JP7622698B2 - Static electricity removal device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a static elimination device.

Previous literature has disclosed a blind-type static elimination device that can be hung at entrances and exits where factory workers or vehicles (mobile objects) pass through, eliminating static electricity as they pass through.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 56-027680

On the other hand, for example, in production sites and logistics sites such as factories and warehouses, mobile objects such as basket carts and balance carts are widely used on which workers can load and transport items.

In addition, with moving objects such as those described above, there is a problem in that the moving object becomes electrically charged during loading operations.

Therefore, it is desirable to develop a static elimination device that can effectively eliminate static electricity without imposing a burden on the worker for mobile objects on which the above-mentioned loading operations can be performed.

The present disclosure aims to provide a static elimination device that can effectively eliminate static electricity from a moving object even when an operator is loading an object to be transported onto the moving object.

In order to solve the above problems, the static elimination device disclosed herein is a static elimination device that discharges static electricity from a moving body, and includes a tape portion that is a flexible tape-like member made of a self-discharging material, a holding portion that holds the tape portion at a first long side that is one of the long sides of the tape portion, the holding portion being made of a conductive material and electrically connected to earth, and a fixing portion that fixes the holding portion, and the fixing portion (1) has a second long side that is the long side of the tape portion opposite the first long side that is horizontal, and (2) further fixes the holding portion that holds the tape portion so that the second long side of the tape portion is close to the top of the moving body, or the vicinity of the second long side of the tape portion is in contact with the top of the moving body.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a static elimination device that can effectively eliminate static electricity from a moving object even when an operator is loading an object to be transported onto the moving object.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a static eliminator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the configuration of the static eliminator shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. FIG. 2A is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the basket cart shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2B is an oblique view showing an example of the configuration of the basket cart, and FIG. 2C is an oblique view showing a specific example of the basket cart with a pallet loaded thereon. 11 is a table showing an example of the results of a verification test in which the amount of charge at each part of the cart was measured when static elimination was not performed by a static eliminator. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a static eliminator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the static eliminator shown in FIG. 5 . 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a static eliminator according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a static eliminator 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of a static eliminator 2 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3(A) is a top view showing a configuration example of a basket cart D shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3(B) is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the basket cart D, and Fig. 3(C) is a perspective view showing a specific example of the basket cart D with a pallet PA mounted thereon.

(Configuration overview of the basket cart D)
First, the cage cart D that is a target for static elimination by the static eliminator 1 of the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 3. The cage cart D is an example of a moving body.

As shown in Fig. 3 (A) and Fig. 3 (B), the basket cart D has a rectangular bottom plate D2 facing the floor surface US (Fig. 1) of a factory, warehouse, etc., and three fence bodies D1 erected vertically from each of the three sides of the rectangular bottom plate D2. The bottom plate D2 is provided with, for example, four wheels D3. The fence body D1 is made of metal (conductive). The bottom plate D2 and the wheels D3 are made of at least one of a metal material and a synthetic resin (insulating) material.

As shown in FIG. 3(C), in the basket cart D, for example, pallets PA, which are empty containers, are stacked in sequence on the bottom plate D2. Specifically, in the basket cart D, a worker S carries the pallet PA into a storage space surrounded by three fence bodies D1 on the bottom plate D2 through an open opening where no fence body D1 is provided. Then, in the basket cart D, the three fence bodies D1 prevent the transport object P from falling, and the wheels D3 rotate in response to the force from the worker S acting on the fence body D1, so that the basket cart D moves in the direction desired by the worker S with the pallet PA placed on it.

In addition to the above description, for example, the cart D may be configured to have a door for opening and closing the opening.

(Outline of configuration of static eliminator 1)
Next, the static eliminator 1 of the present embodiment 1 will be specifically described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In the following description, a case will be described in which the static eliminator 1 of the present embodiment 1 is applied to eliminate static electricity from a cart D at a work site where a worker S carries a transport object P on a conveyor C provided above a floor surface US into or out of the cart D.

As shown in FIG. 1, the static eliminator 1 of this embodiment 1 is fixed to the ceiling TS of a factory, warehouse, etc. The static eliminator 1 includes a static eliminator member 2 and a fixed part 3. The fixed part 3 is made of a conductive material such as a metal material, and is grounded when used. More specifically, the fixed part 3 is provided with a connection terminal for connecting an earth wire, and the fixed part 3 may be electrically connected to the earth by connecting the earth wire to an earth terminal provided in the building.

As shown in FIG. 2, the static elimination member 2 includes a tape portion 2a and a holding portion 2b. The tape portion 2a is a flexible tape-like member made of a self-discharging material. Specifically, the tape portion 2a includes a knitted fabric or a cloth containing at least one of polyester fiber and acrylic fiber. The self-discharging material refers to a material that can eliminate static electricity from the cart D (mobile body) to be de-electrified without using a power source by generating a corona discharge between the cart D and the cart D.

The holding portion 2b has one side continuously connected to the first long side 2a11, which is one of the long sides of the tape portion 2a, and holds the tape portion 2a at the first long side 2a11. The holding portion 2b is made of a conductive material and is electrically connected to the earth via the fixing portion 3.

The tape portion 2a is formed so that the vicinity of the second long side 2a12, which is the long side opposite the first long side 2a11, is a sawtooth end. That is, in the tape portion 2a, protrusions 2a2 that protrude downward in FIG. 2 and openings 2a3 are alternately provided along the second long side 2a12 in the vicinity of the second long side 2a12. The protrusions 2a2 are configured, for example, in a triangular shape in plan view. The openings 2a3 are opened, for example, in a triangular shape in plan view.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fixing part 3 is connected to the holding part 2b of the static elimination member 2, thereby fixing the holding part 2b. Specifically, the fixing part 3 includes a frame member 3a and a hanging member 3b. The holding part 2b is attached to the frame member 3a. The frame member 3a is fixed to the ceiling TS by the hanging member 3b so that it is parallel to the ceiling TS and the floor surface US, for example. That is, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1, the fixing part 3 is a member that is fixed to the ceiling TS and hangs the holding part 2b from the ceiling TS.

Specifically, the fixing part 3 fixes the holding part 2b holding the tape part 2a so that the second long side 2a12 of the tape part 2a is horizontal and the second long side 2a12 is close to the top of the car dolly D or the vicinity of the second long side 2a12 is in contact with the top of the car dolly D. More specifically, the fixing part 3 fixes the static elimination member 2 so that the height of the second long side 2a12 of the tape part 2a is within a range of, for example, 5 mm lower to 5 mm higher than the height of the top of the car dolly D. Furthermore, by setting the height of the second long side 2a12 of the tape part 2a so that it is within this range, corona discharge can be reliably generated between the tape part 2a and the car dolly D.

In the above description, the frame member 3a is fixed to the ceiling TS by the hanging member 3b in the fixing portion 3. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a stand configured to be adjustable in height, i.e., the height of the second long side 2a12 relative to the cart D, may be suspended from the ceiling TS, and the fixing portion 3 may be fixed to the ceiling TS via the stand by attaching the hanging member 3b to the stand.

In addition to the above description, an adjustment mechanism may be installed to the hanging member 3b to adjust the height of the second long side 2a12. In this case, even if the height of the cart D from the floor surface US is changed, it is possible to easily and reliably remove static electricity from the cart D.

As described above, the static elimination device 1 of the present embodiment 1 includes the tape portion 2a made of a self-discharge material, the holding portion 2b that holds the tape portion 2a, which is made of a conductive material and electrically connected to the earth, and the fixing portion 3 that fixes the holding portion 2b. The fixing portion 3 also fixes the holding portion 2b that holds the tape portion 2a so that (1) the second long side 2a12 of the tape portion 2a is horizontal, and (2) the second long side 2a12 of the tape portion 2a is close to the top of the basket cart (moving body) D, or the vicinity of the second long side 2a12 of the tape portion 2a is in contact with the top of the basket cart D. As a result, in the static elimination device 1 of the present embodiment 1, even when the worker S is loading the transport object P onto the basket cart D, the loading operation is not interrupted, and the loading operation can be continued while effectively eliminating static electricity from the basket cart D.

That is, in the static elimination device 1 of the present embodiment 1, the tape portion 2a of the static elimination member 2 can generate a corona discharge between the basket cart D and the basket cart D by coming into close proximity to or contacting the basket cart D, and the static electricity charged on the basket cart D can be discharged to the earth via the holding portion 2b and the fixed portion 3 of the static elimination member 2 to eliminate the static electricity. Therefore, unlike the conventional example, the static elimination device 1 of the present embodiment 1 can continuously discharge during work such as loading work, and can reliably eliminate static electricity from the basket cart D. As a result, the static elimination device 1 of the present embodiment 1 can minimize the occurrence of a decrease in the efficiency of the work, without interfering with the work of loading and unloading the transport object P to and from the basket cart D by the worker S and the work of moving the basket cart D.

In addition, the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1 is configured to eliminate static electricity from the cage cart D by bringing the tape portion 2a close to or into contact with the top of the fence body D1 of the cage cart D, so that workers can set up the static elimination device 1 on the cage cart D without much effort.

In addition, the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1 allows a certain degree of tolerance for the installation position of the cart D that is the target of static elimination, and the worker can adjust the position of the cart D to some extent depending on the content of the work and the habits of the worker S.

In addition, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1, the static elimination of the cage cart D is performed by generating a corona discharge using the static elimination member 2, so that the generation of sparks caused by static electricity from the cage cart D can be suppressed, and static elimination of the cage cart D can be performed safely.

Here, the specific effects of the static eliminator 1 of this embodiment 1 will be specifically described. FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of the results of a verification test in which the amount of charge at each part of the basket cart D was measured when static elimination was not performed by the static eliminator 1. In this verification test, when multiple pallets PA were loaded sequentially onto the basket cart D, the amount of charge at the top, center, and bottom of the fence body D1 was measured using a sensor that detects the amount of static charge. The top, center, and bottom positions of the measurement points in this verification test are the positions exemplified in FIG. 3(C).

According to a verification test conducted by the inventor of the present disclosure, it was confirmed that the amount of static electricity charged on the cage cart D increases as the number of pallets PA loaded on the cage cart D increases. Specifically, in the verification test, when the number of pallets PA loaded on the cage cart D (number of levels) was changed, the amounts of static electricity charged on the upper, middle, and lower parts of the fence body D1 were the values shown in Figure 4. Note that in Figure 4, measurement results exceeding 20 kV, which is the measurable charge amount of the sensor used, are indicated by ">20.00".

As is clear from Figure 4, it was confirmed that, in the cage cart D, the amount of charge is greater in the upper part of the fence body D1 than in the lower part, regardless of the number of loaded pallets PA. Furthermore, it was confirmed that, in the cage cart D, the amount of charge also increases as the number of loaded pallets PA increases, regardless of the position on the fence body D1.

In contrast, it has been demonstrated that when the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1 is used, the charge can be suppressed to 3 kV or less, regardless of the number of pallets PA loaded and their positions on the fence body D1, so that the worker S does not feel uncomfortable due to an electric shock. In other words, it has been demonstrated that the problem of the charge on the cart D increasing as the loading work of the pallets PA proceeds, causing discomfort to the worker due to an electric shock, can be prevented by using the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1.

In addition, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1, the tape portion 2a is made of a flexible tape-like self-discharging material, so even if the tape portion 2a is in contact with the basket cart D, the tape portion 2a can be flexibly deformed during tasks such as moving the basket cart D by the worker S, thereby preventing the tape portion 2a from interfering with the movement of the basket cart D. As a result, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1, it is possible to minimize any decrease in the work efficiency of the worker S.

In addition, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1, the height of the second long side 2a12 of the tape portion 2a is set within a range from a position 5 mm lower to a position 5 mm higher than the height of the top of the basket cart D. As a result, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1, the second long side 2a12 of the tape portion 2a can be reliably brought close to the top of the basket cart D, or the vicinity of the second long side 2a12 can be reliably contacted. As a result, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1, static elimination of the basket cart D can be more reliably performed while reliably reducing the burden on the worker S.

In addition, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1, the tape portion 2a is formed so that the vicinity of the second long side 2a12 has a sawtooth end, so that a corona discharge can be reliably generated between the vicinity of the second long side 2a12 of the tape portion 2a and the top of the basket cart D. As a result, the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1 can more reliably eliminate static electricity from the basket cart D while reliably reducing the burden on the worker S.

In addition, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1, the tape portion 2a includes a knitted fabric or a cloth that includes at least one of polyester fibers or acrylic fibers. This allows the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1 to be reliably close to or in contact with the top of the basket cart D, making it easy to reliably eliminate static electricity from the basket cart D.

In addition, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1, the fixed part 3 is fixed to the ceiling TS and is a member that suspends the holding part 2b from the ceiling TS, so that the worker S can easily set up the static elimination device 1 on the cart D. As a result, the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1 can further reduce the burden on the worker S. Furthermore, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 1, it is possible to prevent damage to the static elimination device 1 due to a collision with the cart D.

[Embodiment 2]
A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the static eliminator 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration example of the static eliminator 1 shown in Fig. 5. In Figs. 5 and 6, the main difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that a column portion 4 that supports the static eliminator member 2 is provided in the fixing portion 31.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the static eliminator 1 of this embodiment 2, the fixing portion 31 is configured in a frame shape and includes two long side members 31a facing each other and two short side members 31b facing each other. A static eliminator 2 is connected to each of the two long side members 31a. Specifically, a holding portion 2b that holds a tape portion 2a is attached to the long side member 31a. As a result, the static eliminator 1 of this embodiment 2 includes two tape portions 2a held by the holding portion 2b. As a result, the static eliminator 1 of this embodiment 2 can more reliably eliminate static electricity from the cart D.

In the static eliminator 1 of this embodiment 2, the fixed portion 31 has a column portion 4 that supports the holding portion 2b. Specifically, the column portion 4 includes a column portion main body 4a and a mounting plate 4b. The column portion main body 4a is formed, for example, using a square column, and its lower end is fixed to the mounting plate 4b. The mounting plate 4b is movably attached to the floor surface US and supports the column portion main body 4a in a stable state.

The column body 4a has an adjustment mechanism 4a1 attached to its upper end side so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The adjustment mechanism 4a1 is electrically connected to an earth wire (not shown) connected to an earth (not shown) provided on the floor surface US. In addition, the short side member 31b of the fixed part 31 is detachably attached to the adjustment mechanism 4a1. With the above configuration, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 2, the adjustment mechanism 4a1 that can adjust the height of the second long side 2a12 of the tape part 2a is provided on the fixed part 31. As a result, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 2, the height of the second long side 2a12 of the tape part 2a relative to the top of the basket cart D can be adjusted by operating the adjustment mechanism 4a1 in response to the operation of the worker S. Therefore, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 2, it is possible to easily and reliably eliminate static electricity from the basket cart D in response to changes in the height of the basket cart D.

The pillar body 4a is also provided with a guide 5, for example, below the fixed portion 31, facing the cart D. In other words, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 2, the guide 5 is configured to be able to come into contact with the cart D, which can prevent the cart D from colliding with the pillar body 4a and suppress runaway of the cart D.

With the above configuration, the second embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the fixing portion 31 has a column portion 4 that supports the holding portion 2b, so the freedom of installation of the static elimination device 1 can be increased. In other words, in the second embodiment, the static elimination device 1 can be installed movably regardless of the on-site structure, such as the height dimension of the ceiling TS.

[Embodiment 3]
A third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be given to members having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a static eliminator 1 according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. In Figure 7, the main difference between embodiment 3 and embodiment 1 is that the fixing portion 31 is provided with a beam portion 7c that supports the static eliminator 2, and a pair of pillar portions 7a, 7b that support the beam portion 7c.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the static eliminator 1 of this embodiment 3, the fixing portion 31 has a beam portion 7c that supports the holding portion 2b, and a pair of pillar portions 7a, 7b that support the beam portion 7c. Specifically, the pillar portion 7a has a pillar portion main body 7a1 and a mounting plate 7da. The pillar portion main body 7a1 is formed, for example, using a square pillar body, and its lower end is fixed to the mounting plate 7da. The mounting plate 7da is movably attached to the floor surface US and supports the pillar portion main body 7a in a stable state.

Similarly, the column 7b includes a column body 7b1 and a mounting plate 7db. The column body 7b1 is, for example, configured using a square column, and its lower end is fixed to the mounting plate 7db. The mounting plate 7db is movably attached to the floor surface US, and supports the column body 7b in a stable state.

Adjustment mechanisms 7a2, 7b2 are attached to the upper ends of the column bodies 7a1, 7b1 so as to be movable up and down. One end and the other end of the beam 7c are connected to the adjustment mechanisms 7a2, 7b2. The short side member 31b of the fixed part 31 is detachably attached to the beam 7c. An earth wire (not shown) is electrically connected to the beam 7c, and is connected to an earth (not shown) provided on the floor surface US to discharge static electricity from the cart D.

With the above configuration, this embodiment 3 achieves the same effects as embodiment 2. Also, in this embodiment 3, the beam portion 7c that supports the holding portion 2b of the static elimination member 2 is supported by a pair of pillar portions 7a, 7b in the fixing portion 31. As a result, in the static elimination device 1 of this embodiment 3, the tape portion 2a and the holding portion 2b can be positioned more stably than in embodiment 2, and static elimination of the cart D can be performed in a more stable state.

〔summary〕
A static elimination device of a first aspect of the present disclosure is a static elimination device that discharges static electricity from a moving body, and includes a tape portion that is made of a self-discharging material and is a flexible tape-like member, a holding portion that holds the tape portion at a first long side, which is one of the long sides of the tape portion, the holding portion being made of a conductive material and electrically connected to earth, and a fixing portion that fixes the holding portion, wherein the fixing portion (1) has a second long side, which is the long side of the tape portion opposite the first long side, horizontal, and (2) further fixes the holding portion holding the tape portion so that the second long side of the tape portion is close to the top of the moving body or the vicinity of the second long side of the tape portion is in contact with the top of the moving body.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is the static elimination device of the first aspect, which may include a plurality of the tape portions held by the holding portion.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is a static elimination device according to the first or second aspect, in which the height of the second long side of the tape portion may be within a range from 5 mm lower to 5 mm higher than the height of the top of the moving body.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a static elimination device according to any one of the first to third aspects, in which the fixing part may be provided with an adjustment mechanism that allows the height of the second long side of the tape part to be adjusted.

A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a static elimination device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the tape portion may be formed so that the portion adjacent to the second long side has a sawtooth end.

A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a static elimination device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which the tape portion may include a knitted fabric or a cloth containing at least one of polyester fibers or acrylic fibers.

A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a static elimination device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the fixing part may be a member that is fixed to a ceiling and suspends the holding part from the ceiling.

An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a static eliminator according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the fixing part may have a pillar part that supports the holding part.

A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a static eliminator according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the fixing portion may have a beam portion supporting the holding portion and a pair of columns supporting the beam portion.

A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a static elimination device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, in which the moving body may be a cart.

This disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Configurations obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure.

1 Static eliminator 2 Static eliminator 2a Tape part 2a11 First long side 2a12 Second long side 2b Holding part 3, 31 Fixed part 4, 7a, 7b Pillar part 4a1, 7a2, 7b2 Adjustment mechanism 7c Beam part D Cart truck (moving body )
TS Ceiling

Claims (9)

A static elimination device that discharges static electricity from a moving body that is a cart ,
A tape portion which is a flexible tape-shaped member made of a self-discharge material;
a holding portion that holds the tape portion at a first long side that is one of the long sides of the tape portion, the holding portion being made of a conductive material and electrically connected to a ground;
A fixing portion that fixes the holding portion,
The fixing portion is
(1) a second long side, which is the long side of the tape portion opposite to the first long side, is horizontal; and (2) the second long side of the tape portion is close to the top of the moving body, or the vicinity of the second long side of the tape portion is in contact with the top of the moving body.
The static eliminator fixes the holding portion that holds the tape portion. The static eliminator according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of the tape portions held by the holding portion. The static elimination device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the second long side of the tape portion is within a range from 5 mm lower to 5 mm higher than the height of the top of the moving body. The static eliminator according to claim 1, wherein the fixing part is provided with an adjustment mechanism that allows the height of the second long side of the tape part to be adjusted. The static eliminator according to claim 1, wherein the tape portion is formed so that the portion adjacent to the second long side has a sawtooth-shaped end. The static eliminator according to claim 1, wherein the tape portion comprises a knitted fabric or a cloth containing at least one of polyester fibers or acrylic fibers. The static elimination device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing part is a member that is fixed to a ceiling and suspends the holding part from the ceiling. The static eliminator according to claim 1, wherein the fixing part has a pillar part that supports the holding part. The static eliminator according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion has a beam portion that supports the holding portion and a pair of pillar portions that support the beam portion.

Images