JPS5994488A - Device for reducing static electricity - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Background of the Invention) This invention generally relates to plastic articles, animals, food products,
and a cable arrangement with ion distribution needles arranged in zones for processing workpieces such as electronic components.

allows airborne particles to collect and also in certain article processing areas (such as electrical component production, plastic component or material production, paper rolling equipment, surgical operating rooms, clean room assemblies, and circuit board manufacturing). There is a need for a low cost, effective device for controlling static electricity build-up. Conventional ion distribution devices cannot be easily installed to meet special requirements regarding product geometry, zone size, etc., and may not achieve the desired electrostatic neutralization as expected. It happened often.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The primary object of the invention is to achieve a controlled neutralization or reduction of static charges associated with or on a workpiece 1. Method and Apparatus for Obtaining a Controlled Net Positive or Negative Ion Flux Applied to an Adjacent Area 7 Apparatus for reducing static electricity in a working zone essentially consists of: a) application of a first voltage; a) a first electrically conductive cable arrangement having longitudinally spaced tips for dispensing cations in response to; b) distributing anions in response to application of a second voltage different from said first voltage; a second electrically conductive cable arrangement, the ends of which are longitudinally spaced apart in order to Both of the cable arrangements described above in a location and at a distance that ensure that nearby static electricity is effectively reduced to non-obstructive levels? d) spacers for holding said spacers longitudinally apart from each other in said cable arrangements, and in association with said spacers said tip opening arrangement; Cables are generally flexible to bend and adapt to different work areas, and spacers are typically used to connect two flexible cables with their tips pointing generally in the same direction, i.e., across the work area. The auxiliary cable device may be provided with grooves for holding the first and second cables in a well-aligned manner so as to protrude above or below the direction 5, and the auxiliary cable device may be provided with grooves for holding the first and second cables on the top or bottom of the working area. A controlled electric current may be applied to increase the static electricity and neutralize it. The cable number may include a core wire 7 consisting of a stranded wire through which a needle passes.

Again, as will become clear later, 7 cables, each having an ion distribution tip, are positioned at a controlled distance from the workpiece, with each pair of cables having a controlled separation distance of 7. and are configured to receive positive and negative voltage applications, respectively, the level of this voltage application being controllable, all of which are used to neutralize or eliminate static charges at or near the workpiece. This is done with the aim of achieving reductions in demand.

Typically, the tips on the first cable of a cable pair are offset relative to the tips on the second cable of the cable pair, and the tips are offset in the working zone in the direction of their protrusion. are arranged in conjunction with spacers to achieve the desired balance of positive and negative ions.

This invention provides static charge suppression in five work zones, elimination of dangerous arcing in this zone, and net ionization in animal or poultry zones, food product smoking rooms, and clean rooms, as will become apparent later. It allows for control of bundles, giving two significant advantages.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as details of illustrative embodiments, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings. 100, an apparatus for reducing or suppressing static electricity is shown. This work zone is floor 1
01 and the ceiling 102. A shaped workpiece of article 106 is located within this zone, which carries an electrostatic charge 2 associated with handling or other processing, for example. This build-up of charge can create a risk of fire. Typical examples of such articles are foamed plastic materials such as sheets, slabs, or sections. Articles 10 can also refer to food products such as poultry, animals, and edible meat in the smokehouse.

According to the invention, a first electrically conductive cable arrangement is provided, along which distal ends spaced apart from each other are adapted to supply ions to the work zone in response to the application of a positive voltage to the first cable arrangement. It is supposed to be distributed.

See, for example, the first group of cables or cable lengths 104 in which the needle tips 105 are spaced apart. This group of cables may generally be placed above the workpiece so that the cations are distributed from the needle and travel generally downwardly and in various directions toward the workpiece.

A second electrically conductive cable arrangement is also provided along which spaced tips are capable of distributing ions to the working zone in response to application of a negative voltage to the second cable arrangement. For example, second cable group or cable length gf1067a with spaced apart needle tips 107 - see. Such a second group of cables is also generally located above the workpiece,
Anions may be dispensed from the needle 107 and moved generally downwardly or in some other direction within the zone toward the workpiece.

FIG. 2 shows a typical arrangement in which first and second groups of cables are laterally spaced and alternately extending generally parallel to each other with a separation distance S1 between the groups of cables. .

Cable bends 104a interconnect parallel cable lengths 104, and cable bends 106a (4
A group of 106 cable lengths are interconnected. DC voltage sources are shown at 108 and 109, which are electrically connected to cable groups 104 and 106, respectively.

The cable may also be formed as described below. According to an important aspect of the invention, the cable arrangement is provided with a cable assembly at an adjusted distance from the workpiece (e.g. distance D) and at an adjusted separation distance from each other (e.g. The cables are arranged at a distance S,) and are characterized in that when the aforementioned positive and negative voltages are applied to the cable, static electricity on or near the workpiece is effectively reduced to a non-disturbing level. 1. For example, the distance D1 and the separation distance Sl may be changed until the static electricity level in the workpiece is effectively eliminated.

In this regard, note that the spacing SP1 between the needles in each of cable groups 104 and 106 is approximately equal. Furthermore, for best results, the distal end 107 of cable 106 is
060 On both sides, a perpendicular line 110 that is perpendicular to the first cable group 104 and passes through approximately the midpoint between the tip portions 105
In FIG. 6, the cable groups 104 and 106 are closer to the workpiece, i.e. their distance D2 from the workpiece is smaller than the workpiece ρ in FIG. The cable distance D1 is smaller than the cable distance D1.

Furthermore, in order to achieve static neutralization, the lateral separation $2 of the five cable group is smaller than the lateral separation $1 in Figure 2, and as shown in Figure 4. , needle spacing S
P2 is smaller than the needle spacing SP1 in FIG. These relationships are further illustrated in Figures 6 (showing that as D decreases, S is decreased due to static neutralization) and Figure 7 (showing that as CD decreases, S is decreased due to static neutralization). (showing that the SP is also reduced because of this). In FIG. 5, cable length group 104
and 1060 is reduced to the point where both cable groups are connected to each other, such as by clips or couplings 112.

Example 1 Cable groups 104 and 106 are connected at a distance D1 (approximately 127 feet above the floor, or 6 to 8 feet above the workpiece).
(see Figure 1). The separation distance S of the positive and negative cables is 4 feet) ('1..2192 m), and the needle spacing SP1 is about 2 feet for each cable)
(0,6096 m), the static electricity was neutralized.

The applied voltages were positive 18 to 35 volts DC and negative 18 to -35 volts DC.

Example 2 Cable groups 104 and 106 are connected at a distance D2 (sixth
(see figure). Positive and negative cable separation $2 from 4 to 12 inches (10.16 to 30.48 cm)
1n) and the needle spacing is approximately 3~
Static electricity was neutralized when 6/r:/chi (7,62-15.24=n). The applied voltage is applied to the cable group 104.
For positive DC 6 to 18 volts, cable group 1
It was 3 to 18 volts DC for the 06.

Generally, the voltages E applied to cable groups 104 and 106 should be of approximately the same value and of opposite polarity; (This may be necessary if the workpiece continues to be biased positively or negatively). Note the electrical EE adjustment controllers 108a and 109a in the power supply. - As an example, FIG. 8 shows a voltage VY controlled by a variable resistor 115 to a voltage Vx. Figure 2 shows an alarm (light,
108 by 126 and 127 to beg (sound, etc.)
A circuit such as a comparator 125 is shown connected to the outputs of and 109.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate how D and SP, respectively, are varied with D to achieve static neutralization.

In the above case, a relatively rigid cable such as a rod can be used, which rod is also provided with a generatrix and a needle or tip 7 as described above.

The combined effect of cations and anions has been shown to effectively suppress arcing (which can cause fires) due to positive or negative charges or static electricity that may form on an article or workpiece. Also, to keep the air in a working zone clean, airborne particles are allowed to collect on the surface of the enclosure.

Looking at FIGS. 9 and 10, first and second cable arrangements are shown at 204 and 206.

Each cable has an elongated conductive metal core 207, a protective sleeve 208 of insulation, and an ion distribution tip Ii 2 D, made of polyglopylene or polyethylene. 9 and 210. The tips project in generally the same direction, for example towards the working area 211 seen in FIG. There are 212.

Cables are generally flexible so that they can be strung in straight or curved shapes, or in other configurations. 12th
In the figure, note the straight cable sections 204a and 204c and the curved or bent section 204b. Also, the cable pairs 204 and 206.

Adjusted lateral separation 7 characterized in that when positive and negative voltages are applied to each cable, static electricity at or near the workpiece is effectively reduced to a non-disturbing level. I have.2 to cable 204
16 connected to a positive voltage source 212. and cable 206
Note the negative voltage source 214 connected at 215 to .

Spacers, such as those shown at 217, are placed at selected locations over the cables to hold the cables at a controlled spacing. Such spacers are shown in the form of insulating glass rods, which are equipped with cables? Laterally, i.e. in a snap-in manner, the removable catch has two cutouts 2 at a distance apart for fastening.
It is equipped with 19. This notch is sized to receive and securely hold the cable as shown in FIG. The cable is frictionally held against rotation, and the needles or tips 209 and 210 are
Despite the parallel cable bends imposed by the shape of the chamber, such as those shown at 4b, they remain protruding in the same direction.

In this example, a holder is provided to support the cable pair 2 at a predetermined distance from the surrounding structure.

An insulating plastic rod 220 is suitably attached to the ceiling or wall of the enclosure 222 at 221 to support the cable. FIG. 11 shows a rod 220 with a side cutout at 225 for stopping the connected pair of cables 204 or 206.

Adjustment of positive and negative ion distribution by tip groups 209 and 210 may also help achieve substantial neutralization of static electricity in the work area. In this regard, in FIG. 2 Q 97'l''-
The cable 204 is laterally offset from the tipless portion 204d, and the tip 210 of the cable 204
Note that the cable 206 is laterally offset from the blunt portion 206d, and the spacer 217
are such staggered W2O9 and 2 as shown.
Additionally, the tips or needles in each group may be selectively removed to reduce ion distribution and help achieve static neutralization; i.e., the identification of one working area. (If an excess charge is present, remove it from the cable 204 of one or more needles or tips 2107 located closest to the location to reduce the charge in the work area. Alternatively, needle 209 may be added to cable 206 to help achieve equilibrium.
゜Needle G・Can be pulled out and reinserted from the cable at will. In Figure 10, the needle is core wire 2.
Note that it extends adjacent to the side of 07 and is held in place by a plastic sleeve.

Another electrostatic field equilibrium method is the one shown in Figure 8. When the electrostatic field in the area of the workpiece is balanced, the electrostatic field in the workpiece itself is rapidly neutralized. I know that.

Also in FIG. 9, it is spaced apart from the tip 210. A perpendicular line 226 from cable 204 intersects tip 209;
and also a cable 206 spaced from the tip 209.
A perpendicular 227 from intersects the tip 206.

Cables 204 and 206 may be provided with tip retention devices.

As can be seen from the above-mentioned Figures 9 to 12, the workpiece (this workpiece 1r:
(occupies only a relatively small local portion of the band)
Static electricity? Step 5: Substantially neutralizing the cations and anions by dispersing the cations and anions in a large part of the working area containing said local partials; b) determining the cation and anion content in that local part of the band G; Includes such a minute embodiment as to substantially balance 7:l.

Also, cations and anions (can be dispersed from a number of mixed multiple points spaced around a wide band). Parts that are similar in the figures are given the same numbers.

This apparatus again includes, outside the first and second cable arrangements or groups of cables 204 and 206, auxiliary equipment spaced from the cable arrangement in the general direction of the flow or movement of the ions toward the workpiece. The auxiliary equipment is at or near ground potential and has an exposed conductive surface. In this example, the auxiliary equipment consists of a bare wire 260, for example aluminum or copper, extending below and generally parallel to cables 204 and 206. For example, it may be supported by an insulating plastic rod 220 at its side notch 261.It is grounded by a bare wire 2604. 6 to 12 inches below and from them C7,6
2 to 50.48 cm), but
The optimum distance for this is Fi4 to 6 inches (10,16 to 1
5.24α). This grounded bare wire runs 7 to 9 feet below cables 204 and 206 (2,1336 to
It has been found that the electrostatic neutralization effect 7 should be enhanced all the way to the floor 266 containing the area 7 of the workpiece 212 at a distance of 2.74527FZ). Bare wire 260 also tends to balance positive and negative electrostatic field ionization, thereby improving electrostatic neutralization.

In many cases it can even be zero. In this regard, paired cables 204 and 206 . The bare wires 260 are generally separated by a distance d, which is 6 to 5 feet (0.9144 to 1.524 Chyz).

In FIG. 15, an auxiliary electrically insulating ceiling panel 24 is shown.
0 extends below and parallel to the ceiling 241 of the structure, and a ceiling space 242 remains between them. Air from the space 242 is connected to the ceiling plate 240 in the working zone 211.
To send K, six is bright in multiple row and column positions, such as at 252. This hole is tapered so that the upper entrance diameter of the hole is approximately 674 inches (19.05r, +a
), with a lower exit diameter of approximately 5/16 inch (7,9575
+++ζ). Cables 204 and 206 are suspended in space 242 by plastic rods 220a% or other supports, and the tips can emit cations and anions χ as described above. The emitted ions enter the lower zone 211 through the hole 2522. A ground wire 260 is suspended below cables 204 and 206 by plate 240 and plastic support rod 220b. The ground wire is connected to the ion χ through hole 252.
Useful for attracting or attracting. FIG. 16 shows a plate 240a7, similar to plate 240, below cables 204 and 206 and also below ground wire 261. floor 26
A hole is provided in the space 247 to remove air and dust from the space 211. It may be sent to filter 248 and returned to space 242.

17 through 20 (in which cables 604 and 606 are the cables 204 and 20 of FIG. 16, respectively).
6 and auxiliary line 350 & 1 line 260 in FIG.
Corresponding rods 520 support cables and wires as in FIG. 1'5.

Lines 351]K are supplied with a voltage such as from an adjustable source 5], and cables 304 and 61]6 are supplied with a voltage such as from adjustable sources 612 and 614. , the voltage from source 612 is more positive than the voltage from source 614 and is therefore shown as ten, and source: 1
Denoted as S14i-1-. Adjustment knob 512
See a, 3j4a and 350aV. The voltage across source 50 may be neutral (ie, ground), positive, or negative.

The function of line '53o is as explained in FIG.
The improved spacer 370 has elongated parallel grooves 40 and 5, which enhance the electrostatic neutralization effect in the work area below it.
41, and in these grooves the cables 04 and 506 are arranged so that when the variant 1E is added to the cables 04 and 506, the workpiece to be processed is In this regard, cables 5
See the tip formed by the lower needle 09 at 04 and the lower needle 10 at cable 506. The needle is associated with a cable-grasping spacer, and the tip is oriented in a directionally aligned relationship. The spacers are placed at intervals along the cable, and the spacing ranges from 5 to
4 inches (Z62~10.16) and 2 feet) (60
, 96 crn). Needle 3096t, needle 6
associated with spacers alternating with spacers associated with 10.

Generally, the number of needles 510 per unit length of cable is greater than the number of needles 09 - an example is shown in FIG. 30711, whereas every other spacer 30711 holds two needles on each cable filter 06. Needle 510 is negatively charged by 1 mm.

17-20 also show parallel grooves 340 and 54.
Installation of spacers or cable spreaders in the form of molded plastic blocks with 1? As shown, pressure is exerted on the sides of the cable within the block to hold it in place. The groove has a side entrance groove part 54 in order to stop the cable 2 receiver by applying pressure.
0a and 641a, and enlarged internal filters 40b and 541b connected to these grooves. The depth of the grooves is sufficient so that the tip of the needle '510 is within the grooves 540a and 641a, thus preventing any obstruction or injury to other equipment or persons, especially when the cable is coiled, such as during storage or shipping. protected from

In FIG. 21, the cable 41 consists of multiple strands of wire 405 enclosed within an insulating sheath 406. In FIG. The conductive needle 407 is pushed into the bundle (core wire) of the strands 405 so that at least some of the strands are spread out and the tips 407a protrude. This configuration allows for quick assembly of the needle to the cable and good electrical contact to the needle core. Additionally, the tip of the needle is protected and will not be blunted by the single core metal, and the tip of the needle may be coated with tungsten to resist corrosion.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an article processing zone with an ion dispersion electroprocessing cable system. 2 is a plan view taken along line 11--11 of FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is another view similar to FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a plan view taken along line '1--13 of FIG. 6.
Figure 5 is a top view of the two cables connected together; Figures 6 and 7 are graphs; Figure 8 is a circuit diagram; Figure 9 is a top view of the deformation device. Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line '19--19 in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 shows the cable support. Fig. 12 shows the cables in the article processing zone. Fig. 15 shows the cables in the article processing zone. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the multiplex cable/wire system. Figure 14 is an elevational view showing the equipment 7 of Figure 16 installed in a clean room. Figure 15 is an elevational view showing equipment 7 of Figure 16 installed above the perforated auxiliary ceiling. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is a plan view of the cable retained by the improved spacer; FIG. 17 is an enlarged plan view of the spacer as shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line 28-28 in FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 16. Figures 17 to 19 show spacers and voltage adjustment of cables and auxiliary wires. Figure 21 is a sectional view of a different cable/needle. In these figures: 100: working zone; 106: Articles (processed products), 10
5: needle-like tip, 104: first cable, 106:
Second cable, 107 two-needle tip, Sl: separation distance, 108, 109: DC voltage source. Dl: distance, sp,: needle interval, 204: first cable device, 206: second cable device, 209.210:
Tip, 211: Working area, 212: Processing element% 2
12: Positive voltage source, 214: Negative voltage source, 217: Spacer, separated distance. 250: Bare wire (auxiliary device), Ro04, 16: Cable, 650: Auxiliary wire, 512.314: Voltage source,
670 Ni Spacer, 340.541: Groove. 19.510: Needle (tip), 540a-341a: Side entrance groove, 540b, 541b = enlarged interior, 40
4: Cable, 405: Multi-stranded wire, 407: Needle. χ not shown. Patent applicant Consan Pacific Inc. Engraving of drawings (no changes in content) Ac, io. Procedural amendment 1936, 1/3rd day of the month, 1932, patent application No. /71-/Hirogu No. 2, name of the invention I! Knee 5L1=IF\>To 7'<'llh&tsuq
'L? L6.Relationship with the person making the amendment Patent applicant address $1'F = Bunbun Pacific I7Co Introduction 0〆-Kuzo L"4, Agent

Claims (1)

Claims: (11a) a first electrically conductive cable device having longitudinally spaced tips for distributing cations in response to application of a first voltage; C) a second electrically conductive cable arrangement having spaced apart ends; holding both said cable arrangements at a distance and in a position characterized in that, when applied, static electricity at or near the workpiece to be treated is effectively reduced to a non-disturbing level; spacer, and d
) Said spacers are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of both cable arrangements of the front aσ, and said tips are arranged in relation to said spacers. 2. A device for reducing static electricity in a working zone comprising: (2) the device according to claim 1, wherein said tip is present in a part of the cable arrangement limited by a spacer; (3) a device for reducing static electricity in a working zone; one cable arrangement is configured to be applied with a positive voltage and the second cable arrangement is configured to be applied with a negative voltage; 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a greater number of said tips are provided in the device. (4) The first cable device is configured to be applied with a positive voltage E' and the second cable device is configured to be applied with a negative voltage, and the second
Approximately twice as many tips are provided on the first cable device as there are tips on the cable device. Claim 2
Equipment described in Section. (5) Said spacer consists of a molded plastic block with two cable-receiving grooves so that one cable is held snugly within the groove with the tip facing outward from the groove. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 4. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein said groove comprises a lateral cable entry groove and an enlarged interior communicating with said groove for retaining the cable 2 receiver. (7) A device according to claim 1 or 4, in which sources of different voltages are operatively connected to said cable device 1 (8) of both cable devices limited by respective spacers. only one of them is provided with said tip 7. Apparatus according to claim 2. (9) said tips projecting generally in the same direction;
Moreover, the first and second cable devices are easily flexible. Apparatus according to claims 1, 2, 4 or 8. (10) The processed product is located in the zone. Apparatus according to claim 1. uIJ Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the workpiece comprises an electronic device. (L) the direction of flow of ions from the first and second cable assemblies toward the workpiece; A device according to claim 1, 2, 4 or 8, which is telegraphed and has an exposed conductive surface. (13) First and second. an auxiliary cable spaced apart from the first and second cable systems in the direction of the flow of ions from the cable system towards the workpiece, the auxiliary cable system being in a selected telegraph and having an extent of exposed conductive surface; and a control device connected to the auxiliary device for applying a controlled level of voltage to the auxiliary device. (14) The auxiliary device comprises a wire device arranged to extend longitudinally in substantially the same direction as the first and second cable devices. 10. (15) The cable arrangement comprises an insulating sheath surrounding multiple strands, and a tip formed by a needle is pushed into the cable arrangement to remove at least one of the strands. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which the tip part is made of a corrosion-resistant metal, is the apparatus according to claim 1. Apparatus, σ. Claim 1, wherein the metal is made of tungsten.
The device according to item 6. α8) The device according to claim 1, wherein said first and second cable devices are connected to a control device for applying a voltage of a controlled level /L/ thereto,