A safety light curtain that can be automatically identified

Abstract

This invention provides an automatically identifiable safety light curtain, comprising a transmitter and a receiver. Both the transmitter and receiver include an elongated, open-end housing and end caps sealed to both ends of the housing. An optical window is connected to one end of each housing, and a processor is connected to the other end. A circuit board is arranged parallel to the optical window and the processor, with the normal direction of the circuit board surface parallel to the length direction of the housing. An infrared emitting mechanism is connected to the circuit board surface of the transmitter facing the optical window. An infrared receiving mechanism is connected to the circuit board surface of the receiver facing the optical window. Heat dissipation fins extend along the length direction of the housing from the bottom of the circuit board and the top of the processor, and each heat dissipation fin has multiple hollow holes. This invention eliminates the difficult-to-detect micro-light leakage channels caused by sealing failure, achieving near-theoretical zero-missibility safety performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of safety light curtains, specifically to a safety light curtain that can be automatically identified. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of industrial automation, safety light curtains, as an important non-contact safety protection device, are widely used for entry protection in hazardous areas such as machinery and automated production lines. Their basic working principle is that the transmitter emits a specifically coded infrared beam, which is synchronously received and decoded by the receiver. Once the beam is blocked, the control system triggers an emergency stop to protect personnel safety.

[0003] However, the static sealing structure commonly used inside existing safety light curtains to meet protection levels has a critical technical flaw: during long-term operation, time-varying micro-gaps develop at the contact interface between the static seal and adjacent components (optical windows, circuit boards). These dynamically changing micro-gaps become potential channels for external ambient light intrusion and internal optical signal crosstalk, causing light leakage interference, leading to system misjudgments, and seriously threatening the reliability of safety protection.

[0004] Therefore, an automatically identifiable safety light grating is proposed to solve the problem of dynamic light leakage interference generated at sealed interfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention mainly provides an automatically identifiable safety light curtain to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0007] An automatically identifiable safety light curtain includes a transmitter and a receiver, each of which includes a long, narrow housing with openings at both ends and end caps that are respectively sealed and connected to both ends of the housing.

[0008] An optical window is connected to one end of the interior of each housing, and a processor is connected to the other end of the interior of each housing. A circuit board is arranged parallel to the optical window and the processor, and the normal direction of the circuit board surface is parallel to the length direction of the housing. An infrared emitting mechanism is connected to the surface of the circuit board in the transmitter facing the optical window. An infrared receiving mechanism is connected to the surface of the circuit board in the receiver facing the optical window. Heat dissipation fins are provided at the bottom of the circuit board and the top of the processor along the length direction of the housing, and the heat dissipation fins have multiple hollow holes.

[0009] Along the length of the outer shell, support blocks are connected to two opposite side walls inside. The top of the support block extends upward and is connected to a first sealing strip, and its bottom extends downward and is connected to a second sealing strip. The top of the first sealing strip abuts against the bottom side of the adjacent optical window, and the bottom of the second sealing strip abuts against the side of the adjacent circuit board. The interior of both the first and second sealing strips is hollow.

[0010] An air chamber is connected inside the end cap. The inner cavity of the air chamber is connected to the hollow hole of the heat dissipation fin and the inner cavity of the second sealing strip. A diaphragm is connected inside the air chamber. A conductive ceramic and a one-way valve are connected to the membrane of the diaphragm.

[0011] Furthermore, the top of the air chamber near the outer shell is connected to multiple first interfaces, which can be inserted into the inner cavity of the first sealing strip. The bottom of the air chamber near the outer shell is provided with multiple second interfaces, which can be inserted into the hollow holes of the heat dissipation fins.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner cavity of the air chamber is sequentially divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a diaphragm; the diaphragm includes an edge membrane connected to the inner wall of the air chamber, the inner surface of the edge membrane is integrally formed with an inclined membrane extending inclinedly into the air chamber, the inner edge of the inclined membrane is connected to a central membrane, one side surface of the central membrane is fixedly connected to a conductive ceramic, and a through hole is opened on the membrane body of the edge membrane, and the one-way valve is installed in the through hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the bottom end of the air chamber is connected to a flow channel, which is connected to the inner cavity of the air chamber, and the flow channel is connected to the second interface through a pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, the infrared emitting mechanism includes a central LED array arranged in a rectangular array in the central area of ​​the circuit board, and a ring LED array arranged in a circular array around the central LED array. Both the central LED array and the ring LED array are electrically connected to adjacent circuit boards.

[0015] Furthermore, the infrared receiving mechanism includes a central diode array arranged in a rectangular array in the central area of ​​the circuit board, and a ring diode array arranged in a circular array around the central diode array. Both the central diode array and the ring diode array are electrically connected to adjacent circuit boards.

[0016] Furthermore, a clamping block is provided between the top of the support block and the first sealing strip. The top of the clamping block abuts against the bottom side of the adjacent optical window. A first inclined surface is provided on the side wall of the clamping block near the support block, and a second inclined surface is provided on the side wall of the support block near the clamping block to cooperate with the first inclined surface.

[0017] The clamping block has a plurality of ratchet grooves extending along the first inclined surface, and ratchet teeth are provided in the grooves of the ratchet grooves. The ratchet teeth are formed on the second inclined surface of the support block.

[0018] Furthermore, the first sealing strip is disposed on both sides of the optical window, and the second sealing strip is disposed on both sides of the circuit board; the support block is provided with a slot for inserting the circuit board, and the slot is provided with a first sealing groove for embedding the second sealing strip; a slot is provided on the side of two adjacent support blocks that are close to each other, and a movable plug is inserted into one side of the support block through the slot, and the top of the movable plug is provided with a second sealing groove, which is used for embedding the first sealing strip on the side close to the support block.

[0019] Furthermore, the outer shell is provided with a limiting groove for accommodating the optical window. The limiting groove is provided with a long window hole that penetrates the outer shell wall on the side away from the support block. A third sealing groove is provided on the two inner long sides of the long window hole. The third sealing groove is used for the edge of the optical window on the corresponding side to be embedded and sealed.

[0020] Furthermore, the optical window includes a U-shaped clamping plate disposed in the limiting groove, and a viewing window and a lens clamped in the plate of the U-shaped clamping plate, wherein the viewing window and the lens are arranged sequentially from top to bottom.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0022] Firstly, this invention utilizes a dual spatial layout of a central LED, a diode array + a ring LED, and a diode array, along with the processor's independent analysis and comparison of signal strength from different areas. This allows the system to automatically identify the actual installation distance between the transmitter and receiver. When the distance changes, the system dynamically adjusts the receiving sensitivity threshold or the transmitting power, ensuring effective differentiation between effectively blocked signals and ambient light leakage at near, medium, and far distances. This maintains a high signal-to-noise ratio over a wide application range, avoiding the sensitivity drift and false alarm problems caused by distance variations in traditional gratings.

[0023] Secondly, the present invention integrates a dynamic pneumatic sealing system within the end cap, comprising an air chamber, a diaphragm, and conductive ceramics, which drives the hollow first and second sealing strips to generate continuous and adaptive sealing pressure. This mechanism can compensate for and seal any microscopic gaps caused by vibration and thermal expansion and contraction at the interface between the optical window and the circuit board in real time, fundamentally eliminating the difficult-to-detect microscopic light leakage channels caused by sealing failure. Combined with a highly sensitive photoelectric receiving and processing circuit, it ensures that any obstruction to the effective light path, no matter how weak, can be reliably captured by the system in real time and trigger a safety response, reducing the possibility of missed detection.

[0024] Thirdly, this invention integrates the hollow channels of the heat dissipation fins into the same air circulation path, achieving efficient active air cooling for the core heat-generating components and improving the stability and lifespan of the equipment under high-temperature conditions. Precision mechanical structures such as support blocks, ratchet anti-loosening mechanisms, and multi-layer sealing grooves collectively ensure high-precision, vibration-resistant, and permanent fixation of all internal components, laying a solid physical foundation for the equipment's high reliability.

[0025] The present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the transmitter of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the receiver structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the air chamber of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the diaphragm of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the infrared emitting mechanism of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the infrared receiving mechanism of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the outer casing of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of the structure of area A;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the ratchet groove and ratchet teeth of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the optical window structure of the present invention.

[0037] In the diagram: 1. Transmitter; 11. Outer shell; 111. Limiting groove; 112. Long window; 12. End cap; 121. Gas chamber; 1211. First chamber; 1212. Second chamber; 122. Diaphragm; 1221. Edge membrane; 1222. Inclined membrane; 1223. Central membrane; 123. Conductive ceramic; 124. One-way valve; 125. First interface; 126. Second interface; 127. Flow channel; 128. Pipe; 13. Support block; 131. Slot; 132. First sealing groove; 133. Clip 1. Groove; 134. Movable insert block; 135. Second sealing groove; 14. First sealing strip; 15. Second sealing strip; 16. Clamping block; 161. Ratchet; 162. Ratchet tooth; 2. Receiver; 3. Optical window; 31. U-shaped clamp; 32. Viewing window; 33. Lens; 4. Processor; 5. Circuit board; 6. Infrared emitting mechanism; 61. Central LED array; 62. Ring LED array; 7. Infrared receiving mechanism; 71. Central diode array; 72. Ring diode array; 8. Heat sink fins. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description of the present invention will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in the text. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and complete.

[0039] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0041] The technical concept of this invention includes: In practical applications, existing safety light curtains typically use static silicone or rubber strips to seal the optical windows, circuit boards, and outer casing within the light curtain to achieve the required protection level. This conventional static sealing method has inherent drawbacks: Firstly, mechanical vibration is unavoidable during equipment operation, and long-term, small-amplitude vibrations can cause microscopic, imperceptible gaps at the contact interface between the sealing strip and adjacent components. Secondly, the continuous heat generated by electronic components such as LEDs and processors inside the light curtain during operation causes internal air expansion and thermal expansion and contraction of structural components, which also weakens the effective clamping force of the static sealing strip.

[0042] Therefore, an automatically identifiable safety light curtain is needed to address the problem of dynamic light leakage interference caused by vibration and thermal cycling at the sealed interface.

[0043] This application provides an automatically identifiable safety light curtain, as illustrated in the schematic diagram below. Figure 1-11 As shown. The automatically identifiable safety light curtain includes a transmitter 1 and a receiver 2. Both the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 include a long, narrow housing 11 with openings at both ends and end caps 12 that are respectively sealed and connected to both ends of the housing 11.

[0044] An optical window 3 is connected to one end of the interior of the outer casing 11, and a processor 4 is connected to the other end of the interior of the outer casing 11. A circuit board 5 is arranged parallel to the optical window 3 and the processor 4, and the normal direction of the surface of the circuit board 5 is parallel to the length direction of the outer casing 11. An infrared emitting mechanism 6 is connected to the surface of the circuit board 5 in the transmitter 1 facing the optical window 3. An infrared receiving mechanism 7 is connected to the surface of the circuit board 5 in the receiver 2 facing the optical window 3. Heat dissipation fins 8 are provided at the bottom of the circuit board 5 and the top of the processor 4 along the length direction of the outer casing 11. The heat dissipation fins 8 have multiple hollow holes.

[0045] Along the length of the outer casing 11, support blocks 13 are connected to two opposite side walls inside. The top of the support block 13 extends upward and is connected to a first sealing strip 14, and its bottom extends downward and is connected to a second sealing strip 15. The top of the first sealing strip 14 abuts against the bottom side of the adjacent optical window 3, and the bottom of the second sealing strip 15 abuts against the side of the adjacent circuit board 5. The interiors of the first sealing strip 14 and the second sealing strip 15 are both hollow structures.

[0046] An air chamber 121 is connected inside the end cap 12. The inner cavity of the air chamber 121 is connected to the hollow hole of the heat dissipation fin 8 and the inner cavity of the second sealing strip 15. A diaphragm 122 is connected inside the air chamber 121. A conductive ceramic 123 and a one-way valve 124 are connected to the membrane of the diaphragm 122.

[0047] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the infrared emitting mechanism 6, under the control of the circuit board 5, emits a modulated infrared light signal, which passes through the optical window 3 and is directed to the receiver 2 on the opposite side. The infrared receiving mechanism 7 inside the receiver 2 receives this light signal through its optical window 3, and after photoelectric conversion and preliminary amplification by the circuit board 5, it is sent to the processor 4 for analysis to determine whether the light path is blocked. The core innovation lies in the integration of a dynamic air pressure drive and thermal management system. When the processor 4 drives the conductive ceramic 123 to generate high-frequency reciprocating deformation, it will drive the diaphragm 122 to vibrate in the air chamber 121, periodically changing the volume of the air chamber 121, thereby generating a pressure difference. This pressure difference drives the internal air circulation through the interconnected air chamber 121, the hollow hole of the heat sink fin 8, and the inner cavity of the second sealing strip 15. This circulating airflow has a dual function: first, it flows through the hollow channel of the heat dissipation fins 8, carrying away the heat generated by the circuit board 5 and processor 4 during operation, achieving active air cooling; second, it is pumped into the cavities of the hollow first sealing strip 14 and second sealing strip 15, causing them to slightly expand under air pressure, thereby continuously and dynamically pressing tightly against the edges of the optical window 3 and circuit board 5, compensating in real time for micro-gaps that may be caused by equipment vibration, temperature changes, or material aging, fundamentally eliminating light leakage or internal signal crosstalk caused by these factors. This integrates photoelectric detection, signal processing, active heat dissipation, and dynamic adaptive sealing functions into one unit. The dynamic air pressure sealing mechanism effectively solves the problem of traditional static rubber strip seals easily creating micro-leakage channels due to stress relaxation, thermal expansion and contraction, or long-term vibration, significantly improving the equipment's long-term anti-interference light leakage / crosstalk capability and reliability in harsh industrial environments. Active airflow cooling enhances the equipment's continuous working stability under high load or high temperature environments.

[0048] Processor 4 controls a driver chip via its GPIO port. This chip generates a PWM signal with a specific frequency and waveform to drive the conductive ceramic 123. Simultaneously, the analog-to-digital converter channel inside processor 4 continuously samples the voltage signals output by each unit of the infrared receiver 7. The internal firmware of processor 4 can dynamically adjust the duty cycle of the PWM signal driving the conductive ceramic 123 based on a preset temperature threshold or operating mode, obtained through a built-in temperature sensor. This allows for flexible adjustment of the airflow intensity and frequency, achieving optimized control of heat dissipation and sealing performance.

[0049] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 4 The top of the air chamber 121 near the outer shell 11 is connected to a plurality of first interfaces 125, which can be inserted into the inner cavity of the first sealing strip 14. The bottom of the air chamber 121 near the outer shell 11 is provided with a plurality of second interfaces 126, which can be inserted into the hollow holes of the heat dissipation fins 8.

[0050] In this embodiment, the connection method between the air chamber 121 and the external air path actuator is defined. Multiple first interfaces 125 at the top of the air chamber 121 serve as high-pressure airflow output ports, specifically designed to connect to and directly supply air to the hollow cavity of the first sealing strip 14, driving it to perform dynamic sealing of the optical window 3. Multiple second interfaces 126 at the bottom of the air chamber 121 serve as mixed-function ports, distributing airflow to the hollow channels of the heat dissipation fins 8 for heat dissipation, and also guiding airflow to the inner cavity of the second sealing strip 15 for auxiliary sealing. The interfaces adopt a plug-in design, facilitating quick connection and sealing during assembly and maintenance.

[0051] The driving source for the gas circulation is the gas chamber 121. Conductive ceramic 123 drives the diaphragm 122 to vibrate, creating an alternating pressure field inside the gas chamber 121. During the intake phase, gas is drawn into the gas chamber 121 through the hollow channels of the heat sink fins 8 and the hollow cavity of the first sealing strip 14, via the second interface 126 and the first interface 125. During the exhaust / pressurization phase, the gas in the gas chamber 121 is forced out and divided into two paths: one path of high-pressure gas is directly injected into the cavity of the first sealing strip 14 through the first interface 125, causing it to expand and press against the optical window 3; the other path of gas is discharged through the second interface 126, with a portion of it being evenly distributed to each heat sink fin 8 for heat exchange via a distribution network formed by pipes 128 and flow channels 127, and the other portion entering the cavity of the second sealing strip 15 to assist in pressing against the circuit board 5. A one-way valve 124 integrated on the diaphragm 122 ensures that the airflow flows unidirectionally in the aforementioned direction throughout the loop, preventing backflow that could lead to sealing pressure failure. The entire system forms an internally closed active recirculation gas path.

[0052] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 4 The inner cavity of the air chamber 121 is divided into a first chamber 1211 and a second chamber 1212 in sequence by a diaphragm 122. The diaphragm 122 includes an edge membrane 1221 connected to the inner wall of the air chamber 121. An inclined membrane 1222 extending into the air chamber 121 is integrally formed on the inner surface of the edge membrane 1221. A central membrane 1223 is connected to the inner edge of the inclined membrane 1222. One side surface of the central membrane 1223 is fixedly connected to the conductive ceramic 123. A through hole is opened on the membrane body of the edge membrane 1221, and a one-way valve 124 is installed in the through hole.

[0053] This embodiment describes the unique structure of the air pump core—the diaphragm 122—and its coordination with the drive and control elements. The diaphragm 122 divides the air chamber 121 into a first chamber 1211 and a second chamber 1212. Its core feature lies in the integrated structure composed of an edge membrane 1221, an inclined membrane 1222, and a central membrane 1223. The conductive ceramic 123 is adhered to the central membrane 1223, and its expansion and contraction motion is directly converted into translational motion of the central membrane 1223. The inclined membrane 1222 acts as a lever amplification mechanism, converting the small translational displacement of the central membrane 1223 into a larger change in the volume of the air chamber 121, thereby significantly improving pumping efficiency. The one-way valve 124 integrated on the edge membrane 1221 is a passive element. Its internal valve core, such as an umbrella-shaped silicone head, opens unidirectionally under pressure difference, forcing airflow only from the air chamber 121 to the external actuator. It closes under reverse pressure to prevent gas backflow and ensure that the sealing strip maintains a stable expansion pressure.

[0054] The lever amplification effect of the tilted diaphragm 1222 allows sufficient airflow and pressure to be generated with a smaller driving force from the conductive ceramic 123, reducing power consumption and the requirements for the driving components. The integration of the one-way valve 124 mechanically ensures the sustainability of the dynamic seal; even if the air pump drive is interrupted, the pressure within the sealing strip will not be rapidly lost due to air backflow, maintaining the sealing effect. The tilt angle of the tilted diaphragm 1222 is between 30 and 60 degrees, achieving a balance between deformation amplification and structural fatigue life. The central diaphragm 1223 is thinner, for example, 0.2-0.3 mm, to enhance its responsiveness to deformation of the conductive ceramic 123. The edge diaphragm 1221 is thicker, providing primary support and sealing. The opening pressure of the one-way valve 124 needs careful design, ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 kPa.

[0055] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 4 The bottom end of the air chamber 121 is connected to a flow channel 127, which is connected to the inner cavity of the air chamber 121. The flow channel 127 is connected to the second interface 126 through a pipe 128.

[0056] In this embodiment, an air distribution network is added. The flow channel 127 at the bottom of the air chamber 121 is connected to one or more second ports 126 via a pipe 128. Its function is to collect the airflow for heat dissipation discharged from one of the second ports 126 of the air chamber 121 into the flow channel 127, a distribution pipe, through the pipe 128. The flow channel 127 then redistributes the airflow evenly to other second ports 126 requiring heat dissipation and their connected heat dissipation fins 8. The flow channel 127 is typically a groove machined inside the end cap 12 or on a separate component. The pipe 128 is a flexible silicone tube with good airtightness and bending resistance. The cross-sectional shape of the flow channel 127 can be circular, rectangular, or D-shaped, and its total cross-sectional area must be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the intake pipe 128 to reduce flow resistance and achieve uniform flow.

[0057] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 6 The infrared emitting mechanism 6 includes a central LED array 61 arranged in a rectangular array in the central area of ​​the circuit board 5, and a ring LED array 62 arranged in a circular array around the central LED array 61. Both the central LED array 61 and the ring LED array 62 are electrically connected to the adjacent circuit board 5.

[0058] In this embodiment, the light source layout of the transmitter 1 is defined. The infrared emitting mechanism 6 adopts a composite array design with a center and an outer perimeter. The central LED array 61 is arranged in a dense rectangular array in the central area of ​​the circuit board 5, responsible for forming the main beam of the core detection area. The ring LED array 62 is arranged in a ring array around the central LED array 61. The processor 4 can control the on / off state of these two sets of LED arrays independently or in a specific timing sequence through the driving circuit on the circuit board 5. For example, the central array and the ring array can be made to blink alternately, or the light intensity of the ring array can be adjusted according to the detection distance to expand the effective detection field of view or compensate for the light intensity attenuation caused by misalignment. This improves the spatial adaptability and redundancy of the optical detection system. The central array ensures high-precision detection of small objects directly in front, while the ring array expands the detection capability for edge areas or objects approaching at an angle, reducing the detection blind zone. This design enhances the ability to capture obstructions of different sizes and different entry directions, improves the robustness of the system, and even if some LEDs are damaged or contaminated, the system can still maintain basic functions through other LEDs.

[0059] The LEDs in the central LED array 61 are typically arranged closely together, with a spacing equal to the optical axis spacing of the grating, such as 14 mm. The ring LED array 62 can have one or more rings. The circuit board 5 has independent constant current drive circuits for these two arrays, controlled by the processor 4 via MOSFETs or a dedicated driver chip. The LED emission is typically modulated at a specific frequency of tens of kHz to suppress ambient light interference.

[0060] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 7 The infrared receiving mechanism 7 includes a central diode array 71 arranged in a rectangular array in the central area of ​​the circuit board 5, and a ring diode array 72 arranged in a ring array around the central diode array 71. Both the central diode array 71 and the ring diode array 72 are electrically connected to the adjacent circuit board 5.

[0061] In this embodiment, the photodetector layout of receiver 2 is defined, corresponding to the transmitting mechanism of claim 5. The infrared receiving mechanism 7 also adopts a composite array design with a center and periphery. The central diode array 71 receives the light beam from the central LED array 61 of the transmitter in a rectangular array. The ring diode array 72 receives the light beam from the ring LED array 62 of the transmitter in a ring array. The light signal received by each photodiode is converted into a weak current signal, which is then converted into a voltage signal by the corresponding preamplifier on circuit board 5, typically a transimpedance amplifier, and then sent to processor 4 for demodulation and judgment.

[0062] This enables spatial signal reception that matches the transmitting end. This layout allows processor 4 to independently analyze and process optical signals from different spatial regions. It can separately determine the beam obstruction status in the central and edge regions, thus more accurately determining the object's position and size. It enhances the system's tolerance to slight optical axis misalignment and provides signal-level redundancy, working in conjunction with the transmitting end to improve the reliability and accuracy of detection.

[0063] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 2 and 3 A clamping block 16 is provided between the top of the support block 13 and the first sealing strip 14. The top of the clamping block 16 abuts against the bottom side of the adjacent optical window 3. A first inclined surface is provided on the side wall of the clamping block 16 near the support block 13, and a second inclined surface is provided on the side wall of the support block 13 near the clamping block 16 to cooperate with the first inclined surface.

[0064] The clamping block 16 has a plurality of ratchet grooves 161 extending along the first inclined surface, and ratchet teeth 162 are provided in the groove of the ratchet groove 161. The ratchet teeth 162 are formed on the second inclined surface of the support block 13.

[0065] In this embodiment, a mechanical anti-loosening structure for securing an optical window 3 is described. A separate clamping block 16 is disposed between the top of the support block 13 and the first sealing strip 14. The top of the clamping block 16 directly abuts against the bottom side of the optical window 3, and its side near the support block 13 is a first inclined surface with a ratchet 161. The corresponding side of the support block 13 is a second inclined surface with ratchet teeth 162. When pressure is applied to the clamping block 16 towards the support block 13 during assembly, for example by tapping or using a special tool, the clamping block 16 moves downward and inward along the inclined surface. At this time, the ratchet teeth 162 on the support block 13 slide into the ratchet groove 161 on the clamping block 16. Since the tooth shape design of the ratchet teeth 162 and the ratchet groove 161 is typically unidirectional sawtooth-shaped, once slid in, under the counterforce of the optical window 3, the ratchet teeth 162 are locked onto the vertical surface of the ratchet groove 161, preventing the clamping block 16 from retracting, thereby achieving mechanical self-locking.

[0066] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 2 The first sealing strip 14 is disposed on both sides of the optical window 3, and the second sealing strip 15 is disposed on both sides of the circuit board 5. The support block 13 is provided with a slot 131 for the circuit board 5 to be inserted, and the slot 131 is provided with a first sealing groove 132 for the second sealing strip 15 to be embedded in. The side of two adjacent support blocks 13 that are close to each other is provided with a slot 133, and a movable plug 134 is inserted into one side of the support block 13 through the slot 133. The top of the movable plug 134 is provided with a second sealing groove 135, and the second sealing groove 135 is used for the first sealing strip 14 that is close to the side of the support block 13 to be embedded in.

[0067] In this embodiment, the integrated installation and fixation of the circuit board 5 and the sealing strips 14 and 15 are illustrated by the support block 13. The slot 131 on the support block 13 is used to insert the edge of the circuit board 5 for lateral positioning. A first sealing groove 132 is provided within the slot 131 for embedding and fixing the second sealing strip 15. The first sealing strip 14, located on both sides of the optical window 3, is installed using a movable insert 134. This movable insert 134 is inserted into a slot 133 between two adjacent support blocks 13, and the second sealing groove 135 on the top of the movable insert 134 is precisely used to embed the corresponding end of the first sealing strip 14. Thus, the support block 13, along with its slot 131, first sealing groove 132, slot 133, and the second sealing groove 135 on the movable insert 134, together form a precise and modular assembly frame, accurately aligning, limiting, and pre-fixing the three core components: the circuit board 5, the first sealing strip 14, and the second sealing strip 15.

[0068] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 3The outer shell 11 has a limiting groove 111 for accommodating the optical window 3. The limiting groove 111 has a long window hole 112 that penetrates the wall of the outer shell 11 on the side away from the support block 13. The long inner sides of the long window hole 112 have a third sealing groove 113 for the edge of the optical window 3 to be embedded and sealed.

[0069] In this embodiment, a specific structure on the housing 11 for mounting the optical window 3 is described. A limiting groove 111 machined on the housing 11 provides the main mounting base and depth-direction limiting for the optical window 3 assembly. The elongated window opening 112 is an opening penetrating the wall of the housing 11, serving as a channel for light to enter and exit the device. Third sealing grooves 113 are machined on the two inner long sides of the elongated window opening 112. When the optical window 3 assembly is placed into the limiting groove 111, its two side edges are precisely embedded in these two third sealing grooves 113. A circular silicone sealing strip can be pre-placed in the third sealing groove 113; when the optical window 3 assembly is pressed in, the sealing strip is compressed, forming the first static seal between the optical window 3 and the metal housing 11.

[0070] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 10 The optical window 3 includes a U-shaped clamp 31 disposed in the limiting groove 111, and a viewing window 32 and a lens 33 clamped in the plate body of the U-shaped clamp 31, with the viewing window 32 and the lens 33 arranged sequentially from top to bottom.

[0071] In this embodiment, the specific structure of the optical window 3 is defined. The optical window 3 is not a single piece of glass, but an assembly consisting of a U-shaped clamp 31, a viewing window 32, and a lens 33. The viewing window 32 is the outermost flat plate, typically made of tempered glass or a high-hardness polymer, primarily serving a physical protection function to prevent scratches and contamination. The lens 33, located inside the viewing window 32, is an optical element with a certain curvature used to converge or collimate light rays. The U-shaped clamp 31 is a flexible metal or high-strength plastic clamp whose internal U-shaped groove precisely accommodates and clamps the stacked viewing window 32 and lens 33. Through the elastic clamping force of the U-shaped clamp 31 itself, or with the assistance of a small amount of adhesive, the viewing window 32 and lens 33 are firmly combined into a single optical module.

[0072] The opening width of the U-shaped clamp 31 is slightly smaller than the total thickness of the window 32 and the lens 33, relying on its elastic deformation to generate a continuous clamping force. The inner side of the clamp can be designed with anti-slip textures or raised dots to increase friction. A very thin layer of optically transparent adhesive can be applied between the window 32 and the lens 33, and between the lens 33 and the bottom of the U-shaped clamp 31, for gap elimination and vibration damping, but the main fixing force still comes from mechanical clamping. The lens 33 can be a cylindrical lens array used to convert a point light source into a line light source, or a spherical lens array.

[0073] The specific operation method of this invention is as follows:

[0074] After the device is powered on, the processor 4 first executes the startup program. The infrared emitting mechanism 6 and the infrared receiving mechanism 7 enter standby mode. Simultaneously, the processor 4 initializes the drive signal to the conductive ceramic 123 based on internal preset parameters or the ambient temperature read by the sensor. The processor 4 controls the central LED array 61 and the ring LED array 62 of the transmitter 1 via the circuit board 5. By performing real-time analysis and comparison of the light intensity distribution models of signals from different spatial regions, the processor 4 can automatically identify the actual installation distance between the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2. Based on this, the processor 4 dynamically adjusts the sensitivity threshold of each receiving channel, thereby effectively distinguishing between valid signals generated by object obstruction and light leakage from distant reflections or ambient light, ensuring stability and anti-interference capabilities at different application distances, thus achieving automatic identification.

[0075] After light focusing is completed or according to a preset program, processor 4 activates the drive circuit to apply a high-frequency vibration signal to conductive ceramic 123. Conductive ceramic 123 then periodically expands and contracts, causing the fixed diaphragm 122 to reciprocate within the air chamber 121. The movement of the diaphragm 122 acts like a miniature air pump, generating alternating air pressure in the first chamber 1211 and the second chamber 1212 of air chamber 121. During the exhaust phase of the air pump, high-pressure gas is forced from air chamber 121 through the first interface 125 into the hollow cavity of the first sealing strip 14, while some gas also enters the cavity of the second sealing strip 15. The gas pressure causes the two silicone sealing strips to slightly expand, thus pressing them more tightly against the sides of the optical window 3 and the edge of the circuit board 5. One-way valve 124 prevents gas backflow, allowing the sealing strips to maintain a stable expansion pressure. This process continues, forming a dynamic, adaptively compensating sealing interface that compensates for mechanical vibration and thermal expansion and contraction, sealing potential light leakage gaps in real time.

[0076] On the other side of the air pump, gas is discharged from the second port 126 of the air chamber 121 and is evenly guided into the hollow channels of multiple heat dissipation fins 8 through the distribution network formed by pipes 128 and flow channels 127. The high-speed airflow flows over the heat dissipation fins 8 above the heated circuit board 5 and processor 4, forcibly convection carrying away the heat generated during operation, and dissipating it to the outside through the casing 11, achieving efficient active heat dissipation.

[0077] While the dynamic sealing and heat dissipation system continues to operate, the safety detection function runs concurrently. Transmitter 1 continuously emits modulated infrared light, which is continuously received by receiver 2. Processor 4 analyzes the signal status of all optical paths, including the central array and the ring array, in real time. If any beam or multiple beams of light are blocked by an object such as a finger or arm, the signal strength of the corresponding receiving channel will fall below the safety threshold. When processor 4 detects that the beam is blocked, it immediately cuts off its safety output signal. This unsafe signal is transmitted to the safety controller of the protected machine, which then triggers an emergency stop procedure, cutting off the machine's power and thus protecting personnel safety.

[0078] The present invention has been described by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvement made by adopting the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention to other occasions without modification, shall be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatically identifiable safety grating comprising a transmitter (1) and a receiver (2), characterized in that, The transmitter (1) and receiver (2) each comprise a long strip-shaped and open-ended shell (11) and an end cover (12) sealingly connected to the two ends of the shell (11) respectively; One end of the inside of the shell (11) is connected with an optical window (3), and the other end of the inside of the shell (11) is connected with a processor (4); a circuit board (5) is arranged in parallel between the optical window (3) and the processor (4), the normal direction of the board surface of the circuit board (5) is parallel to the length direction of the shell (11); the board surface of the circuit board (5) in the transmitter (1) is connected with an infrared emission mechanism (6) towards the optical window (3); the board surface of the circuit board (5) in the receiver (2) is connected with an infrared receiving mechanism (7) towards the optical window (3), and the bottom end of the circuit board (5) and the top end of the processor (4) are both provided with a heat dissipation fin (8) extending along the length direction of the shell (11), and a plurality of hollow holes are arranged on the fin of the heat dissipation fin (8); Supporting blocks (13) are connected to the two opposite side walls in the inside of the shell (11) along the length direction of the shell (11), the top of the supporting block (13) extends upwards and is connected with a first sealing strip (14), the bottom of the supporting block (13) extends downwards and is connected with a second sealing strip (15), the top of the first sealing strip (14) abuts against the bottom of the side of the adjacent optical window (3), and the bottom of the second sealing strip (15) abuts against the side of the adjacent circuit board (5); the inside of the first sealing strip (14) and the second sealing strip (15) are both hollow structures; A gas chamber (121) is connected in the inside of the end cover (12), the inner cavity of the gas chamber (121) is communicated with the hollow holes of the heat dissipation fin (8) and the inner cavity of the second sealing strip (15), a diaphragm (122) is connected in the inside of the gas chamber (121), and a conductive ceramic (123) and a one-way valve (124) are connected on the membrane body of the diaphragm (122).

2. The automatically identifiable safety grating of claim 1, wherein, A plurality of first interfaces (125) are communicated on one side top end of the gas chamber (121) close to the shell (11), the first interface (125) can be inserted into the inner cavity of the first sealing strip (14), and a plurality of second interfaces (126) are arranged on one side bottom end of the gas chamber (121) close to the shell (11), the second interface (126) can be inserted into the hollow hole of the heat dissipation fin (8).

3. The auto-identifiable safety grating of claim 1, wherein, The inner cavity of the gas chamber (121) is sequentially divided into a first chamber (1211) and a second chamber (1212) through the diaphragm (122); the diaphragm (122) comprises an edge membrane (1221) connected to the inner wall of the gas chamber (121), an inclined membrane (1222) integrally formed on the inner surface of the edge membrane (1221) and extending obliquely to the inside of the gas chamber (121), a center membrane (1223) connected to the inner side edge of the inclined membrane (1222), and a one-way valve (124) installed in the through hole formed on the membrane body of the edge membrane (1221).

4. The auto-identifiable safety grating of claim 2, wherein, The bottom end of the air chamber (121) is connected to a flow channel (127), which is connected to the inner cavity of the air chamber (121). The flow channel (127) is connected to the second interface (126) through a pipe (128).

5. The self-identifiable safety grating of claim 4, wherein, The infrared emitting mechanism (6) includes a central LED array (61) arranged in a rectangular array in the central area of ​​the circuit board (5) and a ring LED array (62) arranged in a circular array around the central LED array (61). Both the central LED array (61) and the ring LED array (62) are electrically connected to the adjacent circuit board (5).

6. The auto-identifiable safety grating of claim 1, wherein, The infrared receiving mechanism (7) includes a central diode array (71) arranged in a rectangular array in the central area of ​​the circuit board (5) and a ring diode array (72) arranged in a ring array around the central diode array (71). Both the central diode array (71) and the ring diode array (72) are electrically connected to the adjacent circuit board (5).

7. The auto-identifiable safety grating of claim 1, wherein, A clamping block (16) is provided between the top of the support block (13) and the first sealing strip (14). The top of the clamping block (16) abuts against the bottom side of the adjacent optical window (3). The clamping block (16) has a first inclined surface on one side wall near the support block (13), and the support block (13) has a second inclined surface on one side wall near the clamping block (16) that cooperates with the first inclined surface. The clamping block (16) has a plurality of ratchet grooves (161) extending along the first inclined surface, and ratchet teeth (162) are provided in the groove of the ratchet groove (161). The ratchet teeth (162) are formed on the second inclined surface of the support block (13).

8. The auto-identifiable safety grating of claim 1, wherein, The first sealing strip (14) is disposed on both sides of the optical window (3), and the second sealing strip (15) is disposed on both sides of the board body of the circuit board (5); the block body of the support block (13) is provided with a slot (131) for the circuit board (5) to be inserted, and the slot (131) is provided with a first sealing groove (132) for the second sealing strip (15) to be embedded in the groove; a slot (133) is provided on the side of two adjacent support blocks (13) that are close to each other, and a movable plug (134) is inserted into one side of the support block (13) through the slot (133), and a second sealing groove (135) is provided at the top of the movable plug (134), and the second sealing groove (135) is used for the first sealing strip (14) to be embedded on the side close to the support block (13).

9. The auto-identifiable safety grating of claim 1, wherein, The outer shell (11) has a limiting groove (111) for accommodating the optical window (3). The limiting groove (111) has a long window hole (112) that penetrates the wall of the outer shell (11) on the side away from the support block (13). The long window hole (112) has a third sealing groove (113) on the two inner long sides. The third sealing groove (113) is used for the edge of the optical window (3) to be embedded and sealed.

10. The auto-identifiable safety grating of claim 9, wherein, The optical window (3) includes a U-shaped clamp (31) disposed in the groove of the limiting groove (111), and a viewing window (32) and a lens (33) clamped in the plate of the U-shaped clamp (31), wherein the viewing window (32) and the lens (33) are arranged sequentially from top to bottom.

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