LIGHT TIGHT ENCLOSURE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF PROVIDING A LIGHT TIGHT WORK CHAMBER

Abstract

An enclosure assembly includes a housing and a platform disposed within the housing. The platform is rotatably moveable about a vertical axis. A partition is attached to and moveable with the platform, and includes a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the partition are spaced from an exterior wall of the housing to define a gap therebetween. A sealing mechanism is moveable between a sealing position and an open position. The sealing mechanism is moveable into the sealing position to seal the gap between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge and prevent light from passing through the gap. The sealing mechanism is moveable into the open position to vacate the gap and allow rotational movement of the platform and the partition about the vertical axis relative to the exterior wall of the housing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally relates to a light tight enclosure assembly for use during laser operations, such as a laser brazing procedure, and to a method of providing the light tight work chamber for the laser operation.

BACKGROUND

Lasers are commonly used for industrial applications, such as for laser brazing procedures on a production line. Industrial lasers emit laser energy that requires proper containment in order to maintain a safe operating environment. In order to provide the safe operating environment, the lasers are often positioned within a light tight enclosure assembly. The light tight enclosure assembly generally defines an active working chamber, in which the laser is disposed and the laser operation is conducted, and a workpiece mounting chamber, in which an operator or robot positions the workpiece. The light tight enclosure assembly is designed to prevent all laser energy emitted from the laser from escaping the active working chamber.

A common light tight enclosure assembly includes a housing that defines an interior, and includes an opening providing access to the interior. One or more shutters move laterally and/or vertically across the opening between a sealing position and an open position. When in the open position, the shutters are refracted allowing access to the interior so that the workpiece may be positioned. Once the workpiece is positioned, the shutters are moved laterally and/or vertically into the closed position to seal the opening and prevent all laser energy emitted from the laser within the interior of the housing from escaping the housing. The coordination and movement of multiple shutters is complex and slow, and requires many sensors and complicated software control algorithms to correctly position the shutters.

SUMMARY

An enclosure assembly for providing a light tight work chamber, the enclosure assembly including a housing having an exterior wall extending vertically between a lower edge and an upper edge and defining an interior. The housing defines a first opening disposed on a light-protected side of the housing, and a second opening disposed on a light-exposed side of the housing. A platform is at least partially disposed within the interior of the housing. The platform is rotatably moveable about a vertical axis, and includes a peripheral edge defining a semi-circular shape perpendicular to the vertical axis. The semi-circular shape of the platform includes a radius that is centered at the vertical axis. A partition is attached to and moveable with the platform. The partition extends vertically from the platform. The partition includes a first lateral edge disposed at a first location on the peripheral edge of the platform, and extends across the platform to a second lateral edge disposed at a second location on the peripheral edge of the platform. The first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the partition are spaced from the exterior wall of the housing to define a gap therebetween. A sealing mechanism is coupled to one of the partition or the exterior wall, and is moveable between a sealing position and an open position. The sealing mechanism is moveable into the sealing position when the platform is stationary to seal the gap between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge. The sealing mechanism moves into the sealing position to prevent light from passing through the gap from the light-exposed side of the housing to the light-protected side of the housing. The sealing mechanism is moveable into the open position to vacate the gap and allow rotational movement of the platform and the partition about the vertical axis relative to the exterior wall of the housing.

A method of providing a light tight work chamber is also provided. The method includes rotating a platform having a partition extending vertically therefrom about a vertical axis into a first work position, such that a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge of the partition are each disposed adjacent an exterior wall of a housing to define a gap therebetween. A sealing mechanism is then moved into a sealing position to cover the gap and prevent light from passing through the gap from a light-exposed side of the housing to a light-protected side of the housing.

Accordingly, a work piece may be placed on the platform on either side of the partition, and the partition rotated until the work piece is disposed on the light-exposed side of the housing, thereafter the sealing mechanism is moved into the sealing position to prevent light from passing from the light-exposed side of the housing to the light-protected side of the housing. Manufacturing processes using light emitting tools, such as a laser brazing process, may then be performed on the work piece. When the manufacturing processes are complete, the sealing mechanism is moved into the open position, thereby allowing the platform and the rotation to rotate relative to the housing so that the work piece may be rotated to the light-protected side of the housing.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a light tight enclosure assembly.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the light tight enclosure assembly.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic plan view of the light tight enclosure assembly showing a sealing mechanism in an open position.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic plan view of the light tight enclosure assembly showing the sealing mechanism in a sealing position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., are used descriptively for the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, an enclosure assembly is generally shown at 20. Referring to FIG. 2, the enclosure assembly 20 is configured to trap all light energy within a light-tight work chamber 22, thereby preventing the light energy from escaping. The enclosure assembly 20 provides the light tight work chamber 22 to protect workers from light energy emitted during manufacturing processes, including but not limited to laser brazing.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the enclosure assembly 20 includes a housing 24 having an exterior wall 26. The exterior wall 26 extends vertically along a vertical axis 28 between a lower edge 30 and an upper edge 32. The housing 24 defines an interior 34 or central open region. As shown, the housing 24 includes a circular shape perpendicular to the vertical axis 28. However, the exterior shape of the housing 24 may differ from that described herein and shown in the Figures. As shown, the housing 24 defines a first opening 36 and a second opening 38. The first opening 36 and the second opening 38 are disposed opposite each other, on opposing sides of the vertical axis 28. The first opening 36 is disposed on an exterior of the enclosure assembly 20, i.e., on a light-protected side 42 of the housing 24. The second opening 38 is disposed on an interior of the enclosure assembly 20, i.e., on a light-exposed side 40 of the housing 24. The first opening 36 and the second opening 38 provide access to a platform 44 from either side of the housing 24. The first opening 36 provides access to the platform 44 from the light-protected side 42 of the housing 24 so that a worker 46 may place a work piece 48 on the platform 44 or remove the work piece 48 from the platform 44. The second opening 38 provides access to the platform 44, and the work piece 48, from the light-exposed side 40 of the housing 24 so that a manufacturing tool 50, such as but not including a laser, may work on the work piece 48. While the housing 24 is shown defining only the first opening 36 and the second opening 38, it should be appreciated that the housing 24 may alternatively be configured to define more than the first opening 36 and the second opening 38.

An outer structure 52 is attached to the housing 24, and encloses the light-exposed side 40 of the housing 24. The manufacturing tool 50 is disposed within the outer structure 52 and adjacent the second opening 38, within the light-exposed side 40 of the housing 24. The outer structure 52 may include any size and/or configuration suitable for the tooling disposed within the outer structure 52. Operation of the manufacturing tool 50 generates light energy, thereby defining the light-exposed side 40 of the housing 24. As described in greater detail below, the enclosure assembly 20 traps the light energy within the outer structure 52 on the light-exposed side 40 of the housing 24, to prevent exposing the worker 46 to the light energy on the light-protected side 42 of the housing 24.

The platform 44 is at least partially disposed within the interior 34 of the housing 24. The platform 44 is rotatably moveable about the vertical axis 28 between various work positions. As such, the platform 44 may rotate up to and including 360° about the vertical axis 28. The platform 44 includes a peripheral edge 54 that defines a semi-circular shape perpendicular to the vertical axis 28. The platform 44 includes a radius that is centered at the vertical axis 28. As such, the platform 44 is centered about and is concentric with the vertical axis 28.

A drive assembly 56 is coupled to the platform 44, and is configured for rotating the platform 44 about the vertical axis 28. The drive assembly 56 may include any necessary components, such as a motor, chains, gearing, etc., necessary to rotate the platform 44. Preferably, the drive assembly 56 is disposed vertically below the platform 44. However, it should be appreciated that the drive assembly 56 may be located in some other position relative to the platform 44.

A partition 58 is attached to and moveable with the platform 44. The partition 58 extends vertically from the platform 44 to a top edge 60. The partition 58 includes a first lateral edge 62 and a second lateral edge 64. The first lateral edge 62 is disposed at a first location on the peripheral edge 54 of the platform 44. The partition 58 extends from the first lateral edge 62, across the platform 44, to the second lateral edge 64. The second lateral edge 64 is disposed at a second location on the peripheral edge 54 of the platform 44. As shown, the partition 58 includes a linear shape extending between the first lateral edge 62 and the second lateral edge 64, with the first lateral edge 62 and the second lateral edge 64 diametrically opposing each other opposite the vertical axis 28, i.e., disposed at opposite diametric ends of a diameter of the circular shaped platform 44. However, it should be appreciated that the partition 58 may be shaped to define a non-linear shape such that the first lateral edge 62 and the second lateral edge 64 are not diametrically opposing each other.

As shown, the partition 58 further includes a first wing 66 and a second wing 68. The first wing 66 includes a radially outer surface 70 that defines the first lateral edge 62 of the partition 58, and the second wing 68 includes a radially outer surface 72 that defines the second lateral edge 64 of the partition 58. The first wing 66 and the second wing 68 each define an arcuate cross sectional shape perpendicular to the vertical axis 28, and each include a radius centered on the vertical axis 28 that is equal to the radius of the platform 44. As such, the radially outer surface 70 of the first wing 66 and the radially outer surface 72 of the second wing 68 align with the outer peripheral edge 54 of the platform 44 and extend along the vertical axis 28. While the partition 58 is described herein and shown in the Figures including the first wing 66 and the second wing 68, it should be appreciated that the partition 58 need not include the first wing 66 or the second wing 68.

The first lateral edge 62 and the second lateral edge 64 of the partition 58 are spaced from the exterior wall 26 of the housing 24 to define a gap 74 therebetween. The gap 74 allows interference free rotation between the partition 58 and the exterior wall 26 of housing 24. Preferably, the gap 74 spans a distance between the range of 2 mm and 100 mm. However, it should be appreciated that the gap 74 may differ from the preferred range described above.

As shown in FIG. 1, an upper shield 76 is attached to and moveable with the partition 58. The upper shield 76 is substantially parallel with the platform 44, and is spaced from the platform 44 along the vertical axis 28. Similar to the partition 58 and the platform 44, the upper shield 76 is spaced from the exterior wall 26 to define a circular or peripheral gap 78 therebetween to allow relative rotational movement between the upper shield 76 and the exterior wall 26. The enclosure assembly 20 may include an upper seal 80 that is coupled to one of the upper shield 76 or the exterior wall 26. The upper seal 80 is configured for sealing the peripheral gap 78 while allowing relative rotational movement between the upper shield 76 and the exterior wall 26.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, a sealing mechanism 82 is coupled to one of the partition 58 or the exterior wall 26. The sealing mechanism 82 is moveable between a sealing position, shown in FIG. 4, and an open position, shown in FIG. 3. The sealing mechanism 82 is moveable into the sealing position when the platform 44 is stationary to seal the gap 74 between the first lateral edge 62 and the exterior wall 26 of the housing 24, and between the second lateral edge 64 and the exterior wall 26 of the housing 24. When disposed in the sealing position, the sealing mechanism 82 prevents light from passing through the gap 74 from the light-exposed side 40 of the housing 24 to the light-protected side 42 of the housing 24. The sealing mechanism 82 is moveable into the open position to vacate or withdraw from the gap 74 to allow interference free rotational movement of the platform 44 and the partition 58 about the vertical axis 28 relative to the exterior wall 26 of the housing 24.

The sealing mechanism 82 may include any device capable of moving between the open position and the sealing position as described above. For example, the sealing mechanism 82 may include but is not limited to an inflatable device 84, such as for example, an elongated bladder 86, 88 extending vertically along the gap 74 between the partition 58 and the exterior wall 26 of the housing 24. As shown, the inflatable device 84 includes a first bladder 86 disposed adjacent the first lateral edge 62, and a second bladder 88 disposed adjacent the second lateral edge 64. More specifically, the first bladder 86 is attached to the housing 24 and disposed adjacent the first wing 66, and the second bladder 88 is attached to the housing 24 and disposed adjacent the second wing 68. It should be appreciated that if the platform 44 and the partition 58, as depicted in FIG. 2, are rotated 180° about the vertical axis 28, then the first bladder 86 would be disposed adjacent the second wing 68, and the second bladder 88 would be disposed adjacent the first wing 66.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the inflatable device 84 may include a gas control system 90. The gas control system 90 is configured for supplying a gas, such as but not limited to compressed air, to the inflatable device 84 to inflate the inflatable device 84 and move the inflatable device 84 into the sealing position. The gas control system 90 is also configured to release the gas from the inflatable device 84 to deflate the inflatable device 84 and move the inflatable device 84 into the open position. The gas control system 90 may include any components necessary to inflate and deflate the inflatable device 84, including but not limited to a compressor, a storage tank, a pressure release valve, a controller, etc.

When the inflatable device 84 is inflated, with the first bladder 86 sealing against the first wing 66, as shown in FIG. 3, and the second bladder 88 sealing against the second wing 68, then light energy from the manufacturing tool 50 generated on the light-exposed side 40 of the housing 24 is blocked from passing through the gap 74 to the light-protected side 42 of the housing 24, thereby protecting the worker 46 from exposure to the light energy. Upon deflation of the inflatable device 84, as shown in FIG. 4, the platform 44 and the partition 58 are free to rotate about the vertical axis 28. Accordingly, a worker 46 may place the work piece 48 on the platform 44 on the light-protected side 42 of the housing 24 and rotate the platform 44 one hundred eighty degrees (180°) so that the work piece 48 is disposed on the light-exposed side 40 of the platform 44, at which time the inflatable device 84 may be inflated to seal the gap 74. Once the gap 74 is sealed, the manufacturing tool 50 may be utilized to perform various light energy emitting tasks. Upon completion of the light energy emitting tasks, the inflatable device 84 may be deflated, and the platform 44 and the partition 58 rotated about the vertical axis 28 one hundred eighty degrees (180°) so that the work piece 48 is once again located on the light-protected side 42 of the housing 24, whereupon the worker 46 may remove the work piece 48 and place a new work piece 48 on the platform 44.

As generally described above, a method of providing a light tight work chamber 22 is also provided. The method includes rotating the platform 44 and the partition 58 about the vertical axis 28 into a first work position such that the first lateral edge 62 and the second lateral edge 64 of the partition 58 are each disposed adjacent the exterior wall 26 of the housing 24 to define the gap 74 therebetween. When in the first work position, as shown in FIG. 2, a first half 92 of the platform 44 is exposed to the light-exposed side 40 of the housing 24 through the second opening 38, and a second half 94 of the platform 44, opposite the partition 58 from the first half 92 of the platform 44, is exposed to the light-protected side 42 of the housing 24 through the first opening 36.

Once positioned in the first position, the sealing mechanism 82 is moved into the sealing position to cover the gap 74 and prevent light from passing through the gap 74 from the light-exposed side 40 of the housing 24 to the light-protected side 42 of the housing 24. As described above, moving the sealing mechanism 82 into the sealing position may include but is not limited to inflating the inflatable device 84 to expand into and cover the gap 74. After the sealing mechanism 82 is disposed in the sealing position, the various light energy emitting tasks of the manufacturing tool 50 may be safely performed. After which, the sealing mechanism 82 is moved into the open position, thereby vacating the gap 74 and allowing rotational movement of the platform 44 and the partition 58 relative to the exterior wall 26 of the housing 24. As described above, moving the sealing mechanism 82 into the open position may include but is not limited to deflating the inflatable device 84 to withdraw from the gap 74.

Once the sealing mechanism 82 is withdrawn into the open position, the platform 44 may be rotated about the vertical axis 28 to a second work position (not shown), thereby allowing the finished work piece 48 to be removed. When in the second work position, the first half 92 of the platform 44 is exposed to the light-protected side 42 of the housing 24 through the first opening 36, and the second half 94 of the platform 44 is exposed to the light-exposed side 40 of the housing 24 through the second opening 38. When in the second work position, the work piece 48 located on the first half 92 of the platform 44 may be removed, and another work piece 48 placed on the platform 44, after which the platform 44 is rotated back into the first position and the sealing mechanism 82 is moved into the sealing position. In this manner, the manufacturing tool 50 may perform light energy emitting tasks on one work piece 48 on the light-exposed side 40 of the housing 24, while the worker 46 removes and/or places another work piece 48 on the light-protected side 42 of the housing 24 without risking exposure to the light energy.

The enclosure assembly 20 disclosed herein provides a very simple, reliable, and robust approach to creating a light tight work environment. When operated as described above, the enclosure assembly 20 drastically reduces cycle time for the work piece, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency. The enclosure assembly 20 includes fewer moving components that traditional light tight enclosures, thereby reducing the cost of the enclosure assembly 20 compared to traditional light tight enclosures, and reducing the number of spare parts that must be kept available. The enclosure assembly 20 is much less complex then the traditional light tight enclosures, which makes installation and maintenance much simpler and cheaper.

The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the invention, but the scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed invention have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An enclosure assembly for providing a light tight work chamber, the enclosure assembly comprising:

a housing having an exterior wall extending vertically between a lower edge and an upper edge, and defining an interior, wherein the housing defines a first opening disposed on a light-protected side of the housing and a second opening disposed on a light-exposed side of the housing;

a platform at least partially disposed within the interior of the housing and rotatably moveable about a vertical axis, wherein the platform includes a peripheral edge defining a semi-circular shape perpendicular to the vertical axis and having a radius centered at the vertical axis;

a partition attached to and moveable with the platform, and extending vertically from the platform, wherein the partition includes a first lateral edge disposed at a first location on the peripheral edge of the platform, and extends across the platform to a second lateral edge disposed at a second location on the peripheral edge of the platform;

wherein the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge are spaced from the exterior wall of the housing to define a gap therebetween; and

a sealing mechanism coupled to one of the partition or the exterior wall and moveable between a sealing position and an open position;

wherein the sealing mechanism is moveable into the sealing position when the platform is stationary to seal the gap between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge to prevent light from passing through the gap from the light-exposed side of the housing to the light-protected side of the housing; and

wherein the sealing mechanism is moveable into the open position to vacate the gap and allow rotational movement of the platform and the partition about the vertical axis relative to the exterior wall of the housing.

2. An enclosure assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the sealing mechanism includes an inflatable device.

3. An enclosure assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein the inflatable device includes an elongated bladder extending vertically along the gap.

4. An enclosure assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein the inflatable device includes a first bladder disposed adjacent the first lateral edge, and a second bladder disposed adjacent the second lateral edge.

5. An enclosure assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein the inflatable device includes a gas control system configured for supplying a gas to the inflatable device to inflate the inflatable device and move the inflatable device into the sealing position, and wherein the gas control system is configured to release gas from the inflatable device to deflate the inflatable device and move the inflatable device into the open position.

6. An enclosure assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising an upper shield attached to and moveable with the partition and substantially parallel with and spaced from the platform along the vertical axis, wherein the upper shield is spaced from the exterior wall to define a peripheral gap therebetween to allow relative rotational movement between the upper shield and the exterior wall.

7. An enclosure assembly as set forth in claim 6 further comprising an upper seal coupled to one of the upper shield or the exterior wall and configured for sealing the peripheral gap while allowing relative rotational movement between the upper shield and the exterior wall.

8. An enclosure assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising an outer structure attached to the housing and enclosing the light-exposed side of the housing.

9. An enclosure assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the housing includes a circular shape perpendicular to the vertical axis.

10. An enclosure assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a drive assembly coupled to the platform and configured for rotating the platform about the vertical axis.

11. An enclosure assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein the drive assembly is disposed vertically below the platform.

12. A light tight enclosure assembly comprising:

a housing having an exterior wall extending vertically between a lower edge and an upper edge, and defining an interior, wherein the housing defines a first opening disposed on a light-protected side of the housing and a second opening disposed on a light-exposed side of the housing;

an outer structure attached to the housing and enclosing the light-exposed side of the housing;

a platform at least partially disposed within the interior of the housing and rotatably moveable about a vertical axis, wherein the platform includes a peripheral edge defining a semi-circular shape perpendicular to the vertical axis and having a radius centered at the vertical axis;

a partition attached to and moveable with the platform, and extending vertically from the platform, wherein the partition includes a first lateral edge disposed at a first location on the peripheral edge of the platform, and extends across the platform to a second lateral edge disposed at a second location on the peripheral edge of the platform;

wherein the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge are spaced from the exterior wall of the housing to define a gap therebetween; and

an inflatable device coupled to one of the partition or the exterior wall and moveable between a sealing position and an open position;

a gas control system configured for supplying a gas to the inflatable device to inflate the inflatable device and move the inflatable device into the sealing position, and wherein the gas control system is configured to release gas from the inflatable device to deflate the inflatable device and move the inflatable device into the open position;

wherein the inflatable device is moveable into the sealing position when the platform is stationary to seal the gap between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge to prevent light from passing through the gap from the light-exposed side of the housing to the light-protected side of the housing; and

wherein the inflatable device is moveable into the open position to vacate the gap and allow rotational movement of the platform and the partition about the vertical axis relative to the exterior wall of the housing.

13. A light tight enclosure assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein the inflatable device includes a first bladder disposed adjacent the first lateral edge, and a second bladder disposed adjacent the second lateral edge.

14. A light tight enclosure assembly as set forth in claim 12 further comprising a drive assembly coupled to the platform and configured for rotating the platform about the vertical axis.

15. A light tight enclosure assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein the drive assembly is disposed vertically below the platform.

16. A method of providing a light tight work chamber, the method comprising:

rotating a platform having a partition extending vertically therefrom about a vertical axis into a first work position such that a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge of the partition are each disposed adjacent an exterior wall of a housing to define a gap therebetween; and

moving a sealing mechanism into a sealing position to cover the gap and prevent light from passing through the gap from a light-exposed side of the housing to a light-protected side of the housing.

17. A method as set forth in claim 16 wherein moving the sealing mechanism into the sealing position is further defined as inflating an inflatable device to expand into and cover the gap.

18. A method as set forth in claim 17 further comprising moving the sealing mechanism into an open position vacating the gap to allow rotational movement of the platform and the partition relative to the exterior wall of the housing.

19. A method as set forth in claim 18 wherein moving the sealing mechanism into the open position is further defined as deflating the inflatable device to withdraw from the gap.

20. A method as set forth in claim 19 further comprising:

rotating the platform about the vertical axis to a second work position; and

re-moving the sealing mechanism into the sealing position to cover the gap and prevent light from passing through the gap from the light-exposed side of the housing to the light-protected side of the housing.