Device and method for removing dust from a component
The dust removal device addresses the challenge of invisible dust contamination in cleanrooms by using air ionizers and controlled airflow with filtration to efficiently remove small dust particles from sensitive components, enhancing cleanliness and reducing rework rates.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THALES SA
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for dust removal in cleanrooms are inadequate for small, fragile, or complexly shaped components, particularly for dust particles smaller than 50 µm, and often result in high rework rates due to invisible dust contamination.
A dust removal device with a sealed enclosure, air ionizers to neutralize static electricity, a ventilation circuit with a dust filter, and UV lighting to illuminate and capture dust, using a controlled airflow to trap and remove dust particles without additional contamination.
Effectively removes dust particles smaller than 50 µm from sensitive components by neutralizing static charge and capturing dust using a controlled airflow and filtration, reducing contamination and rework rates in clean manufacturing environments.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025087732_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] TITLE: Device and method for dust removal from a component
[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 category 6 to 8 cleanrooms. However, a high rework rate has been observed for some products, due to the presence of dust inside the components.
[0005] Existing methods for removing 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 to reduce the amount of dust polluting components that must exhibit a high level of cleanliness.
[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a device for dusting a component, the dusting device comprising:
[0010] - a sealed enclosure delimiting an internal volume, with a support housed in the internal volume and configured so that the component is placed on the support, and a door providing access to the internal volume;
[0011] - at least one air ionizer configured to diffuse a stream of ionized air onto the component placed on the support;
[0012] - A ventilation circuit, with an air duct having an intake connecting to the internal volume and multiple supply vents opening into the internal volume, a dust filter interposed along the air duct, and an air circulation device ensuring airflow along the air duct from the intake to the multiple supply vents through the dust filter. The air ionizer eliminates static electricity on the component to be cleaned. This static electricity attracts dust. When static electricity is eliminated, the dust can be vacuumed up much more easily. The air ionizer operates without contact with the component, so no additional contamination is introduced.
[0013] The ventilation system allows dust to be removed from the component, this dust being captured by the dust filter.
[0014] These operations are carried out in a sealed chamber, allowing for good control of air circulation.
[0015] The dust collection device may also have one or more of the following characteristics, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations:
[0016] - the air ionizer(s) have a Corona effect;
[0017] - the suction is placed under the component;
[0018] - the support is a grid, the openings in the grid forming the suction of the ventilation circuit;
[0019] - the blower ports are configured to create a vortex airflow within the internal volume around the component;
[0020] - the blow holes are arranged above the component and at least 180° around the component;
[0021] - the dust filter is an H EPA filter;
[0022] - the dust filter is configured to trap dust particles larger than 5 pm;
[0023] - the device includes UV lighting configured to illuminate the component.
[0024] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for removing dust from a component, the method comprising the following steps:
[0025] - place the component on a support within an internal volume of a sealed enclosure;
[0026] - diffuse a flow of ionized air over the component placed on the support;
[0027] - ensure air circulation within the internal volume, the air being drawn in by a suction communicating with the internal volume, the air circulating along an air duct from the suction through a dust filter to a plurality of blowing orifices opening into the internal volume, the air being blown into the internal volume through said plurality of blowing orifices.
[0028] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below, with reference to Figure 1 [Fig 1], which schematically represents the dust removal device of the invention. The device 1 shown in Figure 1 is intended to remove dust from a component 3.
[0029] This component typically requires a high level of cleanliness during its manufacturing. It is typically manufactured in a cleanroom.
[0030] Component 3 is, for example, integrated into optical equipment, or optronic equipment, or watchmaking equipment, or electronic equipment, or even mechanical equipment.
[0031] Device 1 includes a sealed box 5 delimiting an internal volume 7, with a support 9 housed in the internal volume 7 and configured so that component 3 is placed on the support 7, and an access door 11 to the internal volume 7.
[0032] The enclosure 5 is airtight in the sense that, when the access door 11 is closed, air from outside the enclosure 5 cannot enter the internal volume, or can only enter in a proportion small enough not to bring in a significant amount of dust.
[0033] In the example shown, the internal volume 7 is parallelepiped; alternatively, it can be of any other shape.
[0034] The internal volume 7 is delimited by internal walls 13.
[0035] The access door 11 defines one of the internal walls. It can be moved between an open and a closed position. In the open position, access to the internal volume is clear, and it is possible to place component 3 on the support 9, or to remove component 3 from the internal volume 7.
[0036] In the closed position, the access door 11 seals the internal volume 7.
[0037] For example, access door 11 is sliding.
[0038] Advantageously, support 9 is a grid.
[0039] The support 9 is substantially horizontal, and constitutes one of the internal walls 13, delimiting the internal volume 7 downwards.
[0040] Component 3 is placed directly on support 9.
[0041] Alternatively, component 3 is placed on a rotating base, itself resting on support 9.
[0042] The dust removal device 1 further includes at least one air ionizer 15 configured to diffuse a stream of ionized air onto the component 3 placed on the support 9.
[0043] Advantageously, the dust removal device 1 comprises two air ionizers 15 placed on the support 9, and arranged on two opposite sides of the component 3.
[0044] The air ionizer(s) 15 is preferably a corona effect air ionizer. The air ionizer(s) 15 draws in an airflow from the internal volume 7 and creates positive and / or negative ions in the drawn-in air. The air charged with positive and / or negative ions is then diffused towards the component 3 placed on the support 9.
[0045] The positive and / or negative ions diffused with the airflow recombine with the negative or positive charges on the surface of component 3, thus balancing the static charge of the component. The elimination of the static charge occurs without contact.
[0046] The dust removal system also includes a ventilation circuit 17.
[0047] This ventilation circuit 17 is housed between an external envelope 18 of the sealed box 5 and the internal walls 13 delimiting the internal volume 7.
[0048] The ventilation circuit 17 includes an air duct 19 having a suction 21 communicating with the internal volume 7 and a plurality of supply orifices 23 opening into the internal volume 7.
[0049] The ventilation circuit 17 also includes a dust filter 25 interposed along the air duct 19 and an air circulation device 27 ensuring air circulation along the air duct 19 from the suction 21 to the plurality of blowing orifices 23, through the dust filter 25.
[0050] The air duct 19 is delimited between the outer envelope 18 and the inner walls 13.
[0051] Suction 21 is located under component 3.
[0052] Advantageously, the openings of the grid 9 constitute the suction 21 of the ventilation circuit 17.
[0053] The air circulation unit 27 is a fan, typically a centrifugal fan. It is placed under the support 9.
[0054] The circulation element 27 has a suction port fluidically connected to the suction 21 of the air duct. The ventilation element 27 discharges the air into the air duct 19, towards the dust filter 25.
[0055] The 25 dust filter is a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. It is configured to trap dust particles larger than 5 µm, preferably larger than 3 µm.
[0056] The blower ports 23 are configured to create a vortex airflow inside the internal volume 7, around component 3.
[0057] The blower openings 23 are provided in the internal walls 13 delimiting the internal volume 7. Some blower openings 23 are placed above the component 3, i.e. in the internal wall 29 defining the upper ceiling of the internal volume 7.
[0058] Other blowing ports 23 are arranged at least 180° around component 3. These blowing ports 23 are placed in vertical walls 30, 31, laterally delimiting the internal volume 7.
[0059] In the example shown, in which the internal volume 7 is parallelepiped, the internal volume 7 is defined laterally on one side by the access door 11, opposite the door 11 by a back wall 30, and laterally by two side walls 31 facing each other. Air vents 23 are provided in the back wall 30 and in the side walls 31.
[0060] In Figure 1, the positions of the blow-off ports 23 are schematic. These positions are determined by simulation, so as to create a vortex around component 3.
[0061] The dust removal device 1 also includes a UV light 33 configured to illuminate component 3.
[0062] The UV illumination 33 is configured to allow the detection of dust deposited on component 3 by fluorescence.
[0063] UV illumination 33 generates ultraviolet radiation that excites the dust and causes it to fluoresce in the visible spectrum. The color emitted by fluorescence depends strongly on the nature and intensity of the ultraviolet radiation. Advantageously, the UV illumination is of the UV-A type. The dust exhibits white fluorescence.
[0064] Typically, the UV lighting 33 comprises two bars 35, each equipped with several UV lamps. These bars 35 are mounted on the upper ceiling 29 of the internal volume 7.
[0065] Advantageously, the dust removal device 1 is equipped with a camera 37, configured to acquire images of the component 3 on its support while dust removal is in progress.
[0066] The camera 37 is typically mounted on the upper ceiling 29, between the two lighting bars 35.
[0067] Camera 37 is of the type which allows the acquisition of images of component 3 showing the dust deposited on this component 3 when it is fluorescent under the effect of ultraviolet radiation.
[0068] For example, the camera is of the high-resolution type, preferably with embedded neural network execution capability.
[0069] The dust removal device 1 also includes a control element 39, configured to control the dust removal device.
[0070] The control unit 39 is, for example, a computer, a tablet, or any other similar type of control unit. The control unit 39 is configured to operate the access door 11. It is also configured to operate the air circulation unit 27, and the air ionizer(s) 15.
[0071] Typically, the control unit 39 also drives the UV lighting 33 and the camera 37.
[0072] This control unit 39 is equipped with software configured to create and execute dust removal programs adapted to different types of components, while ensuring traceability of the operations carried out.
[0073] The control unit 39 constitutes a human-machine interface (HMI) enabling the following operations to be performed:
[0074] - open access door 11;
[0075] - provide the reference of component 3 to be dusted, including its serial number;
[0076] - optionally choose the dust removal program applicable to component 3;
[0077] - start the dusting.
[0078] The dust removal program runs automatically.
[0079] The access door 11 is first closed. The internal visible light lighting of the internal volume 7 is switched off, and the UV lighting 33 is switched on. One or more views of component 3 are acquired using the camera 37 and recorded in a memory of the control unit 39. Then, the air circulation unit 27 is switched on, and the air ionizer(s) 15 are switched on.
[0080] The air flow rate aspirated by the air circulation unit 27 is regulated by the control unit 39, according to the selected dust removal program.
[0081] Similarly, the flow rate of ionized air is regulated by the control unit 39 according to the selected program.
[0082] The duration of dust removal is chosen by the control body 39, according to the program chosen.
[0083] The air circulation unit 27 draws in air filling the internal volume 7, through the suction inlet 21. It discharges the air into the air duct 19. The air flows through the dust filter 25, the dust being retained by the filter 25. The dust-free air exits the dust filter 25 and flows to the blower outlets 23.
[0084] From the blower ports, it flows inside the internal volume 7. It creates a vortex around component 3. The air thus circulates in a closed circuit without being expelled outside the sealed box, and without any outside air being admitted inside the sealed box.
[0085] During air circulation, the air ionizers 15 diffuse the ionized airflow over component 3, which eliminates static electricity and easily removes dust deposited on component 3. At the end of the dust removal program, new images are acquired by the camera 37 and recorded in the memory of the control unit 39. The UV lighting 33 is then switched off.
[0086] The control unit 39 then commands the automatic opening of the access door 11, and the operator can retrieve the dusted component.
[0087] The invention also relates to a method for removing dust from a component. This method is specifically designed to be implemented with the dust removal device 1 described above. Conversely, the dust removal device 1 is specifically adapted to implement the dust removal method that will now be described.
[0088] The dust removal process involves the following steps:
[0089] - place component 3 on a support 9 in an internal volume 7 of a sealed box 5;
[0090] - diffuse a flow of ionized air onto component 3 placed on support 9;
[0091] - ensure air circulation within the internal volume 7, the air being drawn in by a suction 23 communicating with the internal volume 7, the air circulating along an air duct 19 from the suction 21 through a dust filter 25 to a plurality of blowing orifices 23 opening into the internal volume 7, the air being blown into the internal volume 7 through said plurality of blowing orifices 23.
[0092] The waterproof housing 5 is as described above.
[0093] The ionized airflow is diffused by at least one air ionizer 15 of the type described above.
[0094] Air circulation is ensured by a ventilation circuit 17 of the type described above.
Claims
8 DEMANDS 1. Dust removal device (1) for a component (3), the dust removal device (1) comprising: - a sealed enclosure (5) delimiting an internal volume (7), with a support (9) housed in the internal volume (7) and configured so that the component (3) is placed on the support (9), and a door (11) for access to the internal volume (7); - at least one air ionizer (15) configured to diffuse a stream of ionized air onto the component (3) placed on the support (9); - a ventilation circuit (17), with an air duct (19) having an aspiration (21) communicating with the internal volume (7) and a plurality of blowing orifices (23) opening into the internal volume (7), a dust filter (25) interposed along the air duct (19), and an air circulation device (27) ensuring air circulation along the air duct (19) from the aspiration (21) to the plurality of blowing orifices (23) through the dust filter (25).
2. Dust removal device according to claim 1, wherein the air ionizer or each air ionizer (15) is Corona effect.
3. Dust removal device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the suction (21) is placed under the component (3).
4. Dust removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (9) is a grid, the orifices of the grid (9) constituting the suction (21) of the ventilation circuit (17).
5. Dust removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blow holes (23) are configured to create a vortex airflow inside the internal volume (7) around the component (3).
6. Dust removal device according to claim 5, wherein the blowing orifices (23) are arranged above the component (3) and at least 180° around the component (3).
7. Dust removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dust filter (25) is an H EPA filter.
8. Dust removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dust filter (25) is configured to trap dust particles larger than 5 pm.
9. Dust removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a UV light (33) configured to illuminate the component (3). 9 10. A method for removing dust from a component, the method comprising the following steps: - place the component (3) on a support (9) in an internal volume (7) of a sealed enclosure (5); - diffuse a flow of ionized air over the component (3) placed on the support (9); - ensure air circulation within the internal volume (7), the air being drawn in by a suction (21) communicating with the internal volume (7), the air circulating along an air duct (19) from the suction (21) through a dust filter (25) to a plurality of blowing ports (23) opening into the internal volume (7), the air being blown into the internal volume (7) through said plurality of blowing ports (23).