Catching machine

Abstract

This invention provides a catching machine for automatically catching baseballs pitched by a user. According to this invention, it is possible to provide a catching machine that is safe to use, accurately catches only baseballs that fall into the strike zone, and allows both ordinary people and professional-level pitchers to practice pitching.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a catching machine for automatically catching a flying baseball.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, as games mainly played by the general public related to baseball, there are betting games and pitching games. The pitching game is divided into a speed measurement game for measuring the speed of a baseball and an accuracy measurement game for dividing the strike zone and pitching to an accurate position.

[0003] The baseballs thrown by the user in the speed measurement game and the accuracy measurement game hit a mat or a cloth and fall to the floor. That is, there is no means to catch the baseballs thrown by the user in the pitching game.

[0004] In the pitching game, if there is a catching means for catching the baseball thrown by the user, the interest in the pitching game can be enhanced.

[0005] In particular, if a catching means that can catch the baseball only when the baseball thrown by the user just enters the strike zone is implemented, the interest in the pitching game can be further enhanced.

[0006] Also, since the possibility of malfunction is low and the risk of injury to infants and the like is very small, the user can enjoy the pitching game with confidence.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a catching machine that can be used safely, accurately catches only baseballs that enter the strike zone, and enables pitching practice for both the general public and professional pitchers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A catching machine according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives includes a glove; a frame module fitted into the glove and configured to allow the glove to catch or release a baseball; a drive module comprising a cylinder having a piston that moves horizontally and is connected to the frame module; a sensor module for detecting a baseball pitched toward the glove; and a control module that controls the sensor module and the drive module, such that the drive module is driven when the sensor module detects a baseball. The frame module includes a plate to which the drive module is fixed; a frame support portion to which the piston of the cylinder is fixed and which has a rail-shaped groove formed inside for vertical movement; a first roller and a second roller that move up and down along the rail-shaped groove in response to the horizontal movement of the piston; a T-shaped first frame and a second frame connected to the first roller and the second roller, respectively; and a glove frame extending from the first frame and the second frame, respectively, and fitted into the glove. The glove may be configured to perform catching and releasing operations as the frame support portion moves forward and backward due to the horizontal movement of the piston.

[0009] Here, the cylinder includes an electric cylinder, and the drive module further includes a servo motor that supplies power to the electric cylinder, a screw built into the electric cylinder with one end connected to the piston, and a timing belt that connects the other end of the screw to the drive shaft of the servo motor, wherein when the screw rotates in the forward direction due to the rotation of the servo motor, the piston is exposed and moves forward, and when the screw rotates in the reverse direction, the piston is retracted and moves backward.

[0010] Here, the cylinder includes a pneumatic cylinder, and the drive module may include a compressor that supplies compressed air to the pneumatic cylinder, and a solenoid valve that controls the compressed air supplied from the compressor to control the horizontal motion of the pneumatic cylinder.

[0011] Here, the compressor includes an air tank containing compressed air at a maximum pressure of 5 bar to 15 bar, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the compressed air in the air tank, a pump for compressing and supplying air to the air tank, and a motor for supplying power to the pump. The control module controls the motor to start driving when the pressure of the compressed air detected by the pressure sensor drops to 65% to 85% or less of the maximum pressure, thereby replenishing the air tank with air, which allows the glove to perform catching operations continuously even at time intervals of 30 seconds or less.

[0012] Here, the sensor module includes a first sensor unit located in front of the glove and a second sensor unit located in front of the first sensor unit, and the control module can operate the drive module only when a baseball pitched toward the glove is detected by both the first and second sensor units.

[0013] Here, the first sensor unit includes a first left-right sensor and a second left-right sensor, each located on the front left and right sides of the glove and having a length of 10 cm to 51 cm, and the second sensor unit includes a first up-down sensor and a second up-down sensor, each located on the front top and bottom sides of the glove and having a length of 20 cm to 61 cm, and the control module can be configured so that the drive module operates only when the baseball passes through an area corresponding to the height of 10 cm to 51 cm and the width of 20 cm to 61 cm.

[0014] Here, the first sensor unit is positioned at a distance of 3 cm to 20 cm from the glove, and the control module is controlled so that the drive module is driven immediately when a baseball is detected by the first sensor unit, so that the glove can catch all of the baseballs even when the baseballs are traveling at various speeds ranging from 50 km / h to 160 km / h.

[0015] Here, the second sensor unit is positioned at a distance of 30 cm to 70 cm from the first sensor unit, and the control module calculates the speed of the baseball by dividing the distance between the second sensor unit and the first sensor unit by the time intervals in which the baseball was detected by the second sensor unit and the first sensor unit, and can control the drive module so as not to operate if the speed of the baseball is less than 50 km / h. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the above configuration, the possibility of malfunction is low, it can be used safely even by toddlers, and it can accurately catch only baseballs that fall into the strike zone, providing a catching machine that can be used for pitching practice by both ordinary people and professional-level pitchers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This figure shows a catching machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the catching machine from Figure 1 viewed from the side. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the frame module of the catching machine in Figure 1, disassembled. [Figure 4-9] This diagram shows the components of the frame module of the catching machine shown in Figure 1. [Figure 10] This figure shows the drive module of the catching machine shown in Figure 1. [Figure 11]It is a diagram showing the compressor of the driving module of the catching machine in FIG. 1. [Figure 12] It shows the main body module of the catching machine in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the inside of the main body module of the catching machine in FIG. 1. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the driving module of the catching machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the exterior frame unit of the catching machines in FIGS. 1 and 14. [Figure 16-17] It is a drawing showing the sensor unit mounted on the exterior frame unit. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining the strike zone of the catching machine. [Figure 19-26] It is a diagram for explaining the exterior frame unit of the catching machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a catching machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how the catching machine 100 in FIG. 1 looks when viewed from the side.

[0020] Referring to this drawing, the catching machine 100 includes a glove 110, a frame module 120, and a driving module 140.

[0021] Here, the frame module 120 is fitted into the glove 110 and is configured such that the glove 110 catches or releases a baseball. On the other hand, the driving module 140 is connected to the frame module 120 and is configured to supply power thereto.

[0022] The following section will first describe the specific configuration and operating method of the frame module 120.

[0023] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the frame module 120 of the catching machine 100 in Figure 1 disassembled, and Figures 4 to 9 show the components of the frame module 120 of the catching machine 100 in Figure 1.

[0024] Referring to this drawing, the frame module 120 includes a plate 121, a frame support 122, a first roller 123, a second roller 124, a first frame 125, a second frame 126, and a globe frame 127.

[0025] Here, the drive module 140 is fixed to the plate 121. The plate 121 has a nearly circular flat shape and is positioned vertically.

[0026] The frame support section 122 is used to fix the piston 142 of the pneumatic cylinder 141, and a rail-shaped groove is formed inside for vertical movement.

[0027] The first roller 123 and the second roller 124 are configured to move up and down along rail-shaped grooves in response to the horizontal movement of the piston 142. Ring bearings are applied to both ends of the first roller 123 and the second roller 124 to facilitate rotation and vertical movement along the rail-shaped grooves, thereby facilitating opening and closing drives, preventing wear, and improving durability.

[0028] The first frame 125 and the second frame 126 are connected to the first roller 123 and the second roller 124, respectively, and can be configured in a T-shape. The T-shaped first frame 125 and the second frame 126 each have frame fixing parts 128 formed on the outside, with ring bearings formed on both sides, making it easy to rotate the first frame 125 and the second frame 126 by a predetermined angle. On the other hand, as shown in the drawing, each of the first frame 125 and the second frame 126 can also be implemented as a separate type with an auxiliary frame 129. That is, each of the first frame 125 and the second frame 126 can be an integrated T-shape or a separate type. Here, the auxiliary frame 129 is configured so that the angle between the central tab and the tabs at both ends of the part (see drawing) can be adjusted to the appropriate height (maximum height when the machine is opened) when the final installation is completed. On the other hand, the frame fixing part 128 can be made smoother to open and close by equipping bearings at both ends to facilitate the rotation of the auxiliary frame 129, while simultaneously preventing wear and improving durability.

[0029] The glove frame 127 is fitted onto the glove 110 and extends from the first frame 125 and the second frame 126, respectively. Specifically, two glove frames 127 are formed at each end of the first frame 125 and the second frame 126. The length and bending angle (see drawing) of the glove frame 127 are configured to stably hold the ball when the glove 110 is worn. Alternatively, the glove frame 127 may be equipped with a coil-shaped cushioning frame 131 to mitigate the impact generated when the glove frames 127 come into contact with each other during the catching motion of the glove 110.

[0030] The above-described configuration will be explained in detail, in which the frame module 120 is configured such that the frame support portion 122 moves forward and backward in accordance with the horizontal movement of the piston 142, and the globe 110 performs catching and releasing operations, respectively.

[0031] Since the first roller 123 and the second roller 124 can move while pivoting vertically around the frame support 122, the first roller 123 and the second roller 124 pivot vertically around the frame support 122 in accordance with the horizontal movement of the frame support 122.

[0032] Therefore, the first frame 125 and the second frame 126, which are fixedly connected to the first roller 123 and the second roller 124, move up and down, and the glove frame 127, which is integrally formed with the first frame 125 and the second frame 126, also moves up and down. As a result, the glove 110 fitted into the glove frame 127 can be folded and unfolded.

[0033] In other words, as the frame support section 122 moves forward horizontally, the first roller 123 and the second roller 124 converge around the frame support section 122.

[0034] Therefore, the first frame 125 and the second frame 126, which are fixedly connected to the first roller 123 and the second roller 124, open in both directions, and the globe frame 127, which is integrally formed with the first frame 125 and the second frame 126, also opens in both directions. Consequently, the globe 110 opens.

[0035] Conversely, when the frame support 122 moves backward horizontally, the first roller 123 and the second roller 124 move away from the frame support 122, respectively.

[0036] Therefore, the first frame 125 and the second frame 126, which are fixedly connected to the first roller 123 and the second roller 124, converge towards the center, and the globe frame 127, which is integrally formed with the first frame 125 and the second frame 126, also converge towards the center. Consequently, the globe 110 becomes foldable.

[0037] Figure 10 shows the drive module 140 of the catching machine 100 in Figure 1, and Figure 11 shows the compressor 143.

[0038] Referring to this drawing, the drive module 140 includes a pneumatic cylinder 141, a compressor 143, a solenoid valve 144, a first tube 145, a second tube 146, a third tube 147, a speed controller 148, an air tank 149, a pressure sensor 151, a pump 152, a motor 153, a connecting pin 154, and a buffer spring 155.

[0039] Here, the pneumatic cylinder 141 is connected to the frame module 120 and has a piston 142 that moves horizontally.

[0040] The compressor 143 supplies compressed air to the pneumatic cylinder 141.

[0041] The solenoid valve 144 controls the compressed air supplied from the compressor 143 to control the horizontal movement of the pneumatic cylinder 141.

[0042] The first tube 145 supplies compressed air from the compressor 143 to the solenoid valve 144.

[0043] The second tube 146 supplies compressed air from the solenoid valve 144 to the pneumatic cylinder 141, causing the globe 110 to perform a catching action.

[0044] The third tube 147 supplies compressed air from the solenoid valve 144 to the pneumatic cylinder 141, causing the globe 110 to release.

[0045] The speed controller 148 is located on the third tube 147 and adjusts the release speed of the globe 110 by adjusting the flow rate of compressed air supplied to the pneumatic cylinder 141.

[0046] The air tank 149 can contain compressed air with a maximum pressure of 5 bar to 15 bar.

[0047] The pressure sensor 151 senses the pressure of the compressed air in the air tank 149.

[0048] Pump 152 compresses and supplies air to air tank 149.

[0049] Motor 153 supplies power to pump 152.

[0050] The connecting pin 154 is connected to both ends of the solenoid valve 144 and the pneumatic cylinder 141.

[0051] The buffer spring 155 is fixed at both ends to the solenoid valve 144 and the pneumatic cylinder 141, and is configured to surround the connecting pin 154.

[0052] The drive module 140, configured as described above, first uses the motor 153 to drive the pump 152, ensuring that the air tank 149 is kept compressed by the pump 152. The control module then starts driving the motor 153 to replenish the air tank 149 if the compressed air pressure detected by the pressure sensor 151 falls below 65% to 85% of the maximum pressure in the air tank 149. This maintains a high pressure in the air tank 149, allowing the glove 110 to continuously perform catching actions even at time intervals of 30 seconds or less. This prevents the glove 110 from slowing down its catching action due to repetitive pitching when the air tank 149 is at low pressure, thus preventing it from correctly catching the baseball.

[0053] Meanwhile, compressed air from the air tank 149 is supplied to the pneumatic cylinder 141 via a solenoid valve 144 through a second tube 146 and a third tube 147. Here, the second tube 146 is connected to the rear end of the pneumatic cylinder 141, and the third tube 147 is connected to the front end of the pneumatic cylinder 141.

[0054] When the sensor module 180 determines that the baseball thrown by the pitcher has entered the strike zone, the control module activates the drive module 140. Specifically, the control module controls the solenoid valve 144 to supply compressed air to the second tube 146. The compressed air supplied to the rear end of the pneumatic cylinder 141 through the second tube 146 pushes the piston 142 inside the pneumatic cylinder 141, causing it to move forward at high speed, thereby enabling the glove 110 to perform a quick catching motion.

[0055] After a predetermined time has elapsed, the control module controls the solenoid valve 144 to supply compressed air to the third tube 147. The compressed air supplied to the front end of the pneumatic cylinder 141 through the third tube 147 causes the piston 142 inside the pneumatic cylinder 141 to move backward, causing the globe 110 to release. At this time, the speed controller 148 of the third tube 147 is configured in the form of a valve and is configured to adjust the amount of compressed air by adjusting the size of the hole in the air passage, so that the piston 142 of the pneumatic cylinder 141 moves backward slowly and the globe 110 slowly releases.

[0056] On the other hand, the solenoid valve 144 is connected to the pneumatic cylinder 141 by a connecting pin 154 and a buffer spring 155. With this configuration, the impact generated by the rapid catching action of the globe 110 can be mitigated and transmitted to the solenoid valve 144. This protects sensitive circuits and other components in the solenoid valve 144 from impact, thereby improving long-term durability.

[0057] Figure 12 shows the main module 160 of the catching machine 100 in Figure 1.

[0058] Referring to this figure, the main body module 160 that receives the frame module 120 includes the main body 161, rail beam 162, bottom plate 163, rail bracket 164, and coil spring 165.

[0059] Here, the main body 161 is either fixed to the bottom surface or configured to be movable as shown in Figure 13.

[0060] The rail beam 162 is positioned horizontally at the upper end of the main body 161, allowing the piston 142 of the pneumatic cylinder 141 to move forward and backward.

[0061] The bottom plate 163 is connected to the frame module 120.

[0062] The rail bracket 164 is fixed to the underside of the bottom plate 163 and is movably fitted onto the rail beam 162.

[0063] The coil spring 165 is fitted into the rail beam 162.

[0064] With this configuration, the impact received by the frame module 120 during the catching operation of the globe 110 is cushioned by the coil spring 165 supporting the rail bracket 164. Specifically, when the piston 142 of the pneumatic cylinder 141 moves strongly forward and the globe 110 performs the catching operation, the frame module 120 moves backward, and the lower plate 163 also moves backward accordingly. At this time, the rail bracket 164 connected to the lower plate 163 also moves backward along the rail beam 162, and the coil spring 165 supports the rail bracket 164 and mitigates the impact.

[0065] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the inside of the main module 160 of the catching machine 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0066] Referring to this drawing, the main module 160 further includes a base plate 166, an up-and-down moving plate 167, a cylinder 168, two bearings 169, a left-and-right moving plate 163, a female threaded bracket 171, a screw 172, a motor 173, a wheel 174, and a shock-absorbing spring 175.

[0067] Here, the vertically movable plate 167 is located above the bottom plate 166.

[0068] The cylinder is located between the bottom plate 166 and the vertically moving plate 167 and has a piston 176 that moves up and down.

[0069] The two bearings 169 are located on the upper surface of the vertically moving plate 167.

[0070] The left-right moving plate 163 is located above the up-down moving plate 167. Here, the left-right moving plate 163 is the same as the lower plate 163 described in Figure 12.

[0071] The female thread bracket 171 is provided on the lower surface of the left-right movable plate 163.

[0072] The screw 172 is screw-fastened to the female threaded bracket 171 and both ends are connected to two bearings 169.

[0073] Motor 173 rotates screw 172.

[0074] The wheel 174 is located at the lower end of the base plate 166. A shock-absorbing spring 175 is provided between the wheel 174 and the base plate 166. This allows for further damping of the impact received by the frame module 120 during the catching motion of the globe 110.

[0075] According to the above configuration, the position of the globe 110 can be adjusted up, down, left, and right. Specifically, when the control module controls the cylinder 168 to pull out or retract the piston 176, the vertical movement plate 167 rises or falls, thereby moving the frame module 120 and globe 110 up and down. Also, when the control module controls the motor 173 to move the screw 172 in the forward or reverse direction, the female screw bracket 171, which is screw-fastened to the screw 172, moves to the left or right. As a result, the left or right movement plate 163, which is connected to the female screw bracket 171, also moves to the left or right, allowing the frame module 120 and globe 110 to move left or right.

[0076] Figure 14 shows the drive module 140' of a catching machine 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to this figure, the drive module 140' of the catching machine 100 includes an electric cylinder 141', a piston 142', a screw 143', a servo motor 144', and a timing belt 145'.

[0078] Here, the electric cylinder 141' has a size compatible with the pneumatic cylinder 141 in the above embodiment.

[0079] The piston 142' is connected to the frame module 120 and configured to move horizontally.

[0080] The screw 143' is housed in the electric cylinder 141' and one end is connected to the piston 142'.

[0081] The timing belt 145' connects the other end of the screw 143' to the drive shaft of the servo motor 144'.

[0082] The operation method of the catching machine 100 with the above configuration is as follows:

[0083] When the control module controls the servo motor 144' to supply power to the screw 143' via the timing belt 145', the rotation of the screw 143' allows the piston 142' to move forward and backward. Specifically, when the servo motor 144' rotates in the forward direction and the screw 143' rotates in the forward direction, the piston 142' moves forward while being exposed, and the globe 110 performs a catching operation. When the servo motor 144' rotates in the reverse direction and the screw 143' also rotates in the reverse direction, the piston 142' moves backward while being retracted, and the globe 110 performs a release operation. Here, the control module slows down the rotation speed of the servo motor 144' when it rotates in the reverse direction, so that the release operation of the globe 110 is delayed compared to the catching operation.

[0084] With this configuration, the pneumatic cylinder 141, compressor 143, solenoid valve 144, first tube 145, second tube 146, third tube 147, speed controller 148, air tank 149, pressure sensor 151, pump 152, motor 153, connecting pin 154, and buffer spring 155 in the above-described embodiment can all be replaced.

[0085] Furthermore, it eliminates the possibility that the air pressure in the air tank 149 may decrease during continuous pitching, causing delays or malfunctions in the catching motion of the glove 110, and also eliminates noise caused by the operation of the compressor 143.

[0086] Figure 15 shows the outer frame unit 181 of the catching machine 100 shown in Figures 1 and 14, Figures 16 and 17 show the sensor unit attached to the outer frame unit 181, and Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the strike zone of the catching machine 100.

[0087] Referring to this figure, the sensor module 180 includes an exterior frame unit 181, a first sensor unit 184, a second sensor unit 191, and a sensor movement unit.

[0088] Here, the exterior frame unit 181 includes a vertical exterior frame 182 and a horizontal exterior frame 183.

[0089] The vertical exterior frame 182 is positioned at a distance of 3 cm to 20 cm from the globe 110.

[0090] The horizontal exterior frame 183 is positioned at a distance of 30 cm to 70 cm from the vertical exterior frame 182.

[0091] The first sensor unit 184 is mounted on the vertical exterior frame 182 so as to be able to move up and down.

[0092] The second sensor unit 191 is mounted on the horizontal exterior frame 183 so as to be movable from side to side.

[0093] The sensor movement unit is configured to move the positions of the first sensor unit 184 and the second sensor unit 191 up, down, left, and right. The sensor movement unit includes rails, a screw, a motor, and a female screw bracket. Here, the rails are formed along the longitudinal direction of the vertical exterior frame 182 and the horizontal exterior frame 183, respectively. The screw is positioned within the rail along its longitudinal direction. The motor is connected to the screw and rotates it. Female screw brackets are provided on the first sensor unit 184 and the second sensor unit 191, respectively, and are screw-fastened to the screw.

[0094] On the other hand, the first sensor unit 184 and the second sensor unit 191 are described in more detail below.

[0095] First, the first sensor unit 184 includes a first left-right sensor 185 and a second left-right sensor 186.

[0096] Here, the first left and right sensor 185 includes a first left and right sensor body 187 having a length of 10 cm to 51 cm and left and right light-emitting elements 188. The first left and right sensor 185 may preferably have a length of 22 cm to 37 cm. The left and right light-emitting elements 188 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first left and right sensor body 187, spaced apart from each other to be smaller than the diameter of a baseball, and consist of infrared LEDs.

[0097] The second left-right sensor 186 includes a second left-right sensor body 189 having a length of 10 cm to 51 cm and left-right photodetectors 190. The second left-right sensor 186 may preferably have a length of 22 cm to 37 cm. The left-right photodetectors 190 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the second left-right sensor body 189, spaced apart from each other to a diameter smaller than that of a baseball, and detect infrared light emitted from the left-right light-emitting elements 188 with a reaction speed of 0.1 ms to 2 ms. They are composed of photodiodes.

[0098] Next, the second sensor unit 191 includes a first up / down sensor 192 and a second up / down sensor 193.

[0099] Here, the first up / down sensor 192 includes a first up / down sensor body 194 having a length of 20 cm to 61 cm and an up / down light-emitting element 195. The first up / down sensor 192 may preferably have a length of 37 cm to 47 cm. The up / down light-emitting elements 195 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first up / down sensor body 194, spaced apart from each other to be smaller than the diameter of the baseball, and consist of infrared LEDs.

[0100] The second up / down sensor 193 includes a second up / down sensor body 196 having a length of 20 cm to 61 cm and an up / down light-receiving element 197. Preferably, the second up / down sensor 193 has a length of 37 cm to 47 cm. The up / down light-receiving elements 197 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the second up / down sensor body 196, spaced apart from each other to be smaller than the diameter of the baseball, and detect infrared light emitted from the up / down light-emitting elements 195 with a reaction speed of 0.1 ms to 2 ms. They are composed of photodiodes.

[0101] The operation method of the sensor module 180 configured in this way is as follows:

[0102] First, the control module activates the drive modules 140 and 140' only when the baseball is detected by both the first sensor unit 184 and the second sensor unit 191, so that the glove 110 can catch the baseball. Here, since the sizes of the first sensor unit 184 and the second sensor unit 191 are 10 cm to 51 cm and 20 cm to 61 cm, respectively, the control module activates the drive modules 140 and 140' only when the baseball passes through the strike zone, which is an area corresponding to a height of 10 cm to 51 cm and a width of 20 cm to 61 cm. Preferably, since the sizes of the first sensor unit 184 and the second sensor unit 191 are 22 cm to 37 cm and 37 cm to 47 cm, respectively, the control module activates the drive modules 140 and 140' only when the baseball passes through the strike zone, which is an area corresponding to a height of 22 cm to 37 cm and a width of 37 cm to 47 cm. On the other hand, if the baseball is detected by only one of the first sensor unit 184 and the second sensor unit 191, the control module does not operate the drive modules 140 and 140' and processes the ball accordingly.

[0103] On the other hand, as described above, the second sensor unit 191 is positioned at a distance of 30 cm to 70 cm from the first sensor unit 184. Here, the control module calculates the speed of the baseball by dividing the distance between the second sensor unit 191 and the first sensor unit 184 by the time intervals in which the baseball was detected by the second sensor unit 191 and the first sensor unit 184, and controls the drive modules 140 and 140' so as not to operate if the speed of the baseball is less than 50 km / h. As a result, if a child is accidentally detected by both the first sensor unit 184 and the second sensor unit 191, the catching machine 100 will not operate, thus preventing accidents that could result in loss of life.

[0104] In addition, the catching machine 100 further includes a platform to be installed on the pitcher's mound. Furthermore, the control module controls the drive modules 140, 140' to operate only if a baseball is detected by the sensor module 180 within 3 to 10 seconds from the moment the platform is clicked. This configuration further improves safety against accidents involving human life.

[0105] On the other hand, the first sensor unit 184 and the second sensor unit 191 are configured to detect the emitted infrared light with a reaction speed of 0.1 ms to 2 ms as described above, the first sensor unit 184 is positioned at a distance of 3 cm to 20 cm from the glove 110, and the control module controls the drive modules 140 and 140' to be driven immediately when the baseball is detected by the first sensor unit 184. With this configuration, the catching machine 100 can catch all baseballs with various speeds ranging from 50 km / h to 160 km / h. Specifically, if the first sensor unit 184 is positioned more than 20 cm away from the glove 110, slower baseballs may not be caught because the glove 110 closes before the ball makes contact with it. Thus, according to the present invention, the control module is configured so that the drive modules 140 and 140' are driven immediately when a baseball is detected by the first sensor unit 184. As a result, the circuit configuration and program logic of the control module can be simplified, and baseballs of various speeds can be caught without a complex circuit configuration or program logic.

[0106] On the other hand, the first sensor unit 184 and the second sensor unit 191 can move to a position corresponding to the changed position of the globe 110 when the position of the frame module 120 and the globe 110 is changed by the main body module 160. Such positional movement is performed by a sensor movement unit, and its operation method is the same as that of the left and right movement plate 163 described above. Specifically, when the control module controls and rotates the motor, the screw rotates in the forward or reverse direction, and as a result the first sensor unit 184 and the second sensor unit 191, which are connected to the female screw bracket, move along rails formed in the vertical exterior frame 182 and the horizontal exterior frame 183, respectively. As a result, the first sensor unit 184 and the second sensor unit 191 move to match the changed position of the globe 110.

[0107] With this configuration, if a pitcher attempts to practice a sharp pitch that straddles the edge of the official strike zone (position 5 in Figure 18), the positions of the glove 110 and sensor module 180 are changed accordingly to form a new strike zone (position 1 in Figure 18), allowing the system to catch baseballs of such pitches as well.

[0108] Figures 19 to 26 illustrate the exterior frame unit 181' of a catching machine 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Referring to this drawing, the exterior frame unit 181' may be configured to be foldable or detachable for easier transport.

[0110] For this purpose, the exterior frame unit 181' includes a floor exterior frame 182', a vertical exterior frame 183', an inclined exterior frame 184', a horizontal exterior frame 185', a first auxiliary exterior frame 186', a second auxiliary exterior frame 187', and a third auxiliary exterior frame 188'.

[0111] Here, the floor exterior frame 182' consists of four pieces, each joined at both ends by connecting brackets 189' to form a rectangular shape.

[0112] The vertical exterior frame 183' consists of two parts and is connected to the two floor exterior frames 182' located on the left and right sides of the four floor exterior frames 182'.

[0113] The inclined exterior frame 184' consists of two parts, each connected to a vertical exterior frame 183', and is configured to incline forward. It also has a telescopic structure to allow for length extension.

[0114] The horizontal exterior frame 185' is connected at both ends to the two inclined exterior frames 184'.

[0115] The first auxiliary exterior frame 186' consists of three parts, two of which are connected to the floor exterior frame 182', giving it a telescopic structure.

[0116] The second auxiliary exterior frame 187' consists of two parts, with both ends connected to the floor exterior frame 182' and the vertical exterior frame 183', respectively.

[0117] The third auxiliary exterior frame 188' consists of two parts, with both ends connected to the inclined exterior frame 184' and the first auxiliary exterior frame 186'.

[0118] Here, the first sensor module 184 is installed on each of the two vertical exterior frames 183'. The second sensor module 191 is installed on the horizontal exterior frame 185' and on the front-facing floor exterior frame 182' among the four floor exterior frames 182'.

[0119] With this configuration, when an operator installs the catching machine 100, the exterior frame units 181' can be individually separated as described above, and can be easily transported.

Claims

1. Gloves and, A frame module fitted into the aforementioned glove and configured to allow the glove to catch or release a baseball, A drive module comprising a cylinder having a piston that is connected to the frame module and moves horizontally, A sensor module for sensing a baseball being pitched towards the aforementioned glove, The control module includes the sensor module and the drive module, and controls them so that when the sensor module detects a baseball, the drive module is activated. The aforementioned frame module is The plate on which the drive module is fixed, The piston of the cylinder is fixed to a frame support portion, and a rail-shaped groove for vertical movement is formed inside it. A first roller and a second roller, which move up and down along the rail-shaped groove in response to the horizontal movement of the piston, A T-shaped first frame and a second frame connected to the first roller and the second roller, respectively, Includes a glove frame that extends from the first frame and the second frame, respectively, and is fitted into the glove, A catching machine configured such that the frame support moves forward and backward due to the horizontal movement of the piston, causing the glove to perform catching and releasing actions, respectively.

2. The cylinder includes an electric cylinder. The aforementioned drive module is A servo motor that supplies power to the aforementioned electric cylinder, A screw, which is housed in the aforementioned electric cylinder and has one end connected to the piston, The system further includes a timing belt that connects the other end of the screw to the drive shaft of the servo motor, The catching machine according to claim 1, wherein when the screw rotates in the forward direction due to the rotation of the servo motor, the piston is exposed and moves forward, and when the screw rotates in the reverse direction, the piston is retracted and moves backward.

3. The catching machine according to claim 1, wherein the cylinder includes a pneumatic cylinder, and the drive module includes a compressor that supplies compressed air to the pneumatic cylinder, and a solenoid valve that controls the compressed air supplied from the compressor to control the horizontal motion of the pneumatic cylinder.

4. The aforementioned compressor is An air tank containing compressed air at a maximum pressure of 5 bar to 15 bar, A pressure sensor that senses the pressure of compressed air in the air tank, A pump that compresses and supplies air to the aforementioned air tank, The pump includes a motor that supplies power to the pump, The control module is The catching machine according to claim 3, wherein when the pressure of the compressed air sensed by the pressure sensor drops to 65% to 85% or less of the maximum pressure, the motor is controlled to start driving, thereby replenishing the air tank with air, so that the glove can continuously perform catching operations even at time intervals of 30 seconds or less.

5. The aforementioned sensor module is A first sensor unit located in front of the aforementioned glove, The system includes a second sensor unit located in front of the first sensor unit, The control module is The catching machine according to claim 1, wherein the drive module is operated only when a baseball pitched toward the glove is detected by both the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit.

6. The first sensor unit includes first left and right sensors and second left and right sensors, respectively, located on the front left and right sides of the glove and having a length of 10 cm to 51 cm. The second sensor unit includes a first upper / lower sensor and a second upper / lower sensor, respectively, located on the upper and lower front sides of the glove and having a length of 20 cm to 61 cm. The control module is The catching machine according to claim 5, wherein the drive module operates only when the baseball passes through an area corresponding to a height of 10 cm to 51 cm and a width of 20 cm to 61 cm.

7. The first sensor unit is positioned at a distance of 3 cm to 20 cm from the globe. The control module controls the drive module to be driven immediately when the baseball is detected by the first sensor unit. The catching machine according to claim 5, wherein the glove is configured to catch all of the baseballs even when the baseballs are traveling at various speeds ranging from 50 km / h to 160 km / h.

8. The second sensor unit is located at a distance of approximately 30 cm to 70 cm from the first sensor unit. The control module is The catching machine according to claim 5, wherein the distance between the second sensor unit and the first sensor unit is divided into time intervals during which the baseball is detected by the second sensor unit and the first sensor unit to calculate the speed of the baseball, and the drive module is controlled not to operate if the speed of the baseball is less than 50 km / h.

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