A golf ball autoline marker

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of golf automatic line markers.The utility model includes: motor, tray, inkjet printing module, control circuit, power supply unit and power switch;Wherein, the center of tray is fixedly arranged on the rotating shaft of motor;Golf is placed on tray;The center of the inkjet mouth of inkjet printing module is opposite the geometric center of golf;Motor and inkjet printing module are connected to control circuit respectively;Control circuit is connected to power supply unit through power switch;The golf automatic line marker proposed in the utility model can accurately find the dynamic balance equatorial plane of golf, and draw the equator line of golf through the mode of non-contact inkjet printing, simple operation, accurate line drawing, and golf player can effectively improve its ball control ability using such line-drawing golf, and then improve competition result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to golf ball auxiliary equipment technology, specifically to an automatic golf ball line marker. Background Technology

[0002] A golf ball typically consists of an inner core and an outer shell. During manufacturing, synthetic rubber, fillers, and other additives are first mixed in specific proportions to form a composite material. This composite material is then molded into a spherical core using high-temperature, high-pressure injection molding or compression molding. Molten outer shell material is then injected into a mold to encase the core, forming a preliminary sphere. Finally, processes such as deburring, applying a protective layer, and printing trademarks complete the finished golf ball. For multi-layered balls (such as double-layered or triple-layered balls), there is an intermediate layer between the core and the outer shell, which are bonded together using adhesives or hot pressing. Furthermore, the surface of a golf ball features dimples designed to optimize its aerodynamic performance; a golf ball is not a perfectly spherical ball. Due to manufacturing errors, it cannot be guaranteed that the center of mass of every golf ball is exactly at the center of its sphere; deviations are possible. When the center of mass of a golf ball does not coincide with the center of the sphere, and if its rolling direction does not coincide with the equatorial plane (i.e., the rolling axis does not coincide with the axis of rotational symmetry), its rolling direction will deviate, and the rolling trajectory will not be a straight line. Golfers will be unable to control the rolling direction of this golf ball, making it difficult to hole it. A ball like a golf ball can have its axis of rotational symmetry accurately found and its equatorial plane determined by the method of rotational dynamic balance; hitting a golf ball along the equator ensures that the ball moves in a straight line, so accurately drawing the equator is crucial.

[0003] The common method for marking lines on golf balls involves using a hemispherical plastic line marker. The golf ball is inserted into the marker, and an oil-based pen is used to draw an auxiliary line along the grooves on the marker's surface. This method produces a relatively random auxiliary line, making it impossible to accurately locate the equatorial plane. It suffers from low precision, inefficiency, and inconsistent results, leading to significant deviations between the drawn line and the actual axis of rotation, thus affecting the stability of the shot.

[0004] Furthermore, Chinese patent CN 219701008 U describes a golf ball line marker that uses a motor to rotate a golf ball. When the ball reaches dynamic equilibrium, a pen is used to draw lines on its surface through a through-hole. This type of golf ball line marker requires manual pen application, resulting in poor positioning accuracy and an inability to guarantee that the drawn line coincides with the equatorial plane. Additionally, the contact between the pen and the ball during drawing exerts a lateral force on the golf ball, disrupting its dynamic equilibrium and leading to significant line drawing errors. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model proposes an automatic golf ball line marker.

[0006] The automatic golf ball marking device of this utility model includes: a motor, a tray, an inkjet printing module, a control circuit, a power supply unit, and a power switch; wherein, the center of the tray is fixedly set on the rotating shaft of the motor; the golf ball is placed on the tray; the center of the inkjet printing module's ink nozzle is aligned with the geometric center of the golf ball; the motor and the inkjet printing module are respectively connected to the control circuit; the control circuit is connected to the power supply unit via the power switch.

[0007] The power supply unit is either a battery or an external power source. The motor is a DC motor, and the motor's rotation axis is vertical.

[0008] The tray's diameter is smaller than that of the golf ball. The upper surface of the tray is roughened to increase friction when in contact with the golf ball, allowing the motor to better drive the golf ball's spin.

[0009] When the power switch is turned on, the power supply unit provides operating voltage to the motor, inkjet printing module, and control circuit. The control circuit drives the motor to rotate the tray at a set speed of 4000-5000 RPM, causing the golf ball to rotate at high speed. After the golf ball stabilizes and reaches dynamic equilibrium, the axis of rotation of the golf ball and the axis of rotation of the motor are collinear. The axis of rotation of the golf ball passes through and coincides with the center of mass. At this time, the plane formed by the points on the surface of the golf ball that are farthest from the axis of rotation is the equatorial plane of the golf ball, and the circle formed by these points is the equator of the golf ball. When the golf ball reaches dynamic equilibrium and rotates stably, the control circuit drives the inkjet printing module to continuously spray ink for a set time of 3-5 seconds. Due to the rotation of the golf ball, the ink will form a line on the surface of the golf ball, which is the equator of the golf ball. After the ink is sprayed, the control circuit stops supplying power to the motor, and the golf ball gradually stops rotating, completing the drawing of the equator line, which is 0.5mm-1mm wide. After the motor has been running for 5 to 10 seconds, the golf ball is considered to have reached dynamic balance. The control circuit then drives the inkjet printing module to spray ink 5 to 10 seconds after the motor has been running.

[0010] This utility model also includes a main frame, on which the motor, inkjet printing module and control circuit are respectively fixedly mounted to fix the position of the motor and make the center of the inkjet printing module nozzle face the geometric center of the golf ball.

[0011] It also includes a housing, which comprises a bottom shell, a partition, and a top cover. The bottom shell is a box-like structure without a top surface, but with a bottom surface and four sides, and has internal space. The motor, inkjet printing module, and control circuitry, fixed to the main frame, are located inside the bottom shell. The partition is placed on the main frame, enclosing the main frame within the bottom shell. Both the bottom shell and the partition are fixed to the main frame. The partition has a circular through-hole with a diameter not smaller than a golf ball, allowing the golf ball to pass through. The center of the through-hole is located on the motor's rotating shaft. A top cover is installed on the partition, connected to the partition via a hinge shaft, and the top cover can be opened and closed. A golf ball is placed on a tray through the through-hole. When the top cover is closed, the top of the golf ball is higher than the lower surface of the partition.

[0012] A limiting mechanism is installed on the lower surface of the top cover at the position corresponding to the through hole of the partition. That is, the center of the limiting mechanism is located on the rotating shaft of the motor. The limiting mechanism includes multiple limiting claws that are evenly spaced along the circumference. When a golf ball is placed on the tray and the top cover is closed, there is a small distance between the limiting mechanism and the upper surface of the golf ball, which is used to limit the position of the golf ball when it is spinning at high speed.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes an anti-loosening structure, which uses magnetic pieces, respectively set on the upper surface of the partition and the lower surface of the cover and located on the opposite side of the hinge shaft; the opposite polarities of the magnetic pieces on the partition and the cover are opposite, so that when the cover is closed, it is tightly covered by the magnetic attraction of the opposite magnetic pieces, preventing the cover from loosening.

[0014] It also includes a lifting mechanism located inside the bottom shell. The lifting mechanism comprises a lifting plate, a lifting push rod, a transmission mechanism, and a lifting lever. The lifting plate has a circular through-hole, the center of which is located on the rotating shaft of the motor. The diameter of the through-hole is larger than the diameter of the tray but smaller than the diameter of a golf ball. The through-hole is coaxial with the tray and located outside the tray. When the top cover is closed, the lifting plate is positioned on the main frame, and the upper edge of the through-hole does not contact the golf ball. The end of the lifting push rod is located below the lifting plate, and the beginning of the lifting push rod is connected to the end of the transmission mechanism via a connecting shaft. The beginning of the transmission mechanism is connected to the end of the lifting lever via a connecting shaft. A hinge shaft passes through the rotating shaft of the lifting lever, allowing the lifting lever to rotate around the hinge shaft. The top of the lifting lever is engaged in a limiting groove located on the edge of the top cover. The transmission mechanism includes multiple connecting rods connected end-to-end via rotating shafts. When the top cover is opened, the lifting lever rotates around the hinge shaft, driving the end of the lifting push rod via the transmission mechanism to push the lifting plate upward. A golf ball is then placed into the line marker through the partition's through-hole. The golf ball lands on the lifting plate's through-hole and is lifted up, exposing the partition for easy removal. When the top cover is closed, the lifting lever rotates around the hinge shaft, driving the lifting push rod downward via the transmission mechanism. The lifting push rod no longer pushes the lifting plate, which moves downward under its own weight and the weight of the golf ball until the ball lands on the tray. Then, the lifting plate continues downward under its own weight, separating from the golf ball, and finally stops on the main frame. After the line marking is completed, the top cover is opened, the lifting mechanism rises, and the lifting push rod pushes the lifting plate upward. The lifting plate's through-hole catches the golf ball and lifts it upward until it exposes the partition, allowing the golf ball to be removed.

[0015] The limiting mechanism on the lower surface of the top cover, together with the lifting plate, constitutes the limiting device for the golf ball. On the one hand, it can limit the bounce amplitude of the golf ball when it is spinning at high speed, so that it can quickly reach a dynamic balance state. On the other hand, it can prevent the golf ball from bouncing too much inside the line drawer when it is spinning at high speed and hitting the inkjet printing module's inkjet nozzle.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes guide pillars. Two vertical guide pillars are fixed to the main frame and located on both sides of the tray. The distance between the two guide pillars is greater than the diameter of a golf ball and less than the diameter of the lifting plate. Limiting holes are opened on the lifting plate at the positions corresponding to the two guide pillars. The two guide pillars pass through the lifting plate through the corresponding limiting holes, thereby restricting the lifting plate to slide only vertically during the rising and falling process.

[0017] It also includes a support and shock absorption structure, which is installed at the bottom of the base shell and uses multiple rubber pads to support the line marker and also to absorb shock and buffer when the line marker is working.

[0018] Advantages of this utility model:

[0019] The automatic golf ball line marker proposed in this invention can accurately locate the dynamic balance equatorial plane of the golf ball and draw the equatorial line of the golf ball through non-contact inkjet printing. It is simple to operate and draws accurate lines. Golf players using golf balls with such lines can effectively improve their ball control and thus improve their game performance. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a front view of an embodiment of the automatic golf ball marking device of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 The right view of an embodiment of the automatic golf ball marking device of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the automatic golf ball marking device of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a rear view of an embodiment of the automatic golf ball marking device of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the opening of the top cover of one embodiment of the automatic golf ball line marker of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 An exploded view of one embodiment of the automatic golf ball line marker of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 An exploded view from another angle of one embodiment of the automatic golf ball line marker of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of some parts when the top cover is opened, according to an embodiment of the automatic golf ball line marker of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 9 For along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of line A-A' in the middle;

[0029] Figure 10 For along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of line B-B' in the middle;

[0030] Figure 11 For along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of line C-C' in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic golf ball marking device of this embodiment includes: a motor 14, a tray 24, an inkjet printing module 20, a control circuit 25, a power supply unit 23, a power switch 4, an indicator light 5, a main frame 8, a housing, a limiting mechanism 6, an anti-loosening structure, a lifting mechanism, and a guide post 12; wherein, the center of the motor 14 is fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft of the motor 14, the rotating shaft is vertical, and the surface of the motor 14 is bowl-shaped; the golf ball is placed on the motor 14, and the diameter of the motor 14 is smaller than the diameter of the golf ball; the center of the inkjet nozzle of the inkjet printing module 20 is directly opposite the geometric center of the golf ball; the indicator light 5, the motor 14, and the inkjet printing module 20 are respectively connected to the control circuit 25; the control circuit 25 is connected to the power supply unit 23 via the power switch 4;

[0033] The motor 14, inkjet printing module 20, control circuit 25, and power supply unit are respectively fixedly mounted on the main frame 8;

[0034] The housing includes a bottom shell 1, a partition 3, and a top cover 2. The bottom shell 1 is a box-like structure without a top surface but with a bottom surface and four sides, and has internal space. The motor 14, inkjet printing module 20, and control circuit 25, which are fixed to the main frame 8, are located inside the bottom shell 1. The partition 3 is placed on the main frame 8, enclosing the main frame 8 inside the bottom shell 1. Both the bottom shell 1 and the partition 3 are fixed to the main frame 8. The partition 3 has a circular through hole with a diameter not less than a golf ball, allowing a golf ball 9 to pass through. The center of the through hole is located on the rotation shaft of the motor 14. The top cover 2 is provided on the partition 3 and is connected to the partition 3 by a hinge shaft 7. The top cover 2 can be opened and closed.

[0035] A limiting mechanism 6 is installed on the lower surface of the upper cover 2 at the position corresponding to the through hole of the partition. That is, the center of the limiting mechanism 6 is located on the rotating shaft of the motor 14. The limiting mechanism 6 includes multiple limiting claws that are evenly spaced along the circumference. When a golf ball is placed on the motor 14 and the upper cover 2 is closed, there is a small distance between the limiting mechanism 6 and the upper surface of the golf ball.

[0036] The anti-loosening structure uses magnetic pieces, which are respectively set on the upper surface of the partition 3 and the lower surface of the upper cover 2 and are located symmetrically on both sides of the hinge shaft; the polarity of the opposite face of the partition magnetic piece 11 and the upper cover magnetic piece 10 is opposite, so that when the upper cover 2 is closed, it is tightly covered by the magnetic attraction of the opposite magnetic pieces, preventing the upper cover 2 from loosening.

[0037] The lifting mechanism is located inside the bottom shell 1 and includes a lifting plate 13, a lifting push rod 15, a transmission mechanism, and a lifting lever 19. The lifting plate 13 has a circular through-hole, the center of which is located on the rotating shaft of the motor 14. The diameter of the through-hole is larger than the diameter of the motor 14 but smaller than the diameter of a golf ball. The through-hole is coaxial with and outside the motor 14. When the top cover 2 is closed, the lifting plate 13 is located on the main frame 8, and the upper edge of the through-hole does not contact the golf ball. The end of the lifting push rod 15 is located below the lifting plate 13. The beginning of the lifting push rod 15 is connected to the end of the transmission mechanism via a connecting shaft. The beginning of the transmission mechanism is connected to the end of the lifting lever 19 via a connecting shaft. A hinge shaft passes through the rotating shaft of the lifting lever 19, allowing the lifting lever 19 to rotate around the hinge shaft. The top of the lifting lever 19 is engaged in a limiting groove located at the edge of the top cover 2.

[0038] Two vertical guide posts 12 are fixed to the main frame 8 and located on both sides of the motor 14. The distance between the two guide posts 12 is greater than the diameter of a golf ball and less than the diameter of the lifting plate 13. Limiting holes are opened on the lifting plate 13 at the positions corresponding to the two guide posts 12. The two guide posts 12 pass through the corresponding limiting holes of the lifting plate 13, thereby restricting the lifting plate 13 to slide only vertically during the rising and falling process.

[0039] Four rubber pads 21 are installed at the bottom of the base shell 1 to support the line marker and to absorb shock when the line marker is working.

[0040] In this embodiment, the power supply unit 23 uses a battery, specifically a rechargeable lithium battery, which connects to an external voltage source via a charging interface 22. The charging interface 22 is a Type-C interface located at the rear of the bottom shell 1. The motor 14 is a DC motor. The transmission mechanism includes a first connecting rod 18, a second connecting rod 17, and a third connecting rod 16 connected sequentially by a rotating shaft. The motor 14 is made of ABS plastic; the main frame 8 is made of ABS plastic; the shell is made of aluminum alloy; and the lifting mechanism and guide post 12 are made of aluminum alloy. The diameter of the golf ball is 42.67 mm; the maximum diameter of the motor 14 is 30 mm; the diameter of the through hole in the partition 3 is 44 mm; and the diameter of the through hole in the lifting plate is 35 mm. The inkjet printing module 20 includes a printing drive circuit and an ink cartridge. The control circuit 25 is connected to the printing drive circuit, which is connected to the ink cartridge. An inkjet nozzle is located at the front end of the ink cartridge.

[0041] The automatic golf ball line marker in this embodiment includes the following steps when drawing lines on a golf ball:

[0042] 1) First open the top cover 2. The lifting lever 19 rotates around the hinge shaft. Through the transmission mechanism, the end of the lifting push rod 15 pushes the lifting plate 13 upward. The golf ball is put into the line marker through the partition through hole of the partition 3. The golf ball will fall on the lifting plate through hole of the lifting plate 13 and be lifted by it to expose the partition 3 for easy placement.

[0043] 2) After the top cover 2 is closed, the lifting lever 19 rotates around the hinge shaft, which drives the lifting push rod 15 to move downward through the transmission mechanism. The lifting push rod 15 no longer pushes the lifting plate 13. The lifting plate 13 moves downward under its own weight and the weight of the golf ball until the golf ball falls on the motor 14. Then, the lifting plate 13 continues to separate from the golf ball under its own weight and finally stops on the main frame 8. The top of the golf ball is higher than the lower surface of the partition 3. The inkjet printing module 20's inkjet nozzle is facing the golf ball, 1.5mm away from the surface of the golf ball, and does not contact the golf ball.

[0044] 3) Turn on the power switch 4. The power supply unit 23 provides working voltage to the motor 14, inkjet printing module 20 and control circuit 25. The indicator light 5 shows red. The control circuit 25 drives the motor 14 to rotate at a speed of 4500 RPM, which drives the golf ball to rotate at high speed. The limiting mechanism 6 on the lower surface of the upper cover 2 and the lifting plate 13 together constitute the limiting device for the golf ball. On the one hand, it can limit the jumping amplitude of the golf ball when it is rotating at high speed, so that it can quickly reach a dynamic balance state. On the other hand, it can prevent the golf ball from jumping too much inside the line drawer when it is rotating at high speed and hitting the inkjet printing module 20 inkjet nozzle.

[0045] 4) After the golf ball's rotation stabilizes and reaches dynamic equilibrium, the golf ball's axis of rotation is collinear with the axis of rotation of motor 14. The axis of rotation of the golf ball passes through and coincides with the center of mass. At this time, the plane formed by the points on the surface of the golf ball furthest from the axis of rotation is the equatorial plane of the golf ball, and the circle formed by these points is the equatorial line of the golf ball. After motor 14 has been working for 8 seconds, control circuit 25 drives inkjet printing module 20 to spray ink. Control circuit 25 drives the inkjet printing module 20 to continuously spray ink for a set time of 4 seconds. Due to the rotation of the golf ball, ink will form a line on the surface of the golf ball. This line is the equatorial line of the golf ball, and the width of the drawn equatorial line is about 0.8 mm. After the inkjet is completed, control circuit 25 stops supplying power to motor 14, and the golf ball gradually stops rotating. When the golf ball is stationary, indicator light 5 shows green, and the equatorial line is drawn.

[0046] 5) After the line is drawn, open the top cover 2, the lifting mechanism rises, the lifting push rod 15 pushes the lifting plate 13 to move upward, the through hole of the lifting plate catches the golf ball, and lifts the golf ball upward until the partition 3 is exposed, so as to take out the golf ball.

[0047] Finally, it should be noted that the purpose of disclosing the embodiments is to help further understand this utility model. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various substitutions and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model and the appended claims. Therefore, this utility model should not be limited to the content disclosed in the embodiments, and the scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic golf ball marking device, characterized in that, The automatic golf ball marking device includes: a motor, a tray, an inkjet printing module, a control circuit, a power supply unit, and a power switch; wherein, the center of the tray is fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft of the motor; the golf ball is placed on the tray; the center of the inkjet printing module's inkjet nozzle is directly opposite the geometric center of the golf ball; The motor and inkjet printing module are respectively connected to the control circuit; the control circuit is connected to the power supply unit via a power switch.

2. The automatic golf ball marking device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a main frame, and the motor, inkjet printing module and control circuit are respectively fixedly installed in the main frame.

3. The automatic golf ball marking device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a housing, which comprises a bottom shell, a partition, and a top cover; wherein, the bottom shell has an interior space; the motor, inkjet printing module, and control circuit, which are fixed to the main frame, are located inside the bottom shell; the partition is placed on the main frame, and both the bottom shell and the partition are fixed to the main frame; the partition has a circular through hole for a golf ball to pass through, and the center of the through hole is located on the rotating shaft of the motor; the top cover is provided on the partition, and the top cover is connected to the partition by a hinge shaft, and the top cover can be opened and closed.

4. The automatic golf ball marking device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a limiting mechanism, which is installed on the lower surface of the upper cover at a position corresponding to the through hole of the partition, and the center of the limiting mechanism is located on the rotating shaft of the motor.

5. The automatic golf ball marking device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes an anti-loosening structure, which uses magnetic pieces, respectively disposed on the upper surface of the partition and the lower surface of the upper cover and located on the opposite side of the hinge shaft; the opposite polarities of the magnetic pieces on the partition and the upper cover are opposite.

6. The automatic golf ball marking device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a lifting mechanism, which comprises a lifting plate, a lifting push rod, a transmission mechanism, and a lifting lever. The lifting plate has a circular through-hole, the center of which is located on the rotating shaft of the motor. The diameter of the through-hole is larger than the diameter of the tray but smaller than the diameter of the golf ball. The through-hole is coaxial with the tray and located outside the tray. When the top cover is closed, the lifting plate is located on the main frame, and the upper edge of the through-hole does not contact the golf ball. The end of the lifting push rod is located below the lifting plate, and the beginning of the lifting push rod is connected to the end of the transmission mechanism via a connecting shaft. The beginning of the transmission mechanism is connected to the end of the lifting lever via a connecting shaft. A hinge shaft passes through the rotating shaft of the lifting lever, allowing the lifting lever to rotate around the hinge shaft. The top end of the lifting lever is engaged in a limiting groove located on the edge of the top cover.

7. The automatic golf ball marking device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes multiple connecting rods that are connected end to end by a rotating shaft.

8. The automatic golf ball marking device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes guide pillars, two vertical guide pillars fixed on the main frame and located on both sides of the tray respectively. The distance between the two guide pillars is greater than the diameter of a golf ball and less than the diameter of the lifting plate. Limiting through holes are opened on the lifting plate at the positions corresponding to the two guide pillars, and the two guide pillars pass through the lifting plate through the corresponding limiting through holes.

9. The automatic golf ball marking device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a support and damping structure, which is installed at the bottom of the base shell.

10. The automatic golf ball marking device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes indicator lights, which are connected to the control circuit.

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