GB2068107A - Improvements in or relating to workbenches; extracting fumes - Google Patents

Abstract

A workbench (1) for welding includes as a support top an apertured grid (14), the apertures (16) of which are selectively closable by flap valves (18). A mesh cover (20) overlies the grid (14). A fan, in use, induces air flow down through the open apertures of the grid (14) on which a work piece is supported, thereby extracting fumes and sparks from the vicinity of the welding operation. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to work benches This invention concerns improvements in or relating to work benches and has particular, but not exclusive, reference to such benches for supporting workpieces undergoing welding operations.

One of the problems attendant upon welding processes, especially arc welding, is that of atmospheric pollution in the vicinity of the operation which can have an injurious effect on operatives. In particular, the fumes given off are unpleasant and unhealthy, the degree of personal discomfort depending upon the materials involved. Furthermore, sparks produced during welding can also cause injury to people.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved work bench suitable for use in arc welding or any other operation where potentially dangerous or harmful products emanate from the work being carried out. Accordingly the invention provides a work bench including an open topped body defining a cavity therewithin, a part of the body leading to the cavity, a perforate support member located at the open top of the body, and closure means associated with the support member and adapted to close off at least part of the support member and of the open top of the body.

Conveniently, the box is of box construction with an open top in which registers the support member which may advantageously be of honeycomb like appearance in the form of a grid. The grid may comprise an array of square apertures arranged in pairs or other suitable combination longitudinally and laterally of the grid.

The closure means may advantageously be pivotally mounted flap valves each associated with at least one of the apertures of the grid. Each flap valve is operable to close off the aperture or apertures with which it is associated and thus to close off that part of the support member and of the open top of the body. There are preferably flap valves sufficient in number to close off the entire grid and therefore the whole of the open top of the body, each valve having its own control handle or other actuator.

The perforate support member may be provided with an overlying surface of foraminous material, for example woven mesh. The mesh is to be made of metal for welding processes carried out on the bench.

The port may be located in the side of the body or preferably is formed in the base. The port is provided for connection to a duct communicating with an extractor fan arranged to induce airflow down through the top of the body and the perforate support member, through the cavity and thence through the duct for discharge at a location remote from the work bench.

By way of example only, one form of a work bench according to the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure lisa perspective side view of the work bench; Figure 2 is a perspective top view of the bench; and Figure 3 is a side sectional view.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a work bench 1 particularly suitable for welding operations, the bench 1 comprising an open-topped box-like body 2 having a cavity 4 therein. In this example, a port 6 is formed in the end wall 8 of the body 2 and is adapted for a connection to a duct 10 which is in turn coupled to an extractor fan (not shown).

A perforate support member 12 mounted in the open top of the body 2 comprises a grid 14 provided with square apertures 16 arrayed longitudinally and laterally thereof. Beneath the member 12 and associated with the apertures 16 is a plurality of flap valves 18, each valve being cooperable with a pair of apertures 6 and being pivotally mounted on the body 2. Each valve 18 is capable of closing its associated apertures 16 or leaving them open. There are sufficient valves 18 to close all the apertures 16 and any or all the apertures may be open. The valves 18 are capable of being operated by handles 19.

A metal mesh cover 20 overlies the support member 12 and is attached thereto by releasable fixing means (not shown), for example screws or the like.

In operation, work pieces intended to undergo a welding process are positioned appropriately on the work bench 1, in particular on the woven mesh cover 20. The cover 20 affords a good earth as continual rubbing of work pieces over the crowns of the mesh keeps them clean and polished. The flap valve or valves 18 immediately beneath the work pieces are opened to give access between the interior of the body 2 and it exterior above the support member 12 via the relevant apertures 16. All the other flap valves 18 and thus the associated apertures 16 remain closed. Prior to the commencement of the welding operation, the extractor fan (not shown) is started and induces air flow through the work bench 1, the flow being concentrated at the region where welding of the work pieces is to be carried out.The welding can then begin, the smoke and sparks produced being drawn down through the mesh cover 20 and the apertures of the support member 12, through the port 6 and thence through the duct 10 for discharge remotely from the bench 1.

It can be seen that none of the air pollutants normally generated during a welding operation can escape into the general atmosphere, since the induced air flow sucks the smoke and sparks safely and efficiently into the bench. The welder is, therefore, no longer troubled by rising smoke which impedes visibility and is uncomfortable. The mesh cover provided on the top of the support member not only affords an effective working surface by giving improved earthing properties but also constitutes a useful structure for accurately locating work pieces in the form of rods which easily align by lodging in the mesh formation.

It is to be understood that whilst the specific embodiment of work bench herein described has a port formed in its end wall, the invention embraces a work bench with the port situated elsewhere, particularly the base. The type of duct employed for coupling to the port may be of any convenient form, for example flexible or rigid and in this latter respect may be of steel or concrete.

Claims (10)

1. A work bench including an open-topped body defining a cavitytherewithin, a port of the body leading to the cavity, a perforate support member located at the open top of the body, and closure means associated with the support member and adapted to close off a least part of the support member and at least part of the open top of the body.

2. A work bench according to claim 1 in which the body is of box construction with the open top in which registers the support member.

3. A work bench according to claim 1 or 2 in which the support member is a grid having an array of apertures arranged longitudinally and laterally of the member.

4. A work bench according to claim 3 in which the closure means are associated with at least one of the apertures in the grid.

5. A work bench according to claim 4 in which the closure means are pivotally mounted flap valves.

6. A work bench according to any one of the proceding claims in which a cover of foraminous material overlies the support member.

7. A work bench according to claim 6 in which the cover of foraminous material is woven mesh.

8. Awork bench according to claim 7 in which the mesh is metal.

9. A work bench according to any one of the preceding claims in which the port is formed in the base of the body.

10. Awork bench substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the Figure 1,2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.

10. Aworkbench according to any one of the preceding claims and including a duct connected to the port, and a fan coupled to the duct for inducing flow through the support member into the cavity and thence out through the port into the duct.

11. A work bench substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the Figure 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.

New claims or amendments to claims filed on 7/10/80 Superseded claims 1 to 11 New or amended claims: CLAIMS

1. Awork bench including an open-topped body defining a cavitytherewithin, a portofthe body leading to the cavity, a grid having an array of apertures arranged longitudinally and laterally thereof, the grid being located at the open top of the body, and closure means associated with the grid and adapted to close off at least part of the grid and at least part of the open top of the body.

2. A work bench according to claim 1 in which the body is of box construction with the open top in which registers the grid.

3. A work bench according to claim 1 or 2 in which the closure means are associated with at least one ofthe apertures in the grid.

4. A work bench according to claim 3 in which the closure means are pivotally mounted flap valves.

5. A work bench according to any one of the preceding claims in which a cover of foraminous material overlies the grid.

6. A work bench according to claim 5 in which the coverofforaminous material is woven mesh.

7. A work bench according to claim 6 in which the mesh is metal.

8. A work bench according to any one of the preceding claims in which the port is formed in the base of the body.

9. A work bench according to any one of the preceding claims and including a duct connected to the port, and a fan coupled to the duct for inducing flow through the grid into the cavity and thence out through the port into the duct.