Dust extraction device for workbench

Abstract

The dust extraction device (1) comprises: - a housing (5); - an air ionizer (7) mounted on the housing (5), configured to diffuse a stream of ionized air; - an air-intake device (23), with a suction pipe (25) comprising a flexible part (27), a suction head (29) mounted on the flexible part (27) of the suction pipe (25), a dust filter (31) inserted into the suction pipe (25), and an air circulation member (33) causing air to circulate from the suction head (29) along the suction pipe (25) through the dust filter (31), at least the air circulation member (33) being mounted on the housing (5); - UV lighting (39), with a UV light projection member (41).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Dust removal device for a workbench

[0002] The invention relates generally to the dust removal of a component, in particular the dust removal of a component requiring a high level of cleanliness during manufacturing.

[0003] Certain components, in the fields of optics or optronics for example, must be manufactured under extremely strict cleanliness conditions. These components, once manufactured, must not be contaminated by dust.

[0004] These components are typically manufactured in ISO 6 to 8 cleanrooms. However, a high rework rate has been observed for some products due to the presence of dust inside the components. This dust is generated primarily during the assembly of the various parts that make up the component. This assembly is carried out by operators working at workbenches in the cleanroom.

[0005] The means available to operators to eliminate dust are not satisfactory, particularly for dust particles smaller than 50 pm.

[0006] Indeed, some of the dust is not visible to the naked eye, so the dusting is done blindly.

[0007] Dust removal is carried out using cans of compressed air, which blow away the dust deposited on the components. There are also vacuum cleaners specifically designed for cleanrooms, but these are not suitable for small, fragile, or complexly shaped components.

[0008] In this context, the invention aims to provide a dust removal device for a workbench, suitable for manufacturing components requiring a high degree of cleanliness throughout the assembly and testing process.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a dust collection device for a workbench, the dust collection device comprising:

[0010] - a case;

[0011] - an air ionizer mounted on the case, configured to diffuse a flow of ionized air;

[0012] - an air suction device, with a suction duct comprising a flexible part, a suction head mounted on the flexible part of the suction duct, a dust filter interposed in the suction duct, and an air circulation element ensuring air circulation from the suction head along the suction duct through the dust filter, at least the air circulation element being mounted on the housing;

[0013] - UV lighting, with a UV light projection device. The operator working at the workbench therefore has a dust removal system that allows them to first diffuse a stream of ionized air onto the component they are working on. This stream of ionized air neutralizes the electrostatic charges of the various materials that make up the component.

[0014] Neutralizing electrostatic charges helps release dust deposited on the component's surface. This simplifies surface cleaning by dust extraction.

[0015] The operator also has access to UV lighting, which allows them to project UV light onto the component being cleaned. This UV light enables dust detection through fluorescence. Dust particles are excited by ultraviolet radiation, causing fluorescence—the emission of visible light. The color of the fluorescence depends heavily on the type and intensity of the ultraviolet radiation. In the case of dust, the fluorescence is white. Therefore, UV lighting allows the operator to easily spot dust particles deposited on the surface of the component being cleaned.

[0016] Finally, the operator has a suction head mounted on a flexible section of the suction duct. This suction head can be easily manipulated to vacuum up the dust highlighted by the UV light.

[0017] The dust collection device may also have one or more of the following characteristics, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0018] - the case includes a removable attachment to the workbench;

[0019] - The air ionizer includes:

[0020] * an ionized airflow generation unit attached to the housing;

[0021] * a gun configured to diffuse the ionized airflow, fluidly connected to the ionized airflow generation unit;

[0022] * a configurable support, the gun being linked to the housing by the configurable support, the configurable support being designed so that the gun can be moved between a plurality of stable positions relative to the housing;

[0023] - the dust filter is mounted on the casing;

[0024] - the suction head includes at least one nozzle delimiting a suction orifice with bristles arranged around the suction orifice;

[0025] - at least one nozzle has several removable nozzles, each removable nozzle differing from the other removable nozzles by at least one of the following parameters: material constituting the bristles, length of the bristles, shape of the tuft constituted by the bristles, density of the bristles; - the suction head has a pen shape, elongated longitudinally in the extension of the flexible part of the suction conduit;

[0026] - the UV light projection device is attached to the suction head;

[0027] - the UV light projection device is arranged to project a UV light beam longitudinally;

[0028] - the UV light projection device includes a UV lamp and at least one optic, the at least one optic being adjustable and / or removable;

[0029] - The UV lighting system has a power supply mounted on the housing, with the UV light projection unit being electrically connected to the power supply by a flexible cable.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the dust removal device of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below, by way of example and in no way limiting, with reference to the attached figures, among which:

[0031] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of the dust removal device mounted on a workbench;

[0032] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of the housing of the dust removal device of Figure 1, one wall of this housing being removed to reveal the various elements housed inside the housing;

[0033] - Figure 3 is a perspective view of the suction head and the UV light projection device.

[0034] The dust removal device 1, shown in Figure 1, is intended to be used by an operator working on a workbench.

[0035] It is intended for dusting components intended to be integrated into optical equipment, or optronic equipment, or watchmaking equipment, or electronic equipment, or even mechanical equipment.

[0036] It is intended for use, for example, in a cleanroom.

[0037] The dust removal device 1 is intended to be used during the assembly of the component, or during the integration of the component into a larger assembly.

[0038] The dust removal device 1 is intended to remove dust from the surface of the component, including invisible, small-sized dust particles.

[0039] As can be seen in Figure 1, the dust removal device 1 comprises a housing 5, and an air ionizer 7 mounted on the housing 5, configured to diffuse a stream of ionized air.

[0040] The housing 5 internally delimits an internal volume 9 (figure 2) in which various components of the dust removal device are housed.

[0041] Advantageously, the housing 5 includes a removable fixing 11 to the workbench 3. The fixing 11 is for example made up of a jaw formed on a front face of the housing 5 and adapted to clamp the work surface of the workbench 3.

[0042] Alternatively, the case 5 can be mounted on a stand and not be fixed to the workbench.

[0043] The Air Ionizer 7 includes:

[0044] - an ionized airflow generation unit 13, fixed to the housing 5;

[0045] - a gun 15 configured to diffuse the ionized airflow, the gun 15 being fluidly connected to the ionized airflow generation unit 13;

[0046] - a configurable support 17, the gun being linked to the housing 5 by the configurable support 17.

[0047] The 7 air ionizer is of the corona discharge type. It draws in ambient air from inside the room where the dust removal device is located, and generates an ionized airflow, i.e. charged with positive and / or negative ions.

[0048] The ionized airflow generation unit 13 is housed inside the casing 5, as seen in Figure 2.

[0049] The gun 15 is located outside the housing 5. It is fluidly connected to the generating unit 13 by a flexible conduit not visible in the figures. The gun 15 has an orifice 19 through which the ionized air stream is diffused into the ambient air.

[0050] The configurable support 17 is designed so that the gun 15 can be moved between a plurality of stable positions relative to the housing 5. It is thus possible to orient the orifice 19 and the flow of ionized air diffused by the orifice 19 in a direction that is convenient for the operator working on the workbench.

[0051] The configurable support 17 is of any suitable type. In the example shown, it consists of a plurality of tube sections 21 nested one inside the other, each tube section 21 being orientable relative to the section into which it is nested.

[0052] The 15 pistol has the shape of a curved stock, adapted to be gripped manually by the operator.

[0053] The ionized airflow diffusion orifice 19 is formed at one end of the gun. The flexible conduit fluidly connecting the gun 15 to the ionized airflow generation element 13 is fixed to the end of the gun 15 opposite the orifice 19. The flexible conduit passes inside the tube sections 21 constituting the configurable support 17.

[0054] The configurable support 17 and the gun 15 can, as illustrated in Figure 1, adopt a gooseneck shape, with the orifice 19 pointing downwards, i.e. towards the work surface of the workbench 3.

[0055] The dust removal device 1 further comprises an air intake device 23, with an intake duct 25 having a flexible section 27, an intake head 29 mounted on the flexible section 27 of the intake duct 25, a dust filter 31 inserted in the intake duct 25, and an air circulation element 33. The intake head 29 is configured to draw in ambient air. The air circulation element 33 ensures air circulation from the intake head 29 along the intake duct 25 through the dust filter 31.

[0056] After passing through the dust filter 31, the air flows along the suction duct 25 to an open downstream end, through which the air is discharged into the ambient atmosphere.

[0057] At least the suction unit 33 is mounted on the housing 5. Typically, the dust filter 31 is also mounted on the housing 5.

[0058] The dust filter 31 and / or the suction unit 33 are housed in the internal volume 9 of the housing 5, as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0059] The dust filter 31 is a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. Typically, it's a filter that traps all particles larger than 10 µm, and preferably all particles larger than 3 µm. For example, it's an HEPA H10 filter.

[0060] The air circulation unit 33 is of any suitable type. For example, it is a centrifugal fan.

[0061] The flexible part 27 of the suction duct is a flexible tube, made of plastic or rubber.

[0062] The suction head 29 has a pen-like shape and is elongated longitudinally in line with the flexible part 27 of the suction conduit 25. The suction head 29 has at least one tip 31 defining a suction orifice 33, with bristles 35 arranged around the suction orifice 33.

[0063] Advantageously, at least one nozzle has several removable nozzles 31, interchangeable, each of which can be mounted on the suction head and then replaced.

[0064] The suction head 29 includes a hollow tube 37 fluidly connecting the orifice 33 to the suction conduit 25.

[0065] The nozzle or nozzles 31 are placed at one longitudinal end of the head 29. The flexible part 27 of the suction conduit is connected to one longitudinal end of the head 29 opposite the nozzle 31.

[0066] Typically, the tip 31 is simply inserted into one end of the hollow tube 37.

[0067] The hairs 35 form a roughly tubular tuft around the orifice 33.

[0068] Advantageously, each removable tip 31 differs from other removable tips by at least one of the following parameters: material constituting the bristles 35, length of the bristles 35, shape of the tuft constituted by the bristles 35, density of the bristles 35. The bristles 35 are, for example, sable hair, this material being well suited for cleaning mechanical components other than optics or parts liable to be scratched by mechanical contact.

[0069] Alternatively, the bristles are badger hair or silk. This type of bristle is well-suited for cleaning delicate parts, such as lenses. Another option is to use nylon bristles.

[0070] The tuft formed by the 35 bristles can have a generally cylindrical or truncated conical shape of significant diameter, as illustrated in Figure 3. This shape is well suited for cleaning flat surfaces or surfaces with slight relief. Alternatively, the tuft formed by the 35 bristles can have a tapered shape, well suited for cleaning recessed areas or areas that are difficult to access.

[0071] The operator mounts the nozzle 31 most suitable for the area of ​​the component to be cleaned onto the suction head 29.

[0072] Preferably, the suction device 23 is a Venturi effect device. In other words, the suction duct 25 has a restriction that accelerates the flow velocity of the aspirated air. This helps to increase the suction efficiency.

[0073] The dust removal device 1 also includes UV lighting 39, with a UV light projection element 41.

[0074] Advantageously, as illustrated in Figure 3, the UV light projection organ 41 is fixed to the suction head 29.

[0075] The UV light projection organ 41 and the suction head 29 are typically fixed to each other by one or more clips 43, visible in Figure 3.

[0076] The UV light projection unit 41 is arranged to project a beam of UV light longitudinally.

[0077] The UV light beam is projected along the longitudinal side where the suction port 33 is located.

[0078] The UV light projection element 41 has a longitudinally elongated shape. It is attached to the suction head 29. The suction head 29 and the UV light projection element 41 thus form a sub-assembly with a general pen shape, easy for the operator to handle with one hand.

[0079] UV 39 lighting generates UV-A type light. For example, the light has a wavelength of 365 nm. The radiation intensity is, for example, 1200 mW per cm 2 .

[0080] The UV light projection element 41 is, for example, a UV-A pointer-type pen based on UV-LED technology. More specifically, the UV light projection element 41 comprises a UV lamp 43 and at least one optic 45.

[0081] The UV light projection element also includes a tubular body 47 in which the UV lamp 43 is housed. At least one optic 45 is mounted at one longitudinal end of the tubular body 47.

[0082] At least one 45mm lens is preferably adjustable and / or removable.

[0083] At least one 45mm lens is adjustable in the sense that it is possible to adjust the focal length of at least one 45mm lens.

[0084] When at least one 45mm lens is removable, it is possible to remove at least one 45mm lens to replace it with another lens.

[0085] In this case, at least one 45mm lens has several removable lenses, each removable lens having a different focal length than the other removable lenses.

[0086] The user mounts the most suitable removable lens 45 for the task to be performed.

[0087] The UV light projection element 41 is longitudinally offset and recessed relative to the suction head 29. In other words, the optic 45 is longitudinally offset and recessed relative to the suction orifice 33. This means that when the bristles 35 are in contact with the component to be cleaned, the optic 45 is positioned at a distance from that component. The optic does not come into contact with the component.

[0088] Typically, the UV lighting 39 includes a power supply 49 mounted on the housing 5, the UV light projection element 41 being electrically connected to the power supply 49 by a flexible cable 51.

[0089] The power supply 49 is the jet into the internal volume 9 of the housing 5.

[0090] The flexible cable 51 is connected to a longitudinal end of the body 47 opposite the optic 45. It electrically supplies the UV lamp 43.

[0091] As seen in Figure 1, the housing 5 has a control panel 53, allowing control of the various components of the dust removal device 1. The control panel 53 allows the dust removal device 1 to be switched on or off.

[0092] The control panel 53 also includes a component for switching on the air ionizer 7, and for adjusting the flow rate of the ionized air.

[0093] It also includes a component for activating the air intake device 23, and for adjusting the intake air flow rate.

[0094] It also includes a component allowing the UV lighting to be selectively switched on or off 39.

[0095] The use of the dust removal device 1 will now be described. The operator first adjusts the position of the gun 15 of the air ionizer 7, in particular the orientation of the orifice 19. Then, he switches on the dust removal device.

[0096] He then activates the air ionizer 7, the air suction device 23, and the UV light 39. He then places the component to be cleaned in the stream of ionized air diffused by the air ionizer 7. This neutralizes the electrostatic charges on the surface of the component. He then grasps the subassembly consisting of the suction head 29 and the UV light projection device 41, which are joined together. Dust on the surface of the component fluoresces under UV light. The user can therefore easily detect this dust and suction it using the suction head 29. Advantageously, he only needs one hand to operate the subassembly consisting of the suction head 29 and the UV light projection device 41.

[0097] For example, he can hold the component in one hand and the sub-assembly in the other. He can also place the component to be cleaned in the ionized airflow while performing the suction.

Claims

9 DEMANDS 1. Dust collection device (1) for a workbench, the dust collection device (1) comprising: - a case (5); - an air ionizer (7) mounted on the housing (5), configured to diffuse a flow of ionized air; - an air suction device (23), with a suction duct (25) comprising a flexible part (27), a suction head (29) mounted on the flexible part (27) of the suction duct (25), a dust filter (31) interposed in the suction duct (25), and an air circulation element (33) ensuring air circulation from the suction head (29) along the suction duct (25) through the dust filter (31), at least the air circulation element (33) being mounted on the housing (5); - a UV light (39), with a UV light projection device (41).

2. Dust removal device according to claim 1, in which the housing (5) includes a removable attachment (11) to the workbench.

3. Dust removal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air ionizer (7) comprises: - an ionized airflow generation unit (13) fixed to the housing (5); - a gun (15) configured to diffuse the ionized airflow, fluidly connected to the ionized airflow generation unit (13); - a configurable support (17), the gun (15) being linked to the housing (5) by the configurable support (17), the configurable support (17) being designed so that the gun (15) can be moved between a plurality of stable positions relative to the housing (5).

4. Dust removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dust filter (31) is mounted on the housing (5).

5. Dust removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the suction head (29) comprises at least one nozzle (31) delimiting a suction orifice (33), with bristles (35) arranged around the suction orifice (33).

6. Dust removal device according to claim 5, wherein at least one nozzle comprises several removable nozzles (31), each removable nozzle (31) differing from the other removable nozzles (31) by at least one of the following parameters: material constituting the bristles (35), length of the bristles (35), shape of the tuft constituted by the bristles (35), density of the bristles (35).

7. Dust removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction head (29) has an elongated, pen-like shape longitudinally in line with the flexible part (27) of the suction duct (25).

8. Dust removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the UV light projection member (41) is fixed to the suction head (29).

9. Dust removal device according to claim 8 combined with claim 7, wherein the UV light projection member (41) is arranged to project a UV light beam longitudinally.

10. Dust removal device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the UV light projection member (41) comprises a UV lamp (43) and at least one optic (45), the at least one optic (45) being adjustable and / or removable.

11. Dust removal device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the UV lighting (39) comprises a power supply (49) mounted on the housing (5), the UV light projection member (41) being electrically connected to the power supply (49) by a flexible cable (51).

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