Manufacturing method of luminous sphere

Abstract

The invention discloses a manufacturing method of a luminous sphere. The method comprises the following steps: (1) providing a light source device; (2) providing a light source bracket, and fixing the light source device in the light source bracket; (3) a light-transmitting shell is provided, and the light source support is fixed in the light-transmitting shell and completely wrapped by the light-transmitting shell; (4) putting the light-transmitting shell containing the light source device and the light source bracket into a mold; and (5) pouring a non-solid elastic plastic material into the mold, so that a light-transmitting elastic layer is formed on the surface of the light-transmitting shell in a pouring manner to form the luminous sphere. The luminous ball manufactured by the method has no crevasse, so that the impact resistance is very high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sphere, in particular to a method for manufacturing a luminous sphere. Background Art

[0002] In order to enable ball sports, such as baseball, softball, cricket or lacrosse, to be played at night or in low-light environments, some ball products with luminous spheres are available on the market so that people can use them in low-light environments. However, in order to replace the battery, these ball products need to significantly change the structure of the sphere itself, such as reserving an opening on the skin to allow the battery to enter and exit in order to replace the battery. However, no matter what kind of opening, it will significantly change the characteristics and specifications of the ball itself, making its appearance and feel very different from traditional baseballs or softballs, and the impact resistance is not high. Summary of the invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a luminous sphere in view of the deficiencies in the prior art.

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for making a luminous sphere, comprising: providing a light source device; providing a light source bracket, so that the light source device is fixed in the light source bracket; providing a light-transmitting shell, so that the light source bracket is fixed inside the light-transmitting shell and is completely covered by the light-transmitting shell; wherein the surface of the light-transmitting shell has no openings, and the interior of the light-transmitting shell forms an airtight state; placing the light-transmitting shell containing the light source device and the light source bracket into a mold; pouring a non-solid elastic plastic material into the mold, so that the surface of the light-transmitting shell is injection-molded with a light-transmitting elastic layer to form a luminous sphere.

[0005] Preferably, the light source device includes a light-emitting unit, a power supply unit and a main control unit, the main control unit is electrically connected to the light-emitting unit and the power supply unit, the main control unit includes a main control circuit board, the power supply unit includes at least one battery, the battery is arranged on the main control circuit board, and the light-emitting unit includes at least one light-emitting diode, which is arranged in the main control circuit board.

[0006] Preferably, the light source device also includes a vibration switch electrically connected to the main control unit, the vibration switch is used to sense vibration, and when vibration is sensed, at least one of the light emitting diodes is turned on, and when no vibration is sensed after a preset time, at least one of the light emitting diodes is turned off.

[0007] Preferably, the light source bracket includes an upper bracket and a lower bracket assembled with each other, the upper bracket having an upper main body portion, a plurality of hook portions formed by bending and extending outward from the side surface of the upper main body portion, and an upper extension portion formed by extending upward from the top surface of the upper main body portion, the lower bracket having a lower main body portion, a plurality of side extension portions formed by extending outward from the side surface of the lower main body portion, and a lower extension portion extending downward from the bottom surface of the lower main body portion, a accommodating groove is recessed on the surface of the lower main body portion, the light source device is accommodated in the accommodating groove, and a bayonet groove is provided between each of the side extension portions and the lower main body portion, so that the corresponding hook portion is engaged with the corresponding bayonet groove.

[0008] Preferably, the upper extension portion has an extension support and an arc-shaped disk, the lower end of the extension support is integrally connected to the upper body portion, the upper end of the extension support is integrally connected to the arc-shaped disk, and at least one of the light-emitting diodes emits light toward the arc-shaped disk.

[0009] Preferably, the light-transmitting shell is a bubble shell formed by blister molding of transparent polypropylene (PP) material, and the surface edge of the light-transmitting shell is sealed by ultrasonic wave without any opening.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic plastic material is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) particles or polyurethane (PU) foam material.

[0011] Preferably, the surface of the light-transmitting elastic layer is integrally formed with raised patterns.

[0012] Preferably, the method for manufacturing the luminous sphere further comprises: coating the luminous sphere with a coating layer to form a luminous sphere having a coating layer.

[0013] Preferably, the cladding layer is a light-transmitting cladding layer that is partially light-transmitting or fully light-transmitting.

[0014] In order to further understand the features and technical contents of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, these descriptions and drawings are only used to illustrate the present invention, and do not limit the protection scope of the present invention in any way. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of the light source device and the light source bracket of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of another viewing angle of the light source device and the light source bracket of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the light source device and the light source bracket of the present invention being covered by a light-transmitting shell.

[0018] Figure 4 For along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in FIG.

[0019] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of placing the light-transmitting housing of the present invention into a mold.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the upper mold and the lower mold of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of a light-transmitting elastic layer formed on the surface of the light-transmitting housing of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the light-transmitting elastic layer of the present invention being integrally formed with raised patterns.

[0023] Fig. 9 For along Figure 8 Cross-sectional view along line IX-IX.

[0024] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram of the luminous sphere of the present invention being coated with a coating layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following is an explanation of the implementation method of the "method for making a luminous sphere" disclosed in the present invention through specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed in this specification. The present invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified and changed in various ways based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of the present invention. In addition, it should be stated in advance that the drawings of the present invention are only simple schematic illustrations and are not depicted according to actual dimensions. The following implementation methods will further explain the relevant technical contents of the present invention in detail, but the disclosed contents are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] It should be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various components or signals, these components or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are mainly used to distinguish one component from another component, or one signal from another signal. In addition, the term "or" used herein may include any one or more combinations of the associated listed items depending on the actual situation.

[0027] See also Figures 1 to 7 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a luminous sphere, which mainly includes the following steps.

[0028] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, first, a light source device 1 is provided. Specifically, the light source device 1 may include a light emitting unit 11 , a power supply unit 12 and a main control unit 13 . Moreover, the main control unit 13 is electrically connected to the light emitting unit 11 and the power supply unit 12 .

[0029] In this embodiment, the main control unit 13 may include a main control circuit board 131, and the main control circuit board 131 may be provided with a single or multiple microprocessors (MCU) and components such as resistors or capacitors. The light emitting unit 11 may include at least one light emitting diode D, and the light emitting unit 11 may include two light emitting diodes D in this embodiment, and the two light emitting diodes D may be arranged on the front of the main control circuit board 131. Preferably, the two light emitting diodes D may be arranged diagonally on the front of the main control circuit board 131. The power supply unit 12 may include at least one battery B, and the battery B may be arranged on the back of the main control circuit board 131. Preferably, the battery B may be, for example, a button battery (such as a CR-2032 coin-cell lithium battery). In this embodiment, the light source device 1 may further include a vibration switch 14 electrically connected to the main control unit 13. The vibration switch 14 can be arranged on the front or back of the main control circuit board 131, and the vibration switch 14 can be used to sense vibration, and when the vibration is sensed, the switch is turned on to control each light emitting diode D to turn on, and when the vibration is not sensed after a preset time, the switch is turned off to control each light emitting diode D to turn off, thereby extending the service life of the battery B. In addition, the main control unit 13 can also have a backup power supply mode, so that when one of the light emitting diodes D is damaged, the other light emitting diodes D will still light up.

[0030] Next, a light source bracket 2 is provided, so that the light source device 1 is fixed in the light source bracket 2. Specifically, the light source bracket 2 includes an upper bracket 21 and a lower bracket 22 that are assembled with each other. The upper bracket 21 has an upper body portion 211, a plurality of hook portions 212 formed by bending and extending outward from the side of the upper body portion 211, and an upper extension portion 213 formed by extending upward from the top surface of the upper body portion 211. The lower bracket 22 has a lower body portion 221, a plurality of side extension portions 222 formed by extending outward from the side of the lower body portion 221, and a lower extension portion 223 extending downward from the bottom surface of the lower body portion 221. In addition, a receiving groove 2211 is concavely provided on the surface of the lower body portion 221, and the light source device 1 is received in the receiving groove 2211, and a bayonet groove 2221 is provided between each side extension portion 222 and the lower body portion 221, so that the corresponding bayonet portion 212 is engaged with the corresponding bayonet groove 2221.

[0031] Then, if Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, a light-transmitting shell 3 is provided, so that the light source bracket 2 containing the light source device 1 is fixed inside the light-transmitting shell 3 and is completely covered by the light-transmitting shell 3. Further, the upper extension part 213 and the lower extension part 223 of the light source bracket 2 are arranged opposite to each other up and down and respectively abut against the inner surface of the light-transmitting shell 3, so that the light source device 1 can be well fixed inside the light-transmitting shell 3 through the light source bracket 2. Further, the upper extension part 213 has an extension pillar 2131 and an arc-shaped disk 2132 whose cross section is in the shape of a cross rib. The lower end of the extension pillar 2131 is integrally connected to the upper body part 211, and the upper end of the extension pillar 2131 is integrally connected to the arc-shaped disk 2132 to support the arc-shaped disk 2132, and the light-emitting diode D of the light-emitting unit 11 emits light toward the arc-shaped disk 2132, and the light can be reflected by the arc surface of the arc-shaped disk 2132 to improve the brightness and light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit 11. Furthermore, the arc surface of the arc disk 2132 can be coated with a reflective material to further enhance the reflection phenomenon. In addition, the light-transmitting shell 3 is a plastic blister formed by blistering transparent polypropylene (PP) material, and the surface edge of the light-transmitting shell 3 is sealed by ultrasonic wave without any opening, so that the inside of the light-transmitting shell 3 forms an airtight state, that is, the inside of the light-transmitting shell 3 forms an airtight space, which can maintain the light-transmitting shell 3 not easy to deform. In addition, the inner surface of the light-transmitting shell 3 can be evenly distributed with light-guiding powder to make the light transmitted soft and evenly distributed.

[0032] Then, if Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the light-transmitting housing 3 containing the light source device 1 and the light source bracket 2 is placed in a mold 900. More specifically, the mold 900 includes an upper mold 910 and a lower mold 920. The light-transmitting housing 3 can be placed in the lower mold 920, and then the upper mold 910 and the lower mold 920 can be molded together to position the light-transmitting housing 3 in the mold 900. Then, a non-solid elastic plastic material is poured into the mold 900, so that a light-transmitting elastic layer 4 is poured and molded on the surface of the light-transmitting sphere 3 to form a light-transmitting elastic layer 4 as shown in FIG. Figure 7The luminous sphere shown. Further, in this embodiment, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) particles can be used as the raw material for infusion, heated to the melting temperature and controlled to be constant, and then the molten TPU particles are poured into the mold 900 from the infusion port 911 on the top surface of the upper mold 910, so that the light-transmitting elastic layer 4 is infused and molded on the surface of the light-transmitting shell 3. In addition, in this embodiment, polyurethane (PU) foaming material such as PU foaming agent or foaming glue can also be used as the raw material for infusion. In addition, the diameter of the light-transmitting shell 3 is preferably 6 cm, and it can also have a similar diameter to the ball of a traditional hardball or softball, and the ratio of the diameter of the light-transmitting shell 3 to the thickness of the light-transmitting elastic layer 4 is greater than or equal to (≥) 12:1, so as to effectively enhance the surface elasticity and shock absorption performance of the entire sphere.

[0033] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 8 , Fig. 9 As shown, the surface of the light-transmitting elastic layer 4 can also be integrally formed with raised patterns 41. On the one hand, the raised patterns 41 increase the surface elasticity and shock absorption performance of the entire sphere to a certain extent, and on the other hand, they can improve the friction and anti-slip performance to achieve high grip. In addition, the raised patterns 41 can be similar to the patterns on the surface of a baseball or softball, but can also be the surface patterns of other balls.

[0034] In one embodiment, refer to Fig.10 As shown, the luminous sphere may be coated with a coating layer 5 (such as the cover of a baseball or softball) to form a luminous sphere having a coating layer 5. Further, the coating layer 5 may be a light-transmitting coating layer that is partially or completely light-transmitting, and the coating layer 5 does not necessarily have to be light-transmitting. In addition, the coating layer 5 may be a coating layer such as Figure 7 The surface of the sphere in the Fig.10 Furthermore, the covering layer 5 is formed with at least one stitching gap 51 and a plurality of stitching holes 52 located on both sides of the stitching gap 51. Thus, light can be transmitted from the stitching gap 51, the stitching holes 52 or from the covering layer 5, so that the surface of the luminous sphere of the present invention can transmit bright light along the stitching gap 51, the stitching holes 52 or from the covering layer 5, so that the user can clearly find the flight or movement path of the luminous sphere from the light transmitted from the surface of the luminous sphere in low light or night environment.

[0035] In addition, the coating layer 5 can also be the outer skin of other balls that cover the luminous sphere in an adhesive manner, such as the outer skin of a football or a basketball. In other words, the coating layer 5 can be the outer skin of various balls made according to different needs, such as the outer skin of a baseball, a cricket, or a lacrosse.

[0036] In summary, the method for making the luminous sphere provided by the present invention can at least be achieved through the technical scheme of "providing a light source device 1", "providing a light source bracket 2, so that the light source device 1 is fixed on the light source bracket 2", "providing a translucent shell 3, so that the light source bracket 2 is fixed inside the translucent shell 3 and is completely covered by the translucent shell 3", "placing the translucent shell 3 containing the light source device 1 and the light source bracket 2 into a mold 900", and "pouring a non-solid elastic plastic material into the mold 900, so that the surface of the translucent shell 3 is injection-molded with a translucent elastic layer 4 to form a luminous sphere". The surface of the translucent shell containing the light source device and the bracket is injection-molded with a translucent elastic layer, the manufacturing process is simple and fast and can ensure the complete coverage of the translucent elastic layer, thereby enhancing the surface elasticity and shock absorption performance of the entire sphere. The biggest advantage of the luminous sphere made by the present invention is that there is no relatively large crack, so the impact resistance is very high.

[0037] The contents disclosed above are only preferred feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the contents of the specification and drawings of the present invention are included in the patent scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for making a luminous sphere, characterized in that: include: Providing a light source device; Providing a light source bracket, so that the light source device is fixed in the light source bracket; A light-transmitting housing is provided, so that the light source bracket is fixed inside the light-transmitting housing and is completely covered by the light-transmitting housing; wherein the surface of the light-transmitting housing has no openings, and the interior of the light-transmitting housing forms an airtight state; Putting the light-transmitting housing containing the light source device and the light source bracket into a mold; A non-solid elastic plastic material is poured into the mold, so that a light-transmitting elastic layer is formed on the surface of the light-transmitting shell to form a luminous sphere.

2. The method for making a luminous sphere according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source device includes a light-emitting unit, a power supply unit and a main control unit, the main control unit is electrically connected to the light-emitting unit and the power supply unit, the main control unit includes a main control circuit board, the power supply unit includes at least one battery, the battery is arranged on the main control circuit board, the light-emitting unit includes at least one light-emitting diode, and the light-emitting diode is arranged in the main control circuit board.

3. The method for making a luminous sphere according to claim 2, characterized in that: The light source device also includes a vibration switch electrically connected to the main control unit, the vibration switch is used to sense vibration, and when vibration is sensed, at least one of the light emitting diodes is turned on, and when no vibration is sensed after a preset time, at least one of the light emitting diodes is turned off.

4. The method for making a luminous sphere according to claim 2, characterized in that: The light source bracket includes an upper bracket and a lower bracket assembled with each other, the upper bracket has an upper main body, a plurality of hook portions formed by bending and extending outward from the side of the upper main body, and an upper extension portion formed by extending upward from the top surface of the upper main body; the lower bracket has a lower main body, a plurality of side extension portions formed by extending outward from the side of the lower main body, and a lower extension portion extending downward from the bottom surface of the lower main body; a receiving groove is recessed on the surface of the lower main body, the light source device is received in the receiving groove, and a bayonet groove is provided between each of the side extension portions and the lower main body, so that the corresponding hook portion is engaged with the corresponding bayonet groove.

5. The method for making a luminous sphere according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper extension part has an extension support and an arc disk, the lower end of the extension support is integrally connected to the upper body part, the upper end of the extension support is integrally connected to the arc disk, and at least one of the light emitting diodes emits light toward the arc disk.

6. The method for making a luminous sphere according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light-transmitting shell is a bubble shell formed by vacuum forming of transparent polypropylene material, and the surface edge of the light-transmitting shell is sealed by ultrasonic wave without any opening.

7. The method for making a luminous sphere according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic plastic material is thermoplastic polyurethane particles or polyurethane foam material.

8. The method for making a luminous sphere according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the light-transmitting elastic layer is integrally formed with raised patterns.

9. The method for making a luminous sphere according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The luminous sphere is coated with a coating layer to form a luminous sphere with a coating layer.

10. The method for making a luminous sphere according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cladding layer is a light-transmitting cladding layer that is partially light-transmitting or fully light-transmitting.

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