Ball-throwing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a ball-throwing device for throwing balls, in particular footballs, wherein the ball-throwing device has at least one first opening (9) for introducing a ball and at least one second opening (8) for ejecting the ball, and wherein the first opening (9) is connected to the second opening (8) via a guide channel (4) for guiding the ball, and at least two driven first wheels (1) are arranged in the guide channel (4) for accelerating and ejecting the ball, characterised in that the first wheels (1) are radially movable in the cross-section of the guide channel (4) and are radially biased into the guide channel (4).

Description

[0001] Ball throwing device

[0002] The invention relates to a ball throwing device for throwing balls, in particular footballs, wherein the ball throwing device has at least one first opening for inserting a ball and at least one second opening for ejecting the ball, and wherein the first opening is connected to the second opening via a guide channel for guiding the ball, and at least two driven first wheels for accelerating and ejecting the ball are arranged in the guide channel.

[0003] It also relates to a method for mechanically throwing a ball, wherein a ball is guided along a guide channel of a ball-throwing device in a first direction to at least two driven first wheels, moves between the first wheels and is thereby accelerated and thrown by the first wheels.

[0004] Ball throwing devices, or the mechanical throwing of balls, are used in various ball sports for training purposes or entertainment. A ball is fed into the device through one opening, usually the first opening, and ejected at an accelerated rate from another opening, usually the second opening.

[0005] Known devices of this type have the disadvantage of being very large and heavy, especially when it comes to larger balls like soccer balls, basketballs, and the like. Typically, the balls are pressed through two or more first wheels, causing the ball and the wheels to bend, forcing the ball through the first wheels. Therefore, the devices are designed for only one ball diameter and thus cannot be used for other types of balls. If a ball with a smaller diameter is used, it will not be accelerated sufficiently. If the diameter is too large, it will be subjected to excessive stress due to compression.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a compact, versatile embodiment.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention in that the two first wheels are radially movable in the cross-section of the guide channel and are radially preloaded into the guide channel. It is also achieved in that the first wheels, while contacting the ball, first move away from each other and then move back toward each other.

[0008] By radially movable in the cross-section of the guide channel we mean that the wheel can move outwards from the center of the guide channel in the cross-section of the guide channel. This can be made possible, for example, by pivoting or sliding. Radial does not refer to the wheel itself and its axis of rotation, but to the cross-section of the guide channel at the level of the wheel. In this case, it can be provided that the movement can be carried out linearly radially outwards or that the movement has an oblique component; it is important that the wheel can evade the ball and to do so can withdraw at least partially from the guide channel or at least move towards the edge of the guide channel.

[0009] The guide channel preferably has a substantially uniform and / or preferably round cross-section. However, a cross-section with a different shape, at least in some sections, such as a square or elliptical cross-section, can also be provided.

[0010] The guide channel is a channel that guides the ball along its longitudinal extent. For this purpose, the guide channel can have a casing along which the ball can roll. This casing can be designed as a substantially closed casing, for example, as a tube, but it can also have guide elements, for example in the form of rods or slats, at least in sections, that form the guide channel. For example, it can be essentially free and essentially formed only by guide elements.

[0011] The first wheels protrude at least partially into the guide channel or are arranged completely within it and thus narrow it, which ensures a good friction connection with the ball being guided through it.

[0012] The ball throwing device can have at least one energy storage device for supplying the drive, such as a battery, and / or at least one connecting line to a power source.

[0013] The fact that the wheels are movable and pre-tensioned into the guide channel ensures that even balls of different sizes are easily grasped and accelerated by the wheels. The same is achieved by the first wheels moving away from each other and then towards each other again. The pre-tensioning means that the first wheels are in an inner rest position and are pushed outwards from the center of the guide channel in cross-section by the ball. They then return to this position after the ball has passed through its maximum thickness. This maximizes the time the ball is in contact with the wheels and accelerates them, without the ball or wheels having to be severely deformed. This achieves strong acceleration and at the same time protects the wheels and ball, regardless of the air pressure in the ball or the size of the ball.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if the ball-throwing device has a housing, and preferably the housing has at least one through-opening for at least a first wheel to protrude from the guide channel during radial movement. The through-openings allow the housing to be designed to be particularly small, and a great deal of space is saved inside. This results in a particularly compact design. The position of the through-opening is preferably coordinated with the path of movement of the first wheel. The same applies if it is provided that at least a first wheel moves at least partially through a through-opening in a housing of the ball-throwing device during its movement away. Preferably, a through-opening is provided for each first wheel.

[0015] It can be provided that a passage opening is covered by at least one movable cover. The cover is preferably pre-tensioned into a closed position, in which the passage opening is covered. The cover can be opened by a drive. Accordingly, it can also be advantageous if at least one cover of the passage opening temporarily opens when the first wheel moves through. This prevents the passage opening from being open when the first wheel is in its pre-tensioned position. This increases the safety of the device.

[0016] To achieve the most mechanically simple and easily controllable design possible, each first wheel can be connected to its own drive, preferably comprising at least one electric motor. By controlling the electric motors differently, the ball can also be launched with spin.

[0017] In order to achieve the best possible acceleration, at least two first wheels can be essentially parallel to one another and preferably lie in one plane, and / or at least two first wheels can be essentially opposite one another in the cross-section of the guide channel. A parallel arrangement means that the planes of rotation of the wheels are parallel to one another. An opposite arrangement means that they are arranged on two opposite sides of the guide channel in cross-section. Preferably, at least two wheels are arranged such that their axes of rotation are essentially vertical with respect to the ground in at least one intended position of use. This enables good arrangement in the device and the wheels can avoid the ball laterally.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least two first wheels are arranged at the same height along the guide channel and are preferably arranged on both sides of the guide channel in the cross-section of the guide channel. By at the same height we mean that the at least two first wheels are at the same height along the longitudinal extent of the guide channel, along which the ball is transported through the guide channel. This has the effect that the ball hits these first wheels essentially at the same time as it moves through the guide channel. This ensures that the ball is accelerated particularly well and that no part of it is lost due to the ball rotating around its own axis. The lateral arrangement ensures that the space in the facility is optimally utilized.

[0019] Preferably, the first wheels have at least a partially hard plastic casing. This results in a robust and durable design. Alternatively, they can also have at least a partially air-filled tire. This enables a particularly good connection to the ball.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if at least one driven second wheel is arranged along the guide channel between the first opening and the first wheels, which second wheel is preferably radially movable in the cross-section of the guide channel and is pre-tensioned radially into the guide channel. The second wheel also preferably projects into the guide channel and can thus transport the ball further. The second wheel can be used for the controlled feeding of the ball by stopping the rotation of the wheel until the ball is to be ejected. In this position, the second wheel acts as a stop. Only then does the second wheel rotate and thus moves the ball in the direction of the first wheels. The second wheel can contribute to the acceleration of the ball or only influence the speed of the wheel on exit to an insignificant extent.This is particularly useful when multiple balls are positioned in or in front of the guide channel and the balls are to be released at controlled intervals. The same applies if the ball is held by at least one second wheel in the guide channel and is only guided toward the first wheels after receiving a release signal from the second wheel in the guide channel.

[0021] In order to ensure controlled and energy-saving operation, it can be provided that at least one sensor for detecting a ball in the guide channel is arranged along the guide channel between the first opening and the first wheels, and preferably between the first opening and the second wheel, and that the sensor preferably comprises at least one light barrier in the guide channel. In this way, a ball in the guide channel, for example waiting at the second wheel, can be detected and the right time for further feeding and shooting the ball can be selected. For example, with a continuous supply of balls, it can be determined when there is no more ball and the device can be switched off. The same applies if it is provided that the ball is detected by at least one sensor upon or after entering the guide channel and that a release signal is preferably emitted upon detection of the ball.The release signal may alternatively or additionally depend on other factors such as time factors or a signal from the user via an input element.

[0022] It can be provided that the guide channel has at least one driven third wheel for accelerating and ejecting the ball in the guide channel from the first opening, which third wheel is preferably arranged between the first opening and the first wheels and particularly preferably along the guide channel at the same height as the second wheel. This enables the ball to be accelerated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. This makes the device more versatile, as the ball can also be shot out of the first opening. In this operating mode, the first opening is used to eject the ball and the second opening is used to insert the ball. Because the second and third wheels take over the acceleration of the ball in this case, this does not have to be done by the first wheels.This avoids a brief reversal of rotation of these wheels, which is difficult for the drive of these wheels or could damage them. The same applies if it is provided that a ball moving along the guide channel in a second direction opposite to the first direction is guided along the guide channel to the second wheel and moved between the second wheel and at least one third wheel, while being accelerated and thrown in the second direction by the second and third wheels, and that preferably the second and third wheels first move away from each other and then move back towards each other while contacting the ball.

[0023] It is particularly advantageous if the third wheel is radially movable in the cross-section of the guide channel and is pre-tensioned radially into the guide channel. This means that the advantages described above are also achieved with this type of use of the device. To achieve a particularly safe design, it can be provided that the ball throwing device has at least one detection sensor for detecting people in its vicinity and that the detection sensor preferably comprises at least one motion sensor. It can be provided that at least the first wheels are no longer driven if a person or larger object or subject such as a dog is detected in the vicinity of the ball throwing device. This can reduce the risk of accidents. This is particularly advantageous if passage openings are provided, since switching them off prevents the rotating first wheels from exiting the housing while someone is nearby.Accordingly, it can be provided that at least the drive of the first wheels is switched off when a person or a larger object is detected by at least one detection sensor in the area of ​​the ball throwing device.

[0024] It is advantageous if the angle of inclination of the first and second openings is adjustable, preferably via at least one extendable foot. This allows the ejection angle of the ball launching device and the ejection type to be changed.

[0025] It is also advantageous if at least the second opening, preferably the ball-throwing device, can be pivoted or rotated about a vertical axis. This can be achieved, for example, by a base that can be rotated or pivoted relative to the rest of the ball-throwing device. The vertical axis refers to an axis that is essentially perpendicular to the ground in the intended position of use.

[0026] It can also be provided that the ball-throwing device has a tracking device for tracking a user, for example, a soccer player, and that the tracking direction is configured to pivot or rotate the second opening toward the tracked user. For this purpose, the tracking device can be connected to a drive for pivoting or rotating the ball-throwing device about a vertical axis, which preferably pivots or rotates the ball-throwing device relative to the user's foot.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be provided that the guide channel is inclined along its longitudinal extent and preferably changes its direction at an angle of at least 90°, particularly preferably at least 120°. This means that the inclination is changed in relation to a linear extent. This can contribute to even and smooth ball guidance and improve the stability of the device during operation by avoiding sudden changes in the direction of the ball. In order to be able to eject a large number of balls one after the other, it can be provided that the ball throwing device has a hopper for receiving several balls, which hopper is arranged in the region of the first opening and that the hopper preferably has telescopic rods and a net spanned by these. In this way, a continuous flow of balls can be ensured.In addition, the net can be used as a target with the balls that have already been thrown out, thus replenishing its ball supply.

[0028] The ball-throwing device can preferably have at least one carrying handle for transport, preferably for tilting, pulling, or rolling the ball-throwing device. It can be provided that at least one carrying handle is arranged on the hopper, preferably on at least one, particularly preferably two, telescopic rods. This is a particularly space-saving arrangement, and the additional distance between the carrying handle and the ball-throwing device, provided by the telescopic rods, allows the ball-throwing device to be tilted and transported particularly easily.

[0029] Preferably, the drive of the first wheels, and preferably also of the second wheel, is connected to a control device. This control device can control the rotational speeds of the wheels and thus adjust the speed and timing of the ball throw. It can be provided that the speed and / or timing of the ball throw can be adjusted via the control device, for example, via a corresponding input terminal. Furthermore, the control device can also be connected to the sensor and / or the detection sensor and, if necessary, incorporate their signals into the control of the wheels.

[0030] Preferably, the second opening is located in the area of ​​a support surface of the ball-throwing device or adjacent to the support surface. This allows the ball to be ejected close to the ground.

[0031] Preferably, at least one drying device for drying the ball is arranged along the guide channel. This allows the ball to be conveyed away in a dry or at least less wet state, which improves playability and acceleration. Preferably, the drying device is arranged along the guide channel upstream of the first wheels. This improves the ball's contact with the first wheels and thus improves its acceleration.

[0032] The drying device preferably has at least one moving arm extending into the guide channel. This moving arm is particularly preferably movable along a movement axis, particularly preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the guide channel. The movement of the ball along the guide channel can thus be stopped by the moving arm until the ball has been sufficiently dried. Furthermore, the moving arm can thus move or compress the ball in the guide channel transversely to the guide channel. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that another element is provided for temporarily holding the ball along the guide channel and that this element is configured such that the ball is held at the level of the moving arm. This element can, for example, be the second wheel, which is preferably arranged in the guide channel downstream of the moving arm.This element can also be, for example, an additional ball stopper, i.e. a movable part that protrudes into the guide channel and inhibits the movement of the ball along the guide channel and releases it again as needed.

[0033] Preferably, the drying unit has at least one sensor for detecting the ball and / or for detecting the moisture level of the ball's surface. This allows the sensor to stop and release the ball as needed.

[0034] The movement arm can at least have a suction cup to secure the ball. This allows the ball to be better connected to the movement arm.

[0035] Furthermore, the movement arm can be rotatable about its longitudinal axis and preferably driven, for example, by a motor such as an electric motor. This allows the ball to be rotated after being secured with the movement arm. This ensures drying on all sides and, through rotation, removes any liquid from the ball's surface.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the drying device has at least one bearing, which is preferably arranged at the same height of the guide channel as the movement arm and / or preferably on the opposite side of the guide channel. This bearing is preferably designed so that a ball resting against the bearing can rotate about a rotation axis, preferably normal to the longitudinal extent of the guide channel. In this way, the rotational movement of the ball caused by the rotating movement arm can be carried out easily without the ball rubbing against the guide channel. Alternatively, it can also be provided that at least one further movement arm is provided, which is preferably arranged at the same height of the guide channel as the movement arm and / or preferably on the opposite side of the guide channel. It is preferably provided that the drying device comprises at least one air blower, preferably at least one fan.The ball can be dried by the air stream. Another gas, a solid such as a powder, or a liquid can be mixed into the air stream. The air blower is preferably positioned substantially at the height of the movement arm. This allows the ball to be held in the air stream and, if necessary, rotated, resulting in particularly effective drying. Rotation with the air stream is particularly advantageous because, on the one hand, the air stream dries the surface of the ball more effectively through its rotation, and, on the other hand, the centrifugal forces transport liquid away from the ball's surface.

[0037] The invention will now be explained with reference to non-limiting embodiments of the invention in the figures. They show:

[0038] Fig. 1 is a view obliquely from the front of a first embodiment of a ball throwing device according to the invention;

[0039] Fig. 2 is a rear view of the first embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 3 is a side view of the first embodiment without housing;

[0041] Fig. 4 is a detailed view of the first embodiment without housing from an angled front;

[0042] Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-section of the guide channel at the level of the first wheels of the first embodiment;

[0043] Fig. 6 is a side view of a second embodiment of the invention;

[0044] Fig. 7 shows a section of a side wall in the region of a passage opening of a third embodiment according to the invention;

[0045] Fig. 8 shows a section through a guide channel in a fourth embodiment according to the invention.

[0046] The first embodiment shown in Figs. 1-5 has a housing 10 which essentially covers the entire ball throwing device. On an upper wall 11 it has a first opening 9 which is inclined with respect to a support surface 12 of the ball throwing device and is preferably at an angle β of at least 20°, preferably between 30° and 45°. On a front side 13 the housing has a second opening 8 which is normal with respect to the support surface 12, i.e. at a 90° angle. In a possible intended use position, the device stands with the support surface 12 on a flat surface, whereby the support surface 12 is essentially horizontal.

[0047] Furthermore, the housing has 14 through openings 6 on two opposite side walls.

[0048] The passage openings 6 are normal to the second opening 8, i.e. at an angle of approximately 90°, and are offset from the second opening 8 along the guide channel 4 not shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0049] Additional openings 16 for accommodating detection sensors are provided on the side walls 14, the front side 13, and a rear side 15 of the housing 10. The detection sensors can thus detect an approaching object or subject and, if necessary, respond to it, regardless of the direction from which it approaches.

[0050] The invention can also include signaling devices that indicate the operating status of the ball-throwing device. For example, these signaling devices can be implemented in the form of light-emitting elements such as LEDs, whose color indicates whether the device is operating, its operating mode, and whether a ball is expected to be ejected, or whether the device is switched off or in error mode. In the present embodiment, this is implemented by LED strips 17 on the side walls 14, the front 13, and the rear 15.

[0051] A display opening 18 is located on the rear side 15, which can accommodate a terminal such as a touchscreen. The terminal can also include an identification device such as a lock or a card recognition unit to identify an authorized user for making settings or commissioning. The terminal can be used to adjust the operating mode, ejection direction, ejection speed, etc.

[0052] Furthermore, the housing has 15 roller openings 19 at the lower end of the rear panel, into which rollers can be installed. For transport, the ball launcher can be tilted and easily transported on the rollers.

[0053] Figures 3 and 4 better illustrate the internal structure, which is not shown in Figures 1 and 2. These figures show that a guide channel 4 is formed by two plate elements 4a. These have parallel or inclined, preferably mutually inclined, edge surfaces, which serve as guide elements and form the guide channel 4, guiding a ball introduced through the first opening 9 in an inclined path toward two first wheels 1. Due to the effect of gravity on the ball, no guide elements are necessary on the opposite side to guide the ball safely.

[0054] The first and second openings 8, 9 represent the ends of the guide channel 4. The entire guide channel 4 is curved and changes its direction from one opening 8, 9 to the other by an angle o of approximately 130°.

[0055] Two first wheels 1 are arranged in the guide channel and in the area of ​​the second opening 9, which face each other in the guide channel. In this embodiment, the wheels are essentially parallel to the support surface 12, but can also be oriented differently. They protrude into the guide channel 4 and narrow it. The first wheels 1 are radially movable outwards from the center of the guide channel 4 in the cross-section of the guide channel 4, and are preloaded into the guide channel 4 by springs 22. When a ball moves along the guide channel 4 in a first direction 20 and strikes the first wheels 1, the wheels pivot radially outwards in the cross-section of the guide channel and away from each other to make room for the ball. At the same time, they convey the ball through the space thus created and through them. The springs 22 press the first wheels 1 against the ball as it moves, enabling a good frictional connection.After the ball has passed, the first wheels 1 return to their original position in the guide channel 1.

[0056] In the area of ​​the first opening 9 in the guide channel 4, a second wheel 2 is arranged which faces the edge surfaces. Like the first wheels 1, it is spring-loaded. If a ball penetrates the guide channel 4 via the first opening 9, it is guided along the guide channel 4 by gravity and the edge surfaces until it hits the second wheel 2. If the second wheel 2 is not driven, the ball rests against it; the spring force holds the second wheel 2 in position and it acts as a stop. When the second wheel 2 is driven, it moves the ball further into the guide channel 4 and past the second wheel 2, deviating radially outwards in the cross-section of the guide channel. In this way, the ball is again guided further in the direction of the first wheels 1 by gravity and the edge surfaces. The second wheel 2 does not necessarily have to accelerate the ball greatly; the acceleration essential for throwing can be achieved by the first wheels 1 alone.A sensor 5 is arranged between the second wheel 2 and the first opening 9, which can identify the ball in the stop position on the second wheel 2.

[0057] The ball-throwing device has a base 21, which is formed as part of the support surface 12. This base is extendable, for example, via a hydraulic system or a linear drive, and can thus tilt the device so that it rests solely on the base and one edge of the support surface 12.

[0058] Fig. 5 clearly shows how the first wheels 1 relate to the guide channel 4. The guide channel 4 of the first embodiment is very reduced in size and is essentially formed only by the edge surfaces of the plate elements 4a. Fig. 5 shows that these edge surfaces are inclined relative to one another, thus providing a particularly good support surface for balls of a specific size and thus defining an approximate diameter of the guide channel 4 that is oriented toward the size of these balls. The axes of rotation 1a of the first wheels 1 are located in cross-section approximately at the level of the outer edge of the guide channel 4.

[0059] It can be seen that the two first wheels 1 are arranged on opposite sides in the guide channel and, preferably, as shown in this embodiment, their planes of rotation are radial to the center point 24 of the guide channel 4. The first wheels 1 are shown in a first end position, into which they are preloaded by the spring force, and they extend approximately halfway into the guide channel 4, whereby the channel becomes narrower at this height. Arrows 25 indicate how far the first wheels 1 can move radially out of the cross-section of the guide channel 4 (based on the range of movement of the rotation axes) until they reach a second end position. In this position, they have almost completely exited the guide channel 4.

[0060] Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment very similar to the first; therefore, only the most significant differences will be discussed here. Components with the same functional characteristics are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0061] This embodiment additionally features a third wheel 3, which is arranged along the guide channel 4 at the same height as the second wheel 2. Thus, a ball can be ejected from the first opening 9 by the second wheel 2 and the third wheel 3 when moving in a second direction 23.

[0062] Fig. 7 shows another embodiment that is very similar to the previous embodiments. Therefore, only the most significant differences will be discussed here, and similarly functioning parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0063] In Fig. 7 it can be seen that a side wall 14, as in the first embodiment, has a passage opening 6 through which a first wheel 1 can protrude. In Fig. 7 a state is shown in which the first wheel 1 has already been pushed radially outwards by a ball and protrudes through the passage opening 6. A cover 26, which otherwise completely closes the passage opening 6, is pivoted by a drive 27 with a servo motor into an open position and thus releases the passage opening 6 for the first wheel 1. For this purpose, the cover 26 is pivotally mounted on the side wall 14 on the side facing the second opening, for example via a hinge. Alternatively, the cover 26 can be pivotally mounted on any other side, in particular on the side facing away from the second opening, for example via a hinge.Thus, the cover 26 conceals the rotating, protruding or completely worn-out first wheel 1, which also provides protection in this position.

[0064] The cover 26 is additionally biased, preferably by a spring 28, into the closed position, in which the cover 26 completely closes the passage opening 6. Alternatively, no drive may be provided, and it may be provided that the first wheel 1 or a part moving with the first wheel 1 opens, in particular pushes, the cover 26 open.

[0065] Fig. 8 shows a detail of an embodiment that is also applicable to other embodiments. It describes an embodiment with a drying device 30 along the guide channel 4. The drying device 30 has a moving arm 31, which has a suction cup at its end projecting into the guide channel 4. It is connected at the other end to a motor 32 that rotates it. On the opposite side of the guide channel 4 and at the same height, a bearing 33 is provided. Downstream of the moving arm 31 and the bearing 33 along the guide channel 4 is a ball stopper 34, which is arranged such that it holds the ball at the height of the moving arm 31 in the guide channel 4, represented by ball position 37. A sensor 38 detects a ball when it assumes ball position 37 and activates the motor 32. When a ball is held in this way, it connects to the suction cup and is rotated by the moving arm 31, see arrows 35.The bearing 33, against which the ball rests, allows for slight rotation. The drying device 30 further comprises an air blower 36, which is arranged approximately at the height of the movement arm 31. It is located slightly upstream of the movement arm 31, but is directed toward the ball position 37, so that the air flow hits the ball when it is rotated. After drying is complete, the ball stopper 34 retracts at least partially from the cross-section of the guide channel 4, allowing the ball to move further along the guide channel 4 from the ball position 37 and be ejected.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS Ball launching device for throwing balls, in particular footballs, wherein the ball launching device has at least one first opening (9) for inserting a ball and at least one second opening (8) for ejecting the ball, and wherein the first opening (9) is connected to the second opening (8) via a guide channel (4) for guiding the ball, and at least two driven first wheels (1) for accelerating and ejecting the ball are arranged in the guide channel (4), characterized in that the first wheels (1) are radially movable in the cross-section of the guide channel (4) and are radially biased into the guide channel (4). Ball launching device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ball launching device has a housing (10) and preferably the housing (10) has at least one through-opening (6) for at least one first wheel (1) to project out of the guide channel (4) when moving radially.A ball launching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each first wheel (1) is connected to its own drive, which preferably comprises at least one electric motor. A ball launching device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least two first wheels (1) are substantially parallel to each other and preferably lie in one plane, and / or that at least two first wheels (1) are substantially opposite each other in the cross-section of the guide channel (4). A ball launching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least two first wheels (1) are arranged at the same height along the guide channel (4) and are preferably arranged on both sides of the guide channel (4) in the cross-section of the guide channel (4).A ball launching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one driven second wheel (2) is arranged along the guide channel (4) between the first opening (9) and the first wheels (1), which is preferably radially movable in the cross-section of the guide channel (4) and is radially biased into the guide channel (4). A ball launching device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one driven second wheel (2) is arranged along the guide channel (4) between the first opening (9) and the first wheels (1), and preferably between the first opening. (9) and the second wheel (2) at least one sensor for detecting a ball in the guide channel (4) is arranged, and that the sensor (5) preferably comprises at least one light barrier in the guide channel (4). Ball launching device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the guide channel (4) has at least one driven third wheel (3) for accelerating and ejecting the ball in the guide channel (4) from the first opening (9), which is preferably arranged between the first opening (9) and the first wheels (1) and particularly preferably along the guide channel (4) at the same level as the second wheel (2). Ball launching device according to claim 8, characterized in that the third wheel (3) is radially movable in the cross-section of the guide channel (4) and is radially biased into the guide channel (4).A ball-throwing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the ball-throwing device has at least one detection sensor for detecting persons in its vicinity, and that the detection sensor preferably comprises at least one motion sensor. A ball-throwing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the angle of inclination of the first opening (9) and second opening (8) is adjustable, preferably via at least one extendable foot (21). A ball-throwing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the guide channel (4) is inclined along its longitudinal extent and preferably changes its direction at an angle (θ) of at least 90°, particularly preferably at least 120°.A ball-throwing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the ball-throwing device has a funnel for receiving several balls, which is arranged in the region of the first opening (9), and that the funnel preferably has telescopic rods and a net stretched by them. A ball-throwing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least one drying device (30) for drying the ball in the guide channel (4) is arranged along the guide channel (4). Ball throwing device according to claim 14, characterized in that the drying device (30) has at least one movement arm projecting into the guide channel (4), which is preferably rotatable and particularly preferably rotatably driven. Ball throwing device according to claim 15, characterized in that the drying device (30) has at least one bearing (33), which is preferably arranged at the same level of the guide channel (4) as the movement arm (31) and / or preferably on the opposite side of the guide channel (4). Ball throwing device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the drying device (30) has at least one air blower (36) and / or at least one ball stopper (34).A method for the mechanical throwing of a ball, wherein a ball is guided along a guide channel (4) of a ball-throwing device in a first direction (20) towards at least two driven first wheels (1), moves between the first wheels (1), and is thereby accelerated and thrown by the first wheels (1), characterized in that the first wheels (1), while in contact with the ball, first move away from each other and then move back towards each other. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that at least one first wheel (1), during the retraction, moves at least partially through a passage opening (6) of a housing (10) of the ball-throwing device.A method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the ball is held by at least one second wheel (2) in the guide channel (4) and is guided in the direction of the first wheels (1) only after receiving a release signal from the second wheel (2) in the guide channel. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the ball is detected by at least one sensor (5) upon or after entering the guide channel (4) and that preferably a release signal is sent by detecting the ball. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that a ball moving along the guide channel (4) in a second direction (23) opposite to the first direction is guided along the guide channel (4) to the second wheel (2) and moves between the second wheel (2) and at least one third wheel (3). The ball is accelerated and thrown in the second direction (23) by the second wheel (2) and third wheel (3), and preferably the second (2) and third wheel (3) first move away from each other and then move back towards each other while in contact with the ball. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the ball is dried by a drying device (30) during its movement through the guide channel (4) and is preferably blown and / or rotated by an airflow during drying.

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