METHOD FOR THE OPERATION OF AN AGLAZING DEVICE

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating an anti-glare device.

[0002] Methods for operating an anti-glare device with an active optical anti-glare filter and with at least one sensor unit are already known, wherein a change in light is detected by means of the sensor unit in a first detection step and then, depending on an intensity of the light change, a transmittance of the anti-glare filter is controlled in a manner dependent thereon, wherein the anti-glare filter is darkened in the event of a change in light greater than or equal to a set sensitivity.

[0003] To enable the use of actively switchable glare protection devices for grinding, a control element, such as a button, has been used, particularly on the outside of the glare protection device. Manually operating a control unit deactivates the active optical glare protection filter. This ensures that the glare protection filter always remains open.

[0004] Furthermore, a sensor unit is already known from US 2017 / 0143549 A1, which can use a non-optical sensor to detect whether a welding process, a cutting process and / or a grinding process is being carried out.

[0005] Furthermore, a method for operating an anti-glare device with an active optical anti-glare filter and with at least one sensor unit is already known from US 7,161,135 B2, wherein a change in light is detected by means of the sensor unit in a first detection step and, depending on an intensity of the change in light, a transmittance of the anti-glare filter is controlled dependent thereon, wherein the anti-glare filter is darkened when the change in light is greater than or equal to a set sensitivity, wherein after the anti-glare filter has been darkened, in a second detection step a value of a change in light in a defined spectral range detected by the sensor unit is compared with a limit value and, if the value falls below the limit value, the anti-glare filter is opened.

[0006] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic method in which a distinction can be made between welding and grinding operations, with improved properties regarding operational reliability. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims. Advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention is based on a method for operating an anti-glare device with an active optical anti-glare filter and with at least one sensor unit, wherein a change in light is detected by means of the sensor unit in a first detection step and, in particular subsequently, depending on an intensity of the change in light, a transmittance of the anti-glare filter is controlled dependent thereon, wherein the anti-glare filter is darkened when the change in light is greater than or equal to a set sensitivity, wherein after the anti-glare filter has been darkened, in a second detection step a value of a change in light in a defined spectral range detected by the sensor unit is compared with a limit value and if the value falls below the limit value, the anti-glare filter is opened.Preferably, if the threshold value is undershot, the darkening of the anti-glare filter is removed and the anti-glare filter is brightened. Particularly preferably, after the anti-glare filter has darkened, in the second detection step, a value of a change in light intensity detected by the sensor unit, in particular compared to the state before darkening, in a defined spectral range is compared with a threshold value, and if the threshold value is undershot, the anti-glare filter is opened. Preferably, the threshold value defines, in particular, a defined change in light intensity in the defined spectral range.

[0008] In this context, a "glare protection device" is understood to mean, in particular, a device intended to protect a user from excessive brightness and / or sparks. Preferably, this is understood to mean, in particular, a device that serves to protect the eyes and / or facial area of ​​a user during a welding and / or grinding process. Preferably, this is understood to mean, in particular, a glare protection device that serves to protect the eyes of a user at least during a welding process. Various designs of glare protection devices that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art are conceivable, such as a welding helmet, visor, mask, and / or shield. An "active glare protection device" is understood to mean, in particular, a glare protection device with an active optical glare protection filter.

[0009] Furthermore, an "active optical anti-glare filter" is to be understood in particular as an optical filter which, in particular, forms a protective glass and / or a plastic protective glass. Preferably, this is to be understood in particular as an optical filter whose light transmittance is adjustable. Preferably, this is to be understood in particular as an optical welding protection filter with automatic darkening. Particularly preferably, the anti-glare filter has at least one liquid crystal layer whose transmission can be switched. Various embodiments of the optical anti-glare filter are conceivable which would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art; in particular, however, this is to be understood as an ADF, also called an "automatic darkening filter" or "automatic welding protection filter."In this context, a "sensor unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit designed to record at least one characteristic and / or one physical property. The recording can take place actively, such as by generating and transmitting an electrical measurement signal, and / or passively, such as by detecting changes in the properties of a sensor component. Various sensor units that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art are conceivable. The sensor unit preferably comprises, in particular, at least one photocell. The photocell is preferably designed, in particular, for optical detection of an arc.

[0010] Furthermore, in this context, a "set sensitivity" is understood to mean, in particular, a setting regarding dimming sensitivity stored on an electronics unit, in particular a control and / or regulating unit, of the glare protection device. Preferably, a value and / or a factor of the dimming sensitivity can be manually adjusted by a user using an operating unit. Particularly preferably, the sensitivity setting comprises a threshold value for the intensity of a light change at which dimming of the active optical glare protection filter is to occur. In this context, a "defined spectral range" is understood to mean, in particular, a specific, limited spectral range of an incident light. Preferably, this is understood to mean, in particular, a defined range of values ​​for a wavelength of an incident light.The value range preferably covers a maximum of 1000 nm, preferably a maximum of 500 nm of a spectral range. "Intended" is understood to mean, in particular, specially programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function is understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0011] The method according to the invention makes it possible, in particular, to achieve an advantageously high level of operational reliability of the glare protection device. In particular, it is possible to distinguish between welding operation and grinding operation and, at the same time, to achieve a high level of operational reliability. In particular, it is possible to ensure that there is sufficient time to distinguish between welding operation and grinding operation without thereby impairing operational reliability, in particular because the decision as to whether the light is welding or grinding is only made after the light has dimmed. In particular, the decision as to whether the light is welding or grinding is therefore not made when the light is dimmed, but only immediately after the light has dimmed. Furthermore, the glare protection device itself can thus recognize whether it is welding light or grinding light. In particular, manual operation or switching is no longer necessary.This can prevent dangerous forgetting of the switchover.

[0012] It is further proposed that in the second detection step, the light change in the visible light spectrum is detected by means of the sensor unit. Preferably, after the anti-glare filter has been darkened in the second detection step, a value of a light change in the visible light spectrum detected by the sensor unit is compared with a limit value, and if the limit value is undershot, the anti-glare filter is opened. In particular, a light change in a spectral range from 200 nm to 1000 nm, preferably from 300 nm to 800 nm, and particularly preferably from 380 nm to 780 nm is determined. This advantageously makes it possible to distinguish whether the incoming and / or detected light is welding light or grinding light. This allows a particularly reliable differentiation to be achieved.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that in the first detection step the change in light is detected and processed by means of the sensor unit. The change in light is preferably processed by means of an analog circuit. Processing is preferably carried out by means of an electronic circuit which preferably comprises voltage and / or comparison control modules. Signal transmission is also preferably carried out in analog form. This makes it possible to achieve, in particular, advantageously rapid information processing. Furthermore, this makes it possible to achieve an advantageously high response time of the glare protection device and thus a rapid darkening time of the glare protection filter. The detection and analog processing can ensure, in particular, advantageously rapid and reliable darkening of the glare protection filter and thus achieve a high level of operational reliability.

[0014] It is further proposed that in the second detection step, the light change in a defined spectral range is detected by the sensor unit and digitally processed. Preferably, the light change is detected and / or processed by a microprocessor. Furthermore, it is proposed that in the second detection step, a distinction is made between the light intensity detected by the sensor unit in a defined spectral range and the limit value by means of a microprocessor. Preferably, the differentiation between the various light emissions requires the computing power of a processor, in particular the microprocessor. Depending on the microprocessor, the time required for this may be possible within the 4 ms permitted by the EN379 standard, but is not usable for a real anti-glare filter and / or powerful and therefore expensive microprocessors are required to ensure a reasonable computing time.This allows for a reliable distinction to be made between the incoming and / or detected light and whether it is welding or grinding light. Furthermore, sufficient time can be provided to detect a change in light within a defined spectral range. This eliminates the need for an expensive and fast microprocessor and / or prevents inaccurate detection.

[0015] According to the invention, in the second detection step, after the anti-glare filter has been darkened, a distinction is made between a grinding light and a welding light. When a grinding light is detected, the anti-glare filter is opened, and when a welding light is detected, the anti-glare filter is left darkened. In this context, a "grinding light" is understood to mean, in particular, light generated by sparks, in particular grinding sparks, which are produced during grinding. Preferably, the grinding light differs from a welding light with regard to a spectral range of the light. In particular, the grinding light differs from a welding light in terms of a light intensity in a visible light spectrum. Particularly preferably, the welding light has a higher intensity in a visible light spectrum.This ensures a favorable view, especially during grinding operations. In particular, manual switching between grinding and welding operations is eliminated. This eliminates the need for an additional control element for manual switching between grinding and welding operations.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention is based on an anti-glare device which is provided for carrying out the method, having an active optical anti-glare filter, having at least one sensor unit and having at least one control and / or regulating unit coupled to the sensor unit, which is provided to control and / or regulate a transmittance of the optical anti-glare filter depending on a detected operating state and / or light irradiation. It is proposed that the control and / or regulating unit has at least one microprocessor which is provided to distinguish between the light intensity detected by the sensor unit in a defined spectral range and the limit value. Preferably, the microprocessor is provided to distinguish between the light intensity detected by the sensor unit in a defined spectral range and the limit value in order to differentiate between light changes according to their wavelength.In this context, a "control and / or regulating unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit with at least one control electronics unit. "Control electronics" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit with at least one electronic circuit, which preferably consists of voltage and comparison control modules, and / or with a processor unit, in particular a microprocessor, and with a memory unit as well as with an operating program stored in the memory unit. This makes it possible to reliably distinguish whether the incident and / or detected light is welding or grinding light. Furthermore, this allows sufficient time to detect a change in light within a defined spectral range. This makes it possible, in particular, to achieve an advantageously high level of operational reliability of the anti-glare device.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensor unit comprise at least one daylight sensor designed to detect changes in light in the visible light spectrum. The daylight sensor is preferably designed, in particular, to detect the intensity of an incident and / or detected light in the visible light spectrum, i.e., in particular, between 380 nm and 780 nm. The daylight sensor is preferably designed, in particular, to detect the intensity of an incident and / or detected light exclusively in the visible light spectrum, i.e., in particular, between 380 nm and 780 nm. In this context, a "daylight sensor" is understood to mean, in particular, a sensor that reacts, in particular, exclusively, to light in the visible spectrum. The sensor is preferably designed, in particular, to detect light exclusively in a defined spectrum.The daylight sensor allows for a reliable distinction between the incoming and / or detected light and whether it is welding or grinding light. This allows for a particularly reliable distinction.

[0018] It is further proposed that the sensor unit comprise at least one sensor formed by a photocell, which is provided for detecting the intensity of incident light. This makes it possible to provide an advantageously reliable sensor with an advantageously high energy yield. Furthermore, an external power supply, such as a battery and / or an accumulator, can be dispensed with. When using a photocell, a sensor unit can be provided, by means of which light in a non-visible range, such as infrared light, can be detected and preferably utilized. In particular, a reliable detection of the intensity of incident light can be achieved. This, in turn, makes it possible to achieve reliable, fast and safe darkening. Drawings

[0019] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0020] They show: Fig. 1 shows a glare protection device with an active optical glare protection filter, with at least one sensor unit and with at least one control and / or regulating unit coupled to the sensor unit in a schematic representation and Fig. 2 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention for operating the glare protection device. Description of the embodiment

[0021] The Figure 1shows an anti-glare device 10. The anti-glare device 10 is intended to be worn on the head by a user during operation. The user is represented by a wearer. Figure 1 shows the glare protection device 10 in an operating position. The glare protection device 10 is formed by a welding helmet. However, another design of the glare protection device 10 that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable.

[0022] The anti-glare device 10 has an active optical anti-glare filter 12. The anti-glare device 10 also has a sensor unit 14. The sensor unit 14 is provided for detecting a working state and, depending on this, controlling the transmittance of the anti-glare filter 12. The sensor unit 14 has at least one sensor 26, which is provided for detecting a welding process or the occurrence of a bright light that could damage or otherwise affect a user's eyes. The sensor unit 14 has a sensor 26 formed by a photocell, which is provided for detecting the intensity of light radiation. In principle, however, another design of the sensor 26 of the sensor unit 14, which would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, would also be conceivable. The sensor 26 is provided for a general detection of the intensity of light radiation.The sensor 26 is formed by an IR sensor. Furthermore, the sensor unit 14 has a daylight sensor 24, which is designed to detect changes in light in the visible light spectrum. The daylight sensor 24 is designed to detect the intensity of an incident and a detected light in the visible light spectrum, i.e., between 380 nm and 780 nm. The daylight sensor 24 is designed to detect the intensity of an incident and detected light exclusively in the visible light spectrum. The daylight sensor 24 is also formed by a photocell. In principle, however, another design of the daylight sensor 24 that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable.

[0023] Furthermore, the anti-glare device 10 has a protective cassette 28. The active optical anti-glare filter 12 and the sensor unit 14 form part of the protective cassette 28. Furthermore, the anti-glare device 10 has a control and regulation unit 22 coupled to the sensor unit 14. The control and regulation unit 22 is provided to control the transmittance of the optical anti-glare filter 12 depending on a detected operating state and light irradiation. The control and regulation unit 22 is provided to process the data from the sensor unit 14 and to control the anti-glare filter 12 depending thereon. The control and regulation unit 22 comprises a battery and / or solar cell (not further visible) for power supply. The control and regulation unit 22 also has a microprocessor 20.The microprocessor 20 is designed to distinguish between the light intensity detected by the sensor unit 14 in a defined spectral range and the threshold value. The microprocessor 20 is designed to evaluate the data from the daylight sensor 24. The microprocessor 20 is designed to detect and evaluate a change in the intensity of a detected light as a function of a wavelength, depending on the data from the daylight sensor 24. Furthermore, the microprocessor 20 is designed to distinguish between a grinding light and a welding light after the anti-glare filter 12 has been darkened.The control and regulation unit 22 is designed to darken the anti-glare filter 12 when a light change greater than or equal to a set sensitivity is detected via the sensor 26 of the sensor unit 14, and then to distinguish between a grinding light and a welding light using the data from the daylight sensor 24 and the microprocessor 20. When a grinding light is detected, the control and regulation unit 22 is designed to open the anti-glare filter 12 and to leave the anti-glare filter 12 darkened when a welding light is detected.

[0024] The active optical anti-glare filter 12 is formed by an electro-optical filter. The active optical anti-glare filter 12 is formed by an automatic darkening filter, or ADF for short. The optical anti-glare filter 12 consists of several layers. The optical anti-glare filter 12 is designed as a multi-layer composite. The optical anti-glare filter 12 has a liquid crystal layer, which serves as a diaphragm of the anti-glare filter 12. The liquid crystal layer is formed by a translucent liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal layer is controlled by the control and regulation unit 22. The liquid crystal layer of the anti-glare filter 12 is activated by the control and regulation unit 22 when a light change greater than or equal to a set sensitivity is detected via the sensor unit 14.

[0025] The anti-glare filter 12 has a rectangular basic shape. Furthermore, the anti-glare filter 12 has a nose cutout. The nose cutout is formed by an immaterial recess in a material part of the anti-glare filter 12. The nose cutout is formed by an immaterial recess in a material, at least partially translucent portion of the anti-glare filter 12.

[0026] The anti-glare device 10 further comprises a shield unit 30. The anti-glare filter 12 is firmly received in the shield unit 30. The anti-glare filter 12 is held in a fixed position in the shield unit 30. The anti-glare filter 12 is fitted into a recess in the shield unit 30. The entire protective cassette 28 is fitted into a recess in the shield unit 30. The shield unit 30 is made of a substantially dimensionally stable material. The shield unit 30 is made of a plastic which is particularly resistant to sparks and / or other influences occurring during welding. The anti-glare device 10 further comprises an additional lens 32. The additional lens 32 is connected to the shield unit 30 via locking elements (not further visible). The anti-glare device 10 further comprises a head fastening unit 34. The head fastening unit 34 is intended for attachment to the user's head.The head attachment unit 34 is formed by a headband.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating the anti-glare device 10. The anti-glare device 10 is designed to carry out the method. The method serves to automatically distinguish between a grinding light and a welding light and to adjust the anti-glare filter 12 accordingly.

[0028] In the method, a change in light is detected by means of the sensor unit 14 in a first detection step 16. In the first detection step 16, the change in light is detected and processed by the sensor unit 14. Processing is carried out in particular in an analog manner. In the first detection step 16, the change in light is detected by the sensor 26 of the sensor unit 14. The signals from the sensor 26 are then processed by the control and regulation unit 22. The signals from the sensor 26 are processed in an analog manner by the control and regulation unit 22. Depending on the intensity of the change in light, a transmittance of the anti-glare filter 12 is controlled accordingly, wherein the anti-glare filter 12 is darkened when the change in light is greater than or equal to a set sensitivity.In a branch 36, the control and regulation unit 22 checks whether the light change detected by the sensor 26 is greater than a sensitivity setting. If the light change detected by the sensor 26 is not greater than a sensitivity setting, no further action takes place in a further method step 38 and the first detection step 16 is repeated. If the light change detected by the sensor 26 is greater than a sensitivity setting, the anti-glare filter 12 is darkened in a further method step 40. After the anti-glare filter 12 has been darkened, a value of a light change detected by the sensor unit 14 in a defined spectral range is compared with a limit value in a second detection step 18. In the second detection step 18, the light change in the visible light spectrum is detected by the sensor unit 14.The change in light intensity in the visible light spectrum is detected by the daylight sensor 24 of the sensor unit 14. In the second detection step 18, the change in light in the defined spectral range is detected by the sensor unit 14 and digitally processed. In the second detection step 18, a distinction is made between the light intensity detected by the sensor unit 14 in a defined spectral range and the limit value using a microprocessor 20. In the second detection step 18, in particular, a measurement of the intensity of daylight takes place. In the second detection step 18, after the anti-glare filter 12 has been darkened, a distinction is made between a grinding light and a welding light. If a grinding light is detected, the anti-glare filter 12 is opened, and if a welding light is detected, the anti-glare filter 12 is left darkened.In a branch 42, the control and regulation unit 22 checks whether a value change of the daylight sensor 24 of the sensor unit 14 is greater than a stored limit value. The limit value defines a defined change in light intensity in the visible spectral range. If the limit value is exceeded, the anti-glare filter 12 is opened in a further process step 44. The anti-glare filter 12 is then switched to "grinding" mode in a process step 46. If the value change of the daylight sensor 24 of the sensor unit 14 is greater than a stored limit value, the anti-glare filter 12 is left darkened in a further process step 48. The anti-glare filter 12 is then switched to "welding" mode in a process step 50. Reference symbol

[0029] 10Anti-glare device 12Anti-glare filter 14Sensor unit 16Detection step 18Detection step 20Microprocessor 22Control and / or regulating unit 24Daylight sensor 26Sensor 28Protection cassette 30Shield unit 32Cover plate 34Head fastening unit 36Branching 38Process step 40Process step 42Branching 44Process step 46Process step 48Process step 50Process step

Claims

1. Method for operating a glare protection device (10) with an active optical glare protection filter (12) and with at least one sensor unit (14), wherein a change of light is detected by means of the sensor unit (14) in a first detection step (16) and - as a function of an intensity of the change of light - a transmittance of the glare protection filter (12) is actuated depending on the detection of the change of light, wherein the glare protection filter (12) is darkened if there is a change of light greater than or equal to a set sensitivity, wherein after a darkening of the glare protection filter (12), in a second detection step (18), a value of a change of light in a defined spectral range, detected by means of the sensor unit (14), is compared with a limit value and the glare protection filter (12) is opened if the limit value is undershot, characterized in that in the second detection step (18), after the darkening of the glare protection filter (12), a distinction is made between a grinding light and a welding light, wherein if a grinding light is detected, the glare protection filter (12) is opened and if a welding light is detected, the glare protection filter (12) is left in the darkened state.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the second detection step (18), the change of light in the visible light spectrum is detected by means of the sensor unit (14).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the first detection step (16), the change of light is detected and processed by means of the sensor unit (14).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second detection step (18), the change of light in a defined spectral range is detected and digitally processed by means of the sensor unit (14).

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that in the second detection step (18), a distinction is made between the light intensity in a defined spectral range, detected by the sensor unit (14), and the limit value by means of a microprocessor (20).

6. Glare protection device which is configured for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, with an active optical glare protection filter (12), with at least one sensor unit (14) and with at least one control and / or regulation unit (22), which is coupled with the sensor unit (14) and is configured to control and / or regulate a transmittance of the optical glare protection filter (12) depending on a detected operative state and / or a light irradiation.

7. Glare protection device according to claim 6, characterized in that the control unit and / or regulation unit (22) comprises at least one microprocessor (20), which is configured for a distinction between the light intensity in a defined spectral range, detected by means of the sensor unit (14), and the limit value.

8. Glare protection device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the sensor unit (14) comprises at least one daylight sensor (24), which is configured to detect changes of light in the visible light spectrum.

9. Glare protection device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the sensor unit (14) comprises at least one sensor (26), which is realized as a photocell and is configured for a detection of an intensity of a light irradiation.