Induction ball throwing machine

Abstract

The utility model provides an induction ball throwing machine, which relates to the technical field of pet toys and comprises a shell, a ball serving device, a first inductor and a controller. Wherein the shell is provided with a ball inlet, a ball outlet and a ball feeding channel which is arranged in the shell and is communicated with the ball inlet and the ball outlet; the ball serving device is arranged in the shell and comprises a driving part and a ball serving assembly in transmission connection with the driving part, and the ball serving assembly partially extends into the ball feeding channel and is used for ejecting balls from the ball outlet; the first sensor is arranged on the shell and is used for detecting mechanical vibration of the shell caused by external force; the controller is arranged on the shell, is in signal connection with the first sensor and is electrically connected with the driving piece so as to control the ball serving assembly to move based on a sensing signal of the first sensor. Therefore, the electric vehicle has the advantages of energy consumption reduction, high cruising ability and noise reduction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pet toy technology, and in particular to an induction ball-throwing machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of society and the economy and the improvement of people's living standards, pets have gradually become important members of many families. To meet the daily exercise and entertainment needs of pets, various pet toys and smart interactive devices have emerged on the market. Among them, automatic ball throwers, as a smart device that can enhance pets' independent exercise abilities, are increasingly favored by pet owners.

[0003] Existing pet ball juggling machines typically include a housing, a ball inlet and a ball outlet on the housing, a ball delivery channel connecting the two, a drive motor inside the housing, and one or more ball-launching wheels that are driven by the drive motor. When there is a ball in the delivery channel, the ball-launching wheel can launch the ball out of the ball outlet. However, this technical solution also has some shortcomings. For example, when existing pet ball juggling machines are in use, the drive motor continuously drives the ball-launching wheels to rotate, which wastes electricity, generates noise, affects the product's battery life, and reduces the comfort of people and pets.

[0004] Therefore, an induction ball-throwing machine that reduces energy consumption, has a long battery life, and lowers noise needs to be designed. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings and deficiencies of the existing technology by providing an induction ball thrower that solves at least one of the aforementioned technical problems. It has the advantages of reduced energy consumption, long battery life, and reduced noise.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an induction ball-throwing machine, comprising:

[0007] The shell has an inlet, an outlet, and a ball delivery channel located inside the shell and connecting the inlet and the outlet;

[0008] A ball-serving device, disposed within the housing, includes: a driving member and a ball-serving assembly pulsatingly connected to the driving member, wherein a portion of the ball-serving assembly extends into the ball-feeding channel and is used to launch the ball from the ball-out port;

[0009] A first sensor is disposed on the housing and is used to detect mechanical vibration of the housing caused by external force.

[0010] A controller, disposed in the housing, is signal-connected to the first sensor and electrically connected to the drive unit to control the movement of the serving assembly based on the sensing signal from the first sensor.

[0011] Optionally, the housing has a ball guide cup whose diameter gradually tapers from the edge toward the inlet, the ball guide cup being configured to receive the ball and guide the ball to the inlet;

[0012] The first sensor is at least one vibration sensor disposed on the inner wall of the ball guide hopper, used to sense the mechanical vibration caused by the ball falling in.

[0013] Optionally, it also includes an auxiliary remote controller, which is signal-connected to the controller to remotely control the operation of the ball-serving device.

[0014] Optionally, a ball-blocking assembly electrically connected to the controller is also provided inside the housing near the ball-inlet. The ball-blocking assembly can extend into the ball-feeding channel to block the ball from passing through, or retract to allow the ball to pass through.

[0015] Optionally, the ball-blocking assembly includes:

[0016] An electric actuator is installed inside the housing;

[0017] The baffle is fixedly connected to the push rod of the electric push rod, and the arc surface of its extended end matches the arc contour of the inner wall of the ball delivery channel.

[0018] Optionally, the serving assembly includes two serving wheels symmetrically arranged on both sides of the ball delivery channel; the driving component consists of two drive motors, each of which is connected to one of the serving wheels; the serving wheels extend into the ball delivery channel to launch the ball from the ball outlet.

[0019] Optionally, the serving device further includes:

[0020] The wheel seat is fitted to the outer wall of the ball feeding channel and has two wheel grooves symmetrically arranged on both sides of the ball feeding channel for accommodating the serving wheel;

[0021] A wheel cover is disposed on the wheel seat and at least partially covers the serving wheel;

[0022] The drive motor is mounted outside the wheel cover, and its output end passes through the wheel cover and is fixedly connected to the serving wheel.

[0023] Optionally, the induction ball thrower also includes a second sensor disposed within the housing and connected to the controller signal, for sensing whether a person or animal is approaching the ball outlet area.

[0024] Optionally, the ball inlet is located at the upper end of the housing, and the ball outlet is located on one side of the housing; the ball delivery channel slopes downward from the ball inlet and then slopes upward to the ball outlet; a control panel is provided on the peripheral wall of the housing on the other side of the ball outlet.

[0025] Optionally, the chassis of the housing has an upwardly convex structure, and the peripheral wall of the housing has an upwardly curved arc-shaped recess on one side of the ball outlet and the control panel.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this application are:

[0027] This induction ball-throwing machine incorporates a first sensor on its casing to detect mechanical vibrations caused by external forces. A controller, connected to both the first sensor and the drive unit, controls the ball-throwing assembly's movement based on the sensor's signals. This intelligently detects whether a ball falls into and touches the casing, a pet, or a person, and only activates the drive unit to move the ball-throwing assembly when mechanical vibration is detected. This optimizes energy management, reduces noise, and improves equipment lifespan and user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the induction ball throwing machine from one perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the induction ball throwing machine from another perspective, according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a top view of the induction ball-throwing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A sectional view along line AA.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the induction ball-throwing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of part of the structure of the induction ball throwing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the structure of the ball delivery tube according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of the chassis of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of part of the housing in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0039] 100-Induction Ball Throwing Machine;

[0040] 1-Shell; a-Inlet; b-Outlet; c-Inlet channel; o-Allowing hole; 11-Inlet tube; 111-Half tube; 12-Chassis; e-Arc-shaped notch;

[0041] 2-Serving device; 21-Serving wheel; 22-Wheel seat; f-Wheel groove; 23-Wheel cover;

[0042] 3-Vibration sensor;

[0043] 4-Controller;

[0044] 5-Ball stop assembly; 51-Electric push rod; 52-Baffle;

[0045] 6-Control Panel;

[0046] 7-Switch;

[0047] 8-battery;

[0048] 9-Guide ball bucket. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0050] It should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "back," "side," and "circumferential" used in this utility model to indicate the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish multiple parts or structures with the same or similar structures, and do not indicate any special limitation on the arrangement order or connection relationship.

[0051] Please refer to Figures 1 to 9This utility model provides an induction ball throwing machine 100, including: a housing 1, a ball launching device 2, a first sensor and a controller 4.

[0052] The housing 1 has an inlet a, an outlet b, and a ball delivery channel c located within the housing 1 and connecting the inlet a and outlet b. A serving device 2 is located within the housing 1 and includes a drive unit (not shown) and a serving assembly. The drive unit provides power. The serving assembly is connected to the drive unit and partially extends into the ball delivery channel c to launch the ball from the outlet b. Optionally, the serving assembly may be one or more serving wheels 21 to compress and propel the ball from the outlet b. A first sensor is located on the housing 1 to detect mechanical vibrations of the housing 1 caused by external forces. Understandably, these external forces may include, but are not limited to, whether a ball falls into and touches the housing 1 or a pet, or whether a person touches the housing 1; both these external forces and the housing 1 will cause mechanical vibrations in the housing 1. A controller 4 is located on the housing 1, signal-connected to the first sensor, and electrically connected to the drive unit to control the movement of the drive unit based on the sensor's signal, thereby controlling the movement of the serving assembly and the serving action.

[0053] When the first sensor of the induction ball thrower 100 detects mechanical vibration of the housing 1 caused by external force, the drive unit starts working, thereby driving the ball-launching assembly to move and launch the ball from the ball outlet b through the ball delivery channel c. When the first sensor does not detect mechanical vibration of the housing 1 caused by external force, the drive unit remains in a non-working state. In this way, the induction ball thrower 100 can intelligently detect whether the ball falls into and touches the housing 1, or whether a pet or person touches the housing 1, and only activate the drive unit to drive the ball-launching assembly when mechanical vibration of the housing is detected. This optimizes energy consumption management, reduces noise, and improves equipment lifespan and user experience.

[0054] Alternatively, please refer to Figures 4 to 7 as well as Figure 9 In this embodiment, the top of the housing 1 has a ball guide hopper 9 whose diameter gradually tapers from the edge towards the inlet a. The ball guide hopper 9 is configured to receive the ball and guide it to the inlet a. Of course, in other embodiments, the ball guide hopper 9 may also be located on the side or obliquely above the housing 1, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0055] The first sensor consists of three vibration sensors 3 disposed on the inner wall of the ball guide hopper 9 to sense the mechanical vibration caused by the ball falling into it. The three vibration sensors 3 are evenly spaced on the inner wall of the ball guide hopper 9 for better sensing of the ball's entry. Of course, in other embodiments, one, two, four, or more sensors can be used, and the vibration sensors 3 can also be disposed on the inner or outer periphery of the housing 1. No specific limitations are imposed. Specifically, the vibration sensors 3 can be selected as vibration switches or piezoelectric vibration modules, without further specific restrictions.

[0056] To better interact with pets, in this embodiment, the induction ball-throwing machine 100 also includes an auxiliary remote controller (not shown in the figure). The auxiliary remote controller is connected to the controller 4 to remotely control the operation of the ball-throwing device 2.

[0057] To avoid jamming the serving assembly by having two balls enter the ball delivery channel c in a short period of time, alternatively, please refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, a ball-blocking assembly 5, electrically connected to the controller 4, is also provided inside the housing 1 near the ball-inlet a. The ball-blocking assembly 5 can extend into the ball-feeding channel c to block the ball from passing through, or retract to allow the ball to pass through. Thus, when the first sensor detects a ball passing through, it sends a sensing signal to the controller 4. The controller 4 controls the movement of the drive unit while simultaneously controlling the ball-blocking assembly 5 to extend into the ball-feeding channel c to block the passage of a second ball. The controller 4 can set a preset delay time before controlling the ball-blocking assembly 5 to retract to allow the ball to pass through. In this way, the situation where two consecutive balls enter the ball-feeding channel c and jam the serving assembly can be avoided.

[0058] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, the ball-blocking assembly 5 includes an electric push rod 51 and a baffle 52. The electric push rod 51 is housed inside the housing 1 and electrically connected to the controller 4. The baffle 52 is fixedly connected to the push rod of the electric push rod 51, and the arc surface of its extended end matches the arc contour of the inner wall of the ball delivery channel c. Thus, matching the arc surface of the baffle 52 with the contour of the inner wall of the ball delivery channel c ensures a smooth contact surface of the baffle 52 while minimizing the extension and retraction stroke, better controlling the ball's transmission and preventing ball jamming or retention. Of course, in other embodiments, the ball-blocking assembly 5 can also be a servo motor (not shown in the figure), connected to the baffle 52 via a reduction gearbox (not shown in the figure) to extend or retract within the ball delivery channel c, precisely controlling the ball's passage. As long as it can extend into the ball delivery channel c to block the ball's passage or retract to allow the ball's passage, no specific limitation is made here.

[0059] Alternatively, please refer to Figures 5 to 7In this embodiment, the serving assembly includes two serving wheels 21. The two serving wheels 21 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the ball delivery channel c. The driving components are two drive motors (not shown in the figure), each drive motor being connected to one serving wheel 21. Parts of the serving wheels 21 extend into the ball delivery channel c to launch the ball from the ball outlet b. Specifically, the ball delivery channel c has clearance holes o on both sides, and parts of the serving wheels 21 on both sides extend into the ball delivery channel c through the clearance holes o. When the ball reaches the positions of the two serving wheels 21, the two serving wheels 21 rotate, thereby squeezing and pushing the ball out. This serving assembly, including two serving wheels 21 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the ball delivery channel c, can provide a more uniform ball launch force and a more stable ball speed.

[0060] To ensure stable assembly of the serve wheel 21 and drive motor, and to prevent external debris or dust from entering the serve wheel 21 area, thus guaranteeing its normal operation, alternatively, please refer to... Figure 6 In this embodiment, the serving device 2 further includes a wheel seat 22 and a wheel cover 23. The wheel seat 22 is fitted onto the outer wall of the ball delivery channel c and has two wheel grooves f symmetrically arranged on both sides of the ball delivery channel c to accommodate the serving wheel 21. The wheel cover 23 is fitted onto the wheel seat 22 and at least partially covers the serving wheel 21. A drive motor is fitted onto the outside of the wheel cover 23, and its output end passes through the wheel cover 23 and is fixedly connected to the serving wheel 21 to drive the rotation of the serving wheel 21. Thus, the serving wheel 21 can be stably rotated within the wheel grooves f formed by the wheel seat 22 and the wheel cover 23, preventing external debris or dust from entering the area of ​​the serving wheel 21 and affecting its normal operation.

[0061] To prevent the ball from hitting animals or pedestrians when it is launched from the ball outlet b of the induction ball thrower 100, optionally, in this embodiment, the induction ball thrower 100 also includes a second sensor (not shown in the figure). The second sensor is disposed inside the housing 1 and is signal-connected to the controller 4, and is used to sense whether there are people or animals approaching the ball outlet b area. Specifically, the second sensor can be an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a radar sensor, and there is no specific limitation.

[0062] To facilitate the manufacturing of the ball feeding channel c and its assembly with the housing 1, optionally, please refer to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, the ball feeding channel c is a ball feeding tube 11 that is detachably assembled inside the housing 1. The ball feeding tube 11 is formed by splicing two symmetrical half tubes 111.

[0063] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4The ball inlet a is located at the upper end of the housing 1, and the ball outlet b is located on one side of the housing 1. The ball delivery channel c slopes downward from the ball inlet a and then upward to the ball outlet b. In this way, the ball can reach the area with the ball delivery wheel 21 under the action of gravity, reducing other transmission mechanisms and simplifying the structure. For easy ball release, the upper end of the housing 1 is funnel-shaped, and the bottom of the funnel is connected to the ball inlet a. Optionally, a control panel 6 is provided on the peripheral wall of the housing 1 on the other side opposite to the ball outlet b, so that the user can control various functions of the induction ball thrower 100. For example, adjusting different gears and different modes to change the distance the ball is launched.

[0064] To prevent the chassis 12 of the induction ball thrower 100 from making large-area contact with the ground, to prevent external moisture from entering the housing 1 from the chassis 12, and to increase the support strength of the chassis 12, optionally, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the base 12 of the housing 1 has an upwardly convex structure, and the peripheral wall of the housing 1 has an upwardly curved arc-shaped recess e on the side of the ball outlet b and the control panel 6. In this way, the base 12 only contacts the ground at its edge, reducing the amount of water entering the interior of the housing 1. Furthermore, the upwardly convex structure and the arc-shaped recess e on the peripheral wall of the housing 1 increase the support strength of the housing 1. Further, the switch 7 can be located on the bottom surface corresponding to the convex portion of the base 12 to prevent accidental contact by pets that could shut down the induction ball thrower 100.

[0065] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 5 In this embodiment, a battery 8 is also provided inside the housing 1, which powers the ball-serving device 2, the first sensor, the controller 4, and the second sensor.

[0066] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the substance of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An induction ball-throwing machine, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) has a ball inlet (a), a ball outlet (b), and a ball delivery channel (c) disposed inside the housing (1) and connecting the ball inlet (a) and the ball outlet (b); The ball-serving device (2) is disposed in the housing (1) and includes: a driving member and a ball-serving assembly that is pulsatorically connected to the driving member. The ball-serving assembly extends into the ball-feeding channel (c) and is used to shoot the ball out from the ball outlet (b). A first sensor is disposed on the housing (1) for detecting mechanical vibration of the housing (1) caused by external force; A controller (4) is disposed in the housing (1), is signal-connected to the first sensor and electrically connected to the drive unit, so as to control the movement of the ball-serving assembly based on the sensing signal of the first sensor.

2. The induction ball-throwing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) has a ball guide (9) whose diameter gradually tapers from the edge toward the ball inlet (a), the ball guide (9) being configured to receive the ball and guide the ball to the ball inlet (a); The first sensor is at least one vibration sensor (3) disposed on the inner wall of the ball guide hopper (9) for sensing the mechanical vibration caused by the ball falling in.

3. The induction ball-throwing machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes an auxiliary remote controller, which is signal-connected to the controller (4) to remotely control the ball-serving device (2).

4. The induction ball-throwing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Inside the housing (1), near the ball inlet (a), there is also a ball-blocking assembly (5) electrically connected to the controller (4). The ball-blocking assembly (5) can extend into the ball delivery channel (c) to block the ball from passing through, or retract to allow the ball to pass through.

5. The induction ball-throwing machine as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The ball-blocking assembly (5) includes: An electric push rod (51) is installed inside the housing (1); The baffle (52) is fixed to the push rod of the electric push rod (51), and the arc surface of its extended end matches the arc contour of the inner wall of the ball delivery channel (c).

6. The induction ball-throwing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The serving assembly includes two serving wheels (21) symmetrically arranged on both sides of the ball delivery channel (c); the driving component consists of two drive motors, each of which is connected to one of the serving wheels (21); the serving wheel (21) extends into the ball delivery channel (c) to shoot the ball out from the ball outlet (b).

7. The induction ball-throwing machine as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The ball-serving device (2) also includes: The wheel seat (22) is fitted to the outer wall of the ball feeding channel (c) and has two wheel grooves (f) symmetrically arranged on both sides of the ball feeding channel (c) for accommodating the serving wheel (21); A wheel cover (23) is provided on the wheel seat (22) and at least partially covers the serving wheel (21); The drive motor is mounted outside the wheel cover (23), and its output end passes through the wheel cover (23) and is fixedly connected to the serving wheel (21).

8. The induction ball-throwing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second sensor disposed inside the housing (1) and connected to the controller (4) for sensing whether a person or animal is approaching the ball outlet (b) area.

9. The induction ball-throwing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ball inlet (a) is located at the upper end of the housing (1), and the ball outlet (b) is located on one side of the housing (1); the ball delivery channel (c) slopes downward from the ball inlet (a) and then slopes upward to the ball outlet (b); a control panel (6) is provided on the peripheral wall of the housing (1) on the other side relative to the ball outlet (b).

10. The induction ball-throwing machine as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The chassis (12) of the housing (1) has an upward convex structure, and the peripheral wall of the housing (1) has an upward curved arc-shaped notch (e) on one side of the ball outlet (b) and the control panel (6).

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