Flexible welding helmet

Abstract

The present invention discloses a flexible welding helmet comprising a viewing window assembly, a flexible protective shield detachably connected to the viewing window assembly, and a belt having an adjustable length connected to the flexible protective shield. The viewing window assembly comprises a distal housing, a proximal housing, and a flip member pivotably connected to the distal housing, wherein the distal housing has a contact edge, and the proximal housing has a contact edge and a proximal edge spaced away from the contact edge, the flexible protective shield is partially sandwiched between the contact edge of the distal housing and the contact edge of the proximal housing, the proximal edge of the proximal housing has a curved contour with a notch, the notch is configured to face downward when the flexible welding helmet is worn, and the eye protection assembly is detachably attached to the flip member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to a flexible welding helmet.

Background Art

[0002] Unlike conventional rigid welding helmets, flexible welding helmets (especially their main parts) can be easily folded for storage, allowing users to wear them and perform welding operations in narrow spaces, and are easy to carry. Therefore, flexible welding helmets are usually used as personal safety devices for welders who often work in narrow spaces.

[0003] Currently, multiple flexible welding helmets are commercially available. Some flexible welding helmets have a flexible shielding material designed to cover only the user's face for portability and weight reduction. In on-site welding operations, the flexible shielding material is too small to cover the entire user's head, so the user's head may be burned by the welding arc. Furthermore, when these flexible welding helmets are worn by users, the flexible shielding material is too close to the user's face, which may cause the user to have difficulty breathing or feel uncomfortable due to the friction between the face and the flexible shielding material.

[0004] Another flexible welding helmet according to the prior art may be designed to include a flexible shielding material configured to substantially cover the user's head. However, the flexible shielding material of these flexible welding helmets is still too close to the face of the user wearing the flexible welding helmet on the head, so the user may have difficulty breathing or feel uncomfortable due to the friction between the face and the flexible shielding material.

[0005] Other flexible welding helmets in the prior art may be designed to include both a headgear and a flexible shield. While the presence of the headgear prevents the flexible shield from coming too close to the user's face when wearing the flexible welding helmet, it necessitates the use of extra parts in the manufacturing and assembly of the flexible welding helmet. Furthermore, because the viewing window of the flexible welding helmet is connected to the headgear, the viewing window may be positioned too far from the user's eyes when wearing the flexible welding helmet. In this case, the field of view through the viewing window, which allows the user to see the outside with their own eyes, is unfavorably narrowed. [Overview of the project]

[0006] To solve the above problems, this invention proposes a novel flexible welding helmet that can reliably protect the user's head, has a viewing window that is as close as possible to the user's eyes when the flexible welding helmet is worn on the head, and allows the user to breathe comfortably and smoothly when the flexible welding helmet is worn on the head.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a flexible welding helmet, Visibility window assembly, A flexible protective shield that is detachably connected to the viewing window assembly, The viewing window assembly is equipped with a belt that is connected to a flexible protective shield and has an adjustable length, A flexible welding helmet is provided, comprising a distal housing, a proximal housing, and a flip member pivotably connected to the distal housing, wherein the distal housing has a contact edge, and the proximal housing has a contact edge and a proximal edge spaced apart from the contact edge, and a flexible protective shield is partially sandwiched between the contact edge of the distal housing and the contact edge of the proximal housing, and the proximal edge of the proximal housing has a curved contour with a notch, the notch is configured to face downward when the flexible welding helmet is worn. On the other hand, when the helmet is worn, the separation of the contact edge of the proximal housing from the proximal edge of the proximal housing prevents the flexible protective shield from coming too close to the user's face, allowing the user to feel comfortable.

[0008] According to the present invention, the notch in the curved contour of the proximal edge is configured such that when the user wears the flexible welding helmet on their head, the user's nasal bridge or part of the nose can be accommodated within the space of the notch, allowing the viewing window assembly to be brought closer to the user's face, particularly the user's eyes. Because the viewing window assembly is closer to the eyes, it is possible to enlarge the field of view of the viewing window assembly, which allows the user to see the outside with their own eyes. This allows the user wearing the welding helmet on their head to reliably observe the welding results at the welding site.

[0009] In one embodiment, the proximal edge of the proximal housing is curved in a C-shape such that the opposing left and right ends of the proximal edge are located further from the flip member than the central part of the proximal edge, and the notch in the C-shape faces downward when a flexible welding helmet is fitted.

[0010] According to this invention, the curved C-shaped proximal edge is more adaptable to the contours of the human face, allowing the viewing window assembly to be positioned closer to the user's face when the user wears the flexible welding helmet on their head.

[0011] In one embodiment, a partition wall is formed between the contact edge of the proximal housing and the proximal edge of the proximal housing, and at least one opening is formed in the partition wall.

[0012] According to the present invention, an opening is formed in the partition wall between the contact edge of the proximal housing and the proximal edge of the proximal housing, which allows air to flow smoothly between the welding helmet and the user's face after the user puts on the flexible welding helmet.

[0013] In one embodiment, an eye shroud made of a soft material or a soft sweat-absorbing material is detachably attached to the proximal edge of the proximal housing, and the eye shroud is shaped to conform to the proximal edge. In this way, when a user puts on the flexible welding helmet, the eye shroud comes into contact with the user's face, making the user feel more comfortable, and allowing the user to work for long periods of time while wearing the welding helmet for protection. Furthermore, the eye shroud absorbs sweat from the human face, reducing discomfort caused by prolonged work.

[0014] In one embodiment, the contact edges of the proximal and distal housings are curved such that the opposing left and right ends of the contact edges are located further from the flip member than the central portion of the contact edges. Because these contact edges are curved, the viewing window assembly conforms more closely to the contours of the user's face when connected to the flexible protective shield. This allows the viewing window assembly to be brought closer to the user's face when the welding helmet is worn.

[0015] In one embodiment, the flexible protective shield has a portion located below the viewing window assembly, which is configured to protrude distally or to be flat when a flexible welding helmet is worn.

[0016] In one embodiment, an eye protection assembly is detachably attached to the flip member.

[0017] In one embodiment, the flip member is pivotable between a closed position and an up-and-down position. In the closed position, the eye protection assembly covers the hollow internal space of the viewing window assembly defined by the distal housing and the proximal housing. In the up-and-down position, the eye protection assembly opens the hollow internal space.

[0018] In one embodiment, the flip member is formed having side walls that define the space in which the eye protection assembly is installed.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one pair of grooves are formed on the side wall of the flip member, and the pair of grooves are opposite each other and configured to receive the raised portion of a circlip that is installed in the space of the flip member. The circlip is configured to contact the eye protection assembly and secure it within the space of the clip member.

[0020] In one embodiment, at least a pair of grooves include a pair of first grooves and a pair of second grooves, and in the closed position of the clip member, the pair of first grooves are located further from the proximal housing than the pair of second grooves. Different groove designs allow for the selective attachment of eye protection assemblies of different thicknesses to the clip member, providing more eye protection options for the user's eyes.

[0021] In one embodiment, the eye protection assembly comprises at least one of an auto-shading filter, a welding protective lens having a constant transmittance, and a laser protective sheet.

[0022] In one embodiment, when the clip member is in the closed position, the side wall of the flip member protrudes at least partially into the distal housing. This protrusion of the side wall of the clip member into the distal housing ensures airtightness of the entire flexible welding helmet, preventing arc light and spatter generated during welding from entering the viewing window assembly through the clip member and causing damage to the user's eyes.

[0023] In one embodiment, the belt has an adjustable length.

[0024] In one embodiment, the belt includes two belts, each belt being connected at one end to the left or right free end of a flexible protective shield and being removably connected at the other end to the other belt via a buckle.

[0025] In one embodiment, the belt includes two belts with adjustable lengths. The first of the two belts is connected adjacent to the left free end and the right free end of the flexible protective shield. The second of the two belts is connected at one end to the upper part of the flexible protective shield and at the other end to the first belt via a belt buckle when the flexible welding helmet is worn, such that they form a T-shape. According to the present application, the belt can be used to reduce the load on the user's head when the user wears the flexible welding helmet on his head.

[0026] In one embodiment, the flexible welding helmet further includes a fixing mechanism provided for a viewing window assembly, by which the viewing window assembly can be fixed independently of the flexible protective shield when the flexible welding helmet is worn. According to the present application, the viewing window assembly can be fixed to the user's head by a fixing mechanism independent of the belt. Thus, the load on the user's head can be further reduced. Therefore, regardless of the posture of the user during work, the viewing window assembly is always firmly held on the user's face and can reliably protect the user's eyes.

[0027] In one embodiment, the fixing mechanism includes a tightening band connected to the left and right ends of the proximal edge by two length-adjustable suspension belts respectively.

[0028] In one embodiment, a suspension belt connection mechanism is formed at each of the left and right ends of the proximal edge of the proximal housing. Each suspension belt connection mechanism is formed with a connection rod, and each of the suspension belts is detachably connected to the connection rod by a connection hook, and the suspension belt is rotatable with respect to the connection rod.

[0029] In one embodiment, each connection hook is pivotally connected to an additional belt buckle. Each suspension belt is connected to the additional belt buckle. The rotation axis of the connection hook is perpendicular to the pivot axis of the additional belt buckle. The combination of the connection hook and the additional buckle enables two-dimensional adjustment of the position of the suspension belt, and the viewing window assembly can be appropriately adapted to the various facial contours of different users.

[0030] In one embodiment, each suspension belt connection mechanism includes a first suspension belt connection portion and a second suspension belt connection portion that are detachably and pivotally connected to each other. The first suspension belt connection portion is integrally formed on the proximal edge. The connection rod is formed on the second suspension belt connection portion. The pivot axis between the first suspension belt connection portion and the second suspension belt connection portion is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the connection hook.

[0031] As described above, according to the technical means of the present application, it is possible to bring the viewing window assembly closer to the eyes of a user wearing a welding helmet on the head, thereby expanding the viewing area of the viewing window assembly through which the user can observe the outside with their own eyes. Furthermore, the viewing window assembly is designed to substantially follow the contour of the human face, and the eye shroud of the viewing window assembly can be configured to directly contact the user's face, whereby the user can feel more comfortable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] The principles and other aspects of this application can be fully understood from the following description in conjunction with the attached drawings. Note that, for clarity, the drawings may be shown at different scales, but this will not affect the understanding of the explanation. In the drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a flexible welding helmet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a flexible welding helmet according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is worn on the user's head and does not work in conjunction with a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR).

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a flexible welding helmet according to the above embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the circlip and flip member of a flexible welding helmet according to the above embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view showing the viewing window assembly of a flexible welding helmet according to the above embodiment of the present application, showing the flip member of the viewing window assembly in the closed position.

[0037] Figure 5B is a schematic perspective view showing the visibility window assembly of a flexible welding helmet according to the above embodiment of the present application, showing the flip member of the visibility window assembly in the open position (or flipped-up position).

[0038] Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view showing a bracket used in the viewing window assembly of a flexible welding helmet according to the above embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 6B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view showing a bracket cut along line AA in Figure 6A.

[0040] Figure 7 is a schematic top view showing the viewing window assembly shown in Figure 5A.

[0041] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a fixing mechanism according to the above embodiment of the present application for fixing a viewing window assembly.

[0042] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram showing how the belt of a flexible welding helmet according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected.

[0043] Figure 9B schematically shows another configuration in which the belt of a flexible welding helmet according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected.

[0044] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a suspension belt connection mechanism for fixing a viewing window assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, where the dashed circles A and B in Figure 10 are partial views showing belt buckles at different positions on the suspension belt connection mechanism, respectively.

[0045] Figure 11A is a schematic perspective view of a suspension belt connection mechanism for fixing a viewing window assembly according to another embodiment of the present application, where, for clarity, the second suspension belt connection portion of this suspension belt connection mechanism is shown separately outside the dashed circle.

[0046] Figure 11B is a schematic diagram showing the first suspension belt connection mechanism within the dashed circle in Figure 11A.

[0047] Figure 11C is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the first and second suspension belt connection mechanisms of the suspension belt structure within the dashed circle in Figure 11A are assembled in their predetermined positions. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] In the drawings of this application, mechanisms having the same configuration or similar function are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0049] Figure 1 schematically shows a flexible welding helmet 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The welding helmet 100 generally comprises a viewing window assembly 20, a flexible protective shield 10 connected to the viewing window assembly 20, and a belt structure 40 for holding and securing the flexible protective shield 10 to the user's head. In one embodiment, the flexible welding helmet 100 also comprises a tightening band 60 (not shown in Figure 1, but shown in Figures 2 and 3) configured to hold and secure the viewing window assembly 20 to the user's head.

[0050] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing how the flexible welding helmet 100 is fitted to the user's head. In this figure, light-colored lines indicate the parts hidden by the flexible welding helmet 100, and it is shown that the flexible welding helmet 100 is not used in conjunction with a powered air-purifying respirator.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible protective shield 10 can be constructed from a foldable flexible material having certain protective properties, such as (synthetic or natural) leather or fire-resistant fabric. For example, the flexible protective shield 10 can be constructed by sewing together several pieces of foldable flexible material. As shown in the figure, once the flexible welding helmet 100 is secured in place on the user's head, the viewing window assembly 20 is positioned substantially adjacent to the user's eyes. According to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 2, the portion of the flexible protective shield 10 below the viewing window assembly 20 is configured to protrude distally.

[0052] In the context of this application, the term “distal side” or “distal side” refers to the direction or side away from the user’s head in the flexible welding helmet 100 or a part thereof when the flexible welding helmet 100 is properly fitted to the user’s head. Correspondingly, the term “proximal side” or “proximal side” refers to the direction or side closer to the user’s head in the flexible welding helmet 100 or a part thereof when the flexible welding helmet 100 is properly fitted to the user’s head.

[0053] The portion of the flexible protective shield 10 located below the viewing window assembly 20 is configured to protrude distally, so that when a user wears the flexible welding helmet 100, the distally protruding portion of the flexible protective shield 10 is always ready to accommodate any additional devices the user may wear.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the portion of the flexible protective shield 10 located below the viewing window assembly 20 may be configured to be flat (i.e., not protruding distally), thereby reducing the overall weight of the flexible welding helmet and reducing the burden on the user's head when the user wears the flexible welding helmet 100.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the viewing window assembly 20 is configured so that the user's eyes can see outside through the viewing window assembly 20 when the flexible welding helmet 100 is fitted in a predetermined position on the user's head. As shown in Figures 3, 5A, and 5B, the viewing window assembly 20 comprises a distal housing 21, a proximal housing 22, and a flip member 23 pivotably connected to the distal housing 21. The distal housing 21 has a plurality of receiving holes 21a, and the proximal housing 22 has a plurality of through holes 22a. The flexible protective shield 10 has an opening 11, which has a shape substantially corresponding to (or slightly smaller than) the hollow space of either the distal housing 21 or the proximal housing 22. A plurality of through holes 12 are formed adjacent to the periphery of the opening 11. Furthermore, the distal housing 21 has a contact edge 212 and a side wall 211 extending distally to the contact edge 212. The side wall 211 is configured to primarily define the hollow space of the distal housing 21. The contact edge 212 is configured to contact the flexible protective shield 10. The proximal housing 22 is formed with a protruding wall 221, a contact edge 222 surrounding the protruding wall 221, a partition wall 223 extending from the inside of the contact edge 222, and a proximal edge 224 connected to the partition wall 223 and separated from the contact edge 222 by the partition wall 223. In a non-limiting example, the protruding wall 221 and the contact edge 222 are configured to completely enclose the hollow space of the proximal housing 22. The proximal edge 224 is provided in a curved shape with a notch. The notch in this shape is directed downward when the user wears the flexible welding helmet 100, and the curved shape is configured to enclose and adjacent to the user's nose bridge. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the proximal margin 222 is formed in a C shape, and the notch in the C shape is directed toward and surrounds the bridge of the user's nose when the user is wearing a flexible welding helmet.

[0056] During assembly, the contact edge 222 of the proximal housing 22 can be brought into contact with the flexible protective shield 10, thereby allowing the protruding wall 221 to pass through the opening 11 of the flexible protective shield 10, and aligning the through-hole 22a of the proximal housing 22 with the through-hole 12 of the flexible protective shield 10. On the other hand, the contact edge 212 of the distal housing 21 can be brought into contact with the flexible protective shield 10, thereby sandwiching the flexible protective shield 10 between the distal housing 21 and the proximal housing 22, causing the protruding wall 221 of the proximal housing 22 to protrude into the hollow space of the distal housing 21, and aligning the receiving hole 21a of the distal housing 21 with the through-hole 12 of the flexible protective shield 10 and the through-hole 22a of the proximal housing 22. Subsequently, by inserting set screws into each of the aligned holes, both the proximal housing 22 and the distal housing 21 can be fixed together with the flexible protective shield 10.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the proximal housing 22, the distal housing 21, and the flexible protective shield 10 can be fixed to each other in any other suitable manner. For example, the proximal housing 22, the distal housing 21, and the flexible protective shield 10 can be bonded to each other. For example, the flexible protective shield 10 can be sandwiched between the proximal housing 22 and the distal housing 21 by fitting the proximal housing 22 and the distal housing 21 together along the periphery of the opening 11 of the flexible protective shield 10.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, the flip member 23 is formed having a side wall 231 that defines the hollow space of the flip member 23. A pivot mechanism 232 is formed on the side wall 231. For example, the pivot mechanism 232 includes two pivot mechanisms 232. Correspondingly, a fitting pivot mechanism 213 is formed on the side wall 211 of the distal housing 21 adjacent to the distal free end of the distal housing 21. For example, the two pivot mechanisms 232 can be installed such that the fitting pivot mechanism 213 of the distal housing 21 is aligned between the fitting pivot mechanisms 213 of the distal housing 21, so that a pivot shaft passes through it and the flip member 23 is pivotably connected to the distal housing 211.

[0059] In a non-limiting example of this application, when the assembled flexible welding helmet 100 is put on by the user, the two pivot mechanisms 232 of the flip member 23 are positioned on the upper part of the side wall 231, thereby ensuring that the flip member 23 can reliably contact the distal free end of the distal housing 21 by gravity. Thus, the flip member 23 is in a closed position relative to the distal housing 21, as shown in Figure 5A. In a non-limiting example, in the closed position, the side wall 231 of the flip member 23 can at least partially protrude into the hollow space of the distal housing 21, so that the side wall 231 at least partially coincides with the protruding wall 221, thereby preventing arc light and spatter (which may occur during welding) from entering the distal housing 21 through the gap (if any) between these two walls. If necessary, the flip member 23 can be lifted by the user and pivoted to the flipped-up position, as shown in Figure 5B. In this position, the user can at any time observe the outside with the naked eye. To facilitate the user's pivoting of the flip member, a handle 234 is formed on the flip member 23. For example, it is shown that two handles 234 are formed on the flip member. Even in the closed position, the handles 234 are configured to be easily accessible to the user.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present application, an eye protection assembly is detachably attached to the flip member 23. In a non-limiting example, the eye protection assembly of the present application includes an auto-darkening filter 24. For example, the auto-darkening filter 24 may be any suitable commercially available auto-darkening filter that automatically darkens to protect the user's eyes during welding. In an alternative embodiment, the auto-darkening filter 24 may be replaced with a welding protective lens having a constant transmittance. In an alternative or additional embodiment, in addition to the auto-darkening filter 24 or a welding protective lens of a constant transmittance, the eye protection assembly of the present application may include a laser protective sheet positioned distally to protect the user's eyes from damage during laser welding. For example, the auto-darkening filter 24 can be mounted within a bracket 25. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the bracket 25 has a T-shaped cross-section, and the auto-darkening filter 24 within the bracket 25 is surrounded by the periphery 25a of the bracket 25. Furthermore, on the opposite side of the bracket 25 (from the automatic light-shielding filter 24), the distal transparent protective sheet 26 is surrounded by the opposite peripheral edge 25b of the bracket 25. Additionally, a proximal transparent protective sheet 27 may be attached to the automatic light-shielding filter 24 and surrounded by the peripheral edge 25a of the bracket 25. Grooves are formed in the side wall 231 of the flip member 23. For example, these grooves may include a pair of first grooves 23a and a pair of second grooves 23b. The pair of first grooves 23a are formed in the side wall 23 so as to face each other, and the pair of second grooves 23b are formed in the side wall 23 so as to face each other. In Figure 4, only one of the pair of first grooves 23a is visible, while the other is hidden. Similarly, only one of the pair of second grooves 23b is visible, while the other is hidden. When the flip member 23 is in the closed position, the plane on which the paired first groove 23a is located is further from the proximal housing 22 than the plane on which the paired second groove 23b is located.

[0061] Furthermore, a circlip 28 is attached within the flip member 23. The circlip 28 is configured to detachably hold the bracket 25 within the flip member 23 together with the auto-shielding filter 24, the distal transparent protective sheet 26, and the proximal transparent protective sheet 27. For example, the circlip 28 is formed by a substantially rectangular frame made of elastic metal wire. In addition, the area enclosed by this rectangular frame is smaller than or slightly smaller than the area occupied by the proximal transparent protective sheet 27 and / or the auto-shielding filter 24. The rectangular frame is also provided with two opposing protrusions 281. The two opposing protrusions 281 are configured to be received in a pair of first grooves 23a or a pair of second grooves 23b, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the flip member 23 is formed with a free flange 233. The open area surrounded by the free flange 233 is smaller than or slightly smaller than the area occupied by the bracket 25, and the bracket 25, together with the auto-shielding filter 24, the distal transparent protective sheet 26, and the proximal transparent protective sheet 27, can contact the free flange 233. Subsequently, the circlips 28 can be fitted into the pair of second grooves 23b by their raised portions 281. The distance of the second grooves 23b from the free flange 233 (i.e., the axial distance) is designed so that when the circlips 28 are fitted into the pair of second grooves 23b by the raised portions 281, the circlips 28 contact the proximal transparent protective sheet 27, thereby axially fixing the bracket 25, together with the auto-shielding filter 24, the distal transparent protective sheet 26, and the proximal transparent protective sheet 27, within the flip member 23. This makes it possible to keep the bracket 25 and the automatic light-shielding filter 24 immovable relative to the flip member 23, regardless of how the flip member 23 pivots relative to the distal housing 21.

[0062] The first groove 23a and the second groove 23b of the flip member 23 are designed to satisfy the requirement that eye protection assemblies of different thicknesses can be selectively accommodated in the flip member 23. For example, if, according to field protection requirements, the eye protection assembly is implemented only as a welding protective lens with a constant transmittance, the thickness of the eye protection assembly will be small. In this case, after the welding protective lens of constant transmittance is installed in the clip member 23, the circlip 28 can be fitted into the paired first grooves 23, respectively, by the raised portion 281, thereby allowing the welding protective lens (as an eye protection assembly) of constant transmittance to be fixed in the clip member 23 using the circlip 28. Thus, the design of the first groove 23a and the second groove 23b ensures that eye protection assemblies of different thicknesses can be selectively held in the clip member 23.

[0063] According to embodiments of the present invention, the contact edges 212 of the distal housing 21 and 222 of the proximal housing 22 are formed such that, when the flexible welding helmet 100 is properly fitted, the contact edges 212 and 222 appear curved when viewed from above, thereby conforming more closely to the contours of the user's face, or the area from the user's forehead to the portion adjacent to the user's nose. Furthermore, the proximal edge 224 of the proximal housing 22 is also formed in a curved shape (for example, when the flexible welding helmet 100 is properly fitted, the proximal edge 224 appears curved when viewed from above), thereby conforming more closely to the contours of the user's face, or the area from the user's forehead to the portion adjacent to the user's nose. The C-shaped notch in the proximal edge provides sufficient space to accommodate the user's nasal bridge. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the curved C-shaped proximal edge 224 is separated from the contact edge 222, so that when the user wears the flexible welding helmet 100 on their head, the contact edge 222 is close to the user's nose, or the auto-shading filter 24 is close to the user's eyes when the flip member 23 is in the closed position. This expands the viewing area of ​​the viewing window assembly from which the user can observe the outside. In the context of the present invention, the term “curved C-shape” means that the C-shape is not on or parallel to a flat surface, and in fact the surface on which the C-shape is located is curved.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a C-shaped eye shroud 50 made of a soft material or a soft sweat-absorbing material can be additionally provided on the proximal edge 224 of the proximal housing 22. For example, the C-shaped eye shroud 50 can be attached to the proximal edge 224 by double-sided tape or Velcro tape. The shape of the eye shroud 50 is configured to at least partially conform to the shape of the proximal edge 224, thereby corresponding to the contour of the user's face or the area from the user's forehead to the part adjacent to the user's nose. Furthermore, the cutout in the C shape leaves sufficient space to accommodate the user's nasal bridge. The viewing window assembly 20 of the present invention comes into contact with the user's face via the eye shroud 50, allowing the user to feel more comfortable. On the other hand, because the C-shaped shroud 50 is sweat-absorbing, when the flexible welding helmet 100 is properly fitted, the user will avoid discomfort due to sweating.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the partition wall 223 is discontinuously formed between the proximal edge 224 and the contact edge 222 of the proximal housing 22. The partition wall 223 has one or more ventilation holes for air to pass through. The presence of the partition wall 223 makes it possible to create a gap between the flexible protective shield 10 and the user's face when the flexible welding helmet 100 is worn on the user's head. This discontinuously formed partition wall 223 (i.e., the partition wall 223 with ventilation holes) allows air to flow smoothly between the flexible protective shield 10 and the user's face, reducing user discomfort.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 2, the flexible protective shield 10 can be configured to cover both the user's face and the top of their head. According to an alternative embodiment of the present application, the flexible protective shield 10 may be configured to cover only the user's face. Figure 9A schematically shows how a belt 40 according to one embodiment of the present application is connected to the flexible protective shield 10. In this embodiment, the belt 40 comprises two belts 40, one of which is connected to the left side of the flexible protective shield 10 (particularly its free end), and the other belt is connected to the right side of the flexible protective shield 10 (particularly its free end). The two belts are detachably connected to each other by a belt buckle at the rear of the user's head. Each belt 40 is configured to be adjustable in length. Figure 9B schematically shows how a belt 40 according to another embodiment of the present application is connected to the flexible protective shield 10. In this embodiment, one belt 40 is connected to the left and right sides of the flexible protective shield 10 at both ends, respectively, and one end of the other belt 40 is connected to a part of the flexible protective shield 10 at the top of the user's head, and the other end of the other belt 40 is connected to the first belt 40 to form a T-shape. According to the embodiment in Figure 9B, in which the belts 40 are connected when the flexible welding helmet 100 is worn by the user, the load on the user's head can be relieved.

[0067] Typically, when a flexible welding helmet 100 is secured to the user's head via its belt 40, the proximal edge 224 of the viewing window assembly 20 or the eye shroud 50 naturally rests on the user's face due to gravity.

[0068] However, in some welding operations, it is required that the viewing window assembly 20 remains securely in contact with the user's face to protect their eyes, regardless of the posture the user assumes while wearing the flexible welding helmet 100. In this case, an independent fixing mechanism is needed for the viewing window assembly 20. Figure 8 schematically shows one embodiment of this fixing mechanism. According to this embodiment, the fixing mechanism comprises a tightening band 60. For example, the tightening band 60 can be made of a soft material such as plastic. The tightening band 60 is formed in a substantially annular shape and is configured to sit on the back of the user's head. Two suspension belts 61 are detachably connected to opposing (left and right) portions of the tightening band 60, respectively. For example, each suspension belt 61 is configured to be adjustable in length. Each suspension belt 61 has a belt buckle at its end that connects to the tightening band 60, and this belt buckle detachably connects the suspension belt to the tightening band 60. The belt buckle can be any suitable belt buckle known to those skilled in the art.

[0069] Two suspension belt connection mechanisms 222a (only one of which is visible in Figure 8) are integrally formed on the contact edge 222 of the proximal housing 22, extending laterally outward from the contact edge. In the illustrated embodiment, each suspension belt connection mechanism 222a is hollowed out and has a connecting rod 222b. A connecting hook 62 is provided at the free end of each suspension belt 61 opposite the corresponding buckle. For example, the connecting hook 62 is configured to be detachably engaged (e.g., hooked) onto the connecting rod 222b of the corresponding suspension belt connection mechanism 222a. For this purpose, the connecting hook 62 is configured to be freely rotatable relative to the connecting rod 222b after being hooked onto it. As shown in Figure 2, the user can first secure the viewing window assembly 20 to their face via the tightening band 60 and the suspension belt 61, and then secure the flexible protective shield 10 to the user's head via the belt 40. This ensures that the viewing window assembly 20 remains securely fixed in front of the user's eyes at all times, regardless of the user's posture, thus protecting the user.

[0070] According to this invention, after the user puts on the flexible welding helmet 100, the connecting hook 62 and the suspension belt connecting mechanism 222a are protected by the flexible protective shield 10, preventing damage from flying debris at the welding site. In addition, since the contact edge 222 is separated from the proximal edge 224, the connecting hook 62 does not come into contact with the user's face, thus avoiding user discomfort. The degree of tightness of the viewing window assembly 20 fixed to the user's face can be adjusted by changing the length of each suspension belt 61.

[0071] Figure 10 schematically shows a fixing mechanism according to another embodiment of the present application for fixing a viewing window assembly. According to this embodiment, two suspension belt connection mechanisms 222a (only one of which is visible in Figure 10) are formed on the contact edge 222 of the proximal housing 22, and each suspension belt connection mechanism 222a is provided with several reinforcing ridges 222c to increase the strength and therefore the fixing ability of the viewing window assembly 20. Each suspension belt connection mechanism 222a is also provided with a connecting rod (hidden in Figure 10). Furthermore, the fixing mechanism shown in Figure 10 also includes a tightening band 60 and a suspension belt 61 as shown in Figure 8. However, unlike the embodiment in Figure 8, each suspension belt connection mechanism 222a in the embodiment in Figure 10 includes a connecting hook 62' and an additional belt buckle 64 pivotably connected to the connecting hook 62'. The connecting hook 62' is configured substantially the same as the connecting hook 62. The additional belt buckle 64 is designed to pivot relative to the connecting hook 62' about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation between the connecting hook 62' and the corresponding connecting rod. Thus, the position of each suspension belt 61, connected to the contact edge 222 of the proximal housing 22 via the connecting hook 62' and the additional belt buckle 64, is two-dimensionally adjustable, allowing it to conform to the contours of the user's face and enabling the user to wear the flexible welding helmet more comfortably.

[0072] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the clamping band 60 is designed to be connectable to the flexible protective shield 10 by a Velcro mechanism. For example, the clamping band can be connected at the top of the user's head and / or at a position adjacent to the back of the user's head.

[0073] Figures 11A to 11C schematically show a suspension belt connection mechanism for securing a viewing window assembly according to another embodiment of the present application. According to this embodiment, the contact edge 222 of the proximal housing 22 is provided with a left suspension belt connection mechanism 222' and a right suspension belt connection mechanism 222' (only one of the suspension belt connection mechanisms is visible in Figure 11A). In the embodiment of Figure 11A, each suspension belt connection mechanism 222' includes a first suspension belt connection portion 222a1 and a second suspension belt connection portion 222a2. The first suspension belt connection portion 222a1 is integrally formed at each end of the proximal edge 224 of the proximal housing 22. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11B, the first suspension belt connection portion 222a1 is formed with a larger circular hole 2223 and a smaller circular hole 2224 that communicate with and partially overlap each other. A vertical pivot pin 2221 is formed in the second suspension belt connector 222a2. The outer diameter of the vertical pivot pin 2221 is approximately equal to the diameter of the smaller circular hole 2224. Furthermore, a circular head 2222 is formed at the free end of the vertical pivot pin 2221. The diameter of the circular head 2222 is approximately equal to the diameter of the larger circular hole 2223 and smaller than the diameter of the smaller circular hole 2224. Therefore, during assembly, the head 2224 of the second suspension belt connector 222a2 is first passed through the larger circular hole 2223 of the first suspension belt connector 222a1, and then the vertical pivot pin 2221 is pulled into the smaller circular hole 2224, thereby maintaining the second suspension belt connector 222a2 in a state where it can pivot relative to the first and second suspension belt connectors 222a1. In this case, the pivot axis between these two connection points is defined by a pivot pin 2221 that is rotatable within a smaller circular hole 2224. Furthermore, the second suspension belt connection point 222a2 is formed with a connecting rod 222b configured to receive the connecting hook 62 shown in Figure 8. Thus, in this embodiment, the suspension belt connection mechanism, due to the presence of the connecting hook 62, allows the position of each suspension belt 61 to be adjusted two-dimensionally, thereby allowing the flexible welding helmet to conform to the contours of the user's face, and as a result, the user can wear the flexible welding helmet more comfortably.Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that any other suitable structure can be adopted in the technical solution of the present invention, insofar as it can be used to detachably connect the first suspension belt connector 222a1 and the second suspension belt connector 222a2 so as to be pivotable relative to each other. For example, the first suspension belt connector 222a1 and the second suspension belt connector 222a2 can be connected to each other by a detachable pivot pin that passes through both of them. In summary, the pivot axis between the first suspension belt connector 222a1 and the second suspension belt connector 222a2 is not coplanar with the pivot axis of the respective connecting hooks 62, but rather is substantially perpendicular thereto.

[0074] Herein, several specific embodiments of the present application have been described for illustrative purposes only, but these should not be considered to limit the scope of the claims of the present application. Furthermore, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments and examples described herein can be combined with one another. Various substitutions, modifications, and alternatives can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A flexible welding helmet (100), View window assembly (20) and A flexible protective shield (10) is detachably connected to the aforementioned viewing window assembly (20), The flexible protective shield (10) is connected to a belt (40) of adjustable length, and the viewing window assembly (20) is A flexible welding helmet (100) comprising a distal housing (21), a proximal housing (22), and a flip member (23) pivotably connected to the distal housing (21), wherein the distal housing (21) has a contact edge (212), and the proximal housing (22) has a contact edge (222) and a proximal edge (224) separated from the contact edge (222), the flexible protective shield (10) is partially sandwiched between the contact edge (212) of the distal housing (21) and the contact edge (222) of the proximal housing (22), the proximal edge (224) of the proximal housing (22) has a curved contour with a notch, the notch is configured to face downward when the flexible welding helmet (100) is worn, and an eye protection assembly is detachably attached to the flip member (23).

2. The flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 1, wherein the proximal edge (224) of the proximal housing (22) is curved C-shaped such that the opposing left and right ends of the proximal edge (224) are located further from the flip member (23) than the central part of the proximal edge (224), and the notch in the C-shape faces downward when the flexible welding helmet (100) is worn.

3. A flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 2, wherein a partition wall (223) is formed between the contact edge (222) of the proximal housing (22) and the proximal edge (224) of the proximal housing (22), and at least one opening is formed in the partition wall (223).

4. A flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 3, wherein an eye shroud (50) made of a soft material or a soft sweat-absorbing material is detachably attached to the proximal edge (224) of the proximal housing (22), and the eye shroud (50) is shaped to conform to the proximal edge (224).

5. The flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 4, further comprising a fixing mechanism provided for the viewing window assembly (20), wherein the viewing window assembly (20) can be fixed independently of the flexible protective shield (20) when the flexible welding helmet (100) is fitted.

6. The flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 5, wherein the fixing mechanism comprises a tightening band (60) connected to the left and right ends of the proximal edge (224) by two length-adjustable suspension belts (61), respectively.

7. A flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 6, wherein a suspension belt connection mechanism (222a) is formed at the left end and the right end of the proximal edge (224) of the proximal housing (22), each suspension belt connection mechanism (222a) is formed having a connecting rod (222b), and each of the suspension belts (61) is detachably connected to the connecting rod (222b) by a connecting hook (62), and the suspension belts are rotatable relative to the connecting rod.

8. A flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 7, wherein each connecting hook is pivotably connected to an additional belt buckle (64), each suspension belt (61) is connected to the additional belt buckle (64), and the axis of rotation of the connecting hook (62) is perpendicular to the pivot axis of the additional belt buckle (64).

9. The flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 7, wherein each suspension belt connection mechanism (222a) comprises a first suspension belt connection portion (222a1) and a second suspension belt connection portion (222a2) that are detachably and pivotably connected to each other, the first suspension belt connection portion (222a1) being integrally formed with the proximal edge (224), the connecting rod (222b) being formed with the second suspension belt connection portion (222a2), and the pivot axis between the first suspension belt connection portion (222a1) and the second suspension belt connection portion (222a2) being perpendicular to the rotation axis of the connecting hook (62).

10. The flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 9, wherein the contact edge (222) of the proximal housing (22) and the contact edge (212) of the distal housing are curved such that the opposing left and right ends of the contact edges (212, 222) are located further from the flip member (23) than the central part of the contact edge.

11. The flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 10, wherein the flexible protective shield (10) has a portion located below the viewing window assembly (20) when the flexible welding helmet (100) is worn, and the portion is configured to protrude distally or to be flat.

12. The flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 11, wherein the flip member (23) is pivotable between a closed position and a flipped-up position, in the closed position the eye protection assembly covers the hollow internal space of the viewing window assembly defined by the distal housing (21) and the proximal housing (22), and in the flipped-up position the eye protection assembly opens the hollow internal space.

13. The flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 12, wherein the flip member (23) is formed having a side wall (231) that defines a space in which the eye protection assembly is installed.

14. Flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 13, wherein at least one pair of grooves are formed in the side wall (231) of the flip member (23), the pair of grooves facing each other and configured to receive a raised portion (281) of a circlip (28) installed in the space of the flip member (23), the circlip (28) being configured to contact the eye protection assembly and fix it in the space of the clip member (23), the at least pair of grooves comprising a pair of first grooves (23a) and a pair of second grooves (23b), and in the closed position of the clip member (23), the pair of first grooves (23a) are located further from the proximal housing (22) than the pair of second grooves (23b).

15. The flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 14, wherein the eye protection assembly comprises at least one of an auto-shading filter (24), a welding protective lens having a constant transmittance, and a laser protective sheet.

16. The flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 15, wherein the belt (40) comprises two belts (40), each belt being connected at one end to the left or right free end of the flexible protective shield (10) and at the other end to the other belt via a buckle.

17. The flexible welding helmet (100) according to claim 15, wherein the belt (40) comprises two length-adjustable belts (40), the first of the two belts (40) being connected adjacent to the left and right free ends of the flexible protective shield (10), and the second of the two belts (40) being connected at one end to the top of the flexible protective shield (10) and the other end to the first belt via a belt buckle when the flexible welding helmet (100) is worn, so that they form a T-shape.

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