SK8047Y1 - Method and system for accelerated response dimming optical element in personal protective equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has an optical sensor (1), peephole with optical element (2) with variable throughput and the activating light (3) emitting radiation which is detected by the optical sensor (1). The activating light (3) is connected to a switch (4) and located within range of the optical sensor (1). Within the device where it implements technological process with the light effect, detects an instruction to initiate appropriate technological processon and based on this instruction turns on the activating light (3). This will activate the optical sensor (1) by means of the activation light (3) even before the optical sensor (1) detects the luminous effect of the technological process. The activation light (3) may be as easy infrared LED. The advantage lies in the fact that the protector is not need to modified in any way, and his the reaction time can be reduced to zero, respectively we can achieve as a negative response time, when we use to darken time flowing at start of the process prior to the formation of luminous effect.

Description

The invention relates to reducing the reaction time of a self-dimming optical element in a personal protective device, for example in a welding helmet, where the optical element dims in response to the intense light of the start-up process, for example in response to an ignited arc during welding, cutting and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Personal protective equipment such as self-dimming goggles, shields, helmets, helmets and the like are used to protect the eye during welding, cutting and similar activities that are accompanied by intense light. An essential component of such protective devices is an optical element capable of altering its light transmittance upon instruction from the control circuit. The electric arc produces intense ultraviolet, infrared and visible light radiation. A sensor sensitive to said light effect instructs the darkening of the optical element, and the darkened optical element prevents the passage of harmful radiation into the eye.

In order to achieve reliable eye protection, it is important that the optical element is darkened as quickly as possible after detecting the occurrence of a dangerous light phenomenon, i.e., after ignition of an electric arc during welding. Various solutions exist to fulfill this technical task, e.g. according to the published publications WO2005009309A1, WO2011097841 A1, US8264265B2, US2013128135A1, which reduce the time of detection of the occurrence of a dangerous light phenomenon and shorten the reaction time of the optical element itself, i.e. the time it takes the optical element to achieve optical change. These two stages of detection and response last less than 0.3 ms, some quality welding helmets are able to darken within 0.05 ms (1/20,000 sec) of the arc flash (Figures 1 and 9). These times are in absolute terms low and it is difficult to shorten them further, but to achieve better eye protection, it would be advantageous to achieve a zero reaction time.

US2003206491A1, WO2008082751A1 discloses voice control of a welding helmet, the welder may pre-darken the optical element using a voice command. Other solutions that have a control button or similar feature operate on a similar principle and can be dimmed before the arc is ignited. However, such solutions are inconvenient, requiring constant issuance of instructions, contrary to the requirement for automated operation.

An improvement is provided in U.S. Patent No. 7,812,279 B2, in which a welding helmet is operated by an instruction from a welding apparatus for welding with a protective atmosphere. The electric arc is ignited during such welding with some delay from the trigger being triggered on the welding gun. This delay in the order of fractions of a second is deliberately designed to first transfer the shielding gas from the pressure vessel into the vicinity of the weld. This gives the possibility to instruct the dimmer of the welding helmet before igniting the electric arc. In the case of the technical solution according to US 7,812,279 B2, the dimming instruction is transmitted to the helmet by radio transmission. However, this requires the helmet to have a receiving element for communicating with the welding apparatus. Such a solution is therefore not applicable to existing self-dimming helmets. The use of radio transmission between the transmitter and the receiver on the helmet is problematic, while welding creates a strong electromagnetic field that can prevent proper transmission. At workplaces with multiple welding sites, there will be complications with the interference of several communication radio frequency channels. A disadvantage is also the energy intensity and complexity of the receiving circuit, which will need a relatively efficient own power source for its operation.

It is desirable and not known to provide a simple, energy-efficient solution, applicable to various types of protective equipment, shortening the time between the appearance of the light and the darkening of the optical element and not inconvenient for the wearer to wear and operate.

The essence of the technical solution

The above-mentioned deficiencies are substantially eliminated by a method for accelerating the dimming response of an optical element in a personal eye protection device, in which the optical expression on the protective device detects the light effect of the technological process and activates the dimming of the optical element. limits the penetration of radiation from the light expression into the eyesight according to this technical solution, which is based on the fact that within the device that carries out the technological process with the light expression, an instruction to initiate the relevant technological process is detected and subsequently the activation light illuminating towards the optical sensor on the protective means so as to activate the optical sensor by means of the activation light before the optical sensor detects the light effect of the technological process. Aktivá2

By the optical sensor is meant the recording of light by the optical sensor, which results in an instruction to darken the optical element.

The current control cycle of the automatic dimming of the optical element was simplified as follows:

1. instruction to start the technological process,

2. start of technological process,

3. Light effect of the technological process

4. detection of light exposure by optical sensor;

5. an optical element darkening instruction; and

6. darkening of the optical element.

Thus, it can be seen that during the first three steps of the prior art, the preservative is only in the standby state, it does not perform any activity. In the solution according to the present utility model, the control of the protective device starts from the first step, thereby obtaining the significant time required for darkening:

1. instruction to start the technological process + instruction to activate the activation light,

2. start of technological process + activation light activation,

3. activation light detection by optical sensor;

4. Light effect of technological process + optical element darkening a

5. Detection of light expression by optical sensor, leaving dimming.

It is sufficient if the activation light lasts until the optical sensor of the protective device detects the light effect of the technological process itself. The activation light will usually overlap for a short period of time with light detection, and then the activation light will go out to reduce its overall energy demand. If the illumination with the activation light lasted for an unnecessarily long time, it could cause the optical element to darken even at a time when the technological process itself, with the accompanying light effect, has already ended. In any case, the activation light should be illuminated at least until the time corresponding to the time of advance, the pre-ignition of the activation light before the moment of light detection of the technological process. The activation time of the activation light with the light effect can be adjusted by means of the control, usually the total activation time will not be longer than 2 to 5 s.

In order to improve the coordination of the activation time of the activation light with the technological process in progress, an arrangement in which the activation of the activation light is able to detect the appearance of the light manifestation, for example directly by its own, second optical sensor or indirectly by measuring current surge or the like will be advantageous. This recognition is not necessary for the function of the activation light, the activation light can simply turn off e.g. after one second of lighting, but there are working operations (eg short spot or seam welds) where a long activation time would in fact overlap the end of the relevant phase of the technological process. In this case, the optical element would be darkened in spite of the already finished light expression. Thus, if the activation light activation can detect the beginning of the light expression, the activation light can be switched off immediately, since the optical element darkening will already be ensured by the light detection.

Recognition of the light signal for the purpose of extinguishing the activation light may be provided by a second optical sensor located, for example, near the activation light at the welding gun body. The term welding gun in this specification refers to a torch, gun, by which the welding, in particular, determines the welding location. The optical sensor for recognizing the light expression in this specification is named second only to distinguish it from the necessary optical sensor on the protective means itself. In another embodiment of the present invention, an instruction to turn off the activation light after the light expression may be based on the current meter of the welding gun lead cables, or such instruction may be part of the automated welding workstation control. Reducing the activation light time reduces energy consumption and increases the life of the used battery or accumulator.

The time between the instruction to initiate a technological process and its light manifestation varies depending on the particular type of technological process. In the case of TIG, TIG or MIG-MAG welding in CO ₂ or CO2 with argon (Metal Inert Gas, Metal Active Gas), the electric arc delivers on target trigger on the welding gun. This time (pre-gas team) can be so long that the immediate activation of the activation light would cause unnecessarily early darkening, which could cause discomfort or confusion for the welder. In fact, the present solution can achieve a negative reaction time of dimming to light. It will therefore be advantageous if the activation light for the activation light can be delayed, delayed after the start of the technological process. This delay will be adjustable in a preferred embodiment, usually with a time up to a maximum of 2 seconds.

To achieve a balance between reliable eye protection and the welder's comfort, it is advisable to achieve a certain but very short negative reaction time between the light expression and the darkening of the optical element. Exactly zero reaction time is difficult to achieve technically stable, setting with a non-zero positive reaction time leads to underutilization of the potential of the technical solution. Na optimali3

In order to avoid a short negative time, an arrangement can be utilized in which the activation of the activation light comprises recognition of the light effect of the technological process. This recognition may also serve to switch off the activation light upon the occurrence of the light expression, as described earlier in this description. The activation light control may include an adaptation algorithm by which the control will learn to set the optimum delay value relative to the torque command of the process. For example, the adaptation may begin by the zero illumination of the illumination at the first activation of the activation light, while measuring the time until the light expression is recorded. This time reduced by a small advance value is used as a correction for subsequent delay. Gradually, the activation of the activation light can learn how long and with what statistical variation the time between the start-up instruction and the light manifestation takes. After a period of inactivity that could signal a transition to another workstation or after a recovery, the adaptation algorithm starts again. It is possible to use manual delay adjustment combined with automatic time-based adjustment.

If the system also includes a second optical sensor, that is, a light sensor itself, a learning algorithm may be part of the method, analyzing the time between the triggering of the process and the occurrence of its light effect. After the time has been measured, the next time the trigger is pressed, the emitting activation light signal is emitted just before the light should occur, thus saving the activation light source. The procedure for controlling the activation light can be programmed to so-called. multi-stroke, for example two- or four-stroke welding, wherein the welding source reacts to a single arc trigger by igniting the electric arc, keeping it in operation until the second trigger is triggered. Pressing the shutter button a second time causes the arc to go out. It is also possible to proceed in the scoring mode where the welding source starts one pulse trigger with an intermittent electric arc for individual weld points. Pressing the shutter button twice will exit the scoring mode.

Some technological processes have operating modes that are triggered by pressing the shutter button and then continue until the shutter button is pressed again. Pressing the shutter button a second time instructs you to complete that phase of the process. If the activation light control switch is coupled to said trigger, for example a welding gun trigger, at the end of a given phase of the process, the activation light will receive an inappropriate signal to illuminate, which will not be dangerous but will reduce the comfort of the welder. In the case of modes that begin with the first trigger release and continue until the second trigger release, it will be advantageous to proceed in such a way that the activation light illuminates each time the switch is first actuated, and the activation light control ignores every second switch actuation. Such an optional mode may be adjustable within the activation light control. Counting which switching action is the first and which switching action will usually be adjustable.

With the same aim of omitting the activation light when the switch is turned on for the second time in the mode described above, it is also possible to control the activation light to recognize the process in progress and then decide that pressing the trigger and switching the switch during the process phase does not mean activation light. A second optical sensor coupled to the activation light control may be used to recognize the ongoing technological process.

There are also technological processes, such as spot welding, where after pressing the trigger and thus switching the switch, the process phase starts with intermittent light exposure. In the case where the activation light control is linked to the intermittent process control, the activation light will be switched on before each separate appearance of light. In the case that the respective device is completely separate and not connected to the activation light control, it will be advantageous if the activation light control recognizes repetitive light cycles of the technological process. Such a procedure may be part of an adaptation algorithm where, on the basis of a regularly recurring extinction and the occurrence of a light effect (without pressing the switch), the control will turn on the activation light before the calculated occurrence of the next light effect.

In addition to issuing a dimming instruction before the light is emitted, an essential feature of the present invention is the activation light to which the existing optical sensor of the protective device responds. According to the prior art, cable transmission or a radio frequency channel could be used to control, for example, a welding helmet, but this would require a new helmet construction. Such a helmet would only be compatible with devices of the same manufacturer and the solution could not be applied to existing helmets. It is the creation of the activation light according to this description that solves all these problems in a simple way. By means of the activation light, a unidirectional communication channel with an optical sensor is provided on the protective means, and no modification or retrofitting of the protective means is required. The existing optical sensor serves as a receiver in this DC communication channel. It is sufficient for the activation light to be located within the reach of the optical sensor of the protective device and to control all types of protective devices, irrespective of their manufacturer, since all such protective devices respond precisely to light.

The activation light has no interference problems in the case of close location with other activation light workplaces. Simply, if the activation light has penetrated into a neighboring workplace, it means that there is also a dangerous light effect of the technological process and there is a need for these sites4

SK 8047 Yl may be detached or the protective equipment will be dimmed, also on instruction from a neighboring workplace. Thus, there is no need to code or modulate the signal from the activation light in any way.

The deficiencies of the prior art are also substantially eliminated by a dimming system for dimming an optical element in a personal eye protection device that includes an optical sensor, a visor with a variable transmittance optical element to limit the transmission of radiation from light to vision, wherein the optical sensor for detecting the light expression, it is located within the protective means and is connected to the control of the optical element according to the present invention, which comprises the activation light emitting radiation, which is detected by the optical sensor, the activation light has a switch connection with the triggering of the technological device, whereby the activation light is located within the reach of the optical sensor.

The activation light emits radiation that falls within the sensitivity spectrum of the optical sensor on the protective device. Naturally, it should not be dangerous ultraviolet radiation to protect personnel from. Typically, the activation light will comprise at least one infrared LED. Optical sensors are sensitive to infrared light and a small power of the infrared LED is sufficient to activate the optical sensor. The design and power consumption of an LED, such as used in remote controls, for example, will suffice to achieve an effect of 0.1 to 2W. These are considered to be totally safe for human health. The use of activation light, for example in the form of an infrared LED, represents as if emulating or deceiving the detection of the light effect of a technological process. When the activation light is switched on, the situation for the optical sensor appears to have already occurred, and therefore instructs to darken the optical element. In fact, the light effect caused by the technological process, that is, the light effect with the hazardous components of the radiation, occurs only after the activation light has been switched on.

The aforementioned main features of the technical solution provide the expert with various possibilities how to realize them by specific technical means. The activation light may be located at various locations in the workplace, and should be within sight of the optical sensor of the protective device. When welding with a welding torch, so-called. A welding gun having a trigger has proven to be a very advantageous arrangement in which the activation light switch is located on or part of the trigger of the welding gun and the activation light is located directly on the gun, for example at its mouth. The gun always holds the welder so that he can see it while working and also the location of light is located near the gun. It follows that the protective means, in particular the welding helmet, is oriented with its optical sensor such that the optical sensor has a welding gun at its viewing angle.

Even if the workstation is automated or robotized, the activation light can be placed on the welding torch, as it will produce a light effect near it. On the line, the activation light may also be located at a fixed location, or several activation lights may be used that are controlled together. Thereafter, each worker who looks at the site from the intended side has some of the activation lights at the viewing angle of the optical sensor of his protective device.

The activation light may have a stable power supply during illumination or may be supplied with a frequency intermittent voltage. Some optical sensors have increased sensitivity to a certain frequency range, and for this reason the system may also include an adjuster to change the power frequency of the activation light. In this case, the activation light will not only have a specific radiated wavelength, but also a radiating frequency. In the case of a frequency intermittent power supply, it is preferred that the power supply has a frequency in the range of 5 to 250 Hz. The activation light, the frequency generator, the delay adjuster and the other electronic elements required to control the activation light may also be collectively referred to herein as the control electronics, the control unit in this specification and claims.

The wavelength of the LED is basically stable, if it is necessary to shine light of different wavelengths, several different LEDs can be used within the same activation light, which can be switched on selectively or simultaneously. A wavelength spectrum in the range of 700 to 1850 nm has proven advantageous.

The present technical solution can be used in the design of new welding technologies, but it will be very advantageously applicable in particular to existing welding equipment. An important advantage is that the protective agent itself does not need to be modified in any way. The system may include an activation light switch that will be designed to cooperate with a conventional trigger of the welding gun. The switch may take the form of a microswitch through which the trigger of the welding gun is pressed. When the shutter release button is pressed, the activation light switch is also pressed. In order to achieve a high versatility of the activation light device, the activation light may be part of a ring which is intended to be mounted and secured through the mouth of the welding torch. The ring is attached to the torch body, respectively. to the gun body. The ring carries at least one activation light source, preferably an infrared LED. Optically, an optical diffuser may be used to distribute light radiation to other parts of the ring. It is also possible to use an arrangement having a plurality of LEDs having different or identical optical radiation properties, in particular of different or identical wavelengths. In the case of a plurality of LEDs, these can be distributed around the ring in order to ensure reliable activation of the activation light at different positions of the welding torch or the welding torch. welding gun.

SK 8047 Υ1

In a preferred embodiment, the activation light may be covered by a replaceable transparent or translucent protective cover, a cover that is resistant to heat, mechanical stress, sparks that arise during the technological process, especially during welding. Such a package, respectively. the cover will be designed as an easily replaceable consumable that can be replaced by a new piece after the tool has been destroyed. This protects the activation light surface, which is made of plastic for example in the case of LED light. The protective cover, the activation light cover, may have a circle shape or a U shape, may be of polycarbonate or glass.

The activation light, respectively. The activation light control electronics may have, in addition to the switch, a control circuit through which its characteristics are set. The start-up delay can be set from the moment the switch is closed. Furthermore, the power frequency can be set. It will also be advantageous to set the illumination time after which the activation light stops to light. The activation light may also have a low battery indicator and similar service functions. To increase battery life, the activation light may have a power setting.

In the case of the implementation of the system according to the present invention in the welding gun, its trigger switch can be used to connect the control electronics of the activation light. The trigger switch for MIG / MAG, TIG welding guns is usually a microswitch with a long lifetime of switching cycles. It is advantageous if, when the control electronics is connected to this switch, a galvanic isolation is created, for example by means of a relay or an optocoupler. The use of one switch to start the welding process and to control the activation light may also have the opposite hierarchy where the control electronics switch is used to start the welding process. This leads to the fact that in the case of a malfunctioning control electronics, for example in the case of a depleted battery of the activation light, the welding itself is not switched on. This will increase eye protection since welding will only be possible with a functional system according to this technical solution.

The switch on the welding gun can be designed as a two-stage switch, where the switching always takes place consecutively. This can be advantageously used when the shielding gas pre-zero time is set during welding and the electric arc is ignited as soon as the switch is pressed. In a two-stage switch, the first switching circuit controls the activation electronics of the activation light, the second switching circuit starts the welding process itself. As a result, the necessary time gap is created even in the case of very little or no pre-gas shielding.

It will also be advantageous if the activation light can be switched on in a controlled manner without starting the technological process. Such a mode serves to easily check that the protective device responds correctly to the activation light. In the case that a separate activation light switch is connected to the trigger of the welding gun, it is sufficient that the trigger and thus the activation light switch are depressed when the process equipment is switched off (e.g., when the welding machine is switched off, the welding source). The protective means should respond to such a fastening by darkening for a set time. In the event that the activation light switch is included in the process device or the switch is software-like, a separate hardware or software control switch may similarly be provided to trigger the activation light.

The activation light together with the control electronics can be located in a common body, on a common PCB board, which will be particularly advantageous in the case of designs intended to complement existing welding guns, which can be added without modifying the welding gun itself. The design for independent and independent replenishment of existing welding guns will be compact. In the case of designing a new welding gun or in the case of a hardware modification of the welding gun, the arrangement in which the control electronics and the activation light is in separate parts will be advantageous. This provides better mechanical, radiation, electromagnetic and thermal protection for the control electronics, which can be located in the welding gun body, for example, inside the welding gun handle. A small opening will suffice for the activation light, it may be formed in the dividing plane of the gun molding, thereby simplifying the corresponding treatment of the injection mold.

The activation light located in the welding gun may be located at or inside the outer body surface and the luminous flux from the activation light will be led by an optical conductor to the welding gun surface, which will improve the protection of the activation light. In this respect, there are possibilities for multiple versions and combinations with different numbers of activation light sources and different arrangement of the optical signal line to the surface of the welding gun.

The positioning of the control electronics inside the welding gun body provides good spatial encapsulation and also makes it possible to create sufficient space for a power source such as a battery or a replaceable battery that can be accessed in the opening shaft. In order to obtain an even larger installation space without increasing the weight of the welding gun held by the welder, the control electronics may be located outside the welding gun, for example in a connecting end by which the shielding gas hose and welding current cable are connected to the welding machine. This can be, for example, the so-called. Euro terminal, which in a standardized version is used by several manufacturers of welding equipment, welding power sources. From this point, according to the present invention, the electrical conductors exit from the control electronics to the welding gun where the activation light is located. Placing the control electronics at or in the connection terminal makes it possible to create a sufficiently large control electronics housing. With such an arrangement, the control electronics can also be powered by its own adapter from the mains or

SK 8047 Υ1 adapter used only to charge the battery. The control electronics located at or in the connection terminal completely eliminate the risks arising from the proximity of the welding process.

Placing the activation light within or directly on the welding gun successfully covers most welding situations and most welding positions. The welder usually sees the welding gun so that it can move along the welding process. However, there are situations where the welder operates in an environment that is obscured by the optical sensor of the protective device (for example, when welding metal frames). In this case, the protective device (helmet) may not darken at all, because even if the welder sees an electric arc with his eyes, the optical sensor is covered by the environment (for example, a flat piece of metal directly in front of the helmet, across the optical sensor). optical information causing darkening of the protective device.

This is a dangerous phenomenon since it will not delay the darkening of the preservative, which is eliminated by the present technical solution, but will not darken at all during the light exposure. Here, the present technical solution provides the advantage of separately transmitting information about the light expression. One of the activation light sources may be made external, which is connected to the control electronics by a flexible cable and placed on a sleeve, glove or other suitable location. To attach the external source of activation light, a Velcro, a cleavage or other suitable mechanical means may be used, or the garment or glove may be provided for this purpose, for example a sewn small transparent case, which also forms a protective cover. The externally attachable activation light may be the only or only supplementary activation light in a system with multiple activation light sources. A connector (eg, a pin jack) on the surface of the welding gun can be used to connect the cable to an external activation light source. Depending on the setting, the connection may cause the stable activation light to be disconnected or both sources may be lit simultaneously. The external activation light source can be attached to the welder body closer to the optical sensor or even directly to a protective means, for example a helmet.

The described principle of activating an optical element with variable transmittance can also be used to increase the sensitivity of low-quality, low-sensitive protective means that do not adequately protect the human eye and recognize the light effect unreliably or only at higher intensity. To improve the transmission of optical information from the activation light, a signal repeater element can be used which detects the activation of the activation light at its input and further activates its own activation light at its output. Such a repeater element acts as its spatial extension, extension, amplifier. It can be used in situations where the optical sensor is shielded on the protective means or even in a situation where the optical sensor is poorly sensitive. The signal repeater element may be mounted in close proximity to the optical sensor, i.e. directly on the welding helmet, for example. The repeater activation light will be located near the optical sensor.

A single-use, replaceable battery can be used to power the control electronics, and the system's power requirements are low. It is also possible to use a rechargeable battery that is replaceable or charged from an adapter or charged from a solar cell similar to a welding helmet. A solution is also advantageous in which the battery is charged by induction from the overflow current in the welding cable. The proximity of the welding cable and the shielding gas leakage hose can also be used for charging with a propeller dynamo that uses the shielding gas energy. Last but not least, it is also possible to supply permanent power from the mains by means of an appropriate adapter. Such a connection is particularly advantageous if the activation light control electronics are located outside the welding gun, for example in the cable and hose connection terminal.

An important advantage of the present invention is the versatile use in conjunction with any protective means having an optical sensor for detecting the light effect of the technological process. The solution is applicable with existing welding helmets, hoods, shields, goggles. The technological process can be manual, automated or combined. Usually it will be arc or laser welding, cutting, plasma cutting and the like. Particularly preferred will be the use in shielded arc arc welding. The method and system does not require modification or refinement of the preservative. Even slow-response protective means, including low-cost protective means, can obtain a very short, essentially zero or negative reaction time compared to the point in time when the light effect of the technological process occurs. This will reduce the overall cost of eye protection and improve the health of welders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technical solution is explained in more detail with the help of Figures 1 to 18. The scale used between the individual elements of the system, the shape of the activation light as well as the displayed time ratios are not binding, informative or have been directly adjusted for clarity.

SK 8047 Υ1

Fig. 1 is a time chart showing the progress of welding and dimming of a prior art welding helmet. The process G corresponds to the shielding gas supply and starts when the trigger is pressed on the welding gun. Process E represents the ignition and burning of the electric arc. Process D is the darkening of the welding helmet. The period of time x expresses the delay of the darkening of the protective device against the light exposure.

Figure 2 is a time graph showing the course of welding and dimming of the preservative according to the present invention, wherein process A - activation light activation is also indicated. Phase I in Figures 1 and 2 is a pregas phase, Phase II is the developed electric arc time, Phase III in Figures 1 and 2 is a post-gas phase. Time a is a deliberate delay in activation light activation compared to the start-up instruction. Time b is the advance of the activation light over the light expression. The time c represents the advance of darkening before the appearance of light.

Figure 3 is an axonometric view of a welder workstation with a manually operated welding gun on which a ring-shaped activation light is placed. The dashed lines coming out of the activation light represent infrared radiation.

Figure 4 shows the activation light. The arrow indicates that the activation light ring is placed on the welding gun. The dashed lines coming out of the activation light represent infrared radiation.

In Figure 5, the activation light of Figure 4 is rotated so that its body with the controls is visible.

Fig. 6 is a time chart showing the course of welding and dimming of the protective device with the activation light switched off upon detection of the light expression. The activation time is shorter than that of Figure 2, where the activation light is on during the set time. Time a is a deliberate delay in activation light activation compared to the start-up instruction. Time b is the advance of the activation light over the light expression. The time c represents the advance of darkening before the appearance of light.

Figures 7 and 8 show the steps of adapting the activation light control. In the first step of FIG. 7, the activation light starts to light immediately after the start of the process. In the x-th step, for example, already in the second adaptation step of Figure 8, the control set a delay "a", which can be further shortened in the next step. The activation time of the activation light is shown in Figures 7 and 8 the same for greater clarity, but it is possible to combine this adaptation with switching off the activation light as indicated in Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a process algorithm for dimming a welding helmet according to the prior art.

Consequently, Figure 10 is a procedure for dimming a protective device using an activation light.

Figure 11 is a block diagram of the basic elements of the activation light control.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram of the control with the activation light switched off as instructed by the second optical sensor.

Figure 13 shows an adaptation of the activation light control in a technological process where a series of cycles occurs after the first trigger release. The activation light is activated when the trigger is first pressed, then during two cycles the protective device is darkened only by detecting the light itself.

Figure 14 shows the location of the control electronics inside the welding gun body.

Figure 15 shows the location of the control electronics in the connecting Euro-terminal of the hose and cable.

Figure 16 shows a separate location of the control electronics, which is powered by the AC / DC adapter from the mains.

Fig. 17 is a schematic of an external activation light, also indicating that the control electronics switch is a trigger for the welding gun.

Figure 18 shows a signal repeater element that transmits a signal from the activation light to the vicinity of the optical sensor on the welding helmet.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

The system of this example in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 11 is used in a conventional workshop without system integration. The welding apparatus for MIG / MAG welding with a melting electrode in a protective atmosphere has a welding gun 5 with a trigger that triggers the technological process - gas supply, wire shifting and electric arc. The welder has a self-dimming helmet, which is manufactured by a different manufacturer than the welding machine. During welding, the welding helmet reacts to the detected light effect of the welding. In this example, the welding helmet has a dimming response of 0.15 ms. During this time, the welder's eyes are exposed to hazardous radiation.

This assembly is complemented by an activation light 3 in this example. This is part of a small ring having an inner diameter greater than the torch diameter on the welding gun 5. The ring has removable inner rings, by gradually removing or adding a suitable inner ring diameter8.

SK 8047 Yl ca. Two infrared LEDs are located on the opposite sides of the ring. Both are covered by an optical diffuser 8 which distributes the emitted light to the surroundings.

Both infrared LEDs have a wavelength of 850 nm, an approximate angular dispersion of 140 ° and are powered by a common source that outputs a frequency excitation. The frequency value on the frequency generator 6 is adjustable by means of a small rotary potentiometer in the range of 5 to 250 Hz. Similarly, the delay time of the start of the activation light is adjustable from the moment the switch 4 is closed. This time is adjustable from 0 s to 1 by the delay adjuster 7. The third adjuster is used to determine the activation light time. In this example, the time is adjustable from 1 s to 3 s. The fourth adjusting element changes the power output of the infrared LEDs, under normal conditions it is sufficient to activate one LED at 250 mW. The safety of the activation light 3 for the unprotected eyes of the surrounding personnel is evidenced by the fact that the type of LED used is used in the remote controls of the home electronics. The use of an infrared remote control is not considered to be a risk, even if invisible radiation is directed directly into the eyes of a person.

In this example, the switch 4 of the activation light 3 takes the form of a flat switching circuit which is glued to the control edge of the trigger. When pressing the trigger, the switch 4 is switched on first and then the trigger of the welding apparatus is switched on.

After depressing the trigger of the welding gun 5, the welding apparatus opens the shielding gas valve. Approximately 0.5 seconds after the valve is opened, the electric arc is started to start the process. At the same time the trigger light 3 is activated. The control circuit has delayed the activation light 3 illumination by approx. 0.4 seconds after the switch 4 has been pressed. At this moment the activation light 3 lights up and the optical sensor 1 on the welding helmet reacts an instruction to eclipse the optical element 2. This instruction arrives at the optical element 2 about 0.1 seconds before the electric arc itself is ignited. The welding helmet is already darkened by the time of 0.5 s, when the light of welding appeared. In this way, a substantially negative darkening time of the welding helmet of approximately 0.1 s was achieved.

Example 2

The automatic welding line in the bodywork has several activation lights 3 at fixed locations. The welding control system instructs the activation light 3 to illuminate approximately 0.1 seconds before the arc is ignited in the section of the line. The process control personnel look at the line through the welding helmet with a self-dimming optical element 2. This responds to the instruction from the optical sensor 1, which first detects the activation light 3 and later the light manifestation of the process itself.

Example 3

The system in this example is used in a laser cutting machine. The switch 4 has a software form. Before the laser beam is brought to the cutting site, the central control system instructs the lighting of the activation lights 3, which are located on the work arm as well as on the corners of the table. One activation light 3 can be controlled directly, the other can be part of separate signal repeating elements 11.

Example 4

The activation light 3 according to Figures 6 and 12 has its own extinguishing control. This function works by cooperating with a second optical sensor 9, which in this example is located in a ring on the welding gun 5. The activation of the activation light 3 is informed that the second optical sensor 9 has detected a light effect of the technological process. This information means that the activation light is no longer needed and switches the activation light 3 off.

Since the second optical sensor 9 may be faster than the optical sensor 1 of an unknown supplier in the protective means, the instruction to turn off the activation light 3 may be intentionally delayed by e.g. 3 ms, during which normal, less quality protective means respond to light exposure.

Example 5

The activation light 3 control includes an adaptation algorithm that measures the time between the start-up of the process and the appearance of the light. According to the measured time according to FIGS. 7 and 8, the activation light 3 of the activation light 3 gradually increases in several iterative steps until the activation time of the activation light 3 is ahead of the light expression at the level of 0.1 s. Thereafter, this delay is maintained for the following bars, while it is constantly measured whether the activation light 3 lights up well in advance of the light effect.

Example 6

The activation light 3 is triggered when the trigger is first pressed, then during two cycles the protective device is darkened only by detecting the light itself, since the cycles were not accompanied

By activating switch 4. During three cycles, the activation of the activation light 3 has been adapted to the detected light pattern and, before the fourth and each subsequent light effect, the control lights up the activation light 3. As a result, the second and third darkening of the means depending on the reaction time of the protective agent, the subsequent darkening is already performed in advance.

Example 7

The activation light 3 of Figure 14 is encapsulated in a plastic welding gun body 5. On the surface of the welding gun body 5 is an opening through which the removable cover of the activation light LED 3 protrudes. The cover is made of transparent plastic and can be pulled out in the event of replaced. The control electronics 10 is located in the handle of the welding gun 5, where an opening shaft is also provided for inserting a battery or a rechargeable battery.

Example 8

The activation light 3 with three LED sources is, according to FIG. 15, placed in the plastic body of the welding gun 5 similar to the previous example. The control electronics 10 are located in the connection terminal of the hose and the electric cable, in this example in the so-called " normalized euro terminal. The activation light 3 is supplied via a thin cable connected to a shielding gas hose.

Example 9

The control electronics W is in a separate box, which is close to the welding source, and a connection cable connecting the control electronics 10 to the activation light 3 is connected to a shielding gas hose. The control electronics 10 and activation light 3 are powered by an AC / DC adapter, in this example with a microUSB terminal, which corresponds to the connector on the control electronics body W. Using a 5V voltage USB power adapter simplifies system assembly.

Example 10

In this example of Figure 17, the trigger 4 of the welding gun 5 itself is used as the switch 4. On the surface of the welding gun 5 is a pin connector that allows the connection of an external activation light 32. This is in the form of an LED in a mechanical clip housing that the edge of the glove or on the sleeve of the welder's protective clothing. In this example, the external activation light 32 lights up along with the activation light 3 on the welding gun 5.

Example 11

In the example of FIG. 18, the system is complemented by a separate signal repetition element 11. It has an external form of a small box with its own source of electricity. The signal repeating element 11 has an optical signal receiver and a transmitter in the form of a repeating activation light 33. After capturing the light from the activation light 3, the activation light 33 for repeating the signal lights up, which can be located closer to the optical sensor 1 of the welding helmet. The signal repeating element 11 may be provided with an adhesive layer such that the repeating activation light 33 can be directly adhered to the field of view of the optical sensor 11 of the welding helmet.

In view of the above features and procedures, one of ordinary skill in the art can, without resorting to inventive work, create other particular arrangements and processes that utilize the main features of this invention.

Industrial usability

The industrial applicability of the technical solution is obvious. According to this technical solution, it is possible to repeatedly manufacture and use systems for triggering the dimming of the optical element in advance of developing the light expression.

PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

Claims (25)

Method for accelerating the dimming reaction of an optical element in a personal eye protection means, in which the optical display (1) on the protective means detects the light effect of the technological process and activates the dimming of the optical element (2) based on the signal from the optical sensor (1) , which by its darkening limits the penetration of radiation from the light expression into the eyesight, characterized in that within the device that carries out the technological process with the light expression, it detects SK 8047 Yl instruction to start the relevant technological process, based on this instruction the activation light (3), which is part of the welding gun body (5), lights up, the activation light (3) lights up in the sample field of the optical sensor (1) on the protective device , thereby activating the optical sensor (1) by the activation light (3) before the optical sensor (1) detects the light effect of the technological process. Method for accelerating the dimming reaction of an optical element in a personal protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that the activation light (3) lights up at least until the optical sensor (1) of the protective device detects the light effect of the technological process itself. Method for accelerating the dimming reaction of an optical element in a personal protective device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the activation light (3) lights up for a set time after switching on, preferably for at least 1 second. Method for accelerating the dimming reaction of an optical element in a personal protective device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the activation light (3) goes out after its control receives the light recording information, preferably the control receives this information from the second optical sensor (9). Method for accelerating the dimming reaction of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the activation light (3) lights up 0.05 to 0.5 seconds before the light effect occurs, preferably lights up late within 0.5 s compared to the instruction to start the technological process. Method for accelerating the dimming reaction of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the activation light activation (3) calculates the time between the activation light activation (3) and the light effect of the process. in a further step it adjusts the activation light delay (3) so that in the next step the desired illumination advance is achieved, preferably within 0.1 s. Method for accelerating the dimming reaction of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the activation light (3) emits radiation with a wavelength of 700 to 1850 nm. Method for accelerating the dimming reaction of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the activation light (3) illuminates with a frequency in the range of 5 to 250 Hz. An optical dimming response system in a personal eye protection device, comprising an optical sensor (1), a visor with an optical element (2) of variable transmittance to limit the transmission of radiation from light to vision, wherein the optical sensor (1) ) for detecting the light expression is located within the protective means and is connected to the control of the optical element (2), characterized in that it comprises an activating light (3) emitting radiation which is detected by an optical sensor (1), ) is part of the body of the welding gun (5) and is connected to a switch (4), which is intended for connection with the triggering of the technological device, the activation light (3) being located within the reach of the optical sensor (1). System for accelerating dimming of an optical element in a personal protective device according to claim 9, characterized in that the activation light (3) has at least one infrared LED. An optical dimming system in a personal protective device according to claims 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of LEDs with different radiation characteristics. System for dimming the optical element dimming in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the welding gun (5) carries the adjusting elements, the power supply and the switch (4). System for accelerating dimming of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the activation light (3) has a ring-shaped cover. System for accelerating the dimming of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the activation light (3) has an optical diffuser (8). System for accelerating dimming of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a frequency generator (6) for activating the activation light (3), preferably the frequency generator (6) is adjustable. System for accelerating dimming of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that it comprises an activation element (7) for delaying the activation light (3) relative to the switching of the switch (4). SK 8047 Yl A system for accelerating the dimming of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that it comprises an activation light adjustment element (3). System for dimming the optical element dimming in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 9 to 17, characterized in that it has a light detection element which is connected to the activation light control (3), preferably has a second optical sensor ( 9). The system for dimming an optical element dimming in a personal protective device according to claim 18, characterized in that the activation light control (3) has a block for switching off the activation light (3) after the light effect and / or has an activation delay light adaptation block. the light (3) opposite the switch (4), and / or the activation light-block (3) each time the switch (4) is switched on, and / or the activation light-block (3) in cycles calculated from the previous course of the process process. System for accelerating dimming of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 9 to 19, characterized in that the switch (4) is a trigger of the welding gun (5), preferably the switch (4) is a two-stage. System for accelerating dimming of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 9 to 20, characterized in that the control electronics (10) of the activation light (3) are part of the body of the welding gun (5) or part of the hose connection and electrical cables which connect the welding gun (5) to the welding source, the control electronics (10) being connected to the activation light (3) by means of electric conductors, which are connected to at least a part of their length to the hose and electrical cables. System for dimming an optical element dimming in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 9 to 21, characterized in that it has at least one external activation light (32) which is connected to the control electronics (10) by a flexible cable, preferably has external an activation light (32) for attaching it to the garment of the personnel. System for dimming an optical element dimming in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 9 to 22, characterized in that it comprises a signal repeater element (11) having an optical light receiver (3) and having a transmitter in the form of an activation light (33) for repeating the signal, wherein the signal repeating element (11) is adapted to be separately positioned adjacent to the optical sensor (1). System for accelerating dimming of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 9 to 23, characterized in that it has a battery or a rechargeable battery and / or a solar cell for supplying the control electronics (10) and the activation light (3). , and / or the induction charger adjacent to the welding cables, and / or the AC / DC adapter. System for dimming the optical element dimming in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 9 to 24, characterized in that the protective device is a welding helmet or a welding helmet, or a welding shield, or welding goggles. 10 drawings