Automatic golf ball supplying and lifting mechanism

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automatic golf ball supplying and lifting mechanism which comprises a sliding groove assembly and a lifting device. The sliding groove assembly is connected with the outer ball dividing box, and the lifting device is arranged at the tail end of a sliding groove and comprises a sliding rail, a sliding block, a ball seat, a driving motor, a shifting assembly and a connecting rod. When the poking assembly pokes the ball from the sliding groove to the tail end, the connecting rod drives the sliding block to move downwards to enable the ball seat to receive the ball; after the motor rotates reversely, the connecting rod drives the ball seat to ascend to eject the ball out for striking; the mechanism adopts double-slide-rail guiding and bearing supporting to ensure stable operation, a proximity sensor is arranged to realize automatic reversing, an arc-shaped ball blocking plate prevents deviation, and a mechanical limiting piece guarantees safety. According to the invention, full automation of ball supply and lifting is realized through single-motor driving, the device has the advantages of compact structure, reliable operation, accurate positioning and the like, and the automation level of golf practice equipment is obviously improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of golf equipment technology, specifically to an automated golf ball supply and lifting mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In golf practice equipment, the automated ball feeding mechanism is a key component for achieving continuous ball-hitting training. Traditional golf ball feeding devices mostly use gravity slides in conjunction with robotic arms or pushing mechanisms to transport the ball, but the lifting process generally suffers from problems such as complex structure, low positioning accuracy, and easy ball jamming. In existing technologies, the connection between the slide and the lifting mechanism usually requires independent power sources to control the ball feeding and lifting actions separately, resulting in high system energy consumption and poor synchronization. At the same time, most lifting mechanisms use gear and rack or chain drives, which have defects such as large mechanical wear and significant noise. In addition, the ball-blocking structure of existing equipment is mostly a rigid straight plate design, which easily causes the ball to bounce upon impact, affecting the stability of the ball feeding.

[0003] Insufficiency of existing technology:

[0004] 1. Power separation problem: Traditional ball supply devices require separate driving of the ball feeding mechanism and the lifting mechanism, which results in complex and costly multi-motor coordinated control;

[0005] 2. Motion accuracy defects: Backlash exists in the gear rack / chain drive, which leads to inaccurate ball seat positioning and affects the consistency of the hitting point;

[0006] 3. Risk of ball jamming: The lack of dynamic coordination design at the connection between the chute and the lifting mechanism makes it easy for the ball to get stuck;

[0007] Therefore, existing technologies have shortcomings and need further improvement. Utility Model Content

[0008] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides an automated golf ball supply and lifting mechanism.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the specific solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0010] This utility model provides an automated golf ball supply and lifting mechanism, comprising:

[0011] A chute assembly that connects to the external ball distribution box;

[0012] A lifting device is installed at the end of the chute assembly;

[0013] The lifting device includes a slide rail, a slider, a ball seat, a drive motor, a toggle assembly, and a connecting rod;

[0014] The slide rail is vertically arranged, the slider is slidably mounted on the slide rail, the ball seat is mounted on the slider, and the trajectory of the ball seat moving up and down is located at the end of the slide groove assembly;

[0015] A rotating shaft is mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor, and one end of the actuating component and the connecting rod are both mounted on the rotating shaft.

[0016] A sliding groove is provided on the side wall of the slider in the horizontal direction, and the other end of the connecting rod is slidably disposed in the sliding groove;

[0017] The drive motor drives the connecting rod to swing through the rotating shaft, which in turn drives the slider to move up and down along the slide rail, and in turn drives the ball seat to move up and down.

[0018] The lower side of the slide assembly is provided with a strip-shaped opening, and the drive motor drives the actuating assembly to swing to move the ball from the slide assembly to the top of the ball seat;

[0019] The angle between the preset actuation component and the connecting rod is such that when the actuation component moves the ball to the end of the slide assembly, the connecting rod drives the slider and ball seat to slide down. The top of the ball seat is level with the end of the slide assembly, and the ball falls onto the ball seat.

[0020] The drive motor reverses, causing the toggle assembly to swing back, and the connecting rod drives the slider and ball seat to slide upward, pushing the ball out so that it can be easily swung to strike.

[0021] Furthermore, a first bearing is installed at one end of the connecting rod, which is located in the sliding groove of the slider.

[0022] Furthermore, the drive motor is mounted on the first side plate, one end of the rotating shaft is connected to the output shaft of the motor, and the other end is equipped with a second bearing, which is mounted on the second side plate.

[0023] Furthermore, a proximity sensor is installed on the first side plate, and the proximity sensor is located on the side of the lower end of the slide rail. When the slider slides down and triggers the proximity sensor, the drive motor starts to reverse.

[0024] Furthermore, a top plate and a bottom plate are respectively provided on the upper and lower sides of the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0025] Furthermore, the slide rail adopts a double slide rail structure, consisting of two slide rails arranged in parallel, both of which are vertically mounted on the base plate.

[0026] Furthermore, two ball-blocking plates are provided at the end of the chute assembly to limit the lateral displacement of the ball during the lifting process;

[0027] The ball-blocking plate has an arc-shaped curved surface structure.

[0028] Furthermore, the upper and lower ends of the slide rail are respectively provided with an upper limit stop and a lower limit stop to prevent the slider from falling off the slide rail.

[0029] Furthermore, the drive motor is a stepper motor.

[0030] Furthermore, the output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the rotating shaft via a coupling.

[0031] The technical solution of this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0032] 1. Simplified structure, single motor drive

[0033] A single drive motor is used to control both the gliding assembly and the lifting mechanism. Through the linkage design of the connecting rod and the rotating shaft, the gliding of the golf ball and the lifting and lowering of the tee are realized, reducing the number of motors, reducing energy consumption and cost, and improving system reliability.

[0034] 2. Precise ball supply and improved timing control

[0035] By pre-setting the angle between the actuation component and the connecting rod, the ball-pulling action is ensured to be synchronized with the tee's descent, allowing the golf ball to land accurately on the tee and avoiding problems such as the ball getting stuck or falling off.

[0036] When the motor reverses, the ball seat automatically rises, sending the ball to the striking position, improving the smoothness and stability of the ball supply.

[0037] 3. Low-friction, high-precision motion mechanism

[0038] The slide rail and slider guide structure, combined with the bearing-supported connecting rod and rotating shaft, reduces mechanical friction, improves motion accuracy, and ensures smooth lifting and accurate positioning of the ball seat.

[0039] The dual-rail design further enhances structural rigidity and stability, preventing slider wobbling.

[0040] 4. Intelligent limit protection to prevent overload.

[0041] Mechanical upper limit devices (upper limit device and lower limit device) are installed to prevent the slider from derailing.

[0042] A proximity sensor is used to detect the slider position, triggering the motor to reverse, thus achieving automatic control, avoiding mechanical impact, and extending the equipment's lifespan.

[0043] 5. Optimized ball-blocking structure reduces offset.

[0044] The end of the chute uses an arc-shaped ball-stopping plate to guide the golf ball smoothly into the tee, reducing collision rebound and lateral deviation, and improving ball supply stability.

[0045] 6. Modular design for easy maintenance

[0046] The motor, slide rail, side plate, etc. are modularly installed (such as side plate + top plate + bottom plate structure), which facilitates disassembly and maintenance.

[0047] The use of bearings and couplings reduces mechanical wear and lowers long-term maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the present invention after the base plate has been removed, viewed from an upward angle.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the present invention after removing the slide rail assembly;

[0051] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the present invention after the second side plate has been removed;

[0052] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the present invention after removing the top plate, the first side plate, and the second side plate.

[0053] Attached image captions:

[0054] 1. Slide assembly; 2. Slide rail; 3. Slider; 4. Ball seat; 5. Drive motor; 6. Actuating assembly; 7. Connecting rod; 8. Rotating shaft; 9. Slide groove; 10. Strip opening; 11. First bearing; 12. First side plate; 13. Second bearing; 14. Second side plate; 15. Proximity sensor; 16. Top plate; 17. Bottom plate; 18. Ball stop plate; 19. Upper limit stop; 20. Lower limit stop; 21. Coupling. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0056] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0057] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0058] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0059] Combination Figures 1-5 As shown, this utility model provides an automated golf ball feeding and lifting mechanism, comprising:

[0060] The sliding groove assembly 1 connects to the external ball distribution box;

[0061] A lifting device is installed at the end of the chute assembly 1;

[0062] The lifting device includes a slide rail 2, a slider 3, a ball seat 4, a drive motor 5, a toggle assembly 6, and a connecting rod 7;

[0063] The slide rail 2 is vertically arranged, the slider 3 is slidably mounted on the slide rail 2, the ball seat 4 is mounted on the slider 3, and the trajectory of the ball seat 4 moving up and down is located at the end of the slide groove assembly 1.

[0064] A rotating shaft 8 is mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor 5, and one end of both the toggle assembly 6 and the connecting rod 7 is mounted on the rotating shaft 8.

[0065] A sliding groove 9 is provided on the side wall of the slider 3 in the horizontal direction, and the other end of the connecting rod 7 is slidably disposed in the sliding groove 9;

[0066] The drive motor 5 drives the connecting rod 7 to swing through the rotating shaft 8, which in turn drives the slider 3 to move up and down along the slide rail 2, and in turn drives the ball seat 4 to move up and down.

[0067] The lower side of the slide assembly 1 is provided with a strip-shaped opening 10, and the drive motor 5 drives the actuating assembly 6 to swing to move the ball from the slide assembly 1 to the top of the ball seat 4.

[0068] The angle between the preset actuation component 6 and the connecting rod 7 is such that when the actuation component 6 moves the ball to the end of the slide groove component 1, the connecting rod 7 drives the slider 3 and the ball seat 4 to slide down. The top of the ball seat 4 is level with the end of the slide groove component 1, and the ball falls onto the ball seat 4.

[0069] The drive motor 5 reverses, the toggle assembly 6 swings back, and the connecting rod 7 drives the slider 3 and ball seat 4 to slide upward, pushing the ball out, making it easier to swing the cue stick to strike.

[0070] The connecting rod 7 is provided with a first bearing 11 installed at one end in the sliding groove 9 of the slider 3.

[0071] The drive motor 5 is mounted on the first side plate 12. One end of the rotating shaft 8 is connected to the output shaft of the motor, and the other end is equipped with a second bearing 13, which is mounted on the second side plate 14.

[0072] A proximity sensor 15 is installed on the first side plate 12, and the proximity sensor 15 is located on the side of the lower end of the slide rail 2. When the slider 3 slides down and triggers the proximity sensor 15, the drive motor 5 starts to reverse.

[0073] A top plate 16 and a bottom plate 17 are respectively provided on the upper and lower sides of the first side plate 12 and the second side plate 14.

[0074] The slide rail 2 adopts a double slide rail structure, consisting of two slide rails 2 arranged in parallel, and both slide rails 2 are vertically installed on the base plate 17.

[0075] Two ball-blocking plates 18 are provided at the end of the chute assembly 1 to limit the lateral displacement of the ball during the lifting process;

[0076] The ball-blocking plate 18 has an arc-shaped curved surface structure.

[0077] The upper and lower ends of the slide rail 2 are respectively provided with an upper limit member 19 and a lower limit member 20 to prevent the slider 3 from falling off the slide rail 2.

[0078] The drive motor 5 is a stepper motor.

[0079] The output shaft of the drive motor 5 is connected to the rotating shaft 8 via a coupling 21.

[0080] The principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0081] Golf delivery phase

[0082] The chute assembly 1 is connected to the outer ball box, and the golf ball enters the chute by gravity or an external auxiliary mechanism.

[0083] The drive motor 5 (stepper motor) starts, driving the rotating shaft 8 to rotate. The rotating shaft 8 simultaneously drives the toggle assembly 6 and the connecting rod 7 to move.

[0084] The actuating component 6 extends from the strip opening 10 on the underside of the slide and pushes the golf ball along the slide to the end.

[0085] Ball seat descends synchronously during the ball receiving phase

[0086] Because of the preset angle between the actuating component 6 and the connecting rod 7, when the actuating component 6 pushes the ball to the end of the groove:

[0087] The connecting rod 7 swings with the rotating shaft 8, and its end slides in the horizontal sliding groove 9 of the slider 3, which also drives the slider 3 to move down along the slide rail 2.

[0088] As slider 3 moves down, ball seat 4, which is fixed on slider 3, descends synchronously until the top of ball seat 4 is flush with the end of the groove.

[0089] The golf ball lands smoothly into the tee 4 under the push of the pusher component 6.

[0090] The curved ball stop plate 18 restricts the lateral deviation of the ball, ensuring accurate landing.

[0091] Ball feeding stage with ball seat raised

[0092] When slider 3 descends to its lowest point, proximity sensor 15 is triggered, and drive motor 5 automatically reverses.

[0093] The 6-axis toggle mechanism swings back, disengaging from the sphere to avoid interference.

[0094] Link 7 swings in the opposite direction, pushing slider 3 to rise along slide rail 2, which in turn moves ball seat 4 and golf ball upward.

[0095] The ball seat 4 raises the ball to a set height (ball position) to facilitate club striking.

[0096] The dual-rail structure and bearing support ensure a smooth and wobbly lifting process.

[0097] Cyclic Reset Phase

[0098] After ball seat 4 rises to its highest point, the motor can pause or continue rotating to enter the next ball supply cycle:

[0099] If the ball is continuously supplied, the motor rotates forward, the actuating component 6 actuates the ball again, and at the same time the ball seat 4 descends to receive the ball, repeating the above process.

[0100] Upper limit component 19 / lower limit component 20 prevent slider 3 from overtravel and protect the mechanism.

[0101] Key Control and Optimization

[0102] Stepper motor 5 precisely controls the speed and direction, ensuring that the ball-pulling and lifting actions are synchronized.

[0103] The proximity sensor 15 detects the position of the slider 3 in real time, triggering the motor to reverse direction and achieving automated control.

[0104] Coupling 21 buffers the transmission impact between the motor and the rotating shaft 8, extending the equipment's lifespan.

[0105] Summarize

[0106] This invention achieves full automation of the golf ball feeding cycle—from automatic ball delivery to tee reception, ball lifting and feeding, and reset—through a single motor-driven rotating shaft 8 that links the actuating assembly 6 and connecting rod 7. Its core lies in the timing coordination of the mechanical structure and intelligent sensor control, ensuring stable, efficient, and low-failure ball feeding.

[0107] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the present utility model concept and based on the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An automated golf ball feeding and lifting mechanism, characterized in that, include: A chute assembly that connects to the external ball distribution box; A lifting device is installed at the end of the chute assembly; The lifting device includes a slide rail, a slider, a ball seat, a drive motor, a toggle assembly, and a connecting rod; The slide rail is vertically arranged, the slider is slidably mounted on the slide rail, the ball seat is mounted on the slider, and the trajectory of the ball seat moving up and down is located at the end of the slide groove assembly; A rotating shaft is mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor, and one end of the actuating component and the connecting rod are both mounted on the rotating shaft. A sliding groove is provided on the side wall of the slider in the horizontal direction, and the other end of the connecting rod is slidably disposed in the sliding groove; The drive motor drives the connecting rod to swing through the rotating shaft, which in turn drives the slider to move up and down along the slide rail, and in turn drives the ball seat to move up and down. The lower side of the slide assembly is provided with a strip-shaped opening, and the drive motor drives the actuating assembly to swing to move the ball from the slide assembly to the top of the ball seat; The angle between the preset actuation component and the connecting rod is such that when the actuation component moves the ball to the end of the slide assembly, the connecting rod drives the slider and ball seat to slide down. The top of the ball seat is level with the end of the slide assembly, and the ball falls onto the ball seat. The drive motor reverses, causing the toggle assembly to swing back, and the connecting rod drives the slider and ball seat to slide upward, pushing the ball out so that it can be easily swung to strike.

2. The automated golf ball feeding and lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting rod is mounted with a first bearing at one end in the sliding groove of the slider.

3. The automated golf ball feeding and lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive motor is mounted on the first side plate, one end of the rotating shaft is connected to the output shaft of the motor, and the other end is equipped with a second bearing, which is mounted on the second side plate.

4. The automated golf ball feeding and lifting mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, A proximity sensor is installed on the first side plate, and the proximity sensor is located on the side of the lower end of the slide rail. When the slider slides down and triggers the proximity sensor, the drive motor starts to reverse.

5. The automated golf ball feeding and lifting mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper and lower sides of the first and second side plates are respectively provided with a top plate and a bottom plate.

6. The automated golf ball feeding and lifting mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The slide rail adopts a double slide rail structure, consisting of two slide rails arranged in parallel, both of which are vertically mounted on the base plate.

7. The automated golf ball feeding and lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two ball-blocking plates are provided at the end of the chute assembly to limit the lateral displacement of the ball during the lifting process; The ball-blocking plate has an arc-shaped curved surface structure.

8. The automated golf ball feeding and lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper and lower ends of the slide rail are respectively provided with upper limit and lower limit components to prevent the slider from falling off the slide rail.

9. The automated golf ball feeding and lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive motor is a stepper motor.

10. The automated golf ball feeding and lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the rotating shaft via a coupling.

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