Training ball set and its return device

Abstract

A training ball set and its return device include a paddle unit and a training ball. The paddle unit includes a plate, an electronic control unit mounted on the plate, and a display unit signal-connected to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is used to sense a mechanical wave or a light beam, and outputs hitting information related to a number of hits based on the mechanical wave or the light beam. The display unit is used to receive the hitting information and display the number of hits. The training ball is configured as a flexible sphere, and its physical properties are determined according to a design parameter. The training ball is used to hit the paddle, and generates the mechanical wave or the light beam during the hitting process. Therefore, by statistically analyzing and displaying the number of hits, the interactivity of the training return can be improved, and the training results can be reflected in real time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a ball return device, and more particularly to a training ball set and its ball return device. Prior Technology

[0002] Ball sports require not only sufficient endurance and explosive power, but also good skills. Therefore, whether you are a beginner or a professional athlete, in order to improve your skills, in addition to coaching, you also need to practice repeatedly.

[0003] Referring to Figure 1, a known badminton racket assembly 1 includes a racket 11 and a shuttlecock 12. The shuttlecock 12 includes a head 121 made of cork material and several feathers 122 connected to the head 121 and spreading outward.

[0004] When a player swings the badminton racket 11 to practice hitting the shuttlecock, the head 121 of the shuttlecock 12 is struck by the racket 11 and hits a wall 2. Then, the shuttlecock 12 bounces off the wall 2 in the opposite direction. This process is repeated, allowing the player to learn the correct power application and the stability of control during the hit.

[0005] However, the speed and flight direction of the shuttlecock 12 after its bounce are affected by the angle of the hitting surface of the racket 11, the hitting force, or the center of gravity, structure, and materials of the shuttlecock 12, resulting in considerable variation. For beginners whose power generation methods, wrist techniques, and control abilities need improvement, they often cannot effectively control the flight direction and speed of the shuttlecock 12 after its bounce, making it impossible to hit the shuttlecock 12 that bounced off the wall 2 again, resulting in technical problems where the training effect is not as expected.

[0006] Furthermore, because the feathers 122 of the shuttlecock 12 are prone to breakage during the hitting process, the shuttlecock 12 wears out quickly and in large quantities for beginners who are not yet proficient in their skills in the early stages of training, and the cost of purchasing the shuttlecock 12 is also relatively high.

[0007] Furthermore, during the ball-hitting practice, the players were facing an unresponsive wall. Therefore, the process was tedious, and the training results were not immediately apparent. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a training ball set and its return device that can instantly reflect training results.

[0009] Therefore, the training ball set of the present invention includes a board unit, an electronic control unit, a display unit, and a training ball.

[0010] The board unit consists of a board.

[0011] The electronic control unit is mounted on the board and is used to sense a mechanical wave or a light beam, and output impact information related to a number of impacts based on the mechanical wave or the light beam.

[0012] The display unit is connected to the electronic control unit to receive the impact information and display the number of impacts.

[0013] The training ball is configured as a flexible sphere, and its physical properties are determined according to a design parameter, which includes material, diameter, and weight. The material is configured as a foam material, the diameter is configured to be between 4.5cm and 7.5cm, the weight is configured to be between 3g and 7g, and the physical properties include a density between 10kg / m³ and 35kg / m³, and a coefficient of restitution between 0.45 and 0.65. The training ball is used to strike the board, and during each strike, it generates a mechanical wave through the board or blocks the beam of light.

[0014] A ball return device for a training ball set, suitable for a training ball configured as PU foam, the ball return device comprising a plate unit, an electronic control unit, and a display unit.

[0015] The board unit includes a board component configured as a rigid plastic material, including a first board surface and a second board surface opposite to the first board surface, the first board surface being adapted to generate a mechanical wave or to block a beam of light each time it is hit by the training ball.

[0016] The electronic control unit is mounted on the second plate and is used to sense the mechanical wave or the beam, and output a strike information related to a number of strikes based on the mechanical wave or the beam.

[0017] The display unit is mounted on the first panel and adjacent to the periphery of the first panel. The display unit is signal-connected to the electronic control unit to receive the impact information and display the number of impacts.

[0018] The advantage of this invention is that by statistically analyzing and displaying the number of hits, it not only enhances the interactivity of ball-catching training but also provides real-time feedback on training results. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0019] Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a known badminton racket assembly; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the training ball set and its return device of the present invention; Figure 3 is a front view of the ball return device of this embodiment; Figure 4 is a block diagram of this embodiment; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the rebound height of a training ball after it has been dropped freely in this embodiment; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the impact of a training ball on a plate in this embodiment; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the rebound of the training ball by the plate in this embodiment; Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating another aspect of the ball return device in this embodiment; and Figure 9 is a front view similar to Figure 3, but the electronic control unit in this embodiment is different. Implementation

[0020] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, one embodiment of the training ball set 6 of the present invention includes a board unit 3, an electronic control unit 4, a display unit 5, and a training ball 6. The board unit 3, the electronic control unit 4, and the display unit 5 are configured as a ball return device.

[0021] The board unit 3 includes a board 31 and a carrier 32.

[0022] The plate 31 is made of a rigid plastic material and has a first plate surface 311, a second plate surface 312 opposite to the first plate surface 311, and a periphery 313 connecting the first plate surface 311 and the second plate surface 312. In this embodiment, the plate 31 is configured as a rectangle, a circle, a polygon, or other shapes.

[0023] In this embodiment, the carrier 32 includes a back frame 321 connected to the second plate surface 312, and an upright frame 322 swayably connected to the back frame 321 and forming an angle with the back frame 321. The upright frame 322 extends in a vertical direction Z and can rest against a ground surface 7. The upright frame 322 and the back frame 321 can jointly support the plate 31, so that the plate 31 is placed upright on the ground surface 7.

[0024] The electronic control unit 4 is mounted on the board 31 and includes a sensing module 41 and a processing module 42 connected to the sensing module 41.

[0025] The sensing module 41 is mounted on the second plate 312 and adjacent to the central region of the second plate 312, for sensing a mechanical wave and outputting a strike signal S. The mechanical wave is configured as a sound wave or a vibration wave. In this embodiment, the mechanical wave is configured as a sound wave, and the sensing module 41 is configured as a sound wave sensor. It is worth noting that when the mechanical wave is configured as a vibration wave, the sensing module 41 is configured as a vibration switch.

[0026] The processing module 42 is used to receive the impact signal S, and each time the impact signal S is received, it calculates the number of impacts and outputs an impact information M1 related to the number of impacts based on the impact signal S.

[0027] The processing module 42 also outputs time information M2 related to a strike time according to a counting condition. The counting condition is configured such that when the processing module 42 receives the strike signal S for the first time, it starts calculating the strike time, and when it does not continuously receive the strike signal S within a preset interval, it stops calculating the strike time and resets the strike time.

[0028] The display unit 5 is mounted on the first panel 311 and adjacent to the periphery 313 of the first panel 311. The display unit 5 is signal-connected to the processing module 42 and is used to receive the impact information M1, the time information M2, and display the number of impacts and the impact time.

[0029] The training ball 6 is used to strike the first surface 311 of the plate 31, and during each strike, a mechanical wave is generated through the plate 31. In this embodiment, the training ball 6 is configured as an elastic sphere, and its physical properties are determined according to a design parameter, which includes material, diameter, and weight.

[0030] The training ball 6 is made of PU foam in one piece, suitable for impacting the first plate surface 311.

[0031] The diameter of the training ball 6 is configured to be between 4.5cm and 7.5cm. Preferably, the diameter of the training ball 6 is configured to be 5cm-7cm, 5.5cm-6.5cm, or 6.6cm-7.2cm. More preferably, the diameter of the training ball 6 is configured to be 7cm. Of course, the diameter of the training ball 6 can also be configured to be 4.6cm, 4.7cm, 4.8cm, 4.9cm, 5.1cm, 5.2cm, 5.3cm, 5.4cm, 6cm, 6.1cm, 6.2cm, 6.3cm, 6.4cm, 6.7cm, 6.8cm, 6.9cm, 7.1cm, 7.3cm, or 7.4cm.

[0032] The weight of the training ball 6 is configured to be between 3g and 7g. Preferably, the weight of the training ball 6 is configured to be 3g, 4g, 5g, 6g, or 7g. More preferably, the weight of the elastomer in the training ball 6 is configured to be 5g.

[0033] The physical properties include a density between 10 kg / m³ and 35 kg / m³, and a coefficient of restitution between 0.45 and 0.65. Preferably, the density of the training ball 6 is between 15 kg / m³ and 25 kg / m³, or between 19 kg / m³ and 21 kg / m³. More preferably, the density of the training ball 6 is 20 kg / m³. The coefficient of restitution of the training ball 6 is 0.58.

[0034] Referring to Figures 2 and 5, based on the physical properties of the training ball 6, after the training ball 6 falls freely from a freefall height H0 towards a ground 7 along the height direction, a first rebound height H1 and a second rebound height H2 are defined. The freefall height H0 is configured to be 100cm. The first rebound height H1 is configured as the height at which the training ball 6 first rebounds from the ground 7, between 15cm and 25cm, preferably between 18cm and 22cm, and more preferably 20cm. The second rebound height H2 is configured as the height at which the training ball 6 rebounds a second time from the ground 7, between 4cm and 10cm, preferably between 6.5cm and 7.5cm, and more preferably 7cm. The ground 7 is configured as a PVC resilient floor.

[0035] Referring to Figures 2, 4, 6, and 7, when a player swings a badminton racket 8 in a flat drive motion, and the training ball 6 is subjected to a striking force of approximately 20.4 N as it moves towards the first surface 311 of the plate 31, the training ball 6 will strike the first surface 311 with a speed of approximately 11.1 m / s and a force of approximately 10.4 N. The contact time between the training ball 6 and the first surface 311 is approximately 0.0089 seconds. Then, the training ball 6 will bounce off the first surface 311 in a direction opposite to the second surface 312, until it is struck again by the badminton racket 8. This cycle repeats, allowing the player to familiarize themselves with the feel of the shuttlecock, practice power generation, and train their immediate reaction, power control, and direction control when receiving the shuttlecock, all while being struck by the training ball 6 with the badminton racket 8.

[0036] It should be noted that the striking force is not limited to 20.4N, but can also be between 17N and 23N depending on the ball control force. In this way, the training ball 6 will move towards the first blade surface 311 at a speed between 8m / s and 14m / s, and strike the first blade surface 311 with a force between 8N and 12N. At this time, the contact time between the training ball 6 and the first blade surface 311 is between 0.01s and 0.006s.

[0037] Importantly, each time the training ball 6 strikes the plate 31, it generates a sound wave through the plate 31. At this time, the sensing module 41 outputs a strike signal S each time it senses the sound wave. The processing module 42 calculates the number of strikes each time it receives the strike signal S and outputs strike information M1 based on the strike signal S. Simultaneously, the display unit 5 displays the number of strikes and continuously updates the number of strikes.

[0038] During each impact of the training ball 6 onto the plate 31, the processing module 42, based on the counting conditions, begins calculating the impact time and outputs the time information M2 upon receiving the first impact signal S. At this time, the display unit 5 displays the impact time and continuously updates it. In this embodiment, the number of impacts and the impact time are displayed alternately.

[0039] The processing module 42 will also stop calculating the hitting time and reset the hitting time if it does not continuously receive the hitting signal S within the interval, based on the counting condition. In this way, the player can clearly know the number of hits on the training ball 6 and the total hitting time through the display unit 5.

[0040] Because the training ball 6 is configured as a sphere and thus symmetrical, the portion that contacts the first blade surface 311 is identical. This symmetry ensures that the training ball 6 behaves consistently upon rebound, and its trajectory is easier to predict and control. The speed of a typical badminton smash by an enthusiast is approximately 70km / h to 90km / h, equivalent to 19.4m / s to 25m / s. The speed of a flat drive is usually lower than that of a smash. Clearly, the speed of the training ball 6 after being hit is close to that of a typical badminton shuttlecock. With its easily predictable and controllable rebound trajectory, players can repeatedly hit the training ball 6 with the racket 8 during training.

[0041] It is worth noting that when the diameter of the training ball 6 is greater than 7.5cm or less than 4.5cm, it may be too large or too small and visually too different from a regular badminton shuttlecock (not shown in the picture), making it unsuitable for hitting badminton shuttlecocks.

[0042] Furthermore, when the weight of the training ball 6 exceeds 7g or its density exceeds 35 kg / m³, the rebound speed of the training ball 6 will be too fast. When the weight of the training ball 6 is less than 3g or its density is less than 10 kg / m³, the rebound speed of the training ball 6 will be too slow. Not only will the rebound speed of the training ball 6 differ too much from that of a regular badminton shuttlecock, but the feel of hitting it will also be different from that of a regular badminton shuttlecock, leading to the same problem of not being able to adapt to hitting a regular badminton shuttlecock.

[0043] It should be noted that the carrier 32 is not limited to resting against the ground 7 via the stand 322. In other variations of this embodiment, as shown in FIG8, the carrier 32 may also have a base 323 connected to the stand 322 and resting on the ground 7. The stand 322 can extend and retract in the vertical direction Z. In this way, in addition to improving the stability of the carrier standing on the ground 7 via the base 323, the height can also be adjusted via the stand 322.

[0044] Furthermore, the electronic control unit 4 is not limited to sensing the mechanical wave. In other variations of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2, 4, and 9, the sensing module 41 of the electronic control unit 4 can be used to sense multiple light beams. It has a light emitter 411 for emitting the light beams and a light receiver 412 for receiving the light beams. The light emitter 411 and the light receiver 412 are mounted on the periphery 313 of the plate 31 and correspond to each other along a spacing direction. The light receiver 412 is signal-connected to the processing module 42 and is used to output the impact signal S when the light beam is blocked. The spacing direction is configured as a left-right direction X perpendicular to the vertical direction Z, or the vertical direction Z.

[0045] During each strike of the plate 31 by the training ball 6, the training ball 6 blocks the corresponding light beam, causing the light receiver 412 to output the strike signal S. In this way, the processing module 42 also calculates the number of strikes each time it receives the strike signal S.

[0046] It should be noted that

[0047] Based on the above explanation, the advantages of the aforementioned embodiments can be summarized as follows:

[0048] 1. The training ball 6 of the present invention, through the design of a sphere and special design parameters, obtains the required physical properties, so that the rebound angle of the training ball 6 remains stable and the hitting feeling is similar to that of a badminton shuttlecock. In the process of multiple rallies, it can effectively train the instant reaction when receiving the ball, the ball control power, and improve agility, muscle endurance, stability and ball control feel.

[0049] 2. Because the training ball 6 is elastic and lightweight, it will not damage the badminton racket 8. Furthermore, the training ball 6 itself is not easily damaged. For beginners with less refined skills, it not only slows down wear and tear and extends the racket's lifespan during the initial training phase, but the cost of purchasing the training ball 6 is also significantly lower than that of ordinary badminton shuttlecocks.

[0050] 3. Importantly, by statistically analyzing and displaying the number of hits and the time of the hits, this invention not only enhances the interactivity of ball-catching training but also provides real-time feedback on training results.

[0051] 4. In addition, although the training ball 6 is relatively light, it can accurately detect whether the plate 31 has been hit by sensing the mechanical wave or blocking the beam, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0052] 5. Furthermore, since the sensing module 41 is installed on the second plate surface 312 or the periphery 313 of the plate 31 and is far away from the first plate surface 311 of the plate 31, the area of ​​the first plate surface 311 that can be hit by the training ball 6 is larger, which can improve the ease of training.

[0053] However, the above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of the patent application and the contents of the patent specification shall still fall within the scope of the patent of the present invention.

[0054] 3: Plate Unit 31: Plates 311: First board 312: Second panel 313: Zhou Yuan 32: Carrier 321: Backrest 322: Frame erection 323: Base 4: Electronic Control Unit 41: Sensing Module 411: Light emitter 412: Optical Receiver 42: Processing Module 5: Display Unit 6: Training ball 7: Ground 8: Badminton racket Z: Up / Down direction X: Left and right directions S: Striking signal M1: Hitting Information M2: Time Information H0: Height of free fall H1: First rebound height H2: Second rebound height

Claims

1. A training ball assembly, comprising: a plate unit including a plate; an electronic control unit mounted on the plate for sensing a mechanical wave or a light beam, and outputting hitting information related to a number of hits based on the mechanical wave or the light beam; a display unit signal-connected to the electronic control unit for receiving the hitting information and displaying the number of hits; and a training ball configured as an elastic sphere, and having a physical property determined according to a design parameter including material, diameter, and weight, wherein... The material is configured as a foam material with a diameter between 4.5cm and 7.5cm and a weight between 3g and 7g. The physical properties include a density between 10kg / m3 and 35kg / m3 and a coefficient of restitution between 0.45 and 0.

65. The training ball is used to strike the board, and during each strike, it generates a mechanical wave through the board or blocks the beam of light.

2. The training ball set as described in claim 1, wherein, The electronic control unit includes a sensing module and a processing module connected to the sensing module and the display unit. The sensing module is used to sense the mechanical wave and output a strike signal. The mechanical wave is configured as a sound wave or a vibration wave. The processing module is used to receive the strike signal and calculate the number of strikes each time the strike signal is received.

3. The training ball set as described in claim 1, wherein, The electronic control unit includes a sensing module for sensing a light beam and a processing module connected to the sensing module and the display unit. The sensing module has a light emitter for emitting the light beam and a light receiver for receiving the light beam. The light emitter and the light receiver are mounted on the periphery of the board and correspond to each other along a spacing direction. The light receiver is used to output a striking signal when the light beam is blocked. The processing module is used to receive the striking signal and calculate the number of strikes each time the striking signal is received. The spacing direction is configured as a left-right direction perpendicular to a vertical direction, or the vertical direction.

4. The training ball set as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein, The processing module also outputs time information related to a hit time based on a counting condition. The counting condition is configured such that when the processing module receives the hit signal for the first time, it starts calculating the hit time, and when the processing module does not continuously receive the hit signal within a preset interval, it stops calculating the hit time. The processing module further resets the hit time after outputting the time information. The display unit is also used to receive the time information and display the hit time.

5. The training ball set as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein, The board has a first board surface for the training ball to hit, and a second board surface opposite to the first board surface. The sensing module is mounted on the second board surface and adjacent to the central area of ​​the second board surface, and the display unit is mounted on the first board surface and adjacent to the periphery of the first board surface.

6. The training ball set as described in claim 1, wherein, The plate is made of rigid plastic, and the training ball is made of PU foam in one piece.

7. The training ball set as described in claim 1, wherein, The training ball is designed to be used to define a first rebound height and a second rebound height after the ball is dropped freely from a height towards the ground along a vertical direction. The free fall height is set to 100cm, the first rebound height is set to the height at which the training ball first rebounds from the ground, ranging from 15cm to 25cm, and the second rebound height is set to the height at which the training ball second rebounds from the ground, ranging from 4cm to 10cm.

8. A ball return device for a training ball set, suitable for a training ball configured as PU foam, the ball return device comprising: a plate unit including a plate configured as a rigid plastic material, including a first plate surface, a second plate surface opposite to the first plate surface, and a periphery connecting the first plate surface and the second plate surface, the first plate surface being adapted to generate a mechanical wave or block a beam of light each time it is hit by the training ball; an electronic control unit mounted on the plate surface and away from the first plate surface, for sensing the mechanical wave or the beam of light, and outputting hitting information related to a number of hits based on the mechanical wave or the beam of light; and a display unit mounted on the first plate surface and adjacent to the periphery of the first plate surface, the display unit being signal-connected to the electronic control unit for receiving the hitting information and displaying the number of hits.

9. The ball return device for the training ball set as described in claim 8, wherein, The electronic control unit includes a sensing module and a processing module that is connected to the sensing module and the display unit. The sensing module is used to sense the mechanical wave and output a strike signal. The processing module is used to receive the strike signal and calculate the number of strikes each time the strike signal is received.

10. The ball return device for the training ball set as described in claim 8, wherein, The electronic control unit includes a sensing module for sensing a light beam and a processing module connected to the sensing module and the display unit. The sensing module has a light emitter for emitting the light beam and a light receiver for receiving the light beam. The light emitter and the light receiver are mounted on the periphery of the board and correspond to each other along a spacing direction. The light receiver is used to output a striking signal when the light beam is blocked. The processing module is used to receive the striking signal and calculate the number of strikes each time the striking signal is received. The spacing direction is configured as a left-right direction perpendicular to a vertical direction, or the vertical direction.

11. The ball return device for the training ball set as described in claim 9 or 10, wherein, The processing module also outputs time information related to a hit time based on a counting condition. The counting condition is configured such that when the processing module receives the hit signal for the first time, it starts calculating the hit time, and when the processing module does not continuously receive the hit signal within a preset interval, it stops calculating the hit time. The processing module further resets the hit time after outputting the time information. The display unit is also used to receive the time information and display the hit time.

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