate member shown in (a), and (c) is a front view of the second plate member shown in (a). FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the main structure of the golf ball suction hose in the golf ball sending device of FIG. 1. FIG.

The golf ball sending device of this embodiment includes one blower 11, an air suction hose 52', an air pressure feeding hose 52, a golf ball suction hose 65, a golf ball pressure feeding hose 63, and a box body. 12, a rotary disk 15, a first plate member 13, and a second plate member 14.

The blower 11 has an air suction port 11a and an air discharge port 11b, and is configured to be able to suction and force feed air at the same time.
One end of the air suction hose 52' is connected to the air suction port 11a of the blower 11. Moreover, the air suction hose 52' is equipped with an adjustment valve 17a that can adjust the flow rate of air passing through the inside.
One end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 is connected to the air outlet 11b of the blower 11. Moreover, the air pressure feeding hose 52 is equipped with an adjustment valve 17b that can adjust the flow rate of air passing through the inside.
One end of the golf ball suction hose 65 is connected to the first ball storage section 20 (for example, a ball tank provided in an automatic golf ball cleaning/drying device). Further, in the vicinity of the box body 12, the golf ball suction hose 65 has one end of the first suction hose 18a, both ends of an iron pipe 19 in which a stepped portion 19a is provided, and one end of the second suction hose 18b. It is configured to include a part to which are connected. Note that it is preferable to use a steel pipe 19 having a thickness of about 10 mm in order to suppress the echo of impact sound when a golf ball collides with the stepped portion 19a.
One end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63 is connected to the second ball storage section (for example, a golf ball vending machine) 30 .
The box body 12 is connected to the other end of the air suction hose 52' and the other end of the golf ball suction hose 65, and is connected to the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 and the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63. are introduced inside with the two facing each other.

The rotary disk 15 is provided inside the box body 12 in an inclined state toward the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30, and has a disk section 15a and a plurality of individual arrangement sections 15b. The individual arrangement section 15b is formed along the outer periphery of the disc section 15a, and consists of two ring-shaped frames with different diameters and a plurality of rod-shaped frames extending radially at equal angles from the center of the disc section 15a, and individually arranges golf balls. It is structured so that it can be divided and arranged.
The rotary disk 15 rotates around a shaft 16 that passes through the disk portion 15a, and due to the rotation, each individual arrangement portion 15b is connected between the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 and the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63. are set up so that they pass through them sequentially. Note that the shaft 16 is configured to rotate via a rotation drive device (not shown).
Further, the golf ball throwing device of this embodiment includes a rotational speed adjusting means (not shown) that can adjust the rotational speed of the rotary disk 15 around the shaft 16 via a rotational drive device (not shown).
The first plate member 13 is fixed inside the box 12, closely covers the upper half of the rotary disk 15 on the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 side, and also covers the first opening. A portion 13a is provided. The first opening 13a has a size and shape that allows the golf balls in the air pressure feeding hose 52 to pass through and be introduced into the individual arrangement portion 15b, and is sealed with the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52. is configured to connect in the state.
The second plate member 14 is fixed inside the box 12, closely covers the surface of the rotary disk 15 on the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30 side around the shaft 16, and Together with the first plate member 13, both surfaces of the upper half of the rotary disk 15 are sandwiched in a sealed state, and a second opening 14a is provided. The second opening 14a has a size and shape that allows the golf balls in the individual arrangement portion 15b to pass through and be introduced into the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63, and the second opening 14a has the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63. It is configured to be connected in a sealed manner. In addition, in FIG. 3(c), 14b is a shaft hole having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 16 and through which the shaft 16 passes.

In the golf ball throwing device of the first embodiment configured as described above, when the blower 11 is operated, air is sucked through the air intake port 11a, and at the same time, compressed air is discharged from the air exhaust port 11b. Further, the rotary disk 15 also operates and rotates.
The box 12 connected to the air suction hose 52' is brought into a vacuum state by suction of air from the air suction port 11a by the blower 11. Further, the air in the golf ball suction hose 65 connected to the box body 12 is sucked, and the golf balls are sucked into the box body 12 from the first ball storage portion (ball tank) 20. At this time, in the golf ball suction hose 65, the golf ball that has entered the iron pipe 19 from the first suction hose 18a collides with the stepped portion 19a in the pipe, and its momentum is reduced. After passing through the iron pipe 19, the golf ball enters the inside of the box body 12 while colliding with the inner wall of the second suction hose 18b with reduced momentum. The golf balls sucked into the inside of the box 12 are individually divided and entered into the individual arrangement portions 15b of the rotary disk 15 that rotates around the shaft 16. At this time, the rotary disk 15 is inclined toward the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30, and the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30 around the shaft 16 in the rotary disk 15 is tilted toward the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30. The side surfaces are more closely covered by the second plate member 14. Therefore, while being supported by the second plate member 14, the golf ball that has entered the individual arrangement portion 15b is moved between the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 located above and the golf ball pressure feeding hose. 63 and the other end.

The compressed air discharged from the air outlet 11b passes through the air pressure feeding hose 52, passes through the first opening 13a in the first plate member 13, and is connected to the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 and the golf ball pressure feeding hose. and the other end of the hose 63. At this time, since the first plate member 13 and the second plate member 14 jointly sandwich both surfaces of the upper half of the rotary disk 15 in a sealed state, the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 and the golf ball The air sent between the other end of the ball pressure feeding hose 63 does not leak to the outside, and even if the rotary disk 15 rotates, the air pressure from the air pressure feeding hose 52 is not weakened. , the golf balls that have entered the individual arrangement portion 15b fed between the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 and the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63 are fed into the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63. The golf balls sent out from the individual placement section 15b into the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63 are forced by air from the air pressure feeding hose 52 and guided to the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30.

Note that the size and equipment vary depending on the golf driving range, and the capacity of the blower 11, the installation position of the blower 11, the first ball storage section 20, the second ball storage section 30, and the box body 12, and the air suction Depending on the lengths of the golf ball suction hose 52', the air pressure feeding hose 52, the golf ball suction hose 65, and the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63, the air suction force or air pressure feeding force by the blower 11 may be too strong.
In such a case, the flow rate of air passing through the inside of the air suction hose 52' and the air pressure feeding hose 52 is adjusted using the adjustment valve 17a and the adjustment valve 17b.

In addition, a rotational speed adjusting means (not shown) adjusts the rotational speed of the rotary disk 15 in accordance with the throwing distance of the golf ball so that the golf ball can be thrown by making maximum use of the pumping force of the blower 11. Adjust to adjust the throw amount of the golf ball.

According to the golf ball sending device of the first embodiment, the suction path and the pressure feeding path by the blower 11 are completely isolated via the rotary disk 15, the first plate member 13, and the second plate member 14. Since the golf ball can be moved, by constantly operating the blower 11 and the rotary disk 15, the first ball can be moved while the suction force and pressure force of the blower 11 are not hindered. The golf balls in the storage section (ball tank) 20 can be constantly sent to the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30.
In addition, since the suction force and pressure force of the blower 11 are not weakened, it is possible to downsize the blower as much as possible, and by adjusting the air volume adjustment valves 17a and 17b for suction and pressure, respectively, the box body 12 can be adjusted to the desired size. It can be installed at any location. Furthermore, the throwing distance between the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 and the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30 can be extended compared to conventional golf ball throwing devices.
Further, according to the golf ball throwing device of the first embodiment, the golf ball from the first ball storage portion (ball tank) 20 is sucked into the box body 12 by the suction force of the blower 11. Even if the first ball storage part (ball tank) 20 and the box body 12 are far apart, the golf ball can be reliably introduced into the box body 12.
Furthermore, since the suction force and pressure force of the blower 11 are not weakened, the golf ball suction hose 65 connecting the first ball storage section (ball tank) 20 and the box body 12, and the connection between the box body 12 and the second ball It is no longer necessary to set a limit on the slope of the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63 that connects the storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30, and it is now possible to provide a maximum slope of 90 degrees. It becomes possible to increase the degree of freedom in laying the hose between the ball tank) 20 and the second ball storage section (golf ball vending machine) 30.
Further, according to the golf ball sending device of the first embodiment, the blower includes an air inlet to which the air suction hose 52' is connected, and an air outlet to which the air pressure feeding hose 52 connects. Since it is configured with one and the same blower 11 that has an air intake port 11a and an air discharge port 11b and is configured to be able to suction and pump air at the same time, there is no need to increase the number of blowers. Golf balls can be thrown by making the most of the suction power and pressure power of a small-capacity blower.
Further, according to the golf ball sending device of the first embodiment, the air suction hose 52' and the air pressure feeding hose 52 are each equipped with adjustment valves 17a and 17b that can adjust the flow rate of air passing through the inside. Therefore, there are various sizes and designs, such as the capacity of the blower, the installation position of the blower, the first ball storage part, the second ball storage part, the box, the air suction hose, the air pressure supply hose, and the golf ball suction hose. Depending on the length of the golf ball hose or golf ball pressure feeding hose, even at a golf driving range where the air suction force or air pressure feeding force of the blower is too strong, you can adjust the blower's suction power or pressure feeding force to increase the blower's capacity. It is possible to throw a golf ball by making maximum use of the blower's suction power and pumping power without making any difference.
Further, according to the golf ball sending device of the first embodiment, the golf ball suction hose 65 is connected to one end of the first suction hose 18a in the vicinity of the box body 12, and the iron pipe having the stepped portion 19a inside the pipe. 19 and one end of the second suction hose 18b are connected, even if the golf ball suction hose 65 is bent near the box body 12, The golf ball entering the iron pipe 19 from the first suction hose 18a collides with the stepped portion 19a inside the pipe, thereby reducing its momentum. Therefore, the golf ball after passing through the iron pipe 19 can collide with the inner wall of the bent portion of the second suction hose 18b with reduced momentum, making it difficult to form a hole due to the collision of the golf ball. The durability of the golf ball suction hose 65 can be improved.
Further, according to the golf ball sending device of the first embodiment, since the rotational speed adjusting means (not shown) that can adjust the rotational speed of the rotary disk 15 is provided, the feeding power of the blower 11 can be utilized to the maximum. The amount of the golf ball thrown can be adjusted according to the distance the golf ball is thrown.
For example, when the golf ball is thrown over a short distance, the blower 11 exerts a strong force on the golf ball. It is easy to reliably send out the golf ball located between the other end of the pressure feeding hose 63 to the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63 side. However, according to the golf ball throwing device of the present embodiment, when the distance the golf ball is thrown is short, the rotational speed of the rotary disk 15 is increased by the rotational speed adjusting means (not shown), thereby adjusting the amount of the golf ball thrown. can be maximized.
Furthermore, for example, if the golf ball is thrown over a long distance, the force of the blower 11 against the golf ball will be weakened by that amount. This makes it difficult to send the golf balls located between the other end of the air pressure feeding hose 52 and the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63 to the golf ball pressure feeding hose 63, and there is a possibility that the balls may become clogged. However, according to the golf ball throwing device of the present embodiment, when the golf ball throw distance is long, the rotational speed of the rotary disk 15 is slowed down by the rotational speed adjustment means (not shown), thereby preventing the balls from clogging. However, the capacity of the blower 11 can be utilized to the maximum to throw the golf ball.

Second Embodiment FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a golf ball throwing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
In the golf ball sending device of this embodiment, the blower including the air suction port to which the air suction hose 52' is connected is a suction type blower 51', and the blower includes an air discharge port to which the air pressure feeding hose 52 is connected. The blower is composed of a pressure-feeding blower 51 that is separate from the suction-type blower 51', and is configured using two different blowers. The other configurations are substantially the same as the golf ball throwing device of the first embodiment.

Some golf driving ranges are designed so that the golf ball can be thrown over a long distance, far exceeding the typical distance of, for example, 50 to 150 meters.
In golf driving ranges where golf balls must be thrown over extremely long distances, even if the suction and pressure power of a single blower is utilized to its maximum, the original capacity of the blower is limited to suction and delivery of golf balls. There may be cases where pressure feeding is insufficient.
However, like the golf ball sending device according to the second embodiment, the blower includes an air suction port (not shown) to which the air suction hose 52' is connected, and an air discharge port (not shown) to which the air pressure feeding hose 52 is connected. If a blower equipped with a golf ball accommodating section (not shown) is configured with two other blowers (a suction blower 52' and a pressure blower 52), the first ball storage section (for example, an automatic golf ball cleaning/drying device) A blower for suctioning golf balls from a ball tank (a provided ball tank) 20 and a blower for sending golf balls to a second ball storage section (for example, a golf ball vending machine) 30 are enlarged. By making maximum use of the suction force and the pressure feeding force, the throwing distance from the first ball storage part (ball tank) 20 to the second ball storage part (golf ball vending machine) 30 becomes extremely long. It becomes possible to throw a golf ball at the golf driving range.
Other effects are substantially the same as those of the golf ball throwing device of the first embodiment.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. be able to.

In addition, in the present specification, the first ball accommodating part in the golf ball throwing device is a ball tank provided in an automatic golf ball washing/drying device, the second ball accommodating part is a golf ball vending machine, and the ball tank is Although the application of the golf ball sending device of the present invention is described as being for sending golf balls to a golf ball vending machine, the golf ball sending device of the present invention is not limited to this use, and can be used for golf ball collecting devices provided at golf driving ranges, golf balls, etc. It can be applied to throwing golf balls between various equipment such as automatic ball cleaning/drying equipment and golf ball vending machines. For example, the first ball storage section may be a ball pit in a golf ball collecting device where golf balls are collected, and the second ball storage section may be a ball tank provided in an automatic golf ball cleaning/drying device. It can be used to send golf balls from ball devices to automatic golf ball cleaning and drying devices. Furthermore, it can also be used to throw golf balls between any other equipment that requires golf balls to be thrown.

The golf ball throwing device of the present invention can be used not only in fields where it is required to send golf balls in a ball tank to a golf ball vending machine at a golf driving range, but also in fields where it is required to send golf balls in a ball tank to a golf ball vending machine. It is useful in fields where this is required.

11 Blower 11a Air intake port 11b Air outlet 12 Box body 13 First plate member 13a First opening 14 Second plate member 14a Second opening 14b Shaft hole 15 Rotating disk 15a Disk portion 15b Individual placement portion 16 Shaft 17a Suction amount adjustment valve 17b Pressure feed amount adjustment valve 18a First suction hose 18b Second suction hose 19 Iron pipe 19a Step portion 20 First ball storage portion 30 Second ball storage portion 51 Pressure feed blower 51' Suction Type blower 52 Air pressure feeding hose 52' Air suction hose 61 Injector 62, 65 Golf ball suction hose 62' Golf ball feeding hose 63 Golf ball pressure feeding hose 71 Ball feeding device 72 Ball feeding valve 81 Vacuum box

Claims (6)

A golf ball throwing device that throws a golf ball in a first ball storage section disposed at a first position to a second ball storage section disposed at a second position at a golf driving range, the golf ball throwing device comprising:
at least one blower;
an air suction hose, one end of which is connected to the air intake port of the blower;
an air pressure feeding hose, one end of which is connected to the air outlet of the blower;
a golf ball suction hose, one end of which is connected to the first ball storage section;
a golf ball pressure feeding hose, one end of which is connected to the second ball storage section;
The other end of the air suction hose is connected to the other end of the golf ball suction hose, and the other end of the air pressure feeding hose is opposed to the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose. The box that leads inside,
The box body includes a plurality of individual placement portions that are inclined toward the second ball accommodating portion and formed along a disk portion and an outer periphery of the disk portion, in which golf balls are individually divided and placed. and rotates around an axis passing through the disc part, so that the rotation causes each of the individual arrangement parts to sequentially pass between the other end of the air pressure feeding hose and the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose. A rotary disk provided,
A first fixed to the inside of the box, closely covering the surface of the upper half of the rotary disk on the side of the first ball accommodating section, and connected to the other end of the air pressure feeding hose in a sealed state. a first plate member having an opening;
It is fixed inside the box, closely covers the surface of the rotary disk around the axis on the side of the second ball accommodating section, and works together with the first plate member to a second plate member having a second opening that seals both sides of the upper half and connects to the other end of the golf ball pressure feeding hose in a sealed manner;
A golf ball throwing device characterized by having: 2. The golf ball throwing device according to claim 1, wherein the air suction hose and the air pressure feeding hose each include an adjustment valve that can adjust the flow rate of air passing therethrough. The blower equipped with the air suction port to which the air suction hose connects and the blower equipped with the air discharge port to which the air pressure feeding hose connects are one and the same blower. The golf ball throwing device according to claim 1 or 2. The blower including the air intake port to which the air suction hose connects and the blower including the air outlet to which the air pressure feeding hose connects are two separate blowers. The golf ball throwing device according to claim 1 or 2. The golf ball suction hose has a portion in the vicinity of the box body where one end of the first suction hose, both ends of an iron pipe having a stepped portion inside the pipe, and one end of the second suction hose are connected. The golf ball throwing device according to claim 1, comprising: 2. The golf ball throwing device according to claim 1, further comprising a rotational speed adjusting means that can adjust the rotational speed of the rotary disk.

Images