Ball capturing device
By designing the collection frame, stopper and drive components of the ball capture device, and using elastic parts and eccentric holes to design, the problems of cumbersome and inefficient ball picking carts are solved, and automated and labor-saving ball objects are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510439481.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-22
AI Technical Summary
The existing ball picking carts are cumbersome, require precise control of the vehicle's travel route, and require manual assisted operation, which is inefficient and increases the physical burden of trainers.
A ball-type capture device is designed, including a collection frame, a stop member and a drive assembly. The collection frame is surrounded by ribs to form a receiving cavity. The stop member is arranged below the receiving cavity. The drive assembly realizes the height switching of the collection frame through the wheels and the connecting member. The elastic member and an eccentric hole design are used to automatically collect ball objects.
It has achieved simplified operations, improved ball picking efficiency, reduced artificial physical energy consumption, and can automatically collect scattered ball objects to adapt to ball objects of different sizes and shapes.
Smart Images

Figure CN120346504A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of collection, and particularly relates to a ball capture device. Background Art
[0002] In sports training, the task of picking up balls has always been a cumbersome and time-consuming task. Whether it is tennis, badminton or table tennis, a large amount of training will cause the balls to be scattered everywhere on the court, and frequent picking up is required. The traditional manual ball-picking method is not only inefficient, but also increases the physical burden on the trainers, affecting the continuity and effectiveness of training. To solve this problem, various ball-picking carts have emerged, but the existing ball-picking carts still have many problems in actual use, especially in terms of ease of use, structural complexity and cost.
[0003] In the related art, the operation process of traditional ball-picking carts is cumbersome. Taking a common golf ball-picking cart as an example, it often requires the operator to precisely control the traveling route of the vehicle so that the ball-picking device can accurately align with the scattered balls. At the same time, during the ball-picking process, some ball-picking devices may require manual assistance to achieve ball collection, such as manually triggering the closing mechanism of the ball-picking clip or controlling the ball-picking action through complex foot-operated or hand-cranked devices. This requires high technical requirements and operation proficiency for the operator, and greatly reduces the ball-picking efficiency. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The main object of the present invention is to propose a ball capture device that can facilitate user operation and improve collection efficiency.
[0005] To achieve the above object, some embodiments of the present invention propose a ball capture device for collecting ball-shaped objects, including: A collection frame, including ribs circumferentially arranged around the vertical direction, the ribs enclosing an accommodation cavity for accommodating ball-shaped objects; A stopper, connected to the collection frame and provided at the opening below the accommodation cavity, the stopper being adapted to block the ball-shaped objects in the accommodation cavity from moving out of the accommodation cavity; A driving assembly, including a wheel and a first connecting member, the wheel having a central hole and an eccentric hole, the first connecting member passing through the eccentric hole to connect the wheel and the collection frame, the wheel rotating around the axis of the central hole to drive the collection frame to move in a first direction, and the connecting member rotating around the axis of the central hole with the eccentric hole to drive the collection frame to switch between different heights; Wherein, the collection frame is configured to have a downward movement state and an upward movement state. In the downward movement state, the height of the collection frame gradually decreases, and the stopper is adapted to be penetrated by the ball-shaped objects so that the ball-shaped objects enter the accommodation cavity. In the upward movement state, the height of the collection frame gradually increases.
[0006] In some embodiments, the stopper includes a plurality of elastic members, the plurality of elastic members are all connected to the rib, and the plurality of elastic members are arranged at intervals or crosswise; In the downward movement state, the elastic members are adapted to be squeezed by the spherical object to expand the gap between the elastic members, so that the spherical object can enter the accommodation cavity. In the collection state, the plurality of elastic members cooperate together to prevent the spherical object from moving out of the accommodation cavity.
[0007] In some embodiments, the plurality of elastic members are evenly distributed at intervals along the first direction and are all connected to the rib; The elastic member includes an elastic rope; and / or The elastic member includes an elastic steel wire.
[0008] In some embodiments, the wheel is provided with an outer peripheral wall arranged circumferentially around the axis of the central hole. The outer peripheral wall has a plurality of ribs protruding radially. The plurality of ribs are distributed at intervals around the axis of the central hole.
[0009] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a plurality of wheels, a frame and a second connecting member. The plurality of wheels are correspondingly distributed on opposite sides of the collection frame. The second connecting member passes through the central hole of the wheel to connect each wheel to the frame.
[0010] In some embodiments, the frame includes a first arm, a second arm and a third arm. The first arm and the second arm are respectively connected to opposite ends of the third arm, and both the first arm and the second arm extend in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the third arm. The wheels on one side of the collection frame are connected to the first arm, and the wheels on the other side are connected to the second arm.
[0011] In some embodiments, the collection frame includes a base and a main frame body. The main frame body is detachably connected to the base. The stopper is connected to the main frame body. The base is connected to the frame, and the first connecting member passes through the eccentric hole to connect to the base.
[0012] In some embodiments, the drive assembly further includes a third connecting member. The third connecting member is located between two adjacent wheels distributed at intervals along the first direction. One end of the third connecting member is rotatably connected to the first arm, and the other end is rotatably connected to the base, and / or one end of the third connecting member is rotatably connected to the second arm, and the other end is rotatably connected to the base.
[0013] In some embodiments, the ball capture device includes a push rod, and the push rod is detachably connected to the frame.
[0014] In some embodiments, the push rod can be telescoped along its own length direction; and / or, The push rod can be disassembled into a plurality of segments.
[0015] According to the above embodiments, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: The ball capturing device of the present invention includes a collecting frame, a stopper and a driving assembly. The collecting frame is composed of a plurality of ribs arranged circumferentially around the vertical direction, and the plurality of ribs cooperate to enclose a receiving cavity for receiving ball objects. The upper and lower sides of the receiving cavity are both open, and the stopper is connected to the collecting frame and is arranged at the opening below the receiving cavity to prevent the ball objects in the receiving cavity from moving out. The driving assembly includes a wheel and a first connecting member, and the wheel is designed with a center hole and an eccentric hole, and the first connecting member passes through the eccentric hole to realize the connection between the wheel and the collecting frame. When the wheel rotates around its axis, the collecting frame can be driven to move in a specific direction. At the same time, the first connecting member rotates with the eccentric hole to switch the collecting frame between different heights.
[0016] Specifically, the collection frame has a downward state and an upward state. When moving downward, the height of the collection frame gradually decreases. Since the wheel will keep rotating due to the driving force, if the wheel keeps rotating, the position of the eccentric hole on the wheel will change accordingly, so the driving force is used as the power for the collection frame to move downward, that is, when the ball capture device moves along the first direction, the collection frame will be pressed down. In the process of the collection frame being pressed down, the stopper will be hindered by the ball object. Since the collection frame will overcome the obstruction of the ball object and continue to move downward with the eccentric hole, the stopper will expand or open due to the pressure of the ball object, allowing the ball object to pass through the stopper into the accommodating chamber, and the wheel can roll smoothly, that is, the ball capture device can move smoothly along the first direction. When in the upward state, the height of the collection frame increases. Since the gravity of the ball object itself is not enough to prop up the stopper, the stopper can prevent the ball object from escaping from the accommodating chamber at this time.
[0017] Therefore, the present application only needs to drive the ball capture device to move in translation to achieve the purpose of collecting ball objects, which is simple and convenient to operate. Furthermore, the driving force applied to the driving component acts as a stopper to resist the pressure of the ball object. As for whether the ball can open the stopper, it is mainly related to the driving force. Therefore, by setting a stopper with appropriate elasticity and opening size, the collection can be completed with a smaller driving force, and the ball object can be ensured to be actively separated from the accommodating cavity, which is convenient and labor-saving.
[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying creative work.
[0020] Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of the ball-catching device observed from the first perspective in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 Schematic perspective view of the ball-catching device observed from the second perspective in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 Schematic perspective view of the ball-catching device observed from the third perspective in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 Schematic perspective view of the ball-catching device observed from the fourth perspective in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 Schematic partial exploded view of the ball-catching device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is Figure 5 exploded view of the ball-catching device in; Figure 7 Schematic perspective view of the wheel in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] Explanation of the reference numerals in the drawings: Collection box 100; main frame 110; rib 111; accommodation cavity 1111; base 120; Stopper 200; elastic cord 210; Drive assembly 300; wheel 310; central hole 311; eccentric hole 312; convex rib 313; frame 320; first arm 321; second arm 322; third arm 323; first connector 330; second connector 340; third connector 350; Push rod 400; Ball object 500.
[0022] The realization, functional features and advantages of the object of the present invention will be further described in conjunction with the embodiments with reference to the drawings. Detailed implementation manners
[0023] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
[0024] It should be noted that if there are directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back,...) involved in the embodiments of the present invention, the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement conditions between components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.
[0025] In addition, if the embodiments of the present invention involve descriptions such as "first", "second", etc., the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In addition, if "and / or", "or / and", or "and / or" appear throughout the text, their meanings include three parallel scenarios. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes Scenario A, or Scenario B, or the scenario where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of those of ordinary skill in the art to implement. When the combination of technical solutions results in contradictions or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.
[0026] Next, refer to Figures 1 to 7 to describe the ball capture device according to the embodiments of the present invention. Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , in some embodiments, the ball capture device includes a collection frame 100, a stopper 200, and a drive assembly 300. The collection frame 100 is composed of a plurality of ribs 111 circumferentially arranged around the vertical direction. The plurality of ribs 111 cooperate together to enclose a receiving cavity 1111 for receiving a ball object 500. Both the upper and lower sides of the receiving cavity 1111 are open. The stopper 200 is connected to the collection frame 100 and is disposed at the opening below the receiving cavity 1111 to block the ball object 500 in the receiving cavity 1111 from moving out. The drive assembly 300 includes a wheel 310 and a first connecting member 330. Referring to Figure 7 , the wheel 310 is designed with a central hole 311 and an eccentric hole 312. The first connecting member 330 passes through the eccentric hole 312 to realize the connection between the wheel 310 and the collection frame 100. When the wheel 310 rotates around its axis, it can drive the collection frame 100 to move in a specific direction. At the same time, the first connecting member 330 rotates with the eccentric hole 312, causing the collection frame 100 to switch between different heights.
[0027] Refer to Figures 1 to 4Specifically, the collection frame 100 has a downward moving state and an upward moving state. When moving downward, the height of the collection frame 100 gradually decreases. Since the wheel 310 will keep rotating under the influence of the driving force, if the wheel 310 is to keep rotating, the position of the eccentric hole 312 on the wheel 310 must be changed accordingly, so the driving force is used as the power for the collection frame 100 to move downward, that is, when the ball capture device moves along the first direction, the collection frame 100 will be pressed down. In the process of the collection frame 100 being pressed down, the stopper 200 will be hindered by the ball object 500. Since the collection frame 100 has to overcome the obstruction of the ball object 500 and continue to move downward with the eccentric hole 312, the stopper 200 will be expanded or opened by the pressure of the ball object 500, allowing the ball object 500 to pass through the stopper 200 and enter the accommodating cavity 1111, and the wheel 310 can roll smoothly, that is, the ball capture device can move smoothly along the first direction. When in the upward state, the height of the collecting frame 100 rises. Since the gravity of the ball object 500 itself is not enough to prop up the stopper 200, the stopper 200 can prevent the ball object 500 from escaping from the accommodating cavity 1111.
[0028] Therefore, the present application only needs to drive the ball capture device to move in translation to achieve the purpose of collecting the ball object 500, which is simple and convenient to operate. Furthermore, the driving force applied to the driving assembly 300 is used as the stopper 200 to resist the pressure of the ball object 500. As for whether the ball can open the stopper 200, it is mainly related to the driving force. Therefore, by setting the stopper 200 with appropriate elasticity and opening size, the collection can be completed with a smaller driving force, and the ball object 500 is ensured to be actively separated from the accommodating cavity 1111, which is convenient and labor-saving.
[0029] For example, refer to Figure 1 When the ball capture device moves on the ground, the rotation of the wheel 310 drives the collection frame 100 to move in the vertical direction through the driving assembly 300. In the downward state, the height of the collection frame 100 is reduced, the elastic rope 210 is squeezed and deformed by the ball object 500, the gap between the elastic ropes 210 becomes larger, and the ball object 500 enters the accommodating cavity 1111 through the gap between the elastic ropes 210. In the upward state, the height of the collection frame 100 is increased, and the elastic rope 210 returns to its original state, preventing the ball object 500 from moving out, thereby realizing the function of efficiently collecting the ball object 500. Especially for piles of ball objects 500, the present application only requires the user to push the ball capture device on the ground, Regarding the definition of the ball-like object 500, it can be understood that the ball-like object 500 does not necessarily have to be a sphere, and its cross-section can also be elliptical or other irregular shapes. As long as the object can pass through the stopper 200 smoothly, it is within the protection scope of this application. For example, the ball-like object 500 can be a tennis ball, a table tennis ball, a badminton, etc. Further, the ball-like object 500 can also be an object such as a nut. Taking a specific application scenario as an example, if the ball-like object 500 is a tennis ball, when the ball capture device moves on the ground, the rotation of the wheel 310 drives the collection frame 100 to move in the vertical direction through the drive assembly 300. In the downward state, the height of the collection frame 100 decreases, the elastic rope 210 is deformed by the tennis ball, and the tennis ball enters the accommodation cavity 1111. In the upward state, the height of the collection frame 100 increases, the elastic rope 210 returns to its original state, preventing the tennis ball from moving out, thereby realizing the function of efficiently collecting tennis balls.
[0030] Regarding the stopper 200, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , it can be understood that the stopper 200 can be a structure made of an elastic material, such as the elastic rope 210 or an elastic net, so that it can be deformed by extrusion when the ball-like object 500 enters, and return to its original state after the ball-like object 500 enters to prevent it from moving out.
[0031] For example, the stopper 200 can be a nylon rope, a rubber rope or other elastic materials. The elastic ropes 210 can be evenly distributed at intervals in the first direction (such as the horizontal direction), or can be arranged crosswise to form a mesh structure. The spacing of the elastic ropes 210 is designed according to the size of the ball-like object 500 to ensure that the ball-like object 500 can smoothly pass through the gap between the elastic ropes 210 and enter the accommodation cavity 1111. At the same time, when the collection frame 100 moves upward, the gap between the elastic ropes 210 shrinks, preventing the ball-like object 500 from moving out.
[0032] It can be understood that in some embodiments, the collection frame 100 can be made of more durable materials, such as high-strength aluminum alloy or carbon fiber composite material, to increase the stability and durability of the overall structure. In addition, the stopper 200 can not only be a mesh structure made of a hard material, but also an elastic rope 210 or other flexible materials, so that the gap size can be adjusted more flexibly when the ball-like object 500 enters, reducing damage to the surface of the ball-like object 500. For the drive assembly 300, in addition to the existing eccentric hole 312 design, a hydraulic or pneumatic system can also be introduced to assist in height adjustment, making the operation smoother and more labor-saving.
[0033] For example, replace the stopper 200 with a special spring steel wire mesh, which has good elasticity and recovery performance, and can effectively prevent the ball-like object 500 from accidentally falling off while ensuring its smooth entry. In addition, use a hydraulic lifting device to replace the original eccentric hole 312 design, and precisely adjust the height of the collection box 100 by controlling the oil pressure, which not only improves the operation flexibility of the equipment but also greatly reduces the physical effort required for manual adjustment.
[0034] In some embodiments, to further optimize the function of the ball capture device, sensors can be installed inside the collection box 100 to monitor the quantity and position of the balls in the accommodation cavity 1111 in real time, so as to adjust the ball-picking strategy in a timely manner. At the same time, the design of the wheels 310 can also be made more intelligent. For example, an automatic navigation function can be added to enable it to autonomously search for and pick up the ball-like objects 500 scattered within a certain range without manual operation. Additionally, for different sports scenarios (such as a football field, a golf course), specific requirements can be met by replacing the collection box 100 with different specifications and adjusting the working mode of the drive assembly 300.
[0035] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , in some embodiments, the stopper 200 includes an elastic member. The elastic member can be an elastic rope 210 or an elastic steel wire. Taking the elastic rope 210 as an example, the stopper 200 includes a plurality of elastic ropes 210, and these elastic ropes 210 are all connected to the rib 111 and can be arranged at intervals or crosswise to ensure there are gaps between the elastic ropes 210. When the collection box 100 is in the downward movement state, the elastic ropes 210 expand their gaps due to the pressure of the ball-like object 500, allowing the ball-like object 500 to enter the accommodation cavity 1111. When in the upward movement state, the elastic ropes 210 return to their original state and cooperate together to prevent the ball-like object 500 from moving out of the accommodation cavity 1111. This design not only ensures that the ball-like object 500 can smoothly enter the collection box 100 but also effectively prevents them from accidentally falling out. The elastic rope 210 has a certain flexibility and resilience. When the ball-like object 500 attempts to pass through, it will temporarily deform to provide sufficient space, and once the pressure disappears, it quickly returns to its original shape. This dynamic response mechanism enables the stopper 200 to flexibly respond to ball-like objects 500 of different sizes and also maintain a tightly closed state without external forces, thus achieving an efficient and reliable ball collection function.
[0036] For example, the elastic rope 210 can be a nylon rope, a rubber rope, or other elastic materials. The elastic ropes 210 can be evenly distributed at intervals along the first direction (such as the horizontal direction), or can be arranged in a cross pattern to form a mesh structure. The spacing of the elastic ropes 210 is designed according to the size of the ball-like object 500 to ensure that the ball-like object 500 can smoothly pass through the gaps between the elastic ropes 210 and enter the receiving cavity 1111. At the same time, when the collection frame 100 is moved upward, the gaps between the elastic ropes 210 are reduced to prevent the ball-like object 500 from moving out.
[0037] In some embodiments, the elastic ropes 210 can be made of different materials. For example, an anti-slip coating can be added or a highly elastic silicone material can be selected to enhance its gripping ability and durability.
[0038] In addition, in some embodiments, small magnets can also be considered to be added between the elastic ropes 210. When no ball-like object 500 is close, the magnets attract each other, making the gaps between the elastic ropes 210 smaller and further improving the stopping effect.
[0039] In some embodiments, in order to improve the overall performance of the stopper 200, it can be designed in a modular form, and users can easily replace or upgrade it according to actual needs. For example, the entire stopper 200 is divided into several independent parts, and each part can be separately disassembled and replaced.
[0040] Refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , in some embodiments, multiple elastic ropes 210 are evenly distributed at intervals along the first direction and are all connected to the rib 111. It can be understood that the multiple elastic ropes 210 are multiple parallel lines, and their two ends are connected to the collection frame 100. This arrangement ensures that the stopper 200 forms a relatively uniform mesh structure at the opening of the collection frame 100, which can effectively prevent the ball-like object 500 from accidentally falling out of the receiving cavity 1111. When the collection frame 100 is in the downward state, through the pressure of the ball-like object 500 on the elastic ropes 210, the gaps between the elastic ropes 210 are enlarged, so that the ball-like object 500 can smoothly enter the receiving cavity 1111. This evenly spaced arrangement also helps to disperse the pressure exerted by the ball-like object 500 and avoid material fatigue or damage caused by local stress concentration.
[0041] In addition, due to the certain spacing between the elastic ropes 210, the entire stopper 200 not only has good air permeability but also can reduce the influence of wind resistance on the movement of the device.
[0042] In some embodiments, to further enhance the function and durability of the stopper 200, elastic cords 210 made of different materials can be selected. For example, the elastic cord 210 made of high-strength nylon fiber has higher strength and better wear resistance. In addition, a waterproof coating can be applied on the surface of the elastic cord 210 to prevent aging or corrosion when exposed to the outdoor environment for a long time.
[0043] Considering the different sizes of the ball objects 500 that may be encountered in the actual application scenario, the diameter or spacing of the elastic cord 210 can be adjusted to adapt to these changes. For example, for relatively small-sized ball objects 500 such as table tennis balls or golf balls, elastic cords 210 with a thinner diameter but a larger number can be used to ensure that even the smallest ball cannot easily pass through the stopper 200. For relatively large-sized ball objects 500 such as basketballs or footballs, elastic cords 210 with a larger diameter can be selected, which can not only provide sufficient support but also ensure the flexibility required when the ball enters.
[0044] In some embodiments, the design of the stopper 200 can be made more intelligent. For example, small sensors can be embedded between the elastic cords 210 to monitor the state of the stopper 200 in real time, such as whether a ball object 500 is trying to pass through. If an abnormal situation is detected, such as the elastic cord 210 in a certain area being overstretched, the system can issue an alarm to remind the operator to check or maintain.
[0045] In some embodiments, a self - adjusting mechanism can be designed to add a clamping mechanism to automatically adjust the tension of the elastic rope 210 according to external environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, etc., ensuring that it is always in the best working state. Specifically, in some embodiments, the self - adjusting mechanism of the ball - capturing device includes a tensioning wheel assembly, an elastic telescopic assembly, and a humidity sensor. The tensioning wheel assembly is installed on the path of the elastic rope 210 for adjusting the tension of the rope. The elastic telescopic assembly consists of a sliding shaft and a spring. The sliding shaft passes through the support and is connected to the rope wheel bracket. The rope wheel bracket has a U - shaped structure, and a rope wheel is installed between the two side walls. When the temperature change causes the elastic rope 210 to expand and contract thermally, the length of the rope will change. The sliding shaft automatically adjusts its position according to the expansion and contraction amount of the rope, and maintains the rope tension stable through the elastic action of the spring. The humidity sensor monitors the environmental humidity in real - time. When the humidity change affects the physical properties of the elastic rope 210, the control unit adjusts the output of the servo motor according to the humidity data to further tighten or loosen the spring group, ensuring that the rope tension remains within the optimal range. Its specific working process is as follows: when the temperature rises and the elastic rope 210 becomes slack due to thermal expansion, the sliding shaft moves outwards, the spring is compressed, and the rope tension increases and remains stable. When the humidity increases and the elastic rope 210 may become soft due to moisture absorption, the humidity sensor triggers the servo motor to tighten the spring group, further increasing the rope tension to ensure that it is always in the best working state. Through the above design, the tension of the elastic rope 210 of the ball - capturing device can be automatically adjusted according to external environmental conditions, reducing the problems of rope slack or over - tightening caused by environmental changes, reducing the maintenance cost, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the equipment and adapting to different usage scenarios.
[0046] Referring to Figure 7 , in some embodiments, the wheel 310 is provided with an outer peripheral wall arranged circumferentially around the axis of the central hole 311. The outer peripheral wall has a plurality of ribs 313 protruding radially. The plurality of ribs 313 are spaced apart around the axis of the central hole 311. These ribs 313 are spaced along the axis of the central hole 311, providing additional grip and stability for the wheel 310. Specifically, when the ball - capturing device travels on an uneven ground, the contact points between the ribs 313 and the ground increase, increasing the friction force, thereby improving the traction and handling performance of the wheel 310. In addition, the presence of the ribs 313 also helps to clean the dirt or other debris adhering to the surface of the wheel 310, maintaining the good operating state of the wheel 310. Especially on slippery or muddy fields, the role of the ribs 313 is particularly obvious. It can effectively penetrate the surface soil and directly contact the solid ground to ensure that the wheel 310 always maintains good grip ability.
[0047] In some embodiments, to further enhance the performance of the wheel 310, convex ribs 313 with different shapes and arrangements can be selected according to different usage scenarios. For example, for the wheel 310 used on a hard flat ground, a design with relatively dense and regular-shaped convex ribs 313 can be adopted to provide maximum friction and minimum rolling resistance; while in a soft or sandy environment, larger and sparser convex ribs 313 can be selected to better insert into the ground and obtain better grip. For example, for the ball-picking task on the beach, the wheel 310 can be equipped with specially made large-sized and wide-spacing convex ribs 313, which can form stable support points in the soft sand to prevent the wheel 310 from sinking into the sand. At the same time, to prevent sand grains from getting stuck between the convex ribs 313 and affecting the rotation of the wheel 310, an anti-sand coating can also be added to the surface of the convex ribs 313 to make it easier to remove the accumulated dust.
[0048] It can be understood that in some embodiments, the wheel 310 can integrate more functional modules, such as an in-built shock absorber or an adjustable air pressure device. The in-built shock absorber can help absorb the impact force brought by road bumps and protect the mechanical components inside the vehicle from damage; the adjustable air pressure device can dynamically adjust the air pressure inside the wheel 310 according to the ground conditions to optimize the contact area and elastic characteristics of the tire, further enhancing the driving comfort and efficiency. For example, a hydraulic shock absorber is installed inside the wheel 310, which can automatically adjust the damping coefficient according to the change of road conditions to ensure that the ball-catching device can operate smoothly whether on flat grass or rough dirt roads.
[0049] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , in some embodiments, the drive assembly 300 includes a plurality of wheels 310, a frame 320, and a second connecting member 340. These wheels 310 are configured to be distributed on opposite sides of the collection frame 100 to ensure the balance of the ball-catching device during movement. The second connecting member 340 passes through the central hole 311 of each wheel 310 and fixes them to the frame 320, enabling the wheels 310 to rotate freely while ensuring the stability of the entire structure. The frame 320 is the main support structure of the ball-catching device, used to connect and fix the wheels 310, the collection frame 100, and other components. The frame 320 is usually made of metal or high-strength plastic, having good stability and durability. The wheels 310 can be driven forward by the user, or the wheels 310 can be driven by a motor, and the motor drives the wheels 310 to rotate through gear or belt transmission, thereby driving the ball-catching device to move. The connection mode between the rotation axis of the wheel 310 and the frame 320 needs to ensure that the wheel 310 can rotate smoothly while bearing the weight of the ball-catching device and the impact force during movement. By connecting multiple wheels 310 through the frame 320, the stability of the ball-catching device is ensured.
[0050] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the frame 320 includes a first arm 321, a second arm 322, and a third arm 323. The first arm 321 and the second arm 322 are respectively connected to opposite ends of the third arm 323, and both the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 extend in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the third arm 323. The wheels 310 on one side of the collection box 100 are connected to the first arm 321, and the wheels 310 on the other side are connected to the second arm 322. This design makes the frame 320 form a stable structure, increasing the overall strength and stability. The wheels 310 are respectively connected to the first arm 321 and the second arm 322, ensuring the balance and stability of the ball capture device. The design principle of the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 is to utilize the lever principle to distribute the weight, so that each side of the wheels 310 can bear equal pressure. At the same time, since the third arm 323 is located between the two arms, it plays a role in supporting and strengthening, further enhancing the load-bearing capacity of the entire frame. In addition, this layout also helps to reduce the tilting risk generated when the vehicle turns or steers, improving the safety and comfort of operation.
[0051] It can be understood that in some embodiments, in order to enhance the durability and corrosion resistance of the frame 320, high-strength aluminum alloy or other lightweight materials can be selected to manufacture the frame 320. These materials not only have good mechanical strength but also excellent weather resistance, being suitable for long-term outdoor use. In addition, a layer of anti-rust paint can be coated on the surface of the frame 320 or anodizing treatment can be adopted to extend the service life. For example, the frame 320 made of high-strength aluminum alloy is lighter than traditional steel, facilitating handling and operation, and at the same time has high corrosion resistance, being particularly suitable for use in humid or rainy environments. After special surface treatment, the appearance of the frame 320 is more beautiful and not easily affected by the external environment.
[0052] It can be understood that in some embodiments, in order to meet the personalized needs of different users, the design of the frame 320 can be more flexible and variable. For example, provide first arms 321 and second arms 322 with multiple length specifications, allowing users to select the appropriate size combination according to actual needs. In addition, a foldable frame 320 can be designed to facilitate transportation and storage.
[0053] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6, in some embodiments, the collection box 100 includes a base 120 and a main frame 110. The main frame 110 is detachably connected to the base 120. A stopper 200 is connected to the main frame 110. The base 120 is connected to the vehicle frame 320, and a first connecting member 330 passes through an eccentric hole 312 to connect to the base 120. The stopper 200 is connected to the lower part of the main frame 110 and is located at the opening below the accommodation cavity 1111, and is used to block the ball object 500 from moving out of the accommodation cavity 1111. With such a design, the component directly affected by the driving assembly 300 is the base 120, and the base 120 and the driven component are stably connected together to ensure the stability of the ball capture device. The main frame 110 and the base 120 are detachably connected together, so that the user can take away the ball object 500 accommodated therein together with the main frame 110. The detachable connection between the main frame 110 and the base 120 can be a snap connection or other structures that are easy to disassemble.
[0054] It can be understood that, in some embodiments, in order to improve the collection efficiency, a guide plate can be installed inside the main frame 110 to help the ball object 500 smoothly enter the accommodation cavity 1111. For example, the guide plate can be made of a flexible material and has a certain degree of curvature to guide the ball object 500 to roll along a predetermined path into the collection box 100. This can not only reduce the situation where the ball object 500 gets stuck, but also improve the overall working efficiency. In some embodiments, the guide plate can be designed to be arc-shaped or wavy, and the arc-shaped area of the guide plate enables it to adapt to ball objects 500 of different sizes.
[0055] It can be understood that, in some embodiments, in order to enhance the durability of the ball capture device, the base 120 can be specially treated. For example, a wear-resistant coating can be used or anti-slip pads can be added to protect the base 120 from wear and corrosion. In addition, a buffer device such as a rubber pad or a spring can be installed at the bottom of the base 120 to absorb vibrations and protect the internal components from damage. For example, for a ball capture device that often operates on uneven ground, the rubber pad installed at the bottom of the base 120 can not only prevent the base 120 from directly contacting the ground and causing wear, but also play a role in shock absorption and extend the service life of the device. At the same time, the anti-slip pads can improve the stability of the device in a slippery environment and ensure operation safety.
[0056] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 300 further includes a third connecting member 350. The third connecting member 350 is located between two adjacent wheels 310 spaced apart in the first direction. One end of the third connecting member 350 is rotatably connected to the first arm 321, and the other end is rotatably connected to the base 120, and / or one end of the third connecting member 350 is rotatably connected to the second arm 322, and the other end is rotatably connected to the base 120. By adding the third connecting member 350, the base 120 has multiple connection points to move along with the eccentric holes 312 of the wheels 310, further improving the stability of the ball-catching device. In addition, especially when turning or crossing an obstacle, the function of the third connecting member 350 is to provide additional support and stability. It can effectively disperse the pressure and prevent a single wheel 310 from bearing too much load.
[0057] In some embodiments, to further improve the stability and controllability of the device, a hydraulic damper can be integrated inside the third connecting member 350. For example, the rotation speed and smoothness of the third connecting member 350 are controlled by the hydraulic damper, so that the wheels 310 can respond slowly when encountering a large impact, avoiding violent swinging and affecting the driving experience.
[0058] It can be understood that in some embodiments, to meet different usage requirements, the third connecting member 350 can be designed modularly. For example, third connecting members 350 with different lengths or strengths can be selected according to different terrain conditions, or a telescopic design can be adopted so that the user can adjust the length of the connecting member at any time according to the actual situation. For example, for a ball-catching device that needs to frequently cross rough terrain, a longer and stronger third connecting member 350 can be selected to cope with complex terrain challenges. For a flat field, a shorter and lighter connecting member can be selected, which not only saves costs but also is convenient for operation. This modular design concept not only improves the versatility of the device but also provides more choice space for users.
[0059] Refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the ball-catching device includes a push rod 400. The push rod 400 is detachably connected to the frame 320. As a control component of the ball-catching device, the main function of the push rod 400 is to provide a convenient operation handle for the user to push and control the movement direction of the ball-catching device. The push rod 400 is usually made of a lightweight but high-strength material, such as aluminum alloy or carbon fiber, to ensure sufficient strength while reducing the overall weight. In addition, the surface of the push rod 400 can be covered with a layer of anti-slip rubber to provide a better grip and reduce hand fatigue.
[0060] It can be understood that in some embodiments, in order to meet the height requirements of different users, the push rod 400 can be designed as a multi-section structure and equipped with a height adjustment device. For example, the push rod 400 is divided into two or more sections, and the length adjustment is achieved through an internal locking mechanism. In this way, users can flexibly adjust the height of the push rod 400 according to their own height or usage habits to ensure the best operation comfort. For example, for a ball pick-up cart jointly used by adults and children, the height of the push rod 400 can be adjusted according to different users so that everyone can find the most suitable operation position for themselves.
[0061] Referring to Figure 6 , in some embodiments, the push rod 400 can be telescoped along its own length direction. This feature greatly improves the adaptability and portability of the push rod 400. The telescoping function is achieved through a built-in sliding sleeve and a locking mechanism, enabling the push rod 400 to switch between different lengths. For example, during storage or transportation, users can retract the push rod 400 to the shortest length to reduce the volume; while during actual use, it can be stretched to a suitable length for more comfortable operation. Specifically, when the push rod 400 is in the telescoping state, the internal sliding sleeve slides along the guide rail and is fixed at the desired position through the locking mechanism. And when disassembly is required, simply loosen the connecting piece, and the push rod 400 can be disassembled into several independent parts. This modular design is not only convenient for carrying but also for maintenance and replacement of damaged parts.
[0062] In addition, the push rod 400 can also be disassembled into multiple segments, which further enhances its portability. Each segment is connected by means of threads or pins, etc., which is both firm and easy to disassemble and assemble.
[0063] It can be understood that in some embodiments, in order to improve the user experience, the telescoping part of the push rod 400 can be equipped with an automatic locking device. For example, using a spring-loaded buckle or a magnetic locking device, when the push rod 400 is stretched to a predetermined length, it will automatically lock in place without manual operation. This design simplifies the operation process and reduces the burden on users.
[0064] It can be understood that in some embodiments, in order to further enhance the stability and reliability of the push rod 400, buffer pads or elastic elements can be added between the segments. For example, using rubber pads to fill the gaps between the segments can not only absorb vibrations but also prevent direct collisions between metal parts, extending the service life. For example, when operating on uneven ground, these buffer pads can effectively reduce the impact force on the push rod 400, protect the internal mechanical structure from damage, and at the same time improve the smoothness and comfort of operation.
[0065] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention accordingly. Any equivalent structural transformation made by using the content of the specification and drawings of the present invention under the inventive concept of the present invention, or any direct / indirect application in other related technical fields shall be included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A ball-catching device for collecting ball-shaped objects, characterized in that, Comprising: A collection frame including ribs circumferentially arranged around a vertical direction, the ribs enclosing a receiving cavity for receiving the ball-like object; A stop member connected to the collection frame and provided at an opening below the receiving cavity, the stop member being adapted to block the ball-like object in the receiving cavity from moving out of the receiving cavity; A driving assembly including a wheel and a first connecting member, the wheel having a central hole and an eccentric hole, the first connecting member passing through the eccentric hole to connect the wheel and the collection frame, the wheel rotating about the axis of the central hole to drive the collection frame to move in a first direction, and the connecting member rotating about the axis of the central hole with the eccentric hole to drive the collection frame to switch between different heights; Wherein, the collection frame is configured to have a downward movement state and an upward movement state. In the downward movement state, the height of the collection frame gradually decreases, and the stop member is adapted to be penetrated by the ball-like object so that the ball-like object enters the receiving cavity. In the upward movement state, the height of the collection frame gradually increases.
2. The ball-catching device according to claim 1, wherein, The stop member includes a plurality of elastic members, and the plurality of elastic members are all connected to the ribs. The plurality of elastic members are arranged at intervals or crosswise. In the downward movement state, the elastic members are adapted to be squeezed by the ball-like object to expand the gap between the elastic members, so that the ball-like object enters the receiving cavity. In the collection state, the plurality of elastic members cooperate together to prevent the ball-like object from moving out of the receiving cavity.
3. The ball-catching device according to claim 2, wherein The plurality of elastic members are evenly distributed at intervals in the first direction and are all connected to the ribs; The elastic member includes an elastic cord; and / or The elastic member includes an elastic steel wire.
4. The ball-catching device according to claim 1, wherein The wheel is provided with an outer peripheral wall circumferentially arranged around the axis of the central hole, and the outer peripheral wall has a plurality of ribs protruding radially, and the plurality of ribs are distributed at intervals around the axis of the central hole.
5. The ball-catching device according to claim 1, wherein The driving assembly includes a plurality of wheels, a vehicle frame and a second connecting member. The plurality of wheels are correspondingly distributed on opposite sides of the collection frame, and the second connecting member passes through the central holes of the wheels to connect each wheel to the vehicle frame.
6. The ball-catching device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The vehicle frame includes a first arm, a second arm and a third arm. The first arm and the second arm are respectively connected to opposite ends of the third arm, and both the first arm and the second arm extend in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the third arm. The wheel on one side of the collection frame is connected to the first arm, and the wheel on the other side is connected to the second arm.
7. The ball-catching device according to claim 6, wherein The collection frame includes a base and a main frame body. The main frame body is detachably connected to the base. The stop member is connected to the main frame body. The base is connected to the vehicle frame, and the first connecting member passes through the eccentric hole to connect the base.
8. The ball-catching device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The driving assembly further includes a third connecting member. The third connecting member is located between two adjacent wheels spaced apart in the first direction. One end of the third connecting member is rotatably connected to the first arm, and the other end is rotatably connected to the base, and / or one end of the third connecting member is rotatably connected to the second arm, and the other end is rotatably connected to the base.
9. The ball-catching device according to claim 6, wherein The ball capture device includes a push rod, and the push rod is detachably connected to the vehicle frame.
10. The ball-catching device according to claim 9, wherein, The push rod can be telescoped along its own length direction; and / or, The push rod can be disassembled into multiple segments.