Modular golf ball collection system with automatic ball discharge for autonomous lawnmowers that allows simultaneous use of cutting.

Abstract

An autonomous system for collecting golf balls combined with lawn mowing, characterized by comprising: - a front diverter adaptable to the terrain that ejects the balls to the sides; - a rear structure or frame anchored to the rear of the machine; - collection rollers mounted on said frame, positioned on both sides of the machine and vertically aligned with the wheel axles, but without mechanical connection to them; - ball storage compartments attached to the frame; - and an automatic unloading system for said balls activated upon arrival at a loading station.

Description

Modular golf ball collection system with automatic ball discharge for autonomous lawnmowers that allows simultaneous mowing. Technology sector The present invention falls within the sector of machinery for the maintenance of golf courses, and more specifically in automated systems for the collection of golf balls in practice fields, integrated with autonomous lawn mowing machines. Background of the invention Current state-of-the-art solutions exist for the autonomous collection of golf balls or the autonomous mowing of lawns. However, to date, no system exists that combines both functions in a single machine, allowing an autonomous robotic unit to mow the lawn and collect golf balls simultaneously, and also automatically unload the collected balls without human intervention. Current ball collection systems typically consist of trailed platforms or standalone units with rollers, lacking integration with lawnmowers or automatic unloading systems. Furthermore, they struggle on uneven terrain, where balls are not always collected efficiently. Explanation of the invention The invention proposes a complete and integrated system that allows an autonomous lawnmower to simultaneously perform the tasks of: mowing the lawn, collecting golf balls scattered around the driving range, and automatically unloading said balls upon arrival at the charging station. The system is composed of the following elements: - Front diverter adaptable to the terrain. - Rear supporting structure or frame. - Ball collection rollers. - Baskets or collection compartments. - Automatic download system. The entire collection system is modular and can be adapted to any model of autonomous lawn mowing machine. This unit is installed on a self-propelled lawnmower with towing capability. The unit's frame is bolted to the rear of the machine, and a ball collection system using discs and baskets is added to both sides of this frame. Because the machine has a ball diverter in front of the cutting unit, the balls are ejected from the sides and collected by the discs into the baskets. This diverter prevents the balls from being damaged by the cutting unit's blades. Once the machine returns to its base station, either due to job completion or low battery, the baskets carrying the collected balls are tipped over by a cam system and a small lifting ramp for that cam. This allows the balls to be emptied into the hopper, which will guide them either to a ball washing station or directly to the vending machine, either by gravity or via a conveyor belt. Brief description of the drawings Figure 1.- Perspective view of the complete system: 1.- Autonomous robotic lawnmower. 2.- Golf ball diverter. 3.- Cutting unit. 4.- Golf ball collection rollers. 5.- Golf ball collection baskets. 6.- Frame connecting the ball collection system to the autonomous lawnmower. Figure 2.- Front view of the rear collection system: 1.- Autonomous robotic lawnmower. 2.- Golf ball diverter. 3.- Cutting unit. 4.- Golf ball collection rollers. 5.- Golf ball collection baskets. 6.- Frame connecting the ball collection system to the autonomous lawnmower. Figure 3.- View of the machine at the unloading station: 1.- Autonomous robotic lawnmower. 2.- Golf ball diverter. 3.- Cutting unit. 4.- Golf ball collection rollers. 5.- Golf ball collection baskets. 6. Frame connecting the ball collection system to the autonomous lawnmower. 7. Lifting cam for automatic unloading of the catcher baskets. 8.- Golf ball drop zone in automatic unloading. 9.- Gravity outlet of the ball collection hopper. Preferred embodiment of the invention In a preferred embodiment, the system is mounted on a zero-turn autonomous lawn mowing machine. The front of the machine incorporates an adaptable segmented diverter that deflects the balls to the sides. At the rear, a structural frame is installed that extends laterally. On it: Two independent ball collection rollers are mounted, one on each side, aligned vertically with the wheel axles, but without mechanical connection to them. The collected balls are stored in baskets or compartments attached to the frame. Upon reaching the loading station, connecting rods attached to the baskets rub against a fixed ramp, causing them to open and automatically empty into a hopper. The balls fall into this hopper, installed on the ground or in a fixed structure, and from there they are conveyed by gravity or by means of a conveyor belt to a dispenser, washer or other processing point. The system allows for complete automation of field maintenance, reducing the need for personnel and improving service continuity.

Claims

1. An autonomous system for collecting golf balls combined with lawn mowing, characterized by comprising: - a front diverter adaptable to the terrain that ejects the balls to the sides; - a rear structure or frame anchored to the rear of the machine; - collection rollers mounted on said frame, positioned on both sides of the machine and vertically aligned with the wheel axles, but without mechanical connection to them; - ball storage compartments attached to the frame; - and an automatic unloading system for said balls activated upon arrival at a loading station.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the front diverter is composed of vertically articulated segments that allow it to adapt to the terrain. 3.System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge of balls is carried out on a hopper, and these are conveyed by free fall or conveyor belt to a dispenser or washing machine.