Ball launcher and rotor

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can suppress wear of the balls by the rotors in a ball launching device that launches balls using the rotational force of multiple rotors. [Solution] In the ball launching device, at least one of the multiple rotors comprises an internal rotating body having an internal rotating body body supported by the main body of the ball launching device via a rotating shaft member, and an external rotating body having an external rotating body body disposed on the outer circumference side of the internal rotating body, and configured to rotate independently of the internal rotating body on the same rotating shaft as the rotating shaft member. In at least one rotor, an elastic deformable body that can be elastically deformed in the circumferential direction is housed in a housing formed between the internal rotating body and the external rotating body in the circumferential direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ball launching device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a ball launching device that sandwiches a ball by a plurality of rotors and launches the ball by the rotational force of the plurality of rotors is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a pitching machine in which three pitching rotors are arranged in a Y shape. In the pitching machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, in the central lower rotor located below the three rotors, the rotor shaft is attached to the rotor support structure via a cushion device. The cushion device is configured to be vertically movable with respect to the rotor support structure.

[0003] Also conventionally, a configuration in which the outer peripheral surface of a rotor in a ball launching device is covered with an elastic body is known (see, for example, Patent Document 4). Here, Patent Document 4 discloses a rotor in which the outer peripheral surface of a metal wheel is covered with urethane rubber. In the rotor disclosed in Patent Document 4, the urethane rubber ring is configured to be separable from the metal wheel. And the urethane rubber ring is pressed by a ring-shaped urethane rubber retainer in a state of being attached to the metal wheel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a ball launcher that uses the rotational force of multiple rotors to launch a ball, the ball is fed between multiple rotors that are rotating at high speed. The ball, trapped between the rotors, is then launched from between them at a speed corresponding to the rotational speed of the rotors. At this time, until the speed at which the ball moves between the rotors reaches a speed corresponding to the rotational speed of the rotors, the rotors slip on the surface of the ball. This can cause the surface of the ball to rub against the rotors, potentially leading to wear and tear on the ball.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a technology that can suppress wear of the balls by the rotors in a ball launching device that launches balls by the rotational force of multiple rotors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A ball launching device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a ball launching device that clamps a ball between a plurality of rotors and launches the ball by the rotational force of the plurality of rotors, wherein at least one of the plurality of rotors comprises an internal rotating body having an internal rotating body body supported on the main body of the ball launching device via a rotating shaft member, and an external rotating body having an external rotating body body disposed on the outer circumference side of the internal rotating body, and configured to rotate separately from the internal rotating body on the same rotating shaft as the rotating shaft member, and at least one In the rotor, an elastically deformable body that can be elastically deformed in the circumferential direction is housed in a housing formed between the internal rotating body and the external rotating body in the circumferential direction.

[0008] In the ball launching device according to the first aspect of the present invention, each of a plurality of rotors is supported by the main body of the ball launching device via a rotating shaft member. A ball is then sandwiched between the plurality of rotors that rotate at high speed, and the ball is launched by the rotational force of the plurality of rotors.

[0009] Furthermore, at least one of the multiple rotors comprises an internal rotating body and an external rotating body. The internal rotating body has an internal rotating body body supported by the main body of the ball launcher via a rotating shaft member. The external rotating body has an external rotating body body disposed on the outer circumference of the internal rotating body. The external rotating body is configured to rotate independently of the internal rotating body on the same rotating shaft as the rotating shaft member. In addition, at least one rotor comprises an elastically deformable body that can be elastically deformed in the circumferential direction. The elastically deformable body is housed in a accommodating portion formed between the internal rotating body and the external rotating body in the circumferential direction.

[0010] When at least one rotor rotates, the rotation of the rotating shaft member causes the internal rotating body, which has an internal rotating body body connected to the rotating shaft member, to rotate around the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft member. At this time, the rotational force of the rotating shaft member is not directly transmitted to the external rotating body. However, the rotational force of the internal rotating body is transmitted to the external rotating body via the elastic deformation body, causing the external rotating body to rotate together with the internal rotating body. Therefore, in at least one rotor, when no external force is acting on the external rotating body, the internal rotating body and the external rotating body rotate together around the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft member.

[0011] Furthermore, when a ball is caught between multiple rotors, the outer circumferential surface of the outer rotating body of at least one rotor comes into contact with the ball. This generates friction between the outer circumferential surface of the outer rotating body and the ball. In at least one rotor, the outer rotating body is not directly connected to the rotating shaft member and is configured to rotate independently of the inner rotating body. Therefore, when the rotor is rotating at high speed, and the ball comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the outer rotating body, causing friction between them, the rotational speed of the outer rotating body decreases while the rotational speed of the inner rotating body is maintained. As a result, the outer rotating body is displaced in the opposite direction to the rotational direction of the rotor relative to the inner rotating body. At this time, the size of the accommodating portion formed between the inner and outer rotating bodies changes in the circumferential direction. The elastic deformable body, which is housed in the accommodating portion and transmits the rotational force of the inner rotating body to the outer rotating body, is elastically deformable in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the size of the accommodating portion changes, the elastic deformable body undergoes elastic deformation accordingly.

[0012] Thus, when a ball is sandwiched between multiple rotors, if the outer surface of the outer rotating body is in contact with the ball and the outer rotating body is displaced in the opposite direction to the rotation of the rotor relative to the inner rotating body, friction of the ball's surface by the outer surface of the outer rotating body becomes less likely.

[0013] Furthermore, even if the outer rotating body is displaced relative to the inner rotating body which rotates together with the rotating shaft member, the outer circumferential surface of the outer rotating body body and the ball remain in contact, and the elastic deformation body is elastically deformed, causing the ball's movement speed to increase due to the rotational force of the rotor. Subsequently, the ball is launched from the ball launcher at a speed corresponding to the rotor's rotational speed. Also, when the ball is launched from the ball launcher, and the ball separates from the outer circumferential surface of the outer rotating body body in at least one rotor, the elastic deformation of the elastic deformation body within the housing is eliminated. As a result, the displacement of the outer rotating body relative to the inner rotating body is eliminated.

[0014] As described above, according to the ball launching device of the first aspect of the present invention, at least one In a rotor, friction on the surface of the ball caused by the rotor or external rotating body of the rotor, which occurs when the ball is caught between multiple rotors rotating at high speed, can be suppressed. Therefore, wear of the ball caused by the rotor can be suppressed.

[0015] In a ball launching device according to a first aspect of the present invention, in at least one rotor, the internal rotating body may have an outer circumferential projection that protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the internal rotating body body, and the external rotating body may have an inner circumferential projection that protrudes inward from the outer rotating body body. The housing portion may be formed between the outer circumferential projection and the inner circumferential projection, and the elastic deformable body may be housed in the housing portion in contact with the outer circumferential projection and the inner circumferential projection, respectively. In this case, when a ball contacts the outer circumferential surface of the external rotating body body, the external rotating body is displaced in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the rotor relative to the internal rotating body, and the elastic deformable body sandwiched between the outer circumferential projection of the internal rotating body and the inner circumferential projection of the external rotating body undergoes elastic deformation.

[0016] Here, in the at least one rotor, the internal rotating body may have a plurality of outer circumferential protrusions, and the external rotating body may have a plurality of inner circumferential protrusions. The plurality of outer circumferential protrusions of the internal rotating body and the plurality of inner circumferential protrusions of the external rotating body may be arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. In addition, the housing portion may be formed between adjacent outer circumferential protrusions and inner circumferential protrusions in the circumferential direction, and the elastic deformable body may be housed in each housing portion. With this configuration, when the external rotating body is displaced in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the rotor relative to the internal rotating body, the plurality of elastic deformable bodies sandwiched between the outer circumferential protrusions of the internal rotating body and the inner circumferential protrusions of the external rotating body undergo elastic deformation. Furthermore, when the balls separate from the outer circumferential surface of the external rotating body, the elastic deformation of the elastic deformable bodies in each housing portion is eliminated, thereby eliminating the displacement of the external rotating body relative to the internal rotating body.

[0017] In the ball launching device according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the at least one rotor, the elastic deformable body may include a cylindrical member or an annular member formed of an elastic body. However, the shape of the elastic deformable body is not limited to these. Further, the elastic deformable body may include a spring.

[0018] In the ball launching device according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the at least one rotor, the outer peripheral surface of the outer rotating body main body may be covered by an outer peripheral member formed of an elastic body. In this case, when a ball is sandwiched between a plurality of rotors, in at least one rotor, the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral member contacts the ball.

[0019] The rotor according to the second aspect of the present invention is a rotor of a ball launching device that sandwiches a ball by a plurality of rotors and launches the ball by the rotational force of the plurality of rotors, and includes an inner rotating body having an inner rotating body main body supported by a main body of the ball launching device via a rotating shaft member, and an outer rotating body having an outer rotating body main body disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner rotating body, the outer rotating body being configured to be rotatable separately from the inner rotating body about the same rotation axis as the rotating shaft member, and an elastic deformable body that is elastically deformable in the circumferential direction is accommodated in an accommodation portion formed between the inner rotating body and the outer rotating body in the circumferential direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, in a ball launching device that launches a ball by the rotational force of a plurality of rotors, wear of the ball by the rotors can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of the ball launching device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the ball launching device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the rotor support portion. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the rotor mounting portion in the rotor support section. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the internal structure of the rotor. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the rotor. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the rotor and ball when the ball is launched by the ball launcher. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a side view of a modified rotor. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the rotor and ball when a ball is launched by a modified ball launching device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in these embodiments are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to those specific components.

[0023] <Embodiment> [Overall structure] The schematic configuration of the ball launcher according to this embodiment will be described based on Figures 1 and 2. Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of the schematic configuration of the ball launcher according to this embodiment. Figure 1 is a front view of the ball launcher 1. In Figure 1, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is the left-right direction. In the following description, the left side of Figure 1 will be referred to as the left direction, and the right side of Figure 1 will be referred to as the right direction. Figure 2 is a side view of the ball launcher 1 when viewed from the right side. In the following description, the left side of Figure 2 will be referred to as the front, and the right side of Figure 2 will be referred to as the rear. Also, in Figures 1 and 2, circle V represents the ball that will be launched by the ball launcher 1.

[0024] The ball launcher 1 comprises a main body 2 and two rotors 3. Each rotor 3 has a substantially cylindrical shape with its rotation axis as its central axis. The two rotors 3 are mounted on the main body 2 such that their rotation axes (central axes) are substantially parallel to each other. The two rotors 3 are also arranged vertically with a predetermined distance between their outer surfaces. In the ball launcher 1, the ball V to be launched is fed from the rear between the two rapidly rotating rotors 3. The ball V is then sandwiched between the two rotors 3, and the rotational force of the two rotors 3 launches the ball V forward.

[0025] Here, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the distance between the outer surfaces of the two rotors 3 of the ball launcher 1 is smaller than the outer diameter of the ball V. Therefore, the ball V is compressed and sandwiched between the two rotors 3. For example, the distance T between the outer surfaces of the two rotors 3 (the distance between the narrowest part between the outer surfaces of the two rotors 3) may be set according to the following formula. T = K × D1 D1: Outer diameter of ball V K: Coefficient (0.5~0.99)

[0026] The main body 2 of the ball launcher 1 comprises a stand 21, a rotor support section 22, and a rotor cover 23. The upper end of the stand 21 is provided with a mounting section 211 for attaching the rotor support section 22. The rotor support section 22 has a support shaft 221, a support plate 222, and a support frame 223. The rotor cover 23 is provided for each of the two rotors 3.

[0027] The support shaft 221 of the rotor support section 22 is attached to the mounting section 211 of the frame 21. The left portion of the support shaft 221, which extends in the left-right direction, is inserted through the mounting section 211. A support shaft 221 is attached. In the rotor support section 22, the right end of the support shaft 221 is connected to the left side of the support plate 222, and the right side of the support plate 222 is connected to the support frame 223.

[0028] The support frame 223 of the rotor support section 22 is a frame assembled in a roughly rectangular shape with the vertical direction as its longitudinal direction. Rotors 3 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the support frame 223, respectively. The two rotors 3 are located on the right side of the support frame 223. Two motors 4 for rotating each rotor 3 are attached to the left side of the support frame 223. In the following description, when distinguishing between the two rotors 3, the rotor 3 attached to the upper end of the support frame 223 will be referred to as the first rotor 3a, and the rotor 3 attached to the lower end of the support frame 223 will be referred to as the second rotor 3b.

[0029] A rotor cover 23 is attached to the support frame 223 to cover each rotor 3. A rotor cover 23 is provided at the upper end of the support frame 223 to cover the portion of the first rotor 3a excluding the lower portion. A rotor cover 23 is provided at the lower end of the support frame 223 to cover the portion of the second rotor 3b excluding the upper portion.

[0030] In the ball launching device 1, the rotational speed of each rotor 3 can be adjusted by controlling the output of each motor 4 with a control device (not shown). By adjusting the rotational speed of each rotor 3, the launching speed of the ball V and the rotational state of the ball V can be changed. The rotational speeds of the two rotors 3 may also be controlled independently.

[0031] Furthermore, the ball launcher 1 may be provided with a ball guide frame for feeding the ball V between the two rotors 3. Also, the rotor support section 22 may be mounted to the base 21 in a way that allows for variable height and angle adjustments. By changing the height and angle of the rotor support section 22, the height of the launch position and the launch angle of the ball V can be changed.

[0032] Furthermore, the ball launcher 1 may also be configured to include three or more rotors. In this case, the three or more rotors are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, and the ball V is sandwiched between the three or more rotors.

[0033] The ball launching device 1 can be used, for example, as a pitching machine for baseball, a ball-dispensing machine for tennis, a serving machine for volleyball, or a soccer machine. The shape of the ball launched by the ball launching device 1 is not limited to a spherical shape with a circular cross-section, like ball V. For example, a ball with an elliptical cross-section may also be used as the target of launching.

[0034] [Configuration of the rotor support section] Next, the more detailed configuration of the rotor support section 22 will be explained based on Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a side view of the rotor support section 22 when viewed from the right side. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the mounting portion of the rotor 3 in the rotor support section 22. In Figure 4, the vicinity of the mounting portion of the rotor 3 in the rotor support section 22 is shown as a cross-sectional view of the cross section shown as AA in Figure 3. Note that, for convenience, Figures 3 and 4 show the rotor cover 23 removed. Also, in Figures 3 and 4, circle V represents the ball that will be launched by the ball launcher 1.

[0035] Motors 4 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the support frame 223, starting from the left side. The support frame 223 is provided with rotor mounting portions 225 at the upper and lower ends, facing the motor 4. The rotor 3 is attached to each rotor mounting portion 225. The rotor 3 is attached to the rotor mounting portion 225 via a rotating shaft member 33.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the rotor 3 has an internal rotating body 31 and an external rotating body 32. One end 331 of the rotating shaft member 33 is connected to the internal rotating body 31 of the rotor 3. As a result, the internal rotating body 31 of the rotor 3 rotates around the central axis of the rotating shaft member 33 as its axis of rotation. The detailed configuration of the rotor 3 will be described later.

[0037] The other end 332 of the rotating shaft member 33 of the rotor 3 is connected to the drive shaft 41 of the motor 4, which is located opposite, via a coupling portion 42. This transmits the driving force of the motor 4 from the drive shaft 41 to the rotating shaft member 33 via the coupling portion 42. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the rotation of the drive shaft 41 of the motor 4 is transmitted to the rotating shaft member 33 via gears or pulleys. The rotating shaft member 33 is rotatably supported on the rotor mounting portion 225 via a first bearing portion 226. This allows the internal rotating body 31 of the rotor 3 to be rotatably supported on the rotor support portion 22 via the rotating shaft member 33. Furthermore, to the left of the connection portion with the internal rotating body 31 on one end 331 of the rotating shaft member 33, the external rotating body 32 is supported on the rotating shaft member 33 via a second bearing portion 227. This allows the external rotating body 32 to rotate independently of the internal rotating body 31 on the same axis of rotation as the rotating shaft member 33.

[0038] [Rotor configuration] Next, the more detailed configuration of rotor 3 will be described based on Figures 5 and 6. Figures 5 and 6 show the internal structure of rotor 3. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the internal part of rotor 3 in the cross-sectional view of the cross section shown as AA in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a side view of rotor 3. Figure 6 shows a side view of rotor 3 (second rotor 3b) with the side cover 36 (described later) removed, viewed from the right side. In Figure 6, the white arrows indicate the direction of rotation of rotor 3.

[0039] As described above, the rotor 3 has an internal rotating body 31 and an external rotating body 32. The internal rotating body 31 and the external rotating body 32 may be made of a metal such as aluminum or iron. In addition, the internal rotating body 31 and the external rotating body 32 may be made of resin to reduce weight.

[0040] The internal rotating body 31 has an internal rotating body main body 311 and three outer peripheral protrusions 31a. The internal rotating body main body 311 is connected to the rotating shaft member 33 with one end 331 of the rotating shaft member 33 inserted through it. As shown in Figure 6, the internal rotating body 31 has three outer peripheral protrusions 31a that protrude outward from the internal rotating body main body 311 and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. When the rotating shaft member 33 rotates, the internal rotating body main body 311 rotates around the central axis of the rotating shaft member 33 as the axis of rotation. In addition, the three outer peripheral protrusions 31a rotate around the axis of rotation as the internal rotating body main body 311 rotates.

[0041] The external rotating body 32 comprises an external rotating body body 321 and a side member 322. The external rotating body body 321 has a cylindrical shape and is positioned on the outer circumference side of the outer peripheral projection 31a of the internal rotating body 31. The side member 322 is attached to the right end of the external rotating body body 321. The side member 322 is a disc-shaped member with an opening in the center. The portion of the side member 322 near the outer peripheral edge, the outer peripheral edge portion 3221, is screwed to the right end of the external rotating body body 321 by a plurality of screws 35 arranged circumferentially. The external rotating body body 321 and the side member 322 may be formed as a single unit.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, in the portion of the side member 322 of the external rotating body 32 that is closer to the center (towards the rotating shaft member 33) than the portion near the outer peripheral edge 3221, three recesses 3222 and three inner circumferential protrusions 32a are formed. In the side member 322, as shown in Figure 5, the recesses 3222 are formed when the outer wall surface of the side member 322 (the right side wall surface in Figure 5) is recessed to the left of the internal rotating body 31. In the recesses 3222, a step is formed when the outer wall surface of the side member 322 is recessed to the left from the portion near the outer peripheral edge 3221 along the inner circumferential surface of the external rotating body 321. In addition, the bottom wall portion 3222a, which forms the bottom wall of the recesses 3222 in the side member 322, is located to the left of the internal rotating body 31. Furthermore, with the rotating shaft member 33 inserted through an opening formed in the center of the side member 322, the bottom wall portion 3222a of the recess 3222 of the side member 322 is supported by the rotating shaft member 33 via the second bearing portion 227. As a result, the rotational force of the rotating shaft member 33 is not directly transmitted to the external rotating body 32, and the external rotating body 32 is supported by the rotating shaft member 33. In addition, the external rotating body 32 can rotate independently of the internal rotating body 31 on the same axis of rotation as the rotating shaft member 33.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, when the rotor 3 is attached to the rotor mounting portion 225, the rotor mounting portion 225 protrudes into the internal space of the rotor 3 from the opening at the left end (the end opposite to the side member 322) of the external rotating body 32. Within the internal space of the rotor 3, the rotating shaft member 33 is supported by the first bearing portion 226. In addition, a side cover 36 that covers the entire right side portion of the rotor 3 is attached to the vicinity of the outer edge 3221 of the side member 322 of the external rotating body 32.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, on the side member 322 of the external rotating body 32, three inner circumferential protrusions 32a are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, projecting inward from the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge 3221. In other words, on the external rotating body 32, the inner circumferential protrusions 32a protrude inward from the external rotating body body 321. Note that in Figure 6, the inner circumferential surface of the external rotating body body 321 is shown by a dashed line. Also, on the side member 322, the inner circumferential protrusions 32a protrude outward (towards the viewer in Figure 6) relative to the recesses 3222. The inner circumferential protrusions 32a have a roughly triangular shape with one vertex on the inner side. Also, on the side member 322 of the external rotating body 32, each of the three recesses 3222 is formed between each of the three inner circumferential protrusions 32a in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the outer peripheral protrusions 31a of the internal rotating body 31 are positioned at the locations of the recesses 3222 in the side member 322 of the external rotating body 32. As a result, a space is formed between the outer peripheral protrusions 31a of adjacent internal rotating bodies 31 and the inner peripheral protrusions 32a of the external rotating body 32 in the circumferential direction of the rotor 3.

[0045] Hereafter, the side of the outer circumferential protrusion 31a of the internal rotating body 31 or the inner circumferential protrusion 32a of the external rotating body 32 that is on the side facing the direction of rotation of the rotor 3 will be referred to as the "direction of rotation side." The side of the outer circumferential protrusion 31a of the internal rotating body 31 or the inner circumferential protrusion 32a of the external rotating body 32 that is on the side opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotor 3 will be referred to as the "opposite direction side." Figure 6 shows a state in which no external force is acting on the external rotating body 32 (i.e., the ball V is not in contact with the rotor 3).

[0046] When no external force is acting on the rotor 3, as shown in Figure 6, the opposite side surface W2 of the outer circumferential protrusion 31a of the inner rotating body 31 and the rotational side surface X1 of the inner circumferential protrusion 32a of the outer rotating body 32 are in contact with each other. On the other hand, a space 50 is formed in the rotor 3 between the rotational side surface W1 of the outer circumferential protrusion 31a of the inner rotating body 31 and the opposite side surface X2 of the inner circumferential protrusion 32a of the outer rotating body 32. This space 50 will be referred to as the "accommodation section 50" below. In the rotor 3, in which three protrusions 31a and 32a are formed on the inner rotating body 31 and the outer rotating body 32 respectively, accommodation Section 50 is formed in three locations.

[0047] Each housing 50 houses an elastic deformable body 37. The elastic deformable body 37 is formed from a cylindrical elastic body whose cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotor 3 is annular. The elastic deformable body 37 is elastically deformable in the circumferential direction of the rotor 3. The elastic deformable body 37 may be formed from rubber such as natural rubber, nitrile rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, isoprene rubber, styrene rubber, or butadiene rubber. However, the elastic deformable body 37 only needs to be configured to be elastically deformable in the circumferential direction of the rotor 3, and its structure, shape, and material are not particularly limited. For example, the elastic deformable body 37 may be formed from an annular elastic body. Also, the elastic deformable body 37 may have an outer circumference shape other than a circle and have an internal space that forms an inner circumference. Furthermore, the elastic deformable body 37 may be formed from resin. Furthermore, the elastic deformable body 37 is housed in the housing 50 with its outer surface in contact with the rotational side surface W1 of the outer circumferential protrusion 31a of the inner rotating body 31 and the opposite side surface X2 of the inner circumferential protrusion 32a of the outer rotating body 32. Therefore, when the circumferential distance between the rotational side surface W1 of the outer circumferential protrusion 31a and the opposite side surface X2 of the inner circumferential protrusion 32a decreases, the elastic deformable body 37 elastically deforms in a contracting direction within the housing 50.

[0048] Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface 32b of the outer rotating body 321 of the outer rotating body 32 is covered by an outer circumferential member 34. The outer circumferential member 34 is made of an elastic material. The outer circumferential member 34 also has a cylindrical shape, similar to the outer rotating body 321. In the ball launching device 1, the outer circumferential surface 341 of the outer circumferential member 34 contacts the ball V sandwiched between the two rotors 3. The outer circumferential member 34 may be made of rubber such as natural rubber, nitrile rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, isoprene rubber, styrene rubber, or butadiene rubber.

[0049] [Effects / Effects] In the ball launching device 1, when the rotors 3 are rotating without a ball V sandwiched between them, the internal rotating body 31 and the external rotating body 32 rotate together. That is, the internal rotating body 31 and the external rotating body 32 rotate at the same rotational speed. When a ball V is fed between the two rotors 3 rotating at high speed, the outer surface 341 of the outer peripheral member 34 covering the outer peripheral surface 32b of the external rotating body 32 comes into contact with the ball V. As a result, friction is generated between the outer peripheral surface 341 of the outer peripheral member 34 and the ball V.

[0050] When friction occurs between the outer surface 341 of the outer peripheral member 34 and the ball V, an external force acts on the outer rotating body 32 in the opposite direction to the rotation direction. As described above, in the rotor 3, the outer rotating body 32 can rotate independently of the inner rotating body 31. Therefore, when the ball V contacts the outer surface 341 of the outer peripheral member 34 and acts as an external force on the outer rotating body 32 in the opposite direction to the rotation direction, the rotation speed of the inner rotating body 31 is maintained while only the rotation speed of the outer rotating body 32 decreases. Furthermore, the frictional force acting on the outer surface 341 of the outer peripheral member 34 when the ball V contacts it is greater than the elastic force of the elastic deformation body 37 housed in each housing 50. Therefore, when the rotation speed of the inner rotating body 31 is maintained while only the rotation speed of the outer rotating body 32 decreases, the elastic deformation body 37 deforms in the direction of contraction, and the outer rotating body 32 is temporarily displaced relative to the inner rotating body 31 in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the rotor 3.

[0051] Figure 7 shows the state of the rotor 3 and ball V when ball V is launched by the ball launcher 1. Figures 7(a) and (b) show the internal state of rotor 3 (second rotor 3b) when ball V is trapped between two rotors 3 rotating at high speed. In Figures 7(a) and (b), the white arrows indicate the direction of rotation of rotor 3. Also, in Figure 7, time progresses in the order of (a) and (b).

[0052] Figure 7(a) shows the internal rotating body 31 and the external rotating body 32 rotating together. When the ball V comes into contact with the outer surface 341 of the outer peripheral member 34, and only the rotational speed of the external rotating body 32 decreases, the external rotating body 32 is displaced relative to the internal rotating body 31 in the opposite direction to the rotational direction of the rotor 3, as shown in Figure 7(b).

[0053] When the external rotating body 32 is displaced relative to the internal rotating body 31 in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the rotor 3, the space formed between the outer circumferential protrusion 31a of the internal rotating body 31 and the inner circumferential protrusion 32a of the external rotating body 32, i.e., the size of the housing portion 50, decreases. In other words, the circumferential distance between the rotation-direction side W1 of the outer circumferential protrusion 31a and the opposite-direction side X2 of the inner circumferential protrusion 32a decreases. Consequently, the elastic deformation body 37 within each housing portion 50 undergoes elastic deformation in the direction of contraction.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7(b), even if the external rotating body 32 is displaced relative to the internal rotating body 31, the rotor 3 rotates while the outer surface 341 of the outer peripheral member 34 and the ball V are in contact and the elastic deformation body 37 is elastically deformed within each housing section 50. The rotational force of the rotor 3 increases the speed at which the ball V moves. Subsequently, the ball V is launched from the ball launcher 1 at a speed corresponding to the rotational speed of the rotor 3. When the ball V is launched from the ball launcher 1, the ball V separates from the outer surface 341 of the outer peripheral member 34 in the rotor 3, and no external force acts on the external rotating body 32. Therefore, the elastic deformation of the elastic deformation body 37 within each housing section 50 is eliminated. As a result, the displacement of the external rotating body 32 relative to the internal rotating body 31 is eliminated.

[0055] As described above, when a ball V is sandwiched between two rotors 3, if the outer circumferential surface 341 of the outer circumferential member 34 is in contact with the ball V and the outer rotating body 32 is displaced in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the rotor 3 relative to the inner rotating body 31, the outer circumferential member 34 of the rotor 3 is less likely to slip on the surface of the ball V. Therefore, friction of the surface of the ball V by the outer circumferential member 34 of the rotor 3 is less likely to occur. As a result, wear of the ball V by the rotor 3 can be suppressed. In addition, since the elastic deformable body 37 is housed in the housing portion 50 formed between the outer circumferential protrusion 31a of the inner rotating body 31 and the inner circumferential protrusion 32a of the outer rotating body 32, the displacement of the outer rotating body 32 relative to the inner rotating body 31 after the ball V is launched from the ball launching device 1 can be eliminated.

[0056] [Example 1] Next, a modified example of the rotor of the ball launching device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a side view of the rotor 3 according to the modified example. Figure 8 shows a side view of the rotor 3 (second rotor 3b) with the side cover 36 removed, viewed from the right side. Note that Figure 8 represents a state in which no external force is acting on the external rotating body 32 (i.e., a state in which the ball V is not in contact with the rotor 3). Also, in Figure 8, the white arrows indicate the direction of rotation of the rotor 3.

[0057] In this modified rotor 3, the internal rotating body 31 has an internal rotating body body 311 and three outer peripheral protrusions 31a. The external rotating body 32 has an external rotating body body 321 and a side member 322. In the side member 322, three recesses 3222 and three inner peripheral protrusions 32a are formed in the portion closer to the center (towards the rotating shaft member 33) than the outer peripheral edge portion 3221. In this modified version as well, in the external rotating body 32, the inner peripheral protrusions 32a protrude inward from the external rotating body body 321. In Figure 8, the inner circumferential surface of the external rotating body body 321 is shown by a dashed line. Furthermore, in the rotor 3, three housing portions 50 are formed. However, in this modified version, instead of the elastic deformation body 37, an elastic deformation body 38 is housed in each housing portion 50, which differs from the embodiment described above.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, in this modified example, the internal rotating body 311 has a substantially triangular shape. Outer circumference protrusions 31a are formed at each vertex of the triangular shape of the internal rotating body 311. In this modified example as well, when no external force is acting on the rotor 3, the opposite side surface W2 of the outer circumference protrusion 31a of the internal rotating body 31 and the rotational side surface X1 of the inner circumference protrusion 32a of the external rotating body 32 are in contact with each other. Furthermore, a housing portion 50 is formed between the rotational side surface W1 of the outer circumference protrusion 31a of the internal rotating body 31 and the opposite side surface X2 of the inner circumference protrusion 32a of the external rotating body 32.

[0059] Each housing section 50 houses an elastic deformable body 38. The elastic deformable body 38 is made up of a spring that expands and contracts in the circumferential direction. The spring used as the elastic deformable body 38 may be, for example, a coil spring or a leaf spring. One end of the elastic deformable body 38 housed in the housing section 50 is connected to the rotational side surface W1 of the outer circumferential protrusion 31a, and the other end is connected to the opposite side surface X2 of the inner circumferential protrusion 32a. Therefore, when the circumferential distance between the rotational side surface W1 of the outer circumferential protrusion 31a and the opposite side surface X2 of the inner circumferential protrusion 32a decreases, the elastic deformable body 38 elastically deforms in the direction of contraction within the housing section 50.

[0060] Figure 9 shows the state of the rotor 3 and ball V when ball V is launched by the modified ball launching device 1. Figures 9(a) and (b) show the internal state of rotor 3 (second rotor 3b) when ball V is trapped between two rotors 3 rotating at high speed. In Figures 9(a) and (b), the white arrows indicate the direction of rotation of rotor 3. Also, in Figure 9, time progresses in the order of (a) and (b).

[0061] Figure 9(a) shows the internal rotating body 31 and the external rotating body 32 rotating together. When the ball V comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface 341 of the outer peripheral member 34, and only the rotational speed of the external rotating body 32 decreases, the external rotating body 32 is displaced relative to the internal rotating body 31 in the opposite direction to the rotational direction of the rotor 3, as shown in Figure 9(b). As a result, the circumferential distance between the rotational side W1 of the outer peripheral protrusion 31a and the opposite side X2 of the inner peripheral protrusion 32a decreases. Consequently, in this modified example, the elastic deformation body 38, which is composed of springs, elastically deforms in the direction of contraction within each housing section 50. Furthermore, when the ball V is launched from the ball launcher 1 and no external force acts on the external rotating body 32, the elastic deformation of the elastic deformation body 38 within each housing section 50 is eliminated. As a result, the displacement of the external rotating body 32 relative to the internal rotating body 31 is eliminated.

[0062] As described above, even with the configuration of the rotor 3 according to this modification, the internal rotating body 31 and the external rotating body 32 operate in the same way as in the embodiment described above when the ball V is launched by the ball launching device 1. Therefore, the same operation and effects as in the embodiment described above can be obtained with the configuration of the rotor 3 according to this modification.

[0063] In this modified example, a housing portion 50 may be formed between the opposite side surface W2 of the outer circumferential protrusion 31a of the internal rotating body 31 and the rotational side surface X1 of the inner circumferential protrusion 32a of the external rotating body 32. In this case, the elastic deformation body 38, which is a spring housed in the housing portion 50, has one end connected to the opposite side surface W2 of the outer circumferential protrusion 31a and the other end connected to the rotational side surface X1 of the inner circumferential protrusion 32a. When the outer circumferential surface 341 of the outer circumferential member 34 contacts the ball V, causing the external rotating body 32 to be displaced relative to the internal rotating body 31 in the opposite direction to the rotational direction of the rotor 3, the size of the housing portion 50 increases. That is, the circumferential distance between the opposite side surface W2 of the outer circumferential protrusion 31a and the rotational side surface X1 of the inner circumferential protrusion 32a increases. Consequently, the elastic deformation body 38 elastically deforms in the direction of elongation within each housing portion 50. Furthermore, when the ball V is launched from the ball launcher 1, and no external force acts on the external rotating body 32, the elastic deformation of the elastic deformation body 38 within each housing section 50 is eliminated. As a result, the displacement of the external rotating body 32 relative to the internal rotating body 31 is eliminated.

[0064] [Other variations] In the rotor 3, the number, shape, and structure of the outer circumferential protrusions 31a of the internal rotating body 31 and the inner circumferential protrusions 32a of the external rotating body 32 are not limited to the number, shape, and structure described above. The outer circumferential protrusions 31a of the internal rotating body 31 and the inner circumferential protrusions 32a of the external rotating body 32 only need to be configured so that an elastically deformable body can be accommodated between them while in contact with both. For example, in the rotor 3, a configuration in which only one outer circumferential protrusion 31a of the internal rotating body 31 and only one inner circumferential protrusion 32a of the external rotating body 32 is adopted. The number, shape, and structure of the outer circumferential protrusions 31a of the internal rotating body 31 and the inner circumferential protrusions 32a of the external rotating body 32 can be used to define the maximum displacement when the external rotating body 32 is displaced relative to the internal rotating body 31 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotor 3.

[0065] Furthermore, in the ball launcher 1, it is not necessarily required that both rotors 3 have the above-described configuration. In other words, only one of the first rotor 3a and the second rotor 3b may have the above-described configuration. In this case, the other of the first rotor 3a and the second rotor 3b may have a configuration in which, for example, the rotor body does not have separate components such as an internal rotating body 31 and an external rotating body 32, but is formed integrally. Even if only one of the first rotor 3a and the second rotor 3b has the above-described configuration, wear of the ball V by the rotor 3 can be suppressed. However, if both rotors 3 have the above-described configuration, wear of the ball V by the rotor 3 can be suppressed even more effectively. Also, even if the ball launcher 1 is equipped with three or more rotors 3, if at least one rotor 3 has the above-described configuration, the effect of suppressing wear of the ball V by the rotor 3 can be obtained. However, even in this case, if all three or more rotors 3 have the above-described configuration, wear of the ball V by the rotor 3 can be suppressed even more effectively.

[0066] Furthermore, in the rotor 3, the outer circumferential surface 32b of the outer rotating body 321 of the outer rotating body 32 does not necessarily have to be covered by the outer circumferential member 34. In other words, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the outer rotating body 32 does not have an outer circumferential member 34, and the outer circumferential surface 32b of the outer rotating body 321 is in direct contact with the ball V. However, by providing an outer circumferential member 34 made of an elastic material, the frictional force when the rotor 3 and the ball V come into contact can be increased. As a result, the rotational force of the rotor 3 can be transmitted to the ball V more efficiently. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1. Ball launcher 2. Main unit 21. Stand 22. Rotor support section 221...Support shaft 222 ··Support plate 223 ··Support frame 3. Rotor 3a ··First rotor 3b · Second rotor 31. Internal rotating body 31a ·· Outer peripheral protrusion 311 ··Internal Rotating Body 32. External Rotating Body 32a ··Inner circumferential protrusion 32b...Outer surface 321 ··External Rotating Body 322 ··Side members 3221 ··Near the outer edge 3222··Recess 33. Rotating shaft member 34. Peripheral member 341...Outer surface 37, 38... Elastic deformable body 4. Motor 50. Storage Unit

Claims

1. A ball launching device that clamps a ball between multiple rotors and launches the ball using the rotational force of the multiple rotors, At least one of the aforementioned plurality of rotors, The ball launching device has an internal rotating body which is supported by the main body of the ball launching device via a rotating shaft member, The external rotating body has an external rotating body body disposed on the outer circumference of the internal rotating body, and is configured to rotate independently of the internal rotating body on the same axis of rotation as the rotating shaft member, In at least one of the rotors, an elastically deformable body that can be elastically deformed in the circumferential direction is housed in a housing formed between the internal rotating body and the external rotating body in the circumferential direction. Ball launcher.

2. In the above-mentioned at least one rotor, The internal rotating body has an outer peripheral projection that protrudes outward from the main body of the internal rotating body, The external rotating body has an inner circumferential protrusion that protrudes inward from the main body of the external rotating body, The housing portion is formed between the outer circumferential protrusion and the inner circumferential protrusion, and the elastic deformable body is housed in the housing portion in contact with the outer circumferential protrusion and the inner circumferential protrusion, respectively. Ball launcher.

3. In the above-mentioned at least one rotor, The internal rotating body has a plurality of the outer peripheral protrusions, The external rotating body has a plurality of inner circumferential protrusions, The plurality of outer circumferential protrusions of the internal rotating body and the plurality of inner circumferential protrusions of the external rotating body are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The housing portion is formed between adjacent outer circumferential protrusions and inner circumferential protrusions in the circumferential direction, and the elastic deformable body is housed in each housing portion. The ball launching device according to claim 2.

4. In the above-mentioned at least one rotor, The elastic deformable body includes a cylindrical member or annular member formed of an elastic material, or a spring. The ball launching device according to claim 1.

5. In the above-mentioned at least one rotor, The outer circumferential surface of the external rotating body is covered by an outer circumferential member formed of an elastic material. The ball launching device according to claim 1.

6. A rotor for a ball launching device that clamps a ball between multiple rotors and launches the ball using the rotational force of the multiple rotors, The ball launching device has an internal rotating body which is supported by the main body of the ball launching device via a rotating shaft member, The external rotating body has an external rotating body body disposed on the outer circumference of the internal rotating body, and is configured to rotate independently of the internal rotating body on the same axis of rotation as the rotating shaft member, An elastically deformable body that can be elastically deformed in the circumferential direction is housed in a housing formed between the internal rotating body and the external rotating body in the circumferential direction. rotor.

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