Elastic extension architecture based on truncated conical coil spring and soft light box

Abstract

The application discloses an elastic extension architecture based on a truncated cone spiral spring and a soft light box. The elastic extension architecture comprises a fixed base for detachable connection with a light source device; a truncated cone spiral spring, a small-diameter end of which is fixedly connected with the fixed base, a large-diameter end of which is a free end, and the truncated cone spiral spring is configured to be converted between a radial winding storage state and an axial extension working state, and in the working state, the truncated cone spiral spring keeps the extension form by virtue of the elasticity thereof; and a flexible cover body attached to the truncated cone spiral spring and wound or extended together with the truncated cone spiral spring. The application takes the truncated cone spiral spring as a single core component, simultaneously realizes three functions of structural support, elastic driving and flexible storage, has extremely simple structure, greatly reduces the number of parts, and after winding, the volume is close to the fixed base, so that the storage volume is extremely reduced, and when unfolded, the truncated cone spiral spring is automatically opened after being unlocked, so that the operation of winding and unfolding is convenient and intuitive.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of photographic auxiliary equipment technology, specifically relating to an elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring and a softbox. Background Technology

[0002] Softboxes are widely used lighting accessories in photography and film production. They are installed in front of light source equipment to soften light, eliminate glare and shadows on the subject, and make the light even and soft.

[0003] Based on their storage methods, existing softbox products can be roughly divided into three generations of technical solutions.

[0004] The first generation was a rigid, one-piece softbox. A typical example is the technical solution disclosed in patent CN115371020B, where the softbox is a rigid, horn-shaped structure that is integrally molded and cannot be folded, and is directly locked to the lamp via a Bayonet mount. This solution has a stable structure, high optical alignment accuracy, and strong load-bearing capacity, but it cannot be folded for storage, is huge in size, and has significant disadvantages in terms of storage, transportation, and portability.

[0005] The second generation is the umbrella-style quick-opening softbox. This type of softbox borrows from the structure of an umbrella, using the axial movement of a central rod or sliding sleeve to drive the frame's opening and closing. Examples include patents CN201936106U, CN209044268U, CN214954469U, and CN219496868U. While the second-generation design achieves foldability and relatively quick opening and closing, the overall shape remains a slender column or bundle when folded, still requiring considerable storage space along its length.

[0006] The third generation is the chuck-type folding softbox. This type of softbox designs the chuck as two or more foldable sections, further compressing the storage volume into a flat shape. For example, patents CN209297081U, CN217821208U, CN219574569U, and CN223065634U are representative of this type. While the third-generation solution solves the problem of cylindrical storage, the chuck hinge structure becomes more complex, with more parts, higher processing precision requirements, and higher manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the hinge is at risk of wear after prolonged use.

[0007] In summary, in the pursuit of portability, the development of existing softbox technology has seen several generations of advancements. The first generation completely sacrificed portability, the second generation improved opening and closing speed but still had shortcomings in storage form, and the third generation achieved flat storage but significantly increased structural complexity.

[0008] How to achieve smaller storage size, more convenient operation, and lower manufacturing cost with a simpler structure while ensuring the stability of the unfolded form has become a pressing technical problem in this field. To address this, we have developed a new technical solution. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring to solve at least one of the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: An elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring, comprising: A fixed base for detachable connection with the light source device; A truncated cone helical spring, the small-diameter end of which is fixedly connected to the fixed base, and the large-diameter end is a free end; the truncated cone helical spring is configured to switch between a radially coiled storage state and an axially extended working state, and in the working state, it maintains its extended shape by its own elasticity. A flexible cover is attached to the truncated conical helical spring and can be rolled up or extended together with the truncated conical helical spring.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring further includes a limiting component disposed on the truncated conical helical spring and / or the flexible cover to lock the compressed truncated conical helical spring in the retracted state.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring is wherein the limiting component is any one of Velcro, a fixing strap, a hook-and-loop limiting structure, a magnetic element, or an elastic rope.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring includes a limiting component comprising at least one fixing strap, one end of which is connected to the fixing base or the flexible cover, and the other end of which is a free end, for winding and binding the coiled truncated conical helical spring and the flexible cover in the stored state, so as to lock them in the stored state.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring includes a Velcro limiting structure comprising a hook surface on the large-diameter end of the truncated conical helical spring and / or the flexible cover, and a rough surface on the small-diameter end of the truncated conical helical spring and / or the flexible cover, for detachable connection between the truncated conical helical spring and the flexible cover and the fixed base.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring includes a hook-type limiting structure comprising a first hook ring disposed on the large-diameter end side of the truncated conical helical spring and / or the flexible cover, and a second hook ring disposed on a fixed base. The first hook ring and the second hook ring are detachably connected by a connecting chain for detachable connection between the truncated conical helical spring and the flexible cover and the fixed base.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring has a preset distance between adjacent coils in the free state, so that the flexible cover is taut in the working state.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible cover is fixed at multiple points along the helical path of the truncated conical helical spring by means of sewing, hot pressing, bonding or snap-fitting.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the small-diameter end of the truncated conical helical spring is fixed to the fixed base by any one of welding, snap-fit ​​connection, riveting or threaded connection.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring has a pair of fixing holes symmetrically arranged on a fixed base, and a pair of fixing rings symmetrically arranged on the spring coil at the end of the small diameter end of the truncated conical helical spring. The fixing rings are fixedly installed at the fixing holes by screws to fix the small diameter end of the truncated conical helical spring to the fixed base.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring is provided on the lower outer periphery of the fixed base, and after the small diameter end of the truncated conical helical spring is fixed on the fixed base, the fixing ring is engaged with the lower edge of the annular step.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible cover has an inner surface provided with a reflective coating or a reflective lining.

[0022] A softbox includes an elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring as described in any of the above claims, wherein the flexible cover is a softbox fabric cover, the fixed base is an adapter for a Paulon bayonet, an Elinlon bayonet, or a top-mounted light bayonet, and the large-diameter end of the truncated conical helical spring corresponds to the light outlet of the softbox.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects achieved by the present invention are: 1. The truncated cone helical spring acts as a structural skeleton in the working state. When the state changes, it uses its own elastic potential energy to release and drive the extension. When stored, it is wound up radially. The structural support, elastic drive and flexible deformation storage are integrated into one component, which greatly reduces the number of parts, significantly reduces manufacturing and assembly costs, and lightens the weight.

[0024] 2. After being coiled up, the truncated cone helical spring is directly compressed and attached to the fixed base. The overall volume after being stored is comparable to the outline size of the fixed base. The overall volume has achieved a leapfrog reduction from "long strip" or "flat" to "compact block", which greatly improves portability and transportation economy. 3. After the limiting component is released, the truncated cone helical spring will automatically extend axially, achieving "one-click release"; when storing, it can be manually rolled up and locked, without the need for alignment, splicing or tools, making the operation intuitive and efficient; 4. In its free state, the truncated cone helical spring has a preset distance between adjacent coils. After being constrained by the flexible cover, it is evenly tightened, maintaining a regular conical three-dimensional shape, with a flat light-emitting surface and a stable soft light effect.

[0025] 5. High reliability and easy maintenance: As a single elastic element, the truncated cone helical spring has a long fatigue life, is easy to replace when damaged, and has low maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 (Extended state); Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 (Extended state); Figure 3 This is an exploded view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 (Extended state); Figure 4 This is an exploded view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 (Extended state); Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention (in its extended state). Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 (Storage status); Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 (Storage status); Figure 8 This is an exploded view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 (Storage status); Figure 9 This is an exploded view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 (Storage status); Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 1 (Extended state); Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 2 (Storage status).

[0028] In the diagram: 10, fixed base; 11, fixed hole; 12, annular step; 20, truncated cone helical spring; 30, flexible cover; 31, reflective coating; 40, hook surface; 41, rough surface; 50, first hook ring; 51, second hook ring; 52, connecting chain; 60, fixing ring; 61, screw. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] Implementation Method 1 like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, this embodiment provides an elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring, including a fixed base 10, a truncated conical helical spring 20, a flexible cover 30, and a limiting component.

[0031] The mounting base 10 is used for detachable connection with the light source device. In this embodiment, the mounting base 10 is a Boron bayonet adapter, which can be installed with a light source device that has a Boron bayonet. It is understood that in other embodiments, the mounting base 10 can also be an Airinlon bayonet adapter, a top-mounted light bayonet adapter, or other standard or non-standard light source connection interface, as long as it can achieve detachable connection with the light source device.

[0032] The truncated conical helical spring 20 has a tapered helical shape that gradually expands from the small diameter end to the large diameter end. The small diameter end of the truncated conical helical spring 20 is fixedly connected to the fixed base 10, while the large diameter end is a free end. The small diameter end of the truncated conical helical spring 20 can be fixed to the fixed base 10 by any of the following methods: welding, snap-fit ​​connection, riveting, or threaded connection.

[0033] In this embodiment, the truncated conical helical spring 20 is a tower spring.

[0034] This embodiment provides a preferred threaded connection scheme: a pair of fixing holes 11 are symmetrically arranged on the fixed base 10, and a pair of fixing rings 60 are symmetrically arranged on the spring ring at the end of the small-diameter end of the truncated cone helical spring 20. The fixing rings 60 are fixedly installed at the fixing holes 11 by screws 61, thereby securely locking the small-diameter end of the truncated cone helical spring 20 onto the fixed base 10. Furthermore, an annular step 12 is provided on the lower outer periphery of the fixed base 10. After the small-diameter end of the truncated cone helical spring 20 is fixed onto the fixed base 10, the fixing rings 60 encircle the lower edge of the annular step 12, aligning the small-diameter end of the truncated cone helical spring 20 at the fixed base 10, thereby allowing the truncated cone helical spring 20 to extend axially smoothly.

[0035] The truncated conical helical spring 20 is configured to switch between a radially coiled, retracted state and an axially extended, operational state. In the operational state, the truncated conical helical spring 20 maintains its axially extended conical spatial shape due to its own elasticity. In its free state, the truncated conical helical spring 20 has a preset distance between adjacent coils. This preset distance is limited by the flexible constraint of the flexible cover 30 in the operational state, so that the flexible cover 30 is uniformly tensioned, maintaining a regular conical three-dimensional profile.

[0036] The flexible cover 30 is attached to the truncated conical helical spring 20 and can be rolled up or extended together with the truncated conical helical spring 20. The flexible cover 30 is fixed at multiple points along the helical path of the truncated conical helical spring 20 by sewing, heat pressing, bonding, or snap-fitting. In this embodiment, the flexible cover 30 is sewn together segment by segment along the helical direction of the truncated conical helical spring 20, so that the flexible cover 30 and the truncated conical helical spring 20 form a reliable connection in both the axial and circumferential directions, ensuring that the two maintain synchronous movement during unfolding and rolling. The inner surface of the flexible cover 30 is provided with a reflective coating 31 or a reflective lining to enhance the light reflection efficiency and softening effect. In this embodiment, the flexible cover 30 is a soft light cover made of soft light fabric with a reflective inner lining.

[0037] A limiting component is provided on the truncated conical helical spring 20 and the flexible cover 30 to lock the compressed truncated conical helical spring 20 in a retracted state. In this embodiment, the limiting component adopts a Velcro limiting structure.

[0038] Specifically, the Velcro limiting structure includes a hook surface 40 on the large-diameter end of the flexible cover 30 and a rough surface 41 on the small-diameter end of the flexible cover 30. When storage is required, the user manually rolls up and compresses the truncated conical coil spring 20 together with the flexible cover 30 radially toward the fixed base 10. Then, the user aligns the hook surface 40 and the rough surface 41 on the flexible cover 30 (vertically aligned) and presses them together. The adhesive force between the hook surface 40 and the rough surface 41 allows the rolled-up truncated conical coil spring 20 and the flexible cover 30 to be detachably locked onto the fixed base 10, keeping the elastic extension structure stably in the stored state. When the device needs to be unfolded for use, the user simply pinches the edge of the flexible cover 30 or the hook surface 40 and manually peels the hook surface 40 off the rough surface 41, releasing the locking mechanism of the Velcro. The truncated cone coil spring 20 then automatically extends axially under its own elastic restoring force, causing the flexible cover 30 to unfold synchronously and return to its working state. It is understood that the positions of the hook surface 40 and the rough surface 41 can be interchanged; that is, the rough surface 41 and the hook surface 40 located on the small-diameter end and the large-diameter end of the flexible cover 30 can be swapped, achieving the same detachable locking effect. Furthermore, the number of hook surfaces 40 or rough surfaces 41 can be set to one or more sets as needed to enhance the stability of the storage and locking mechanism.

[0039] Implementation Method 2 like Figures 10 to 11 As shown, the main difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the limiting component adopts a different structural form. In this embodiment, the limiting component is a hook-type limiting structure.

[0040] Specifically, the hook-type limiting structure includes a first hook 50 disposed on the outer surface of the flexible cover 30 at the large-diameter end, and a second hook 51 disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the fixed base 10. The first hook 50 and the second hook 51 are detachably connected by a connecting chain 52. The connecting chain 52 can be a metal ring chain, nylon braided rope, elastic rope, or other flexible connectors with a certain tensile strength.

[0041] After the truncated conical helical spring 20 and the flexible cover 30 are wound and compressed radially toward the fixed base 10 to a stored state, the user hooks one end of the connecting chain 52 onto the first hook 50 on the flexible cover 30 and the other end onto the second hook 51 on the fixed base 10. Through the pulling action of the connecting chain 52, the wound-up truncated conical helical spring 20 and the flexible cover 30 can be reliably locked in the stored state. When it needs to be unfolded for use, the user only needs to detach either end of the connecting chain 52 from the corresponding hook. The truncated conical helical spring 20 will then automatically extend axially to the working state under its own elastic restoring force, causing the flexible cover 30 to unfold.

[0042] It is understandable that the positions of the first hook 50 and the second hook 51 can be interchanged; that is, the first hook 50 can be set on the fixed base 10, and the second hook 51 can be set on the flexible cover 30. Multiple sets of first hooks 50 and second hooks 51 can also be set, and multiple connecting chains 52 can be used to pull and lock them at multiple angles to further enhance the structural stability and reliability in the stored state. To reduce loose parts, one end of the connecting chain 52 can also be directly fixed to the first hook 50 or the second hook 51, with only the other end being a detachable hook connection.

[0043] In addition to the two embodiments described above, the limiting component can also employ a fixing strap. That is, the limiting component includes at least one fixing strap, one end of which is fixedly connected to the fixing base 10 or the flexible cover 30, while the other end is a free-moving end. In the stored state, the fixing strap is used to wrap and bind the rolled-up truncated conical helical spring 20 and the flexible cover 30, and the free end is secured by knotting, snaps, Velcro, or buckles, thus locking it in the stored state.

[0044] The limiting component can also employ a magnetic attraction scheme, where permanent magnets and ferromagnetic components are respectively installed at corresponding positions on the flexible cover 30 and the fixed base 10, achieving locking through magnetic attraction in the retracted state. Alternatively, the limiting component can be an elastic cord, with one end fixed to the fixed base 10 or the flexible cover 30. In the retracted state, the elastic cord is stretched, and the hook at the end is hooked onto the corresponding structure, using elastic tension to maintain the retracted and locked state.

[0045] Various specific solutions for the aforementioned limiting components can be flexibly selected based on factors such as cost, user habits, and product positioning, and all are within the protection scope of this invention.

[0046] Implementation Method 3 The present invention also provides a softbox comprising the elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0047] In this softbox, the flexible cover 30 is specifically a softbox fabric cover with one open end, and the fixed base 10 is specifically an adapter for a Paulon, Elinlon, or on-camera light mount, used for detachable connection with the corresponding light source equipment. The small-diameter end of the truncated conical helical spring 20 is fixed to the fixed base 10, and the large-diameter end corresponds to the light outlet of the softbox, forming a light path channel that gradually expands from the small-diameter end to the large-diameter end.

[0048] In use, the user first installs the fixed base 10 onto the light source equipment, then releases the locking mechanism. The truncated conical helical spring 20 automatically extends, expanding the diffuser into a predetermined conical shape, allowing it to be used normally as a softbox. For storage, the user rolls the truncated conical helical spring 20 radially toward the fixed base 10, causing the diffuser to roll up along with it. Once in place, it is locked by the locking mechanism, compressing the entire softbox into a compact block shape adjacent to the fixed base 10. Its small size and regular shape make it easy to carry or store in a photography equipment bag.

[0049] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural modifications made based on the content of this specification and claims, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this invention.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without any creative effort.

[0052] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring, characterized in that, include: A fixed base (10) for detachable connection with the light source device; A truncated conical helical spring (20) has its small-diameter end fixedly connected to the fixed base (10) and its large-diameter end free. The truncated conical helical spring (20) is configured to switch between a radially coiled storage state and an axially extended working state, and in the working state, it maintains its extended shape by its own elasticity. A flexible cover (30) is attached to the truncated conical helical spring (20) and can be rolled up or extended together with the truncated conical helical spring (20).

2. The elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a limiting component disposed on the truncated helical spring (20) and / or the flexible cover (30) to lock the compressed truncated helical spring (20) in the retracted state.

3. The elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting component is any one of Velcro, fixing strap, hook-and-loop limiting structure, magnetic component or elastic rope.

4. The elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, In its free state, the truncated cone helical spring (20) has a preset distance between its adjacent coils so that the flexible cover (30) is tightened in the working state.

5. The elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible cover (30) is fixed at multiple points along the spiral path of the truncated conical helical spring (20) by means of sewing, hot pressing, bonding or snapping.

6. The elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The small-diameter end of the truncated conical helical spring (20) is fixed to the fixed base (10) by any one of welding, snap-fit ​​connection, riveting or threaded connection.

7. The elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring according to claim 6, characterized in that, A pair of fixing holes (11) are symmetrically arranged on the fixed base (10), and a pair of fixing rings (60) are symmetrically arranged on the spring ring at the end of the small diameter end of the truncated cone helical spring (20). The fixing rings (60) are fixedly installed at the fixing holes (11) by screws (61) to fix the small diameter end of the truncated cone helical spring (20) to the fixed base (10).

8. The elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring according to claim 7, characterized in that, An annular step (12) is provided on the lower outer periphery of the fixed base (10). After the small diameter end of the truncated cone helical spring (20) is fixed on the fixed base (10), the fixing ring (60) is engaged with the lower edge of the annular step (12).

9. The elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface of the flexible cover (30) is provided with a reflective coating (31) or a reflective lining.

10. A softbox, characterized in that, Includes the elastic extension structure based on a truncated conical helical spring as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the flexible cover (30) is a soft light cover, the fixed base (10) is an adapter for a Paulon mount, an Elinlon mount, or a top-mounted light mount, and the large-diameter end of the truncated conical helical spring (20) corresponds to the light outlet of the soft light box.

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