WO2020081223A1 - Low static contact cleaning system - Google Patents
Low static contact cleaning system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2020081223A1 WO2020081223A1 PCT/US2019/053876 US2019053876W WO2020081223A1 WO 2020081223 A1 WO2020081223 A1 WO 2020081223A1 US 2019053876 W US2019053876 W US 2019053876W WO 2020081223 A1 WO2020081223 A1 WO 2020081223A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- contact cleaning
- cleaning system
- contact
- charge transport
- electrical
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 198
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 title description 28
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 52
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 52
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 40
- 230000005684 electric field Effects 0.000 claims description 26
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 51
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 12
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 9
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 7
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000002041 carbon nanotube Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910021393 carbon nanotube Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000003607 modifier Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002071 nanotube Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002109 single walled nanotube Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000005411 Van der Waals force Methods 0.000 description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 101150012532 NANOG gene Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 101100396520 Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain ATCC 204508 / S288c) TIF3 gene Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 101150038107 stm1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 2
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001721 carbon Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003472 neutralizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011236 particulate material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005573 silicon-containing polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Chemical group 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B7/00—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B7/00—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
- B08B7/0028—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by adhesive surfaces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
- A47L13/40—Cleaning implements actuated by electrostatic attraction; Devices for cleaning same; Magnetic cleaning implements
-
- B08B1/32—
-
- B08B1/50—
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B6/00—Cleaning by electrostatic means
Definitions
- This invention relates to a contact cleaning system, particularly though not exclusively to a contact cleaning system configured to generate a low electrical field strength and to transport static electricity to ground during operation.
- a contact cleaning roller contacts at least the upper surface of the substrate, removing the debris by means of adhesion removal mechanisms (e.g. Van der Waals forces and adhesion forces), where the inherent properties of the material used to form the contact cleaning roller attracts the debris and causes it to stick to the surface of the contact cleaning roller. It is thought that the contact cleaning roller pulls the contaminating particles away from the substrate surface in this manner due the attractive van der Waals forces between the particles and the roller. Consequently, existing contact cleaning rollers may ensure effectiveness in removing contaminating particles by maximising contact with the substrate surface.
- adhesion removal mechanisms e.g. Van der Waals forces and adhesion forces
- any equipment for an electronics assembly factory used within 100mm of a substrate must have surface resistance of less than 1 x10 9 W.
- the surface resistance of the cleaning surface is less than 1 x10 9 W. Not only does this place a requirement on a contact cleaning roller to have a surface resistance less than 1x10 9 W but, necessarily, the roller must be capable of allowing electrostatic charges to be conducted away from the cleaning surface to ground. It must also do this while it is in continuous operation, that is, the roller must allow charges to be conducted all the time it is rotating.
- Electrostatic charges are likely to be generated during the contact cleaning process. Electrostatic charges of up to 6000 volts are typically generated in a contact cleaning system as a result of friction between the contact cleaning roller and the substrate to be cleaned, between the contact cleaning roller and the adhesive roll and also between the support belts carrying the substrate to be cleaned and the substrate itself.
- Static bars also known as, static eliminators or anti-static bars provide one way to eliminate static eiectricity generated on a part passing through such a contact cleaning system during operation in contact cleaning apparatus
- a static bar can be located at the outlet of the cleaning roller to provide a stream of ionised air to neutralise static on the cleaned substrate surface in certain systems
- a second static bar can be located at the inlet of the cleaning roller to remove static from the substrate to be cleaned.
- static bars can be expensive and, if incorrectly positioned, can introduce undesirable electrostatic charge to surfaces in the contact cleaning process.
- a static bar may induce electric overstress, that is, the electrical signals applied to the device exceed the tolerance parameters of the device, in a substrate to be cleaned.
- a static bar more specifically the ions emanating from the static bar, will induce a current in the conductors in the device causing a partial breakdown and/or blowing of the circuit. In this way, the static bar may induce latent defects
- a contact cleaning system there are at least two places where electric overstress can occur.
- the first is inside the machine due to the electrical field generated during operation of the system in which the contact cleaning roller and the adhesive roller contact one another and where the contact cleaning rolier contacts the substrate to be cleaned.
- the second is outside the machine, by way of the static bar inducing an electric field which may cause overstress in the substrate to be cleaned.
- An object of the invention is to alleviate or mitigate the problem of electrostatic charge build up and, therefore, electric field strength build up, derived from operation of a contact cleaning system.
- a further object of the invention is to alleviate or mitigate electrostatic charge build up when using a contact cleaning roller used in a suitable contact cleaning apparatus.
- a yet further object is to provide a contact cleaning system having a high reliability and reduced propensity to induce latent defects in a substrate to be cleaned.
- the present invention provides at least an alternative to contact cleaning systems of the prior art.
- the term“substrate to be cleaned” shall be taken to include printed circuit boards (PCB), an electronic product, component, film or device.
- PCB printed circuit boards
- the present invention provides a contact cleaning system comprising a contact cleaning roller located and operable to remove debris from a substrate to be cleaned, an adhesive roll located and operable to remove debris from the surface of the contact cleaning roller, wherein the maximum electrical field strength generated within the system during operation is 300 volts.
- the contact cleaning system comprises at least one sensor operable and located to measure the static electrical field strength generated within the system in operation.
- the material of the contact cleaning roller and the material of the adhesive roll are selected to minimise the triboelectric effect between them.
- the frictional engagement of the contact cleaning roller and the adhesive roll are the principle electrical field generators in the system.
- the contact cleaning roller is an elastomeric roller having a bulk conductivity.
- the elastomeric roller comprises an elastomeric layer having a conductive surface with a surface resistance of less than 1 x 10 9 W. In this way, the maximum electrical field strength generated within the system during operation can be reduced by providing an electrically conductive charge transport pathway away from the surface of the contact cleaning roller to electrical ground.
- the contact cleaning roller comprises an elastomeric layer comprising an electrically conductive modifier.
- the electrically conductive modifier comprises conductive elements.
- the electrically conductive modifier comprises an interconnected network of conductive elements.
- the conductive elements are elongate. In this way, the surface area of the conductive elements in contact with the elastomer of the elastomeric layer is increased and the retention of the elements in the elastomeric layer is enhanced.
- the elongate conductive elements are hollow.
- the conductive elements are carbon.
- the conductive elements are nanotubes.
- conductive elements are carbon nanotubes.
- nanotubes are single walled carbon nanotubes. In this way, a balance is maintained between the cleaning properties of the elastomeric layer and the bulk conductivity thereof.
- the high surface area of the nanotubes provides improvements in bonding the carbon into the elastomer when compared to particulate carbon or carbon fibres.
- the carbon nanotubes are a single carbon atom wall thickness.
- the elongate conductive elements are dispersed uniformly throughout the elastomer material.
- conductive elements are dispersed such that they are embedded and retained in the elastomeric material.
- the conductive elements are orientated randomly in the elastomeric material.
- the conductive elements have length within the range about 5 pm to about 30pm.
- the conductive elements have diameter within the range about 1 nm to about 200nm.
- the concentration of conductive elements in the elastomer is about 0.015% by weight of elastomer.
- the elastomeric layer comprises any suitable elastomeric material. More specifically, the elastomeric layer comprises one of silicone rubber or polyurethane. [0041] In certain embodiments the elastomer comprises silicone. In this way, a conductive silicone layer can be formed when carbon nanotubes are dispersed within the silicone material. The nanotubes are retained within the silicone polymer matrix through covalent bonding. Other additives, such as particulate materials are prone to migrate out of the silicone matrix due to the mobility of the silicone matrix. Thus, carbon nanotubes provide a retained modifying agent retained within the silicone matrix.
- the elastomeric layer is formed of a two-part, room- temperature curing silicone rubber.
- the elastomeric layer has bulk conductivity (e.g. electrical conductivity). More specifically the elastomeric layer has a conductive surface for contact with a part to be cleaned and a further conductive surface in electrical contact with a conductive pathway for charge extraction from the conductive layer to an electrically conductive core to a charge transport element in electrically connection with the electrically conductive core.
- bulk conductivity e.g. electrical conductivity
- the surface resistance of the, or each conductive surface is less than 1 x 10 9 W. More specifically, the surface resistance of both the conductive surface and the further conductive surface of the elastomeric layer is less than 1 x 10 9 W. Yet more specifically, the surface resistance of both the conductive surface and the further conductive surface of the elastomeric layer are substantially equal.
- the surface resistance the, or each conductive surface is in the range of about 1 x 10 6 W to about 1 x 10 9 W. More specifically, the surface resistance of both the conductive surface and the further conductive surface of the elastomeric layer is in the range of about 1 x 10 6 W to about 1 x 10 9 W. Yet more specifically, the surface resistance of both the conductive surface and the further conductive surface of the elastomeric layer are substantially equal.
- the elastomeric layer is in electrical contact with the conductive pathway.
- the contact cleaning roller is permanently electrically grounded and static will be transported away from the contact cleaning roller without the need to provide further means to neutralise the charge, such as an ionising bar.
- the elastomeric layer is in intimate mechanical contact with the conductive pathway. In this way, as well as the contact cleaning roller being permanently electrically grounded, any static build up on the critical cleaning surface is removed along the conductive pathway without the need for a physical contact to it that would otherwise risk wear or damage that would impair cleaning performance.
- the conductive pathway provides charge extraction from the elastomeric layer to ground (i.e. an electrical earth).
- the elastomeric layer is attached to the electrically conductive core.
- the elastomeric layer is in intimate contact with the electrically conductive core. More specifically, the elastomeric layer is in intimate contact with the electrically conductive core across the entire further conductive surface of the elastomeric layer. In this way, charge extraction from the
- the electrically conductive core is formed of a metallic conductor material. More specifically, the metallic conductor core is stainless steel.
- the electrically conductive core is formed of a non- metallic conductor material. More specifically, the non-metallic conductor core is carbon fibre.
- the electrically conductive core comprises a shaft.
- the adhesive roll comprises a base layer and an adhesive layer.
- the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive having electrical conductivity. In this way, the maximum electrical field strength generated within the system in operation can be reduced by providing an electrically conductive charge transport pathway away from the surface of the adhesive roll to electrical ground.
- the adhesive has an electrical conductivity of between 1 x1 O 6 and 1 x1 O 9 Snr 1 .
- the adhesive is a silicon-free adhesive.
- the base layer is a paper substrate.
- the static electricity, and therefore the maximum electrical field strength, generated within the system during operation is reduced because the paper base layer of the adhesive roll and the elastomer of the contact cleaning roller are much closer to one another in the triboelectric series than are the elastomer of the contact cleaning roller and a silicon adhesive and/or polymeric film base layers for other adhesive rolls for example.
- the system comprises an adhesive roll having a paper base layer and an adhesive with electrical conductivity and an elastomeric roller having a bulk conductivity. In this way, the maximum electric field strength generated within the system during operation is limited due to the small
- the system comprises means for providing electrical charge transport configured to remove the electrical charge generated in the system during operation to electrical ground. In this way, the system reduces latent defects in a substrate to be cleaned without neutralising the electrical charge generated and/or providing ions into the system and/or onto the substrate.
- the means for providing electrical charge transport comprises a charge transport element arranged to provide a charge transport pathway away from the contact cleaning roller and/or the adhesive roll to an electrical ground.
- the contact cleaning roller comprises an elastomeric layer with bulk conductivity (e.g. electrical conductivity) and an electrically conductive core configured to support the elastomeric layer and to provide a conductive pathway for charge transport from the contact cleaning roller to an electrical ground
- the charge transport element is mechanically and electrically coupled to the electrically conductive core.
- the charge transport element is arranged to be coaxial with the electrically conductive core of the contact cleaning roller.
- the charge transport element is mechanically and electrically coupled to the electrically conductive core by a housing retaining the charge transport element.
- the housing comprises a spigot.
- the charge transport element is formed of electrically conductive material.
- the charge transport element is metallic.
- the charge transport element is formed from stainless steel.
- the charge transport element is formed from gold plated steel.
- the charge transport element comprises a pin.
- the charge transport element comprises a pin and a resilient biasing means configured to bias the pin outwardly of the contact cleaning roller.
- the pin is held in an extended position, so that at least one end of the pin is protruding outwardly of the core, when the roller is rotating.
- the length of the pin and the extension of the resilient biasing means can be modified to ensure the protruding end of the pin is suitably arranged to maintain contact with a suitable electrical grounding element.
- the resilient biasing means is a spring mechanism.
- the electrical field in the system is removed (transferred, extracted) from the system solely through the charge transport element.
- no ionisation energy is input into the system and/or the substrate during operation of the system.
- the contact cleaning system comprises an electrical grounding element.
- the electrical grounding element is planar.
- the electrical grounding element is located at an end of the contact cleaning roller. More specifically, the electrical grounding element is located in a plane perpendicular to a plane including the longitudinal axis of the contact cleaning roller.
- the electrical grounding element is formed of an electrically conductive material. More specifically, the electrical grounding element is metallic. Yet more specifically, the electrical grounding element is formed of stainless steel. In this way, the grounding element provides an electrical path to ground.
- a charge transport pathway from the system comprises the charge transport element and the electrical grounding element.
- the charge transport element is urged into contact with the electrical grounding element.
- a resilient biasing means is configured and located to urge the charge extraction element into contact with the electrical grounding element.
- the contact cleaning system comprises a housing. More specifically, the housing encases (contains, surrounds, encloses) at least the contact cleaning roller and the adhesive roll. That is to say, at least the contact cleaning roller and the adhesive roll are disposed within the housing.
- the means for providing electrical charge transport is disposed within the space defined by the housing.
- the charge transport element is within the space defined by the housing.
- the electrical grounding element and at least one contact cleaning roller according to an aspect of the invention are mounted within the housing. More specifically, the electrical grounding element is mounted within the housing and the at least one contact cleaning roller is mounted to the housing such that the charge extraction element is in contact with (forms a charge extraction pathway with) the electrical grounding element.
- At least one sensor operable and located to measure the static electrical field generated within the system in operation, is disposed within the space defined by the housing.
- the maximum electrical field measured by the at least one sensor within the housing is below 300 volts.
- the maximum electrical field strength generated within the system during operation is 200 volts. More specifically, the maximum electrical field strength generated within the system during operation is 100 volts.
- the maximum electrical field strength generated within the system during operation is 30 volts.
- the contact cleaning system comprises a plurality of contact cleaning rollers.
- the contact cleaning system comprises a plurality of adhesive rolls each located and operable to remove debris from the surface of a contact cleaning roller of the system.
- a contact cleaning roller comprising: a cleaning surface assembly comprising an elastomeric layer with bulk conductivity (e.g. electrical conductivity), an electrically conductive core configured to support the cleaning surface assembly and to provide a conductive pathway for charge extraction from the cleaning surface assembly; and a charge transport element arranged to provide a charge transport pathway away from the electrically conductive core.
- a cleaning surface assembly comprising an elastomeric layer with bulk conductivity (e.g. electrical conductivity), an electrically conductive core configured to support the cleaning surface assembly and to provide a conductive pathway for charge extraction from the cleaning surface assembly; and a charge transport element arranged to provide a charge transport pathway away from the electrically conductive core.
- the charge transport element is mechanically and electrically coupled to the electrically conductive core.
- the contact cleaning roller is permanently electrically grounded and static electricity will be transported away from the assembly without the need to provide further means to neutralise the charge, such as a static bar. Further, any static build up on the critical cleaning surface is transported away from the cleaning surface without the need for a physical contact to it that would otherwise risk wear or damage that would impair cleaning performance.
- the charge transport element is mechanically and electrically coupled to the electrically conductive core by a housing retaining the charge transport element.
- the housing is retained in the end of the electrically conductive core and, in turn, the charge transport element is retained in the housing and protrudes outwardly from the housing and the core.
- the housing comprises a spigot.
- the housing comprises a spigot adapted to engage and disengage a resilient biasing means coupled to the charge transport element.
- the spigot may be inserted into the electrically conductive core, typically an end of the electrically conductive core. In this way, the charge transport element may be held by the spigot in the end of the electrically conductive core and protruding outwardly from the core.
- the housing is integral with the core.
- the resilient biasing means is a spring mechanism.
- the spring mechanism is arranged to be coaxial with the electrically conductive core.
- the spring mechanism is received in a spring contact receptacle within the housing (e.g. spigot).
- the spring contact receptacle has a surface coated with (electrically) conductive material. More specifically, the conductive material is gold plate.
- the electrically conductive core comprises a shaft.
- the shaft may be mounted on the housing of a contact cleaning apparatus enabling the roller to rotate relative to the housing of the apparatus.
- the shaft is hollow. More specifically, the hollow shaft is formed of an electrically conductive material.
- the charge transport element e.g. pin
- the charge extraction element e.g. pin
- the shaft is mounted on or in the end of the shaft.
- the charge extraction element e.g. pin
- the shaft is mechanically and electrically coupled, directly or indirectly, to the electrically conductive core by the shaft.
- each spigot may comprise a mounting for coupling to the housing of the contact cleaning system.
- the mounting allows the roller to rotate relative to the housing when the contact cleaning roller is mounted to the housing of the system.
- one or each spigot receives a charge transport element (e.g. pin).
- a charge transport element e.g. pin
- the present invention provides a contact cleaning system comprising a contact cleaning roller configured to remove debris from a substrate to be cleaned, an adhesive roll configured and located to remove debris from the surface of the contact cleaning roller, wherein the contact cleaning roller is a roller according to an aspect of the present invention and further wherein the maximum electrical field strength generated within the system during operation is 300 volts.
- the contact cleaning system does not comprise a ionising bar.
- the system of the present invention does not require the presence of a ionising bar to remove (reduce) electrostatic charge generated during the contact cleaning process.
- the contact cleaning system of the invention meets the requirements of being a low static system without the need for a ionising bar at the outlet and/or at the inlet of the contact cleaning roller.
- Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a contact cleaning system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a contact cleaning system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprising a contact cleaning roller according to an embodiment of the invention in contact with an electrical grounding element;
- Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section of the contact cleaning system of Figure 2 taken along the line A-A;
- Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a contact cleaning system in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention comprising a contact cleaning roller according to an embodiment of the invention wherein the electrical grounding element is disconnected from the contact cleaning roller.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a contact cleaning system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- the contact cleaning system 1 comprises a contact cleaning roller 2 and an adhesive roller 3 mounted above a conveyor 4 on which a plurality of substrates 5 for cleaning are carried.
- the contact cleaning roller 2 is elongate and generally cylindrical in shape, and is mounted on a holder (not shown) having an axis perpendicular to the plane of view about which the contact cleaning roller 2 is free to rotate.
- the contact cleaning roller 2 comprises a silicone elastomer layer surrounding an electrically conductive shaft.
- the specific structure of the contact cleaning roller 2 is described in more detail below.
- the adhesive roller 3 is generally cylindrical in shape, and comprises a body having a surface on which adhesive having electrical conductivity is present, and is also mounted on a holder (not shown) having an axis perpendicular to the plane of view and parallel to that of the contact cleaning roller 2 about which the adhesive roller 3 is free to rotate.
- the adhesive roller 3 comprises a paper base and an adhesive on the base layer, the adhesive having electrical conductivity.
- the contact cleaning roller 2 and adhesive roller 3 are mounted in a housing 25a, 25b in such a manner so as to be in contact with one another such that clockwise rotational movement of the contact cleaning roller 2 results in counter-clockwise rotational movement of the adhesive roller 3 and vice versa.
- the need for the contact cleaning roller 2 and adhesive roller 3 to be in contact will be clear from the description of use below.
- the contact cleaning roller 2 is also mounted so as to be able to be in contact with the surface of a substrate 5 to be cleaned as it passes on a conveyor located below the axis of the conveyor 4.
- the materials of the contact cleaning roller 2 and adhesive roll 3 are close enough in the triboelectric series such that the maximum electric field strength generated within the system in operation is 300 volts.
- the adhesive roll is formed of a sheeted roll having a paper base and a silicon-free adhesive having electrical conductivity and the contact cleaning roller 2 has an elastomeric layer comprising an interconnected network of a conductive modifier, such as single walled carbon nanotubes, thus giving the elastomeric layer a bulk conductivity.
- a conductive modifier such as single walled carbon nanotubes
- Substrates 5 to be cleaned are processed as follows.
- a substrate 5 is positioned on the upper surface 6 of a conveyor 4, which in Figure 1 moves from right to left as indicated by arrow A.
- the substrate 5 to be cleaned passes underneath the contact cleaning roller 2, which rotates in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow B.
- the upper surface of the substrate 5 is covered with debris 7 requiring removal, such as dust.
- the contact cleaning roller 2 contacts the upper surface of the substrate 5, removing the debris 7 by means of a removal mechanism, where the inherent polarity of the material used to form the contact cleaning roller 2 attracts the debris 7 and causes it to stick to the surface of the contact cleaning roller 2.
- the relative attractive force between the surface of the contact cleaning roller 2 and the debris 7 is greater than that between the debris 7 and the surface of the substrate 5, hence the debris 7 is removed.
- the now clean substrate 5 continues along the conveyor 4 to a removal station (not shown) and the lower surface 8 of the conveyor passes back, forming a loop, in a left-right direction in Figure 1 , as indicated by arrow D.
- the adhesive roller rotating in a counter-clockwise direction as indicated by arrow C contacts the surface of the contact cleaning roller 2.
- the adhesive force between the debris 7 and the adhesive present on the surface of the adhesive roller 3 is greater than the adhesion force holding the debris 7 onto the surface of the contact cleaning roller 2, and the debris is removed.
- the contact cleaning roller 3 then rotates to present a clean surface to the next substrate 5 to be cleaned.
- Figure 2 depicts a contact cleaning system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the contact cleaning system 100 comprises a contact cleaning roller 102, which can be used as the contact cleaning roller 2 in the contact cleaning system 1 of Figure 1.
- the contact cleaning roller 102 is an elongate, generally cylindrical shape, comprising a silicone elastomeric layer 1 10 with a conductive surface, and a hollow core (see Figure 3, 1 12) having an electrically conductive surface and a bore therethrough.
- the outer surface of the electrically conductive surface of the core is in mechanical and electrical contact with the inner surface of the silicone
- the elastomeric layer 1 10 and core 1 12 share a common axis denoted by the line CA, about which the contact cleaning roller 102 is free to rotate.
- Spigots 1 18 and 1 18b are mounted in each end of the core 1 12 and provide a mounting 1 16 and 1 16b at each end.
- the mountings 1 16 and 1 16b can be attached to a housing (not shown) of the system 100 which allow the mountings 1 16 and 1 16b and, therefore the cleaning roller 102 to rotate about the axis CA.
- Each spigot 1 18, 1 18b is formed of stainless steel (or aluminium) conductive material and is in mechanical and electrical contact with and abutting the electrically conductive surface of the core 1 12.
- the spigot 1 18 retains a gold plated stainless steel charge extraction element, pin 120, in a recess 122 the surface of which is gold plated to assist in the electrical charge transfer from the surface of the core 1 12 to the spigot 1 18, to the surface of recess 122 and into the pin 120.
- the pin 120 is spring loaded (not shown) in the recess 122 so as to resiliently bias the pin 120 outwardly of the spigot 1 18 towards a grounding element 124, configured as a stainless steel plate.
- the pin 120 is part enclosed within the recess 122 so that one end of the pin is arranged to protrude beyond the recess 122 and contact the grounding element 124.
- the grounding element 124 is in electrical contact with an electrical ground 126.
- the grounding element 124 is positioned with a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the common axis CA.
- the pin 120 is inserted into the spigot 1 18 through mounting 1 16 and is displaceable along the common axis CA by a spring (not shown) towards and away from the grounding element 124. In this way, the contact cleaning roller 102 is easily installed into the contact cleaning system 100 and connected to the electrical ground 126.
- the spring (not shown) within recess 122 is configured to bias the pin 120 outwardly of the contact cleaning roller 102 so that the pin 120 is held in an extended position protruding outwardly of the core 1 12 so that the pin 120 is urged into mechanical and electrical contact with the grounding element 124 whilst the contact cleaning roller 102 is rotating.
- an electrical charge extraction path exists permanently from the surface of the elastomeric layer 1 10, into the electrically conductive core 1 12, into the metallic spigot 1 18 and the gold-plated surface of recess 122, into metallic pin 120 and on into stainless steel grounding element 124 and to ground 126.
- electrostatic charges created during the contact cleaning process by the rotation of the contact cleaning roller 102 and its contact with a substrate to be cleaned are dissipated to ground 126 through the contact cleaning system 100.
- any static charge will dissipate automatically from the elastomeric layer 1 10 due to the permanent mechanical and electrical contacts to ground 126.
- the electrical charge extractive path from the contact cleaning system 100 to the ground 126 is also tolerant of slight relative movement between the contact cleaning roller 102 and the grounding element 124 and static dissipation is not reliant on precise positioning of the component features so long as mechanical and electrical contacts are maintained.
- the spigot 1 18 including the mounting 1 16 is coupled to the core 1 12 by inserting the spigot 1 18 into the end of the electrically conductive core 1 12.
- the spigot 1 18 having a recess 122 coaxial with the common axis CA and extending partially through the length of the spigot 1 18.
- the spigot 1 18 is formed from a conductive material such as aluminium or stainless steel.
- the pin 120 and the biasing spring are located in the recess (e.g. receptacle) 122 and are in mechanical and electrical contact with the inner surface of mounting 1 16 and the spigot surrounding recess 122.
- the contact pin 120 is inserted into the recess 122 and protrudes outwardly of the mounting 1 16 into electrical and mechanical contact with the grounding element 124. Aptly, the contact pin 120 is surrounded by a spring mechanism (not shown) within the recess 122. The contact pin 120 and the surface of the recess 122 are each gold plated.
- the contact cleaning roller 102 When the contact cleaning roller 102 is in use (i.e. is in rotational movement and in contact with the substrate 5 to be cleaned), an electrostatic charge builds up on the surface of the elastomeric layer 1 10.
- the layer 1 10, comprising single walled carbon nanotubes and having a bulk conductivity provides a conductive pathway from the outer surface of the elastomeric layer 1 10 to the core 1 12, from the core 1 12 to the spigot 1 18 and the mounting 1 16 and recess 122.
- the resilient biasing means When the resilient biasing means is configured to bias the contact pin 120 outwardly of the roller 102 to be in mechanical and electrical contact with the grounding element 124, the electrostatic charge is directed in the conductive pathway from the spigot 1 18, the mounting 1 16, and the surface of the recess 122 through the contact pin 120, onto the grounding element 124 and into the electrical ground 126.
- the conductive pathway from the surface of the elastomeric layer 1 10 comprises (in order of charge dissipation) the elastomeric layer 1 10, the core 1 12, the spigot 1 18, the surface of the recess 122 and the mounting 1 16, the contact pin 120, the grounding element 124, to an electrical ground 126.
- Figure 4 depicts the contact cleaning system 100 when the conductive pathway between the outer surface of the elastomeric layer 1 10 and the ground 126 is disconnected by moving the contact pin 120 away from the grounding element 124.
- the contact pin 120 is not in mechanical or electrical contact with the grounding element 124. This configuration is useful when the roller 102 needs to be changed or otherwise removed from the system.
- contact cleaning system 1 , 100 Various modifications of the contact cleaning system 1 , 100 are envisaged.
- a further contact cleaning roller 102 and an associated adhesive roller can be provided to clean the opposite side of a substrate 5.
- contact cleaning rollers and associated adhesive rollers would be positioned on each side of conveyor 4 ( Figure 1 ).
- Additional contact cleaning roller 102 and an associated adhesive roller can be provided in spaced apart relation on one or both sides of conveyor 4. In this way, additional single-sided and/or two-sided cleaning can be provided.
- the contact pin, grounding element and spigot may be formed of any suitable conductor material.
- a metallic conductor such as aluminium or stainless steel is preferred in a clean working environment as it is easily cleaned and does not degrade or create debris when frictional forces are generated during use of the system.
- the contact cleaning system may comprise a charge extraction pathway at each end of the contact cleaning roller.
- a charge extraction element e.g. a pin
- an electrical grounding element which in turn is electrically connected to an electrically grounding element (electrical earth).
- the spigot may be replaced by integrating the housing within the core.
- an annular wall or another suitable feature may be provided on the inside surface of the core which supports the inner end of a resilient biasing means. Any appropriate feature may be chosen so long as it provides a mechanical and electrical contact between the core and the resiliently biasing means and so long as it biases the charge extraction element, such as a pin outwards from the core.
- the charge extraction element may protrude from the electrical grounding element.
- the charge extraction element may extend to be received within the core, or within a suitable housing attached to the core or, again, to be received in any other suitable recess arranged within the core, so as to provide a suitable mechanical and electrical contact and maintain an electrical charge transport pathway.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CN201980067836.4A CN113226577B (en) | 2018-10-18 | 2019-09-30 | Low static contact cleaning system |
ATA9385/2019A AT524303A2 (en) | 2018-10-18 | 2019-09-30 | Low static contact cleaning system |
KR1020217014008A KR20210076052A (en) | 2018-10-18 | 2019-09-30 | Low-static contact cleaning system |
JP2021521355A JP7459080B2 (en) | 2018-10-18 | 2019-09-30 | Low static contact cleaning system |
DE112019005232.2T DE112019005232T5 (en) | 2018-10-18 | 2019-09-30 | CONTACT CLEANING SYSTEM WITH LOW STATIC |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1816956.5A GB2578134B (en) | 2018-10-18 | 2018-10-18 | Low static contact cleaning system |
GB1816956.5 | 2018-10-18 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2020081223A1 true WO2020081223A1 (en) | 2020-04-23 |
Family
ID=64453811
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2019/053876 WO2020081223A1 (en) | 2018-10-18 | 2019-09-30 | Low static contact cleaning system |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
JP (1) | JP7459080B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20210076052A (en) |
CN (1) | CN113226577B (en) |
AT (1) | AT524303A2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE112019005232T5 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2578134B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020081223A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2598307B (en) * | 2020-08-24 | 2022-09-07 | Illinois Tool Works | A contact cleaning apparatus |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US5685043A (en) * | 1995-07-24 | 1997-11-11 | Xerox Corporation | Removal of particulates from cylindrical members |
US5978630A (en) * | 1998-01-08 | 1999-11-02 | Xerox Corporation | System for cleaning contaminants from a vacuum assisted image conditioning roll |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3122584A1 (en) * | 1981-06-06 | 1982-12-23 | Agfa-Gevaert Ag, 5090 Leverkusen | TRANSPORT ROLLER FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIAL |
JPH10186982A (en) * | 1996-12-19 | 1998-07-14 | Canon Inc | Cleaning member and image forming device |
JP2002028596A (en) * | 2000-07-12 | 2002-01-29 | Nitto Denko Corp | Dust remover |
JP3140166U (en) | 2007-12-26 | 2008-03-13 | 宮川ローラー株式会社 | Conductive silicone roller |
US8060000B2 (en) * | 2009-02-09 | 2011-11-15 | Xerox Corporation | Technique and system for reducing contamination build-up on fuser roll by reduction of static charge build-up in IGEN3 fuser subsystem |
TWI483789B (en) | 2009-03-23 | 2015-05-11 | Bando Chemical Ind | Clean system |
GB0911163D0 (en) * | 2009-06-29 | 2009-08-12 | Th Group Ltd | Improved adhesive sheeted roll |
PL2935061T3 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2018-05-30 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Static reduction roller and method for reducing static on a web |
GB2523785B (en) * | 2014-03-05 | 2017-02-22 | Itw Ltd | Adhesive roll |
CN204166282U (en) * | 2014-10-20 | 2015-02-18 | 中山市因朗塑胶五金制品有限公司 | Printer toner cartridge developer roll location structure |
-
2018
- 2018-10-18 GB GB1816956.5A patent/GB2578134B/en active Active
-
2019
- 2019-09-30 DE DE112019005232.2T patent/DE112019005232T5/en active Pending
- 2019-09-30 CN CN201980067836.4A patent/CN113226577B/en active Active
- 2019-09-30 KR KR1020217014008A patent/KR20210076052A/en unknown
- 2019-09-30 WO PCT/US2019/053876 patent/WO2020081223A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-09-30 AT ATA9385/2019A patent/AT524303A2/en unknown
- 2019-09-30 JP JP2021521355A patent/JP7459080B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5685043A (en) * | 1995-07-24 | 1997-11-11 | Xerox Corporation | Removal of particulates from cylindrical members |
US5978630A (en) * | 1998-01-08 | 1999-11-02 | Xerox Corporation | System for cleaning contaminants from a vacuum assisted image conditioning roll |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN113226577A (en) | 2021-08-06 |
GB2578134B (en) | 2021-06-30 |
AT524303A2 (en) | 2022-04-15 |
GB201816956D0 (en) | 2018-12-05 |
JP7459080B2 (en) | 2024-04-01 |
CN113226577B (en) | 2023-06-30 |
DE112019005232T5 (en) | 2021-07-08 |
JP2022511631A (en) | 2022-02-01 |
KR20210076052A (en) | 2021-06-23 |
GB2578134A (en) | 2020-04-22 |
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