Pet ball throwing machine

By adjusting the turntable gap and the guide mechanism design, the pet ball thrower can adapt to the throwing of toy balls of different sizes, solving the problem that existing technologies can only throw balls of the same specification, and improving the versatility and stability of the equipment.

CN116746507BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-28SHENZHEN UAH TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SHENZHEN UAH TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2023-08-07
Publication Date
2026-04-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing automatic ball throwers can only throw toy balls of the same size, which cannot meet the play needs of pet dogs of different sizes.

Method used

A pet ball-throwing machine was designed. By adjusting the gap between two turntables through an adjustment component, and combining a guiding mechanism and an elastic pushing mechanism, the turntables can be clamped at the center of gravity of the toy ball, which can accommodate toy balls of different sizes.

Benefits of technology

This technology enables the throwing of toy balls of different sizes without changing the pet ball throwing machine, improving the versatility and stability of the equipment and ensuring throwing distance and clamping stability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application discloses a pet ball throwing machine and relates to the technical field of pet toys. The pet ball throwing machine comprises a ball guiding device, a ball throwing assembly and an adjusting assembly. The ball guiding device is provided with a ball guiding channel, a ball inlet and a ball outlet which are in communication with the ball guiding channel. The ball throwing assembly comprises a base and two ball throwing units which are movably arranged on the base. The two ball throwing units are arranged on the two sides of the ball guiding device. The ball throwing unit comprises a first driving member and a rotating disc which is driven to rotate by the first driving member. Part of the two rotating discs is arranged in the ball guiding channel, and a ball clamping area is formed between the two rotating discs. The adjusting assembly is connected with the two ball throwing units so as to drive the two ball throwing units to move towards or away from each other, thereby adjusting the gap between the two rotating discs. In the above scheme, the adjusting assembly can adjust the gap between the two rotating discs, and can be suitable for the throwing of balls with different sizes, thereby meeting the playing requirements of different pets.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pet toy technology, and more particularly to a pet ball-throwing machine. Background Technology

[0002] With socio-economic development and accelerated urbanization, more and more people live within their own small circles, resulting in less interpersonal interaction. Pets such as cats and dogs can serve as friendly companions, helping to alleviate loneliness and improve mental well-being. Dogs, as humanity's most loyal partners, are among the most common pets kept by people.

[0003] With the continuous advancement of technology, automatic ball throwers are becoming increasingly widely used. These machines can throw toy balls far away, attracting dogs to chase them, thus fulfilling the function of dog walking. However, current technology typically only allows automatic ball throwers to throw toy balls of the same size, and the appropriate ball size to meet the play needs of dogs of different sizes is not entirely the same.

[0004] Therefore, providing an automatic ball thrower capable of launching toy balls of different sizes according to usage needs is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a pet ball-throwing machine capable of launching toy balls of different sizes.

[0006] To address the above problems, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] This application provides a pet ball-throwing machine, including:

[0008] A ball guide, the ball guide having a ball guide channel and an inlet and an outlet connected to the ball guide channel;

[0009] A ball-throwing assembly includes a base and two ball-throwing units movably disposed on the base. The two ball-throwing units are distributed on both sides of the ball guide member. Each ball-throwing unit includes a first driving member and a turntable driven by the first driving member to rotate. Parts of the two turntables extend into the ball guide channel, and a ball-clamping area is formed between the two turntables.

[0010] An adjustment component is connected to the two ball-throwing units to drive the two ball-throwing units to move towards or away from each other, thereby adjusting the gap between the two turntables.

[0011] Furthermore, the adjustment assembly includes a first driving mechanism and a first guiding mechanism. The first driving mechanism is used to drive the two ball-throwing units to move towards or away from each other. The first guiding mechanism is configured to extend along the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units, or the first guiding mechanism is configured to extend simultaneously along the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units and the axial direction of the turntable. The two ball-throwing units are guided and cooperated with the first guiding mechanism.

[0012] Furthermore, the first driving mechanism includes a second driving member, a gear, and two racks. The second driving member is connected to the gear to drive the gear to rotate. The two racks mesh on both sides of the gear, and the two racks are respectively connected to the ball-throwing unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the first guiding mechanism includes guide members, two of which are disposed opposite to each other on the base to define the sliding path of the ball-throwing unit. The sliding path extends along the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units, or the sliding path extends simultaneously along the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units and the axial direction of the turntable.

[0014] Furthermore, when the first guide mechanism is configured to extend simultaneously along the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units and the axial direction of the turntable, the adjustment assembly further includes an elastic pushing mechanism connected to the ball-throwing unit, thereby confining the ball-throwing unit between the two guide members.

[0015] Furthermore, the ball-throwing unit also includes a mounting base, the first driving member is fixedly disposed on the mounting base, and the mounting base is slidably supported on the base.

[0016] Furthermore, the mounting base is provided with an elongated hole extending along the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units. The elastic pushing mechanism includes a first sliding rod and an elastic element. The first sliding rod is disposed on the base, and the mounting base is slidably sleeved on the first sliding rod. A limiting part is provided at the upper end of the first sliding rod. The elastic element is disposed between the limiting part and the mounting base. The elastic element is configured to apply an elastic force to the mounting base so that the mounting base always abuts against the base.

[0017] Furthermore, the turntable has a plurality of first radial protrusions on its sidewall. The plurality of first radial protrusions are evenly distributed along the circumference of the turntable. The cross section of the first radial protrusion perpendicular to the axis of the turntable is generally trapezoidal. In the rotation direction of the turntable, the distal end of the first radial protrusion has a first abutting surface. The first abutting surface is biased towards the proximal end of the first radial protrusion from its outer end to its inner end.

[0018] Furthermore, in the rotation direction of the turntable, the proximal end of the first radial protrusion has a second abutment surface, the first abutment surface has a first angle with the radial direction of the first radial protrusion, the second abutment surface has a second angle with the radial direction of the first radial protrusion, and the first angle is smaller than the second angle.

[0019] Furthermore, the ball guide channel includes a first channel segment and a second channel segment that are connected. The second channel segment extends upward at an angle relative to the first channel segment to form a waiting area between them. The inner wall of the second channel segment is provided with a plurality of convex ribs distributed along its circumference. The channel opening defined by the plurality of convex ribs is the same as the diameter of the ball to be thrown. In the extension direction of the second channel segment, the distal end of the convex rib does not exceed the center position of the turntable.

[0020] Furthermore, the ball guide has an opening on the peripheral wall of the second channel section, the turntable extends into the ball guide channel through the opening, and the ball throwing assembly is movably arranged in the extension direction of the second channel section.

[0021] Furthermore, the pet ball-throwing machine also includes a second slide bar, and a slider is provided on the base, the slider being slidably sleeved on the second slide bar.

[0022] Furthermore, the slider includes an annular slider base, and the annular slider base is provided with a plurality of second radial protrusions distributed along its circumference. The plurality of second radial protrusions define an accommodating space for accommodating the second slide rod. The annular slider base is also provided with a notch communicating with the accommodating space, and the second slide rod can be inserted into the accommodating space through the notch.

[0023] The technical solution adopted in the embodiments of this application can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0024] Firstly, in the pet ball-throwing machine of this application embodiment, the adjustment component can adjust the size of the gap between the two turntables. Users can select a toy ball of the appropriate size for their pets without replacing the pet ball-throwing machine, according to the different pets' play needs. The pet ball-throwing machine is suitable for throwing toy balls of different sizes, which can meet the play needs of different pets, and has good versatility and strong practicality.

[0025] Secondly, the ball-throwing unit is configured to extend along both the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units and the axial direction of the turntable, so that the two turntables can clamp the toy ball at the center of gravity as much as possible. This effectively prevents the toy ball from slipping off the turntable or having a short throwing distance due to the center of gravity deviating from the turntable, ensuring that the pet ball-throwing machine has good adaptability when throwing toy balls of different sizes and specifications.

[0026] Thirdly, by setting a first radial protrusion on the side wall of the turntable, the first included angle between the radial direction of the first radial protrusion and the first abutment surface is greater than the second included angle between the radial direction of the first radial protrusion and the second abutment surface. This can increase the thrust on the toy ball during the clamping and acceleration phase, and reduce the resistance on the toy ball during the launching and releasing phase. This can effectively increase the stability of clamping the toy ball and the launching range. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are provided to further illustrate this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of this application and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0028] In the attached diagram:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pet ball-throwing machine according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the pet ball-throwing machine according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ball-throwing unit according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the adjustment component and the ball-throwing unit in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ball guide component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the ball guide component from another perspective according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the turntable according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a top view of the turntable according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion of point C in the middle;

[0041] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion of point D.

[0042] In the picture:

[0043] 100-Ball guide component, 110-Ball guide channel, 111-First channel section, 112-Second channel section, 120-Inlet, 130-Outlet, 140-Protruding rib, 150-Opening; 200-Ball throwing assembly, 210-Base, 211-Slider, 211a-Second radial protrusion, 211b-Notch, 212-Support surface, 220-Ball throwing unit, 221-First drive component, 222-Turntable, 2221-First radial protrusion, 222 1a-First abutting surface, 2221b-Second abutting surface, 223-Mounting base, 223a-Elongated hole, 223b-Guide surface; 310-First driving mechanism, 311-Second driving component, 312-Gear, 313-Rack, 321-Guide component, 330-Pushing mechanism, 331-First slide bar, 331a-Limiting part, 332-Elastic component; 400-Second slide bar; 500-Housing shell; 600-Toy ball; α-First included angle, β-Second included angle. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] To meet dogs' play needs and facilitate dog walking, pet ball-throwing machines exist as part of existing technologies. These machines launch toy balls a distance, attracting dogs to chase them. However, the inventors discovered that these machines often only launch balls of the same size. Since different dog sizes require different ball sizes, a ball-throwing machine that only launches one size is insufficient for households with multiple dogs.

[0046] In response, some embodiments of this application provide a pet ball-throwing machine, which will be described below in conjunction with... Figures 1 to 13 The pet ball-throwing machine provided in this application will be described in detail through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0047] Please see Figures 1-2This application discloses a pet ball-throwing machine, which includes a ball guide 100, a ball throwing assembly 200, an adjustment assembly, and a housing 500. The housing 500 has a accommodating space, which can provide an installation and protective foundation for the ball guide 100, the ball throwing assembly 200, and the adjustment assembly. The ball guide 100, the ball throwing assembly 200, and the adjustment assembly are all located inside the housing 500.

[0048] Please see Figures 7-8 The ball guide 100 has a ball guide channel 110 and a ball inlet 120 and a ball outlet 130 connected to the ball guide channel 110. When the ball guide 100 is assembled into the housing 500, the ball inlet 120 and the ball outlet 130 are exposed. The toy ball 600 can be released into the ball guide channel through the ball inlet 120 and finally thrown out through the ball outlet 130, thereby attracting pets such as dogs to chase it.

[0049] Please see Figure 2 The ball-throwing assembly 200 includes a base 210 and two ball-throwing units 220 movably disposed on the base 210. The two ball-throwing units 220 are distributed on both sides of the ball guide 100 and are used to hold the toy ball 600 to be thrown located in the ball guide channel 110.

[0050] In this embodiment, the movement direction of the ball-throwing unit 220 includes at least two distribution directions of the two ball-throwing units 220. Specifically, the ball-throwing unit 220 includes a first driving member 221, a turntable 222, and a mounting base 223. The mounting base 223 provides a mounting foundation for the first driving member 221, which is located on the mounting base 223. The turntable 222 is connected to the power output end of the first driving member 221. Understandably, the first driving member 221 includes, but is not limited to, a motor. The first driving member 221 can drive the turntable 222 to rotate. An opening 150 is provided on the peripheral wall of the ball guide member 100. Parts of the turntables 222 of the two ball-throwing units 220 can penetrate into the ball guide channel 110 through the opening 150. A ball-clamping area is formed between the two turntables 222, and the two ball-throwing units 220 clamp the toy ball 600 through the two turntables 222.

[0051] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the two turntables 222 rotate synchronously in opposite directions, and the width of the ball-clamping area formed between the two turntables 222 is smaller than the diameter of the toy ball 600. When the toy ball 600 and the ball-throwing assembly 200 move relative to each other until the toy ball 600 enters the ball-clamping area, the two turntables 222 can clamp the toy ball 600 and deform it. The toy ball 600 can be thrown out through the ball outlet 130 under the rotation of the turntables 222. It should be noted that the process from the toy ball 600 contacting the turntables 222 to being thrown out of the ball outlet 130 can be divided into a clamping acceleration stage and a throwing release stage. During the entire process, the toy ball 600 undergoes elastic deformation and recovers its deformation.

[0052] In this embodiment of the application, the adjustment component is connected to two ball throwing units 220. The adjustment component can drive the two ball throwing units 220 to move towards or away from each other. At this time, the gap between the two turntables 222 also changes accordingly. That is to say, the adjustment component can adjust the gap between the two turntables 222.

[0053] Based on the above technical solution, in specific use, since the gap between the two turntables 222 is adjustable, users can select a toy ball 600 of the appropriate size for their pet without changing the pet ball thrower, according to the different pets' play needs. The pet ball thrower can be used to throw toy balls 600 of different sizes, which can meet the play needs of different pets, has good versatility and strong practicality.

[0054] In some embodiments of this application, the adjustment assembly includes a first drive mechanism 310 and a first guide mechanism. The first drive mechanism 310 is used to drive two ball-throwing units 220 to move towards or away from each other. The first drive mechanism includes, but is not limited to, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a lead screw and nut mechanism, a linear motor, and a gear and rack mechanism. The first guide mechanism is configured to extend along the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units 220.

[0055] In some embodiments of this application, the mounting base 223 is slidably supported on the base 210, and the sliding direction of the mounting base 223 is the same as the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units 220. The first driving mechanism 310 can be a gear and rack mechanism. Specifically, the first driving mechanism 310 includes a second driving member 311, a gear 312, and two racks 313. The second driving member 311 is connected to the gear 312 to drive the gear 312 to rotate. The two racks 313 mesh on both sides of the gear 312. The two racks 313 are respectively connected to the mounting bases 223 of the two ball-throwing units 220. In this way, when the second driving member 311 drives the gear 312 to rotate, the two racks 313 can pull the two mounting bases 223 closer to each other or further away from each other, thereby achieving the purpose of adjusting the gap between the two turntables 222. Similarly, the second driving member 311 includes, but is not limited to, a motor.

[0056] It is understood that in the above embodiment, the base 210 has a support surface 212, and the mounting base 223 is slidably supported on the support surface 212. When the two ball-throwing units 220 only move in the distribution direction, the support surface 212 is parallel to the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units 220.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the first guiding mechanism may include guide members 321. Two guide members 321 are disposed opposite to each other on the base 210 and together with the support surface 212 of the base 210, define the sliding path of the ball throwing unit 220. The sliding path extends along the distribution direction of the two ball throwing units 220. By setting guide members 321 on the base 210 to define the sliding path, the base 210 has the characteristic of being easy to process and form.

[0058] During the research process, the inventors discovered that when replacing a larger toy ball 600 with a smaller toy ball 600, if only the gap between the two turntables 222 is changed without adjusting the height of the two turntables 222 relative to the ball guide channel 110, the center of gravity of the toy ball 600 will deviate from the two turntables 222. This results in the toy ball 600 not being securely gripped, and the toy ball 600 is prone to slipping off the two turntables 222 or the toy ball 600's throwing distance being greatly reduced.

[0059] Based on this situation, in a further technical solution, the first guiding mechanism is configured to extend along both the distribution direction of the two ball throwing units 220 and the axial direction of the turntable 222. That is, during the process of the ball throwing units 220 moving towards each other or away from each other, the two ball throwing units 220 can also rise and fall synchronously relative to the ball guiding channel 110.

[0060] For details, please continue to see Figure 5 and Figure 6The base 210 has a support surface 212 inclined relative to the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units 220. Two guide members 321 are disposed on the support surface 212 and define the sliding path of the ball-throwing units 220. The bottom of the mounting base 223 has a guide surface 223b adapted to the support surface 212. The guide surface 223b slides with the support surface 212 to realize the lifting and lowering of the ball-throwing units 220 relative to the ball-guided channel 110. When the distance between the two turntables 222 decreases, the two... The turntable 222 descends relative to the ball guide channel 110. When the distance between the two turntables 222 increases, the two turntables 222 rise relative to the ball guide channel 110. Both of these movement methods can keep the two turntables 222 as close as possible to the center of gravity of the toy ball 600, preventing the center of gravity of the toy ball 600 from deviating from the turntable 222 and causing it to slip or have a short throwing distance. This design can ensure that the pet ball thrower has good adaptability when throwing toy balls 600 of different sizes and specifications.

[0061] In some embodiments of this application, the first guiding mechanism may include a guiding protrusion and a guiding recess, one of which is disposed on the mounting base 223 and the other on the base 210. The two are guided and cooperated in the moving direction of the ball throwing unit 220 and are locked and cooperated in the axial direction of the turntable 222, thereby realizing the movement of the ball throwing unit 220 along a preset sliding path.

[0062] In a further technical solution, when the first guide mechanism is configured to extend simultaneously along the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units 220 and the axial direction of the turntable 222, the adjustment assembly also includes an elastic pushing mechanism 330, which is connected to the ball-throwing unit 220 so that the mounting base 223 always abuts against the support surface 212 between the two guide members 321.

[0063] Specifically, the mounting base 223 is provided with an elongated hole 223a extending along the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units 220. The elastic pushing mechanism 330 includes a first sliding rod 331 and an elastic element 332. The first sliding rod 331 is provided on the base 210, and the two can be connected and fixed by a threaded connection. The mounting base 223 is slidably sleeved on the first sliding rod 331 through the elongated hole 223a. The upper end of the first sliding rod 331 is provided with a limiting part 331a. The elastic element 332 is provided between the limiting part 331a and the mounting base 223. The elastic element 332 is configured to apply an elastic force to the mounting base 223 so that the mounting base 223 always abuts against the base 210.

[0064] Based on the above technical solution, when the two ball-throwing units 220 move in opposite directions, the mounting base 223 can move upward along the support surface 212. When the two ball-throwing units 220 move towards each other, the elastic pushing mechanism 330 can act as an upper limit stop, so that the mounting base 223 always slides downward along the support surface 212. By using the elastic pushing mechanism 330 to limit the mounting base 223, this method avoids setting a limiting fit structure (such as a limiting protrusion and a limiting recess) on the base 210 and the mounting base 223 to play a guiding role, reducing the mold opening difficulty of the mounting base 223 and the base 210, and reducing the production cost.

[0065] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 9-13 Multiple first radial protrusions 2221 are provided on the side wall of the turntable 222. The multiple first radial protrusions 2221 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the turntable 222. By setting multiple first radial protrusions 2221, the stability of the two turntables 222 in gripping the toy ball 600 can be increased. The cross section of the first radial protrusion 2221 perpendicular to the axial direction of the turntable 222 is trapezoidal. The cross section size of the first radial protrusion 2221 in its radial direction gradually increases from its root to its top, so that the first radial protrusion 2221 has good structural strength and is not easy to break.

[0066] Please see Figures 9-10 In the rotation direction of the turntable 222, the distal end of the first radial protrusion 2221 has a first abutment surface 2221a, which is biased towards the proximal end of the first radial protrusion 2221 from its outer end to its inner end. With this configuration, when the first radial protrusion 2221 just rotates to contact the toy ball 600, the first abutment surface 2221a can be as close as possible to the center of the toy ball 600, thereby applying a larger thrust to the toy ball 600. This allows the two turntables 222 to smoothly gather the toy ball 600 between them and clamp it to accelerate the toy ball 600. This avoids the first abutment surface 2221a deviating too far from the center of the toy ball 600, which could cause slippage. In this way, the toy ball 600 can also be launched more stably.

[0067] In the rotation direction of turntable 222, the proximal end of the first radial protrusion 222 has a second abutment surface 2221b. The orientation of the first abutment surface 2221a is approximately opposite to that of the second abutment surface 2221b. In this way, the first abutment surface 2221a plays a major role in pushing and accelerating the toy ball 600, while the second abutment surface 2221b of the preceding first radial protrusion 2221 adjacent to the first radial protrusion 222 plays a major role in contacting and supporting the toy ball 600, which can ensure the stability of the toy ball 600 being held by the two turntables 222.

[0068] Please see Figures 11-13 For ease of explanation, Figure 11 Point C indicates the first radial protrusion 2221 that just comes into contact with the toy ball 600. Figure 11 The diagram at point D shows the first radial protrusion 2221 that has just separated from the toy ball 600. In a further technical solution, the first contact surface 2221a and the radial direction of the first radial protrusion 2221 have a first included angle α, and the second contact surface 2221b and the radial direction of the first radial protrusion 2221 have a second included angle β. The first included angle α is smaller than the second included angle β.

[0069] Based on the above technical solution, when the first radial protrusion 2221 just contacts the toy ball 600, please refer to... Figure 12 The first contact surface 2221a is positioned as close as possible to the center of the toy ball 600, thereby applying a greater pushing force to the toy ball 600. The second contact surface 2221b of the adjacent first radial protrusion 2221 has a large contact area with the toy ball 600, ensuring stability in pushing the toy ball 600 forward. When the first radial protrusion 2221 separates from the toy ball 600, please refer to... Figure 13 The second contact surface 2221b can avoid the projection path of the toy ball 600, thus preventing frictional obstruction and reducing the projection range of the toy ball 600. In other words, the design of the first radial protrusion 2221 in this embodiment can both increase the thrust received by the toy ball 600 during the clamping acceleration phase and reduce the resistance received by the toy ball 600 during the projection and release phase, effectively increasing the stability of clamping the toy ball 600 and the projection range.

[0070] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The ball guide channel 110 includes a first channel segment 111 and a second channel segment 112 that are connected. The first channel segment 111 extends downward and the second channel segment 112 extends upward at an angle relative to the first channel segment 111. In this way, the ball guide channel 110 forms a waiting area between the first channel segment 111 and the second channel segment 112. The toy ball 600 placed through the ball inlet 120 can fall into the waiting area. The ball throwing assembly 200 is movable in the extension direction of the second channel segment 112, so that the two turntables 222 can move to the waiting area to pick up the toy ball 600 to be thrown.

[0071] In a further technical solution, the inner wall of the second channel section 112 is provided with a plurality of protruding ribs 140 distributed along its circumference. The channel opening defined by the plurality of protruding ribs 140 is the same as the diameter of the ball to be thrown. In this way, the plurality of protruding ribs 140 can constrain the toy ball 600, so that the two turntables 222 are clamped as close as possible to the center of gravity of the toy ball 600, ensuring a good clamping effect.

[0072] In a further technical solution, in the extending direction of the second channel segment 112, the distal end of the rib 140 does not exceed the center position of the turntable 222. In this way, the portion of the second channel segment 112 without the rib 140 has better passability than the portion with the rib 140. With this arrangement, the toy ball 600 in the projectile release phase can be prevented from contacting and rubbing against the rib 140, thus reducing its projectile speed and ensuring the projectile range of the toy ball 600.

[0073] As can be seen from the foregoing, the ball-throwing assembly 200 is movably disposed in the extension direction of the second channel segment 112. Therefore, the pet ball-throwing machine may also include a moving assembly for driving the ball-throwing assembly 200 to move along the extension direction of the second channel segment 112.

[0074] Specifically, the moving component includes a second driving mechanism and a second guiding mechanism. Similarly, the second driving mechanism includes, but is not limited to, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a lead screw and nut mechanism, a linear motor, and a gear and rack mechanism, etc., which will not be described in detail here. The second guiding mechanism includes a second slide rod 400, which extends along the extension direction of the second channel segment 112. A slider 211 is provided on the base 210, and the slider 211 is slidably sleeved on the second slide rod 400.

[0075] In a further technical solution, the slider 211 includes an annular slider base, within which a plurality of second radial protrusions 211a are provided distributed circumferentially. The plurality of second radial protrusions 211a define an accommodating space for accommodating the second slide rod 400. The annular slider base is also provided with a notch 211b communicating with the accommodating space. With this configuration, when the base 210 and the second slide rod 400 are assembled, the second slide rod 400 can be inserted into the accommodating space through the notch 211b. This design enables the second slide rod 400 to be radially inserted into the accommodating space, avoiding the docking difficulties present in axial insertion, and greatly improving the ease of assembly.

[0076] The above embodiments of this application focus on describing the differences between the various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features between the various embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a better embodiment. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0077] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A pet ball-throwing machine, characterized in that, include: A ball guide (100) has a ball guide channel (110) and a ball inlet (120) and a ball outlet (130) connected to the ball guide channel (110). A ball-throwing assembly (200) includes a base (210) and two ball-throwing units (220) movably disposed on the base (210). The two ball-throwing units (220) are distributed on both sides of the ball guide (100). Each ball-throwing unit (220) includes a first driving member (221) and a turntable (222) driven by the first driving member (221) to rotate. Parts of the two turntables (222) extend into the ball guide channel (110), and a ball-clamping area is formed between the two turntables (222). An adjustment component is connected to the two ball-throwing units (220) to drive the two ball-throwing units (220) to move towards or away from each other to adjust the gap between the two turntables (222); The adjustment assembly includes a first drive mechanism (310) and a first guide mechanism. The first drive mechanism (310) is used to drive the two ball-throwing units (220) to move towards or away from each other. The first guide mechanism is configured to extend along the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units (220), or the first guide mechanism is configured to extend along both the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units (220) and the axial direction of the turntable (222). The two ball-throwing units (220) are guided and cooperated with the first guide mechanism. The first driving mechanism (310) includes a second driving member (311), a gear (312) and two racks (313). The second driving member (311) is connected to the gear (312) to drive the gear (312) to rotate. The two racks (313) mesh with both sides of the gear (312) and are respectively connected to the ball throwing unit (220). And / or, the first guiding mechanism includes guide members (321), two of which are disposed opposite to each other on the base (210) to define the sliding path of the ball-throwing unit (220), the sliding path extending along the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units (220), or the sliding path extending simultaneously along the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units (220) and the axial direction of the turntable (222).

2. The pet ball-throwing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first guide mechanism is configured to extend simultaneously along the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units (220) and the axial direction of the turntable (222), the adjustment assembly further includes an elastic pushing mechanism (330) connected to the ball-throwing unit (220) so that the ball-throwing unit (220) is confined between the two guide members (321).

3. The pet ball-throwing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ball throwing unit (220) also includes a mounting base (223), the first driving member (221) is fixedly disposed on the mounting base (223), and the mounting base (223) is slidably supported on the base (210); The mounting base (223) is provided with an elongated hole (223a) extending along the distribution direction of the two ball-throwing units (220). The elastic pushing mechanism (330) includes a first slide rod (331) and an elastic element (332). The first slide rod (331) is located on the base (210). The mounting base (223) is slidably sleeved on the first slide rod (331). The upper end of the first slide rod (331) is provided with a limiting part (331a). The elastic element (332) is located between the limiting part (331a) and the mounting base (223). The elastic element (332) is configured to apply an elastic force to the mounting base (223) so that the mounting base (223) always abuts against the base (210).

4. The pet ball-throwing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The turntable (222) has a plurality of first radial protrusions (2221) on its sidewall. The plurality of first radial protrusions (2221) are evenly distributed along the circumference of the turntable (222). The cross section of the first radial protrusion (2221) perpendicular to the axis of the turntable (222) is trapezoidal in shape. In the rotation direction of the turntable (222), the distal end of the first radial protrusion (2221) has a first abutting surface (2221a). The first abutting surface (2221a) is biased towards the proximal end of the first radial protrusion (2221) from its outer end to its inner end.

5. The pet ball-throwing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the rotation direction of the turntable (222), the proximal end of the first radial protrusion (2221) has a second abutment surface (2221b), the first abutment surface (2221a) has a first included angle with the radial direction of the first radial protrusion (2221), the second abutment surface (2221b) has a second included angle with the radial direction of the first radial protrusion (2221), and the first included angle is smaller than the second included angle.

6. The pet ball-throwing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The ball guide channel (110) includes a first channel segment (111) and a second channel segment (112) that are connected. The second channel segment (112) extends upward at an angle relative to the first channel segment (111) to form a waiting area between the two. The inner wall of the second channel segment (112) is provided with a plurality of convex ribs (140) distributed along its circumference. The channel opening defined by the plurality of convex ribs (140) is the same as the diameter of the ball to be thrown. In the extending direction of the second channel segment (112), the distal end of the convex rib (140) does not exceed the center position of the turntable (222).

7. The pet ball-throwing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ball guide (100) has an opening (150) on the peripheral wall of the second channel section (112), the turntable (222) extends into the ball guide channel (110) through the opening (150), and the ball throwing assembly (200) is movably arranged in the extension direction of the second channel section (112).

8. The pet ball-throwing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pet ball-throwing machine also includes a second slide bar (400), and a slider (211) is provided on the base (210), the slider (211) being slidably sleeved on the second slide bar (400); The slider (211) includes an annular slider base, in which a plurality of second radial protrusions (211a) are provided along its circumference. The plurality of second radial protrusions (211a) define a receiving space for accommodating the second slide rod (400). The annular slider base is also provided with a notch (211b) communicating with the receiving space. The second slide rod (400) can be inserted into the receiving space through the notch (211b).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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