Welded headgear with enhanced motion and gentle closure

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for a welding-type headset with enhanced motion and gentle shutdown. An example welding-type headset has a movable mask configured to move between a first position and a second position, and a movement mechanism configured to facilitate and control movement of the movable mask. The movement mechanism has a track member, a movement pin, and one or more springs. A movement assist spring of the one or more springs is configured to assist movement of the movable mask toward the second position. The track member has one or more tracks, and at least a portion of the motion pin is configured to move within the one or more tracks.

Description

[0001] Priority Claim

[0002] This patent application claims the priority and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 619,040, filed on January 9, 2024. The previously filed application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background of the Invention

[0003] Welding has become increasingly prevalent. Welding can be performed in an automated manner or manually (e.g., by a person). Various devices or components can be used during a welding operation. For example, a welder (operator or user) sometimes wears a welding helmet (or other similar welding headgear) when performing a welding operation.

[0004] A welding helmet can have a hard shell configured to protect the operator's head from welding spatter, and a viewing window that allows the operator to see the surrounding environment when wearing the helmet. The viewing window can be incorporated into a movable component.

[0005] In some cases, conventional welding solutions may have some limitations and / or drawbacks. For example, conventional welding helmets may have limitations and / or drawbacks in terms of ease of use, comfort, etc.

[0006] By comparing traditional methods with some aspects of the systems and methods of the present disclosure as illustrated in the remaining portions of the present disclosure and described with reference to the accompanying drawings, additional limitations and disadvantages of traditional methods will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to welding solutions. More specifically, various embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for a welding-type headgear with enhanced movement and gentle closure, substantially as shown or described in conjunction with at least one of the accompanying drawings and more fully set forth in the claims.

[0008] These and other advantages, aspects, and novel features of the present disclosure, as well as details of the illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure, will be more fully understood from the following description and the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 An example welding-type setup that can be used for welding-type operations is shown.

[0010] Figures 2A to 2B An example welding-type headgear incorporating an enhanced movement mechanism according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 An enhanced movement mechanism according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 Shows track-related features in an enhanced motion mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5 Shows different perspective views of an enhanced motion mechanism according to the present disclosure to illustrate example operations of the enhanced motion mechanism.

[0014] Figure 6 Shows different perspective views of an enhanced motion mechanism according to the present disclosure to illustrate example operations of the enhanced motion mechanism.

[0015] Figure 7 Shows damping-related features in an enhanced motion mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Figures 8A to 8C Shows example damping-related operations in an enhanced motion mechanism according to the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0017] As used herein, the terms "circuit" and "circuitry" refer to physical electronic components (e.g., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that can configure the hardware, be executed by the hardware, and / or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory (e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory device, a general-purpose computer-readable medium, etc.) can constitute a first "circuit" when executing a first set of one or more lines of code and a second "circuit" when executing a second set of one or more lines of code. Additionally, a circuit can include analog circuitry and / or digital circuitry. Such circuitry can operate on analog signals and / or digital signals, for example. It should be understood that a circuit can be in a single device or chip, on a single motherboard, in a single chassis, in multiple chassis at a single geographical location, in multiple chassis distributed across multiple geographical locations, etc. Similarly, the term "module" can refer, for example, to physical electronic components (e.g., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that can configure the hardware, be executed by the hardware, and / or otherwise be associated with the hardware.

[0018] As used herein, a circuit system or module is "operable" to perform a function when it includes the necessary hardware and code (if necessary) to perform that function, regardless of whether the execution of the function is disabled (e.g., through user-configurable settings, factory adjustments, etc.).

[0019] As used herein, "and / or" means any one or more of the items in a list joined by "and / or". As an example, "x and / or y" means any element in the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" means any element in the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" means "one or more of x, y and z". As used herein, the term "exemplary" means serving as a non-limiting example, instance or illustration. As used herein, the terms "for example" and "e.g." introduce a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances or illustrations.

[0020] As used herein, welding-type power refers to power suitable for welding, plasma cutting, induction heating, CAC-A (carbon arc cutting / air) and / or hot wire welding / preheating (including laser welding and laser cladding). As used herein, a welding-type power supply refers to a power supply that can provide welding-type power. A welding-type power supply may include a power generation component (e.g., an engine, a generator, etc.) and / or a power conversion circuit system for converting primary power (e.g., engine-driven power generation, main power, etc.) into welding-type power.

[0021] As used herein, welding-type operations include operations according to any known welding techniques, including flame welding techniques (such as oxyfuel welding), electric welding techniques (such as shielded metal arc welding (e.g., stick welding)), metal inert gas welding (MIG), tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), resistance welding, and air gouging (e.g., carbon arc air gouging), cutting (e.g., plasma cutting), brazing, induction heating, soldering and / or the like.

[0022] As used herein, a welding-type setup refers to any setup that includes welding-related devices or equipment (e.g., a welding power source, a torch, welding equipment (such as a headgear, etc.), auxiliary devices or systems, etc.) for facilitating welding-type operations and / or in combination with welding-type operations.

[0023] Figure 1 An exemplary welding-type setup that can be used for welding-type operations is shown. Referring to Figure 1 , an exemplary welding-type setup 10 is shown, in which an operator (user) 18 wears a headgear 20 and uses a torch 30 to weld a workpiece 24, and a device 12 delivers power to the torch via a conduit 14, wherein a welding monitoring device 28 can be used to monitor the welding operation.

[0024] The apparatus 12 may include a power source, optionally a shielding gas source, and a wire feeder that automatically supplies wire / filler material therein. Further, in some instances, an engine 32 may be used to drive the apparatus or components used during a welding operation. The engine 32 may include a gas engine or a liquefied petroleum (LP) engine. The engine 32 may drive a generator, a power source, etc. used during a welding operation.

[0025] Figure 1 The welding-type setup 10 may be configured to form a weld joint by any known welding-type technique. For example, optionally in any embodiment, the welding apparatus 12 may be an arc welding apparatus that supplies direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) to a consumable or non-consumable electrode of the torch 30. The electrode delivers the current to the welding point on the workpiece 24. In the welding-type setup 10, the operator 18 controls the position and operation of the electrode by manipulating the torch 30 and triggering the start and stop of the current flow. In other embodiments, a robot or an automated fixture may control the position of the electrode and / or may send operating parameters or trigger commands to the welding system. When the current is flowing, an arc 26 is generated between the electrode and the workpiece 24. The conduit 14 and the electrode thus deliver a current and voltage sufficient to generate an arc 26 between the electrode and the workpiece. The arc 26 locally melts the workpiece 24 and the wire or electrode rod (the electrode in the case of a consumable electrode, or a separate wire or electrode rod in the case of a non-consumable electrode) supplied to the weld joint at the welding point between the electrode and the workpiece 24, thereby forming a weld joint when the metal cools.

[0026] Optionally, in any embodiment, a welding monitoring device 28 may be used to monitor the welding operation. The welding monitoring device 28 may be used to monitor various aspects of the welding operation, particularly in real time (i.e., while the welding is taking place). For example, the welding monitoring device 28 may be operable to monitor arc characteristics such as arc length, current, voltage, frequency, variations, and instabilities. The data obtained from the welding monitoring may be used (e.g., by the operator 18 and / or an automated quality control system) to ensure proper welding.

[0027] As shown, the apparatus 12 and the headgear 20 may communicate via a link 25, via which the headgear 20 may control the settings of the apparatus 12 and / or the apparatus 12 may provide information about its settings to the headgear 20. Although a wireless link is shown, the link may be wireless, wired, or optical.

[0028] Optionally, in any embodiment, an engine can be used to drive equipment or components used during a welding operation. For example, engine 32 can drive a generator, power supply, etc. used during a welding operation. In some instances, it may be desirable to obtain information related to the engine being used. For example, data related to the engine (and its operation) used during a welding operation can be collected and used (e.g., based on its analysis) to monitor and optimize the operation of these engines. The collection and use of such data can be performed in a telematics manner - that is, the data can be collected locally, at least some processing (e.g., formatting, etc.) can be performed locally, and then the data can be transmitted to a remote management entity (e.g., a central management location, an engine provider, etc.) using wireless technologies (e.g., cellular, satellite, etc.).

[0029] Optionally, in any embodiment, a dedicated controller (e.g., shown as element 34 in Figure 1 can be used to control, centralize, and / or optimize data processing operations. Controller 34 can include suitable circuitry, hardware, software, or any combination thereof for performing various aspects of engine-related data processing operations. For example, controller 34 can be operable to interact with engine 32 to obtain data related thereto. Controller 34 can track or obtain welding-related data (e.g., from welding monitoring device 28, from device 12, etc.). Then controller 34 can transmit the data (e.g., both engine-related data and welding-related data) via wireless communication, such as for facilitating remote monitoring and / or management. For example, this can be accomplished using cellular and / or satellite telematics hardware.

[0030] In some example embodiments, a welding-type system or setup (such as welding-type setup 10) can be configured to collect and report data related to welding-type operations and / or functions or components used during welding-type operations. For example, data can be collected from the welding process, the power supply in the welding setup, welding-related accessories, etc. In this regard, the data collected can include, for example, current, voltage, wire feed speed, welding status, and many other power parameters and settings.

[0031] Then, the data collected can be sent to a remote entity (e.g., remote server 31, which can be a manufacturer-controlled, Internet-based cloud server) and / or a local system or device (e.g., a local PC, tablet, smartphone, etc.). The data collected can be used to enhance welding-related systems and / or operations. For example, a manufacturer can utilize the data collected to identify problems (and correct them) and / or plan modifications or improvements to various components. Further, users can be able to generate reports on the data collected to measure, record, and improve their processes.

[0032] Desired to improve or enhance the operation of various components of a weld-type setup (such as Figure 1 the weld-type setup 10). Such improvement or enhancement can be achieved by improving or enhancing specific components of the weld-type setup. For example, a user may wear or use a weld-type headgear (e.g., Figure 1 the headgear 20) when performing weld-type operations with the weld-type setup. Enhancing the ease of use and reliability of the weld-type headgear can improve the overall performance of the weld-type setup and the performance of the weld-type operations performed therewith. Such enhancement can be achieved by addressing the drawbacks in existing weld-type headgears and / or by adding features that are not currently available (especially in cases where such features are added in a cost-effective manner). Conventional solutions can be improved by, for example, enhancing the features and / or functions related to a fixed weld-type headgear (e.g., fixed to the user's head).

[0033] For example, a weld-type headgear (e.g., a welding helmet) may include a face shield for covering the user's face during a welding operation. In this regard, as used herein, a "face shield" (and / or a "movable face shield") need not be construed as necessarily completely covering the user's face, and thus in some instances, the face shield (and / or the movable face shield) may only cover a portion of the user's face. Such a face shield may be movable, allowing the user to expose their face, for example, when not actively welding. In some instances, only the face shield may be movable while a portion of the weld-type headgear remains fixed (fixed to the user's head), allowing the user to move the face shield without having to remove the entire weld-type headgear. In some instances, the movable face shield may be heavy. This may be because the movable face shield must be designed or implemented (e.g., based on the choice of materials used) to provide sufficient protection, and / or because additional components that can be incorporated thereon - such as, viewing windows, input / output devices, circuitry, etc.

[0034] However, operating such a heavy face shield may be cumbersome and / or challenging, and / or may pose short-term and long-term health risks to the user, especially based on the way the face shield moves between the open (exposed) position and the closed (face-covering) position. For example, a user typically moves the face shield manually, such as using their hands, by nodding their head, etc. (especially when closing the face shield). Such actions may impose significant physical strain on the user, especially on certain body parts of the user (such as the user's neck) - for example, due to continuous nodding and due to the need to support the relatively heavy movable face shield when it reaches the fully closed / down position with a sudden and relatively violent stop.

[0035] The solutions based on the present disclosure address some limitations and / or challenges that may arise with conventional solutions, particularly in the operation of the face shield (or similar component) of a welding-type headgear. In this regard, in various embodiments, a welding-type headgear can be configured such that its face shield (or similar component) is configured to provide better closing and / or opening operations, such as by providing features like assisted movement, soft closing, etc. This can be achieved by introducing components for facilitating or implementing such features. Example embodiments incorporating the solutions and features based on the present disclosure are shown and described in more detail below.

[0036] Figures 2A to 2B An example welding-type headgear incorporating an enhanced movement mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Figures 2A to 2B The welding-type headgear 200 (e.g., a welding helmet) is shown.

[0037] The welding-type headgear 200 can be any suitable welding-type headgear configured for use in welding-type operations. In this regard, the welding-type headgear 200 can be used (worn) by a welder (user) to provide protection during welding-type operations. The welding-type headgear 200 can be a welding helmet known in the art.

[0038] The welding-type headgear 200 can include a face shield 210, which can be configured to shield the user's face during welding operations. The face shield 210 can be movable (and thus, it is referred to herein as a “movable face shield”), which allows the user to move the movable face shield 210 such that they can expose their face without having to remove the entire helmet. In this regard, the movable face shield 210 can be rotatable such that the user can raise the movable face shield 210 without removing the entire welding-type headgear 200. Thus, by rotating the movable face shield 210, the user can allow access to the face while keeping the housing of the welding-type headgear stationary. In some instances, the welding-type headgear 200 can also include a hard housing (not shown), which is configured to shield the operator's head (e.g., from welding spatter, etc.) during welding operations, where the movable face shield 210 is attached to or otherwise coupled with the hard housing. Nevertheless, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and thus in some instances, no hard housing is used, where the movable face shield 210 is attached to, for example, a headband, etc.

[0039] The movable face shield 210 may include an observation window such that a user can view through the observation window during a welding operation. The observation window may include a vision protection portion through which the user can safely view during a welding-type operation. The vision protection portion may include a darkened lens or an auto-darkening filter (ADF) to protect the user's vision from the brightness of the welding arc. In some examples, the welding-type headgear 200 may also include an inner face shield that may have little or no darkening ability, and the user may use the inner face shield in a low-light environment to provide protection against other conditions associated with a welding-type operation (e.g., sparks, flying debris, etc.). Nevertheless, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular type or design of welding-type headgear, and the solutions based on the present disclosure may be applied to any welding-type headgear including a movable face shield.

[0040] According to the present disclosure, the welding-type headgear (such as the welding-type headgear 200) and its operation can be improved, particularly with respect to the movable face shield used therein and its operation. In this regard, conventional welding-type headgears may have some limitations and drawbacks in the operation of their movable face shields. In particular, as described above, the movable face shield may be heavy, which may be due, for example, to its construction (e.g., the materials used therein) having to ensure sufficient protection, and / or due to additional components that may be incorporated thereon - such as, for example, an observation window, etc., input / output devices, circuitry, etc. However, operating such heavy face shields may be cumbersome and / or challenging, and / or may pose short-term and long-term health risks to the user, particularly based on the manner in which the face shield moves between an open (exposed) position and a closed (face-covering) position as described above.

[0041] For example, in various conventional designs of welding-type headgears, locking components (e.g., two manual knobs on the outside of the headgear) may be used to lock the movement (e.g., rotation) of the movable face shield in place. The user must manually tighten the movable face shield according to the user's personal preference so that the face shield of the headgear remains up when needed and closes easily enough, for example, in response to actions such as nodding, which would cause the face shield to fall down before starting or restarting welding. Such conventional solutions may cause problems because such actions (e.g., nodding) may create ergonomic issues related to neck strain, especially when the user does so continuously and / or for a long time. Further, the locking components (e.g., manual knobs and other plastic components) may wear over time and cause the user to need to readjust the tightness of the headgear to maintain the proper tension required to perform actions such as nodding.

[0042] Solutions based on the present disclosure can address such issues, for example, by introducing a motion mechanism that provides and / or supports various opening / closing related functions required during operation of a welding-type headgear in a manner that eliminates or reduces the user's burden. For example, in various embodiments based on the present disclosure, such issues can be addressed by using a motion mechanism that incorporates a spring-assisted component (e.g., a rotary spring damper) for providing functions such as automatically closing (lowering) the face shield, a gentle closing during the closing stroke, and multiple opening positions from which the face shield can be closed.

[0043] As Figures 2A to 2B Shown, the welding-type headgear 200 includes a motion mechanism 220 configured according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure to provide enhanced operation of the face shield 210 in this way. Such a mechanism (e.g., motion mechanism 220) can achieve enhanced operation of the face shield, for example, by allowing certain actions (such as closing the face shield) to be initiated or performed in a less cumbersome manner. For example, in the case where the spring-biased component of the motion mechanism 220 provides an assistive motion, to lower the face shield 210, the user may only need to tilt their head slightly backward. Once the face shield 210 is lowered, a suitable damping component (e.g., a spring-assisted damping component) in the motion mechanism 220 can come into play to allow a gentle closing. This will eliminate the pain points of frequent readjustment and neck strain. Example embodiments of the motion mechanism (similar to motion mechanism 220) and its components and / or features are described in more detail below.

[0044] Figure 3 An enhanced motion mechanism according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 The motion mechanism 300 is shown therein and can be used to provide an assisted closing with a gentle closing as described herein. The motion mechanism 300 can correspond to and can represent Figures 2A to 2B an example embodiment of the motion mechanism 220.

[0045] The motion mechanism 300 can be configured to facilitate and control the movement of the movable face shield of a welding-type headgear (e.g., Figures 2A to 2B the face shield 210 of the headgear 200) in an enhanced manner. In this regard, the motion mechanism 300 can be configured to facilitate the movement of the face shield between a first position and a second position. The second position corresponds to the position of the face shield during a welding-type operation. The second position can correspond to, for example, a fully lowered position where the face is fully covered by the user's face during a welding-type operation. The first position can correspond to any position other than the second position, which can be the initial position from which the face shield starts to move when being closed (i.e., moving towards the second position). In some embodiments, the first position can include various positions that expose the user's face fully or partially.

[0046] The motion mechanism can include at least an orbital member, a motion pin, and one or more springs. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the motion mechanism 300 can include an orbital member 310, a motion pin 320, a shock damper 330, a damping spring 340, a motion assist spring 350, a pin biasing spring 360, and a cover member (e.g., a cam) 370.

[0047] The orbital member 310 can include a physical object that can be attached or otherwise fixed to the face mask. In this regard, the orbital member 310 can include one or more tracks through which the motion pin 320 can pass during operation of the face mask. The track-related features and / or functions of the orbital member 310 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 4 below. The orbital member 310 can also be configured to engage at least some other components of the motion mechanism 300. The orbital member 310 can be a physical object having a suitable shape and / or made of a suitable material or otherwise including a suitable material - for example, a material having properties suitable for the design features and / or functions ascribed to the orbital member 310 as described herein. As shown, the orbital member 310 can be a disk-shaped object. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this shape, and any suitable shape that implements or otherwise accommodates the design features and / or functions described herein can be used.

[0048] The motion pin 320 can include a physical object that is configured to facilitate the movement of the face mask as described herein, particularly relative to the orbital member 310 and specifically relative to the tracks of the orbital member. As shown, the motion pin 320 can include an L-shaped pin, one end of which is arranged to engage and move within one or more tracks of the orbital member 310.

[0049] The damper stop 330 can be configured to interact with the motion pin at the end of the motion stroke of the motion pin 320 towards the second position to provide or otherwise support the soft closing as described herein, such as by damping the movement of the motion pin 320 at or near the second position.

[0050] The damping spring 340 can include a spring that is configured to facilitate or otherwise support the damping provided by the damper stop 330. In this regard, the damping spring 340 can be configured to apply damping to the movement of the damper stop 330 in response to the stopping of the motion pin 320. The damping spring 340 can include, for example, a compression spring, as Figure 4 shown.

[0051] The movement - assisting spring 350 is configured to assist the movement of the face mask towards the second position. Further, the movement - assisting spring 350 can be configured to resist the movement of the movable face mask away from the second position (i.e., towards the first position). In this way, the movement - assisting spring 350 can spring - bias the movement pin 320 such that the movement pin 320 can be biased to continuously attempt to move towards the second position. The movement - assisting spring 350 can include, for example, a torsion spring, as Figure 4 shown.

[0052] The pin - biasing spring 360 can be configured to bias the movement pin in a particular manner. For example, in some embodiments, the pin - biasing spring 360 biases towards the edge of the track member 310 such that the movement pin 320 is pushed into a particular track on the track member 310 and thus travels through that particular track. The pin - biasing spring 360 can include, for example, a compression spring, as Figure 4 shown.

[0053] The cover member 370 can include a suitable body (e.g., a cylindrical cam, etc.) configured to engage and / or cover at least some components of the movement mechanism 300. For example, the cover member 370 can be configured to engage the movement pin 320, accommodate the pin - biasing spring 360 and hold it in place, and accommodate the movement - assisting spring 350 and hold it in place. In this regard, the cover member 370 can be configured (e.g., based on its shape and / or design) to engage a section of the movement pin 320 and thus can include, for example, an opening for the remainder of the movement pin to protrude. The cover member 370 can also include an opening (e.g., a slot - like opening) corresponding to the fixed end of the movement - assisting spring 350 such that the fixed end can remain in place while the remainder (along with the movement pin 320) rotates.

[0054] Reference Figures 4 to 8C provides more details of each of these components as well as various features and / or functions in more detail.

[0055] Figure 4 Shows track - related features in the enhanced movement mechanism according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 The movement mechanism 300 is shown, particularly showing the track member 310 and its various elements and / or features.

[0056] In particular, the track member 310 includes on the face mask (e.g., Figures 2A to 2BDuring the operation of the movable mask 210), various tracks that the movement pin 320 can pass through, and / or various physical structures that can define some of these tracks. In this regard, the track member 310 can be a physical object having a suitable shape and / or made of a suitable material or otherwise including a suitable material - for example, a material can be used that has some properties that are suitable for the design features of the track member 310 as described herein and / or functions that are helpful for the track member. As shown, the track member 310 can be a disc-shaped object. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this shape, and any suitable shape that implements or otherwise adapts the design features and / or functions described herein can be used.

[0057] The tracks can be engraved or cut out within the track member 310. Such engraving and / or cutting can be done based on (for example, created or otherwise formed) physical structures to define at least some of the tracks. For example, as Figure 4 shown, the track member 310 includes a track structure 400, a first (e.g., outer) track 410, a second (e.g., inner) track 420, a track channel 430, and a pin fixing structure 440.

[0058] Each of the first track 410, the second track 420, and the track channel 430 can be configured to accommodate the movement pin 320 - for example, having suitable dimensions (width, depth, etc.) to engage at least a portion of the movement pin 310 such that the movement pin 320 can move along these tracks / channels. For example, the tracks / channels can be engraved or cut out within the track member 310, and such engraving or cutting can have such suitable dimensions when completed. Further, the movement pin 320 can be configured to ensure engagement with the track structure 400 and thus move within the first track 410, the second track 420, and the track channel 430. For example, the movement pin 320 can have an L-shaped end, one end of which turns downward into the track member 310 and has a sufficient length such that it can extend within the recessed first track 410, second track 420, and track channel 430 defined by the track structure 400.

[0059] As Figure 4 shown, the first track 410 can be provided on the outside (closer to the edge of the track member 310), and the second track 420 can be provided on the inside (relative to the inside of the first track 410). However, the present disclosure is not limited to this method. The track channel 430 can provide a passage between the first track 410 and the second track 420 through which the movement pin 310 (or at least a portion thereof) can pass.

[0060] The track structure 400 may include a physical structure for defining or otherwise forming at least some of the first track 410, the second track 420, and the track channel 430. For example, the track structure 400 may include a portion of the track member 310 that remains after it has been scored or cut to form the tracks. Alternatively, the track structure 400 may be a physical structure added to the track member 310. The track structure 400 may be disposed between the first track 410 and the second track 420 so as to form a track channel 430 to permit movement between the two tracks. The shape of the track structure 400 may be designed to optimize the function of the tracks as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the track structure 400 may include a chevron chamfer, thereby providing a corresponding chevron shape to the track channel 430 to ensure and optimize the movement of the motion pin 320 as described herein.

[0061] The motion pin 320 may be configured such that the motion pin 310 (or at least a portion thereof) moves within the second track 420 when the motion pin 320 moves toward the first position and then moves into one of the track channels 430 when the movement of the motion pin 320 within the second track 420 stops. The track structure 400 may be configured such that the motion pin 310 (or at least a portion thereof) stops within each of the plurality of track channels 430 after being released from the second track 420. For example, the track structure 400 may be configured such that the motion pin 310 (or at least a portion thereof) moves from the track structure 400 to the first track 410 only in response to a release action. The release action includes a smooth nodding or tilting of the user's head.

[0062] The pin fixing structure 440 may include a suitable physical structure for engaging and fixing the motion assist spring 350 to ensure and / or support its use in combination with the function of the motion mechanism 300. For example, the pin fixing structure 440 may include a pair of protrusions (e.g., circular in shape, as Figure 4 shown), which protrude sufficiently above the surface of the track member 310 and / or are optimally spaced apart such that they can capture the ends of the motion assist spring 350 (as shown) to hold the ends stationary while the remainder of the motion assist spring 350 rotates, thereby providing the necessary tension force to slow the movement of the motion pin 320 within the first track 410 toward the second position and / or assist the motion pin 320 in moving away from the second position within the second track 410.

[0063] Figure 5 Different perspective views of an enhanced motion mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure are shown to illustrate an example operation of the enhanced motion mechanism. Figure 5 The motion mechanism 300 is shown in. In particular, Figure 5Different perspective views of the motion mechanism 300 are shown - namely, from the side (along the z-axis as shown therein), from the top (along the y-axis as shown therein), and from the back (in the lateral direction, along the x-axis as shown therein), as well as a top front view.

[0064] In this regard, Figure 5 An example aspect of the movement of the movement pin 320 within the track member 310 during operation of the motion mechanism 300 - that is, when the face shield of the welding-type headgear (e.g., the face shield 210 of the welding-type headgear 200) moves towards the second position as described herein - is shown. In particular, as Figure 5 shown, the movement pin 320 can move within the first track 410, and this movement is associated and spring-biased, such as using the movement assist spring 350 as described herein. As described above, the movement pin 320 moves within the first track 410 until it reaches the damper catch 330, the position of which corresponds to the second position. The damper catch 330 catches the movement pin 320, thereby damping its movement (e.g., by using the compression of the damper spring 340), and then releases the movement pin 320 into the second track 420. The operation of the damper catch 330 and associated components will be shown and described in more detail below with reference to Figures 8A to 8C this.

[0065] Figure 6 Different perspective views of an enhanced motion mechanism according to the present disclosure are shown to demonstrate an example operation of the enhanced motion mechanism. Figure 6 The motion mechanism 300 is shown. In particular, Figure 6 shown are Figure 5 the same different perspectives of the motion mechanism 300 as shown in

[0066] However, Figure 6Another exemplary aspect of the movement of the movement pin 320 within the track member 310 during operation of the movement mechanism 300 is shown, i.e., when the movement pin 320 moves within one of the track channels 430 of the track member 310. In this regard, as described herein, the movement pin 320 can be configured (e.g., biased using the pin biasing spring 360) to constantly attempt to move into the first track 410 such that once the movement of the movement pin 320 within the second track 420 stops, the movement pin 320 will move into the nearest track channel 430. Further, as described herein, once the movement pin 320 moves into the track channel 430, the movement pin will stop within the track channel 430 before reaching the first track 410. In this regard, as described herein, this can be achieved by configuring the track channels 430 (e.g., based on the design of the track structure 400, such as its shape) such that the movement pin 320 can be captured within each track channel 430 until a release action (e.g., head nod) occurs that causes the movement pin 320 to move from the track channel 430 into the first track 410.

[0067] Figure 7 Shows damping-related features in an enhanced movement mechanism according to the present disclosure. Figure 7 The movement mechanism 300 is shown, particularly a portion thereof - i.e., the damper catch 330, associated components and / or features, and the surrounding area.

[0068] In particular, Figure 7 The damper catch 330, the damper spring 340, the movement pin 320 (or a portion thereof), and a portion of the track member 310 - i.e., the region corresponding to the second position where it intersects the first track 410 and the second track 420 are shown.

[0069] In this regard, as described herein, the damper catch 330 is configured (e.g., based on its design / shape) to catch the movement pin at the end of the movement of the movement pin 320 within the first track 410 to facilitate damping the movement of the movement pin and release the movement pin 320 into the second track 420. As Figure 7 shown, the damper catch 330 can have an inclined top surface and a flat bottom surface, the inclined top surface being configured to engage the movement pin 320 to facilitate damping and / or enable the release of the movement pin into the second track 420, the flat bottom surface being configured to engage the damper spring 340. Damping can be achieved by using the damper spring 340, the compression of which slows down the movement of the movement pin 320.

[0070] In some instances, the motion mechanism 300 can be configured to ensure prevention of the movement pin 320 (after reaching the second position) from moving back into the first track 410. For example, the track member 310 can include a damping fixation structure 700 that is configured (e.g., based on its shape and / or physical properties) to prevent the movement pin 300 from moving back into the first track 410 after the damper catch 330 releases the movement pin 320 into the second track 420. For example, the damping fixation structure 700 can include a ramp, a ridge, etc.

[0071] Reference Figures 8A to 8C Exemplary damping-related operations that utilize the damper catch 330 and associated components and / or features are shown and described in more detail.

[0072] Figures 8A to 8C Exemplary damping-related operations in an enhanced motion mechanism according to the present disclosure are shown. Figures 8A to 8C The motion mechanism 300 is shown, particularly a portion thereof - namely, the damper catch 330 and the surrounding area.

[0073] In particular, Figures 8A to 8C The damper catch 330, the damping spring 340, the damping fixation structure 700, a portion of the movement pin 320 (or a part thereof), and a portion of the track member 310 - namely, the area corresponding to the second position where it intersects the first track 410 and the second track 420 are shown. Figures 8A to 8C The sequence of events that may occur during exemplary damping-related operations in the motion mechanism 300 is shown.

[0074] In particular, during the first stage 800 of the operation as shown in Figure 8A The movement pin 320 moves within the first track 410 and approaches the second position and thus approaches the damper catch 330, the position of which corresponds to the second position. In this regard, as explained herein, the movement of the movement pin 320 is assisted - for example, spring-biased, and the tension of the movement assistance spring 350 provides the required spring bias.

[0075] In as Figure 8BDuring the second stage 810 of the operation shown, the movement pin 320 reaches the damper catch 330. In this regard, as described herein, the damper catch 330 is configured to catch the movement pin 320 and apply damping to the movement of the movement pin 320 in response to the movement pin 320 pushing the damper catch 330, such as by pressing the damping spring 340, where the compression of the damping spring 340 slows down the movement of the movement pin 320. The damper catch 330 can prevent further movement of the movement pin 320 during its damping. In this regard, when the movement pin 320 reaches and bears against the damper catch 330 during the damping phase, the inclined top surface of the damper catch 330 can facilitate (and optimize) the engagement of the movement pin, as well as the blocking of the movement pin 320. Further, the flat bottom surface of the damper catch 330 is configured to engage the damping spring 340 and bear against the damping spring in response to the movement pin 320 bearing against the damper catch 330, thereby causing compression of the damping spring 340 and thus applying damping to the movement pin 320.

[0076] During the third stage 820 of the operation as Figure 8C shown, damping of the movement pin 320 is completed and the movement pin 320 is released into the second track 420. In this regard, as described herein, the damper catch 330 is configured to facilitate the release of the movement pin 320 into the second track 420. This can be accomplished by using the inclined top surface. In this regard, when the movement pin 320 contacts and bears against the inclined top surface during the damping phase, the movement pin remains trapped within the first track 410 until the damper catch 330 compresses the damping spring 340 to a sufficient extent such that the inclined top surface creates enough space between the first track 410 and the second track 420 to allow the movement pin 320 to move into the second track 420. Once the movement pin 320 moves into the second track 420, the pressure on the damper catch 330 is released, allowing the damper catch 330 to reset. In this regard, the reset of the damper catch 330 may be caused by the release of the compression of the damping spring 340, causing the damper catch 330 to move upward - i.e., move back to its initial / disengaged position (as Figure 8A shown). To this end, the damping fixing structure 700 can prevent the movement pin 320 from moving back into the first track 410 before the reset of the damper catch 330 is complete.

[0077] Accordingly, the solution based on the present disclosure can produce various advantages superior to any existing conventional solution. In this regard, based on the features and functions included in the weldable headgear according to the present disclosure, the weldable headgear can be held on the user's head with sufficient tightness and can provide a method for new and regular users to accurately know how much to tighten their weldable headgear. This can be achieved by providing adjustability of the tightness preset value, while also accommodating more experienced users, such that such experienced users can set a custom tightness. Further, if desired, an automatic release feature can enable quick release and thus removal of the weldable headgear.

[0078] According to an example weldable system of the present disclosure, the weldable system includes a weldable headgear configured for use during a welding operation, the weldable headgear including: a movable face shield configured to move between a first position and a second position; and a motion mechanism configured to facilitate and control the movement of the movable face shield, wherein the motion mechanism includes a track member, a motion pin, and one or more springs; and wherein a motion assist spring among the one or more springs is configured to assist the movement of the movable face shield toward the second position; the track member includes one or more tracks; and at least a portion of the motion pin is configured to move within the one or more tracks.

[0079] In an example embodiment, the second position corresponds to a position where the movable face shield fully covers the face of a user of the weldable headgear.

[0080] In an example embodiment, the motion assist spring among the one or more springs is configured to resist the movement of the movable face shield toward the first position.

[0081] In an example embodiment, the motion assist spring among the one or more springs includes a torsion spring.

[0082] In an example embodiment, the motion pin is spring-loaded using the motion assist spring among the one or more springs such that the motion pin is biased to constantly attempt to move toward the second position.

[0083] In an example embodiment, the motion mechanism further includes a damper catch configured to catch and damp the movement of the motion pin when the movable face shield reaches the second position.

[0084] In an example embodiment, a damping spring among the one or more springs is configured to damp the movement of the damper catch in response to the catching of the motion pin.

[0085] In an example embodiment, the damping spring among the one or more springs includes a compression spring.

[0086] In an example embodiment, the track member includes a first track and a second track, and wherein, the motion pin is configured to move towards a second position using the first track.

[0087] In an example embodiment, the pin biasing spring of one or more springs is configured to bias the motion pin into the first track.

[0088] In an example embodiment, the motion mechanism further includes a damper catch, which is configured to catch the motion pin when the movable face shield reaches the second position and release the motion pin into the second track.

[0089] In an example embodiment, the damper catch is configured to release the motion pin into the second track when the damper catch clears the track channel, which allows the pin to move through between the first track and the second track. In this regard, when the compression spring is fully (or completely) compressed, enough space is created for the motion point to pass through.

[0090] In an example embodiment, the track member includes a damping fixation structure, which is configured to prevent the motion pin from moving back into the first track after the damper catch releases the motion pin into the second track.

[0091] In an example embodiment, the damping fixation structure includes a ramp or a ridge.

[0092] In an example embodiment, the first track is an outer track and the second track is an inner track.

[0093] In an example embodiment, the track member further includes a plurality of physical track structures, which form a plurality of track channels between the first track and the second track.

[0094] In an example embodiment, at least a portion of the motion pin is configured to move within the first track, the second track, and the plurality of track channels.

[0095] In an example embodiment, the plurality of physical track structures are disposed between the first track and the second track.

[0096] In an example embodiment, the motion pin is configured to engage each of the plurality of physical track structures.

[0097] In an example embodiment, the motion pin is configured such that when the motion pin moves towards the first position, at least a portion of the motion pin moves within the second track, and when the movement of the motion pin within the second track stops, at least a portion of the motion pin moves into one of the plurality of track channels.

[0098] In an example embodiment, a plurality of physical track structures are configured such that at least a portion of a motion pin stops within each of a plurality of track channels after being released from a second track.

[0099] In an example embodiment, a plurality of physical track structures are configured such that at least a portion of a motion pin moves from the plurality of physical track structures into a first track only in response to a release action.

[0100] In an example embodiment, the release action includes a nod or a tilt of a user's head.

[0101] In an example embodiment, the plurality of physical track structures include a plurality of chevron chamfers.

[0102] In an example embodiment, the track component includes a disk-shaped object.

[0103] In an example embodiment, one or more tracks are incised or cut out within the track component.

[0104] In an example embodiment, a weld-type headgear includes a welding helmet.

[0105] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium and / or storage medium, and / or a non-transitory machine-readable medium and / or storage medium may be provided, on which machine code and / or a computer program having at least one code segment is stored, and the at least one code segment can be executed by a machine and / or a computer, so that the machine and / or the computer execute the processes described herein.

[0106] Thus, the various embodiments according to the present disclosure can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present disclosure can be implemented in a centralized manner in at least one computing system, or in a distributed manner with different elements spread over several interconnected computing systems. Any kind of computing system or other device adapted to execute the methods described herein is suitable. A typical combination of hardware and software can be a general computing system having a program or other code that, when loaded and executed, controls the computing system to cause the computing system to execute the methods described herein. Another typical embodiment may include an application specific integrated circuit or chip.

[0107] Various embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may also be incorporated into a computer program product that includes all features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and that when loaded into a computer system is capable of executing these methods. A computer program, in the context of the present invention, means any expression, in any language, code, or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system with information processing capabilities to perform a specific function, either directly or after any one or both of the following processes: a) conversion to another language, code, or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.

[0108] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples may be combined, separated, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but rather the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A welding-type system, comprising: A welding-type headgear configured to be used during a welding-type operation, the welding-type headgear including: A movable face shield configured to move between a first position and a second position; and A motion mechanism configured to facilitate and control the movement of the movable face shield, wherein the motion mechanism includes an orbital member, a motion pin, and one or more springs; and Wherein: A motion assist spring among the one or more springs is configured to provide assistance to the movement of the movable face shield toward the second position; The orbital member includes one or more tracks; and At least a portion of the motion pin is configured to move within the one or more tracks.

2. The welded system according to claim 1, wherein The second position corresponds to a position where the movable face shield completely covers the face of a user of the welding-type headgear.

3. The welding-type system according to claim 1, wherein, The motion assist spring among the one or more springs is configured to resist the movement of the movable face shield toward the first position.

4. The welding type system according to claim 1, wherein, The motion assist spring among the one or more springs includes a torsion spring.

5. The welded type system according to claim 1, wherein, The motion pin is spring-loaded using the motion assist spring among the one or more springs such that the motion pin is biased to constantly attempt to move toward the second position.

6. The welded type system according to claim 1, wherein, The motion mechanism further includes a damper catch configured to catch and damp the movement of the motion pin when the movable face shield reaches the second position.

7. The welded type system according to claim 6, wherein, A damping spring among the one or more springs is configured to damp the movement of the damper catch in response to the catching of the motion pin.

8. The welded type system according to claim 7, wherein, The damping spring among the one or more springs includes a compression spring.

9. The welding-type system according to claim 1, wherein, The orbital member includes a first track and a second track, and wherein the motion pin is configured to move toward the second position using the first track.

10. The welded system according to claim 9, wherein, A pin biasing spring among the one or more springs is configured to bias the motion pin into the first track.

11. The welding-type system according to claim 9, wherein, The motion mechanism further includes a damper catch configured to catch the motion pin when the movable face shield reaches the second position and release the motion pin into the second track.

12. The welded system according to claim 11, wherein, The damper catch is configured to release the motion pin into the second track when the damper catch yields an orbital passageway, wherein the orbital passageway allows the pin to move through between the first track and the second track.

13. The welded system according to claim 11, wherein, The orbital member includes a damping fixing structure configured to prevent the motion pin from moving back into the first track after the damper catch releases the motion pin into the second track.

14. The welded type system according to claim 13, wherein, The damping fixing structure includes a ramp or a ridge.

15. The welded system according to claim 9, wherein, The first track is an outer track, and the second track is an inner track.

16. The welded system according to claim 9, wherein, The orbital member further includes a plurality of physical track structures that form a plurality of orbital passageways between the first track and the second track.

17. The welded type system according to claim 16, wherein, The at least a portion of the motion pin is configured to move within the first track, the second track, and the plurality of orbital passageways.

18. The welding-type system according to claim 16, wherein, The plurality of physical track structures are disposed between the first track and the second track.

19. The welded type system according to claim 16, wherein, The motion pin is configured to engage each of the plurality of physical track structures.

20. The welded type system according to claim 16, wherein, The motion pin is configured such that when the motion pin moves towards the first position, at least a portion of the motion pin moves within the second track, and when the movement of the motion pin within the second track stops, at least a portion of the motion pin moves into one of the plurality of track channels.

21. The welded type system according to claim 20, wherein, The plurality of physical track structures are configured such that at least a portion of the motion pin stops within each of the plurality of track channels after being released from the second track.

22. The welded system according to claim 21, wherein, The plurality of physical track structures are configured such that at least a portion of the motion pin moves from the plurality of physical track structures into the first track only in response to a release action.

23. The welded type system according to claim 22, wherein, The release action includes a nod or tilt of the user's head.

24. The welding-type system according to claim 16, wherein, The plurality of physical track structures include a plurality of chevron chamfers.

25. The welded type system according to claim 1, wherein The track member includes a disc-shaped object.

26. The welded type system according to claim 1, wherein The one or more tracks are incised or cut out within the track member.

27. The welded type system according to claim 1, wherein, The welded-type headgear includes a welding helmet.

Images