Dog walking ball

Abstract

The utility model discloses a dog walking ball, which belongs to the technical field of pet toys and is characterized in that two hemispherical shells are detachably connected and are internally provided with driving mechanisms rotating in the hemispherical shells; the driving mechanism is provided with a vibration sensor used for obtaining the motion state of the driving mechanism and a posture sensor used for obtaining the posture of the driving mechanism. According to the dog walking ball, precise motion control is achieved by combining vibration and the posture sensor, the motion state of the ball is judged cooperatively, the driving motor is precisely regulated and controlled, the dog walking ball can flexibly complete various actions, and the pet playing training requirement is met. Structurally, the driving mechanism is innovatively designed and is stable in connection, the structure is simplified through the opening non-rotating function, and the reliability is improved. The intelligent escape mechanism can be automatically started when the ball is stuck to help the ball to escape from the dilemma. The product adopts the detachable hemispherical shell, the protective layer covers the shell, the button switch and the charging port are arranged in the product, protection and convenient operation are both considered, and the use experience of users and pets is comprehensively optimized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of pet toy technology, and in particular to a dog walking ball. Background Technology

[0002] Currently available dog balls have many technical shortcomings and urgently need improvement. On one hand, existing products have deficiencies in sensor configuration; most only have vibration sensors or only pose sensors (gyroscopes). While a vibration sensor alone can detect whether the ball is moving, it cannot accurately determine the ball's current state of motion, such as its rolling direction or angle changes. This results in a lack of precision in ball control, failing to meet diverse user needs. For example, when training pets to perform specific actions, it cannot provide accurate guidance based on the ball's precise movement.

[0003] On the other hand, while only an attitude sensor can acquire the position and orientation information of the drive mechanism, the complex software algorithm is prone to misjudgment in practical applications. Because dog balls are used in diverse and complex environments, affected by different ground materials, collisions, and other factors, the data acquired by the attitude sensor may be inaccurate. The complex algorithm struggles to process these inaccurate data quickly and accurately, leading to misjudgments of the ball's motion state and impacting the user experience. For example, while a pet is chasing the ball, misjudging its motion may cause the ball to make unexpected movements, reducing the pet's interest.

[0004] Furthermore, existing products primarily use mechanical methods such as limit switches and contact switches to implement the "no rotation when the ball is open" function. This mechanical approach suffers from structural complexity; the combination of multiple mechanical components increases manufacturing difficulty and cost. Moreover, these components are prone to damage during frequent use, reducing product reliability and lifespan. In the event of a malfunction, not only will it affect the user's normal operation of the ball's internal drive mechanism for functions such as shutting down, switching modes, or charging, but it may also render the entire dog-walking ball unusable, causing significant inconvenience. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a dog-walking ball that overcomes these problems, improving product performance and user experience. Utility Model Content

[0005] Purpose of the utility model: To provide a dog-walking ball to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] Technical solution: A dog walking ball, comprising: a hemispherical shell, two hemispherical shells being detachably connected, a drive mechanism rotating within the two hemispherical shells, and a vibration sensor for acquiring the motion state of the drive mechanism and an attitude sensor for acquiring the position and orientation of the drive mechanism.

[0007] Furthermore, the driving mechanism also includes: a driving housing, in which a driving motor is disposed, the driving motor being connected to a rotating shaft rotatably disposed on the driving housing via a gear set, the rotating shaft being fixedly connected to one of the hemispherical shells, and a fixed shaft on the driving housing coaxially disposed with the rotating shaft being rotatably connected to the other hemispherical shell.

[0008] Furthermore, the cross-section of the end of the rotating shaft is non-circular, and one of the hemispherical shells is provided with a slot that mates with the end of the rotating shaft.

[0009] Furthermore, the end of the rotating shaft is connected to one of the hemispherical shells via a flange.

[0010] Furthermore, the drive housing contains a motherboard, a battery, and a counterweight, with the motherboard positioned between the battery and the counterweight.

[0011] Furthermore, a push-button switch is provided on the drive housing.

[0012] Furthermore, a charging port is provided on the drive housing.

[0013] Furthermore, the two hemispherical shells are connected by threads.

[0014] Furthermore, a protective layer is provided on the outside of the hemispherical shell.

[0015] Furthermore, the protective layer is installed on the hemispherical shell by adhesive, snap-fit, or bolt.

[0016] Beneficial effects:

[0017] Precise motion control: The dog ball integrates a vibration sensor and a posture sensor, which work together. The vibration sensor determines whether the ball is moving or stuck, while the posture sensor acquires the position and orientation of the drive mechanism. This precise judgment of the ball's motion state enables accurate control of the drive motor, allowing the ball to perform stable and flexible movements such as slow rolling and high-speed jumping, meeting the pet's play and training needs and enhancing the pet's interactive experience.

[0018] Structural optimization and reliability enhancement: The drive mechanism adopts a fixed shaft and a rotating shaft design, which are respectively movably connected to the spherical shell and rigidly plugged in, ensuring a stable connection and smooth movement. The "open but not rotating" function is achieved by controlling the motor by judging the angle through an attitude sensor, eliminating complex mechanical switches, simplifying the structure, reducing the risk of failure, improving product reliability and service life, and reducing user maintenance costs and frequency.

[0019] Intelligent escape mechanism: The built-in vibration sensor monitors vibration signals as the ball rolls. If no vibration is detected, the ball is determined to be stuck. The motor is automatically controlled to accelerate rotation and bounce, helping the ball jump out of the narrow space, reducing manual intervention by the user, and enhancing the product's autonomy and ease of use.

[0020] Protective and Convenient Design: The hemispherical shell is detachable for easy access to the internal drive mechanism. The protective layer on the outer shell, installed via adhesive, snap-fit, or bolts, effectively cushions impacts, reduces wear, and extends product lifespan. The drive housing features a push-button switch and charging port for convenient power on / off, mode switching, and charging, enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drive mechanism of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the slot position of this utility model.

[0024] The attached figures are labeled as follows: hemispherical shell 1, drive mechanism 2, drive housing 21, drive motor 22, gear set 23, rotating shaft 24, fixed shaft 25, slot 26, main board 27, battery 28, counterweight 29, push button switch 210, charging port 211, vibration sensor 212, attitude sensor 213, and protective layer 3. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid confusion with the present invention.

[0026] like Figures 1-3As shown, a dog-walking ball includes: a hemispherical shell 1, two hemispherical shells 1 detachably connected, and a drive mechanism 2 rotating within each of the two hemispherical shells 1. The drive mechanism 2 is equipped with a vibration sensor 212 for acquiring the motion state of the drive mechanism 2 and an attitude sensor 213 for acquiring the position and orientation of the drive mechanism 2. The drive mechanism 2 further includes: a drive housing 21, within which a drive motor 22 is installed. The drive motor 22 is connected to a rotating shaft 24 rotatably mounted on the drive housing 21 via a gear set 23. The rotating shaft 24 is fixedly connected to one of the hemispherical shells 1, and a fixed shaft 25 coaxially mounted on the drive housing 21 with the rotating shaft 24 is rotatably connected to the other hemispherical shell 1. The end cross-section of the rotating shaft 24 is non-circular, and one of the hemispherical shells 1 has a slot 26 that mates with the end of the rotating shaft 24. The end of the rotating shaft 24 is connected to one of the hemispherical shells 1 via a flange. The drive housing 21 houses a main board 27, a battery 28, and a counterweight 29, with the main board 27 positioned between the battery 28 and the counterweight 29. A push-button switch 210 and a charging port 211 are provided on the drive housing 21. The two hemispherical housings 1 are connected by threads. A protective layer 3 is provided on the outside of each hemispherical housing 1. The protective layer 3 is attached to the hemispherical housing 1 by adhesive, snap-fit, or bolts.

[0027] The hemispherical shell 1 is the outer casing of the dog ball. Two hemispherical shells 1 are detachably connected to form a complete shell. Its main function is to protect internal components such as the drive mechanism 2 from damage caused by the external environment, such as preventing pets from chewing on it or direct impact from the ground. The detachable design allows users to easily open the shell and operate the drive mechanism 2, such as turning it off, switching modes, or charging it. When the two hemispherical shells 1 are connected by threads, this connection is relatively stable, ensuring that the shell will not easily separate during rolling and jumping, guaranteeing the integrity and stability of the overall structure of the dog ball and giving users greater peace of mind. The drive mechanism 2 is the core component that enables the dog ball's movement. The drive mechanism 2 contains a drive motor 22, which serves as the power source for the dog ball's movement. It is connected to a rotating shaft 24, which is rotatably mounted on the drive shell 21, via a gear set 23. The gear set increases torque and reduces noise, allowing the dog ball to achieve different movement states, such as slow rolling or high-speed jumping, meeting the different needs of pets and users. Meanwhile, the vibration sensor 212 and attitude sensor 213 installed on the drive mechanism 2 can acquire the motion state and posture information of the drive mechanism 2. These two sensors work together to accurately determine the current motion state of the ball, providing accurate basis for controlling the operation of the drive motor 22 and achieving precise control of the dog-walking ball's movement. The drive housing 21 serves to house and protect the internal components of the drive mechanism 2. It provides installation space for components such as the drive motor 22, main board 27, battery 28, and counterweight 29, allowing these components to be assembled in an orderly manner and ensuring the normal operation of the drive mechanism 2. The fixed shaft 25, coaxially arranged with the rotating shaft 24 on the drive housing 21, is rotatably connected to one of the hemispherical shells 1, while the rotating shaft 24 is fixedly connected to one of the hemispherical shells 1. This connection method allows the drive mechanism 2 to drive the hemispherical shell 1 to rotate, thereby realizing the rolling motion of the dog-walking ball. The drive motor 22 is the power source for the dog-walking ball's movement, converting electrical energy into mechanical energy to provide power for the rolling and jumping of the dog-walking ball. The speed and direction of the dog-walking ball determine its movement. By controlling the rotation speed of the drive motor 22, the ball can be made to roll slowly to attract the pet's attention, or to jump at high speed to increase the fun of playing. Furthermore, the drive motor 22 is connected to the gear set 23, which increases torque and reduces noise, improving the stability and reliability of the dog-walking ball's movement and minimizing noise disturbance for both the user and pet. One end of the rotating shaft 24 is connected to the drive motor 22 via the gear set 23, receiving the power transmitted by the drive motor 22, while the other end is fixedly connected to one of the hemispherical shells 1. Its function is to transmit the rotational power generated by the drive motor 22 to the hemispherical shell 1, causing it to rotate and thus achieving the overall movement of the dog-walking ball.When the cross-section of the end of the rotating shaft 24 is non-circular and mates with the slot 26 on the hemispherical shell 1, or when connected via a flange, it effectively prevents relative rotation between the rotating shaft 24 and the hemispherical shell 1, ensuring stable power transmission and making the movement of the dog-walking ball smoother and more reliable. The fixed shaft 25 is coaxially arranged with the drive housing 21 and rotatably connected to the other hemispherical shell 1. It serves to support and position the drive mechanism 2, ensuring that the drive mechanism 2 maintains a stable posture during rotation and that the rotating shaft 24 can smoothly drive the hemispherical shell 1 to rotate. At the same time, the rotatable connection of the fixed shaft 25 also provides the necessary degree of freedom for the rotation of the drive mechanism 2, allowing the dog-walking ball to flexibly change direction during movement. The vibration sensor 212 is installed on the main board 27 of the drive mechanism 2 and is mainly used to acquire the motion status of the drive mechanism 2. During the rolling of the dog-walking ball, the status of the vibration sensor 212 can be detected to determine whether the ball is stuck in a narrow space. If no vibration signal is detected during rolling, it can be determined that the ball is stuck in a narrow space, and the motor can be controlled to accelerate rotation and bounce to jump out of the narrow space. The vibration sensor 212, in conjunction with the attitude sensor 213, can accurately determine the current motion state of the ball, overcoming the shortcomings of complex and error-prone software algorithms when only the attitude sensor 213 is used, thus improving the accuracy of judging the motion state of the dog-walking ball. The attitude sensor 213 is used to acquire the position and posture information of the drive mechanism 2. By judging the angle state of the drive mechanism 2, precise control of the drive motor 22 is achieved. For example, by controlling the angle state of the drive mechanism 2 through the attitude sensor 213, the drive mechanism 2 can maintain a fixed angle deflection, thereby driving the outer ball shell to roll. When the ball deflects laterally by approximately 90 degrees, the attitude sensor 213 can determine the angle, at which point the motor power supply is disconnected, preventing rotation when the ball shell is opened, allowing operation of the drive mechanism 2 for shutdown, mode switching, charging, etc. This function avoids the use of complex mechanical methods such as limit switches and contact switches, simplifying the structure and improving the product's reliability and service life. The main board 27, located between the battery 28 and the counterweight 29, is the control core of the drive mechanism 2. It is responsible for receiving data collected by the vibration sensor 212 and the attitude sensor 213, processing and analyzing this data, and sending control commands to the drive motor 22 according to the preset program and algorithm to achieve precise control of the dog-walking ball's movement. Meanwhile, the mainboard 27 may also integrate other functional modules, such as a wireless communication module, allowing users to remotely control the dog-walking ball via mobile phones or other devices, increasing the product's fun and practicality. The battery 28 provides power to the various components within the drive mechanism 2, serving as the energy source for the normal operation of the drive motor 22, mainboard 27, vibration sensor 212, attitude sensor 213, etc. Its presence allows the dog-walking ball to operate independently without an external power source, making it convenient for users to use outdoors and in other locations. Furthermore, the charging port 211 on the drive housing 21 facilitates charging of the battery 28, ensuring the dog-walking ball's continuous operation.A counterweight 29 is installed inside the drive housing 21. The attitude sensor 213 controls the angle of the drive mechanism 2, maintaining a fixed angle of deflection, which in turn drives the outer spherical shell to roll. The counterweight 29 adjusts the center of gravity of the drive mechanism 2, making the dog-walking ball more stable during movement and preventing abnormal trajectory or tipping due to an unstable center of gravity, thus improving the ball's performance and user experience. A button switch 210 is located on the drive housing 21 for convenient operation. Users can use the button switch 210 to turn the dog-walking ball on and off, switch exercise modes, etc., providing a convenient operation method and enhancing the product's usability. A charging port 211 is located on the drive housing 21 for connecting an external charger to charge the battery 28. Its presence ensures that the battery 28 can be replenished in a timely manner, guaranteeing the continuous use of the dog-walking ball and improving the product's ease of use. A protective layer 3 is installed on the outside of the hemispherical shell 1, serving to protect it. It can reduce wear and impact when the ball comes into contact with the ground, pets, etc., extending the life of the dog ball. The protective layer 3 can be installed on the hemispherical shell 1 by adhesive, snap-fit, or bolts. Multiple installation methods provide users with flexibility to choose the appropriate installation method according to their actual needs and preferences, and also facilitate replacement when the protective layer 3 is damaged.

[0028] Work process

[0029] When the dog-walking ball is activated, the battery 28 begins to supply power to the entire drive mechanism 2. The drive motor 22 starts to operate under the drive of electrical energy, and its power is transmitted to the rotating shaft 24 through the gear set 23. Since the end of the rotating shaft 24 is fixedly connected to one of the hemispherical shells 1, it can be through a non-circular cross section that fits into the slot 26, or it can be connected through a flange. The rotation of the rotating shaft 24 drives the connected hemispherical shell 1 to rotate, thereby making the entire dog-walking ball roll.

[0030] During the rolling of the dog-walking ball, the vibration sensor 212 and the posture sensor 213 begin to function. The vibration sensor 212 monitors the ball's vibration status in real time, while the posture sensor 213 continuously acquires the position and posture information of the drive mechanism 2. If the dog-walking ball is rolling normally, the vibration sensor 212 will continuously detect vibration signals, while the posture sensor 213 will transmit the acquired position and posture data of the drive mechanism 2 to the mainboard 27. After receiving this data, the mainboard 27 analyzes and processes the data according to a preset algorithm, and then sends control commands to the drive motor 22 to precisely control the speed and direction of the drive motor 22, thereby maintaining the stable and expected movement of the dog-walking ball.

[0031] Once the dog ball enters a confined space and gets stuck, it stops rolling, and the vibration sensor 212 detects no vibration signal. The vibration sensor 212 transmits this abnormal signal to the mainboard 27. Upon receiving the signal, the mainboard 27 reacts quickly, controlling the drive motor 22 to accelerate its rotation. The accelerated rotation of the drive motor 22 causes the rotating shaft 24 to move the ball shell, making it bounce and helping the dog ball attempt to jump out of the confined space.

[0032] When the user needs to open the ball shell to operate the drive mechanism 2, such as turning it off, switching modes, or charging, if the ball deflects laterally by approximately 90° during its movement, the attitude sensor 213 will detect this angle change and transmit the signal to the main board 27. Upon receiving the signal, the main board 27 controls the drive motor 22 to stop operating, achieving the "open but not rotate" function. At this time, since the two hemispherical shells 1 are detachably connected (e.g., by threaded connection), the user can easily open the shell to perform the corresponding operations on the drive mechanism 2. After the operation is completed, the shell is closed again and the dog-walking ball is restarted. All components then work together again according to the above process, and the dog-walking ball returns to its normal movement state.

[0033] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, various equivalent transformations can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such equivalent transformations fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dog ball, comprising: A hemispherical shell (1), two hemispherical shells (1) are detachably connected, characterized in that a drive mechanism (2) is provided inside the two hemispherical shells (1) and rotates therein, and a vibration sensor (212) for acquiring the motion state of the drive mechanism (2) and an attitude sensor (213) for acquiring the position and orientation of the drive mechanism (2) are provided on the drive mechanism (2).

2. The dog ball according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (2) further includes: a drive housing (21), in which a drive motor (22) is provided. The drive motor (22) is connected to a rotating shaft (24) rotatably mounted on the drive housing (21) via a gear set (23). The rotating shaft (24) is fixedly connected to one of the hemispherical shells (1). A fixed shaft (25) on the drive housing (21) coaxially mounted with the rotating shaft (24) is rotatably connected to the other hemispherical shell (1).

3. A dog ball according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-section of the end of the rotating shaft (24) is non-circular, and one of the hemispherical shells (1) is provided with a slot (26) that mates with the end of the rotating shaft (24).

4. A dog ball according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the rotating shaft (24) is connected to one of the hemispherical shells (1) via a flange.

5. A dog ball according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive housing (21) is provided with a main board (27), a battery (28) and a counterweight (29), with the main board (27) positioned between the battery (28) and the counterweight (29).

6. A dog ball according to claim 2, characterized in that, A push-button switch (210) is provided on the drive housing (21).

7. A dog ball according to claim 2, characterized in that, A charging port (211) is provided on the drive housing (21).

8. A dog ball according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two hemispherical shells (1) are connected by threads.

9. A dog ball according to claim 8, characterized in that, A protective layer (3) is provided on the outside of the hemispherical shell (1).

10. A dog ball according to claim 9, characterized in that, The protective layer (3) is installed on the hemispherical shell (1) by pasting, snap-fitting onto the hemispherical shell (1), or by bolting onto the hemispherical shell (1).

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