Safe operation device

Abstract

The present invention provides a safety work device which suppresses raising of chemicals and contaminants into a work space when a front shutter is closed. The safety work device is provided with a work space and a front shutter capable of moving up and down in front of the work space, a work opening part is formed below the front shutter when the front shutter moves upwards, and the safety work device is provided with an exhaust port for exhausting air from the work space and an exhaust flow path from the exhaust port. When the front shutter is closed, an inner shell opening is formed in the upper portion of the front shutter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to safety work devices such as safety cabinets or ventilation rooms. Background Technology

[0002] Safety work devices are known to have a gate on the front surface, which allows for safe operation by venting air from its interior. As an example, Patent Document 1 discloses a safety cabinet having a work space and a gate that vents air from the work space.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-122816 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the safety cabinet described in Patent Document 1, air flows in through an opening under the gate during operation, and a fan exhausts the incoming air to the outside. This achieves a suitable airflow within the work space. However, when the gate is closed, excessive negative pressure occurs within the work space, generating unexpected strong airflows. For example, air may flow in at high speed through a small gap between the gate and the worktable, or through gaps around the gate. These airflows can cause residual chemicals and contaminants within the work space to be stirred up, leading to a risk of contamination of the work space walls and equipment, as well as a risk of leakage to the outside of the equipment via unintended paths.

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention prevents excessive negative pressure in the workspace even when the gate is closed, thus creating laminar flow within the workspace. This prevents the chemicals and contaminants being stirred up into the workspace, preventing contamination inside the equipment and leakage outside.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] The following is an example of a safe operating device of the present invention used to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0011] A safe working device has a working space and a front gate that is movable up and down in front of the working space. When the front gate is moved upward, a working opening is formed below the front gate. The safe working device has an exhaust port for venting from the working space and an exhaust flow path from the exhaust port. When the front gate is closed, an internal opening is formed in the upper part of the front gate.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, when the front gate is closed, it is also possible to prevent the chemicals and pollutants processed in the work space from being thrown into the work space, thereby suppressing pollution inside the equipment and leakage outside the equipment.

[0014] Other structures and effects of the present invention will be clearly defined in the following full description. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1A This is an explanatory diagram of the open front gate state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 1B This is an explanatory diagram of the closed front gate state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2A This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the front gate being opened according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2B This is an explanatory diagram of the closed front gate state according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is an illustrative diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An illustrative diagram of one embodiment of the main parts.

[0021] Figure 5 This is an illustrative diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An illustrative diagram of one embodiment of the main parts.

[0023] Figure 7 This is an illustrative diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8A yes Figure 7 An illustrative diagram of one embodiment of the main parts.

[0025] Figure 8B yes Figure 7 An illustrative diagram of one embodiment of the main parts.

[0026] Figure 9 This is an illustrative diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 10 This is an illustrative diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11 This is an illustrative diagram of another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Example 1

[0030] Figure 1A This is an explanatory diagram of a safety operating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the front gate open. A schematic cross-sectional view is used to illustrate the structural features.

[0031] A work platform 2 is formed on top of the lower housing 1. A back panel 3a is located on the back side, and an upper housing 5 is located on the upper side. A front gate 4 is located on the front side. The area surrounded by 2, 3a, 5, and 4 is the work space. 3b is the back housing, and the space surrounded by 3a and 3b is the internal exhaust duct 22. Additionally, Figure 1A The diagram shows an example where the internal exhaust pipe 22 and the safety operation device are integrated to form the exhaust passage 3, but the exhaust passage can also be formed separately from the safety operation device in the form of other piping or the like.

[0032] 50 is an external exhaust duct. It is a duct that connects to the internal exhaust duct 22 and directs exhaust from the safety work device to the outside. 51 is an exhaust fan. Figure 1A In this system, it is constructed separately from the safety work device, and can be installed, for example, on the building side of a laboratory or factory. Of course, it is not excluded that it can be installed on the side of the safety work device.

[0033] Figure 1A The front gate 4 is in the open state, that is, the front gate 4 moves upward to form an opening, and a front opening 24 is formed between the front gate 4 and the worktable 2. At this time, because air is discharged by the exhaust fan 51, the part closer to the safety device than the exhaust fan becomes negative pressure. As a result, an airflow is generated to eliminate the pressure difference. Thus, air from the outside passes through the front opening 24, for example, as airflow 30 through the workspace 23. Then, for example, it passes through the pre-filter 20 and is introduced into the internal exhaust duct 22. The introduced air passes through the HEPA filter 21, for example, and is finally discharged by the exhaust fan 51 as airflow 31.

[0034] Next, using Figure 1A and Figure 1B The most significant feature of this embodiment will be explained.

[0035] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown in these two figures, a front housing 6 is formed on the upper part of the front gate 4. Then, an upper opening 10 is provided between the front housing 6 and the upper housing.

[0036] Figure 1AIn the case where the front gate 4 is in the open state and moves to the upper side of the figure, the front gate 4 is configured to have an area overlapping with the upper housing 5. At this time, because the front gate 4 overlaps with the upper housing 5, the upper opening 10 is separated from the working space 23.

[0037] Figure 1B In the case where the front gate 4 moves downwards, thus closing, the front opening 24 disappears, and the airflow 30 disappears. At this time, the downward movement of the front gate 4 eliminates the overlap between the front gate 4 and the upper housing 5. Even if not completely eliminated, at least a portion of the overlap is eliminated. As a result, a new internal opening 12 is formed between the front gate 4 and the upper housing 5. Thus, a new airflow 32 is formed towards the work space 23 via the upper opening 10 and the internal opening 12. This new airflow 32 forms a downward airflow, which is then discharged to the outside by the exhaust fan 51 via airflow 33 and airflow 31.

[0038] In this way, by moving the front gate, a downward airflow is automatically formed when the front gate is closed, and excessive negative pressure is prevented. Therefore, it can achieve the characteristic effect of preventing chemicals and pollutants from being thrown into the work space, preventing pollution inside the equipment and leakage outside the equipment.

[0039] In addition, the possibility of adding fans or air supply devices to the upper part of the work space cannot be ruled out.

[0040] right Figure 1A and Figure 1B A comparison reveals that the present invention is characterized by the formation of a new opening on the upper side of the front gate through the movement of the front gate, thereby enabling a downward airflow within the working space. Therefore, various modifications or structural differences are included within the scope of this embodiment, provided that this new structural concept is satisfied.

[0041] Furthermore, the safety work device that is the subject of this invention can be applied to various devices, such as ventilation rooms or safety cabinets.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] The basic structure of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that a rectifier plate 11 is added.

[0044] Figure 2A Is with Figure 1A The corresponding diagram shows the difference: a rectifier plate 11 is located on the upper side of the work space 23, and the work space is between the rectifier plate 11 and the work platform 2. In the open state where the front gate 4 moves upward, the front gate 4 is configured to have an overlapping area with the upper housing 5, and also an overlapping area with the rectifier plate 11.

[0045] then, Figure 2B Is with Figure 1B The corresponding diagram. In the closed state where the front gate 4 moves downward, the overlap area between the front gate 4 and the upper housing 5 is eliminated, but an overlap area still exists between the front gate 4 and the rectifier plate 11. Therefore, Figure 1A The airflow 32 in the airflow flows into the work space 23 through the rectifier plate 11. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive local differences in the airflow 32 and to increase the wind speed of the downdraft, thereby further preventing the chemicals and pollutants from being stirred up into the work space.

[0046] Regarding the structure of the rectifier plate 11, various structures can be applied, such as a plate-shaped structure with multiple honeycomb-shaped or polygonal holes formed in metal or resin, or an opening ratio of tens of percent.

[0047] At this point, if the opening ratio is too low, the airflow resistance increases and the downward airflow weakens. Conversely, if the opening ratio is too high, the rectification effect of the downward airflow decreases. In view of the above, it is preferable to set the opening ratio to an appropriate range.

[0048] As a preferred example, the perforated plate is preferably configured to have multiple holes formed in a planar shape of a sheet-like structure such as stainless steel, with the opening ratio set to the level of 20-40%, more preferably to the level of 20-30%.

[0049] Furthermore, regarding the aperture ratio of the rectifier plate 11, from the viewpoint of ease of manufacturing, it is preferable that it is uniform across the entire plane.

[0050] On the other hand, from the viewpoint of enhancing the downward airflow near the front gate 4, it is preferable that the opening ratio of the rectifier plate 11 is higher on the front gate 4 side than on the back panel 3a side. However, in this case, in order to avoid generating turbulence in the working space 23, it is more preferable that the opening ratio varies between 20% and 40%.

[0051] The structure of the rectifier plate is not limited to that described above. Any plate-shaped structure with at least a partial opening is included within the scope of this embodiment.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] This embodiment adds additional constituent elements to Embodiment 2, on the premise of having the constituent elements described in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0054] Figure 3 Based on Figure 2B Explanatory diagram. Figure 3 and Figure 2BThe difference lies in the presence of an illumination section 15. The purpose of this illumination section 15 is to emit light downwards, illuminating the workspace. Therefore, to reduce the number of illumination sections, it is preferable, for example, to place them near the center.

[0055] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the main components of an example of the lighting unit 15. Multiple openings are formed in the rectifier plate 11. A portion of the rectifier plate 11 has an opening larger than the multiple openings. If the size of the multiple openings in the rectifier plate 11 is defined as W1 in the diagram, it refers to the opening W2, which is larger than W1. The lighting unit 15 is positioned corresponding to this W2 opening. Figure 4 In the lighting unit 15, the light-emitting device portion 15a of the LED is disposed within the range of W2.

[0056] This prevents light from the illumination unit 15 from being blocked by the rectifier plate 11, thus improving the light utilization efficiency of the illumination unit 15. 15b is a substrate and a heat dissipation unit. It corresponds to a printed circuit board for driving the LED and a heat sink for heat dissipation. Power is supplied to 15a via 15b, and light shines downward from the LED.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, even with the rectifier 11, it is possible to illuminate the workspace, and thus, by using... Figure 4 The structure of the rectifier plate with the illumination section 15 allows for effective utilization of the light efficiency of the illumination section 15. Furthermore, when the rectifier plate 11 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, it can also function as an auxiliary heat sink, rapidly dissipating heat generated at the illumination section 15. In this case, because the rectifier plate 11 is relatively large, it provides a powerful heat dissipation unit for the illumination section 15, thereby extending its lifespan.

[0058] Example 4

[0059] This embodiment adds additional constituent elements to Embodiment 2, on the premise of having the constituent elements described in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0060] Figure 5 Based on Figure 2B Explanatory diagram. Figure 5 and Figure 2B The difference lies in the presence of an antistatic device 16. This antistatic device 16 is positioned on the rectifier plate 11. This is because if the antistatic device 16 were positioned higher than the rectifier plate 11, the rectifier plate 11 would cause a reduction in the antistatic performance of the antistatic device 16.

[0061] Figure 6This is a partial illustration of an embodiment of the static eliminator 16 in this example, which is an implementation of an example using an ionizer.

[0062] The static eliminator 16 is positioned at an opening in the rectifier plate 11. Figure 6 The example described is an ion generating device 16, which is an example of an ion generator. 16a is a needle-shaped electrode, and 16b is a planar electrode; this is an example of an ion generator that generates ions by high-voltage discharge between 16a and 16b. 16c is a support for the needle-shaped electrode 16a. High voltages of different polarities are applied to 16a via an insulated wiring 16d and to 16b via an insulated wiring 16e.

[0063] The actual high voltage is supplied from a high-voltage generating circuit; this is a general concept and therefore detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, a high voltage is necessary because the current itself is infinitely close to zero, allowing for continuous discharge over a long period. Additionally, the meaning of high voltage with different polarities also includes cases where one polarity is 0 or GND. Moreover, when a power supply device is configured with non-fixed polarity that changes midway, it can achieve an electrostatic discharge effect on both positive and negative sides, which is therefore more preferable.

[0064] Figure 6 The diagrams 16a to 16e are formed in a suspended manner, but in reality, they are mounted on the rectifier plate 11 via a fixing component made of an insulator such as plastic for fixation.

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown in the structure, an antistatic device 16 is arranged corresponding to the opening of the rectifier plate 11, and is configured to maintain the opening of the rectifier plate 11, thus allowing static electricity to be discharged through the rectifier plate 11. Figure 2B The airflow 32, ions generated by the static eliminator 16, is introduced into the work space by the descending airflow.

[0066] return Figure 5 The location of the static eliminator 16 is not particularly limited, but is more preferably as follows: Figure 5 As shown, it is positioned towards the front gate 4 side compared to the center. This is because the risk of garbage or pollutants adhering to the inner side of the front gate 4 due to static electricity is higher.

[0067] This is because the other sides forming the working space are made of metal, which can prevent static electricity from being carried, but the front gate 4 is required to be transparent, so it is made of an insulator such as glass or plastic. Therefore, by offsetting the static eliminator 16 to the side of the front gate 4, the inner side of the front gate 4 is irradiated with ions, thereby enabling efficient static electricity removal in places where the need for static electricity removal is high, and the number of static eliminators can be kept to a minimum.

[0068] Preferably, the static eliminator 16 is configured to not operate when the front gate 4 is open, i.e., during operation, and to operate when the front gate 4 is closed. This can be achieved by providing a sensor or switch, etc., to link the operation of the static eliminator 16 with the position and state of the front gate 4.

[0069] For example, Figure 7 This is an example of a switch unit positioned corresponding to the front gate 4. 17 is the switch, 17a is a movable contact that moves integrally with the front gate, and 17b is a fixed contact fixed to the front housing 6. Figure 8A and Figure 8B Explain its actions.

[0070] Figure 8A This diagram illustrates that the front gate 4 is in the closed state and is supplying a high voltage to the static eliminator 16. The movable contact 17a is in contact with the fixed contact 17b, and the two are in a conductive state. As a result, the voltage supplied to the fixed contact 17b is supplied to the static eliminator 16 as 18a.

[0071] Figure 8B This diagram illustrates that the front gate 4 is in the open state and no high voltage is supplied to the static eliminator 16. Because the front gate 4 moves upward, the movable contact 17a also moves upward. This separates it from the fixed contact 17b, making them non-conductive. Consequently, the voltage supply to the static eliminator 16 is cut off.

[0072] The example in Figure 8 is just one example. Other implementation methods are also included in the scope of this embodiment when using a sensor or switch that is linked to the open or closed state of the front gate to control the high voltage supply to the static eliminator 16.

[0073] In addition, by using a structure that stops powering on at a preset time instead of continuously powering on when the sensor or switch is working, a structure can be achieved that removes static electricity only for a certain period of time after the front gate 4 has just closed, for example, immediately after the work has ended.

[0074] Example 5

[0075] Figure 9 This is in contrast to the one in this embodiment. Figure 3 or Figure 5 The corresponding figures. This embodiment is an example that simultaneously has the structures of Embodiments 3 and 4, and is an example that simultaneously has the lighting unit 15 and the static elimination device 16. (See figure below.) Figure 9As shown, regarding the positional relationship between the lighting unit 15 and the static eliminator 16, it is preferable that the static eliminator 16 is positioned on the side of the front gate 4, which is closer to the lighting unit 15. This is to achieve the objectives described in both Embodiments 3 and 4.

[0076] Example 6

[0077] Figure 10 Based on Figure 9 Explanatory diagram.

[0078] This embodiment is an additional embodiment of the invention disclosed in any of Embodiments 1 to 5. The feature of this embodiment is that a damper is provided corresponding to the upper opening 10.

[0079] As an example of an air damper. Figure 10 The damper is formed by the combination of cover 18 and spring 19. It is positioned corresponding to the upper opening 10.

[0080] With the front gate 4 closed (i.e., in the shut-off state), the pressure in the workspace decreases due to exhaust from the exhaust fan 51. This pressure difference with atmospheric pressure creates downward pressure at the upper opening 10. Here, a downward-opening damper is provided corresponding to the upper opening 10. Because atmospheric pressure is higher, the damper opens downward due to the force generated by the pressure difference, allowing air to enter through the upper opening 10. Since the damper operates due to the pressure difference, its spring force needs to be set relatively weak.

[0081] Additionally, although not illustrated, in the open state of the front gate, i.e., after the front gate has moved upwards, as shown... Figure 1A As shown, the working space 23 is spatially separated from the upper opening 10, so there is no pressure applied to the damper, and the cover 18 is closed by the force of the spring 19.

[0082] This damper can automatically close the upper opening 10 when the exhaust fan 51 is stopped for a long period of time, such as during long-term leave or inspection work, thus preventing garbage and other debris from entering the interior of the safety operation device.

[0083] Example 7

[0084] Figure 11 Is with Figure 2B The corresponding explanatory diagram. (And) Figure 2B The difference lies in the presence of an upper pre-filter 25. Thus, air from the upper opening 10 passes through the upper pre-filter 25 and flows as atmospheric flow 32 into the work space 23. Therefore, with the front gate 4 closed, debris and other contaminants can be prevented from entering the safe working device.

[0085] The embodiments described above in this invention can be used individually or in combination. These situations are also included within the scope of the invention in these embodiments.

[0086] Furthermore, as long as the technical ideas described in detail in the above embodiments are applied, variations and certain structural changes are also included within the scope of this invention.

[0087] The inventions disclosed in this specification are described below, for example.

[0088] <1>

[0089] A safe working device includes a working space and a vertically movable front gate in front of the working space.

[0090] When the front gate moves upward, a working opening is formed below the front gate.

[0091] The safety work device has an exhaust port for venting air from the work space and an exhaust flow path from the exhaust port.

[0092] When the front gate is closed, an opening is formed in the housing at the upper part of the front gate.

[0093] <2>

[0094] The safety operating device as described in <1> has an upper opening located above the opening inside the housing.

[0095] <3>

[0096] As described in <2>, in the safety operation device, when the front gate is closed, air flows into the operation space through the upper opening and the inner opening of the housing.

[0097] <4>

[0098] The safety work device as described in <3> has a rectifier plate above the work space.

[0099] <5>

[0100] As described in <4>, in the safety operation device, the aperture ratio of the rectifier plate on the front gate side is higher than the aperture ratio of the rectifier plate on the rear side of the safety operation device.

[0101] <6>

[0102] The safety operating device as described in <4> includes an illumination section positioned on the rectifier plate.

[0103] <7>

[0104] The safety operation device as described in <6>, wherein the lighting unit is an LED, and is positioned in a hole formed in the rectifier plate, the hole for arranging the LED being larger than the plurality of rectifier holes provided in the rectifier plate.

[0105] <8>

[0106] The safety operation device as described in <4> includes an anti-static device positioned on the rectifier plate.

[0107] <9>

[0108] The safety operation device as described in <8>, wherein the static electricity removal device is configured on the rectifier plate in a manner biased toward the front gate side.

[0109] <10>

[0110] The safety operation device as described in <9>, wherein the static electricity eliminator operates when the front gate is closed.

[0111] <11>

[0112] The safety operation device as described in <9>, wherein the static elimination device is an ion generator having needle-shaped electrodes and planar electrodes, the needle-shaped electrodes being positioned in the holes of the rectifier plate and air flowing around the needle-shaped electrodes.

[0113] <12>

[0114] The safety operation device as described in <4> includes an illumination section and an anti-static device positioned on the rectifier plate, wherein the anti-static device is arranged at a position closer to the front gate side than the illumination section.

[0115] <13>

[0116] The safety operation device as described in <2> has a downward-opening damper corresponding to the upper opening.

[0117] <14>

[0118] The safety operation device as described in <2> has an upper pre-filter corresponding to the upper opening.

[0119] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0120] 1: Lower shell

[0121] 2: Workbench

[0122] 3a: Back panel

[0123] 4: Front gate

[0124] 5: Upper shell

[0125] 6: Front housing

[0126] 10: Opening at the top

[0127] 11: Rectifier Board

[0128] 12: Opening inside the shell

[0129] 15: Lighting

[0130] 16: Static electricity eliminator

[0131] 20: Pre-filter

[0132] 21: HEPA filter

[0133] 22: Internal exhaust pipe

[0134] 23: Workspace

[0135] 24: Open at the front

[0136] 25: Upper pre-filter

[0137] 30, 31, 32, 33: Airflow

[0138] 50: External exhaust pipe

[0139] 51: Exhaust fan.

Claims

1. A safe operating device, characterized in that: It has a working space and a front gate that can move up and down in front of the working space. When the front gate moves upward, a working opening is formed below the front gate. The safety work device has an exhaust port for venting air from the work space and an exhaust flow path from the exhaust port. When the front gate is closed, an opening is formed in the housing at the upper part of the front gate.

2. The safe operating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It has an upper opening located above the opening inside the housing.

3. The safe operating device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: When the front gate is closed, air flows into the working space through the upper opening and the inner opening of the housing.

4. The safe operating device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: A rectifier plate is located above the workspace.

5. The safe operating device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The aperture ratio of the rectifier plate on the front gate side is higher than that of the rectifier plate on the rear side of the safety operation device.

6. The safe operating device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: It has an illumination section positioned on the rectifier plate.

7. The safe operating device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The lighting unit is an LED, which is positioned in a hole formed in the rectifier plate. The hole for arranging the LED is larger than the multiple rectifier holes provided in the rectifier plate.

8. The safe operating device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: It has an antistatic device positioned on the rectifier plate.

9. The safe operating device as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The static electricity removal device is configured on the rectifier plate in a manner biased towards the front gate side.

10. The safe operating device as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The static eliminator operates when the front gate is closed.

11. The safe operating device as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The static eliminator is an ion generator having needle-shaped electrodes and planar electrodes. The needle-shaped electrodes are positioned in the holes of the rectifier plate, and air flows around the needle-shaped electrodes.

12. The safe operating device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: It has an illumination section and an antistatic device positioned on the rectifier plate, the antistatic device being disposed at a position closer to the front gate side than the illumination section.

13. The safe operating device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: A downward-opening damper is provided corresponding to the upper opening.

14. The safe operating device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: An upper pre-filter is provided corresponding to the upper opening.

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