Golf cart

Abstract

To realize a golf cart including a mechanism which allows a golfer or the like to more comfortably ride on.SOLUTION: A golf cart to be used in a golf course includes an air conditioner for air-conditioning the inside of the golf cart, and an air curtain device for generating an air curtain to separate the inside and outside of the golf cart. Owing to the golf cart having the configuration, a user can ride on more comfortably and go around a golf course more comfortably.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf cart used by golfers when playing on a golf course, and more particularly to a golf cart that allows passengers such as golfers to ride in comfort. [Background technology]

[0002] An object of the present invention is to provide a golf cart equipped with a mechanism that allows golfers to ride more comfortably. Traditionally, golf carts have been powered by small gasoline engines or electric motors and batteries. - It is equipped with a 3-speed automatic transmission that can carry 4 to 5 golfers and other passengers around the golf course at a relatively slow speed. Ruta It is known as a small vehicle for this purpose. A schematic diagram of an example of a conventional golf cart is shown in Figure 3. In the example shown in this figure, the golf cart has a seat 12, and is driven by a driver sitting in the seat 12 operating a steering wheel 14. The golf cart 10 also has an electric motor or a gasoline engine installed inside the vehicle body, and is able to move by rotating wheels 16 with the power generated by either of them.

[0003] As shown in Figure 3, golf carts 10 often have no body or doors on the left or right sides to make it easier to get in and out of the cart. This allows golfers and others to quickly sit in the open seats 12 and get out of the cart quickly without having to open or close the doors. A transparent windshield 22 is provided in front of the driver to provide protection from the wind. The windshield 22 also has an adjustable opening, and by adjusting this opening, the amount of air that flows in can be adjusted. A roof 20 is provided above the seat 12 to provide protection from rain and other elements. The roof 20 and windshield 22 are supported by predetermined supports. Furthermore, a bag support 18 for placing a golf bag is provided at the rear of the golf cart 10, making it easy to transport the golf bag.

[0004] As described above, the conventional golf cart 10 is designed to be easy to get on and off, with an emphasis on convenience when playing golf. Specifically, there are no doors on the left or right sides, and the cart is designed so that passengers can quickly get on and off the seat 12. Because of the adoption of such a configuration, the vehicle interior environment is generally susceptible to weather conditions, being hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Therefore, the following prior patent documents are cited as documents describing prior art that attempts to improve such an interior environment.

[0005] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a golf cart that can provide a moment of coolness to golf players and make them feel comfortable during a round. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a golf cart equipped with a cool air supply device that includes an ice container, an air blower casing, etc. Furthermore, the following Patent Document 2 discloses a golf cart that has a simple structure and is designed to reliably protect from wind and rain. Specifically, transparent resin curtains are installed on the rear and both sides of the golf cart, preventing wind and rain from entering the interior of the vehicle. The document also describes that the curtains are separate for the front and rear seats, and can be opened and closed smoothly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-271255 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-30263 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As explained above, conventional golf carts do not have walls such as doors on either side, so the interior environment is directly affected by the surrounding environment (climate such as temperature and humidity). In recent years, summer temperatures in Japan have tended to rise. As a result, as shown in Figure 4, the number of people transported to hospitals due to heatstroke in August can exceed 10,000 in a single week. Figure 4 is a graph summarizing the number of people transported to hospitals due to heatstroke by week. Such rising temperatures in recent years have had a major impact on the operation of golf courses. The Japan Golf Course Owners Association publishes the number of visitors to golf courses every year. For example, Figure 5 shows a table comparing the number of visitors between April and June in 2016 and July and September in 2017.

[0008] Furthermore, based on the table in Figure 5, the inventors of the present application created a table comparing the number of visitors from April to June of each year (2016 and 2017) with the number of visitors from January to March and July to September. This table is shown in Figure 6. As is clear from the table in Figure 6, the number of visitors in the January-March and July-September periods decreased in both years (2016 and 2017) compared to the base period of April-June. This is thought to be due to the cold weather in the January-March period, and the heat in the July-September period. Considering the recent climate in Japan, it would be desirable to develop a golf cart that is more comfortable to ride in and that can withstand the heat and cold. If such a golf cart could be provided, it would be possible to prevent a decline in the number of visitors to golf courses and encourage more people to visit golf courses.

[0009] In contrast, the golf cart in Patent Document 1 may indeed be able to provide a moment of coolness to golf players, but since it does not have doors on either side, it is still significantly affected by the outside temperature. Also, since it only allows coolness to enter, it is still significantly affected by the outside temperature in winter, just like conventional golf carts. Furthermore, the golf cart in Patent Document 2 is equipped with a resin curtain, which may provide some protection from wind and rain. However, while a thin resin curtain can block rain, it cannot block out heat or cold, and golf players are still significantly affected by the outside temperature.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to realize a golf cart equipped with a mechanism that allows golfers and others to ride more comfortably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] ( 1) Books The invention is a golf cart used on golf courses, comprising: an air conditioner mounted on the roof of the golf cart to condition the interior of the golf cart; an air curtain device that generates an air curtain to separate the interior of the golf cart from the outside; and a plastic curtain to separate the interior of the golf cart from the outside, wherein the air curtain device is mounted on the upper side or upper rear of the golf cart and is configured so that both the air curtain generated by the air curtain device and the plastic curtain can be mounted on at least one of the side or rear of the golf cart.

[0013] ( 2 ) Also, the present invention is characterized in that both the air curtain generated by the air curtain device and the resin curtain are provided on all sides and rear surfaces of the golf cart. 1 ) includes golf carts described in the above.

[0014] ( 3 ) The present invention is also characterized in that it comprises a body temperature sensor for measuring the body temperature of the passenger of the golf cart, and a display means for informing the passenger of the body temperature measured by the body temperature sensor on the spot. (1) or (2)This includes the golf cart described in

[0015] ( 4 ) The present invention is also characterized in that the golf cart includes a body temperature sensor for measuring the body temperature of a passenger in the golf cart, and a connection interface for transmitting the body temperature data measured by the body temperature sensor to an external device. (1) or (2) This includes the golf cart described in

[0016] ( 5 ) The present invention is also characterized in that the golf cart is provided with a seat heater that generates heat. or (2) This includes the golf cart described in [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, a golf cart is provided that allows golfers and others to ride more comfortably, and allows them to travel around the golf course more comfortably. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of functions provided in the golf cart according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a golf cart according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an example of a conventional golf cart. [Figure 4] This is a graph showing the number of emergency transports due to heatstroke in 2020. [Figure 5] This is a table showing the comparison of the number of visitors to golf courses between April and June and July and September in 2016 and 2017. [Figure 6] This is a table showing the visitor number ratio for January to March and the visitor number ratio for July to September, based on the contents of the table in FIG. 5, when April to June are used as the base months. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 1. Basic Concept of the Present Embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A golf cart according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a conceptual diagram of a golf cart 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the golf cart 100 in this embodiment is equipped with a seat 12, a handlebar 14, wheels 16, a bag support 18, a roof 20, and a windshield 22, just like the conventional golf cart (Figure 3), and these configurations are the same as those of the conventional golf cart 10.

[0020] A feature of this embodiment is that the golf cart 100 is equipped with a body temperature sensor 102, an air curtain device 104, an air conditioner 106, a battery 108 dedicated to the air conditioner, and a seat heater 110. The body temperature sensor 102 is a sensor that measures the body temperature of a passenger (such as a golfer) riding in the golf cart 100. By measuring the passenger's body temperature, it is possible to determine whether the passenger is suffering from heat stroke, for example. Various conventional body temperature sensors can be used as the body temperature sensor 102. For example, a body temperature sensor that applies the principle of a thermal camera that can measure a person's body temperature without contact can be used. - Also, although it is not a camera, a method of measuring body temperature non-invasively using infrared rays is known. It is also preferable to adopt a body temperature sensor that uses such a principle. In addition, various other conventionally known body temperature sensors may be used.

[0021] The measurement results of the body temperature sensor 102 may be configured to be notified to the passenger himself / herself. With such a configuration, the passenger can know his / her own physical condition and smoothly manage his / her health. The measurement results of the body temperature sensor 102 may be configured to be collected and managed by a specified management server via a specified communication path. This management server may be located, for example, in the golf course clubhouse, or may be installed on the so-called cloud. The golf course manager may be configured to monitor the physical condition of golfers and the like via this management server. The above-mentioned communication path may be a communication network such as the Internet, a Wi-Fi network, or the like. The above-mentioned communication path may also be a connection that connects to the management server when the golf cart returns to the clubhouse. For example, a relatively short-distance communication BLUETOOTH(R) Or, when the golf cart 100 returns to the clubhouse, it can be connected to the management server via Wi-Fi. and You may connect it.

[0022] When the measurement results (measured body temperature data) of the body temperature sensor 102 are configured to be collected and managed by a predetermined management server via a predetermined communication path, it is preferable to provide a connection interface 102b to the predetermined communication path (see Figure 1). This connection interface 102b transmits the body temperature data measured by the body temperature sensor 102 to the outside via the predetermined communication path. As the connection interface 102b, an interface that conforms to the standard of the communication path of the other party to be connected may be used. For example, a Wi-Fi interface that controls Wi-Fi connection may be used. - It is also preferable to configure it with a silicon wafer. In addition, when a golfer or the like manages his or her own body temperature in a vehicle without connecting to a management server, it may be sufficient to provide a display means for displaying the measured body temperature in the vehicle. In this case, the connection interface 102b does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0023] Air curtain device 104 is a device that is provided at the edge of the roof 20 and forms an air curtain on the side and rear of the golf cart 100. This air curtain separates the interior of the golf cart from the outside. As shown in Fig. 1, the golf cart 100 has open sides and a rear side, and is not separated from the outside. Therefore, in the example of Fig. 1, an air curtain device for forming an air curtain on the side and rear side of the golf cart is 104 In this way, by forming air curtains on the sides and rear, the interior of the golf cart can be separated from the outside, preventing outside air from entering the interior of the cart. As a result, the temperature inside the golf cart 100 (the area where the seats 12 are located) can be protected from high and low temperatures outside.

[0024] An air curtain device for forming such an air curtain 104 Since various devices have been developed and sold, it is important to choose the most suitable air curtain device depending on the size of the golf cart and the available power source. 104 You may select: And such an air curtain device 104 The air curtain formed around the golf cart 100 (sides and rear) by this method is different from a physical curtain (for example, the resin curtain in Patent Document 2), and does not require the cumbersome task of flipping up the curtain when people move around. Therefore, it has the effect of making it easy for people to get on and off the golf cart 100.

[0025] In this embodiment (FIG. 1), an example is described in which the entire side and rear surfaces of the golf cart 100 are covered with air curtains, except for the front surface where the windshield 22 is provided. However, some surfaces may be covered with air curtains, and the rest may be covered with physical curtains (such as the resin curtain described in Patent Document 2 above). For example, the sides of the golf cart 100 may be covered with air curtains, and the rear surface may be covered with a resin curtain. This configuration provides the effect of making it easy for passengers to get on and off the golf cart 100, similar to when the entire sides and rear surfaces of the golf cart are covered with air curtains.

[0026] The air conditioner 106 is an air conditioning device that is provided at any location on the golf cart 100 and that conditions (adjusts the temperature) the interior of the golf cart 100. The air conditioner 106 may be provided at any location, but a preferred example is that it is provided on the roof 20. By providing the air conditioner 106, the golf cart 100 can set the interior temperature to a comfortable temperature, allowing passengers such as golfers to ride the golf cart 100 comfortably. The air conditioner 106 may be configured to adjust not only the temperature but also the humidity. The air whose temperature (and / or humidity) has been adjusted by the air conditioner 106 is isolated from the outside by the air curtain, resin curtain, or the like described above. As a result, according to this embodiment, the temperature of the air inside the golf cart 100 can be maintained at a comfortable temperature.

[0027] The air conditioner battery 108 is the power source for the air conditioner 106 described above, and supplies power to the air conditioner 106. By providing such an air conditioner battery 108, it is no longer necessary to draw power from the power source that is the golf cart 100's original purpose for moving, and the golf cart 100 can exhibit the same driving performance as a conventional golf cart 10. In other words, the golf cart 100 according to this embodiment can exhibit substantially the same driving distance, acceleration performance, and hill-climbing ability as a conventional golf cart 10. It is also possible to use the power battery that was previously used for power (for the air conditioner 106) instead of providing the dedicated air conditioner battery 108. In this case, since the power battery must also supply power to the air conditioner 106, it is preferable to use a battery with a larger capacity than the conventional one.

[0028] The seat heater 110 is a device that is provided in the seat 12 of the golf cart 100 and generates heat. That is, the seat heater 110 has the function of warming the seat 12 with the heat it generates. As a result, the seat 12 can be warmed even in winter, allowing passengers such as golfers to sit in the seat 12 in a warm and comfortable state. As a result, the golf cart 100 can be comfortably used. The power for the seat heater 110 may be supplied from a dedicated battery for the seat heater (not shown). Alternatively, the power for the seat heater 110 may be supplied from the air conditioner dedicated battery 108 described above. Furthermore, if a power battery is available that was previously used to power the golf cart 100, the power for the seat heater 110 may be supplied from that power battery. In this case, it is preferable that the capacity of the power battery be larger than that of a conventional power battery, since it is necessary to supply power for the seat heater 110 in addition to powering the golf cart 100.

[0029] 2. Working Example Next, a specific example will be described. FIG. 2 shows an explanatory diagram showing a photograph of a golf cart 200 that was actually prototyped by the inventors of the present application. As shown in this diagram, the following golf carts were used as bases:

[0030] (1) Golf cart Manufacturer: Club Car (USA) Format LIMO II Drive system: Battery-powered Passenger capacity: 5 people A prototype golf cart 200 was produced by attaching the following characteristic configuration to the golf cart LIMO II. First, the golf cart 200 is equipped with an air conditioner 206 as follows.

[0031] (2) Air conditioner Manufacturer: Ebus Mikuni (Germany) Type Cooltronic 1400 Dimensions: 740 x 826 x 208 (L x W x H) Weight 29.5Kg Voltage DC24V Refrigerant R134a Maximum air volume 800m 3 / h Power consumption 10.5~18.5A / h Cooling function 1290W

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, this air conditioner 206 is mounted on the roof 20 of the golf cart 200 and can adjust the temperature inside the golf cart 200. As a result, passengers such as golfers can ride in the golf cart 200 comfortably. The golf cart 200 also has an air conditioner battery 108 for supplying power to the air conditioner 206, but since it is located inside the vehicle body, it is not shown in Figure 2. The air conditioner 206 operates by receiving power from the air conditioner battery 108 (not shown in Figure 2). Next, the golf cart 200 is equipped with an air curtain device 204 as follows.

[0033] (3) Air curtain device Manufacturer: Tornex Co., Ltd. Format ACUB90 Dimensions: 900 x 77.1 x 87.5 (L x W x H) Weight 4Kg Voltage: AC100Vn50 / 60Hz Power consumption 20W Processing air volume 2m 3 / min This type of air curtain device 204 can isolate the interior of the golf cart 200 from the outside, allowing the air conditioner 206 to maintain a comfortable environment inside the cart, and facilitating the smooth entry and exit of golfers and others.

[0034] Although it is preferable to use the air curtain device 204 alone, as shown in Figure 2, the air curtain provided by the air curtain device 204 may be used in combination with a resin curtain. Device By using a resin curtain in combination with the air curtain 204, the interior of the golf cart 200 can be further isolated from the outside, providing a more comfortable interior. Furthermore, by folding the resin curtain only when getting on or off, the process of getting on and off can be made smoother. Therefore, golf cart 206 can be provided that can be used in a variety of ways depending on the environment and can be operated in all seasons. Of course, depending on the environment, it may be preferable to operate only with the air curtain device 204. Next, the golf cart 200 is equipped with a seat heater 210 as follows.

[0035] (4) Heated seat (heated car cushion) Manufacturer: Otomo Co., Ltd. Type: Heated car cushion Dimensions: 96 x 46 x 2 (L x W x H) Weight 0.3Kg Voltage: AC100Vn50 / 60Hz Power consumption 35~45W Voltage DC24V

[0036] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, a heated car cushion is used as the seat heater 210. Of course, a heater may be built into the seat 12 itself. By using such a seat heater 210 (a heated car cushion in this embodiment), passengers such as golfers can stay warm and comfortable in the golf cart 200 even in winter.

[0037] 2 does not show a configuration equivalent to the body temperature sensor 102, but the body temperature sensor 102 itself is often small and easily installed. In particular, various body temperature sensors 102 have become known in recent years, such as body temperature sensors that use a thermal camera to measure the body temperature of a passenger without contact, and body temperature sensors that use an infrared sensor to measure the body temperature without contact, so it would be easy for a person skilled in the art to install such a body temperature sensor inside the golf cart 200. For example, it is preferable to place the sensor in front of the driver's seat, passenger seat, or rear seat to detect the body temperature of a passenger, but it may be placed anywhere that can detect a human body temperature.

[0038] Such a body temperature sensor 102 can also inform the passenger of their body temperature on the spot (for example, by displaying the body temperature on a screen), thereby helping golfers and others to manage their physical condition. Furthermore, the body is transmitted to the management server via a predetermined communication path. Onde The golf course may be configured to transmit the body temperature data to the golf course manager so that the golf course manager can monitor the body temperature data. By configuring the golf course to manage the golf cart in this way, not only can the golf cart 200 be made comfortable to ride in, but the golf course can also manage the health of the occupants, allowing even elderly people to enjoy golf with peace of mind.

[0039] 3. Modifications, application examples, etc. The golf cart 100 described in the above embodiment is an example equipped with a body temperature sensor 102, an air conditioner battery 108, and a seat heater 110. However, even if only a part of these characteristic configurations is adopted, they may contribute to a more comfortable ride for golfers and the like. For example, even in a configuration equipped with only the body temperature sensor 102 and the connection interface 102b, as explained above, the body temperature of golfers and the like can be monitored by the manager of the golf course clubhouse via the management server, thereby contributing to the health management of golfers and the like, and contributing to a comfortable ride for golfers and the like. Also, for example, an air curtain device104 Even with a configuration that only includes air conditioner 106, passengers such as golfers can easily get in and out of the car while keeping the interior of the car comfortable by isolating the interior from the outside. Furthermore, even if only the seat heater 110 is provided, it is thought that there will be an increasing number of cases where a golf cart can be comfortably ridden in winter, and a golf cart with such a configuration will also be useful.

[0040] The embodiment described above is an example of a means for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions, and the present invention is not limited to the aspects of this embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 10, 100, 200 Golf Cart 12 seats 14 Handle 16 wheels 18 Bag Support 20 Roof 22 Windshield 102 Body Temperature Sensor 104, 204 E Red Courten Device 106, 206 Air Conditioner 108 Air conditioner battery 110 Seat heater 210 Seat heater (heated car cushion)

Claims

1. A golf cart used at a golf course, an air conditioner provided on the roof of the golf cart for conditioning the interior of the golf cart; an air curtain device that generates an air curtain to separate the interior and exterior of the golf cart; a resin curtain for separating the interior and exterior of the golf cart; Equipped with The air curtain device is provided on the upper side or upper rear of the golf cart, A golf cart characterized in that it is configured so that both the air curtain generated by the air curtain device and the resin curtain can be installed on at least one of the sides or rear of the golf cart.

2. 2. The golf cart of claim 1, wherein the golf cart is configured so that both the air curtain generated by the air curtain device and the resin curtain are provided on all sides and rear surfaces of the golf cart.

3. a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a passenger of the golf cart; a display means for informing the passenger of the body temperature measured by the body temperature sensor on the spot; 3. The golf cart according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a passenger in the golf cart; a connection interface for transmitting the body temperature data measured by the body temperature sensor to an external device; 3. The golf cart according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. 3. The golf cart according to claim 1, further comprising a seat heater provided in a seat of the golf cart for generating heat.

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