SK289030B6 - 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 field of technology

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

Current state of the art

Personal protective equipment such as self-darkening glasses, shields, hoods, helmets and similar items are used to protect vision during welding, cutting and similar activities that are accompanied by intense light. An essential part of such protective means is an optical element that is able to change its light transmission based on an instruction from the control circuit. An electric arc produces intense ultraviolet, infrared and visible light radiation. A sensor sensitive to the said light manifestation gives an instruction to darken the optical element, and the darkened optical element prevents the passage of harmful components of radiation into the vision.

In order to achieve reliable vision protection, it is important that the optical element darkens as quickly as possible after detecting the occurrence of a dangerous light phenomenon, that is, for example, after the ignition of an electric arc during welding. There are various solutions to fulfill this technical task, e.g. according to the published documents WO2005009309A1, WO2011097841A1, US8264265B2, US2013128135A1, which shorten the detection time of the occurrence of a dangerous light phenomenon and shorten the reaction time of the optical element itself, that is, they shorten the time the optical element needs to achieve an optical change. These two stages of detection and response take less than 0.3 ms, some quality welding helmets are capable of dimming within 0.05 ms (1/20,000 sec.) of an arc flash (Figure 1 and 9). These times are low in absolute terms and it is problematic to reduce them further, but to achieve better vision protection it would be advantageous to achieve a zero reaction time.

Publications US2003206491A1, WO2008082751A1 describe control of a welding helmet by voice, the welder can dim the optical element in advance using a voice command. Other solutions that have a control button or similar elements work on a similar principle and thanks to this, they can dim even before the electric arc is ignited. However, such solutions are inconvenient, requiring constant issuing of instructions, which contradicts the requirement for automated activity.

An improvement is provided by US patent publication 7,812,279 B2, where a welding helmet is controlled by a command from a welding machine when welding with a protective atmosphere. During such welding, the electric arc is ignited with a certain delay from the activation of the trigger on the welding gun. This delay, on the order of fractions of a second, is created on purpose, so that the shielding gas from the pressure vessel is first delivered to the vicinity of the weld. This provides the ability to instruct the welding helmet to dim before the arc is ignited. In the case of the invention according to publication US 7 812 279 B2, the dimming instruction is sent to the helmet by radio transmission. However, this requires the helmet to have a receiver element to communicate with the welding machine. Therefore, such a solution cannot be used with already existing self-darkening helmets. The use of radio transmission between the transmitter and receiver on the helmet is problematic, when welding creates a strong electromagnetic field that can prevent proper transmission. At workplaces with multiple welding locations, complications arise with the interference of multiple communication radio frequency channels. The disadvantage is also the energy requirement and complexity of the receiving circuit, which will need a relatively powerful own power source for its operation.

A solution that is simple, energy-efficient, usable for various types of protective equipment, shortens the time between the appearance of the light phenomenon and the darkening of the optical element, and is not inconvenient for personnel to wear and operate is desired and unknown.

The essence of the invention

The invention in the method category is defined in claims 1 to 9, and in the system category it is defined in claims 10 to 27. The shortcomings mentioned in the state of the art are substantially eliminated by the method for the accelerated dimming reaction of the optical element in the personal eye protection means, in which the optical the sensor on the protective device detects the light manifestation of the technological process and, based on the signal from the optical sensor, the dimming of the optical element is activated, which by its darkening limits the penetration of radiation from the light manifestation into the vision according to the present invention, the essence of which is that within the device that implements technological process with a light manifestation, an instruction to start the relevant technological process is detected, and subsequently, based on this instruction, the activation light is turned on, which shines towards the optical sensor on the protective means so that the optical sensor is activated by means of the activation light even before optical sensor d eteges the light manifestation of the technological process. By activating the optical sensor is meant the detection of light by the optical sensor, which results in issuing an instruction to darken the optical element.

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

1. instruction to start the technological process,

2. start-up of the technological process,

3. light manifestation of the technological process,

4. detection of the light manifestation by an optical sensor,

5. instruction to darken the optical element,

6. darkening of the optical element.

Here it can be seen that during the first three steps according to the prior art, the protective device is only in a standby state, it does not perform any activity. In the solution according to the present invention, the control of the protective agent starts already from the first step, thereby obtaining the important time required for darkening:

1. instruction to start the technological process and instruction to turn on the activation light,

2. starting the technological process and turning on the activation light,

3. detection of the activation light by an optical sensor,

4. light manifestation of the technological process and darkening of the optical element,

5. detection of the light manifestation by an optical sensor, leaving the darkening.

It is sufficient if the activation light lasts as long as the optical sensor of the protective device records the light manifestation of the technological process itself. The activation light will typically overlap with the detection of the light event for a short period of time, and then the activation light will be turned off to reduce its overall power requirements. If the illumination by 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, including the accompanying light manifestation, had already ended. In any case, the activation light should shine at least for a time that corresponds to the lead time, the pre-ignition of the activation light before the moment of detection of the light manifestation of the technological process. The value of the time overlap between the lighting of the activation light and the light display can be adjusted using the control element, usually the total time of the activation light will not be longer than 2 to 5 s.

In order to improve the coordination of the lighting time of the activation light with the technological process in progress, an arrangement in which the control of the activation light is able to recognize the occurrence of a light manifestation, for example directly by its own, second optical sensor or indirectly by measuring the increase in electric arc current, will be advantageous. This recognition is not necessary for the function of the activation light, the activation light can simply go out after e.g. one second after lighting up, but there are work operations (e.g. short spot or seam welds) where a long activation lighting time would in fact already overlap the end of the respective phase of the technological process. Then the optical element would be darkened, despite the already finished light display. Therefore, if the control of the activation light can recognize the beginning of the light manifestation, the activation light can be turned off immediately, because the darkening of the optical element will already be ensured based on the detection of the light manifestation.

A second optical sensor located, for example, near the activation light near the body of the welding gun can ensure the recognition of the light manifestation for the need to turn off the activation light. The term welding gun in this description refers to the welding torch (torch, gun) with which welding is performed, i.e. primarily determines the place of welding. The optical sensor for recognizing the light manifestation is named second in this description only to distinguish it from the necessary optical sensor on the protective means itself. In another version according to this invention, the instruction to turn off the activation light after the occurrence of a light manifestation can be based on the current meter in the supply cables of the welding gun, or such an instruction can be part of the control of the automated welding workplace. Shortening the lighting time of the activation light reduces energy requirements and increases the life of the used battery or accumulator.

The time between the instruction to start the technological process and its light manifestation varies depending on the specific type of technological process. In the case of welding with a non-melting electrode in a protective atmosphere of gases (TIG, WIG) or welding with a winding electrode (MIG-MAG) in a protective atmosphere of CO2 or CO2 with argon (Metal Inert Gas, Metal Active Gas), the electric arc is purposefully ignited with a delay from the trigger being pressed on the welding gun. This time (pre-gas time) can be so long that immediate lighting of the activation light would cause an unnecessarily early darkening, which could be uncomfortable or confusing for the welder. The proposed solution can actually achieve a negative dimming response time to light exposure. It will therefore be advantageous if the instruction to turn on the activation light can be delayed after the instruction to start the technological process. This delay will preferably be adjustable, typically with a time of up to 2 seconds.

In order to achieve a balance between reliable eye protection and between the comfort of the welder, it is advisable to achieve a certain but very short negative reaction time between the light manifestation and the obscuration of the optical element. Exactly zero reaction time is technically problematic to stably achieve, setting with a non-zero positive reaction time leads to insufficient use of the potential of the invention. To optimize the short negative time, an arrangement can be used where the control of the activation light includes the recognition of the light manifestation of the technological process. This recognition can also be used to turn off the activation lighting after a light event occurs, as described earlier in this description. The control of the activation light can include an adaptation algorithm by which the control learns to set the optimal value of the delay compared to the moment of the instruction to start the technological process. Adaptation can start, for example, with the first illumination of the activation light, the illumination delay will be zero, and the time until the light manifestation is recorded will be measured. This time reduced by a small amount of advance is used as a correction for the subsequent delay. Gradually, the control of the activation light can learn how long and with what statistical deviation the time lasts between the instruction to start the technological process and its light manifestation. After a certain period of inactivity, which could signal a transition to another workplace or after a reset, the adaptation algorithm starts anew. It is possible to use manual delay setting combined with automatic setting based on time measurement.

If the system also includes a second optical sensor, i.e. its own light sensor, the method can also include a learning algorithm, which analyzes the time between pressing the trigger of the technological process and the appearance of its light. After measuring the time, the next time the trigger is pressed, the emitting signal of the activation light is sent just before the light manifestation should occur, thus saving the power supply of the activation light. The activation light control procedure can be programmed to the so-called multi-stroke, for example, two- or four-stroke welding, when the welding source reacts to one press of the trigger by igniting an electric arc, while keeping it active until the second press of the trigger. Pressing the trigger a second time will extinguish the electric arc. It is also possible to proceed with the scoring mode, where the welding source starts pulse welding with an interrupted electric arc for individual weld points with one press of the trigger. Pressing the trigger a second time ends scoring mode.

Some technological processes have working modes that are started by pressing the trigger and then continue until the next trigger is pressed. Pressing the trigger a second time indicates the termination of the given process phase. If the activation light control switch is connected to the mentioned trigger, for example with the trigger of the welding gun, the activation light will receive an inappropriate signal to light up at the end of the given phase of the process, which, although not dangerous, will reduce the comfort of the welder. For modes that start with the first pull of the trigger and continue until the second pull of the trigger, it will be advantageous to have the trigger light illuminate every first switch pull and the trigger light control will ignore every second switch pull. Such an optional mode can be set within the control of the activation light. Counting which closure is first and which is second in order will usually be adjustable.

With the same goal - to omit the activation light when the switch is turned on for the second time in the previously described mode, it is also possible to proceed in such a way that the control of the activation light can recognize the ongoing technological process, and then it can decide that pressing the trigger and turning on the switch during the ongoing phase of the technological process does not mean an instruction to turning on the activation light. A second optical sensor connected to the control of the activation light can be used to recognize the ongoing technological process.

There are also technological processes, for example spot welding, where after the trigger is pressed, and therefore after the switch is turned on, the phase of the process with the intermittent occurrence of light manifestation is started. In the event that the control of the activation light is linked to the control of an interrupted process, the activation light will light up before each separate occurrence of a light manifestation. In the event that the relevant device is completely separate and not connected to the control of the activation light, it will be advantageous if the control of the activation light will recognize repeating cycles of light manifestations of the technological process. Such a procedure can be part of an adaptation algorithm, where, based on the regularly recurring extinction and emergence of a light manifestation (without pressing the switch), the control will turn on the activation light before the calculated emergence of the next light manifestation.

In addition to entering a dimming instruction even before the appearance of light, an essential feature of the present invention is activation lighting, which is responded to by the existing optical sensor of the protective means. According to the state of the art, cable transmission or a radio frequency channel could be used to control, for example, a welding helmet, but this would require a new construction of the helmet. Such a helmet would only be compatible with devices from the same manufacturer, and the solution could not be used on existing helmets. Creating an activation light according to this description solves all these problems in a simple way. Using the activation light, a one-way communication channel is created with an optical sensor on the protective means, while no modification or retrofitting of the protective means is required. An existing optical sensor serves as a receiver in this one-way communication channel. It is enough to place an activation light within the range of the optical sensor of the protective device and it will control all types of protective devices regardless of their manufacturer, because all such protective devices react to light.

The activation light has no problems with interference in case of close location with other workstations with activation light. It is simply true that if the activation light has penetrated into the neighboring workplace, it means that a dangerous light manifestation of the technological process is also penetrating there, and it is necessary to better separate these workplaces, or the protective device will be dimmed even at the instruction of the neighboring workplace. It is therefore not necessary to encode or modulate the signal from the activation light in any way.

The shortcomings mentioned in the state of the art are substantially eliminated by the system for the accelerated reaction of the dimming of the optical element in the personal protective means for eye protection, which includes an optical sensor, a visor with an optical element with variable transmittance to limit the penetration of radiation from the light manifestation into the vision, where the optical sensor to detect the light manifestation is located within the protective means and is connected to the control of the optical element according to the invention, the essence of which is that it includes an activation light emitting radiation that is detected by an optical sensor, the activation light has a switch that is intended to be connected with the activation of the technological device, while the activation light is located within the range 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 about dangerous ultraviolet radiation, against which personnel should be protected. Usually the activation light will be at least one infrared LED. Optical sensors are sensitive to infrared light, and a small input from an infrared LED is sufficient to activate the optical sensor. To achieve the effect, the design and power of the LED diode, which is used, for example, in remote controls, the power of the LED diode in the range of 0.1 to 2 W is sufficient. These are considered completely safe for human health. The use of activation light, for example in the form of an infrared LED, represents as it were emulating or deceiving the detection of the light manifestation of the technological process. After the activation light is illuminated, the situation appears to the optical sensor as if the light manifestation has already occurred, and therefore it issues an instruction to darken the optical element. In fact, the light manifestation caused by the technological process, that is, the light manifestation with dangerous components of radiation, occurs only after the activation light is turned on.

The mentioned main features of the invention provide the expert with various possibilities of how to realize them by specific technical means. The activation light can be placed in various places in the workplace, while it should be in sight of the optical sensor of the protective device. When welding with a welding torch, with the so-called with a welding gun that has a trigger, an arrangement in which the activation light switch is located on the trigger of the welding gun or is part of this trigger and the activation light is located directly on the gun, for example on its muzzle, has proven to be very advantageous. The welder always holds the gun in such a way that he can see it while working, and also the place of light manifestation is located near the gun. It follows from this that the protective device, especially the welding helmet, is oriented with its optical sensor in such a way that the optical sensor has the welding gun in its field of view.

Even if the workplace is automated or robotic, the activation light can be placed on the welding torch, as a light effect will be created near it. On the line, the activation light can also be placed in a fixed place or several activation lights can be used, which are controlled together. Then every worker who looks from the assumed side to the given workplace has some of the activation lights in the field of view of the optical sensor of his protective equipment.

The activation light can have a stable power supply during lighting or it can be powered by a frequency-interrupted voltage. Some optical sensors have an increased sensitivity to a certain range of frequencies, and for that reason the system can also include an adjustment element to change the power supply frequency of the activation light. In that case, the activation light will not only have a specific emitted wavelength, but also an emitted frequency. In the case of frequency-interrupted power supply, it is advantageous if the power supply has a frequency in the range of 5 to 250 Hz. The power supply of the activation light, the frequency generator, the delay adjustment element and the other electronic elements necessary to control the activation light can also be collectively named as control electronics, control unit in this description and claims.

The wavelength of the LED diode is basically stable, if there is a need to shine light with different wavelengths, several different LEDs can be used within one activation light, which are switched on selectively or simultaneously. The wavelength spectrum in the range of 700 to 1850 nm proved to be advantageous.

The present invention can be used in the design of new welding technologies, but it will be very advantageously used especially with 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 work with a normal welding gun trigger. The switch can take the form of a microswitch through which the trigger of the welding gun is pressed. When the trigger is pressed, the activation light switch is also pressed. In order to achieve high versatility of the device with the activation light, the activation light can be part of a ring that is designed to be put on and fixed through the mouth of the welding torch. The ring is attached to the burner body, or to the gun body. The ring carries at least one source of activation light, preferably an infrared LED. An optical diffuser can advantageously be used to distribute the light radiation to the other parts of the ring. It is also possible to use an arrangement that has several LEDs with different or the same optical emission properties, that is to say with different or the same wavelength. In the case of several LEDs, these can be distributed around within the ring to ensure the reliable function of the activation light at different positions of the welding torch, or welding gun.

In an advantageous arrangement, the activation light can be covered with 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 packaging, or the cover will be designed as an easily replaceable consumable, which can be exchanged for a new piece after deterioration without tools. This will protect the surface of the activation light, which is, for example, made of plastic in the case of an LED light. The protective cover, the cover of the activation light can be circular or U-shaped, it can be made of polycarbonate or glass.

Activation light, or the control electronics of the activation light, in addition to the switch, can also have a control circuit that sets its characteristics. The delay of the start of illumination from the moment the switch is turned on can be set. Furthermore, the power supply frequency can be set. It will also be advantageous if the lighting time is also set, after which the activation light stops shining. The activation light may also have a low battery indication and similar service functions. To increase battery life, the activation light can have a power setting.

In case of implementation of the system according to this invention in a welding gun, its trigger switch can be used, with which the control electronics of the activation light will be connected. The trigger switch in the case of welding guns for MIG/MAG, TIG is usually in the form of a microswitch with a high lifetime of switching cycles. It is advantageous if, when connecting the control electronics to this switch, a galvanic separation is created, for example by means of a relay or by means of an optocoupler. The use of one switch to start the welding process and to control the activation light can also have the opposite hierarchy, when the control electronics switch is used to start the welding process. This leads to the fact that in case of non-functioning switching of the control electronics, for example in the case of a discharged battery of the activation light, even the welding itself will not be switched on. This will increase vision protection, as welding will only be possible with a functional system according to the present invention.

The switch on the welding gun can be made as two-stage, when switching always occurs one after the other. This can be advantageously used in the event that the shielding gas pre-blow time is set to zero during welding and the electric arc is ignited as soon as the switch is pressed. With a two-stage switch, the first switching circuit controls the control electronics of the activation light, the second switching circuit starts the welding process itself. Thanks to this, the necessary time lead is created even in the case of a very small or zero pre-blow of the shielding gas.

It will also be advantageous if the activation light can be turned on as a control even without starting the technological process. Such a mode is used to easily check whether the given protective device reacts correctly to the activation light. In the event that a separate activation light switch is connected to the trigger of the welding gun, it is sufficient to press the trigger and thus also the activation light switch when the technological equipment is turned off (e.g. when the welding machine, welding source is turned off). The protective device should react to such switching by going dark for the set time. In the event that the activation light switch is included in the technology device or the switch is in software form, a separate hardware or software control switch can similarly be created to actuate the activation light.

The activation light together with the control electronics can be placed in a common body, on a common PCB board, which will be advantageous especially in the case of a version that will be designed to complement existing welding guns, which can be added without modifying the welding gun itself. The design for separate and independent addition of existing welding guns will be compact. In the case of designing a new welding gun or in the case of hardware modification of the welding gun, an arrangement in which the control electronics and the activation light are in separate parts will be advantageous. This ensures better mechanical, radiation, electromagnetic and thermal protection of the control electronics, which can be located in the body of the welding gun, for example inside the handle of the welding gun. A small hole will be sufficient for the activation light, it can be created in the parting plane of the gun molding, which will simplify the corresponding adjustment of the injection mold.

The activation light placed in the welding gun can be placed near the surface of the outer body or it can also be placed inside it, and the light flux from the activation light will be brought out by means of an optical conductor to the surface of the welding gun, which will improve the protection of the activation light. In this direction, there are options for several versions and combinations with different number of activation light sources and with different arrangement of guiding the optical signal to the surface of the welding gun.

Placing the control electronics inside the body of the welding gun provides good spatial encapsulation options and also makes it possible to create sufficient space for an electrical power source, such as an accumulator or replaceable battery, which can be accessed in an opening shaft. In order to obtain even more installation space without increasing the weight of the welding gun, which the welder holds in his hand, the control electronics can be located outside the welding gun, for example in the connecting terminal, which is a hose with shielding gas and a cable with welding current connected to the welding device. It can be, for example, the so-called euro-end, which is used in a standardized version by several manufacturers of welding devices and welding sources. From this place, according to this invention, electric wires come from the control electronics to the welding gun, where the activation light is located. Placing the control electronics next to or in the connection terminal makes it possible to create a sufficiently large housing for the control electronics. With such an arrangement, the control electronics can also be powered using its own adapter from the mains, or the adapter is used only for charging the accumulator. The control electronics located near 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 in order to move it along the weld. However, there are situations when the welder works in an environment that covers the optical sensor of the protective device (for example, when welding metal frames). In such a case, the protective means (helmet) may not be darkened at all, because even if the welder sees the 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 field of view of the optical sensor) and cannot reach it optical information causing darkening of the protective means.

This is a dangerous phenomenon, since there will not be a delay in the darkening of the protective means, which is eliminated by the present invention, but there will be no darkening at all during the light display. Here, the present invention provides the advantage of separately transmitting information about the light display. One of the activation light sources can be made external, which is connected to the control electronics with a flexible cable and placed on a sleeve, glove or other suitable place. Velcro, a clip or other suitable mechanical means can be used to fasten the external source of activation light, or the garment or glove can have a small transparent sheath created for this purpose, for example sewn on, which also forms a protective cover. An externally connectable activation light can be the only or only additional activation light in a system with multiple activation light sources. For connection, a connector (e.g. pin jack) on the surface of the welding gun can be used, into which the cable of the external activation light source is connected. Depending on the setting, the connection can disconnect the stable activation light or both sources can light up at the same time. The external source of activation light can be attached to the welder's body closer to the optical sensor or directly on the protective means, for example on the helmet.

The described principle of activating an optical element with variable transmittance can also be used to increase the sensitivity of low-quality, low-sensitivity protective devices that do not sufficiently protect human vision and recognize light manifestations unreliably or only at higher intensity. To improve the transmission of optical information from the activation light, a signal repeating element can be used, which detects the activation of the activation light at its input and further switches on its own activation light at the output. Such an element for repeating the signal works as its spatial expander, extender, amplifier. It can be used in a situation where the optical sensor on the protective device is shadowed or in a situation where the optical sensor is not very sensitive. The element for repeating the signal can be attached in close proximity to the optical sensor, i.e. directly on the welding helmet. The activation light of the signal repeater element will be located near the optical sensor.

A disposable replaceable battery can be used to power the control electronics, the energy requirements of the system are low. A rechargeable battery can also be used which is replaceable or charged from an adapter or charged from a solar cell similar to a welding helmet. A solution where the accumulator is charged by induction from the flowing current in the welding cable is also shown to be advantageous. The proximity of the welding cable and hose with the flowing shielding gas can also be used for charging with a dynamo with a propeller that uses the energy of the flowing shielding gas. Last but not least, it is powered by a permanent source from the electrical network using the appropriate adapter. Such a connection is especially advantageous if the control electronics of the activation light is located outside the welding gun, for example in the connection end of the cable and hose.

An important advantage of the present invention is the universal use in cooperation with any protective means that has an optical sensor for detecting the light manifestation of the technological process. The solution can be used with existing welding helmets, hoods, shields and goggles. The technological process can be manual, automated or combined. This will usually be arc or laser welding, cutting, plasma cutting and the like. It will be particularly advantageous to use it in arc welding with shielding gas. The method and system does not require modification or addition of the protective agent. Even protective means with a slow reaction, i.e. even protective means of the cheap category, can obtain a very short, essentially even zero or negative reaction time compared to the time point when the light manifestation of the technological process is manifested in the solution in question. This will make it possible to reduce the overall cost of eye protection and improve the health of welders.

Overview of images on drawings

The invention is explained in more detail with the help of figures 1 to 18. The used scale between the individual elements of the system, the shape of the activation light, as well as the displayed time ratios are non-binding, informative or have been directly modified to increase clarity.

Figure 1 shows a time graph with the progress of welding and dimming of a welding helmet according to the state of the art. Process G corresponds to the supply of shielding gas and starts at the moment of pressing the trigger 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 time period x expresses the delay in the darkening of the protective agent compared to the light manifestation.

Figure 2 is a time graph with the course of welding and dimming of the protective means according to the present invention, where process A - lighting of the activation light - is also marked. Phase I in figures 1 and 2 is the pre-gas phase, phase II is the developed electric arc time, phase III in figures 1 and 2 is the post-gas phase. Time a is a deliberate delay in the activation light coming on compared to the instruction to start the technological process. Time b is the advance of the activation light before the light manifestation. Time c represents the advance of darkening before the appearance of the light manifestation.

Figure 3 is an axonometric view of a welder's workplace with a manually operated welding gun on which a ring-shaped activation light is placed. The dashed lines emanating from the activation light represent infrared radiation.

Figure 4 shows the activation light. The arrow indicates the threading of the ring with the activation light on the welding gun. The dashed lines emanating from the activation light represent infrared radiation. In figure 5, the activation light from figure 4 is rotated so that its body with control elements is visible.

In Figure 6, there is a time graph with the course of welding and dimming of the protective device with the switching off of the activation light after the detection of a light manifestation. The activation light time is shorter than in the case of the solution according to Figure 2, where the activation light is on for the set time. Time a is a deliberate delay in the activation light coming on compared to the instruction to start the technological process. Time b is the advance of the activation light before the light manifestation. Time c represents the advance of darkening before the appearance of the light manifestation.

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

Figure 9 is a prior art welding helmet dimming procedure algorithm.

Subsequently, Figure 10 shows the procedure for dimming the protective device using an activation light.

Figure 11 is a block diagram of the basic elements of the activation light control. Figure 12 shows a block diagram of the control with turning off the activation light according to the instruction from the second optical sensor.

Figure 13 represents an adaptation of the control of the activation light in a technological process where a series of cycles occurs after the first press of the trigger. The activation light is triggered when the trigger is pressed for the first time, then during two cycles the protective agent is darkened only based on the detection of the light manifestation itself.

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

Figure 15 shows the location of the control electronics in the connecting euro end of the hose and cable.

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

Figure 17 shows the schematic connection of the external activation light, while it is also indicated that the control electronics switch is the trigger of the welding gun.

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

Examples of implementation of the invention

Example 1

The system according to this example in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 11 is used in a normal workshop without system integration. The welding machine for MIG/MAG welding with a melting electrode in a protective atmosphere has a welding gun 5 with a trigger that starts the technological process - gas supply, wire shift and electric arc. The welder has a self-darkening helmet that is made by a different manufacturer than the welding equipment. During welding, the welding helmet reacts to the detected light manifestation of welding. The welding helmet in this example has a dimming response of 0.15ms. During this time, the welder's vision is exposed to dangerous radiation.

In this example, the set-up is completed with an activation light 3. This is part of a small ring, which has an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the torch on the welding gun 5. The ring has removable inner rings, by gradually removing or adding them, a suitable inner diameter of the ring can be chosen . Two infrared LEDs are placed in the ring on opposite sides. 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 has frequency excitation at the output. The frequency value on the 6-frequency generator is adjustable using a small rotary potentiometer in the range of 5 to 250 Hz. Similarly, the delay time for the start of the activation light is adjustable from the moment switch 4 is turned on. This time can be adjusted from 0 s to 1 s using the delay setting element 7. The third setting element is used to determine the activation lighting time. In this example, the time is adjustable from 1 s to 3 s. The fourth setting element changes the power supply of the infrared LEDs, under normal conditions the power of one LED at the level of 250 mW is sufficient for activation. The harmlessness of the activation light 3 for the unprotected vision of the surrounding personnel is evidenced by the fact that the type of LED diode used is used in remote controls of home electronics. The use of an infrared remote control is not considered to be a risk even in a situation where invisible radiation is directed directly into the eyes of a person.

In this example, the switch 4 of the activation light 3 has the form of a flat switching circuit that is glued to the control edge of the trigger. When the trigger is pressed, switch 4 is first turned on and then the trigger of the welding machine is turned on.

After pressing the trigger of the welding gun 5, the welding machine opens the valve with protective gas. Approximately 0.5 s after opening the valve, it starts an electric arc, which starts the technological process. At the same time as the trigger was pressed, the switch 4 of the activation light 3 was turned on. The control circuit delayed the illumination of the activation light 3 by approximately 0.4 s after pressing the switch 4. At this moment, the activation light 3 is lit and the optical sensor 1 on the welding helmet reacts by giving an instruction to eclipse optical element 2. This instruction arrives at optical element 2 approximately 0.1 s before the actual ignition of the electric arc. In the time of 0.5 s, when the light manifestation of welding appeared, the welding helmet is already darkened. In this way, the welding helmet's darkening time was essentially negative at the level of approx. 0.1 s.

Example 2

The automatic welding line in the body shop has several activation lights 3 located in fixed locations. The welding control system issues an instruction to turn on the activation light 3 about 0.1 s before the instruction to ignite the electric arc in the given section of the line. Workers who control the process look at the line through a welding helmet with a self-dimming optical element 2. The latter responds to an instruction from the optical sensor 1, which first detects the activation light 3 and later the light manifestation of the technological process itself.

Example 3

The system in this example is used with a laser cutting machine. Switch 4 is in software form. Before bringing the laser beam to the cutting site, the central control system issues an instruction to illuminate the activation lights 3, which are located on the working arm as well as on the corners of the table. One activation light 3 can be controlled directly, the others can be part of separate elements 11 for repeating the signal.

Example 4

The activation light 3 according to figures 6 and 12 has its own extinguishing control. This function works on the basis of cooperation with the second optical sensor 9, which in this example is located in the ring on the welding gun 5. The activation light control 3 receives information that the second optical sensor 9 recorded the light manifestation of the technological process. This information means that the activation light is no longer needed, and based on it, the control turns off the activation light 3.

Since the second optical sensor 9 can be faster than the optical sensor 1 of an unknown supplier in the protective device, the instruction to turn off the activation light 3 can be intentionally delayed, e.g. 3 ms, during which even ordinary, lower-quality protective equipment reacts to light exposure.

Example 5

The control of the activation light 3 includes an adaptation algorithm that measures the time between the instruction to start the technological process and the appearance of the light manifestation. According to the time measured according to Figures 7 and 8, the delay of the activation light 3 lighting up is gradually increased in several iterative steps until the moment when the advance of the lighting of the activation light 3 compared to the light manifestation is at the level of 0.1 s. Then this delay is observed for the following clocks, continuously measuring whether the activation light 3 lights up sufficiently in advance of the light manifestation.

Example 6

The activation light 3 is triggered when the trigger is pressed for the first time, then during two cycles the protective means is darkened only on the basis of the detection of the light manifestation itself, since the cycles were not accompanied by the closing of the switch 4. During three cycles, the control of the activation light 3 adapted to the detected course of the light manifestations and before with the expected fourth and every subsequent light manifestation, the control lights the activation light 3. The consequence of this procedure is that the second and third blackout of the protective means is delayed according to the reaction time of the given protective means, the next blackout is already performed ahead of time.

Example 7

The activation light 3 according to Figure 14 is encapsulated in the plastic body of the welding gun 5. On the surface of the body of the welding gun 5, there is a hole through which the removable cover of the LED diode of the activation light 3 protrudes. The cover is made of transparent plastic and can be pulled out in case of damage by turning and to exchange.

The control electronics 10 is located in the handle of the welding gun 5, where there is also an opening shaft for inserting the battery or charging accumulator.

Example 8

The activation light 3 with three sources in the form of LEDs is, according to Figure 15, placed in the plastic body of the welding gun 5, similarly to the previous example. The control electronics 10 is located in the connecting end of the hose and electric cable, in this example in the so-called standardized euro end. The activation light 3 is powered via a thin cable connected to a hose with shielding gas.

Example 9

The control electronics 10 is in a separate box that is close to the welding source, while the connecting cable connecting the control electronics 10 to the activation light 3 is connected to the hose with the shielding gas. An AC/DC adapter is used to power the control electronics 10 and the activation light 3, in this example with a micro-USB end, which corresponds to the connector on the body of the control electronics 10. The use of a USB power adapter with 5V voltage simplifies the assembly of the system.

Example 10

In this example according to figure 17, the trigger of the welding gun 5 itself is used as the switch 4. On the surface of the welding gun 5 there is a pin connector that allows the connection of an external activation light 32. This takes the form of an LED diode in a housing with a mechanical clip that can be clipped on 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 together with the activation light 3 on the welding gun 5.

Example 11

In this example, according to Figure 18, the system is supplemented with a separate element 11 for repeating the signal. It has the external form of a small box with its own source of electricity. The element 11 for repeating the signal has an optical signal receiver and a transmitter in the form of an activation light 33 for repeating the signal. After capturing the light from the activation light 3, the activation light 33 lights up to repeat the signal, which can be placed closer to the optical sensor 1 of the welding helmet. The element 11 for repeating the signal can be equipped with an adhesive layer so that the activation light 33 for repeating the signal can be directly glued into the field of view of the optical sensor 1 of the welding helmet.

Example 12

In this example, the system is used for plasma cutting.

In terms of the mentioned features and procedures, an expert in the relevant field can create other specific arrangements and procedures that use the main features of this invention without expending inventive step.

Industrial applicability

The industrial applicability of the invention is obvious. According to the present invention, it is possible to repeatedly manufacture and use systems for triggering the dimming of an optical element in advance of the development of a light display.

List of relation marks and abbreviations

1 2 - optical sensor - optical element with variable transmittance 5 3 - activation light 32 - external activation light 33 - activation light for repeating the signal 4 - switch 5 - welding gun 10 6 - frequency generator 1 - delay adjustment element 8 - optical diffuser 9 - second optical sensor 10 - control electronics 15 11 - signal repeater element MIG - Metal Inert Gas M.A.G - Metal Active Gas

TIG, WIG - tungsten inert gas welding PCB - printed circuit board

240 V - distribution electrical network with alternating voltage

Claims (27)

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A method of accelerated dimming reaction of an optical element in a personal eye protection device, in which the optical sensor (1) on the protective device detects the light manifestation of the technological process, especially during welding and/or cutting, and based on the signal from the optical sensor (1 ) the dimming of the optical element (2) is activated, which by its darkening limits the penetration of radiation from the light manifestation into the sight, characterized by the fact that the technological process with the light manifestation is triggered by switching on the second stage of the two-stage switch, while before that the activation light is turned on by the first stage of the two-stage switch (3), by which it shines in the field of view of the optical sensor (1) on the protective means, thereby activating the optical sensor (1) by means of the activation light (3) even before the optical sensor (1) detects the light manifestation of the technological process. 2. A method of accelerated dimming of the optical element in the personal protective equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the activation light (3) lights up at least until the optical sensor (1) of the protective equipment detects the light manifestation of the technological process itself. 3. Method of accelerated dimming reaction of the optical element in the personal protective equipment according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the activation light (3) lights up during the set time after it is turned on, preferably for at least 1 second. 4. A method of accelerated dimming of the optical element in personal protective equipment according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the activation light (3) goes out after its control receives information about the recording of a light manifestation, preferably the control receives this information from the second optical sensor (9). 5. A method of accelerated dimming of an optical element in personal protective equipment 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 appearance of the light manifestation, preferably lights up with a delay within 0.5 s compared to the instruction to start the technological process. 6. A method of accelerated dimming of an optical element in personal protective equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control of the activation light (3) calculates the time between the illumination of the activation light (3) and the light manifestation of the technological process and according to the calculated value, in the next step, it adjusts the activation light (3) lighting delay so that in the next step, the desired lighting advance is achieved, preferably within 0.1 s. 7. A method of accelerated dimming of an optical element in personal protective equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the activation light (3) emits radiation with a wavelength of 700 to 1,850 nm. 8. A method of accelerated dimming reaction of an optical element in personal protective equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the activation light (3) shines with a frequency in the range of 5 to 250 Hz. 9. A method of accelerated dimming of an optical element in personal protective equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the activation light (3) is located within the welding gun (5). 10. A system for accelerated dimming of an optical element in personal protective equipment for eye protection, which includes an optical sensor (1), a visor with an optical element (2) with variable transmittance to limit the penetration of radiation from light exposure into vision, especially during welding and/ or cutting, where the optical sensor (1) for detecting the light manifestation is located within the protective means and is connected to the control of the optical element (2), characterized in that it includes an activation light (3) emitting radiation that is detected by the optical sensor ( 1), where the activation light (3) is connected to the first stage of the two-stage switch (4), the second stage of which is connected to the start of the technological device, while the activation light (3) is located within the range of the optical sensor (1). 11. System for accelerated dimming reaction of the optical element in personal protective equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that the activation light (3) has at least one infrared LED. 12. A system for an accelerated dimming reaction of an optical element in personal protective equipment according to claims 10 or 11, characterized in that it includes several LEDs with different emission characteristics. 13. A system for an accelerated dimming reaction of an optical element in personal protective equipment according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the activation light (3) is a part of the body that is adapted to be connected to the welding gun (5) , preferably the body carries adjustment elements, a power source and a switch (4). 14. A system for an accelerated dimming reaction of an optical element in a personal protective device according to claim 13, characterized in that the body has the shape of a ring. 15. A system for an accelerated dimming reaction of an optical element in personal protective equipment according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the activation light (3) has an optical diffuser (8). 16. System for the accelerated dimming reaction of the optical element in personal protective equipment according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that it includes a frequency generator (6) for powering the activation light (3), preferably the frequency generator (6) is adjustable. 17. A system for an accelerated dimming reaction of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that it includes an adjustment element (7) for the delay of the activation light (3) compared to the closing of the switch (4). 18. A system for an accelerated dimming reaction of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that it includes an adjustment element for the activation light illumination time (3). 19. The system for the accelerated reaction of the dimming of the optical element in personal protective equipment according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that it has an element for detecting a light manifestation, which is connected to the control of the activation light (3), preferably has second optical sensor (9). 20. A system for an accelerated dimming reaction of an optical element in personal protective equipment according to claim 19, characterized in that the control of the activation light (3) has a block for turning off the activation light (3) after the occurrence of a light manifestation and/or has a block adaptations of the activation light delay (3) compared to the switching on of the switch (4), and/or the block for skipping the activation light (3) every second switching on of the switch (4), and/or the activation light (3) block in the cycles calculated from the previous course of the technological process. 21. A system for an accelerated dimming reaction of an optical element in personal protective equipment according to any one of claims 10 to 20, characterized in that the switch (4) is the trigger of the welding gun (5). 22. A system for an accelerated dimming reaction of an optical element in personal protective equipment according to any one of claims 10 to 12, 15 to 21, characterized in that the activation light (3) is part of the body of the welding gun (5). 23. System for the accelerated dimming reaction of the optical element in personal protective equipment according to any one of claims 10 to 12, 15 to 22, characterized in that the control electronics (10) of the activation light (3) is part of the body of the welding gun ( 5) or is part of the connecting end of the hose and electric cables that connect the welding gun (5) to the welding source, while the control electronics (10) is connected to the activation light (3) by means of electric wires, which are at least part of their length connected to hose and electrical cable bundle. 24. A system for an accelerated dimming reaction of an optical element in personal protective equipment according to any one of claims 10 to 23, characterized in that it has at least one external activation light (32) which is connected by a flexible cable to the control electronics (10 ), preferably the external activation light (32) has a connection element for its placement on the clothing of the personnel. 25. A system for an accelerated dimming reaction of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 10 to 24, characterized in that it includes an element (11) for repeating the signal having an optical signal receiver of the activation light (3) and has a transmitter in the form of an activation light (33) for repeating the signal, while the element (11) for repeating the signal is adapted to be placed separately near the optical sensor (1). 26. A system for accelerated dimming of an optical element in personal protective equipment according to any one of claims 10 to 25, characterized in that it has a battery or a rechargeable battery to power the control electronics (10) and the activation light (3), and /or a solar cell, and/or an induction charger located adjacent to the welding cables, and/or an AC/DC adapter. 27. A system for an accelerated dimming reaction of an optical element in a personal protective device according to any one of claims 10 to 26, characterized in that the protective device is a welding helmet or a welding hood, or a welding shield, or welding glasses.