Highly flexible printing apparatus

Abstract

This invention discloses a highly flexible printing apparatus, comprising an automatic conveying module, a printing module, a plurality of flipping modules, a steering module, and a curing module. The automatic conveying module includes a first linear track and a second linear track arranged opposite to each other, a transfer linear track disposed between them, and at least one platform that moves on the linear tracks. The printing module includes a plurality of first printing devices and second printing devices, respectively disposed on one side of the first and second linear tracks to print patterns. The flipping module is disposed on the other side of the first and second linear tracks, and the steering module is also disposed on one side of the second linear track. The curing module is disposed on one side of the first and second linear tracks to cure the patterns.

Description

Highly flexible printing equipment HIGHLY FLEXIBLE PRINTING APPARATUS Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing apparatus, and more particularly to a highly flexible printing apparatus for printing multiple patterns on golf balls. Prior Technology

[0002] With economic development and improved living standards, golf has gradually transformed from an expensive sport for the elite into a sport that the general public can try and participate in. Furthermore, golf is not limited by age or gender, thus the golf-related industries have a huge market and a large potential customer base.

[0003] Besides the classic "little white ball" design, golf ball designs have gradually become more colorful and diverse. In addition to increasing the visibility of the golf ball in flight, unique patterns can also be a factor influencing consumers' purchasing decisions and can help consumers identify specific golf ball brands. Therefore, specialized printing equipment for printing patterns on golf balls has emerged.

[0004] However, the existing disc or chain conveyor systems used in golf ball printing equipment offer limited flexibility and adaptability to production lines. They are also time-consuming when printing complex patterns in multiple steps, leading to low production efficiency. Furthermore, existing disc and chain conveyors require significant space and are prone to relative positional misalignment with the printing modules during transport. Therefore, improving the structural design to enhance the production efficiency and quality of golf ball printing equipment while saving space costs, thus overcoming these shortcomings, has become a crucial issue for this industry. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to provide a highly flexible printing device that addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies. By combining two sets of linear tracks and a transfer linear track to create a more flexible printing path, and by adjusting the arrangement of the printing and curing devices relative to the linear tracks, as well as the flipping and turning modules for the golf ball printing surface, a more flexible golf ball printing operation can be achieved. This not only allows for printing more complex patterns on golf balls but also simultaneously improves production efficiency and saves equipment space.

[0006] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, one of the technical solutions adopted in this invention is to provide a printing device suitable for printing a golf ball. The printing device includes: an automatic conveying module configured to convey the golf ball, comprising: a first linear track and a second linear track arranged opposite to each other; at least one transfer linear track disposed between the first linear track and the second linear track; and at least one platform configured to carry the golf ball and move on the first linear track, the second linear track, and the transfer linear track; a printing module including: a plurality of first printing devices arranged side-by-side on one side of the first linear track and configured to print a first series of patterns on a first printing surface of the golf ball on the platform; and a plurality of second printing devices arranged side-by-side on the second linear track. A second series of patterns is printed on a second printing surface of a golf ball on a platform, on one side of a linear track; a plurality of flipping modules are disposed on the other side of the first and second linear tracks, respectively corresponding to the first or second printing device, and are configured to flip the angle of the printed surface of the golf ball; a curing module includes: at least one first curing device disposed at the upstream end of the second linear track and configured to cure the first series of patterns; and at least one second curing device disposed at the downstream end of the second linear track and configured to cure the second series of patterns; and a steering module disposed on one side of the second linear track and configured to change the printed surface of the golf ball on the platform from the first printed surface to the second printed surface. The number of the first printing devices is greater than the number of the second printing devices, and the first and second printed surfaces extend perpendicularly to each other.

[0007] In an embodiment of this invention, the first series of patterns includes a first sub-pattern and a second sub-pattern. When printing the first series of patterns, the platform carrying the golf ball moves to the first printing device, and the first printing device prints the first sub-pattern on the first printing surface of the golf ball. Then the platform moves to the next first printing device, and the next first printing device prints the second sub-pattern on the first printing surface.

[0008] In an embodiment of this invention, the first series of patterns includes a first sub-pattern, a second sub-pattern, and a third sub-pattern. When printing the first series of patterns, the platform carrying the golf ball moves to the first printing device, which prints the first sub-pattern on the first printing surface of the golf ball. Then, the platform moves to the next first printing device, which prints the second sub-pattern on the first printing surface. Subsequently, the platform moves to the next first printing device, and the flipping module rotates the first printing surface of the golf ball on the platform to another corner position. The next first printing device then prints the third sub-pattern on the rotated first printing surface.

[0009] In an embodiment of this invention, a transfer platform is provided on the transfer linear track, and the transfer platform is configured to move on the transfer linear track; when the stage carrying the first series of patterns is moved from the first linear track to the transfer platform, the transfer platform is configured to move the stage along the transfer linear track to the second linear track.

[0010] In an embodiment of this invention, when the platform carrying the first series of patterns is transferred to the second linear track via the transfer platform, at least one of the first curing devices is configured to cure the first series of patterns; subsequently, the steering module turns the printed surface of the golf ball from the first printed surface to the second printed surface.

[0011] In an embodiment of this invention, the second series of patterns includes a fourth sub-pattern and a fifth sub-pattern. When printing the second series of patterns, the platform carrying the golf ball moves to the second printing device, which prints the fourth sub-pattern on the second printing surface of the golf ball. Subsequently, the platform moves to the next second printing device, which prints the fifth sub-pattern on the second printing surface.

[0012] In an embodiment of this invention, the second series of patterns includes a fourth sub-pattern, a fifth sub-pattern, and a sixth sub-pattern. When printing the second series of patterns, the platform carrying the golf ball moves to the second printing device, which prints the fourth sub-pattern on the second printing surface of the golf ball. Then, the platform moves to the next second printing device, which prints the fifth sub-pattern on the second printing surface. Subsequently, the platform moves to the next second printing device, and the flipping module rotates the second printing surface of the golf ball on the platform to another corner position. The next second printing device then prints the sixth sub-pattern on the rotated second printing surface.

[0013] In an embodiment of this invention, after the sixth sub-pattern is printed, the stage is moved to at least one of the second curing devices, which is configured to cure the second series of patterns.

[0014] In an embodiment of this invention, the printing apparatus further includes: a feeding module adjacent to the upstream end of the first linear track and configured to provide the golf ball; and a first transfer module adjacent to the feeding module and the first linear track and configured to transfer the golf ball provided by the feeding module to the platform of the first linear track.

[0015] In an embodiment of this invention, the printing apparatus further includes an output module adjacent to the downstream end of the second linear track and configured to receive the printed golf ball; and a second transfer module adjacent to the second linear track and the output module and configured to transfer the golf ball on the platform on the second linear track to the output module.

[0016] One of the beneficial effects of this invention is that the highly flexible printing equipment provided by this invention can transport the golf ball via "an automatic conveying module configured to transport the golf ball, including: a first linear track and a second linear track arranged opposite to each other; at least one transfer linear track disposed between the first linear track and the second linear track; and at least one platform configured to carry the golf ball and move on the first linear track, the second linear track, and the transfer linear track", and "a printing module including: a plurality of first printing devices arranged side by side on one side of the first linear track and configured to carry the golf ball on the platform." The technical solution comprises: printing a first series of patterns on a printing surface; and a plurality of second printing devices arranged side by side on one side of the second linear track and configured to print a second series of patterns on a second printing surface of the golf ball on the platform; a plurality of flipping modules arranged on the other side of the first linear track and the second linear track and configured to flip the printing surface angle of the golf ball; and a steering module arranged on one side of the second linear track and configured to turn the printing surface of the golf ball on the platform from the first printing surface to the second printing surface. This solution aims to improve the printing efficiency of the printing equipment and reduce its footprint.

[0017] To gain a better understanding of the features and technical content of this work, please refer to the following detailed description and illustrations. However, the illustrations provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit this work. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the highly flexible printing equipment of this invention.

[0019] Figure 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a golf ball printed using the printing equipment of this invention.

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the other side of the golf ball in Figure 2.

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of part of the printing process for golf balls.

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the printing method of the printing equipment of this invention. Implementation

[0023] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the "highly flexible printing equipment" disclosed in this invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this invention from the content disclosed in this specification. This invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are for simple illustration only and are not depictions of actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this invention in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0024] It should be understood that while terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used in this document to describe various components or signals, these components or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another, or one signal from another. Furthermore, the term "or" as used herein may, depending on the context, include any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] [Example]

[0026] Please refer to Figure 1, which shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the printing equipment Z of this invention. The printing equipment Z is highly flexible and suitable for printing golf balls B, and includes: an automatic conveying module 1, a printing module 2, a plurality of flipping modules 3, a curing module 4, and a steering module 5.

[0027] The automated transport module 1 includes a first linear track 11, a second linear track 12, a transfer linear track 13, and at least one platform 14 configured to move on the first linear track 11, the second linear track 12, and the transfer linear track 13, and may further include another transfer linear track 15; in other words, the automated transport module 1 includes at least one transfer linear track 13. The first linear track 11 and the second linear track 12 are arranged opposite to each other, and the transfer linear tracks 13 and 15 are arranged between the first linear track 11 and the second linear track 12 to form a path connection between the first linear track 11 and the second linear track 12. The platform 14 is used to carry golf balls B to be printed and is configured to move on the first linear track 11, the second linear track 12, and the transfer linear track 13 to transport golf balls B between processing stations of the printing apparatus Z.

[0028] In a specific embodiment, the automatic conveying module 1 may be a magnetic levitation linear guide rail device. For example, the first linear track 11, the second linear track 12, the transfer linear track 13, and the transfer linear track 15 are magnetic levitation linear guide rails, and the platform 14 is a structure combining a magnetic levitation slider and a clamp, and is movably mounted on these guide rails. In this way, the platform 14 generates movement relative to these guide rails through the principle of magnetic levitation, enabling the platform 14 to move on the guide rails with a precise moving distance, and reducing the positional error between the platform 14 and the printing station, ensuring that the error when printing golf ball B is minimized. In addition, transfer platforms 130 and 150 are respectively provided on transfer linear tracks 13 and 15. When the platform 14 moves to the end point (the final downstream end) of the first linear track 11 or the second linear track 12, the platform 14 can move further to the transfer platform 130 or the transfer platform 150, and be transferred to the second linear track 12 or the first linear track 11 via the transfer platform 130 or the transfer platform 150, so that the platform 14 can move between the first linear track 11 and the second linear track 12.

[0029] In a particular embodiment, the stage 14 is provided with a flipping mechanism 140 that works in conjunction with the flipping module 3 to flip the corner position of the printed surface of the golf ball B, as will be described in detail below.

[0030] The printing module 2 includes a plurality of first printing devices 21 and a plurality of second printing devices 22. The plurality of first printing devices 21 are arranged sequentially on one side of a first linear track 11, and the plurality of second printing devices 22 are arranged sequentially on one side of a second linear track 12. The first printing devices 21 are configured to print a first series of patterns PP1 on the golf ball B, and the second printing devices 22 are configured to print a second series of patterns PP2 on the golf ball B (see Figures 2 and 3). In a particular embodiment, the number of first printing devices 21 is greater than the number of second printing devices 22. However, the specific number and relationship of the first printing devices 21 and the second printing devices 22 can also be varied or adjusted according to actual printing needs or the pattern design of the golf ball B. In addition, in a particular embodiment, the first printing devices 21 and the second printing devices 22 can be transfer printing devices based on the pad printing principle, for example, using a flexible printing head to pick up ink patterns on a steel plate with corresponding recessed patterns, and then contacting the flexible printing head with the golf ball B to print the patterns.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, a plurality of flipping modules 3 are distributed on one side of the first linear track 11 and the second linear track 12, and can be configured to correspond to a specific first printing device 21 or second printing device 22. The flipping modules 3 are configured to work together with the flipping mechanism 140 on the stage 14 to rotate the printing surface of the golf ball B on the stage 14 to another corner position. Specifically, the flipping mechanism 140 is configured to connect with the clamp (not shown) holding the golf ball B, and can drive the clamp to rotate in the clamping state. When the stage 14 moves to the first printing device 21 or the second printing device 22 where the flipping modules 3 are provided, the flipping modules 3 will approach the flipping mechanism 140 and mechanically couple with it (e.g., through gear contact engagement); then, the flipping modules 3 are driven and drive the flipping mechanism 140 to move (e.g., the gear of the flipping module 3 is driven to rotate, driving the driven gear of the flipping mechanism 140, which can drive the clamp to rotate through the threaded guide rod), and further rotate the clamp holding the golf ball B, so that the printing surface of the golf ball B is rotated.

[0032] The rotation of the printed surface of golf ball B can be seen in Figure 4. As illustrated in Figure 4, a printed surface S of golf ball B, which has a sub-pattern P printed on it, rotates in the direction R through the action of the flipping module 3 and the flipping mechanism 140, exposing the unprinted portion upwards, and then printing another sub-pattern P' (which can also be the same pattern as sub-pattern P) in the next process. In this way, patterns can be printed on each surface of golf ball B, greatly increasing the printing flexibility of the printing device Z.

[0033] The curing module 4 includes at least one first curing device 41 and at least one second curing device 42, respectively disposed at the upstream and downstream ends of the second linear track 12. Specifically, the first curing device 41 is used to cure and set the first series of patterns PP1 printed by the first printing device 21 on the golf ball B, while the second curing device 42 is used to cure and set the second series of patterns PP2 printed by the second printing device 22 on the golf ball B. In a particular embodiment, the first curing device 41 and the second curing device 42 may be air-drying curing devices, that is, the ink is dried and cured by blowing air. However, depending on the type of printing ink used by the first printing device 21 and the second printing device 22, the first curing device 41 and the second curing device 42 may also be other types of curing devices.

[0034] The steering module 5 is also located at the upstream end of the second linear track 12, specifically between the first curing device 41 and the second printing device 22, and is configured to turn the printing surface of the golf ball B from the first printing surface S1 to the second printing surface S2 before printing the second series pattern PP2. For example, the steering module 5 may have a robotic arm that can hold a portion of the surface of the golf ball B (preferably the unprinted portion). During the turning process, the robotic arm picks up the golf ball B from above the platform 14, rotates the golf ball B along its equatorial extension direction by an angle (e.g., 90 degrees), and then places it back onto the platform 14 to complete the turning of the printing surface of the golf ball B.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 2 and 3, which show side views of a golf ball B printed by the printing device Z of this invention from different perspectives. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first printing surface S1 can be an annular surface on the golf ball B spanning its top and bottom edges, and the second printing surface S2 is another annular surface on the golf ball B covering its portion to the equator. In a particular embodiment, the first printing surface S1 and the second printing surface S2 are annular surfaces extending perpendicularly to each other on the surface of the golf ball B. However, in other embodiments, the angle between the extending directions of the first printing surface S1 and the second printing surface S2 can be other values ​​and is not limited to being perpendicular to each other.

[0036] In a specific embodiment, the first series of patterns PP1 includes a first sub-pattern P1, a second sub-pattern P2, a third sub-pattern P3, or any combination thereof, and the second series of patterns PP2 includes a fourth sub-pattern P4, a fifth sub-pattern P5, a sixth sub-pattern P6, or any combination thereof. The first sub-pattern P1, the second sub-pattern P2, and the third sub-pattern P3 can be the same as or different from each other, for example, differing in shape, size, or color, as can the fourth sub-pattern P4, the fifth sub-pattern P5, and the sixth sub-pattern P6. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first sub-pattern P1, the second sub-pattern P2, and the third sub-pattern P3 are distributed on the first printing surface S1 in a manner that surrounds the golf ball B along direction R1, and the fourth sub-pattern P4, the fifth sub-pattern P5, and the sixth sub-pattern P6 are distributed on the second printing surface S2 in a manner that surrounds the golf ball B along direction R2. It should be understood that, in certain embodiments, although there may be overlapping portions between the first printing surface S1 and the second printing surface S2 (e.g., the area where the third sub-pattern P3 is located in Figure 2), since the first series pattern PP1 has been cured and shaped before printing the second series pattern PP2, even if there are overlapping portions between the second series pattern PP2 on the second printing surface S2 and the first series pattern PP1 on the first printing surface S1, it will not affect the printing and curing of the second series pattern PP2.

[0037] Furthermore, although Figures 2 and 3 of this invention use the example of three sub-patterns each in the first series pattern PP1 and the second series pattern PP2, it should be understood that the number and form of the sub-patterns in the first series pattern PP1 and the second series pattern PP2 can be changed according to the desired pattern design of the golf ball B, and are not limited to the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, the printing apparatus Z of this invention may further include a feeding module 6, a first transfer module 7, an output module 8, and a second transfer module 9. The feeding module 6 is located upstream of the first linear track 11 (before the plurality of first printing devices 21) and is configured to provide golf balls B to be printed. The first transfer module 7 is located between the feeding module 6 and the upstream first printing device 21 and is configured to transfer the golf balls B provided by the feeding module 6 to a stage 14 adjacent to the first printing device 21. On the other hand, the output module 8 is located downstream of the second linear track 12 (after the second curing device 42) and is configured to receive the printed golf balls B and export them from the printing apparatus Z. The second transfer module 9 is located between the downstream second curing device 42 and the output module 8 and is configured to remove the printed and cured golf balls B from the stage 14 and transfer them to the output module 8.

[0039] The above describes the internal configuration of the printing equipment Z and some of the operation methods between the modules and devices in this invention. It should be understood that although the drawings in this case show a certain number of platforms, printing devices, flipping modules, and curing devices, in actual implementation of this invention, the number and relative configuration of platforms, printing devices, flipping modules, and curing devices can be adjusted according to actual implementation needs or the design of the golf ball B, and are not limited to the number and configuration of devices shown in the drawings in this case or the above description.

[0040] Please refer to Figures 5, 2, and 3 for the steps of printing a golf ball B using the printing equipment Z of this invention. Figure 5 shows a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the printing method of the printing equipment Z of this invention, which includes the following steps:

[0041] Step A1: The feeding module 6 provides the golf ball B to be printed.

[0042] Step A2: The first transfer module 7 transfers the golf ball B provided by the feeding module 6 to the platform 14 of the first linear track 11.

[0043] Step A3: The platform 14 carrying the golf ball B moves to the first printing device 21 to print a portion of the first series pattern PP1 (e.g., any sub-pattern constituting the first series pattern PP1) on the first printing surface S1 of the golf ball B.

[0044] Step A4: The stage 14 moves to the next first printing device 21 to continue printing another part of the first series pattern PP1. Step A4 can also have two steps, A41 and A42, and either step A41 or step A42 can be selected according to the pattern design of the golf ball B.

[0045] Step A41: The stage 14 moves to the next first printing device 21 and directly prints another part of the first series pattern PP1 (e.g., any sub-pattern constituting the first series pattern PP1).

[0046] Step A42: The stage 14 moves to the next first printing device 21, and the flipping module 3 corresponding to the first printing device 21 approaches and works together with the flipping mechanism 140 of the stage 14 to rotate the first printing surface S1 of the golf ball B to another corner position, and print another part of the first series pattern PP1 (e.g., any sub-pattern constituting the first series pattern PP1) on the rotated first printing surface S1.

[0047] Step A4 (either step A41 or step A42) can be repeated to print the complete first series pattern PP1; there is no specific limit to the number of times step A4 is repeated, and a certain number of steps A41 and A42 can be taken as needed and the order of these steps can be adjusted until the first series pattern PP1 is printed.

[0048] Step A5: After the first series of patterns PP1 are printed, the stage 14 is moved to the transfer platform 130, and then moved to the second linear track 12 via the transfer platform 130 and the transfer linear track 13.

[0049] Step A6: The stage 14 is moved to the first curing device 41 and the first series pattern PP1 is cured by the first curing device 41.

[0050] Step A7: The stage 14 moves to the steering module 5, and the steering module 5 turns the printing surface of the golf ball B from the first printing surface S1 to the second printing surface S2.

[0051] Step A8: The stage 14 moves to the second printing device 22 to print a portion of the second series pattern PP2 (e.g., any sub-pattern constituting the second series pattern PP2) on the second printing surface S2 of the golf ball B.

[0052] Step A9: The stage 14 moves to the next second printing unit 22 to continue printing another part of the second series pattern PP2. Step A9 can also have two steps, A91 and A92, which can be selected according to the pattern design of the golf ball B.

[0053] Step A91: The stage 14 moves to the next second printing device 22 and directly prints another part of the second series pattern PP2 (e.g., any sub-pattern that constitutes the second series pattern PP2).

[0054] Step A92: The stage 14 moves to the next second printing device 22, and the flipping module 3 corresponding to the second printing device 22 approaches and works together with the flipping mechanism 140 of the stage 14 to rotate the second printing surface S2 of the golf ball B to another corner position, and print another part of the second series pattern PP2 (e.g., any sub-pattern constituting the second series pattern PP2) on the rotated second printing surface S2.

[0055] Step A9 (either of step A91 and step A92) can be repeated to print the complete second series pattern PP2; there is no specific limit to the number of times step A9 is repeated, and a certain number of steps A91 and A92 can be taken as needed and the order of these steps can be adjusted until the second series pattern PP2 is printed.

[0056] Step A10: After the second series pattern PP2 is printed, the stage 14 is moved to the second curing device 42 and the second series pattern PP2 is cured by the second curing device 42.

[0057] Step A11: The second transfer module 9 transfers the printed and cured golf ball B from the stage 14 to the discharge module 8.

[0058] [Beneficial Effects of the Examples]

[0059] One of the beneficial effects of this invention is that the highly flexible printing equipment provided by this invention can transport the golf ball via "an automatic conveying module configured to transport the golf ball, including: a first linear track and a second linear track arranged opposite to each other; at least one transfer linear track disposed between the first linear track and the second linear track; and at least one platform configured to carry the golf ball and move on the first linear track, the second linear track, and the transfer linear track", and "a printing module including: a plurality of first printing devices arranged side by side on one side of the first linear track and configured to carry the golf ball on the platform." The technical solution comprises: printing a first series of patterns on a printing surface; and a plurality of second printing devices arranged side by side on one side of the second linear track and configured to print a second series of patterns on a second printing surface of the golf ball on the platform; a plurality of flipping modules arranged on the other side of the first linear track and the second linear track and configured to flip the printing surface angle of the golf ball; and a steering module arranged on one side of the second linear track and configured to turn the printing surface of the golf ball on the platform from the first printing surface to the second printing surface. This solution aims to improve the printing efficiency of the printing equipment and reduce its footprint.

[0060] Compared to existing golf ball printing equipment, the printing equipment of this invention reduces the space occupied by the conveying path by the combination of linear tracks, thereby saving space. Furthermore, this invention uses a flipping module and a flipping mechanism to rotate the printing surface of the golf ball in the same direction, and uses a steering device to switch the printing surface of the golf ball, so that the printing equipment can print on all surfaces of the golf ball and can print complex patterns composed of multiple sub-patterns, greatly improving the printing flexibility of the printing equipment.

[0061] The content disclosed above is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of this invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of this invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the contents of this invention's specification and drawings are included within the scope of the patent application of this invention.

[0062] 1: Automatic conveying module 11: First linear orbit 12: Second linear orbit 13: Transfer linear orbit 130: Transfer Platform 14: Platform 140: Tilting Mechanism 15: Transfer linear orbit 150: Transfer Platform 2: Printing Module 21 First Printing Unit 22: Second printing apparatus 3: Flip Module 4: Curing Module 41: First curing device 42: Second curing device 5: Steering Module 6: Feeding Module 7: First transfer module 8: Discharge Module 9: Second transfer module A1~A11: Steps A41, A42, A91, A92: Steps B: Golf ball P,P': Subpatterns P1: First Sub-pattern P2: Second Sub-pattern P3: Third Sub-pattern P4: Fourth Sub-pattern P5: Fifth Sub-pattern P6: Sixth Sub-pattern PP1: First Series Patterns PP2: Second Series Patterns R, R1, R2: Direction S: Printed surface S1: First printing surface S2: Second printing surface Z: Printing apparatus

Claims

1. A printing apparatus suitable for printing golf balls, the printing apparatus comprising: An automated conveying module configured to convey a golf ball includes: a first linear track and a second linear track disposed opposite to each other; at least one transfer linear track disposed between the first linear track and the second linear track; and at least one platform configured to carry the golf ball and move on the first linear track, the second linear track, and the transfer linear track; a printing module includes: a plurality of first printing devices disposed side-by-side on one side of the first linear track and configured to print a first series of patterns on a first printing surface of the golf ball on the platform; and a plurality of second printing devices disposed side-by-side on one side of the second linear track and configured to print a second series of patterns on a second printing surface of the golf ball on the platform; a plurality of flipping modules disposed on the other side of the first linear track and the second linear track respectively corresponding to the first printing device or the second printing device and configured to flip the printing surface angle of the golf ball; a curing module includes: At least one first curing device is disposed at the upstream end of the second linear track and configured to cure the first series of patterns; and at least one second curing device is disposed at the downstream end of the second linear track and configured to cure the second series of patterns; a steering module is disposed on one side of the second linear track and configured to change the printed surface of the golf ball on the platform from the first printed surface to the second printed surface; wherein the number of the first printing devices is greater than the number of the second printing devices, and the first printed surface and the second printed surface extend perpendicularly to each other.

2. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first series of patterns includes a first sub-pattern and a second sub-pattern. When printing the first series of patterns, the platform carrying the golf ball moves to the first printing device, and the first printing device prints the first sub-pattern on the first printing surface of the golf ball. Then the platform moves to the next first printing device, and the next first printing device prints the second sub-pattern on the first printing surface.

3. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first series of patterns includes a first sub-pattern, a second sub-pattern, and a third sub-pattern. When printing the first series of patterns, the platform carrying the golf ball moves to the first printing device, which prints the first sub-pattern on the first printing surface of the golf ball. Then the platform moves to the next first printing device, which prints the second sub-pattern on the first printing surface. Then the platform moves to the next first printing device after that, and the flipping module rotates the first printing surface of the golf ball on the platform to another corner position. The next first printing device after that prints the third sub-pattern on the rotated first printing surface.

4. The printing apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A transfer platform is provided on the transfer linear track, and the transfer platform is configured to move on the transfer linear track; when the stage carrying the first series of patterns is moved from the first linear track to the transfer platform, the transfer platform is configured to move the stage along the transfer linear track to the second linear track.

5. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein, When the platform carrying the first series of patterns is transferred to the second linear track via the transfer platform, at least one of the first curing devices is configured to cure the first series of patterns; subsequently, the steering module turns the printed surface of the golf ball from the first printed surface to the second printed surface.

6. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The second series of patterns includes a fourth sub-pattern and a fifth sub-pattern. When printing the second series of patterns, the platform carrying the golf ball moves to the second printing device, which prints the fourth sub-pattern on the second printing surface of the golf ball. Then the platform moves to the next second printing device, which prints the fifth sub-pattern on the second printing surface.

7. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The second series of patterns includes a fourth sub-pattern, a fifth sub-pattern, and a sixth sub-pattern. When printing the second series of patterns, the platform carrying the golf ball moves to the second printing device, which prints the fourth sub-pattern on the second printing surface of the golf ball. Then, the platform moves to the next second printing device, which prints the fifth sub-pattern on the second printing surface. Subsequently, the platform moves to the next second printing device, and the flipping module rotates the second printing surface of the golf ball on the platform to another corner position. The next second printing device then prints the sixth sub-pattern on the rotated second printing surface.

8. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein, After the sixth sub-pattern is printed, the stage is moved to at least one of the second curing devices, which is configured to cure the second series of patterns.

9. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The printing apparatus further includes: a feeding module located adjacent to the upstream end of the first linear track and configured to provide the golf ball; and a first transfer module located adjacent to the feeding module and the first linear track and configured to transfer the golf ball provided by the feeding module to the platform of the first linear track.

10. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The printing apparatus further includes an output module adjacent to the downstream end of the second linear track and configured to receive the printed golf ball; and a second transfer module adjacent to the second linear track and the output module and configured to transfer the golf ball on the platform on the second linear track to the output module.

Images