A method for removing particles from the friction surfaces of a housing assembly and pads for selectively receiving parts.

Abstract

To remove particles from a non-slip surface.SOLUTION: A housing assembly 18 for selectively receiving a part includes: a platform 20; and a pad 22 fixed to the platform 20. The pad 22 has a frictional surface for maintaining a position of the part relative to the pad 22 when the part is disposed on the frictional surface. The housing assembly 18 includes a door apparatus 28 coupled to the platform 20. The door apparatus 28 surrounds the pad 22. The door apparatus 28 is movable to an open position in which the frictional surface of the pad 22 is exposed outside of the door apparatus 28 for receiving the part and a closed position in which the frictional surface of the pad 22 is concealed inside of the door apparatus 28. In a method of removing particles from the frictional surface of the pad 22 before performing a manufacturing process, the door apparatus 28 is placed in the closed position to cause a chamber to surround the pad 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 133,551, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002]

[0002] During manufacturing processes within a facility, particles can land on various surfaces within the facility. For example, some workstations have pads supported via jacks, and the pads provide a non - slip surface for placing parts thereon when using such workstations during one or more of the manufacturing processes. However, since the pads are open to the environment, particles from manufacturing processes at other workstations can land on the pads before the use of that workstation, affecting the properties of the non - slip surface.

[0003]

[0003] To remove particles from the non - slip surface, a manual process of washing the pads with water is performed before using the workstations. This manual process may also require one or more workers to be lifted to reach the location of the pads being washed.

Summary of the Invention

[0004]

[0004] Therefore, a housing assembly is needed that hides the pads of a workstation until the workstation is used to prevent particles from accumulating on the pads when the workstation is not in use. Further, the housing assembly provides a way to automatically wash the pads without the need to lift one or more workers to reach the location of the pads being washed.

[0005]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a housing assembly for selectively receiving a part. The housing assembly includes a platform and a pad fixed to the platform. The pad has a friction surface which maintains the position of the part relative to the pad when the part is placed on the friction surface. The housing assembly also includes a door device coupled to the platform. The door device surrounds the pad. The door device is movable between an open position for receiving a part, in which the friction surface of the pad is exposed to the outside of the door device, and a closed position, in which the friction surface of the pad is hidden to the inside of the door device.

[0006]

[0006] The disclosure also provides a method for removing particles from the friction surface of a pad before carrying out a manufacturing process. A part is placed on the friction surface for the manufacturing process. A door device is placed in a closed position to provide a chamber surrounding the pad. While the door device is in the closed position, an image of the friction surface of the pad is collected. The collected image of the friction surface is compared to a reference image of the friction surface to determine whether particles to be removed have been detected on the friction surface. When particles to be removed have been detected on the friction surface of the pad, a fluid is introduced onto the friction surface to move the particles away from the friction surface and cause them to float inside the chamber. The floating particles are removed from the chamber using a vacuum.

[0007]

[0007] Detailed descriptions and drawings or figures support and illustrate the present disclosure, but the claims of this disclosure are defined solely by the claims. While some best modes and other configurations for carrying out the claims are described in detail, various alternative designs and configurations exist for carrying out the present disclosure as defined in the dependent claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1]

[0008] A schematic diagram of a facility including workstations for carrying out a manufacturing process, one or more of the workstations including a housing assembly. [Figure 2]

[0009] This is a schematic, fragmentary perspective view of one end of the housing assembly. [Figure 3]

[0010] This is a schematic perspective view of a single-component housing assembly with the door mechanism in the open position. [Figure 4]

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the housing assembly with the door mechanism in the closed position. [Figure 5]

[0012] This is a schematic perspective view of a housing assembly with a different configuration, where the door mechanism is in the open position. [Figure 6]

[0013] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the housing assembly with the door mechanism in the closed position. [Figure 7]

[0014] Figures 5 and 6 are schematic, fragmentary, and enlarged perspective views of the actuator that engages with the gear set. [Figure 8]

[0015] Figure 5-7 is a schematic, fragmentary perspective view of the casing. [Figure 9]

[0016] This is a schematic perspective view of the optical assembly of the cleaning system with the second door segment in the closed position, and the first door segment removed to show exemplary positions of the camera and light relative to the friction surface of the pad. [Figure 10]

[0017] This is a schematic perspective view of the fluid applicator and vacuum chamber of the cleaning system with the first door segment in the closed position, and the second door segment removed to show exemplary positions of the multiple outlets of the tubes relative to the friction surface of the pad. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009]

[0018] This disclosure can be extended to modifications and alternative forms, representative configurations of which are shown as examples in the drawings and described in detail below. The progressive aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the configurations herein. Rather, this disclosure is intended to encompass modifications, equivalents, combinations, and alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims.

[0010]

[0019] Those skilled in the art will understand that all references to directions (e.g., up, down, upper side, upward, downward, top, bottom, left, right, vertical, horizontal, etc.) are used in the description of the drawings to aid the reader's understanding and do not represent any limitation to the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims (e.g., with respect to position, orientation, or use, etc.). Furthermore, the term “substantially” may refer to minor inaccuracies or minor differences in condition, quality, value, or dimensions, etc., which are partly within manufacturing tolerances or tolerances.

[0011]

[0020] When referring to the drawings, similar numbers indicate similar or corresponding parts across multiple drawings, and a facility 10 for manufacturing part 12 or more parts 12 is schematically shown in Figure 1. Facility 10 may have one or more workstations 14 for performing multiple manufacturing processes on one or more of the parts 12. Thus, one manufacturing process may be performed in one of the workstations 14, and the part 12 may proceed to another workstation 14 for another manufacturing process, and so on, until the part 12 is completed. Alternatively, the part 12 may be completed in one of the workstations 14.

[0012]

[0021] During the manufacturing process in one or more of the workstations 14, particles 16 circulate within the facility 10, and some of them may land on components of one or more of the workstations 14. The particles 16 may enter the facility 10 from the environment, or they may be generated during the manufacturing process. The particles 16 can be macroscopic or microscopic, and non-limiting examples of particles 16 include debris, foreign object debris (FOD), dust, flakes, coarse particles, etc.

[0013]

[0022] In general, a housing assembly 18 can be used in a facility 10 to prevent particles 16 from accumulating on some of the components of the workstation 14 when it is not in use. Specifically, the housing assembly 18 protects some of the components of the workstation 14 from circulating particles 16 when the workstation 14 is not in use for the manufacturing process, as detailed below. The following description describes one housing assembly 18, but it should be understood that each workstation 14 may use one of the housing assemblies 18.

[0014]

[0023] The housing assembly 18 selectively receives the part 12. Therefore, as the manufacturing process proceeds in the workstation 14 having the housing assembly 18, the housing assembly 18 opens to receive the part 12. The part 12 can be any suitable configuration, and non-limiting examples may include aircraft parts 12 such as wings, body components, body joint areas, etc.

[0015]

[0024] In Figures 2, 3, and 4, the housing assembly 18 includes a platform 20 and a pad 22 fixed to the platform 20. The pad 22 remains stationary on the platform 20. Generally, the platform 20 supports the pad 22, and the component 12 is selectively positioned on the pad 22. This will be further explained below.

[0016]

[0025] Optionally, the housing assembly 18 may include a jack 24 (see FIG. 4) that supports the platform 20. The jack 24 can adjust the height of the platform 20 from the ground to accommodate parts 12 of different sizes. Thus, by adjusting the height of the platform 20, the height of the pad 22 from the ground is also adjusted. Although the jack 24 is shown only in FIG. 4, it will also be disposed under the platforms 20 of FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, and 10.

[0017]

[0026] Returning to the pad 22, the pad 22 has a friction surface 26 for maintaining the position of the part 12 relative to the pad 22 when the part 12 is disposed on the friction surface 26. That is, the friction surface 26 provides an anti-slip for the part 12. Thus, the friction surface 26 provides sufficient friction to maintain the position of the part 12 relative to the pad 22 during the manufacturing process. The amount of friction provided through the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 can be a predetermined threshold that can be based on engineering requirements, government requirements, etc. As a non-limiting example, a high coefficient of friction can be between the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 and the surface of the part 12 that stops against the friction surface 26. The friction surface 26 can be formed of one or more any suitable materials, and non-limiting examples can include one or more of elastomers, polymers, metals, alloys, composites, ceramics, foams, etc., and combinations thereof.

[0018]

[0027] The friction surface 26 of the pad 22 can be directed towards the opposite side of the jack 24. In other words, the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 can face outward or upward so that it can be exposed in certain situations, for example, to receive the part 12, as will be described later.

[0019]

[0028] As best shown in FIGS. 3-6, the housing assembly 18 also includes a door device 28 coupled to the platform 20, and the door assembly surrounds the pad 22. Generally, the door device 28 is movable relative to the pad 22 to selectively expose the friction surface 26 of the pad 22. Specifically, the door device 28 has an open position (see FIGS. 3 and 5) for receiving the component 12 where the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 is exposed outside the door device 28, and a closed position (see FIGS. 4 and 6) where the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 is hidden inside the door device 28. Thus, when the door device 28 is in the closed position, the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 is hidden from the particles 16 outside the door device 28. Typically, when the workstation 14 is not in use, the door device 28 is in the closed position to prevent particles 16 from accumulating on the friction surface 26 of the pad 22, which helps maintain a cleaner pad compared to the workstation 14 that does not use the door device 28 when the workstation 14 is not in use.

[0020]

[0029] Continuing as shown in FIGS. 3-6, in some configurations, the door device 28 may include a first door segment 30 and a second door segment 32 that are movable relative to each other between the open and closed positions. Further, the door device 28 may include a first bellows 34 attached to the first door segment 30 and the platform 20, and a second bellows 36 attached to the second door segment 32 and the platform 20. Typically, the first door segment 30, the first bellows 34, the second door segment 32, and the second bellows 36 cooperate in the closed position to present a chamber 38 that surrounds the pad 22. That is, when in the closed position, the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 is protected from the particles 16 outside the door device 28.

[0021]

[0030] When in the closed position, the first bellows 34 and the second bellows 36 provide some flexibility in the movement of the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32, while maintaining a sealed connection between the platform 20 and the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32, respectively, to prevent particles 16 from entering the chamber 38. Generally, the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 are formed of different materials than the first bellows 34 and the second bellows 36. For example, the first bellows 34 and the second bellows 36 are each formed of a flexible material to allow the movement of the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 without constraint and while maintaining a sealed connection. For example, when the door device 28 moves to the open position, the first bellows 34 and the second bellows 36 are folded or retracted together (see Figures 3 and 5). As another example, when the door device 28 moves to the closed position, the first bellows 34 and the second bellows 36 can open outward or extend (see Figures 4 and 6). Generally, the first bellows 34 and the second bellows 36 are constructed similarly to each other. In non-limiting examples, the flexible material can be rubber, soft polymer, etc., and combinations thereof.

[0022]

[0031] The first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 can be formed from a rigid material different from the flexible material of the first bellows 34 and the second bellows 36. That is, the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 maintain their shape regardless of whether the door device 28 is in the open or closed position (compare Figures 3 and 4). As a non-limiting example, the rigid material can be a hard polymer, metal, alloy, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0023]

[0032] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the first door segment 30 may include a first distal end 40A and a second distal end 42A spaced apart from each other along the first longitudinal axis 44. Similarly, the second door segment 32 may include a first distal end 40B and a second distal end 42B spaced apart from each other along the second longitudinal axis 46. Thus, the first distal end 40A of the first door segment 30 and the first distal end 40B of the second door segment 32 are adjacent to each other at one end; similarly, the second distal end 42A of the first door segment 30 and the second distal end 42B of the second door segment 32 are adjacent to each other at the other end. In general, in some configurations, the first longitudinal axis 44 and the second longitudinal axis 46 are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0024]

[0033] As best shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the first door segment 30 may include a first pivot 48 located at the first distal end 40A and the second distal end 42A of the first door segment 30 to allow movement of the first door segment 30 relative to the platform 20. The first pivot 48 can be fixed to the platform 20 and support the first door segment 30. The first pivot 48 may be positioned along the first longitudinal axis 44.

[0025]

[0034] Furthermore, as best shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the second door segment 32 may include a second pivot 50 located at the first distal end 40B and the second distal end 42B of the second door segment 32 to allow movement of the second door segment 32 relative to the platform 20. The second pivot 50 can be fixed to the platform 20 and support the second door segment 32. The second pivot 50 may be positioned along the second longitudinal axis 46.

[0026]

[0035] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the first door segment 30 may include a first side end 52A to which the first bellows 34 is fixed. Thus, the first door segment 30 and the first bellows 34 work together with the platform 20 to provide a first lateral portion that can selectively protect the pad 22 from particles 16. The first door segment 30 may include a second side end 54A separated from the first side end 52A of the first door segment 30. Specifically, the first side end 52A of the first door segment 30 separates from the second side end 54A of the first door segment 30 across the first longitudinal axis 44. The first side end 52A and the second side end 54A of the first door segment 30 extend along the length of the first door segment 30. That is, the first side end 52A and the second side end 54A of the first door segment 30 extend from the first distal end 40A of the first door segment 30 to the second distal end 42A of the first door segment 30. The length of the first door segment 30 is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis 44.

[0027]

[0036] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the second door segment 32 is configured similarly to the first door segment 30. The second door segment 32 may include a first side end 52B to which the second bellows 36 is fixed. Thus, the second door segment 32 and the second bellows 36 work together with the platform 20 to provide a second lateral portion that can selectively protect the pad 22 from particles 16. The second door segment 32 may include a second side end 54B separated from the first side end 52B of the second door segment 32. Specifically, the first side end 52B of the second door segment 32 separates from the second side end 54B of the second door segment 32 across the second longitudinal axis 46. The first side end 52B and the second side end 54B of the second door segment 32 extend along the length of the second door segment 32. That is, the first side end 52B and the second side end 54B of the second door segment 32 extend from the first distal end 40B of the second door segment 32 to the second distal end 42B of the second door segment 32. The length of the second door segment 32 is substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis 46.

[0028]

[0037] When the first and second lateral portions are both in the closed position, the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 is protected from the particles 16 outside the door device 28 (see Figures 4 and 6). Thus, when the door device 28 is in the closed position, the second side end 54A of the first door segment 30 and the second side end 54B of the second door segment 32 engage with each other. Optionally, the second side end 54A of the first door segment 30 and / or the second side end 54B of the second door segment 32 may include a seal 56 or gasket to further help seal the chamber 38 from the entry of particles 16 when the door device 28 is in the closed position. The optional seal 56 is not shown in all of the drawings to illustrate other features, but it should be understood that a seal 56 may be used in any of the configurations herein.

[0029]

[0038] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the door device 28 may include a gear set 58 connected to the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32. Engaging the gear set 58 moves the door device 28 between an open position and a closed position. Specifically, engaging the gear set 58 moves the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 between an open position and a closed position.

[0030]

[0039] The gear set 58 is connected to the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 at one end of the door device 28. For example, the gear set 58 may be connected to the first distal ends 40A, 40B of the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32. Thus, the gear set 58 may be supported at the corresponding first distal ends 40A, 40B of the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 via the first pivot 48 and the second pivot 50. As another example, the gear set 58 may be connected to the second distal ends 42A, 42B of the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32. Thus, the gear set 58 may be supported at the corresponding second distal ends 42A, 42B of the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 via the first pivot 48 and the second pivot 50. It should be understood that the gear set 58 may be located at the first distal ends 40A, 40B of the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32, or at the second distal ends 42A, 42B of the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32, or at both the first distal ends 40A, 40B and the second distal ends 42A, 42B of the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32.

[0031]

[0040] In some configurations, the gear set 58 may include a first gear 60 fixed to the first door segment 30 and a second gear 62 fixed to the second door segment 32. The first gear 60 can be fixed to the first door segment 30 via a first pivot 48, and the second gear 62 can be fixed to the second door segment 32 via a second pivot 50. The meshing of the first gear 60 and the second gear 62 causes the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 to move simultaneously in response to the starting of the gear set 58. Thus, the first gear 60 and the second gear 62 may include teeth 64A and 64B that mesh with each other.

[0032]

[0041] The first gear 60 may be rotatable about the first longitudinal axis 44, and the second gear 62 may be rotatable about the second longitudinal axis 46. Thus, the first door segment 30 is rotatable about the first longitudinal axis 44, and the second door segment 32 is rotatable about the second longitudinal axis 46. In some configurations, in order to open and close the door device 28, the first gear 60 rotates about the first longitudinal axis 44 in the opposite direction to the rotation of the second gear 62 about the second longitudinal axis 46. The opposite rotations of the first gear 60 and the second gear 62 result in the opposite rotations of the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32.

[0033]

[0042] As shown in Figure 3-6, the door device 28 may include an actuator 66 that is connected to a gear set 58 and can be selectively actuated to move the gear set 58. Furthermore, the actuator 66 may include an activator 68 that is connected to the actuator 66 and selectively acts the actuator 66, thereby moving the gear set 58 and causing the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 to move between the open and closed positions. The actuator 66 and the activator 68 can have various configurations, non-limiting examples of which are shown in Figure 3-8 and described later.

[0034]

[0043] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in some configurations, the actuator 66 may include an electric motor 70, and the activator 68 may include a switch 72A. The switch 72A communicates with the electric motor 70, and the gear set 58 is connected to the electric motor 70. Thus, for example, the operation of the switch 72A sends a signal to the electric motor 70 to start, which causes the gear set 58 to move, and the movement of the gear set 58 causes the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 to move. In short, the operation of the switch 72A causes the electric motor 70 to move the door device 28 to the open and closed positions. In one configuration, the electric motor 70 is connected to the first gear 60. In other configurations, the electric motor 70 is connected to the second gear 62. Typically, the switch 72A is operated via an operator to open and close the door device 28. The switch 72A can have any suitable configuration, and non-limiting examples may include buttons, knobs, dials, toggles, contact surfaces, levers, motion sensors, etc.

[0035]

[0044] As shown in Figure 5-8, in other configurations, the actuator 66 may include a shaft 74 having teeth 64C that mesh with a gear set 58, where movement of the shaft 74 in a first direction rotates the gear set 58, thereby moving the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 to the open position, and movement of the shaft 74 in a second direction opposite to the first direction rotates the gear set 58 in a different way, thereby moving the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 to the closed position. Specifically, teeth 64A of the first gear 60 or teeth 64B of the second gear 62 mesh with teeth 64C of the shaft 74. Component 12 engages with a feature of the shaft 74 (as further described below), thereby moving the shaft 74 in the first direction to open the door device 28.

[0036]

[0045] The shaft 74 extends along the shaft axis 80 to a first end 76 and a second end 78. The teeth 64C of the shaft 74 are arranged axially along the shaft axis 80. That is, the teeth 64C of the shaft 74 form a strip 82 of teeth 64C along the shaft 74. In some configurations, the strip 82 of teeth 64C is arranged substantially parallel to the shaft axis 80. The strip 82 of teeth 64C is arranged along the outside 84 of the shaft 74 so that the teeth 64C are exposed and mesh with the gear set 58. The shaft axis 80 is arranged across the first longitudinal axis 44 and the second longitudinal axis 46 and offset from the first longitudinal axis 44 and the second longitudinal axis 46. The shaft 74 is axially movable along the shaft axis 80 in a first direction and a second direction. The shaft 74 is also called a probe.

[0037]

[0046] As shown in Figure 5-8, the actuator 66 may include a casing 86, and the shaft 74 is located within the casing 86. The casing 86 may be fixed to the platform 20 and / or the jack 24. For example, the casing 86 may include a fixture 88 for fixing the casing 86 to the platform 20 and / or the jack 24. The shaft 74 is movable relative to the casing 86 along the shaft axis 80, and the casing 86 may include a slot 90 (see Figure 8). The teeth 64C of the shaft 74 protrude from the slot 90 so as to face the gear set 58 and engage with the gear set 58. That is, the strip 82 of the teeth 64C is movable back and forth within the slot 90 along the shaft axis 80 while engaging with the gear set 58.

[0038]

[0047] As shown in Figure 5-8, the actuator 66 may include a biasing member 92 housed inside the casing 86. The biasing member 92 continuously biases the shaft 74 in a second direction. By continuously biasing the shaft 74 in the second direction, the door device 28 is continuously biased to the closed position. The biasing member 92 is positioned between the second end 78 of the shaft 74 and the reaction surface 94 of the casing 86. The reaction surface 94 of the casing 86 provides a surface for the biasing member 92 to react and continuously bias the shaft 74 in the second direction. The biasing member 92 can be any suitable configuration, and non-limiting examples of the biasing member 92 may include a spring, a coil spring, a leaf spring, etc.

[0039]

[0048] Optionally, a fastener may be connected to the casing 86 and / or the shaft 74 to prevent the shaft 74 from being disconnected from the casing 86. If a fastener is not used, the biasing member 92 can be sized to bias the shaft 74 to its maximum distance within the casing 86 without disconnecting the shaft 74 from the casing 86.

[0040]

[0049] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the activator 68 may include a cap 96 fixed to the shaft 74. For example, the cap 96 can be attached to the first end 76 of the shaft 74. The cap 96 is exposed to the outside of the casing 86 so that it is visible on the outside of the casing 86. Furthermore, the shaft 74 and the casing 86 may be positioned outside the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32. Component 12 engages with the cap 96 as it moves toward the housing assembly 18, thereby starting the actuator 66. Thus, when component 12 engages with the cap 96, the door device 28 moves to the open position, which in turn moves the shaft 74 in the first direction until component 12 is on the friction surface 26. In some configurations, the cap 96 is positioned above the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 so that component 12 engages with the cap 96 without obstructing the opening of the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32.

[0041]

[0050] The housing assembly 18 may also include a cleaning system 98 configured to remove particles 16 from the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 when the door device 28 is in the closed position. The cleaning system 98 may operate in multiple functions using various components, as will be described later. For example, the cleaning system 98 may operate to determine whether there are particles 16 that should be removed from the friction surface 26 of the pad 22. As another example, the cleaning system 98 may operate to remove particles 16 from the friction surface 26 of the pad 22. By using the cleaning system 98 described later, there is no need for workers to manually clean the friction surface 26 of the pad 22, and therefore there is no need to use a lift to reach the friction surface 26 for cleaning purposes.

[0042]

[0051] Generally, the controller 100 can communicate with the cleaning system 98. Instructions are stored in the controller 100's memory 102 and can be automatically executed via the controller 100's processor 104 to provide their respective control functions. That is, the controller 100 is configured to execute instructions from memory 102 via the processor 104. For example, the controller 100 can be a host machine or a distributed system, such as a computer, a digital computer or a microcomputer, and the memory 102 can be a tangible, non-transient computer-readable memory such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory. The controller 100 may have random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a high-speed clock, analog-to-digital (A / D) and / or digital-to-analog (D / A) conversion circuits, and any necessary input / output circuits and associated devices, as well as any necessary signal contingency and / or signal buffering circuits. Therefore, the controller 100 may have all the software, hardware, memory 102, algorithms, connections, sensors, etc. necessary to control, for example, the cleaning system 98. Thus, a control method that can operate to control the cleaning system 98 can be embodied as software or firmware associated with the controller 100. It should be understood that the controller 100 may also include any devices capable of analyzing data from various sensors, comparing data, and making any necessary decisions required to control and / or monitor the cleaning system 98 and the door device 28. The controller 100 can communicate with the cleaning system 98 and the door device 28 via electrical connections such as hardwired or wireless. Optionally, two or more controllers 100 may be used. The controller 100 is also called the primary logic controller.

[0043]

[0052] As described above, the cleaning system 98 may operate to remove particles 16 from the friction surface 26 of the pad 22. For example, the cleaning system 98 may suspend the particles 16 in the chamber 38 and then remove the suspended particles 16 from the chamber 38. Typically, the particles 16 suspend inside the chamber 38 when the door device 28 is in the closed position. Therefore, the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 may need to be cleaned before the door device 28 opens to receive the part 12. After the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 has been cleaned, the door device 28 can be opened. Further details on when the door device 28 opens are described below.

[0044]

[0053] As shown in Figures 3-6 and 3-10, in some configurations, the cleaning system 98 may include a fluid applicator 106 configured to direct a fluid towards the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 in order to move the particles 16 away from the friction surface 26 and cause them to float inside the chamber 38. As described above, the fluid applicator 106 operates when the door device 28 is in the closed position, with the suspended particles 16 inside the chamber 38, until the particles 16 are removed from the chamber 38. This will be further explained below. Non-limiting examples of the fluid applicator 106 may include blowers, compressors, fans, pumps, sprayers, etc.

[0045]

[0054] In some configurations, the fluid directed to the friction surface 26 is a gaseous fluid. Generally, the gaseous fluid is air. In other configurations, the fluid directed to the friction surface 26 is a liquid fluid. Generally, the liquid fluid is water. In other configurations, the fluid directed to the friction surface 26 is a combination of gaseous and liquid fluids so that a mixture can be sprayed. It should be understood that any suitable fluid can be used to remove the particles 16 from the friction surface 26.

[0046]

[0055] As shown in Figures 3-6 and 3-10, the cleaning system 98 may generally include a duct 108 attached to the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32. In one configuration, the duct 108 is attached to the first door segment 30 near the second side end 54A of the first door segment 30. Thus, when the first door segment 30 is in the closed position, the duct 108 is positioned above the friction surface 26 of the pad 22. For example, when the door device 28 is in the closed position, the duct 108 may be positioned approximately centered relative to the friction surface 26. The duct 108 can extend the length of the first door segment 30 and / or the second door segment 32.

[0047]

[0056] The duct 108 can be terminated at a closed end 110. As a non-limiting example, the closed end 110 of the duct 108 may be terminated adjacent to the second distal ends 42A, 42B of the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32. It should be understood that two or more ducts 108 may be used in the cleaning system 98, and therefore two or more ducts 108 may be attached to the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32, or one or more ducts 108 may be attached to the first door segment 30 and one or more other ducts 108 may be attached to the second door segment 32.

[0048]

[0057] In some configurations, the fluid applicator 106 may include a duct 108 attached to the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32. The first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 each include outer surfaces 112A, 112B facing away from the pad 22 and inner surfaces 114A, 114B facing the pad 22. Generally, the duct 108 can be attached to the inner surfaces 114A, 114B of the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32.

[0049]

[0058] Regardless of the location of the duct 108 attached to the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32, the duct 108 extends to the outside of the door device 28 and connects to a fluid supply source 116. The fluid supply source 116 can provide gaseous fluid and / or liquid fluid through the duct 108. For example, the fluid supply source 116 may be pressurized air, pressurized water, etc.

[0050]

[0059] In some configurations, the fluid applicator 106 may include a valve 118 (see Figure 3-6) for opening and closing the fluid supply source 116. In other words, the valve 118 can operate to allow fluid to flow into the chamber 38 and to prevent fluid from flowing into the chamber 38, depending on the position of the valve 118. Thus, when the valve 118 is open, fluid flows into the chamber 38, and when the valve 118 is closed, fluid does not flow into the chamber 38. When using the valve 118, the controller 100 communicates with the valve 118 to determine whether to open or close the valve 118.

[0051]

[0060] The duct 108 includes an inlet 120 connected to a fluid supply source 116 to guide fluid into the door device 28. The duct 108 may include a number of outlets 122 spaced apart from each other, and the fluid is directed out of the outlets 122. For illustrative purposes, the small dashed or dotted lines in Figure 10 that exit the outlets 122 generally represent the fluid. In some configurations, the outlets 122 can be spaced apart from each other axially with respect to a first longitudinal axis 44. In other configurations, the outlets 122 can be spaced apart from each other axially with respect to a second longitudinal axis 46. The outlets 122 are oriented toward the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 to direct the fluid toward the friction surface 26 and move the particles 16 away from the friction surface 26 to suspend inside the chamber 38. Specifically, the multiple outlets 122 are oriented opposite the corresponding outer surfaces 112A, 112B and inner surfaces 114A, 114B of the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32. The multiple outlets 122 are positioned to maximize the area of ​​the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 that the fluid reaches to remove the particles 16. The controller 100 communicates with the fluid applicator 106 to determine when the fluid applicator 106 should operate. This is further explained below.

[0052]

[0061] One segment of the duct 108 is located inside the door device 28, and another segment of the duct 108 is located outside the door device 28. Specifically, when using one duct 108, this duct 108 can extend across the entire first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32, with one segment of the duct 108 located inside the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32, and another segment of the duct 108 located outside the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32. The segment of the duct 108 located inside the door device 28 includes a plurality of outlets 122, and the other segment of the duct 108 located outside the door device 28 includes an inlet 120.

[0053]

[0062] At least a portion of the duct 108 is flexible to allow the movement of the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32 between the open and closed positions. For example, the flexible portion of the duct 108 may be located outside the door device 28. That is, the flexible portion of the duct 108 between the fluid supply source 116 and the outside of the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32 is flexible to act as a joint that allows the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32 to move freely between the open and closed positions (compare Figures 3 and 4, or Figures 5 and 6).

[0054]

[0063] As shown in Figures 3-6 and 3-10, in another example, the cleaning system 98 may include a vacuum chamber 124 connected to the chamber 38. The vacuum chamber 124 is configured to expel particles 16 suspended in the chamber 38 by the operation of a fluid applicator 106. Thus, after the particles 16 have suspended away from the friction surface 26 of the pad 22, the vacuum chamber 124 draws the fluid and particles 16 out of the chamber 38 and thus away from the friction surface 26 of the pad 22. As shown above, the vacuum chamber 124 operates when the door device 28 is in the closed position. Thus, the suspended particles 16 remain inside the chamber 38 until they are removed from the chamber 38 via the vacuum chamber 124. The controller 100 communicates with the vacuum chamber 124 to determine when the vacuum chamber 124 should operate. This will be further explained below.

[0055]

[0064] The vacuum chamber 124 may be supported via a platform 20 and / or jacks 24. Furthermore, the vacuum chamber 124 may include a conduit 126 attached to a door device 28 and configured to guide particles 16 out of the chamber 38. Thus, when the vacuum chamber 124 is operating, the fluid and particles 16 are discharged from the chamber 38 via the conduit 126. The conduit 126 is routed through a first door segment 30 or a second door segment 32. In a non-limiting example, the conduit 126 may be routed through the second distal ends 42A, 42B of the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32. When the conduit 126 is routed through the second distal ends 42A, 42B, the closed end 110 of the duct 108 may terminate adjacent to the second distal ends 42A, 42B of the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32.

[0056]

[0065] At least a portion of the conduit 126 is flexible to allow the movement of the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32 between the open and closed positions. For example, the flexible portion of the conduit 126 can be located outside the door device 28. That is, the flexible portion of the conduit 126 between the door device 28 and the vacuum chamber 124 is flexible to act as a joint that allows the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32 to move freely between the open and closed positions. The conduit 126 is flexible as well as the duct 108, and therefore the flexibility of the duct 108 shown in Figure 3-6 also indicates the movement of the conduit 126.

[0057]

[0066] Furthermore, two or more conduits 126 may be used. Thus, two or more conduits 126 can be attached to the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32, or one or more conduits 126 can be attached to the first door segment 30 and one or more other conduits 126 can be attached to the second door segment 32. Each of the conduits 126 can be connected to a vacuum chamber 124, or two or more vacuum chambers 124 connected to one or more conduits 126 can be used optionally.

[0058]

[0067] Sensor 128 can be connected to vacuum chamber 124 to collect data on the amount of particles 16 being discharged from chamber 38. Thus, the fluid and particles 16 being drawn out of chamber 38 flow through sensor 128 so that sensor 128 can collect data on the amount of particles 16 being discharged from chamber 38. Sensor 128 communicates with controller 100, which determines when to shut off vacuum chamber 124 based on the amount of particles 16 being discharged.

[0059]

[0068] The controller 100 monitors the sensor 128, and if the data collected via the sensor 128 indicates that the amount of particles 16 is within a predetermined range, the controller 100 can signal the vacuum 124 to shut off. Generally, when the amount of particles 16 is within a predetermined range, this indicates that the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 is clean. The predetermined range of the amount of particles 16 can be based on engineering requirements, government requirements, etc. Optionally, the controller 100 can signal the fluid applicator 106 to shut off simultaneously with the vacuum 124. When using two or more vacuum 124s, two or more sensors 128 can be used, and it should be understood that the controller 100 can collect data from each of the sensors 128 and use that data to determine whether the predetermined range has been reached.

[0060]

[0069] Furthermore, as described above, the cleaning system 98 can operate to determine whether or not particles 16 to be removed from the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 are present. For example, images 130 of the friction surface 26 can be compiled and analyzed to determine whether or not the friction surface 26 is at a predetermined cleanliness threshold. The predetermined cleanliness threshold of the friction surface 26 can be based on engineering requirements, government requirements, etc. Generally, images 130 are collected when the door device 28 is in the closed position. It should be understood that two or more images 130 can be collected and analyzed.

[0061]

[0070] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 9, in some configurations, the cleaning system 98 may include an optical assembly 132 configured to compile an image 130 of the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 when the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 are in the closed position. The cleaning system 98 may include a camera 134 mounted on the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32. In some configurations, the optical assembly 132 may include a camera 134 mounted on the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32. Generally, the camera 134 can be mounted on the inner surfaces 114A, 114B of the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32. In one configuration, the camera 134 is mounted on the second door segment 32 proximal to the second side end 54A of the second door segment 32. When the second door segment 32 is in the closed position, the camera 134 is positioned above the friction surface 26 of the pad 22. For example, when the door device 28 is in the closed position, the camera 134 may be positioned approximately in the center with respect to the friction surface 26. Thus, the camera 134 is positioned to maximize the area of ​​the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 that can be captured by the image 130. It should be understood that more than one camera 134 may be used, and therefore more than one camera 134 may be mounted on the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32, or one or more cameras 134 may be mounted on the first door segment 30 and one or more other cameras 134 may be mounted on the second door segment 32.

[0062]

[0071] Camera 134 is configured to collect an image 130 of the friction surface 26 of the pad 22. The optical assembly 132, and therefore camera 134, communicates with the controller 100, so that the controller 100 decides when to acquire the image 130 (i.e., when to operate camera 134), and the controller 100 uses the image 130 to determine whether the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 is clean. This is further explained below.

[0063]

[0072] When the optical assembly 132 is in operation, the door device 28 is in the closed position, so the chamber 38 will be dark. Therefore, it is desirable to illuminate the chamber 38 when acquiring images 130. Accordingly, the optical assembly 132 may include a light 136 configured to illuminate the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 when the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32 are in the closed position during the operation of the camera 134. The use of the light 136 can improve the quality of the acquired images 130. In some configurations, the light 136 is mounted on the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32. Generally, the light 136 can be mounted on the inner surfaces 114A, 114B of the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32. In one configuration, the light 136 is mounted on the second door segment 32 near the second side end 54A of the second door segment 32. When the second door segment 32 is in the closed position, the light 136 is positioned above the friction surface 26 of the pad 22. For example, when the door device 28 is in the closed position, the light 136 may be positioned approximately in the center relative to the friction surface 26. Thus, the light 136 is positioned to maximize the area of ​​the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 that the light 136 illuminates. It should be understood that two or more lights 136 may be used, and therefore two or more lights 136 may be mounted on the first door segment 30 or the second door segment 32, or one or more lights 136 may be mounted on the first door segment 30 and one or more other lights 136 may be mounted on the second door segment 32. The light 136 can be any suitable configuration for illuminating the friction surface 26, and non-limiting examples may include light bulbs, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc. The controller 100 communicates with the light 136 and determines when to operate the light 136.

[0064]

[0073] This disclosure also provides a method for removing particles 16 from the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 before carrying out the manufacturing process. The part 12 is placed on the friction surface 26 for the manufacturing process. Thus, in order to carry out the manufacturing process when the friction surface 26 is clean, as detailed below, the particles 16 are first removed from the friction surface 26, and then the door device 28 is opened to receive the part 12.

[0065]

[0074] The door device 28 is positioned in the closed position to provide a chamber 38 surrounding the pad 22. The door device 28 remains in the closed position until it is desired that the workstation 14 be used. By keeping the door device 28 in the closed position until that workstation 14 is used, particles 16 from the operation of other workstations 14 will not be able to accumulate on the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 of the unused workstation 14.

[0066]

[0075] Before opening the first door segment 30 and the second door segment 32, it is desirable to determine whether the particles 16 need to be removed from the friction surface 26 of the pad 22. The controller 100 is activated before opening the door device 28, and then the controller 100 analyzes the data collected about the particles 16 to determine whether the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 is clean. If the controller 100 determines that the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 is clean, the door device 28 can be opened to receive the part 12. If the controller 100 determines that the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 is not clean, the door device 28 will not be opened to receive the part 12, and a cleaning process will be performed.

[0067]

[0076] In some configurations, the activator 68 of the electric motor 70 can be activated to activate the controller 100 and initiate this process. The electric motor 70 will not operate to open the door device 28 until the controller 100 determines that the friction surface 26 is clean, following the process described below.

[0068]

[0077] In other configurations, for example, when activator 68 is located on shaft 74, a separate activator 138 communicating with controller 100 can be activated. The separate activator 138 is not connected to activator 68 on shaft 74. The separate activator 138 may also be a switch 72B. The switch 72B of the separate actuator 66 can be any suitable configuration, and non-limiting examples may include a button, knob, dial, toggle, contact surface, lever, motion sensor, etc. In this configuration, the indicator 140 can communicate with controller 100, and by following the process below, when controller 100 determines that the friction surface 26 is clean, the indicator 140 can be used to signal that the housing assembly 18 is ready to receive part 12. The indicator 140 can be any suitable configuration, and non-limiting examples of the indicator 140 may include a visual indicator, an auditory indicator, a tactile indicator, etc. When the indicator 140 indicates that the housing assembly 18 is ready to receive part 12, part 12 engages with the cap 96 on the shaft 74, which causes the shaft 74 to move in a first direction, moving the door device 28 to the open position.

[0069]

[0078] Particles 16 at macroscopic and microscopic levels can be captured via the washing system 98. For example, image 130 can collect data on macroscopic-level particles 16. As another example, the sensor 128 of the vacuum chamber 124 can collect data on microscopic-level particles 16. In other configurations, image 130 can collect data on microscopic-level particles 16, and the sensor 128 of the vacuum chamber 124 can collect data on macroscopic-level particles 16.

[0070]

[0079] Images 130 of the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 are collected while the door device 28 is in the closed position. In some configurations, the collection of images 130 may include the collection of images 130 via a camera 134. Thus, the camera 134 may be configured to collect images 130 of sufficient quality to identify particles 16 at macroscopic and / or microscopic levels. The controller 100 determines when to activate the camera 134 to acquire one or more of the images 130 and signals the camera 134 to acquire the images 130.

[0071]

[0080] Furthermore, the light 136 can be activated inside the chamber 38 to illuminate the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 in order to assist the camera 134 in acquiring the image 130. Thus, the light 136 may be activated before acquiring the image 130 of the friction surface 26 of the pad 22. The controller 100 determines when to activate the light 136 and signals the light 136 to illuminate the chamber 38. Thus, the light 136 helps to provide an image 130 of sufficient quality for use via the controller 100 to determine whether the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 is clean.

[0072]

[0081] The collected image 130 of the friction surface 26 is compared with a reference image 142 of the friction surface 26 to determine whether particles 16 to be removed are detected on the friction surface 26. The reference image 142 of the friction surface 26 is stored in the memory 102 of the controller 100 and can be accessed when the workstation 14 attempts to carry out the manufacturing process. The reference image 142 may be an image of the clean friction surface 22 of the pad.

[0073]

[0082] The controller 100 can analyze the collected image 130 and compare it with the reference image 142. By comparing the collected image 130 with the reference image 142, the controller 100 can determine whether the amount of particles 16 on the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 is at a predetermined cleanliness threshold. Therefore, if the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 meets the predetermined cleanliness threshold, the friction surface 26 is clean and the door device 28 can move to the open position to receive the part 12. If the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 does not meet the predetermined cleanliness threshold, the method proceeds to cleaning the friction surface 26 of the pad 22.

[0074]

[0083] To clean the friction surface 26, it is desirable to suspend the particles 16 inside the chamber 38 and separate them from the friction surface 26. When particles 16 to be removed from the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 are detected, fluid is introduced to the friction surface 26 to move the particles 16 away from the friction surface 26 and suspend them inside the chamber 38. In some configurations, directing the fluid may include directing the fluid via a fluid applicator 106. Thus, the controller 100 acts on the fluid applicator 106 to inject the fluid into the chamber 38. If a valve 118 is used, the controller 100 signals the valve 118 to open, thereby allowing the fluid to flow out through the pipe from the outlet 122.

[0075]

[0084] Next, the suspended particles 16 are removed from the chamber 38 using a vacuum. In some configurations, removing the suspended particles 16 using a vacuum may include removing the suspended particles 16 through a vacuum chamber 124. The particles 16, along with the fluid, are removed from the chamber 38 through the vacuum chamber 124 using a vacuum. Therefore, the controller 100 operates the vacuum chamber 124 to remove the fluid and particles 16 from the chamber 38.

[0076]

[0085] A sensor 128 connected to the vacuum chamber 124 can detect the amount of particles 16 being removed from the chamber 38. Thus, the amount of particles 16 being discharged from the chamber 38 using vacuum is sensed via the sensor 128. The controller 100 collects data from the sensor 128 and determines when the amount of particles 16 reaches a predetermined range. Once the predetermined range of particles 16 is reached, the controller 100 can shut off the fluid applicator 106 and the vacuum chamber 124.

[0077]

[0086] Optionally, the optical assembly 132 can be reactivated after the fluid applicator 106 and vacuum chamber 124 have been shut off. That is, the controller 100 can acquire one or more images 130 and repeat the operation of comparing the images 130 with reference image 142 to confirm that the friction surface 26 of the pad 22 is clean. Once the controller 100 determines that the friction surface 26 is clean, the door device 28 can be started to the open position.

[0078]

[0087] If the controller 100 does not determine that the friction surface 26 is clean, the fluid applicator 106 can be reactivated to clean the friction surface 26, and the optical assembly 132 can be reactivated to determine whether the friction surface 26 is clean. If the controller 100 still does not confirm that the friction surface 26 is clean, a manual process to clean the friction surface 26 may be required.

[0079]

[0088] The order or sequence of performing the above-described method is illustrative only, and it should be understood that other orders or sequences are within the scope of this instruction. Furthermore, it should be understood that the method may include other features not specifically identified in the above-described method. Additionally, it should be understood that Figures 1, 2, 9, and 10 are general illustrations that may be appropriate for any of the configurations described herein.

[0080] Clause 1. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a housing assembly is provided for selectively receiving a part, the housing assembly comprising a platform; a pad fixed to the platform and having a friction surface for maintaining the position of the part relative to the pad when the part is placed on the friction surface; and a door device connected to the platform and surrounding the pad, the door device being movable between an open position for receiving a part, in which the friction surface of the pad is exposed to the outside of the door device, and a closed position, in which the friction surface of the pad is concealed to the inside of the door device.

[0081] Clause 2. The housing assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the door device includes a first door segment and a second door segment that are movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position.

[0082] Clause 3. The housing assembly described in Clause 2, wherein the door device includes a first bellows attached to a first door segment and platform, and a second bellows attached to a second door segment and platform.

[0083] Clause 4. The housing assembly described in Clause 2, wherein the door device includes a gear set connected to a first door segment and a second door segment.

[0084] Clause 5. The housing assembly described in Clause 4, wherein the door device includes an actuator that is coupled to a gear set and is selectively actuated to move the gear set.

[0085] Clause 6. The housing assembly according to Clause 5, wherein the actuator includes an activator, which is coupled to the actuator and selectively operates the actuator, causing a gear set to move, thereby resulting in the movement of a first door segment and a second door segment between an open position and a closed position.

[0086] Clause 7. The housing assembly described in Clause 6, wherein the actuator includes an electric motor and the activator includes a switch.

[0087] Clause 8. The actuator includes a shaft having teeth that mesh with a gear set, the shaft moving in a first direction to rotate the gear set, thereby moving the first and second door segments to the open position, and the shaft moving in a second direction opposite to the first direction to rotate the gear set in a different manner, thereby moving the first and second door segments to the closed position; the activator includes a cap fixed to the shaft, as described in Clause 6.

[0088] Clause 9. The housing assembly according to Clause 8, wherein the actuator includes a casing and a biasing member housed inside the casing; the biasing member continuously biases the shaft in a second direction; and the casing includes a slot, the teeth of the shaft protruding from the slot so as to face a gear set.

[0089] Clause 10. The housing assembly described in Clause 1, further comprising a cleaning system configured to remove particles from the friction surface of the pad when the door device is in the closed position.

[0090] Clause 11. The door device includes a first door segment and a second door segment that are movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position; the door device includes a first bellows attached to the first door segment and platform, and a second bellows attached to the second door segment and platform; the housing assembly according to Clause 10, wherein the first door segment, the first bellows, the second door segment, and the second bellows cooperate in the closed position to present a chamber surrounding a pad.

[0091] Clause 12. The housing assembly according to Clause 11, wherein the cleaning system includes a fluid applicator configured to direct a fluid to the friction surface of a pad in order to move particles away from the friction surface and cause them to float inside the chamber.

[0092] Clause 13. The housing assembly according to Clause 12, wherein the fluid applicator includes a duct attached to a first door segment or a second door segment, the duct includes a plurality of outlets spaced apart from each other, and the fluid is directed outwards from the plurality of outlets.

[0093] Clause 14. The housing assembly according to Clause 12, comprising a vacuum chamber connected to a chamber and configured to expel suspended particles inside the chamber by the operation of a fluid applicator.

[0094] Clause 15. The housing assembly according to Clause 11, which includes an optical assembly configured to compile images of the friction surfaces of the pads when the first door segment and the second door segment are in the closed position.

[0095] Clause 16. The housing assembly according to Clause 15, wherein the optical assembly includes a camera mounted on the first door segment or the second door segment, the camera being configured to collect an image of the friction surface of the pad; and the optical assembly includes a light configured to illuminate the friction surface of the pad when the first door segment and the second door segment are in the closed position while the camera is in operation.

[0096] Clause 17. The first door segment includes a first distal end and a second distal end spaced apart from each other along the first longitudinal axis; the second door segment includes a first distal end and a second distal end spaced apart from each other along the second longitudinal axis; the first door segment includes a first side end to which the first bellows is fixed; the first door segment includes a second side end spaced apart from the first side end of the first door segment; the second door segment includes a first side end to which the second bellows is fixed; the second door segment includes a second side end spaced apart from the first side end of the second door segment; when the door device is in the closed position, the second of the first door segment The housing assembly according to Clause 11, wherein the side end of the first door segment and the second side end of the second door segment engage with each other; the cleaning system includes a duct attached to the first door segment proximal to the second side end of the first door segment; the duct includes a plurality of outlets spaced apart from each other axially with respect to the first longitudinal axis, the plurality of outlets facing the friction surface to direct a fluid to the friction surface of the pad to move particles away from the friction surface and cause them to float inside the chamber; and the cleaning system includes a camera attached to the second door segment proximal to the second side end of the second door segment, the camera configured to collect images of the friction surface of the pad.

[0097] Clause 18. Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for removing particles from a friction surface of a pad before carrying out a manufacturing process, wherein a part is positioned on the friction surface for the manufacturing process; the method includes: positioning a door device in a closed position to present a chamber surrounding the pad; collecting an image of the friction surface of the pad while the door device is in the closed position; comparing the collected image of the friction surface with a reference image of the friction surface to determine whether particles to be removed have been detected on the friction surface; directing a fluid to the friction surface of the pad to move the particles away from the friction surface and cause them to float inside the chamber when particles to be removed from the friction surface have been detected; and discharging the suspended particles from the chamber using a vacuum.

[0098] Clause 19. The method according to Clause 18, wherein collecting an image further includes retrieving an image via a camera; directing a fluid further includes directing a fluid via a fluid applicator; and removing suspended particles using a vacuum further includes removing suspended particles using a vacuum via a vacuum chamber.

[0099] Clause 20. The method according to Clause 19, further comprising activating a light inside the chamber to illuminate the friction surface of a pad in order to assist the camera in acquiring images; and sensing the amount of particles being discharged from the chamber using a vacuum via a sensor.

[0100]

[0089] Aspects of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the illustrated configurations. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain modifications may be made to the disclosed structures and / or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is also not limited to the precise configurations and compositions disclosed herein. Modifications that are evident from the foregoing description are included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Furthermore, the concepts of the present invention explicitly include combinations and partial combinations of the elements and functions described herein.

Claims

1. A housing assembly for selectively receiving parts: Platform; A pad fixed to the platform and having a friction surface, wherein the friction surface maintains the position of the component relative to the pad when the component is placed on the friction surface; and A door device connected to the platform and surrounding the pad, the door device being movable between an open position for receiving the component, where the friction surface of the pad is exposed to the outside of the door device, and a closed position, where the friction surface of the pad is hidden to the inside of the door device. Equipped with, An actuator comprising a shaft that is mechanically connected to the door device and configured to move the door device, wherein the shaft is engaged with the component, The first axial displacement of the shaft, which is movable in the axial direction due to engagement with the aforementioned component, causes the door device to move to the open position. A housing assembly in which a second axial displacement of the axially movable shaft is in the opposite direction to the first axial displacement, occurs in response to a biasing member, and returns the door device to the closed position when the engagement of the component is released.

2. The housing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the door device includes a first door segment and a second door segment that are movable relative to each other between the open position and the closed position.

3. The housing assembly according to claim 2, wherein the door device includes a first bellows attached to the first door segment and the platform, and a second bellows attached to the second door segment and the platform.

4. The housing assembly according to claim 2, wherein the door device includes a gear set connected to the first door segment and the second door segment.

5. The housing assembly according to claim 4, wherein the door device includes the actuator which is connected to the gear set and is selectively actuated to move the gear set.

6. The housing assembly according to claim 5, wherein the actuator includes an activator, the activator being connected to the actuator and selectively operating the actuator, thereby moving the gear set, and causing the first door segment and the second door segment to move between the open position and the closed position.

7. The housing assembly according to claim 6, wherein the actuator includes an electric motor and the activator includes a switch.

8. The actuator includes the shaft having teeth that mesh with the gear set, As the shaft moves in the first direction and rotates the gear set, the first door segment and the second door segment move to the open position. The shaft moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, causing the gear set to rotate in a different way, thereby moving the first door segment and the second door segment to the closed position. The activator includes a cap fixed to the shaft, The housing assembly according to claim 6.

9. The actuator includes a casing and a biasing member housed inside the casing. The biasing member continuously biases the shaft in the second direction, The casing includes a slot, and the teeth of the shaft protrude from the slot so as to face the gear set. The housing assembly according to claim 8.

10. The housing assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning system configured to remove particles from the friction surface of the pad when the door device is in the closed position.

Images