Golf ball inspection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a golf ball inspection device comprising: a supply unit that stores a plurality of golf balls and supplies the golf balls to a measuring unit; a measuring unit installed on the side of the supply unit and performing an electromagnetic wave transmission test on the golf balls supplied from the supply unit; a control unit that calculates the eccentricity (SOD) of the golf balls using the transmission coefficient of the golf balls measured by the measuring unit; and a classification unit that classifies the golf balls according to the eccentricity of the golf balls calculated by the control unit.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf ball inspection device, and more specifically, to a golf ball inspection device capable of measuring the eccentricity of a plurality of golf balls and classifying the golf balls according to the eccentricity. Background Technology

[0002] Defects in golf balls include core eccentricity, internal material imbalance, and outer shell damage. Among these, core eccentricity is a very important factor in golf ball performance as it is closely related to the balance of the golf ball.

[0003] The applicant has already developed a device that inspects golf balls using electromagnetic waves and classifies golf balls according to the inspection results.

[0004] However, golf balls classified by conventional golf ball inspection devices lacked an indication of inspection results, making it impossible to know whether an inspection had been conducted after they were used on the field. Additionally, there was a problem in that quality differences between individual golf balls classified in the same category could not be identified.

[0005] Prior art refers to technical information that the inventor possessed for the derivation of the present invention or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and it cannot necessarily be considered publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present invention. Prior art literature

[0006] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2660995 (Published on April 25, 2024) The problem to be solved

[0007] In resolving the aforementioned problems, the objective of the present invention is to provide a golf ball inspection device that prints the eccentricity calculated during the inspection on a golf ball that has undergone electromagnetic transmission inspection, thereby not only making it easy to determine whether the golf ball has been inspected after use, but also enabling accurate determination of the eccentricity of each individual golf ball even among golf balls classified in the same category.

[0008] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0009] A golf ball inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a supply unit that stores a plurality of golf balls and supplies the golf balls to a measuring unit; a measuring unit installed on the side of the supply unit and performing an electromagnetic wave transmission test on the golf balls supplied from the supply unit; a control unit that calculates the eccentricity (SOD) of the golf balls using the transmission coefficient of the golf balls measured by the measuring unit; and a classification unit that classifies the golf balls according to the eccentricity of the golf balls calculated by the control unit.

[0010] Here, the above eccentricity (SOD) is calculated by performing the electromagnetic wave transmission test for n frequencies and summing the differences between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the transmission coefficients measured for each frequency.

[0011] In addition, the golf ball inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a printing unit that prints the eccentricity on the golf ball in front of the sorting unit along the path in which the golf ball travels.

[0012] In addition, the golf ball inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a printing position adjustment unit installed between the measuring unit and the printing unit, which finds the blank portion of the golf ball on which the printing unit is to print the eccentricity.

[0013] Additionally, the printing unit comprises a second mounting bracket fixedly installed on the top plate of the main frame, a printing machine installed on the second mounting bracket and printing the eccentricity on the golf ball transported to its forward position, and a third sensor installed on one side of the printing machine to detect that the golf ball is transported to the forward position of the printing machine.

[0014] The control unit is characterized by operating the printer to print the eccentricity on the golf ball when the third sensor detects the golf ball.

[0015] In addition, the printing position adjustment unit is characterized by comprising a first mounting bracket fixedly installed on the top plate of the main frame, a camera installed on the first mounting bracket and photographing the golf ball transported to its front position, a transport bracket installed in front of the camera, a rotating support member installed on the upper part of the transport bracket to support the golf ball, and a third motor installed on the transport bracket to rotate the rotating support member.

[0016] In addition, the control unit is characterized by inspecting the captured image of the camera and, if a logo or putting line is located on the front of the captured golf ball, operating the third motor to rotate the rotating support member to adjust the printing position of the golf ball so that a blank area where the logo or putting line is not present is located on the front of the golf ball.

[0017] In addition, the sorting unit is characterized by comprising a third cylinder having a rotating part that is fixedly installed on the top plate of the main frame and rotates when pneumatic pressure is applied, a fourth cylinder installed on the rotating part of the third cylinder, a sorting arm connected to the fourth cylinder and capable of rotating and moving up and down, a first suction part installed at the end of the sorting arm, and a plurality of sorting chutes installed within the rotation range of the sorting arm.

[0018] In addition, the control unit controls the rotational position of the rotating part of the third cylinder and the operation of the first adsorption part to classify the golf balls into at least two types according to the classification criterion eccentricity value set by the user.

[0019] In addition, the golf ball inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a first transfer unit installed on the top plate of a main frame, which transfers the golf ball from the supply unit to the measurement unit and also transfers the golf ball from the measurement unit to the printing position adjustment unit.

[0020] In addition, the golf ball inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a second transfer unit installed on the top plate of a main frame, which transfers the golf ball from the printing position adjustment unit to the printing unit and also transfers the golf ball from the printing unit to the sorting unit.

[0021] In addition, the second transfer unit is characterized by including a second rail installed on the top plate of the main frame and forming a straight path from the printing position adjustment unit through the printing unit to the sorting unit, the transfer table of the printing position adjustment unit movably installed on the second rail, and an eighth cylinder installed on the top plate of the main frame and having a cylinder rod connected to the transfer table.

[0022] Additionally, the supply unit comprises: an input box installed on the upper part of an auxiliary frame positioned on the side of a main frame and having a bottom surface formed as an inclined surface; a lift installed at the bottom of the bottom surface to move the golf balls collected at the bottom of the bottom surface upward; a first cylinder installed below the lift and having a cylinder rod connected to the lift; a first supply chute installed on the upper plate of the main frame to receive the golf balls from the lift and roll them to a second supply chute; a second supply chute connected to the first supply chute to arrange a plurality of the golf balls transferred from the first supply chute into a single row and roll them to its end; a lifting support member installed at the end of the second supply chute and having a single golf ball to be transferred to the measuring unit loaded thereon; and a second cylinder installed on the upper plate of the main frame and having a cylinder rod connected to the lifting support member.

[0023] In addition, the supply unit has a first sensor installed in the middle part of the second supply chute, and

[0024] The control unit is characterized by supplying the golf ball from the input box to the second supply chute by operating the first cylinder to raise the lift when the golf ball is not detected by the first sensor.

[0025] In addition, the supply unit has a second sensor installed at the end of the second supply chute, and

[0026] The control unit is characterized by operating the second cylinder to raise the lifting support member when the golf ball is detected by the second sensor, thereby preparing the golf ball to be transported to the measuring unit at the transport waiting position. Effects of the invention

[0027] As described above, the golf ball inspection device according to the present invention prints the eccentricity calculated during inspection on a golf ball that has undergone electromagnetic wave transmission inspection, thereby not only making it easy to determine whether an inspection of the golf ball has been performed after use, but also enabling accurate determination of the eccentricity of each individual golf ball even among golf balls classified in the same category.

[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf ball inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main part of the golf ball inspection device. Figure 3 is a plan view of Figure 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the internal structure of a supply unit, which is a component of the golf ball inspection device. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the rear section structure of the supply section. FIGS. 6 to 10 are drawings illustrating the movement process of a golf ball in the golf ball inspection device, where FIG. 6 is a drawing of a golf ball positioned in the measuring section, FIG. 7 is a drawing of a golf ball positioned in the printing position adjustment section, FIG. 8 is a drawing of a golf ball positioned in the printing section, FIG. 9 is a drawing of a golf ball positioned at the entrance of the sorting section, and FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a golf ball being sorted by a sorting arm. FIG. 11 is a control configuration diagram of the golf ball inspection device, and Figure 12 is a graph of the results of the electromagnetic wave transmission test performed by the above-mentioned measurement unit. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] In the present invention, the attached drawings may be illustrated with exaggerated expressions to distinguish it from the prior art, ensure clarity, and facilitate the understanding of the technology. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention; since these terms may vary depending on the intentions or conventions of the user or operator, their definitions should be based on the technical content throughout this specification. Meanwhile, the embodiments are merely exemplary details of the components presented in the claims of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the rights of the present invention; the scope of rights should be interpreted based on the technical concept throughout the specification of the present invention.

[0031] Throughout the specification, when a configuration is described as "including" a configuration, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other configurations but may include additional configurations.

[0032] Furthermore, when it is said that one configuration is "connected," "connected," or "combined" with another configuration, this means that it is not only "directly connected," "directly connected," or "directly combined," but also that there may be cases where it is "connected with another configuration interposed," "connected with another configuration interposed," or "combined with another configuration interposed." On the other hand, when it is said that one configuration is "directly connected," "directly connected," or "directly combined" with another configuration, it should be understood that there is no other configuration in between.

[0033] In addition, when directional terms such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," "right," "first end," "other end," and "both ends" are used, they are used exemplarily in relation to the orientation of the disclosed drawings and should not be interpreted restrictively, and when terms such as "first" and "second" are used, they are terms used to distinguish each configuration and should not be interpreted restrictively.

[0034] In order to more clearly explain the features of the embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of matters widely known to those skilled in the art to which the following embodiments pertain are omitted. Additionally, detailed descriptions of parts in the drawings that are unrelated to the description of the embodiments are omitted.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf ball inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a key part of the golf ball inspection device, FIG. 3 is a plan view of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a supply unit which is a component of the golf ball inspection device, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the rear part structure of the supply unit.

[0037] In addition, FIGS. 6 to 10 are drawings illustrating the movement process of a golf ball in the golf ball inspection device, where FIG. 6 is a drawing of the golf ball positioned in the measuring section, FIG. 7 is a drawing of the golf ball positioned in the printing position adjustment section, FIG. 8 is a drawing of the golf ball positioned in the printing section, FIG. 9 is a drawing of the golf ball positioned at the entrance of the sorting section, and FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating the golf ball being sorted by the sorting arm.

[0038] In addition, FIG. 11 is a control configuration diagram of the golf ball inspection device, and FIG. 12 is a graph of the result of the electromagnetic wave transmission test performed by the measurement unit.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, a golf ball inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a supply unit (100), a measuring unit (200), a printing position adjustment unit (300), a printing unit (400), a classification unit (500), a first transfer unit (600), a second transfer unit (700), and a control unit (1000).

[0040] The above supply unit (100) is configured to store a plurality of golf balls (1) and supply the golf balls (1) to the measuring unit (200).

[0041] The above supply unit (100) comprises: an input box (30) installed on the upper part of an auxiliary frame (20) positioned on the side of a main frame (10) and having a bottom surface (31) formed as an inclined surface; a lift (110) installed at the bottom of the bottom surface (31) (the lowest part of the bottom surface (31) where the golf balls (1) gather) to move the golf balls (1) gathered at the bottom of the bottom surface (31) upwards; a first cylinder (120) installed below the lift (110) and having a cylinder rod connected to the lift (110); a first supply chute (130) installed on the top plate of the main frame (10) to receive the golf balls (1) from the lift (110) and roll them to a second supply chute (140); and a plurality of golf balls (1) transferred from the first supply chute (130) connected to the first supply chute (130) and arranged in a single row to form its own It includes the second supply chute (140) that moves to the end, a lifting support member (150) installed at the end of the second supply chute (140) and loaded with one golf ball (1) to be transferred to the measuring unit (200), and a second cylinder (160) installed on the top plate of the main frame (10) and having a cylinder rod connected to the lifting support member (150).

[0042] The main frame (10) and the auxiliary frame (20) are skeletal members in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped made of steel angle steel (also known as angle). A top plate on which each of the above components is installed is installed on the upper surface of the main frame (10). A cover plate or an openable door may be installed on the sides of the main frame (10) and the auxiliary frame (20).

[0043] The main frame (10) and the auxiliary frame (20) are arranged adjacent to each other, and the supply unit (100) is installed across the auxiliary frame (20) and the main frame (10).

[0044] The input box (30) is installed on the upper part of the auxiliary frame (20). The upper part of the input box (30) is open, and the bottom surface (31) is formed as an inclined surface so that the golf ball (1) can be gathered at one corner.

[0045] A through hole is formed in the lower part of the floor surface (31), and the lift (110) is installed in a structure that passes through the through hole. On the upper part of the lift (110), a tray section is formed with guards on three sides and one side open, so that a plurality of golf balls (1) can be raised and then transferred to the first supply chute (130). To this end, it is preferable that the bottom surface of the tray section be an inclined surface tilted toward the first supply chute (130).

[0046] The first cylinder (120) is installed on the lower side of the lift (110). To this end, a suitable installation surface is provided on the auxiliary frame (20) using a bracket or the like. The first cylinder (120) is installed such that the cylinder rod faces upward, and the cylinder rod is connected to the lower surface of the lift (110).

[0047] Accordingly, the lift (110) can be operated in an up-and-down direction according to the operation of the first cylinder (120), and the lift (110) can move the golf balls (1) collected at the bottom of the input box (30) upward and supply them to the first supply chute (130).

[0048] The first supply chute (130) may be installed on the side of the input box (30). A through hole is formed in the surface where the first supply chute (130) is installed so that golf balls (1) raised by the lift (110) can move toward the first supply chute (130).

[0049] The second supply chute (140) is installed at a right angle to the bottom of the first supply chute (130) and has a width that allows only one golf ball (1) to move. Accordingly, multiple golf balls (1) supplied simultaneously from the first supply chute (130) move along the second supply chute (140) and are aligned neatly in a single row, and thus only one golf ball (1) can be loaded at a time onto the lifting support member (150).

[0050] The lifting support member (150) is installed at the rear end of the second supply chute (140), and the cylinder rod of the second cylinder (160) is connected to the lower side so that it can move up and down according to the operation of the second cylinder (160). Accordingly, the lifting support member (150) can be prepared at a transfer waiting position to transfer the golf ball (1) to the measuring unit (200) by loading one golf ball (1) when lowering and then rising.

[0051] Additionally, the supply unit (100) is configured such that a first sensor (170) is installed in the middle part of the second supply chute (140), and the control unit (1000) is configured such that if the golf ball (1) is not detected by the first sensor (170), the first cylinder (120) is operated to raise the lift (110), thereby supplying the golf ball (1) from the input box (30) to the second supply chute (140).

[0052] Additionally, the supply unit (100) is configured such that a second sensor (180) is installed at the end of the second supply chute (140), and the control unit (1000) is configured such that when the golf ball (1) is detected by the second sensor (180), the second cylinder (160) is operated to raise the lifting support member (150), thereby preparing the golf ball (1) to be transported to the measuring unit (200) at a transport waiting position.

[0053] The first sensor (170) and the second sensor (180) may be optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, etc.

[0054] The first sensor (170) and the second sensor (180) are installed on one side of the second supply chute (140), and detection holes (see FIG. 5, no reference numeral) are formed on both sides of the second supply chute (140) in the same line as the first sensor (170) and the second sensor (180), respectively. Therefore, by detecting light or ultrasound reflected from the golf ball (1) through the detection holes, it is possible to detect whether the golf ball (1) is present at the corresponding location.

[0055] The above measuring unit (200) is installed on the side of the supply unit (100) and is configured to perform an electromagnetic wave transmission test on the golf ball (1) supplied from the supply unit (100).

[0056] The above measuring unit (200) includes a base plate (210) installed on the top plate of the main frame (10), an antenna position adjustment unit (220) installed on both the front and rear sides of the base plate (210), an antenna installation plate (230) installed on each of the antenna position adjustment units (220) on both sides, a transmitting antenna (240) and a receiving antenna (250) installed facing each other on each of the antenna installation plates (230) on both sides, three support wheels (260) installed in the central upper space of the base plate (210) to support the golf ball (1), and a first motor (270) and a second motor (280) capable of rotating two of the three support wheels (260).

[0057] The golf ball (1) transported from the supply unit (100) is supported on the upper part of the three support wheels (260), and by controlling the operation of the first motor (270) and the second motor (280) respectively, the rotation of the two support wheels (260) can be controlled respectively, thereby allowing the golf ball (1) to be rotated in all directions.

[0058] In this way, while rotating the golf ball (1), electromagnetic waves are transmitted from the transmitting antenna (240), and the electromagnetic waves that have passed through the golf ball (1) are received by the receiving antenna (250), and the received radio wave signal is transmitted to the control unit (1000).

[0059] The above control unit (1000) calculates a transmission coefficient by comparing the amplitude or strength of the transmitted radio waves and the received radio waves. The method for calculating the eccentricity (SOD) of the golf ball (1) using the above transmission coefficient will be explained in detail later when describing the above control unit (1000).

[0060] Meanwhile, the antenna position adjustment unit (220) is a linear movement mechanism using a screw bar, and the moving unit can be moved back and forth by operating a handle, and the antenna installation plate (230) is installed on the moving unit. Accordingly, the positions of the transmitting antenna (240) and the receiving antenna (250) relative to the golf ball (1) can be adjusted by operating the antenna position adjustment unit (220), and this allows the receiving antenna (250) to receive electromagnetic waves transmitted through the golf ball (1) more accurately, thereby improving the accuracy of the golf ball (1) measurement.

[0061] The above-mentioned printing position adjustment unit (300) is installed between the above-mentioned measuring unit (200) and the above-mentioned printing unit (400) and is configured to find the blank portion of the golf ball (1) on which the above-mentioned printing unit (400) is to print the eccentricity.

[0062] The above-described printing position adjustment unit (300) includes a first mounting stand (310) fixedly installed on the top plate of the main frame (10), a camera (320) installed on the first mounting stand (310) and taking a picture of the golf ball (1) transported to its front position, a transport stand (330) installed in front of the camera (320), a rotating support member (340) installed on the upper part of the transport stand (330) to support the golf ball (1), and a third motor (350) installed on the transport stand (330) to rotate the rotating support member (340).

[0063] The first mounting stand (310) comprises a first axis installed upright on the top plate of the main frame (10), a second axis installed to rotate and move up and down via a first connecting member on the first axis, and a second connecting member installed to rotate and move back and forth on the second axis, and the camera (320) is installed on the second connecting member. Accordingly, the position of the camera (320) can be freely adjusted, and the position of the camera (320) can be stably maintained in the adjusted position. As long as the first mounting stand (310) can stably maintain the installation position of the camera (320), there are no special restrictions on its configuration.

[0064] The camera (320) photographs the golf ball (1) placed on the rotating support member (340) of the transfer platform (330) and transmits the captured image to the control unit (1000).

[0065] The above transfer platform (330) is a structure comprising an upper plate, a lower plate, and two connecting plates that vertically connect the two ends of the upper plate and the lower plate. The rotational support member (340) is installed on the upper plate, and the third motor (350) is installed on the upper surface of the lower plate. The rotation axis of the third motor (350) is connected to the rotational support member (340) to rotate it. Additionally, the lower plate is movably installed on the second rail (710) of the second transfer unit (700), which will be described later. The operation control of the third motor (350) is performed by the control unit (1000).

[0066] The control unit (1000) inspects the captured image of the camera (320) and, if a logo or putting line is positioned on the front of the captured golf ball (1), operates the third motor (350) to rotate the rotation support member (340) so that the printing position of the golf ball (1) is adjusted so that a blank area (a part without any markings) where the logo or putting line is not present is positioned on the front of the golf ball (1).

[0067] On the golf ball (1), two logos indicating a brand are each displayed on opposite sides of the circumference (at 180° intervals) relative to each other, and a putting line is each displayed at a 90° point between the two logos. Therefore, when the logo or putting line is displayed on the front of the photographed golf ball (1), rotating the rotation support member (340) results in a blank area on the front of the golf ball (1) (i.e., the printing target surface) with no markings.

[0068] Accordingly, the control unit (1000) operates the third motor (350) until a blank area without a mark appears on the front of the golf ball (1) in the real-time shooting video transmitted from the camera (320), thereby rotating the golf ball (1) through the rotation support member (340), and thereby adjusts the position of the golf ball (1) so that the blank area is positioned on the front of the golf ball (1) which then faces the printer (420).

[0069] The above printing unit (400) is configured to print the eccentricity on the golf ball (1) in front of the sorting unit (500) along the path in which the golf ball (1) moves.

[0070] The printing unit (400) comprises a second mounting bracket (410) fixedly installed on the top plate of the main frame (10), a printing machine (420) installed on the second mounting bracket (410) and printing the eccentricity on the golf ball (1) transferred to its forward position, and a third sensor (430) installed on one side of the printing machine (420) and detecting that the golf ball (1) is transferred to the forward position of the printing machine (420).

[0071] The control unit (1000) operates the printer (420) when the third sensor (430) detects the golf ball (1) to print the eccentricity on the golf ball (1).

[0072] The second mounting stand (410) comprises a first axis installed upright at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the top plate of the main frame (10) in one direction of the first mounting stand (310), a second axis installed to rotate and move up and down via a first connecting member on the first axis, and a second connecting member installed to rotate and move back and forth on the second axis, and the printing press (420) is installed on the second connecting member. Accordingly, the position of the printing press (420) can be freely adjusted, and the position of the printing press (420) can be stably maintained in the adjusted position. As long as the second mounting stand (410) can stably maintain the installation position of the printing press (420), there are no special restrictions on its configuration.

[0073] The above printer (420) prints the eccentricity value (numerical value) calculated by the controller (1000) onto the surface of the golf ball (1), and may use an inkjet printing method or a laser printing method.

[0074] The above classification unit (500) is configured to classify the golf ball (1) according to the eccentricity of the golf ball (1) calculated by the above control unit (1000).

[0075] The sorting unit (500) comprises a third cylinder (510) having a rotating part (511) that is fixedly installed on the top plate of the main frame (10) and rotates when pneumatic pressure is applied, a fourth cylinder (520) installed on the rotating part (511) of the third cylinder (510), a sorting arm (530) connected to the fourth cylinder (520) and capable of rotating and moving up and down, a first suction part (540) installed at the end of the sorting arm (530), and a plurality of sorting chutes (550, 560) installed within the rotation range of the sorting arm (530).

[0076] The control unit (1000) controls the rotational position of the rotating part (511) of the third cylinder (510) and the operation of the first adsorption part (540) to classify the golf ball (1) into at least two types according to the classification criterion eccentricity value set by the user.

[0077] The third cylinder (510) is a pneumatic rotary cylinder and is structured such that it has two racks that reciprocate by pneumatic pressure inside the body, a pinion is engaged between the racks, and the rotating part (511) (= rotary table) is connected to the pinion.

[0078] The fourth cylinder (520) is a conventional linear operating cylinder and is installed upright on the upper surface of the rotating part (511) of the third cylinder (510). Accordingly, the operating part connected to the cylinder rod of the fourth cylinder (520) moves linearly in the up and down direction.

[0079] The sorting arm (530) is a simple metal rod, with one end mounted on the upper surface of the operating part of the fourth cylinder (520), and the first suction part (540) installed on the other end. The first suction part (540) is connected to a vacuum line not shown via a hose and serves to suction or release the golf ball (1) by vacuum pressure. The operation control of the first suction part (540) is performed by the control unit (1000), and this is the same for the second suction part (670) and the third suction part (680) to be described later.

[0080] The above plurality of sorting chutes (550, 560) are configured to move the golf ball (1) separated from the first adsorption part (540) to the sorting box (40) (see FIG. 1).

[0081] The illustrated embodiment is shown as having two sorting chute (first sorting chute (550), second sorting chute (560)) installed on each side of the third cylinder (510) installation part, but the sorting chute may be installed in a number of multiples, ranging from at least two to more, depending on the sorting conditions set in the control unit (1000). For example, when two sorting criteria values ​​(X1, X2) are set, the golf ball (1) can be sorted into three types: a type with an eccentricity smaller than X1, a type with an eccentricity greater than X1 and smaller than X2, and a type with an eccentricity greater than X2. In this case, three sorting chutes are provided, and three sorting boxes (40) may be placed on the lower side of each sorting chute.

[0082] The control unit (1000) operates the first suction unit (540) (more precisely, controls the corresponding electronic control valve of the flow path control module installed in the vacuum line to apply or release vacuum pressure to the first suction unit (540), but for convenience of explanation, it is described as the control unit (1000) directly operating and controlling the first suction unit (540)) to suction a golf ball (1), operates the fourth cylinder (520) to raise the sorting arm (530), then operates the third cylinder (510) to rotate the sorting arm (530) to a sorting position corresponding to the eccentricity of the suctioned golf ball (1), and then operates the fourth cylinder (520) to lower the golf ball (1) to an appropriate height, and then removes the vacuum pressure of the first suction unit (540) to [remove] the golf ball (1) to a corresponding Drop it into the sorting suit (550, 560).

[0083] The first transfer unit (600) is installed on the top plate of the main frame (10) and is configured to transfer the golf ball (1) from the supply unit (100) to the measuring unit (200) and also transfer the golf ball (1) from the measuring unit (200) to the printing position adjustment unit (300).

[0084] The first transfer unit (600) is installed in the rear portion between the second supply chute (140) of the supply unit (100) and the printing position adjustment unit (300) on the top plate of the main frame (10).

[0085] The first transfer unit (600) comprises a third mounting bracket (610) fixed to the top plate of the main frame (10), a pair of first rails (620) installed transversely on the upper front surface of the third mounting bracket (610), a transfer plate (630) installed to be movable along the first rails (620), a fifth cylinder (640) installed on one side of the third mounting bracket (610) and having a cylinder rod connected to the back surface of the transfer plate (630), a sixth cylinder (650) and a seventh cylinder (660) respectively installed at both ends of the transfer plate (630), and a second suction unit (670) and a third suction unit (680) respectively installed at the operating parts of the sixth cylinder (650) and the seventh cylinder (660).

[0086] The above third mounting stand (610) has a structure in which column plates are installed upright at both ends of a base plate, and a front plate is installed on the upper part of both column plates, and the first rail (620) is installed on the front plate at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction. To be precise, a transfer member is installed on the first rail (620), and the transfer plate (630) is mounted on the transfer member, but for convenience of explanation, it has been described as if the transfer plate (630) is installed movably on the first rail (620).

[0087] The fifth cylinder (640) is a general cylindrical pneumatic cylinder equipped with a single cylinder rod, and the cylinder rod is connected to the back surface of the transfer plate (630) via a connecting member such as a bracket. Accordingly, the transfer plate (630) can move left and right along the first rail (620) depending on the operating direction of the cylinder rod of the fifth cylinder (640).

[0088] The sixth cylinder (650) and the seventh cylinder (660) are installed on the transfer plate (630), and since the second adsorption part (670) and the third adsorption part (680) are installed on the sixth cylinder (650) and the seventh cylinder (660), the sixth cylinder (650), the seventh cylinder (660), the second adsorption part (670), and the third adsorption part (680) move together with the transfer plate (630) in the left and right directions.

[0089] The sixth cylinder (650) and the seventh cylinder (660) are installed such that the cylinder rods face downward, and an operating part is installed on each cylinder rod, and the second adsorption part (670) and the third adsorption part (680) are installed on each operating part.

[0090] The fifth cylinder (640), the sixth cylinder (650), and the seventh cylinder (660) are connected to a pneumatic line, and the second adsorption unit (670) and the third adsorption unit (680) are connected to a vacuum line, and their operation is controlled by the control unit (1000).

[0091] The first transfer unit (600) has the second suction unit (670) adsorbing the golf ball (1) from the lifting support member (150) of the supply unit (100) according to the moving position of the transfer plate (630), and transporting it to the upper part of the three support wheels (260) of the measuring unit (200) and lowering it, and the third suction unit (680) adsorbing the golf ball (1) from the upper part of the three support wheels (260) of the measuring unit (200) and transporting it to the rotating support member (340) of the printing position adjustment unit (300) and lowering it.

[0092] The second transfer unit (700) is installed on the top plate of the main frame (10) and is configured to transfer the golf ball (1) from the printing position adjustment unit (300) to the printing unit (400), and also to transfer the golf ball (1) from the printing unit (400) to the sorting unit (500).

[0093] The second transfer unit (700) comprises a second rail (710) installed on the top plate of the main frame (10) and forming a straight path from the printing position adjustment unit (300) through the printing unit (400) to the sorting unit (500), a transfer platform (330) of the printing position adjustment unit (300) movably installed on the second rail (710), and an eighth cylinder (720) installed on the top plate of the main frame (10) and having a cylinder rod connected to the transfer platform (330).

[0094] The second rail (710) is installed on the lower front side (facing direction) of the camera (320) and the printer (420) relative to them, and is installed laterally on the lower rear side of the printing position adjustment unit (300) and the printing unit (400) relative to the top plate of the main frame (10). The sorting unit (500) is installed at a predetermined distance from one side of the second rail (710).

[0095] On the second rail (710), the transfer platform (330) of the printing position adjustment unit (300) is installed so as to be movable along the second rail (710).

[0096] The eighth cylinder (720) is a circular cylinder of the same type as the fifth cylinder (640) and is installed on one side of the second rail (710) on the top plate of the main frame (10). The cylinder rod of the eighth cylinder (720) is connected to the lower rear surface of the transfer platform (330). Accordingly, depending on the operation of the eighth cylinder (720), the transfer platform (330) can move along the second rail (710) and stop at a position corresponding to the printing position adjustment unit (300), the printing unit (400), and the sorting unit (500).

[0097] At each stopping position, the golf ball (1) placed on the rotating support member (340) of the transfer table (330) is precisely positioned at the position facing the camera (320), the position facing the printer (420), and below the first suction part (540).

[0098] The above-mentioned eighth cylinder (720) is also connected to a pneumatic line, and its operation is controlled by the control unit (1000).

[0099] The above control unit (1000) may be installed on the lower surface of the upper plate of the main frame (10) as an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that controls the overall operation of the golf ball inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention (not shown). However, this installation location is merely an example, and it may be installed on any part of the main frame (10), and it is also obvious that it may be installed in a separate location.

[0100] The above control unit (1000) may include one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) on which electronic components for performing necessary functions are mounted, and has input / output ports for data signals, control signals, and power.

[0101] Additionally, the control unit (1000) includes a program for controlling the operation of the supply unit (100), the measurement unit (200), the printing position adjustment unit (300), the printing unit (400), the classification unit (500), the first transfer unit (600), and the second transfer unit (700) in conjunction with each other. That is, a program for controlling the operation of the golf ball inspection device may be installed and executed in the control unit (1000).

[0102] Meanwhile, since the cylinders of the present invention do not require a large amount of force for handling golf balls, it is preferable to use pneumatic cylinders. Additionally, the present invention may include a pneumatic line (hose), an air compressor, and an air tank for supplying operating pressure to the cylinders, and a plurality of electronic control valves (solenoid valves) for supplying and discharging operating pressure to the cylinders are installed in the hose connection part of each cylinder or in the flow control module to which a plurality of hoses are connected. The electronic control valves are operated by the control unit (1000).

[0103] Additionally, the present invention may include a vacuum line (hose), a vacuum pump, and a vacuum tank for operating the adsorption units, and a plurality of electronic control valves (solenoid valves) for controlling the operation of the adsorption units are installed in the flow path control module of the vacuum line, and the electronic control valves are controlled by the control unit (1000).

[0104] Accordingly, the control unit (1000) can control the operation of the cylinders and the adsorption units by controlling the electronic control valves.

[0105] In addition, the control unit (1000) can determine the operating state of the cylinders and the adsorption units according to the operating state of the electronic control valves, and accordingly, can determine the position of the components moved by the cylinders and whether the golf ball is adsorbed.

[0106] In addition, the present invention may install a sensor that detects the corresponding component at the movement path or stop location of each component in order to directly and more accurately determine the location of each component.

[0107] Meanwhile, the control unit (1000) calculates the eccentricity (SOD) of the golf ball (1) using the transmission coefficient of the golf ball (1) measured by the measurement unit (200) (to be precise, the transmission coefficient is calculated by the control unit (1000) using the transmitted electromagnetic signal and the received electromagnetic signal, but for convenience of explanation, it is described as being measured by the measurement unit).

[0108] The above control unit (1000) calculates a transmission coefficient by comparing the amplitude or intensity of the transmitted electromagnetic wave and the received electromagnetic wave. Since the method for calculating the transmission coefficient is known, a detailed description is omitted.

[0109] The transmitting antenna (240) transmits n (multiple) electromagnetic waves having different frequencies at extremely short time intervals (substantially treated as simultaneous), and the receiving antenna (250) receives n electromagnetic waves of different frequencies, and the control unit (1000) calculates a transmission coefficient for each of the n frequencies. This can be displayed in the form of a broken line graph as shown in FIG. 12.

[0110] In addition, since the measurement is performed while the golf ball (1) is rotating, the amount of electromagnetic waves transmitted varies according to the variation in the core eccentricity, and thus the transmission coefficient calculated for each frequency also has a predetermined range of variation, and therefore there are maximum and minimum values ​​of the transmission coefficient for each frequency.

[0111] The above control unit (1000) calculates the sum of the differences between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the transmission coefficients for each frequency of the received electromagnetic waves to calculate the sum of the deviations (SOD) of the golf ball (1).

[0112] In other words, the above eccentricity (SOD) is calculated by performing the electromagnetic wave transmission test for each of n frequencies and summing the differences between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the transmission coefficients measured for each frequency.

[0113] As shown in Fig. 12, the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the transmission coefficient for each frequency is d1, d2…d n It can be represented as such, and therefore the above eccentricity (SOD) can be expressed by the following formula.

[0114]

[0115] The greater the core eccentricity of the golf ball (1) (the more severe the imbalance), the greater the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the permeability coefficient, and thus the d i As the value increases, the total eccentricity (SOD) increases. That is, the more severe the imbalance and the worse the internal uniformity of the golf ball (1), the more the value (numerical value) of the eccentricity (SOD) tends to increase.

[0116] Now, the operation of the golf ball inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Detailed control by the control unit (1000) will be omitted, and the operation of the actuators (cylinder and suction unit) will be described in detail.

[0117] When the first cylinder (120) pushes the lift (110) up, some (multiple) of the golf balls (1) stored in the input box (30) rise and are supplied to the second supply chute (140) via the first supply chute (130). The multiple golf balls (1) are aligned in a line in the second supply chute (140), and the golf ball (1) located at the very front in the direction of movement is placed on the lifting support member (150). When the second cylinder (160) operates to raise the lifting support member (150), the golf balls (1) to be transported to the measuring unit (200) are prepared in a waiting position.

[0118] When the second sensor (180) detects the golf ball (1), the sixth cylinder (650) lowers the second suction part (670), and the second suction part (670) adsorbs the golf ball (1) (see FIG. 5), and then the sixth cylinder (650) raises the second suction part (670).

[0119] Afterwards, the golf ball (1) moves to the upper part of the support wheel (260) of the measuring part (200) by pulling the transfer plate (630) with the fifth cylinder (640) (see FIG. 6), and the second suction part (670), which is lowered by the sixth cylinder (650), releases the suction state and places the golf ball (1) on the upper part of the support wheel (260).

[0120] When the golf ball (1) is placed on the support wheel (260), the second suction part (670) is raised by the sixth cylinder (650), and the fifth cylinder (640) pushes the transfer plate (630) back to its initial position. At this time, the third suction part (680) is positioned on top of the golf ball (1) placed on the support wheel (260).

[0121] Subsequently, the transmitting antenna (240) and the receiving antenna (250) are operated to perform an electromagnetic wave transmission test on the golf ball (1). At this time, the first motor (270) and the second motor (280) are operated to rotate the support wheel (260) and rotate the golf ball (1), thereby allowing the electromagnetic wave transmission test to be performed on all directions of the golf ball (1).

[0122] The transmitted electromagnetic wave signal received from the receiving antenna (250) is transmitted to the control unit (1000) to calculate the eccentricity (SOD).

[0123] When the eccentricity (SOD) calculation is finished, the 7th cylinder (660) lowers the 3rd suction unit (680), the 3rd suction unit (680) sucks in the golf ball (1), and the 7th cylinder (660) raises the 3rd suction unit (680). The 5th cylinder (640) pulls the transfer plate (630), thereby moving the 3rd suction unit (680) to the printing position adjustment unit (300).

[0124] At this time, the transfer platform (330) is positioned at the initial position (the rear part of the first installation platform (310) as the left end of the second rail (710)), the seventh cylinder (660) lowers the third suction part (680), and the third suction part (680) releases the vacuum pressure to place the golf ball (1) on the rotating support member (340) of the transfer platform (330) (see FIG. 7). After placing the golf ball (1) down, the seventh cylinder (660) raises the third suction part (680), and the fifth cylinder (640) returns the transfer plate (630) to the initial position (the left end of the first rail (620).

[0125] In this state, the camera (320) photographs the golf ball (1), and the control unit (1000) rotates the golf ball (1) by operating the third motor (350) to rotate the rotation support member (340) until a blank area appears in front of the golf ball (1) in the captured image. When the blank area is located in front of the golf ball (1), the operation of the third motor (350) stops and the golf ball (1) stops.

[0126] Afterward, the eighth cylinder (720) pulls the transfer platform (330) to position the golf ball (1) in front of the printer (420) (see FIG. 8). When the third sensor (430) detects the golf ball (1), the printer (420) is activated to print the eccentricity (SOD) value (numerical value) on the front (blank area) of the golf ball (1). The eccentricity value is displayed as a two-digit natural number.

[0127] In this way, the eccentricity (SOD) is displayed as a numerical value on the golf ball (1), so that the user can easily know whether the eccentricity of the golf ball (1) has been measured after use, and can also accurately know the eccentricity of each individual golf ball (1).

[0128] When the eccentricity (SOD) printing is finished, the eighth cylinder (720) further pulls the transfer platform (330) to position the golf ball (1) at the bottom of the first suction part (540) of the classification unit (500).

[0129] In that state, the fourth cylinder (520) lowers the first adsorption part (540), and the first adsorption part (540) adsorbs the golf ball (1) (see FIG. 9).

[0130] Subsequently, the fourth cylinder (520) raises the first adsorption unit (540), and the third cylinder (510) operates to rotate the sorting arm (530) to the sorting position (see FIG. 10). A plurality of sorting chutes (550, 560) are prepared to drop golf balls (1) according to the sorting criteria (value) set in the control unit (1000), and the sorting position is determined according to the eccentricity (SOD) of the individual golf ball (1).

[0131] When the sorting arm (530) is rotated to the corresponding sorting position, the fourth cylinder (520) lowers the sorting arm (530), and the first suction part (540) removes the vacuum pressure to drop the golf ball (1) into the corresponding sorting chute (in the case of FIG. 10, the second sorting chute (560)).

[0132] Afterwards, the golf ball (1) rolls down the sorting chute and falls into the sorting box (40) located at the bottom and is stored.

[0133] After the golf ball (1) falls into the sorting chute, the third cylinder (510) rotates the sorting arm (530) back to its original position to prepare for the sorting of the next golf ball (1).

[0134] The above series of golf ball (1) measurement and classification processes can be repeated continuously without interruption by the control unit (1000) efficiently controlling the operation of the actuators (cylinders and adsorption units), thereby allowing a large number of golf balls (1) to be inspected more quickly, printed with an eccentricity, and classified according to the eccentricity.

[0135] Meanwhile, golf balls (1) have different electromagnetic wave transmission characteristics depending on the brand. That is, for each brand of golf ball (1), the pattern of the frequency transmission coefficient graph (the above line graph) obtained through the above electromagnetic wave transmission test is different.

[0136] Accordingly, the golf ball inspection device according to the present invention can classify golf balls (1) by brand using the frequency-specific transmission coefficient graph.

[0137] This classification method can also be used to classify golf balls (1) into official or non-official balls.

[0138] As described above, the golf ball inspection device according to the present invention prints the eccentricity calculated during inspection on a golf ball that has undergone electromagnetic wave transmission inspection, thereby not only making it easy to determine whether an inspection has been performed on a golf ball after use, but also enabling accurate determination of the eccentricity of each individual golf ball, even for golf balls classified into the same category.

[0139] As described above, the present invention has been explained with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and it should be understood that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible based on the ordinary knowledge of the art to which the art belongs. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims described below and should be determined based on the specific details of the invention described above. Industrial applicability

[0140] The present invention relates to a golf ball inspection device and can be used in industrial fields related to golf ball quality measurement and sorting devices. Explanation of the symbols

[0141] 1: Golf ball 10: Mainframe 20: Auxiliary frame 30: Input box 31: Bottom surface 40: Sorting box 100: Supply unit 110: Lift 120: 1st cylinder 130: 1st supply chute 140: Second supply chute 150: Lifting support member 160: Second cylinder 170: First sensor 180: Second sensor 200: Measurement unit 210: Baseplate 220: Antenna position adjustment part 230: Antenna mounting plate 240: Transmitting antenna 250: Receiving antenna 260: Support wheel 270: 1st motor 280: 2nd motor 300: Print position adjustment unit 310: 1st mounting bracket 320: Camera 330: Transfer platform 340: Rotating support member 350: Third motor 400: Printing Department 410: Second Installation Stand 420: Printer 430: Third sensor 500: Classification unit 510: 3rd cylinder 511: Rotating part 520: 4th cylinder 530: Classification arm 540: First adsorption part 550: Classification Suit 1 560: Classification Suit 2 600: 1st Transfer Unit 610: 3rd Installation Platform 620: 1st rail 630: Transfer plate 640: 5th cylinder 650: 6th cylinder 660: 7th cylinder 670: 2nd adsorption part 680: 3rd adsorption unit 700: 2nd transfer unit 710: 2nd rail 720: 8th cylinder 1000: Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A golf ball inspection device comprising: a supply unit that stores a plurality of golf balls and supplies the golf balls to a measuring unit; a measuring unit installed on the side of the supply unit and performing an electromagnetic wave transmission test on the golf balls supplied from the supply unit; a control unit that calculates the eccentricity (SOD) of the golf balls using the transmission coefficient of the golf balls measured by the measuring unit; a classification unit that classifies the golf balls according to the eccentricity of the golf balls calculated by the control unit; and a printing unit that prints the eccentricity on the golf balls in front of the classification unit along the path in which the golf balls move; wherein the printing unit includes a second mounting stand fixedly installed on the top plate of a main frame, a printer installed on the second mounting stand that prints the eccentricity on the golf balls transported to its front position, and a third sensor installed on one side of the printer that detects when the golf balls are transported to the front position of the printer, and wherein the control unit operates the printer to print the eccentricity on the golf balls when the third sensor detects the golf balls. Claim 2 A golf ball inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the eccentricity (SOD) is calculated by performing the electromagnetic wave transmission test for each of n frequencies and summing all the differences between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the transmission coefficients measured for each frequency. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A golf ball inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising: a printing position adjustment unit installed between the measuring unit and the printing unit, which finds the blank portion of the golf ball on which the printing unit is to print the eccentricity. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A golf ball inspection device according to claim 4, wherein the printing position adjustment unit comprises: a first mounting bracket fixedly installed on the top plate of a main frame; a camera installed on the first mounting bracket and photographing the golf ball transported to its front position; a transport bracket installed in front of the camera; a rotating support member installed on the upper part of the transport bracket to support the golf ball; and a third motor installed on the transport bracket to rotate the rotating support member. Claim 7 A golf ball inspection device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit inspects the captured image of the camera and, if a logo or putting line is located on the front of the captured golf ball, operates the third motor to rotate the rotating support member to adjust the printing position of the golf ball so that a blank area where the logo or putting line is not present is located on the front of the golf ball. Claim 8 A golf ball inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the sorting unit comprises: a third cylinder having a rotating part fixedly installed on the top plate of a main frame and rotating when pneumatic pressure is applied; a fourth cylinder installed on the rotating part of the third cylinder; a sorting arm connected to the fourth cylinder and capable of rotating and moving up and down; a first suction part installed at the end of the sorting arm; and a plurality of sorting chutes installed within the rotation range of the sorting arm. Claim 9 A golf ball inspection device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit controls the rotational position of the rotating part of the third cylinder and the operation of the first adsorption part to classify the golf balls into at least two types according to a classification criterion eccentricity value set by a user. Claim 10 In claim 4, the golf ball inspection device further comprises a first transfer unit installed on the top plate of a main frame, which transfers the golf ball from the supply unit to the measurement unit and also transfers the golf ball from the measurement unit to the printing position adjustment unit. Claim 11 A golf ball inspection device according to claim 6, characterized in that the golf ball inspection device further comprises a second transfer unit installed on the top plate of a main frame, which transfers the golf ball from the printing position adjustment unit to the printing unit and also transfers the golf ball from the printing unit to the sorting unit. Claim 12 A golf ball inspection device according to claim 11, wherein the second transfer unit comprises a second rail installed on the upper plate of the main frame and forming a straight path from the printing position adjustment unit through the printing unit to the sorting unit, the transfer table of the printing position adjustment unit movably installed on the second rail, and an eighth cylinder installed on the upper plate of the main frame and having a cylinder rod connected to the transfer table. Claim 13 A golf ball inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit comprises: an input box installed on the upper part of an auxiliary frame positioned on the side of a main frame and having a bottom surface formed as an inclined surface; a lift installed at the bottom of the bottom surface to move the golf balls collected at the bottom of the bottom surface upward; a first cylinder installed below the lift and having a cylinder rod connected to the lift; a first supply chute installed on the upper plate of the main frame to receive the golf balls from the lift and roll them to a second supply chute; a second supply chute connected to the first supply chute to arrange a plurality of the golf balls transported from the first supply chute into a single row and roll them to its end; a lifting support member installed at the end of the second supply chute and having a single golf ball to be transported to the measuring unit loaded thereon; and a second cylinder installed on the upper plate of the main frame and having a cylinder rod connected to the lifting support member. Claim 14 A golf ball inspection device according to claim 13, wherein the supply unit has a first sensor installed in the middle part of the second supply chute, and the control unit supplies the golf ball from the input box to the second supply chute by operating the first cylinder to raise the lift when the golf ball is not detected by the first sensor. Claim 15 A golf ball inspection device according to claim 13, wherein the supply unit has a second sensor installed at the end of the second supply chute, and the control unit, when the golf ball is detected by the second sensor, operates the second cylinder to raise the lifting support member, thereby preparing the golf ball to be transported to the measuring unit at a transport waiting position.

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