Patent Application
20210168305
This present invention relates to an infrared transmitting lens, in particular, but not exclusively, to an infrared transmitting lens for use in a housing containing an apparatus that is subjected to infrared inspection. The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing an infrared transmitting lens.
It is generally known to monitor engineering equipment, particularly electrical components, to maintain their performance and to identify and diagnose potential problems at an early stage. Typically, to carry out such monitoring, the equipment would be shut down and then accessed by an engineer or a mechanic who would restart the equipment and carrying out the required analysis on the equipment. A problem associated with this process is the likelihood of leading to prolonged periods of downtime, as well as health and safety risks on the personnel involved. It is known to instead use infrared cameras to monitor equipment. Another way of preventing prolonged periods of downtime and prevented health and safety risks is the use of a transparent window mounted to a frame or a port, through which components may be viewed. Such windows or ports must be provided with panes, or lenses, that are manufactured from materials which permit the transmission of electromagnetic radiation (ER) in the infrared (IR) wavelength range. This allows the contents within the equipment to be viewed through the windows or ports.
Typically, two kinds of infrared transparent lenses are used. The more common type is the use of a lens having a crystalline material. Crystalline (or crystal) lenses provide a good capability of visual and thermal inspection. However, these lenses have high costs associated with them. Costs are further driven up according to their capability of allowing infrared radiation to pass through them. That is, if a clear view through the lens is desired, a high quality is required, which often leads to high costs for materials and manufacture. Another drawback is the limited resistance to impact or adverse conditions in which they are subjected. Crystalline lenses are easy damaged or contaminated by dust or grease, which affects the accuracy of infrared measurements. Therefore, frequent monitoring or maintenance is required. Yet another drawback is the difficulty of manufacturing and processing associated with the use of crystalline. The difficulty of manufacturing and the nature of crystalline also results in limited shapes and sizes possible for crystalline infrared transmitting lenses made of crystalline. For example, it is difficult to make any other shape of crystalline lens other than a planar circle. Crystalline lenses tend not to be suitable for bending, or manufacturing into complex shapes.
Another type of transparent lens used, for infrared transmitting lenses, is one made from a polymer, or comprises a polymer. Polymeric lenses are typically manufactured from infrared transmitting polymer. Polymeric lenses are a cheaper alternative to the crystalline lens and can be made in shapes and sizes that crystalline lenses cannot be. Also, polymeric lenses typically must be thinner than crystalline in order to transmit infrared through the polymer sufficiently within the infrared spectrum. Typically, polymer lenses are in the range of about 0.2 millimetres to about 0.45 millimetres (mm) for infrared to be transmitted through the infrared transmitting material. As polymer infrared transmitting lenses must be thin, among other reasons, the polymeric infrared lenses typically lack mechanical strength, resistant to temperature and so also commonly suffer from penetrating damage.
It is an object of the invention to alleviate or mitigate at least one or more of the aforementioned problems. Particularly, it is desirable to provide an infrared transmitting lens having an improved capability of thermal inspection. It is also desirable to provide an infrared transmitting lens having a reduced cost of manufacture and having an increased resistance to contamination. It is further desirable to provide an infrared transmitting lens that is structurally strong, resistant to impact and hence having an improved resistance to being damaged. It is further desired to provide an infrared transmitting lens that is structurally strong but offer a greater choice of shapes and sizes possible of the lens over the prior art infrared transmitting lenses.
The present invention provides an infrared transmitting lens for mounting in an aperture of a housing containing an apparatus to be subjected to an infrared inspection, the infrared transmitting lens comprising:
The present invention also provides an infrared transmitting lens for mounting in an aperture of a housing containing an apparatus to be subjected to an infrared inspection, the infrared transmitting lens comprising: a grille, the grille comprising a network of bars with an array of apertures between the bars; the grille further comprising infrared transmitting material, on two sides of the grille.
The grille may be generally planar comprising two sides. The grille may provide mechanical protection to the infrared transmitting material. The infrared transmitting material may enable infrared inspection through the array of apertures of the grille and through the infrared transmitting material. The grille may be generally planar having two sides, and an edge. The infrared transmitting material enabling infrared inspection through the array of apertures of the grille and through the infrared transmitting material.
The infrared transmitting material enabling infrared inspection through the array of apertures of the grille and through the infrared transmitting material. In some embodiments the infrared transmitting material may cover the apertures of the grille. In some embodiments the infrared transmitting material may cover the apertures of the grille on one side of the grille. In some embodiments the infrared transmitting material may cover the apertures of the grille of both sides of the grille.
An infrared transmitting lens for mounting in an aperture of a housing containing an apparatus to be subjected to infrared inspection, the infrared transmitting lens comprising:
In specific embodiments, when combined with other features, the grille further comprises infrared transmitting material, on one side of the grille.
In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting lens is provided with a grille comprising a network of bars having an array of apertures through which infrared inspection can be carried out. The presence of a grille further improves the strength and impact resistance of the lens, reducing the risks of the lens being damaged. Thus, there may be provided a lens which is capable of providing infrared thermal inspection, and which is structurally strong, resistant to impact and hence has resistance to damage. Thus, there may be provided a lens which is capable of allowing infrared transmitting therethrough the lens, and which is structurally strong, resistant to impact and hence has resistance to damage. In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting material is capable of allowing visual inspection, through the infrared transmitting material.
In some embodiments, the infrared transmitting material is at least partially positioned between the network of bars, at least partially filling the array of apertures between the network of bars of the grille. In some embodiments the grille comprises infrared transmitting material between the bars of the grille. In specific embodiments the apertures of the array of apertures of the grille are filled with infrared transmitting material. In specific embodiments the apertures of the array of apertures of the grille are sufficiently filled with infrared material that the infrared transmitting lens is fluid tight. In specific embodiments the grille further comprises infrared transmitting material. In specific embodiments the grille further comprises infrared transmitting material between the bars of the grille. In embodiments wherein the grille comprises infrared transmitting material, at least to some degree, between the network of bars and at least partially filling the array of apertures, infrared can be transmitted through the array of apertures of the grille, and through the infrared transmitting material.
In specific embodiments, the array of apertures of the grille are equal in size and shape, and arranged in a regular array.
In specific embodiments, the apertures of the grille are square, or circular; or rectangular; or triangular; or polygonal; or hexagonal; or any combination of square, circular, rectangular, triangular, polygonal or hexagonal.
In some embodiments, the array of apertures of the grille are arranged in a tessellation. In some embodiments the total area of a side of a grille, including bars and apertures is 0.129 metres square or less. For example, in specific embodiments the total area of a side of the grille, including bars and apertures is 0.5 metres square.
In specific embodiments, the infrared transmitting lens is planar. This is particularly advantageous since the infrared transmitting lens can be easily mounted within an aperture of the housing, placing the lens flush within the housing aperture. In specific embodiments the infrared lens is smooth on at least one surface. In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting material may be planar. In specific embodiments the infrared material may be flat. In specific embodiments the infrared material is flat on both sides. In specific embodiments the infrared material is flat on one side. In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting material is smooth on at least one side
In other embodiments, the infrared transmitting lens may instead be non-planar. In some embodiments, the infrared transmitting lens may be flat, or smooth, on one side and have protrusions on the other side. In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting material may be flat, or smooth, on one side and have protrusions on the other side. Aptly the protrusions may correspond to the apertures or spacing between the bars of the grille such that the infrared transmitting material fits between the bars of the grille. In embodiments wherein two infrared transmitting materials comprising protrusions on one side are used on either side of the grille, such that the protrusions face together, the protrusions may fit into the apertures, or spacing, between the bars of the grille. In specific embodiments with protrusions that correspond to the apertures, or spacing, between the bars of the grille, there may be corresponding indentations on the infrared material on the opposite side of the protrusions. Having corresponding protrusions and indentations enable the overall diameter of the infrared transmitting material to be less. This may be especially important when two infrared transmitting material sheets are used on either side of the grille.
In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting lens may be curved. In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting material is curved. For example, the infrared transmitting lens may have a curved arrangement or a bent shape. The infrared transmitting lens may also be shaped to correspond to the surface of the housing of the apparatus for infrared inspection. In the embodiments where the infrared transmitting lens is a curve, or a bent shape, infrared radiation may still be able to pass through the infrared transmitting lens.
Likewise for the transmitting infrared material, in specific embodiments the infrared material may be a curved arrangement or bent shape. The infrared transmitting material, in specific embodiments, may be configured in a curve. In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting material is semi-spherical. In specific embodiment the infrared transmitting material is round in shape.
In specific embodiments the grille may comprise a similar shape to the infrared transmitting material.
In specific embodiments, the grille comprises metal. In some specific embodiments the grille comprises aluminium or stainless steel, or both aluminium and stainless steel. The grille may comprise, for example, a different metal, such as titanium or copper; or a different material, for example, plastic; or metal coated with plastic; or any combination thereof. In some embodiments the grille may comprise plastic, for example KEVLAR, a Trade Name for a particular synthetic material or plastic. In specific embodiments the grille comprises glass reinforce plastic. In some embodiments the grille comprises carbon fibre.
In specific embodiments, the bars are plastic or metal or a combination of metal and plastic. The bars of the grille may comprise metal with a coating of plastic. The bars of the grille may comprise metal with a coating of infrared transmitting material. Aptly the grille has mechanical strength. Aptly the bars have mechanical strength. Aptly the grille, the bars, or both the grille and bars, provide mechanical strength to the lens, the lens structure or both.
In some embodiments the grille comprises a width from one side of the bars to the other, in the range of 0.2 millimetres to 3 millimetres. In some embodiments, the grille is in the range of 1 millimetre to 2.5 millimetres wide from one side of the bars to the other side of the bars. In specific embodiments, the grille is in the range of 1.3 millimetres to 2.1 millimetres wide from one side of the grille to the other side of the grille. In specific embodiments the grille is in the range of 1.3 millimetres to 2.06 millimetres wide, from one side of the bars to the other side of the bars. Thus, there is provided a grille which has a low weight, and which has a low cost of manufacture.
In some embodiments, the grille is 1.3 millimetres wide from one side of the bars to the other side of the bars. In specific embodiments the grille is 1.5 millimetres wide from one side of the bars to the other side of the bars. In specific embodiments the grille is 2.03 millimetres wide from one side of the grille to the other side of the grille.
In some embodiments the bars are the same width as the grille, from one side of the grille to the other side of the grille, in the upright normal use orientation of the grille. However, the width between the bars may be the same or different as the width of the grille. Ideally the greater area of space between the bars, or in other words the greater area of the apertures, or spacing, between the network of bars, the better vision through the grille. However, the greater area of apertures between the network of bars may mean less mechanical strength. Thus, there needs to be a balance of bars and the area of apertures of the grille. Other factors need to be considered in the balance of strength and vision as the mechanical strength of the bars also influences this balance. For example, a bar with high mechanical strength, for example, stainless steel, may allow thinner bars between the apertures of the grille.
In some embodiments the area of apertures of the grille is 60 to 85 percent of the total side area of the grille. Thus, with a side area of the grille comprising 80 percent apertures means only 20 percent of the side area of the grille is bars blocking the view. The advantage of having only one grille is that the two grilles do not need to be lined up or else the percentage of the viewing area will be decreased even further from the percentage of bars from one grille. In alternative embodiments the area of the apertures of the grille of the total side area of the grille may be in the range 70 to 80 percent. In specific embodiments, the area of the apertures of the grille of the total side area of the grille may be in the range of 75 to 90 percent.
The planar area of an aperture of the grille, on a side of the grille, in some embodiments may be in the range of 10 to 50 millimetres square in area. In specific embodiments the planar area of an apertures of the grille, on a side of the grille may be in the range of 25 to 35 millimetres square.
In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting material comprises a polymer. Alternatively, or additionally, the infrared transmitting material may comprise glass or crystalline. The advantage of an infrared transmitting material comprising polymer is that it has ease of manufacture and less cost. Also, polymer has the advantage that it is able to bend without breaking, more so than crystalline and glass. Using polymers as the infrared transmitting material of the present invention, advantageously are also able to withstand compression. Polymers suitable for use in the invention may, for example, comprise polyethylene, high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE), high density polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene, sulphur-based polymers or polymethyl methacrylate, or any combination thereof. Infrared transmitting polymers by the trademark PolyIR, are also suitable infrared transmitting polymers, for use in the present invention.
Aptly the infrared transmitting material enables infrared radiation in the wavelength range of about 0.5 micrometres to about 1 millimetre to transmit through the infrared transmitting material and thus through the infrared transmitting lens. In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting material enables infrared radiation in the wavelength range of 0.4 micrometres to 15 micrometres to transmit through the infrared transmitting material and thus through the infrared transmitting lens. In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting material enables infrared radiation in the wavelength range of 0.5 micrometres to 14 micrometres to transmit through the infrared transmitting material and thus through the infrared transmitting lens. In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting material enables infrared radiation in the wavelength range of 0.5 micrometres to 3 micrometres to transmit through the infrared transmitting material and thus through the infrared transmitting lens. In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting material enables infrared radiation in the wavelength range of 3 micrometres to 5 micrometres to transmit through the infrared transmitting material and thus through the infrared transmitting lens. In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting material enables infrared radiation in the wavelength range of 8 micrometres to 14 micrometres to transmit through the infrared transmitting material and thus through the infrared transmitting lens.
In some preferred embodiments, the infrared transmitting material is in the range of 0.2 millimetres to 0.45 millimetres wide from one side to the other. By providing an infrared transmitting material in the range of 0.2 millimetres to 0.45 millimetres, the lens has a low weight, and a reduced cost of manufacture. Further, by having an infrared transmitting material that is thin, the transmissivity of the material is improved. These benefits can be provided without forfeiting structurally rigidity and strength, which is provided by the grille.
In some embodiments, the infrared transmitting material is in the range of 0.1 millimetres to 0.3 millimetres wide from one side to the other.
In specific embodiments, the infrared transmitting material is in the range of 0.15 millimetres to 0.25 millimetres wide from one side to the other.
In some embodiments, the infrared transmitting material in total width is 0.5 millimetres or less. For example, the infrared transmitting material on each side of the grille may be the same width, such that each side has a total width of 0.25 millimetres or less. In other embodiments, the infrared transmitting material on each side of the grille may have a different width, but the total width is 0.5 millimetres or less. For example, the infrared transmitting material on one side of the grille may be 0.2 millimetres or less, and the infrared transmitting material on the other side of the grille may be 0.3 millimetres or less.
In some embodiments, the infrared transmitting material in total width is 0.4 millimetres or less. For example, the infrared transmitting material on each side of the grille may be the same width, such that each side has a total width of 0.2 millimetres or less. In other embodiments, the infrared transmitting material on each side of the grille may have a different width, but the total width is 0.4 millimetres or less. For example, the infrared transmitting material on one side of the grille may be 0.1 millimetres or less, and the infrared transmitting material on the other side of the grille may be 0.3 millimetres or less.
In specific embodiments when two infrared transmitting materials are used these may be pushed together. When pushed together at least some areas of the infrared transmitting material may appear as one infrared transmitting material. Ideally when two infrared transmitting materials are together the total width is less than 0.5 millimetres.
In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting material may be attached to the grille by adhesive. The adhesive may, for example, be applied to a portion of the side, or sides, of the grille. On a side where adhesive has been applied, the infrared material may be positioned making contact with at least some adhesive, such that the infrared material is held in position. In specific embodiments adhesive applied to both sides of the grille and infrared material is positioned to both sides of the grille. The infrared material may be held in position on both sides of the grille by adhesive. Adhesive does not need to be applied to the complete side or sides of the grille. Ideally a sufficient amount of adhesive will be applied to a side or sides of the grille to enable holding of the infrared material in position.
In some embodiments the infrared transmitting material may be attached to the grille by adhesive-tape. In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting material may be attached to the grille by double-sided adhesive-tape. The adhesive-tape, or double-sided adhesive-tape may, for example, be applied to a portion of the side, or a portion of both sides, of the grille. Ideally when adhesive-tape, that only has adhesive on one side of the adhesive tape, is used, the adhesive-tape may be folded over such that adhesive can contact both the grille and the infrared material. Using adhesive tape, or double-sided adhesive-tape has the advantage that adhesive is less likely to run off the bars of the grille and block the gaps between the bars of the grille.
In embodiments where adhesive-tape or double-sided adhesive-tape has been applied to, a portion of one side, or a portion of both sides of the grille, the infrared material may be positioned making contact with at least some adhesive, such that the infrared material is held in position. In specific embodiments adhesive-tape, or double-sided adhesive-tape is applied to a portion of both sides of the grille and infrared material is positioned to both sides of the grille. The infrared material may be held in position on both sides of the grille by adhesive-tape, or double-sided adhesive-tape. Adhesive-tape, or double-sided adhesive-tape, does not need to be applied to the complete side or sides of the grille. Likewise the adhesive-tape, or double-sided adhesive-tape, need not be in contact with the entire side of the infrared transmitting material. Ideally a sufficient amount of adhesive-tape, or double-sided-adhesive tape, will be applied to a side or sides of the grille to enable holding of the infrared material in position. In specific embodiments when adhesive-tape, or double-side adhesive-tape is used to secure the infrared materials and grille together, the grille is between two infrared transmitting materials.
In some embodiments the corresponding array of apertures of the double-sided adhesive-tape is an exact, or almost exact match to the array of apertures of the grille. In other embodiments the corresponding array of apertures of the adhesive tape are not an exact match. Using a greater amount of double-sided adhesive-tape may give a greater hold. However, applying double-side adhesive-tape to the bars of the grille only and not partially covering any apertures may be difficult. Therefore in some embodiments double-sided adhesive-tape may be used only sufficiently in amount to hold the infrared transmitting material to the grille and that there is sufficient apertures, or part of the apertures, not blocked to enable infrared transmitting inspection through the grille. The double-sided adhesive-tape may, for example in some embodiments, be used only on the outer periphery of the grille in order not to block the array of apertures or at least not block a significant portion of the apertures.
Positioning of the adhesive-tape, or double-sided adhesive-tape, to a portion of the side of the grille may be assisted by using a jig that may accurately apply the adhesive-tape, or double-sided adhesive-tape, to the bars of the grille and not block or fill the apertures of the grille, between the bars of the grille, and thus still enable infrared transmission through the grille when adhesive-tape, or double-sided adhesive tape, is used to secure the infrared transmitting material in position. Advantageously using a jig may enable accurate positioning of the adhesive-tape, or double-sided adhesive-tape. A jig may be used to cut the required apertures in the adhesive tape, or double-sided adhesive-tape.
In specific embodiments the infrared transmitting lens is circular in shape. In other embodiments the infrared transmitting lens may have a different shape, for example, a square, a triangle, an ellipse, a rectangle, square or an oval.
By providing an infrared transmitting lens comprising a grille, wherein the grille comprises infrared transmitting between the network of bars of the grille, the infrared transmitting material has an improved integration with the protective grille. This increases the structural rigidity and strength of the infrared transmitting lens, enabling the manufacture of a thin lens still able to obtain high mechanical strength.
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an infrared transmitting lens for mounting in an aperture of a housing containing an apparatus to be subjected to infrared inspection, comprising the steps of:
Also, the present invention further provides a method of manufacturing an infrared transmitting lens for mounting in an aperture of a housing containing an apparatus to be subjected to infrared inspection, comprising the steps of:
In specific embodiments the method of manufacturing an infrared transmitting material further comprises the step of applying folded-over adhesive tape, or double-sided adhesive-tape, to a portion of the network of bars of the grille on both sides of the grille before positioning or providing infrared transmitting materials to both sides of the grille.
In some embodiments there is provided an infrared transmitting material that is adhered to the grille by compression. In some embodiments the infrared transmitting material adheres to the grille by compression. The compressive force applied aligns the infrared transmitting material with the array of apertures of the grille and may at least partially, fills the array of apertures with the infrared transmitting material. Infrared may pass through the infrared transmitting material and through the array of apertures during an infrared inspection.
In specific embodiments, the method of manufacturing an infrared transmitting lens further comprises the step of: providing a second infrared transmitting material to a second side of the grille. In further embodiments the method of manufacturing an infrared transmitting lens further comprises the step of compressing the second infrared transmitting material into the grille on the second side of the grille. Both sides of the grille may be provided with an infrared transmitting material. Advantageously, with infrared transmitting material on both sides of the grille allows protection to both sides of the grille, for example, from corrosion. Having an infrared transmitting material, for example, a polymer compressed from both sides of the grille may enable the space between the network of bars of the grille to be filled more evenly than if the infrared transmitting material was only compressed from one side. When the infrared transmitting material, for example, when comprising polymer, surrounds, or partially surrounds, the grille, the infrared transmitting material protects the grille from degradation, for example corrosion.
Also, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing an infrared transmitting lens for mounting in an aperture of a housing containing an apparatus to be subjected to infrared inspection, comprising the step of: extruding an infrared transmitting material around a grille to provide an infrared transmitting lens.
In specific embodiments, the method of manufacturing an infrared transmitting lens comprises the steps of:
As used herein, the term “aperture” is used to describe any slit, hole, slot, cavity, recess or opening. For example, an aperture may be a through-hole extending through a material from one side to the other. In other embodiments, the aperture may instead be a recess, or space, extending a depth into the surface on one side of a material. An aperture of the grille may be the area between the network of bars, which is not the bars of the grille, but which may be filled with another element, for example, a polymer.
As used herein, the term “array” is used to describe a structural arrangement. For example, an array of apertures is used to describe an arrangement of apertures of the grille. The term array includes, but not limited to, a plurality of apertures in a pattern.
As used herein, the term “double-sided adhesive-tape” is used to describe a tape that has adhesive on both sides of the tape.
As used herein, the term “grille” is used to describe a network of bars with apertures or spacing between the network of bars. The grille may often be generally planar but not limited to planar structures. The grille may be curved. The grille need not be flat. The term “faces of the grille” means the “sides of the grille” referring to the larger two sides of the grille. The outer peripheral portion being the edge of the grille.
As used herein, the term “infrared inspection” or “infrared imaging” is used to describe a condition monitoring process involving the detection of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared wavelength range.
As used herein, the term “infrared transmitting material” is used to describe a material that is capable of allowing infrared radiation to pass therethrough. The infrared transmitting material may be glass, crystalline material or a polymer, for example.
As used herein, the term “planar” is used to describe an element having a length that is substantially greater than its thickness. Generally having two sides or faces.
As used herein, the term “providing” includes the meaning of positioning.
As used herein, the term “bars” is used to describe the strands, of the grille, that is capable of providing structural strength or rigidity, or both strength and rigidity, to the grille. The bars may comprise any coating that is suitable for preventing corrosion, for example plastic. Typically, the bars comprise metal. The bars may be wire. The bars may be round across the width of the bar. The bars may be rod like in shape.
As used herein, the term “tessellation” is used to describe a patterned arrangement of features, typically but not limited to being on a surface of a material. For example, a tessellation maybe a repeat of a particular shape on a surface.
As used herein, the term “width” or “thickness” is used to describe the distance between two points, for example, two sides or faces. For example, the grille having a width of 0.5 millimetres indicates a distance of 0.5 millimetres between the two sides of the grille. The term width may also be used to describe the width, thickness or diameter of the bars, from one side of the grille to the other side of the grille.
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words ‘right’, ‘left’, ‘lower’, ‘upper’, ‘front’, ‘rear’, ‘upward’, ‘down’ and ‘downward’ designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and are with respect to the described component when assembled and mounted. The words ‘inner’, ‘inwardly’ and ‘outer’, ‘outwardly’ refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centreline or a geometric centre of an element being described (e.g. central axis), the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.
Further, as used herein, the terms ‘connected’, ‘attached’, ‘coupled’, ‘mounted’ are intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween, as well as, indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
Further, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives, such as, “first”, “second”, “third” etc. merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner.
An infrared transmitting lens for mounting in an aperture of a housing containing an apparatus to be subjected to an infrared inspection, the infrared transmitting lens comprising:
An infrared transmitting lens according to example Ex1, wherein the grille further comprises infrared transmitting material between the network of bars of the grille, such that the infrared transmitting material, at least partially, fills the array of apertures between the network of bars of the grille.
An infrared transmitting lens for mounting in an aperture of a housing containing an apparatus to be subjected to an infrared inspection, the infrared transmitting lens comprising: a grille, the grille comprising a network of bars with an array of apertures between the bars, the grille further comprising infrared transmitting material between the bars of the grille, such that the infrared transmitting material, at least partially fills, the array of apertures between the bars of the grille.
An infrared transmitting lens according to example Ex3, wherein further comprises, infrared transmitting material on one side of the grille.
An infrared transmitting lens according to anyone of examples Ex1, Ex2 or Ex3, wherein the array of apertures of the grille are equal in size and shape, and arranged in a regular array.
An infrared transmitting lens according to anyone of example Ex1 to Ex5, wherein the apertures of the grille are square, or circular; or rectangular; or triangular; or polygonal; or hexagonal; or any combination of square, circular, rectangular, triangular, polygonal or hexagonal.
An infrared transmitting lens according to anyone of examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the array of apertures of the grille are arranged in a tessellation.
An infrared transmitting lens according to anyone of examples Ex1 to Ex7, wherein the infrared transmitting lens is planar.
An infrared transmitting lens according to anyone of examples Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the infrared transmitting material comprises a polymer.
An infrared transmitting lens according to anyone of examples Ex1 to Ex9 wherein the grille comprises: plastic, or metal, or a combination of metal and plastic.
An infrared transmitting lens according to anyone of examples Ex1 to Ex10, wherein the grille is in the range of 0.2 millimetres to 3 millimetres wide from one side of the grille to the other side of the grille at a portion of the network of bars.
An infrared transmitting lens according to anyone of examples Ex1 to Ex11, wherein the infrared transmitting material, is in the range of 0.15 millimetres to 0.45 millimetres wide, in total, from one side to the other.
An infrared transmitting lens according to anyone of examples Ex1 to Ex12, wherein the infrared transmitting material in total width is 0.4 millimetres.
An infrared transmitting lens according to anyone of examples Ex1 to Ex13, wherein the infrared transmitting material is nonplanar.
An infrared transmitting lens according to anyone of examples Ex1 to Ex14, wherein the infrared transmitting material forms a seal across the infrared transmitting lens, or the grille, such that the seal is impermeable to fluids.
An infrared transmitting lens according to anyone of wherein the infrared transmitting material comprises protrusions.
An infrared transmitting lens according to example Ex1, wherein further comprises double-sided adhesive-tape on, a portion, of both sides of the grille, the double-sided adhesive-tape is between the grille and the infrared transmitting material.
A method of manufacturing an infrared transmitting lens for mounting in an aperture of a housing containing an apparatus to be subjected to infrared inspection, comprising the steps of:
A method of manufacturing an infrared transmitting lens according to example Ex18, wherein the method further comprises the step of: providing a second infrared transmitting material to a second side of the grille, before the compressing step.
A method of manufacturing an infrared transmitting lens for mounting in an aperture of a housing containing an apparatus to be subjected to infrared inspection, comprising the step of:
A method of manufacturing an infrared transmitting lens for mounting in an aperture of a housing containing an apparatus to be subjected to infrared inspection, comprising the steps of:
A method of manufacturing an infrared transmitting lens according to example Ex21, further comprising the step of: applying double-sided adhesive-tape to, a portion of the bars of the grille, on both sides of the grille, before; providing an infrared transmitting material to a first side of the grille and providing an infrared transmitting material to a second side of the grille.
Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Like reference numerals are used to depict like features throughout.
In this embodiment, the infrared transmitting material 130 is relatively thin in width. More specifically, the infrared transmitting material 130 in this embodiment has a width of 0.2 millimetres. This is particularly important since the infrared transmitting material 130 is to enable transmitted infrared radiation to pass through the infrared transmitting material 130. The infrared transmitting material 130 enables infrared radiation in the wavelength range of about 0.5 micrometres to about 14 um to pass through. In specific embodiments the infrared the infrared transmitting material 130 has a front side 132 and a rear side 136, and a peripheral edge portion 134 defined in between the front side 132 and the rear side 136. When infrared radiation (not shown) passes through the hexagonal apertures 120 of the grille, the infrared radiation extends towards and transmits through the infrared transmitting material 130. In other embodiments the infrared transmitting material 130 may comprise a different material, and the infrared transmitting material 130 may have a different width from the front side 132 to the rear side 136 of the infrared transmitting material 130 so long as its width and the properties of the infrared transmitting material 130 allow infrared radiation to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the infrared transmitting material 130 comprises protrusions (not shown) that correspond to the hexagonal apertures 120 of the grille 110 such that infrared can transmit through the hexagonal apertures 120 and through the protrusions of the infrared transmitting material 130.
In the
In this embodiment, the second infrared transmitting material 230 also has a relatively thin width. More specifically, the second infrared transmitting material 240 in this embodiment has a width, or thickness, of 0.2 millimetres. Likewise, the first infrared transmitting material 230 also has a width, or thickness, of 0.2 millimetres. Thus, the overall total width of the first infrared transmitting material 230 combined with the second infrared transmitting material 240 has a width of 0.4 millimetres. The grille 210 in this embodiment has a width, from front side of the grille (not shown) to the rear side, of 0.5 millimetres. The material of the first 230 and second 240 infrared transmitting materials and the width of same, allow infrared radiation to pass therethrough. That is, when infrared radiation (not shown) passes through either one of the first 230 and second 240 infrared transmitting materials, the infrared radiation passes through the hexagonal apertures 220 (for convenience shown as dashed lines) of the grille 210 and extends towards and transmits through the other one of the first 230 and second 240 infrared transmitting materials. In some embodiments each of the infrared transmitting materials 230, 240 may comprise a number of different materials, and each of the infrared transmitting materials 230, 240 may have a different width, so long as its width and the properties of the infrared transmitting material 230, 240 allow infrared radiation to pass therethrough.
When the infrared transmitting lens 200 is assembled together, the first infrared transmitting material 230 and the second infrared transmitting material 240 are compressed inwards towards the grille 210, in this embodiment. In some alternative embodiments the first and second infrared transmitting materials are not compressed. In this embodiment a compressive force is applied onto the front side 232, of the first infrared transmitting material 230 in a direction towards the grille 210. A compressive force is also applied on the rear side 246 of the second infrared transmitting material 240 compressing towards the grille 210. The first infrared transmitting material 230 in this embodiment is a polymer. When a compressive force is applied onto the front side 232 of the first infrared transmitting material 230, a portion of the first infrared transmitting material 230 is positioned between the network of bars. Thus, in this embodiment the grille comprises infrared transmitting material between the bars of the grille. In this specific
The present invention covers embodiments where the grille has infrared transmitting material positioned on both sides of the grille. This embodiment may look similar to that of
By combining different materials for the infrared transmitting materials used may lead to many different final compositions of the infrared transmitting lens. For example, an infrared transmitting material comprising crystalline may be used on one side of the grille and an infrared transmitting material comprising polymer on the other side of the lens. In this embodiment the apertures of the grille may comprise air. In this specific embodiment with different transmitting material on different sides of the grille may optionally further comprise a compression step such that the infrared transmitting material comprising polymer may be also positioned between the bars on the grille, at least partially filling the apertures of the grille.
On either side of the grille 510, there is provided infrared transmitting material 530, 540. Specifically, in this embodiment, a first infrared transmitting material 530 made of a polymer is positioned on a front side of the grille 510. A second infrared transmitting material 540 also made of a polymer is positioned on a rear side of the grille 510. In this embodiment the grille 510 comprises infrared transmitting material on two sides of the grille 510. The infrared transmitting material 530, 540 on either side of the grille 510 lies parallel and flush against the grille 510. The material of the first 530 and second 540 infrared transmitting materials and the width of same, allow infrared radiation to pass therethrough. When infrared radiation (not shown) passes through either one of the first 530 and second 540 infrared transmitting materials, the infrared radiation passes through he hexagonal apertures 520 of the grille 510 and extends towards and transmits through the other one of the first 530 and second 540 infrared transmitting materials.
In this embodiment, the infrared transmitting materials 530, 540 have a width from one side to the other, of 0.2 millimetres, and they comprise a polymer. However, it should be appreciated that each of the infrared transmitting materials 530, 540 may comprise a different material, and each of the infrared transmitting materials 530, 540 may have a different width, so long as its width and the properties of the infrared transmitting material 530, 540 allow infrared radiation to pass therethrough.
For illustrative purposes of showing the lens of the present invention in use, optional covers, and rim and other optional window components are shown. A first movable optional cover 550 is provided on a front side, positioned near to the first infrared transmitting material 530. The first removable optional cover 550 has a rim 552 positioned around the periphery of the first movable optional cover 550. The rim 552 is provided with attachment points 556.
Similarly, a second optional cover 560 is provided at the rear side, positioned near the second infrared transmitting material 540. The second optional cover 560 also has a rim 562 positioned around the periphery of the second cover 560. The rim 562 also has attachment points 568. In this embodiment the optional attachment points 568, 556 assists to hold the optional cover in place when viewing is not required but enable easy removal of the optional covers from any one side when viewing through the infrared transmitting lens is required.
In use, the infrared transmitting lens 530, 510, 540 can be mounted in an aperture of a housing containing an apparatus to be subjected to infrared inspection. The window assembly 500 can be mounted within a housing. Thus, infrared radiation can be transmitted through the apertures 520 of the grille 510 and through the infrared transmitting materials 530, 540 to inspect inside the housing. In this embodiment, the infrared transmitting lens comprising the grille 510 and the first 530 and second 540 transmitting materials can be assembled together by compressing the first infrared transmitting material 530 and the second infrared transmitting material 540 inwards towards the grille 510. In some embodiments, when a compressive force is applied on the first infrared transmitting material 530, the first infrared transmitting material 530 deforms and fills the array of apertures 520 of the grille 510. This is better shown in
For illustrative purposes only, embodiments of the invention including those of
In the
In a further embodiment similar to that shown in
A force may still be applied to compress this embodiment but it is not necessary to produce a seal or a complete infrared transmitting lens. Both sides of the grille need not be covered by an infrared transmitting material to produce an infrared transmitting lens. The infrared transmitting lens may comprise a sheet of infrared transmitting material wherein the infrared transmitting material comprises a preformed sheet of infrared transmitting material. Further the infrared transmitting material may comprise protrusions. The protrusions of the sheet of infrared transmitting material may correspond to the apertures of the grille.
In an alternative embodiment where a compression force is desired, the force used to compress the two sheets of infrared transmitting material 1030, 1040 into the grille 1010 may be between 15 and 40 Newtons of force. In this embodiment, the first infrared transmitting material 1030 on a front side of the grille 1010 deforms and partially fills the aperture between the bars of the grille 1010 from the front side. The second infrared transmitting material 1040 on the rear side of the grille 1010 deforms and partially fills the aperture of the grille 1010 from the rear side. In this particular embodiment, the first infrared transmitting material 1030 and the second infrared transmitting material 1040 deform and fill the aperture of the grille 1010 from their respective sides and contact in the middle of the aperture, thus, partially at least, filling the aperture. In other embodiments, the first infrared transmitting material 1030 and the second infrared transmitting material 1040 deform and partially fill the aperture of the grille 1010 from their respective sides and are separate from one another. Thus, the aperture remains partially filled. The width of both the first 1030 and second 1040 infrared transmitting material are equal, at 0.2 millimetres in diameter before compression. After compression the width of the first 1030 and second 1040 infrared transmitting material together, in total, is 0.4 millimetres at the aperture portion of the grille 1010. The grille 1010 has a width of 0.35 millimetres. In this
Various modifications to the detailed designs are described above are envisaged. For example, previously it is described that the first infrared transmitting material and the second infrared transmitting material are compressed inwards towards the grille. This urges the first transmitting material and the second infrared transmitting material towards the grille and optionally, deforming the infrared transmitting material into the apertures of the grille. In some embodiments the grille may be formed by extrusion. In some embodiments, one or more, of the infrared transmitting material may be extruded around the grille. That is, the grille is produced by feeding a material such as, for example, aluminium, through an extruder along with infrared transmitting material on one or both sides of the grille. This produces an infrared transmitting lens having a grille and infrared transmitting material(s) in one step such that the grille is provided with infrared transmitting material(s) provided within, around or on, or any combination of within, on or around the grille, removing the need for a compression step to attachingly engage the infrared transmitting material with the grille. When the infrared transmitting material, for example, an infrared transmitting material comprising polymer, surrounds, or partially surrounds, the grille, the infrared transmitting material protects the grille from degradation, for example, from corrosion.
It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that features described in relation to any of the embodiments described above can be application interchangeably between the different embodiments. The embodiments described above are examples to illustrate various features of the invention.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Through the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect embodiment, or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1917386.3 | Nov 2019 | GB | national |
