Particle collecting device comprising securing means for transitions of line sections of a suction air flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a particle collecting device for collecting particles from surfaces in order to analyse particles as part of a process for testing the technical cleanliness of test bodies, in particular electronic assemblies and machines, wherein the particle collecting device comprises suction air guiding means (01) for guiding a suction air flow and for separating particles from the suction air flow via at least one particle collecting unit, wherein the suction air guiding means (01) comprise at least two line sections (02, 03) which adjoin one another and which form the line of the suction air line via at least one transition (09). According to the invention, a securing means (12) is arranged on the at least one transition (09), engages around the line sections (02, 03) on an outer periphery (13, 14) and, preferably owing to a rotational movement about a longitudinal centre axis (L), can be transferred into a securing state and a release state, wherein, in the release state, the line sections (02, 03) are unconnected and can be separated and wherein, in the securing state, the inner surfaces (15, 16) of the line sections (02, 03) are connected to one another without gaps and are pressed against one another, in particular in a flush manner and / or without undercuts.

Description

[0001] Particle collection device with securing means for transitions between pipe sections of a suction air flow

[0002] The present invention relates to a particle collecting device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Particle collection devices for collecting particles from surfaces for particle analysis as part of testing the technical cleanliness of test specimens, in particular electrical assemblies and machines, are already known in the prior art. For example, such devices are known from DE 10 2017 124 265 A1 and DE 10 2018 110 320 A1 of the applicant.

[0004] In the case of particle collection devices of this type, unlike household vacuum cleaners or other particle collection devices, a special requirement is the quantitative and qualitative evaluability of the object tested and cleaned with the aid of a suction air stream.Because, unlike pure cleaning devices, which essentially aim to remove particles from a surface, whereby the whereabouts of the particles after removal from the surface is secondary or irrelevant, the generic particle collection devices have the special task of not only removing and transporting the particles from the respective surfaces, but also conveying or guiding the transported particles for qualitative and quantitative analysis and accordingly, as far as possible without any losses during transport in suction air guiding means, to at least one particle collection unit in which the particles are caught, separated or otherwise separated from the suction air flow in order to be subsequently counted and / or measured, for example in an integrated or an external analysis device.The quantitative and qualitative analysis is used, among other things, to validate production processes and to ensure the quality of manufacturing processes.

[0005] In the prior art, in particular in DE 10 2018 110 320 A1 , a possibility has already been described to reduce an unwanted loss or unwanted discharge of particles from the suction air flow, for example by deposits in the suction air guide means, precisely at corresponding transitions, at a transition between two line sections of suction air guide means for guiding or directing a suction air flow.

[0006] Although the prior art solution can reduce the deposition or discharge of particles at the transition between line sections of suction air guides when the particle collection device is used in a fairly static manner, problems can arise with the prior art solution when the particle collection device is used more dynamically, for example when components are exchanged or when components are moved against one another, in particular suction air guides, especially when particles are sucked off the surface of test specimens, in particular when adjacent line sections of suction air guides exert relative movements or are subjected to force and / or impulse effects, which can then lead to gaps and / or undercuts being created at the transitions between line sections.

[0007] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to overcome the problems of the prior art and, in particular, to propose a particle collection device in which unwanted deposition of particles from a suction air stream at transitions between line sections of suction air guide means is reliably and permanently prevented or largely minimized. This object is achieved with a particle collection device having the features of claim 1.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the following description, the description of the figures, the figures and the dependent claims.

[0009] In principle, all features subsequently disclosed in terms of the device shall also be deemed to be disclosed and claimable in terms of the method, and vice versa.

[0010] The particle collection device according to the invention for collecting particles from surfaces for particle analysis within the scope of a test of the technical cleanliness of test specimens, in particular electronic assemblies and machines, comprises suction air guiding means for guiding a suction air flow and separating particles from the suction air flow via at least one particle collection unit, wherein the suction air guiding means comprise at least two adjacent line sections which form the line of the suction air line via at least one transition.

[0011] According to the invention, a securing means is arranged at the at least one transition of the line sections, which securing means encompasses the line sections on an outer circumference and can be transferred, preferably by a rotational movement about a longitudinal central axis, into a securing state and a release state, wherein in the release state the line sections are unconnected and separable and wherein in the securing state the inner surfaces of the line sections are connected to one another without gaps and are subjected to force against one another, in particular flush and without undercuts.

[0012] With the securing means of the particle collecting device according to the invention, it is achieved that the adjacent line sections lie against one another with their inner surfaces without gaps and are simultaneously subjected to force towards one another, so that when the securing state of the securing means is established, it is ensured that no gaps can form at the transition in which particles of the suction air flow can be deposited, even over a longer period of time in which the securing means remains in the securing state.

[0013] The suction air flow can preferably be provided by a pumping device included in the particle collection device or external to it, for example an air pump or vacuum pump. An external vacuum cleaner, for example, can be used to generate the suction air flow. The suction air flow is guided via the suction air guiding means such that at one end of the suction air guiding means, for example in the area of ​​a handpiece for moving the test specimens, the suction air flow enters the suction air means and is guided through the suction air guiding means, wherein at least one point or in one area a particle collection unit, for example in the form of a filter or in the form of a cyclone unit, enables particles to be separated or removed from the suction air flow before the suction air flow exits at another, opposite end of the suction air guiding means.

[0014] The securing means according to the invention allows both quick and effective modular handling of the particle collection device and highly effective prevention of unwanted particle deposits within the suction air guide means. The securing means according to the invention is preferably designed such that the transition between the securing position and the release position is achieved with a single, uniform, or joint movement. This can be achieved particularly advantageously if the securing means completely or continuously encompasses the adjacent line sections in the circumferential direction on an outer circumference.

[0015] By transferring the securing device to the secured and released states, line sections of the suction air guides can be easily separated, exchanged, or extended. After establishing the desired configuration or arrangement, they can be fixed or secured to one another – by transferring the securing device to the secured state – in such a way that there is no risk of gaps forming at the transition between the line sections, even over a sufficiently long period of time. At the same time, a quick and uncomplicated separation of the line sections is possible, requiring only the transfer of the securing device to the released position.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the securing means can be designed in cooperation with the line section such that, in the secured state, the inner surfaces of the line sections not only lie against one another without gaps and are subjected to mutual force, but that the inner surfaces of the line sections also merge into one another flush and / or without undercuts. Undesirable deposition of particles can also occur due to any undercuts or steps at the transition between the inner surfaces of adjacent line sections. Accordingly, with the securing means in the secured state, the advantageous flush and / or undercut-free design of the transition between the inner surfaces of the line sections can largely rule out the possibility of particles being separated or discharged from the suction air stream at said transition.

[0017] In another particularly advantageous embodiment of the securing means, it can be provided that, during the transfer of the securing means from the release state to the secured state, and vice versa, a rotation or rotary movement of the line sections involved is omitted, unnecessary, or prevented. A preferred, purely longitudinal movement of the line sections toward or away from each other during the transfer of the securing means ensures that no abrasion occurs on the contact surfaces of the line sections, which in turn could be deposited as "false particles" and falsify the qualitative and / or quantitative evaluation of the particle collection and / or accelerate the wear of the line sections.

[0018] For a flush and / or undercut-free transition of the inner surfaces, it is particularly advantageous to consider the material deformation of the involved line sections, which occurs or is caused by the force applied by the securing device in the secured state. In other words, this means that a deformation, for example an elastic deformation, of the inner surface or the inner surfaces of the line sections is only caused by the force applied to the line sections in the secured state of the securing device. This deformation and the clamping force of the line sections towards each other in the secured state are selected such that a flush and / or undercut-free transition of the inner surfaces of the line sections is created at the transition.According to an advantageous embodiment of the particle collection device, the securing means can be provided with stop means formed at one end in the longitudinal direction of a central longitudinal axis, preferably continuously in the circumferential direction, which, in the secured state, exert a securing force on a securing contour of a first line section in the longitudinal direction or apply force to the line sections towards one another. This allows for a simple force transmission. At the same time, the stop means of the securing means and the securing contour of the line section can advantageously ensure that the securing means are captively connected to the line section, so that even after the securing means has been transferred to the release state, the adjacent line section can be separated or released, but at the same time there is no risk of the securing means being removed or lost.

[0019] In a further advantageous variant of the particle collecting device, it can be provided that the securing means has engagement means at other ends in the longitudinal direction of a central longitudinal axis, preferably interrupted in the circumferential direction, which are brought into engagement with engagement means of a second line section when the securing means is transferred into the securing state and apply force to the line sections towards one another in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] This makes it easy to connect the adjacent line sections and to prepare and carry out the transfer of the securing device into the securing state.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the particle collection device, it can also be provided that the engagement means of the securing means and the second line section are designed as bayonet means. This can advantageously enable simple locking and unlocking, in particular transferring the securing means into the release state and the securing state, while simultaneously enabling easy separation of the adjacent line sections, in particular when the securing means is in the release state.

[0022] Advantageously, it can be provided that the bayonet means are designed in such a way that an excessive force acting on the adjacent line sections is limited by means of a corresponding stop or several stops and, in particular, an excessive deformation of the inner surfaces of the adjacent line sections is prevented.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be particularly preferably provided that the securing means comprises an annular base body, preferably with a structured outer surface. The annular body achieves and enables simple guidance of the line sections, particularly when connecting adjacent line sections. The advantageously provided structured outer surface of the annular base body allows the securing means to be transferred from the release state to the secured state, preferably manually and / or without the use of tools.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment of the particle collection device, it can be provided that a line section, in particular a first line section, comprises a flexible hose section which, in an end section, carries a coupling contour radially outwardly, wherein the hose section projects beyond the coupling contour at the end, in particular in the longitudinal direction. This achieves a particularly advantageous interaction with the securing means by, on the one hand, preventing the coupling contour from forming a stop with the adjacent line section at the transition and, on the other hand, preventing a gapless, preferably flush and / or undercut-free transition for the hose section at the transition.At the same time, this is facilitated by the fact that, in the secured state of the securing means, a pre-tension or tensioning force is permanently or permanently generated and maintained by the application of force to the adjacent line sections towards one another, by utilizing a flexibility of the hose section for compression or elastic deformation, also in the longitudinal direction, in order to not only bring the line sections into contact with one another without gaps, but also to apply force against one another and / or to brace them against one another.

[0025] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the particle collection device, it can be provided that, when the securing means is in the secured state, a line section, in particular the first line section, dips at its end into a projection, preferably an annular extension, of the adjacent, preferably second, line section. This can facilitate the guidance of the line sections when connecting and disconnecting the line sections. Dipping into a projection of the adjacent line section can also represent an additional securing feature, which minimizes deformation, particularly at right angles to the longitudinal axis or central longitudinal axis, for example due to kinking or bending of a line section, particularly in the region of the transition between the inner surfaces of the adjacent line sections. This can also prevent or minimize the formation of gaps, steps, or undercuts at the transition between the line sections.In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, it can be provided that, in the secured state, sealing means are arranged between an outer surface of a, preferably first, line section and a projection of an adjacent, preferably second, line section. These sealing means can preferably cause or provide a braking torque, which ensures that excessive forces, in particular compressive or clamping forces, do not act on the ends of the line sections when the securing means is transferred from the released state to the secured state.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment, sealing means can be arranged between an outer surface of a flexible hose section and an inner surface of a coupling contour. These sealing means particularly advantageously allow the coupling contour to be sealed against the hose section without the risk of a leak or a potential air channel for the escape of air from the suction air stream occurring at the transition between the coupling contour and the hose section in the event of deformation, in particular bending at right angles to the longitudinal axis. This could also contribute to the unwanted or undesired introduction of particles into the suction air stream and thus impair, in particular falsify, the qualitative and quantitative analysis.

[0027] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the particle collection device, the particle collection device can be provided with several, preferably at least four, particularly preferably five, securing means at several, preferably four, particularly preferably five, transitions. This allows the entire particle collection device to be advantageously designed and modified or adapted in a modular manner, while simultaneously ensuring to a high degree that no particles are unintentionally deposited during transport through the air guiding means and lost for subsequent analysis.

[0028] Preferably, the securing means according to the present invention can be provided at the transition from a handpiece to a suction hose. A further use can be formed, for example, at a transition from a suction hose to a cyclone unit. A further use of the securing means can be formed at the transition from a cyclone unit to a connecting hose. A fourth use of the securing means can be realized, for example, at a transition from a connecting hose to a filter unit. A fifth use can be provided at a transition between a handpiece and an exchangeable nozzle. For the latter use, securing means can particularly advantageously be designed with a small diameter, a delicate design and / or a small installation space in order to ensure that the nozzle and the handpiece can also be brought into narrow spaces and edges and cavities of the component to be tested.

[0029] The present invention is explained below using exemplary, purely schematic drawings of embodiments.

[0030] Showing:

[0031] Fig. 1: a first sectional view in the region of a transition between two line sections of suction air guide means of a particle collection device according to the present invention; Fig. 2: a second sectional view in the region of a transition between adjacent line sections with a securing means according to the invention;

[0032] Fig. 3: a representation of a particle collection device according to the invention.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a first section through a portion of suction air guiding means 01 for guiding a suction air flow in a particle collection device. A first line section 02 and a second line section 03 are shown. The first line section 02 comprises a hose section 04, which can be designed, for example, as a suction hose 28 and which can have a transition to another line section, for example, a handpiece, at an end of the hose section 04 (not shown in Fig. 1).

[0034] At the end of the hose section 04 shown, a coupling contour 05 is arranged radially outside or radially outside around the hose section 04. First sealing means 06 can be arranged between an outer surface 07 of the hose section 04 and an inner surface 08 of the coupling contour 05. The flexible hose section 04 projects at the end in the direction of the longitudinal center axis L and thus in the region of the transition 09 beyond the coupling contour 05. In the position shown in Fig. 1, the first line section 02 is arranged immersed in a projection 10 of the second line section 03. The second line section 03 forms the inlet section of a cyclone unit 11 of the particle collection device.

[0035] At the transition 09 between the line sections 02 and 03, a securing means 12 is arranged, which encompasses the line sections 02, 03 on a respective outer circumference 13, 14 and can be transferred by a rotational movement about a longitudinal center axis L into a secured state - shown in Fig. 1 - and a released state. In the released state (not shown), the line sections 02, 03 are unconnected and separable.

[0036] In the securing state of Fig. 1, the inner surfaces 15, 16 of the line sections 02, 03 are subjected to force against each other without gaps and are also arranged and secured flush and / or without undercuts.

[0037] By rotating the securing means 12 about the longitudinal central axis L, a force can be exerted on the one hand by the stop means 17 of the securing means 12, which are formed continuously in the circumferential direction, onto the securing contour 18 of the first line section 02.

[0038] The bracing or application of force to the line sections 02, 03 toward one another is, on the other hand, brought about by the engagement means 19, which are interrupted in the circumferential direction and engage with the engagement means 20, which are also preferably interrupted in the circumferential direction, of the second line section 03. The engagement means 19, 20 can preferably be designed in the form of bayonet means. The engagement means 19, 20 can be distributed in the circumferential direction over the entire circumference in such a way that a uniform force of the line sections 02, 03 toward one another, preferably acting in total or as a result in the direction of the longitudinal center axis L, is created and maintained, provided or as long as the securing means 12 is in the secured state, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0039] The sectional view of Fig. 2 shows the same state as Fig. 1, rotated by 90°. It can be seen that two sealing means 23, for example in the form of O-rings, are also arranged between the outer surface 21 of the first hose section 02 and the inner surface 22 of the second hose section, with the sealing means 23 preferably coming into contact with the inner surface 22 of the projection 10 of the second line section 03.

[0040] In the illustration of Fig. 2 it can also be seen or at least indicated that the annular base body 24 of the securing means 12 has a contour on the outer surface 25 which makes it easier to rotate the securing means 12 about the longitudinal central axis L in order to establish and release the securing state of the securing means 12.

[0041] The illustration in Fig. 3 shows a particle collection device 26 according to the invention. This device comprises the securing means 12 at a total of four transitions.

[0042] The individual transitions are the transition between a handpiece 27 and a suction hose 28, between a suction hose 28 and the cyclone unit 11 (according to Fig. 1 and 2), between the cyclone unit 11 and a connecting hose 29 and between the connecting hose 29 and a particle collection unit 30.

[0043] List of reference symbols

[0044] 01 Suction air guide

[0045] 02 first line section

[0046] 03 second line section

[0047] 04 Hose section

[0048] 05 Coupling contour

[0049] 06 first sealants

[0050] 07 Outer surface of the hose section

[0051] 08 Inner surface of the coupling contour

[0052] 09 Transition

[0053] 10 Overhang

[0054] 11 Cyclone unit

[0055] 12 securing devices

[0056] 13 Outer circumference

[0057] 14 Outer circumference

[0058] 15 Interior surface

[0059] 16 Interior surface

[0060] 17 Lifting gear

[0061] 18 Securing contour

[0062] 19 means of intervention

[0063] 20 interventional devices

[0064] 21 Outer surface of the first hose section

[0065] 22 Inner surface of the second hose section

[0066] 23 Sealants

[0067] 24 basic bodies

[0068] 25 Outer surface 26 Particle collection device

[0069] 27 Handpiece

[0070] 28 suction hose

[0071] 29 Connecting hose 30 Particle collection unit

[0072] L Longitudinal center axis

Claims

Patent claims 1. Particle collection device for collecting particles from surfaces for particle analysis within the scope of a test of the technical cleanliness of test specimens, in particular electronic assemblies and machines, wherein the particle collection device comprises suction air guiding means (01) for guiding a suction air flow and separating particles from the suction air flow via at least one particle collection unit, wherein the suction air guiding means (01) comprise at least two adjacent line sections (02, 03) which form the line of the suction air line via at least one transition (09), characterized in that a securing means (12) is arranged at the at least one transition (09), which engages around the line sections (02, 03) on an outer circumference (13, 14) and can be transferred, preferably by a rotational movement about a longitudinal central axis (L), into a securing state and a release state, wherein in the release state the line sections (02,03) are unconnected and separable and wherein, in the secured state, the inner surfaces (15, 16) of the line sections (02, 03) are connected to one another without gaps and, in particular flush and / or without undercuts, are subjected to force against one another.

2. Particle collecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the securing means (12) has in the longitudinal direction of a longitudinal central axis (L) a stop means (17), preferably designed to be continuous in the circumferential direction, which in the secured state is attached to a securing contour (18) of a first Line section (02) exert a securing force in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal central axis (L). Particle collection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the securing means (12) has engagement means (19) that are alternately formed in the longitudinal direction of a longitudinal central axis (L), preferably interrupted in the circumferential direction, which, when the securing means (12) is transferred into the secured state, are brought into engagement with engagement means (20) of a second line section (03) and apply force to the line sections (02, 03) toward one another in the longitudinal direction. Particle collection device according to claim 3, characterized in that the engagement means (19, 20) of the securing means (12) and of the second line section (03) are designed as bayonet means. Particle collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing means (12) has an annular base body. (24), preferably with a structured outer surface (25). Particle collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a line section (02) comprises a flexible hose section (04) which carries a coupling contour (05) radially outwardly in an end section, wherein the hose section (04) projects beyond the coupling contour (05) at the end. Particle collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the secured state, a line section (02) dips at its end into a projection (10), preferably an annular extension, of an adjacent line section (03). Particle collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the secured state, sealing means (23) are arranged between an outer surface (21) of a line section (02) and a projection (10) of an adjacent line section (03). Particle collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that sealing means (06) are arranged between an outer surface (07) of the flexible line section (04) and an inner surface (08) of the coupling contour (05).Particle collecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the particle collecting device has several, preferably at least four, particularly preferably five, securing means (12) at four transitions (09).

Images