SCALABLE CABIN SYSTEM FOR SPOT PROCESSING OF A SURFACE, MOBILE CABIN, AND METHOD HERETO

Abstract

A mobile cabin, application of the cabin, and a method for spot processing of a smaller area of a surface, on a car or other object is provided. The mobile cabin includes a first side open along an outlined edge area. Towards the open side, a covering sheet made from a flexible material can be can be brought against the surface which undergoes spot processing. The covering sheet is supplied with sealing compounds. The cabin further cabin air inlet and extraction, wheels, and one or more windows, provided for visual insight into the cabin, as well as arm access holes, supplied with flexible material for a tight fit around a person's arms. The mobile cabin takes up little space and is easy to transport and facilitates a spot processing, without a person being required to stay inside the cabin itself during performance of the work.

Claims

1. A mobile cabin for spot processing of an area of a surface, wherein the mobile cabin comprises: a cabin with sides, bottom, and top, where a first side is open and where a covering sheet made from a flexible material is assembled along an outlined edge area facing the open side, which can be brought into arrangement against a surface, where a smaller area of the surface is to undergo spot processing, which covering sheet at its free edge area has an edge area provided with sealing compounds configured to establish a sealing arrangement against the surface, which envelops the smaller area which is to undergo spot processing, and where the other sides comprise sidewalls, so that a closed cabin is achieved when in use, cabin air inlet arranged in the upper part of the cabin, wheels, which facilitates easy relocation of the cabin, one or more windows, provided in at least one of the other sidewalls for visual insight into the cabin, and wherein the mobile cabin includes cabin air extraction arranged in the lower part of the cabin and configured to be connected to an air extraction system, and arm access holes, provided in one or more of the other sidewalls and provided with flexible material for a tight fit around a person's arms when standing outside of the cabin.

2. The mobile cabin according to claim 1, wherein the cabin air inlet comprises an opening in the upper part of the cabin, for example in a top plate at the top of the cabin.

3. The mobile cabin according to claim 1, wherein the cabin air extraction is provided in the lower part of the cabin and comprises a flexible tube, connected to the extraction system.

4. The mobile cabin according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the other sidewalls comprise several sidewall parts, which are placed among themselves to establish several side surfaces in the cabin.

5. The mobile cabin according to claim 1, wherein the covering sheet is assembled on the outlined edge area with tape, and that the sealing means at the covering sheet's free edge area comprise tape.

6. The mobile cabin according to claim 1, wherein it comprises a ventilator assembled in connection with the cabin air extraction.

7. The cabin system for spot processing of an area of a surface, wherein the cabin system comprises a mobile cabin according to claim 1 and a filter unit, where the cabin's air extraction is configured be connected to the filter unit and where the filter unit comprises air extraction, one or more filters, and one or more air inlets, and where each air extraction is configured for connection to the mobile cabin, so that the filter unit is configured to be arranged in fluid communication with the mobile cabin.

8. The cabin system according to claim 7, where the filter unit comprises wheels, which enables easy transportation of the filter unit.

9. The cabin system according to claim 7, wherein the mobile cabin's cabin air extraction and the filter unit's air inlet comprise tube connections configured for assembly of a tube-like connection between the mobile cabin and the filter unit.

10. The cabin system according to claim 7, wherein the filter unit comprises a ventilator assembled in connection with the air extraction, so that an air flow through the cabin and/or the filter unit from the cabin's cabin air inlet or from the filter unit's air inlet to the filter unit's air extraction is achieved.

11. The cabin system according to claim 7, wherein the filter unit comprises activated carbon filter.

12. The cabin system according to claim 7, wherein the filter unit comprises a VOC-sensor arranged after the filters and in connection with the air extraction for measurement of transient organic connections in the air flow out of the air extraction of the filter unit and configured to emit a sensor signal, which indicates a level of the amount of VOC in the air flow, and that the cabin system comprises a control configured to receive the sensor signal from the VOC-sensor and configured to emit an alarm signal.

13. The cabin system according to claim 7, wherein it comprises one or more mobile cabins and one or more filter units, where the filter units comprise one or more air inlets, so that a scalable cabin system is achieved.

14. An application of the mobile cabin according to claim 1 for spot processing, wherein the spot processing relates to welding, and that the windows in the cabin are configured in a material with this application in mind.

15. The application of the mobile cabin according to a claim 1 for spot processing, wherein the spot processing relates to metal polishing, and that windows in the cabin are configured in a material with this application in mind.

16. The application of the mobile cabin according to claim 1 for spot processing, wherein the spot processing relates so painting, and that the air extraction in the cabin is configured with this application in mind.

17. The application of the cabin system according to claim 7 for spot processing, wherein the spot processing relates to welding, metal polishing, cutting, and/or painting.

18. A method for spot processing of a smaller area on a surface, wherein the method comprises steps for providing the mobile cabin according to claim 1, placement of the cabin close to the object which is to undergo spot processing with the open side oriented towards the object, covering of the area between the object and the cabin's outlined edge area towards the open side, linking the cabin air extraction to an extraction system, activation of the cabin air extraction,. providing a processing unit inside the cabin, a person guiding the arms through arm access holes and performing, in a standing or sitting position outside the cabin, a spot processing inside the cabin of the area, which is to undergo spot processing, while the person simultaneously has visual control of the spot processing through one or more windows.

19. The method for spot processing according to claim 18, wherein a cabin system is provided, and where the cabin's cabin air extraction is connected to a filter unit.

20. The mobile cabin for spot processing of an area of the surface of claim 1, wherein the surface is the surface of a car.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0095] Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with references to the following Figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:

[0096] FIG. 1 illustrates a side image of a cabin according to embodiments of the invention, where the covering sheet is shown in a partially stretched condition for illustrating contact with an irregular surface;

[0097] FIG. 2 illustrates an image of the cabin in FIG. 1 viewed from the right in FIG. 1;

[0098] FIG. 3 illustrates an image of the in FIG. 1 illustrated cabin viewed from above, but here without covering sheet;

[0099] FIG. 4 illustrates a first perspective image of the cabin viewed from the front;

[0100] FIG. 5 illustrates a second perspective image of the cabin viewed from behind, looking into the cabin;

[0101] FIG. 6 illustrates a first perspective image corresponding to FIG. 4 of a further embodiment of the cabin viewed from the front;

[0102] FIG. 7 illustrates a second perspective image corresponding to FIG. 5 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 viewed from behind, looking into the cabin;

[0103] FIG. 8 illustrates a first perspective image of a further embodiment for the cabin viewed from the side in a sectional view through the cabin;

[0104] FIG. 9 illustrates a second perspective image of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 viewed from the front, showing the cabin from the user's position;

[0105] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective image of a filter unit according to embodiments of the invention, where the filters contained within the filter unit appear; and

[0106] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective image of a further embodiment of the filter unit with a cover plate assembled over the filters and a filtering wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0107] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a schematic image of a cabin 1. This is meant for spot processing of smaller areas on a surface of a car (not shown) or other objects.

[0108] The cabin 1 is provided with a first side 2, where a flexible covering sheet 4 is fastened along an outlined edge area 3. The flexible covering sheet 4 can be brought into arrangement against the surface that is to undergo a spot processing. The covering sheet 4 is at its free edge area 5 supplied with sealing compounds in the form of tape 5, which can establish a sealing arrangement against the surface. Thus, an area 6, which contains a smaller area that is to undergo spot processing on its surface, is enveloped.

[0109] The cabin comprises other sides 14 as well as a top 7 and a bottom 8. At the bottom 8, wheels 9 are assembled for easy transportation of the cabin, as indicated at the arrow 10. The sides 14 comprise other sidewalls 14. At the top 7 there is a top plate 22 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) provided with openings 23 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) to establish an air inlet 11. At the bottom there is an air extraction 12 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), that via a flexible tube 13 is adapted to be connected to an extraction system (not shown).

[0110] In the other sidewalls 14, windows 15 are provided. The windows 15 make it possible for an operator standing outside of the cabin to monitor the work that is being performed with a processing unit inside the cabin. The other sidewalls 14 are likewise provided with arm access holes 16, which make it possible for the person to stand outside the cabin and hold the arms inside the area 6, where processing is taking place. The person can thus perform the work without the need for protective equipment.

[0111] As it particularly clearly appears in FIG. 4, the arm access holes 16 are provided with a cuff 17 which has a star shaped opening 18, and which is made from a flexible material. It is thus easy for a user to lead the arm through the opening 18 and because of the flexible material of the cuff 17, a close fit around the user's arms is secured. As a result, there is no risk of polluted air escaping out through the openings 18.

[0112] At the cabin's front side 14 a seat 19 is assembled on the sidewall 14. The seat is assembled on an arm 20, which enables a displacement of the seat 19 in a direction towards and away from the cabin's frontal sidewall 14. The seat is assembled on a vertical spindle 21 which enables a height adjustment of the seat 19. Hereafter, a user can be seated and maintain a correct position in relation to the arm access holes 16 and the window 15 for visual inspection of the work being carried out inside the cabin.

[0113] In FIGS. 4 and 5, a magnified image with more details of the cabin illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 is seen. It is seen that a perforated top plate 22 with several openings 23 is situated at the top 7, which enables air inlet. In this plate a filter can be provided, but alternatively, there can merely be openings 23 which bring the inner area 6 into contact with the surrounding air to allow for free air inlet.

[0114] In FIG. 5 it is seen that a cabin air extraction 12 is provided with a perforated bottom plate 12 with several openings 24. This brings the inner area 6 in connection to a chamber located beneath the bottom plate 12 and in a lowermost bottom plate 25 in the cabin. This chamber (not shown) is connected with the flexible tube 13.

[0115] In FIGS. 4 and 5, it is seen that the outlined edge area 3 is provided with fastening means in the form of clamp rails 26 which enables a close fit for the covering sheet to the outlined edge area 3. Shielding rails are only shown along the top plate 22 and the sidewalls 14.

[0116] In FIGS. 4 and 5, it is seen that the frontal sidewall 14 is made up of several sidewall parts 14. These sidewall parts 14 are placed at a mutual angle, such that more side surfaces are formed inside the cabin. It is seen that windows 15 are provided in three of the sidewall parts 14. Hereby, the user can inspect the inner portion of the cabin from several angles.

[0117] In FIGS. 6 and 7, an alternative embodiment for a cabin 1 is illustrated. The cabin 1 in this embodiment differentiates itself by not comprising a seat and that the sidewall 14 at the cabin's front is provided with a curved shape. The window 15 will likewise be curved in this embodiment. The curved window facilitates a visual inspection of the paintjob from several angles.

[0118] Alternatively, the frontal sidewall 14 can be flat and comprise a flat window 15.

[0119] In FIGS. 6 and 7, the flexible tube is omitted, though such a tube will also be provided for air extraction from the cabin, which is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0120] When the cabin's front is mentioned in the present application, this refers to the side on which the person who is performing the processing is placed. This means that the expression from behind refers to the side of the cabin facing towards the item which is to undergo processing.

[0121] In FIGS. 8 and 9 an alternative embodiment of a cabin 1 is illustrated. The cabin 1 in this embodiment differentiates itself by not comprising a seat and that the arm access holes 16 have a different design and placement. The illustrations in FIGS. 8 and 9 further illustrate an example of how the cabin can be implemented with ventilator assembled in connection with the cabin air extraction, so that an air flow is achieved through the cabin from the cabin's air inlet and in through the opening 23 into the cabin's air extraction 12.

[0122] FIG. 9 further illustrates an embodiment of the cabin with tube connection configured for assembly of a tube-like connection between the mobile cabin and the filter unit, here the tube-like connection is illustrated by a flexible tube 13.

[0123] In FIGS. 10 and 11 two alternative embodiments for a filter unit 50 are illustrated. The filter units are configured to be assembled in fluid communication with the cabin 1 via the air extraction 54.

[0124] The filter units comprise one or more filters 52 which can be active, replaceable, and/or self-cleaning.

[0125] The filter units can be designed with filters suited for specific uses, for instance activated carbon filters to clean the air of VOC-connections or particle filters, just to mention a few, though without limiting which filters can be used.

[0126] The illustrated embodiments likewise comprise air extraction 56 and in connection with both air inlet 54 and air extraction 56 a tube connection 28 is assembled. The tube connection at the air extraction 56 is not essential for the cabin system, as the extracted air is cleansed and thus can be led directly out in the environment, in which the cabin system is being used. Alternatively, the cabin system can be connected to an external extraction system. The filter system can comprise a ventilator assembled in connection with the air extraction 56, so that an air flow through the filter unit from the air inlet 54 and to the air extraction 56 is achieved. Alternatively, the filter unit can be connected to an external extraction system which generates the air flow.

[0127] The filter unit in FIG. 10 is illustrated with a sensor 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor is arranged after the filters 52 and in connection with the air extraction 56. The sensor can be a VOC-sensor for measuring transient organic connections in the air flow out of the filter unit's air extraction. The sensor can, alternatively, be adapted to measure air velocity, particle content, or the like, in relation to the cabin system's intended application. Alternatively, the filter unit can comprise multiple sensors.

[0128] The sensor is configured to emit a sensor signal 62 which indicates a measurement value or level, for example a threshold for the amount of VOC in the air flow, a threshold for a minimum air flow, or the like.

[0129] Furthermore, the cabin system can comprise a control 70 configured to receive the sensor signal 62 from the sensor 60, and further configured to emit an alarm signal 72.

[0130] The alarm signal 72 can be an electronic signal which is used to control a work unit, which is utilised in a cabin linked to the filter unit. The alarm signal can, for example, be used to turn off the work unit. For example, the cabin system can be configured for use in lacquering a surface, where the sensor is a VOC-sensor, and where the system must turn off a spray gun, if the measured VOC-contents in the extracted air exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0131] In FIG. 10 the control is illustrated in connection with the filter unit. The control can be implemented in the cabin, the filter unit, or in the system as an independent unit.

[0132] The filter unit in FIG. 10 is illustrated as comprising a plurality of air inlets, which enables linking a plurality of cabins and/or that a cabin, which can be used for several purposes, can be linked a first air inlet for the first application and a second air inlet with a second application, if the filter unit is divided into different filters designed for specific air inlets and applications. Thus, a scalable cabin system with one or more filter units, and one or more cabins, is achieved.

[0133] The filter unit 50 in FIG. 11 differs from the one in FIG. 10 by comprising filtration wall 58. The filter unit 50 is illustrated with a cover plate assembled over the filters 52. The filtration wall can ensure that the filter unit can be used as a self-contained filter unit, such that a further application of the filter unit, for example for continuous cleansing of the surrounding air in a workspace, is achieved.

[0134] Although the present invention has been disclosed in the form of embodiments and variations thereon, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0135] For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood that the use of a or an throughout this application does not exclude a plurality, and comprising does not exclude other steps or elements. The mention of a unit or a module does not preclude the use of more than one unit or module.