GB2327539A - Anti-static earthed connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A mains connector with only the earth contact in circuit is provided with one or more further contacts 8 connected to the earth contact by a resistive device. The further contacts are configured for connection to the strap of an anti-static wrist band.

Description

Descriotion Anti Static Coupler This invention relates to an Anti Static Coupler.

Anti Static devices are a very important protection against-Static Discharge damage to electronic components. Anti Static kits are often unwieldy and couplings to the PC or device are often by way of a sprin-loaded 'crocodile' clip, which can easily become detached negating any advantage of using the kit. Also (in practice) to prevent the device being worked on from being inadvertently powered on, engineers often remove the devices power cable from the device, thus removing the earth bonding from the devices chassis causing a potential static damage threat.

This coupler will allow a secure attachment of the kit or wrist strap onto the device itself. In most circumstances it will negate the need for a full anti static mat (when used in conjunction with anti static shipping packaging). It also prevents inadvertent powering on of the device whilst the engineer is working on the devices internals.

This patent application is described and displayed being used to work on a Personal Computer, but the Coupler can be utilised with any mains powered electrical or electronic device.

Example.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. - Figure 1 shows in perspective the coupler itself.

Figure 2 shows the coupler fitted to a Personal Computer.

Figure 3 shows the coupler in use with a wrist strap.

Referring to Figure 1. The coupler has a male and female 'kettle' type mains connector with only the Earth pin conducting and passing through the coupler. The power pins may be made of moulded plastic to assist in the locating and securing the coupler, or if not required omitted. The anti static fitting point or points are all or a mix of industry standard iOmm, 4mm stud and 4mm socket. Joined to the Earth pin via a resistive device of the correct value.

Referring to Figure 2 The mains power is removed from the device and the coupler is inserted and connected between the power cable and device. This prevents the device being powered on while working on the device, maintaining electrical safety and earth bonding and supplying a localised reliable anti static coupling for the engineer.

Referring to Figure 3. The wrist strap is attached by any one of the anti static connectors on the coupler. The engineer is now free to work on the device without being encumbered by unnecessary cables, mats, etc, or without the danger of electrocution or damage (either electrical or static) to the device itself.

Figure 1.

The anti Static Coupler has a female kettle type connector (6), which plugs over the mains power cable. The male mains kettle connector (7) inserts into the devices power-in socket. The anti static connectors are located down the length of the coupler (8). The only conducting pin passing through the coupler is the earth pin. Power connections made from the plastic of the body of the device may be included to assist in the location and securing of the coupler in the plug and socket connections.

Figure 2.

Shows the coupler installed into an operational position, inserted between the power cable and the devices power-in socket.

Figure 3.

With the wrist strap connected, the engineer is now electrically and static safe to commence work.

Claims (7)

Claims

1. An Anti Static Coupler comprising of a male to female inline 'kettle' style mains connectors with only the Earth pins conducting through the coupler.

The anti static connections are a mix of or all of industry standard anti static connectors 1 Omm, 4mm studs and 4mm socket, connected to the Earth pin via a resistive device.

2. The coupler as described in claim 1 allows Earth to be supplied to the device. Maintaining the Earth bonding of the chassis.

3. The coupler as claimed in claim 1 prevents the inadvertent powering on of the device while it is being worked on while internal components are removed preventing possible electrical damage to the device and providing electrical safety for the engineer.

4. The coupler as claimed in claim 1 enable the engineer to attach via a wrist band to the coupler and has a strong reliable anti static connection at all time local to the device he wishes to work on.

5. The coupler as described in claim 1 enables the engineer to fit, remove and protect devices at all times, utilising only the anti static packaging the devices are shipped in, his wrist band and strap. In many circumstances totally negating the requirement of a large bulky and cumbersome anti static mat.

6. The coupler as described in claim 1 has the practical advantage of connecting to the device to be worked on and does not require the engineer to search under desks for floor mounting power sockets and any potential problems from unplugging any devices to free an electrical mains supply socket.

7. The coupler as described in claim 1 is totally unique from any product available 'in the market'. No other product can maintain the chassis bonding to earth while preventing inadvertent powering of the device and supplying the engineer with a secure and dependable localised anti static point.