JPS61160461A - Antistatic elastic fabric - 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 The present invention relates generally to antistatic devices and more particularly to fabritters having electrically conductive and resilient properties.

Generally, a device for controlling the accumulation of electrostatic charge in an individual human body or body is desired.

An individual works in a field or handles materials where electrostatic discharge is either dangerous to the individual or damaging to the materials being handled. For example, individuals who are in the vicinity of explosive or hazardous environments and individuals who have to use electrostatically sensitive electronic components.

Many devices have been developed to solve the problem of electrostatic charge storage and subsequent discharge. These include devices made into body straps or wrist straps worn by specific individuals. These body straps or wrist straps may then be applied (through a predetermined resistor) to dissipate the personal electrostatic charge build-up and to connect to ground potential to prevent additional electrostatic charge build-up. These devices work by discharging a large amount of stored electrostatic charge from the individual.

One of these devices is the Minnesota Mining &
Manufacturing Company (Minnes)
Ota Mining and Manufacturer
2064 wrist strap manufactured by Sir Paul Minnesota (3M). The Type 2064 wrist strap is a Velostat strip (VeloStand) held on the wrist with a band of nylon.
stat) is a trademark of the 3M Company. Velostat conductive material is a carbon-loaded conductive polymer. The wrist strap's operation relies on a conductive polymer to conduct electrostatic charge through the individual wrist to a ground cord secured to the wrist strap with a conductive snap connection. Wrist straps rely on hook-and-loop fastener systems to secure the wrist strap to the individual wearer's wrist (e.g., Scotchmate).
te) is a trademark of 3M, fastener
) or Velcro, manufactured by Velcro U, S, a zipper company located in Manchester, New Hampshire.

It is a trademark of A., Inc.).

Sen+tronics Corporation located in Peachtree City, Georgia.
p.

The woven or straight knobs manufactured by Ration are assembled with different functional elements. Semitronics wrist straps use discontinuous stainless steel and polyester fibers spun into yarns woven on one side of the fabric. It is fixed to the wrist with a hook and loop closure system.

Pennsylvanianization, Simco in Lansdale
Wrist straps manufactured by Co., Ltd. also use a similar system. The entire wrist strap band is made with a nylon hook-and-loop fastener system. The Simco wrist strap has a carbon-loaded conductive material affixed to the interior surface of a hook-and-loop fastener. A snap connection is provided to the ground cord. The Simcorist strap also relies again on a conductive polymer to conduct the individual's electrostatic charge to the snap connection and ground cord. Similarly, Simco wrist straps also rely on hook-and-loop fasteners for the closure system.

Manufactured by Wescorp of Mountain View, California, the strut lamp consists of a carbon-loaded conductive fabric with hook-and-loop fasteners. The Wesco Prist Strap relies on a conductive fabric to conduct the electrostatic charge from the individual instead of a conductive polymer as in the previous strap, but with hook-and-loop fasteners on the closure system. It depends again on. Wescop also utilizes a conductive fabric for the connection to ground rather than the connection point to the ground wire.

“Wrist Strap” (WRIST) manufactured by Ag Walter The Loop Company in New York
The strap, named ``STAT'', uses a black nylon band with a hook-and-loop fastener.The conductive polymer is attached to a hand with a metal plate at a relatively narrow point around the strap. The polymer also has a snap connection to the ground cord. The loop wrist strap relies on a metal plate and conductive polymer for conductivity and a nylon band with a hook-and-loop fastener for the closure system. .

All the strumps described above so far are very similar in reality. Almost all depends on the carbon-loaded conductive polymer and the rest depends on the carbon-loaded fabricator. All wrist straps rely on hook and loop fasteners for closure system. The use of carbon-loaded conductive materials in which electrical functionality is present results in black structures that are aesthetically unappealing. However, it must be noted that the Simco wrist strap limits the interior surface of the nylon band to black, which could otherwise be fused as desired. however,
Most importantly: - All wrist straps rely on conductive members that are in firm, deep contact with the individual's body or bodies.

The separable and adjustable closure system must be individually adjusted by the wearer each time the strap is worn. Proper adjustment is required for proper functioning of the strump. Being able to adjust this necessarily means that since it can be adjusted appropriately, it can also be adjusted inappropriately. Proper function is one that then requires that the wearer be trained and skilled in proper adjustment and be willing to adjust the strap appropriately at any time it is being worn.

Regardless, the wearer's supervisor can never always ensure proper installation and proper operation. Especially in areas where sensitive electronic components are handled, improper adjustment or loss of function of the strumps can result in damage to the sensitive electronic components, which can then be installed and used by the final consumer. This will reduce the reliability of the part as it will not become obvious until then.

Wescorp's also consists of a metal bead chain to which an electrical ground cord is slidably attached.

This strump relies on metal beads for electrical conductivity. Since it is worn loosely around the wrist, it can be made large enough to slip over the hand onto the wrist and no separable closure is required. However, since this strap does not have a secure electrical connection and is not in close contact with the individual wearer's body (wrist), it is subject to the same improper adjustment as in the previous strap. There was a problem.

Control located in Ring Hue, California.
The Static Company manufactures wrist straps known under the trademark Fred straps. This strump is a metal extension band that has a snap connection for an electrical ground cord. The band suggests a full-flex extension watch band. The band relies on the conductivity of the metal for the release of stored electrostatic charge and extends to slip over the hand onto the wrist and then fit relatively stably. However, wrist straps have the disadvantage of having a relatively low stretch rate. The strap should be large enough to slip over the hand, but still small enough to fit securely over the wrist.

The two previous metal straps also have another important drawback. Because a highly conductive metal surface is provided on the external surface of the wrist strap, there is a risk of accidental contact with a high voltage power source, resulting in the strap being "welded" to that power source, thereby preventing the wearer from connecting to the high voltage power source. It prevents you from being freed from it. It is for this reason that electricians do not wear metal rings, bracelets, throats, and other jewelry.

Another wrist strap manufactured by 3M is the subject of US Pat. No. 4,398.277. The wrist strap is made from a fabric having at least conductive yarns and preferably insulating yarns interwoven with each other. The straps are made by knitting together yarns.

Single or double yarns are also preferably braided with ends having elastic fibers. The conductive yarn consists of polyester fibers and numerous stainless steel fibers. The strump is made by forming the fabric into a closed loop with mechanical connections.

This wrist strap has some important drawbacks. The conductive fibers include small, discrete, discontinuous metal fibers, ie, stainless steel staples or short fibers. These metal fibers do not have the ability to stretch or repair and will break and fall out of the fabric when stretched or bent during use.

This causes the wrist strap to lose its effectiveness as an electrostatic charge dissipator.

Also, metal fibers that fall out of the fabric and are placed on sensitive electrical equipment can cause the equipment to create short circuits or discharges that can cause damage to the equipment. Furthermore, due to the lack of elasticity of the conductive fibers, the wrist strap eventually stretches beyond its original shape and no longer fits stably over the wrist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the problems associated with conventional conductive fabrics and strumps. The fabric is provided by being woven with at least one yarn. The yarn has ends with conductive continuous filaments. It is contemplated that weaving the yarns includes weaving to form a series of interlocking loops and that preferably the weaving is a knitting or knitting operation.

In a preferred embodiment, the fabric includes electrically conductive yarns, insulating yarns, and elastic fibers woven together to form a series of connecting loops.

The conductive yarn includes ends with conductive filaments and the insulating yarn includes ends with insulating fibers. The result is a fabric that is both electrically conductive and has excellent elasticity. In a preferred embodiment, the fabric is assembled such that conductive yarns, insulating yarns, and elastic fibers are woven together to form the front and back sides. The insulating yarn then forms connecting loops on both the front and back sides.

Meanwhile, conductive yarns form connecting loops on the front surface, and elastic fibers are woven through the connecting loops of insulating yarns. This results in the front and rear surfaces.

The fabric is assembled into a conductive body strap by mechanical connections linking the fabric forming a closed loop with an internal conductive surface attached for contact with the human body. Probably. Electrical connections connect the fabric to contact conductive fibers and to provide connection points for electrical cables that can electrically connect the body strap to ground. .

Fabrics or body straps constructed in this manner have performance characteristics superior to those exhibited in the prior art. The conductive continuous filament does not contain separate pieces of broken metal. Instead, it is constructed of pleated thermoplastic continuous filaments coated with a conductive metal coating. This coating is non-frictional or non-abrasive, thereby making it possible for U.S. Pat.
, 277 can be avoided. Furthermore, if a silver coated filament is used, this filament has a significantly lower resistance than the 3M Stiffless Steel/Polyester yarn.

Further, like insulating fibers, conductive continuous filaments have inherent expansion/contraction and repair properties. This is because it is a pleated or woven thermoplastic fiber which eliminates the need for pleating with elastic fibers. Thermoplastic fibers have memory properties and elongation properties are imparted to them by being braided or pleated. Furthermore, the fabric provides a strap that does not require a separable adjustable closure system. Strass assembled with fabric
The strap has sufficient elasticity to slip over the hand and fits stably on the wrist without individual adjustments each time a new wearer fits a new strap. The fabric can be assembled by individuals into straps that require no adjustment. And therefore, an individual cannot wear it incorrectly resulting in improper functioning. This provides assurance to the observer of the proper functioning of the strap and ensures that the quality of the product is not degraded by the lack of functionality of the strap. The strap is light, flexible and comfortable, and the woven fabric avoids the build-up of unacceptable heat and moisture.

When the fabric is knitted in two layers, it also provides an outer surface that is relatively insulating and will not melt upon accidental contact with a high voltage power source.

Detailed description of the invention FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conductive elastic fabric 10. FIG.

The fabric lO is preferably integrally interwoven,
More preferably it has at least one yarn that is knitted or woven to form a series of connecting loops. The single yarn has one end made of conductive fiber. Fabric 10 may also have two yarns, and this construction is usually preferred. If there are two yarns,
One yarn may be conductive and the other yarn may be insulating. The conductive yarns and the insulating yarns are integrally interwoven and preferably integrally knitted to form a series of interlocking loops. The insulating yarn has one end comprised of insulating fibers and the conductive yarn has one end comprised of electrically conductive continuous filaments. Yet another one
One preferred embodiment has two yarns and one elastic fiber. The conductive yarns, insulating yarns and elastic fibers are integrally interwoven and preferably integrally knitted to form a series of connecting loops.

The insulating yarn has one end made of insulating fiber;
The conductive yarn has one end consisting of a conductive continuous filament.

In one preferred embodiment, a conductive yarn, an insulating yarn,
The fabric is integrally knitted using elastic fibers. The insulating yarn includes one end made of insulating fiber. The conductive yarn has one end consisting of a conductive continuous filament. In particular, the insulating yarn consists of two strands of 100
denier woven nylon
on). However, continuous filaments, woven polyester, or polyamide fibers may also be used.

The conductive yarn is more particularly comprised of a 150 denier or greater woven polyester knitted with 27 denier seven filament X-STATIC (X-5TATIG is a trademark of Soquoite Corporation) yarn. Ex-static yarn is manufactured by Sauquoit Industry, Scranton, Pennsylvania.
es.

Inc.) with numerous metal coated crimp
ped) is a yarn consisting of filaments. This ex-static yarn is US Patent No. 3,792.
．． 520: 3.877.965: 4.042,7
It is mostly explained in 37.

The elastomeric fiber is 184 denier bare spandex or 38 gauge rubber. Sponsored by the Society of Plastics Engineers, 750 Summer Street, Stamford, Conn.
Located in As defined in the first edition of Whitchington's Plastic Dictionary, published in 1968 by Technomic Publishers, spandex is a generic name given to engineered fibers, in which case the fibers are The body formed is a long chain synthetic polymer consisting of at least 85 percent linear polyurethane.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of fabric 10 forming a closed loop with connectors 12. Connector 2 mechanically interlocks the fabrics to form a closed loop while also electrically connecting ground cord 14 to the conductive fibers of fabric 10. Body strap 16 is comprised of both fabric 10 and connectors 12. Preferably, although not necessarily, the body strap 16 is not directly grounded with the ground cord 14, but rather is connected in series through a predetermined resistor, preferably a resistor of about 1 megohm. If the grounding cord 14 were to inadvertently come into contact with a voltage source, or if the body strap wearer were to accidentally touch a voltage line, the presence of such resistance would protect the body strap wearer from electrical shock. .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional end view of the fabric 10 illustrating a preferred knitting method. FIG. 3 shows insulating yarn 18 and conductive yarn 20. FIG. The insulating yarns 18 and the conductive yarns 20 are knitted together in two stages to form a front surface 22 and a rear surface 24. The insulating yarn 18 forms a series of interlocking loops on both the front surface 22 and the rear surface 24. The conductive yarns 20 form a series of loops on the front surface 22. In one preferred embodiment, the insulating yarn 18 is a two-strand lOO denier woven loloin yarn, the same yarn as described in FIG. Similarly, the conductive yarn 20 of FIG. 3 is made of the same woven polyester of 150 denier or greater knitted from the 27 denier seven-filament ex-static yarn described in FIG. 1 for the fabric 10. be. FIG. 3 shows a first stage needle group 2 forming a series of connected loops on the front surface 22.
6 and a second stage of needle groups 28 forming a series of connecting loops on the rear surface 24. Accordingly, FIG. 3 illustrates the needle configuration required to knit fabric 10 of the preferred construction. Ten-cut border sewing machine (10-cut) that can create vertical stripes of at least two colors.
border machine). The fabric 10 is also preferably knitted with approximately 29 needles 26 and 29 needles 28. With a number of needles, a fabric of appropriate width could be formed and the fabric could be made into a wrist strap. 1 per inch
Preferably, the tension is adjusted to provide 1 inch of slack in 6 to 18 stitches. Using the proposed yarns and fibers, a fabric 10 is formed in one preferred embodiment that is comprised of approximately 77 percent woven nylon, approximately 5 percent conductive yarn, and approximately 18 percent rubber by weight.

Other embodiments were formed using the yarns and fibers of the proposal, in which the fabric 10 was comprised of about 67 percent woven nylon, about 6 percent conductive yarn, and about 27 percent by weight. Made of spandex. The needle configuration shown in FIG.
is shown being wrapped around two rear needles 28, then around one front needle 26, and then again around two rear needles 28. Of course, the needle configuration shown in FIG. 3 is only for one preferred embodiment. Of course, there are various other needle configurations to form a fabric IO with the desired conductive elastic properties. For example, 2
A stepped needle may not be used, and the loops formed around the needle may not be precisely spaced. Also, although 29 front needles 26 and 29 rear needles were considered for fabric 10, it is possible to use a larger number of front needles 26 and rear needles 28 around which only insulating fibers 18 are wound. , another preferred embodiment may be formed in which edges are formed on both sides.

FIG. 4 shows a connector 1 connecting both ends of the fabric 10.
This is a developed view of No. 2. The illustrated connector 12 has a body 30 with a number of protrusions 32 that accommodate the ends of the fabric 10 and also grip the fabric 10 and hold the fabric 10 in place when a cover 34 is attached. Cover 34 is fitted onto body 30 and retained with snap connectors consisting of elements 36 and 38. These components will form the connector 12, which provides the necessary mechanical and electrical connections to the fabric 10.
into a closed loop and induces static electricity accumulated from the wearer's individual body.

Of course, various other mechanical and electrical connectors are possible and used. In particular, it is conceivable to use separate mechanical and electrical connectors in one body strut.

Conductive fabric 1, almost long enough to be wrapped around the wrist
It has a surface electrical resistance of approximately 40-50 ohms per inch, or approximately 10" ohms per square inch.

The body strap 16 formed as described above from the fabric 10 is superior in that it is sufficiently conductive, fits snugly to the body, maintains good electrical contact with the skin of the wearer, and resists e.g. It can be easily removed and expanded and contracted to easily fit into a predetermined position, retains its elasticity even after repeated use, and is comfortable for the individual wearer, that is, does not give a feeling of being a foreign body. The fabric is superior to any of its predecessors because there are no metal parts that can rise or fall.

Additionally, because the rows of conductive yarns are interconnected and the ex-static filaments forming the yarns have a continuous metal coating, there is a high degree of electrical contact with the wearer's skin over the entire surface of the fabric. .

The fabric 10 can also be used for purposes other than body straps. It is contemplated that the fabric 10 will be used for fabrics where electrical conductivity and elasticity are required. Possible applications include clothing, surgical gowns, and other medical applications.

A novel electrically conductive and elastic fabric and body strap have been illustrated and described above. However, various changes, modifications, and substitutions to the detailed shapes of the fabricator and body strap described above may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims of the present invention. Needless to say, it can be done by

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the entire fabric; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the completed fabric into a strump with an electrical ground cord connected; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fabric end showing the preferred weave. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the mechanical and electrical connector. 10... Fabric 12... Connector 14... Ground cord 16... Body strap 8...
Insulating fiber 20 ... conductive yarn 22 ... front surface 24 ... rear surface 26 ... front needle 28 ... rear needle 30 ... main body 32 ... protrusion 34 ... cover 36.38 ... Motoko.

Claims (19)

[Claims] (1) At least one woven yarn
comprising an electrically conductive, coated, pleated, continuous filament-bearing end, thereby forming a conductive elastic fabric that is both elastic and electrically conductive. (2) The at least one yarn is woven to form a series of interlocking loops.
Conductive elastic fabric as described in Section. (3) The conductive elastic fabric according to claim 2, wherein the at least one yarn is knitted. 4. The conductive elastic fabric of claim 1, wherein the conductive filament is pleated nylon coated with silver. (5) The conductive elastic fabric according to claim 1, wherein the conductive continuous filament is coated with metal. 6. The conductive elastic fabric of claim 5, wherein the metal-coated conductive continuous filament is silver-coated pleated nylon. (7) consisting of conductive yarns, insulating yarns, and elastic fibers, the conductive yarns, the insulating yarns, and the elastic fibers being woven together to form a series of interlocking loops, and the conductive yarns being electrically conductive. 1. An electrically conductive elastic fabric comprising ends having continuous, covered, pleated filaments, said insulating yarn comprising ends having insulating fibers, thereby having both elasticity and electrical conductivity. (8) The conductive yarn, the insulating yarn, and the elastic fiber are knitted together.
Conductive elastic fabric as described in Section. (9) The conductive elastic fabric according to claim 7, wherein the conductive continuous filament is coated with metal. 10. The conductive elastic fabric of claim 9, wherein the metal-coated conductive continuous filament is silver-coated pleated nylon. 11. The electrically conductive elastic fabric of claim 7, wherein the ends with electrically conductive continuous filaments are silver-coated pleated nylon. (12) The conductive elastic fabric according to claim 7, wherein the insulating fiber is nylon. (13) The conductive elastic fabric according to claim 7, wherein the insulating fiber is polyester. (14) The conductive elastic fabric according to claim 7, wherein the insulating fiber is polyamide. (15) The conductive elastic fabric according to claim 7, wherein the elastic fiber is rubber. (16) The conductive elastic fabric according to claim 7, wherein the elastic fiber is spandex. 17. The conductive elastic fabric of claim 7, wherein the conductive yarn is multifilament, silver-coated pleated nylon pleated with woven polyester. (18) the conductive yarns and insulating yarns and the elastic fibers are woven together on the front and back surfaces, the insulating yarns forming connecting loops on both the front and back surfaces, and the conductive yarns forming connecting loops on both the front and back surfaces; The yarns form connecting loops only on the front surface, and the elastic fiber is woven through the connecting loops of insulating yarn so that it is present between the front surface and the rear surface. The conductive elastic fabric according to item 7. (19) consisting of a conductive yarn, an insulating yarn, and an elastic fiber, the conductive yarn, the insulating yarn,
and the elastic fibers are woven together to form a series of interlocking loops, the conductive yarn includes an end having a conductive, metal-coated, pleated continuous filament, and the insulating fiber is The elastic fiber is a member of the group consisting of nylon, polyester, and polyamide, and the elastic fiber is a member of the group consisting of rubber and spandex, thereby being both elastic and electrically conductive. elastic fabric.