WO2009015025A2 - Dispositif à décharge électrostatique amélioré - Google Patents

Dispositif à décharge électrostatique amélioré Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009015025A2
WO2009015025A2 PCT/US2008/070505 US2008070505W WO2009015025A2 WO 2009015025 A2 WO2009015025 A2 WO 2009015025A2 US 2008070505 W US2008070505 W US 2008070505W WO 2009015025 A2 WO2009015025 A2 WO 2009015025A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
contact
wallplate
discharge device
electrode
electrostatic discharge
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2008/070505
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2009015025A3 (fr
Inventor
Shalom Wertsberger
Shai Levite
Original Assignee
Staticoff Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Staticoff Llc filed Critical Staticoff Llc
Publication of WO2009015025A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009015025A2/fr
Publication of WO2009015025A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009015025A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05FSTATIC ELECTRICITY; NATURALLY-OCCURRING ELECTRICITY
    • H05F3/00Carrying-off electrostatic charges
    • H05F3/02Carrying-off electrostatic charges by means of earthing connections
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02GINSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02Details
    • H02G3/08Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
    • H02G3/14Fastening of cover or lid to box

Definitions

  • This invention relates to electrostatic discharge devices in general and more particularly to an electrostatic discharge device coupled with electrical fixtures or electrical fixture wallplates
  • the human body may collect several thousand volts of electrostatic charge under numerous common conditions, such as from friction with synthetic material in clothing, carpets or chairs, from close proximity to radiating devices such as computer monitors and televisions, and the like
  • electrostatic charge is undesirable for many reasons, amongst which is protection of sensitive electronic equipment, aesthetic appearance, and others
  • the preferred embodiment of the invention provides an electrostatic discharge device constructed of an electrical fixture wallplate having an outer surface and an inner surface, and having at least one grounding point
  • An electrostatic discharge circuit is mounted preferably to the inner surface
  • the circuit comprises at least one resistor connected between a first and a second terminal points, wherein the first terminal point is electrically coupled to a contact electrode extending through the plate from its inner surface to its outer surface
  • the second terminal point is electrically coupled to the grounding point
  • the contact electrode 20 is at least one electrode, preferably metallic, extending from the inner surface substantially to the outer surface, and terminating in a point contact
  • the electrode may extend slightly below or above the outer surface, or be exactly level therewith, and still be considered to substantially extend to the outer surface as described and claimed
  • the term point contact should be construed in these specifications as an electrode having a small surface, in the order of less than 5 square mm at its highest point, i e at the point of contact
  • the point contact electrode is no larger than 1 square mm
  • the electrode comprises the end of a wire
  • the electrode wire is sharpened to a point
  • the electrode is a pin having a tip of generally a conical, frustum or hemispherical cross-section
  • the electrostatic discharge circuit provides electrical connection between the contact electrode and the grounding point 80
  • the electrostatic discharge circuit goal is to permit electrical charge flow from the contact electrode 40, 45 to the grounding point 80, while limiting the current flow therebetween, and thus slow the rate of change of a user's electrical charge
  • the circuit comprises a minimum of a resistor 60, preferably having an electrical resistance value of one megaohm or greater For use in or about 115VAC circuits, the preferred value is higher than 3 megaohms
  • the resistor has a wire terminal, and the electrode comprises the wire, extending from the inner surface through the plate material, and substantially to the outer surface
  • an electrical discharge component 70 is connected in series with the resistor
  • the electrical discharge component is a neon bulb which provides a non-lmear discharge characteristics, and more preferably the neon bulb is visible from outside the wallplate to provide visual confirmation of electrostatic discharge
  • the preferred embodiment calls for utilizing at least one resistor per electrode
  • sufficiently acceptable performance may be obtained by using a single resistor for a plurality of electrodes
  • a plurality of electrodes are coupled to a single non-lmear device
  • an electrical fixture wallplate constructed of an insulated material, the wallplate having an outer surface and an inner surface, and having at least one grounding point
  • Two resistors are provided, each resistor having a first and a second wire terminals coupled thereto Each of said first wires extending from the inner surface substantially to the outer surface to form a point contact electrode
  • Each of the second wires is coupled to a first terminal of a non-lmear device
  • a second terminal of the discharge device is couplable to the grounding point
  • the preferred embodiments further comprises at least one additional resistor, having a first and a second wire terminals, the first wire terminal extending from the inner surface substantially to the outer surface to form a point contact electrode, and the second wire of the additional resistor is coupled to at least one of said first wires of one of the other resistors
  • the second wire of the additional resistor is coupled to the discharge device It is also contemplated that the additional resistor will be coupled to a separate discharge device
  • wire terminal should be construed broadly, and extend byond the mere wire, to include such as the resistor contact found in surface mounted devices, a mounting leg, and the like
  • the grounding point utilizes a plate mounting screw More preferably, the plate mounting screw outer surface is covered by an insulating material, and/or is covered by an insulating protective cup, or is made of insulating material
  • At least one of the resistors are mounted to a printed circuit board
  • certain embodiments contemplate mounting at least one of the electrodes to the same or separate printed circuit boards
  • Further aspect of the invention comprise a cover mounted above the inner surface to cover at least some of the components
  • cover will preferably cover at least the first terminal of the non-lmear discharge device, and/or any wires leading thereto
  • the cover will cover any exposed electrical wire or component that is located withm he perimeter of the electrical box when the wallplate is mounted to an electrical fixture
  • the electrodes comprise of pms having a contact point that is of conical, frustum, or hemispherical shape
  • a method of making an electrostatic discharge device comprising the steps of providing a wallplate having an inner surface, an outer surface, and plurality of apertures for accommodating a switch handle and at least one mounting screw
  • the plate further has at least one electrode aperture, and preferably a plurality thereof
  • the method further comprise mounting a point contact electrode in the electrode aperture such that the electrode extends from substantially the outer surface to at least the inner surface, coupling at least one resistor having a first and a second terminals, and electrically coupling the first terminal to said electrode, coupling the second electrode to a first terminal of a neon bulb, and coupling a second terminal of the neon to a grounding point
  • FIG 1 depicts a front view of a wallplate in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 1 depicts a rear view of a wallplate of Fig 1 , in accordance to one preferred embodiment
  • Fig 3 and Fig 4 each depict an optional embodiment of the invention having four contact electrodes
  • Figs 5 depicts yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, utilizing a printed circuit board to mount at least some of the electrical components, and to provide interconnections therebetween
  • Fig 6 depicts schematically an example of the printed circuit board from the component
  • Fig 7 depicts a cross section of an optional pm type electrode
  • Fig 8 depicts the preferred embodiment utilizing a component cover
  • Fig 1 depicts a front view of a wallplate 10 for a switch
  • the wallplate has an aperture 20 for the switch operating mechanism, and mounting screw holes 30 and 32
  • the outer surface of the wallplate is shown, depicting two contact electrodes 40 and 45, set at the periphery of the wallplate, spatially separated from the switch aperture 20 and mounting screw holes 30 and 32
  • the electrodes may be set at any convenient area on the wallplate, and are preferably substantially flush with the outer surface It is noted that the invention extend to electrodes that are slightly below or protrude from the outer surface, as well as to flush electrodes
  • the contact electrodes 40 and 45 are constructed to be easily accessible from the outside when the wallplate is mounted to an electrical fixture Optionally, the placement of the electrode is surrounded by a symbol to direct the user to the contact point as shown by numeral 47
  • Fig 2 depicts the inner surface of the wallplate of Fig 1 Resistors 60 and 65 are mounted to the inner surface, and are electrically connected to a first terminal 72 of a neon bulb 70 The
  • a common prepackaged resistor similar to those used as a component in electronic apparatuses is used.
  • the preferred resistor will have an insulated body length of at least 7 mm to prevent arcmg in extreme cases, however shorter resistor lengths may be used for more common use, and he resistors may be divided to a plurality of series resistances Tests showed that a total resistance above one megaohm is sufficient to minimize the pam involved in electrostatic charge dissipation, while providing fast and efficient discharge
  • higher values are more desired, as such value will provide a high resistance path that will mitigate any risk of shock Such risk may stem from having a live wire come into accidental contact with the non-grounded side of the neon bulb
  • a very high resistance may be used, as long as an acceptable rate of charge dissipation is provided via the discharge circuit Tests have shown that a resistor of 100 megaohm preformed well, without requiring a non-linear discharge component, but required longer discharge time
  • a neon bulb 70 is connected in series with resistor 60,65, to act as a non-linear discharge component
  • a non-linear discharge components may be used to further reduce the unpleasant effects of electrostatic discharge
  • Such non-linear devices may include for example Diacs, LED's and other gas discharge or semiconductor devices
  • a neon bulb provides a good choice due to its low cost, good short-term power dissipation capacity, relative msensitivity to high voltages, and the added advantage of providing a visual indication of discharge in the form of glowing light
  • a viewing aperture 50 is optionally provided, through which at least a portion of neon bulb 70 is visible, to allow visual indication of charge flow
  • the wallplate or portions thereof may be formed of transparent or semi-transparent material
  • Figs 3 and 4 depict an embodiment having four contact electrodes
  • Two additional resistors 67 and 68 are provided
  • the resistors are connected in series with primary resistors 60 and 65 respectively, so that by way of example, a charge flowing from the contact electrode 69, flows through resistor 68 and then through resistor 60, to neon bulb terminal 72 and henceforth to ground
  • a charge flowing from contact electrode 66 will flow through resistors 67 and 65
  • Resistors 67 and 68 may have a far lower resistance values than the resistors directly coupled to the neon bulb 70
  • Fig 4 depicts alternative embodiment where the resistors 67 and 65 and resistors 60 and 68 all have a single common electrical connection
  • a resistor 62 may be used in series between the common electrical point and the neon bulb, to optimize discharge time while providing added safety
  • the resistors are preferably mounted so as to fall outside the boundaries of the electrical box in which the switch or electrical fixture is mounted to avoid accidental contact with live wires
  • pms Fig 7 depicts an example of a pm 150
  • the pm tapers to point contact 155, and has an optional step 160 to provide easy assembly and stop the pm from overextendmg
  • the resistors are electrically coupled to the pm
  • other pms may be used with no significant disadvantage
  • square pms with frustum may be selected due to cost considerations
  • Fig 5 depicts the inner side of a plate having a p ⁇ nted circuit board (PCB) 105 mounted therein At least some of the electrical components are mounted to the PCB and are placed between the PCB and the inner surface of the wallplate
  • Fig 6 depicts an exemplary arrangement of components on the PCB The skilled in the art will recognize that other arrangements are available, such as by way of example an arrangement incorporating either of the electrical setups of Figs 2 and 4, or equivalent
  • Contact point electrodes may be mounted directly to contact point mount 110 (which is enumerated only in one corner, but shown in all for corners, or may be positioned where desired)
  • the resistors may be surface mounted or through-hole mounted to the PCB It is however desired that at least the incoming lid 72 of the neon will be connected via a pad 120 facing the inner surface and insulated from accidental contact with wires mside the box
  • grounding electrode 76' mounts to the PCB and preferably made of elastic material like phosphor bronze, so as to provide a resilient, spring-like contact to ground, either by coming in contact with the grounding screw, or otherwise constructed to provide contact with an electrical ground
  • the object of preventing accidental contact with live wire may be achieved by placing an insulated lair such as a cover or a sleeve over wires which fall within the outline of the electrical box However protecting grounded wires is not considered necessary
  • a plurality of contact electrodes may be used, for example in the form of a grid, a net, a Crosshatch, wire mesh, and the like
  • Fig 8 depicts the embodiment presently providing the most simplicity in construction and assembly
  • This embodiment utilizes an insulating cover 91 to cover all components
  • the contact electrodes are mounted directly to the cover 91, to a small PCB 85 mounted underneath the cover 91, or directly to the wallplate
  • cover 91 assists in fixing the components to the wallplate
  • a neon holder 93 is optionally integral to the cover 91 and assists in holding the neon bulb in place
  • the optional extension 93 may further or separately provide cover for the neon terminal 72, thus increasing the device safety
  • Further optionally extension 92 provides a readily available support for grounding terminal 76
  • One or more of the components may be mounted to the cover
  • the cover Preferably, the cover
  • the mam requirement of the discharge circuit is to present a high electrical impedance circuit between the contact electrode which is easily accessible from the outside when the wallplate is mounted, and the grounding point
  • Other requirements of the circuit are clearly the ability to withstand the energy and voltage levels involved with such discharge, and slowing the discharge rate to a comfortable level
  • Numerous such circuit configurations are apparent and are equivalent to the circuit described herein for the scope of the present invention
  • the preferred grounding point described herein utilizes either the mounting screw or a rearwardly extending contact such as a spring which comes in contact with a grounded switch
  • other grounding points may be utilized, including but not limited to direct wire connection, mesh connection, direct conductor engagement, and the like

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Elimination Of Static Electricity (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif à décharge électrostatique adapté pour être monté sur une plaque murale de luminaire. Le dispositif de décharge est constitué d'un circuit ayant au moins une résistance et de préférence un composant à décharge non linéaire monté sur une plaque murale de luminaire. Le dispositif à décharge utilise des électrodes à contact ponctuel. De préférence, le dispositif utilise une carte de circuit imprimé et/ou un couvercle pour couvrir au moins partiellement la résistance, l'ampoule de néon, des fils de connexion ou une quelconque combinaison de ceux-ci. Un procédé pour réaliser le dispositif est également décrit.
PCT/US2008/070505 2007-07-23 2008-07-18 Dispositif à décharge électrostatique amélioré WO2009015025A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US95123307P 2007-07-23 2007-07-23
US60/951,233 2007-07-23

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009015025A2 true WO2009015025A2 (fr) 2009-01-29
WO2009015025A3 WO2009015025A3 (fr) 2009-04-30

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2008/070505 WO2009015025A2 (fr) 2007-07-23 2008-07-18 Dispositif à décharge électrostatique amélioré

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2009015025A2 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2560534A1 (fr) * 2010-04-23 2013-02-27 Hans Georg Hagleitner Distributeur sanitaire
CN108650370A (zh) * 2018-03-30 2018-10-12 努比亚技术有限公司 一种具有esd防护结构的终端防护套及其移动终端
CN111837461A (zh) * 2018-03-21 2020-10-27 古斯塔沃·费尔南德斯·德尔·卡斯蒂略·伊·西蒙 一种人体静电消除器

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3917978A (en) * 1973-03-13 1975-11-04 Siemens Ag Apparatus for eliminating effects of electrostatic discharge
KR200242676Y1 (ko) * 2001-05-28 2001-10-15 구월학 자동차용 정전기 방전판
KR200249600Y1 (ko) * 2001-05-28 2001-11-16 구월학 정전기가 방전되는 자동차용 열쇠
KR200270412Y1 (ko) * 2001-12-17 2002-04-03 한국항공우주연구원 코넥터를 위한 정전기 방전키트

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3917978A (en) * 1973-03-13 1975-11-04 Siemens Ag Apparatus for eliminating effects of electrostatic discharge
KR200242676Y1 (ko) * 2001-05-28 2001-10-15 구월학 자동차용 정전기 방전판
KR200249600Y1 (ko) * 2001-05-28 2001-11-16 구월학 정전기가 방전되는 자동차용 열쇠
KR200270412Y1 (ko) * 2001-12-17 2002-04-03 한국항공우주연구원 코넥터를 위한 정전기 방전키트

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2560534A1 (fr) * 2010-04-23 2013-02-27 Hans Georg Hagleitner Distributeur sanitaire
CN111837461A (zh) * 2018-03-21 2020-10-27 古斯塔沃·费尔南德斯·德尔·卡斯蒂略·伊·西蒙 一种人体静电消除器
EP3771296A4 (fr) * 2018-03-21 2023-04-12 Fernández del Castillo y Simón, Gustavo Éliminateur de charges électrostatiques pour des personnes
CN108650370A (zh) * 2018-03-30 2018-10-12 努比亚技术有限公司 一种具有esd防护结构的终端防护套及其移动终端

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