Electrostatic elimination system, glove box and electrostatic elimination method

Abstract

The application relates to an electrostatic elimination system, which comprises a main body, the main body comprises a chamber, the chamber comprises a first area, a second area and a destatic area, the first area is communicated with the second area, gas flowing through the second area can flow back to the first area through the destatic area; a heating device is arranged in the first area and is used for heating the gas in the first area, the gas in the first area after being heated can flow to the second area; a refrigeration device is arranged in the second area and is used for cooling the gas in the second area, the gas in the second area after being cooled can flow to the destatic area; and an ion generating device is arranged in the chamber and is used for enabling the gas flowing to the destatic area to have positive and negative ions. In the electrostatic elimination system, the movement space of the gas is matched with the whole chamber, the flowing gas and the destatic area have a large contact area, the gas flow rate is uniform and the air force is small, and the electrostatic elimination system can adapt to various destatic working conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of glove boxes, and in particular to an electrostatic elimination system, a glove box, and an electrostatic elimination method. Background Technology

[0002] A glove box is a laboratory device that fills its interior with high-purity inert gas and circulates it to filter out reactive substances. It provides an ultra-pure environment—anhydrous, oxygen-free, and dust-free—for production or experiments, making it an ideal device for scientific experiments. It is widely used in fields such as biochemistry, metallurgy, electronics, chemical engineering, geology, mining, and medicine. Glove boxes offer advantages such as high airtightness, long pressure holding time, and simple operation. However, their disadvantage is the tendency to generate static electricity inside, causing dust to easily adhere to the operating area, affecting experimental accuracy and results.

[0003] Currently, most common static electricity elimination methods employ gun-type, fan-type, or rod-type static electricity elimination devices, which utilize the generated large amounts of positively and negatively charged air masses blown towards the target area to remove static electricity. However, these static electricity elimination devices have some drawbacks when applied to devices such as glove boxes. For example, the area to be treated is relatively small, potentially leaving blind spots in static electricity protection and posing a risk of static damage; the airflow intensity is not easily adjustable, and its adaptability to different operating conditions is weak, which may affect the usability of the static electricity elimination area and the efficiency of static electricity elimination. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, a novel static electricity elimination system, glove box and static electricity elimination method are provided, which can not only achieve static electricity removal over a large area, but also adapt to a variety of static electricity removal conditions and has good adaptability.

[0005] The first aspect of this invention provides an electrostatic elimination system, comprising: a main body, the main body including a chamber, the chamber including a first zone, a second zone, and an electrostatic elimination zone, the first zone and the second zone being connected, and gas flowing through the second zone being able to return to the first zone via the electrostatic elimination zone; a heating device disposed in the first zone for heating the gas in the first zone, the heated gas in the first zone being able to flow to the second zone; a cooling device disposed in the second zone for cooling the gas in the second zone, the cooled gas in the second zone being able to flow to the electrostatic elimination zone; and an ion generating device disposed in the chamber for imbuing the gas flowing to the electrostatic elimination zone with positive and negative ions. In this electrostatic elimination system, the gas movement space is matched to the entire chamber, the flowing gas has a large contact area with the electrostatic elimination zone, the gas flow velocity is uniform, and the wind force is low, making it adaptable to various electrostatic elimination conditions.

[0006] In one embodiment, the chamber includes a heat insulation device disposed between the first and second zones. The heat insulation device has an air inlet channel for allowing gas to enter the first zone. The heat insulation device facilitates gas circulation, reduces mutual interference between the heated gas in the first zone and the cooled gas in the second zone, and ensures good gas flow between the first and second zones.

[0007] In one embodiment, the chamber includes a flow guiding device for guiding gas from the first zone into the second zone. The flow guiding device allows the heated gas from the first zone to flow more smoothly into the second zone, effectively controlling the flow direction of the heated gas and guiding it to different locations in the second zone, thus improving the applicability of the electrostatic elimination system.

[0008] In one embodiment, the chamber also includes a cold gas channel for allowing the gas cooled in the second zone to enter the static electricity removal zone. This channel allows the cooled gas to flow effectively into the static electricity removal zone, which is beneficial for gas circulation and achieves static electricity removal.

[0009] In one embodiment, the ion generator is positioned on the side of the cooling unit closer to the destatication zone. This arrangement allows for better control of the circulation of gas carrying positive and negative ions, thus improving the destatication effect.

[0010] In one embodiment, the ion generator and the cooling device are connected via cooling pipes. The cold air output from the cooling device flows through the cooling pipes to cool the ion generator. This cooling of the ion generator by the cooling device allows the rising heated gas to be cooled by the combined action of the cooling device and the ion generator, better ensuring the downward movement of the gas carrying positive and negative ions. The cooled ion generator, through a specific installation layout, can serve as the contact surface between the cooling device and the gas, effectively reducing the structural volume and number of components of the electrostatic elimination system, thus lowering manufacturing costs.

[0011] In one embodiment, the heating device includes at least two electric heating wires, which are spaced apart and arranged in the same plane. Multiple heating wires arranged in the same plane not only have a larger heating area but also allow for sufficient contact with the gas, improving the heating effect.

[0012] In one embodiment, the ion generating device includes a tip discharger. The tip discharger increases the contact area with the gas, thereby increasing the number of positive and negative ions and achieving a good destatic effect.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention provides a glove box including the aforementioned static electricity elimination system, the main body of which is box-shaped. The static electricity elimination system is applied to the glove box, with the box body serving as the main body of the system, and the operating area of ​​the glove box serving as the static electricity removal area. This glove box can effectively remove static electricity, improving experimental accuracy and results.

[0014] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for static electricity elimination, comprising: providing a chamber having a first zone, a second zone, and a static electricity removal zone, the first zone and the second zone being connected, and gas in the second zone being able to flow back to the first zone via the static electricity removal zone; heating the gas in the first zone, causing the heated gas to flow into the second zone; cooling the gas flowing into the second zone and using an ion generator to make the gas carry positive and negative ions; and returning the gas in the second zone to the first zone via the static electricity removal zone, so as to remove static electricity from an object placed in the static electricity removal zone while the gas flows through the static electricity removal zone. Static electricity elimination is achieved by using gas carrying positive and negative ions in the chamber to flow through the static electricity removal zone. This gas flow rate is uniform and the wind force is relatively small, which on the one hand can adapt to various static electricity removal conditions, improving the adaptability of the method, and on the other hand can control the gas flow rate, improving the static electricity removal efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electrostatic elimination system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an electrostatic elimination method according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a glove box according to some embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0019] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0020] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0021] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0023] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0024] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 Some embodiments of the present invention provide an electrostatic elimination system, including a main body 1, a heating device 2, a cooling device 3, and an ion generating device 4. The main body 1 includes a chamber, which includes a first zone 11, a second zone 12, and an electrostatic elimination zone 13. Specifically, the first zone 11 is a gas heating zone, the second zone 12 is a gas cooling zone, and the electrostatic elimination zone 13 is a region for eliminating static electricity. The first zone 11 and the second zone 12 are connected, and gas flowing through the second zone 12 can flow back to the first zone 11 via the electrostatic elimination zone 13.

[0025] Heating device 2 is located in the first zone 11 and is used to heat the gas flowing into the first zone 11. After being heated, the gas rises and flows to the second zone 12. Heating device 2 can heat the gas by direct heating or indirect heating, such as heating rod heating, infrared heating, electromagnetic heating, etc.

[0026] The refrigeration device 3 is located in the second zone 12 and is used to cool the gas in the second zone 12. After cooling, the gas becomes denser and descends. The cooled gas in the second zone can flow to the destatication zone. The refrigeration device 3 can provide cooling capacity, such as through a device that lowers the temperature by the evaporation of refrigerant.

[0027] An ion generator 4 is disposed within the chamber and is used to carry positive and negative ions in the gas flowing into the destatication zone 13. In a feasible embodiment, the ion generator 4 generates negative ions by using a high-voltage transformer to boost the power frequency voltage to the required voltage, and releases the negative ions into the gas, thereby carrying negative ions in the gas flowing into the destatication zone 13. In one embodiment, the ion generator 4 can use an external electric field or a high-frequency induced electric field to make the gas conductive and generate positive and negative ions, thereby carrying positive and negative ions in the gas flowing into the destatication zone 13.

[0028] This static electricity elimination system utilizes the flow of gas within the chamber to eliminate static electricity. The gas movement space is matched to the entire chamber, allowing for a large contact area between the gas and the static electricity elimination zone 13. Furthermore, the gas flow rate is uniform and the wind force is low, enabling it to adapt to various static electricity elimination conditions and improving the adaptability of the static electricity elimination system.

[0029] In some embodiments, the heating device 2 generates heat through electric heating wires, including at least two electric heating wires spaced apart on the same plane. A certain gap exists between adjacent heating wires to facilitate gas passage. The arrangement of several heating wires on the same plane not only provides a large heating area but also ensures sufficient contact with the gas, improving the heating effect.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ion generator 4 is disposed on the side of the cooling device 3 near the static elimination zone 13. This arrangement allows for better control of the movement of positive and negative ions, improving the static elimination effect. When the rising heated gas encounters the cooling device 3, its density increases, and it descends under the influence of gravity and the pressure difference of the flowing gas. During its descent, the gas passes through the ion generator 4, ensuring that the descending gas is fully loaded with positive and negative ions. These ions are then carried by the gas to the static elimination zone 13 within the chamber, achieving the effect of static elimination.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the ion generator 4 and the cooling device 3 are connected via a cooling pipe. The cold air output from the cooling device 3 can flow through the cooling pipe to cool the ion generator 4. The cooling device 3 cools the ion generator 4, allowing the rising heated gas to be cooled by the combined action of the cooling device 3 and the ion generator 4, thus better ensuring the downward movement of the gas carrying positive and negative ions. This arrangement allows for adjustment of the installation layout of both devices within the second zone 12, enabling the rising heated gas to be directly cooled by the ion generator 4. In other words, the cooled ion generator 4 can serve as the contact surface between the cooling device 3 and the gas, effectively reducing the structural volume and number of components of the electrostatic elimination system and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0032] In some embodiments, the ion generating device 4 includes a tip discharger, such as a metal array type conical tip discharger. The tip discharger can increase the contact area with the gas, and can generate a large number of positive and negative ions through tip discharge, thereby improving the electrostatic elimination effect of the electrostatic elimination system.

[0033] In some embodiments, the chamber further includes a heat insulation device 5 disposed between the first zone 11 and the second zone 12. The heat insulation device 5 is provided with an air inlet channel 51 for allowing gas to enter the first zone 11. The heat insulation device 5 separates the heated gas from the cooled gas within a certain area. By allowing gas to enter the first zone 11 through the air inlet channel 51 via the heat insulation device 5, the mutual interference between the heated gas in the first zone 11 and the cooled gas in the second zone 12 is reduced, resulting in good gas circulation between the first zone 11 and the second zone 12.

[0034] In this electrostatic elimination system, the chamber also includes a flow guiding device 6, which guides the gas from the first zone 11 into the second zone 12. The flow guiding device 6 is positioned between the first zone 11 and the second zone 12, allowing the heated gas in the first zone 11 to flow smoothly to the second zone 12, effectively controlling the flow direction of the heated gas. Furthermore, when multiple second zones 12 exist in the electrostatic elimination system, the flow guiding device 6 can guide the heated gas from the first zone 11 to different locations within the second zones 12, improving the adaptability of the electrostatic elimination system.

[0035] The static electricity elimination system in this embodiment of the invention includes a main body 1 with a chamber structure, a heating device 2, a cooling device 3, and an ion generating device 4. The gas in the chamber flows, and the static electricity is eliminated by neutralizing the charge of the static electricity elimination zone 13 with the positive and negative ions in the gas.

[0036] This static eliminator system has a large contact area with the object to be destaticated in the static elimination zone, which improves the static elimination effect. In addition, the gas flow rate is uniform and the wind force is small during the static elimination process, which can adapt to a variety of working conditions, such as static elimination conditions containing powder, and has good adaptability.

[0037] See Figure 2 According to the above-described static electricity elimination system, the present invention also provides a static electricity elimination method in some embodiments, specifically including the following steps: S100, providing a chamber having a first zone 11, a second zone 12, and a static electricity removal zone 13, the first zone 11 and the second zone 12 being connected, and the gas in the second zone 12 being able to flow back to the first zone 11 via the static electricity removal zone 13; S200, heating the gas in the first zone 11 so that the heated gas flows to the second zone 12; S300, cooling the gas flowing into the second zone 12 and using an ion generator 4 to make the gas carry positive and negative ions; S400, returning the gas in the second zone 12 to the first zone 11 via the static electricity removal zone 13, so that the object to be destaticated placed in the static electricity removal zone 11 is destaticated when the gas flows through the static electricity removal zone 11.

[0038] The gas in the first zone 11 is heated by the heating device 2. The heated gas, due to its decreased density, rises, creating a pressure difference between the heated gas and the unheated gas in other zones. Under this pressure difference, the heated gas flows to the second zone 12 of the chamber. A cooling device 3 is installed in the second zone 12 to cool the heated gas flowing there. The cooled gas, due to its increased density, descends, and due to the pressure difference, flows back to the first zone 11, thus creating a gas flow between the first zone 11 and the second zone 12. An ion generator 4 is used to infuse the gas flowing to the static elimination zone 13 with positive and negative ions, preparing it for subsequent static elimination in the static elimination zone 13.

[0039] When the destatication zone 13 receives gas carrying positive and negative ions, the positive and negative ions in the gas neutralize the charge of the destatication zone 13, thus eliminating static electricity from the object placed in the destatication zone 13. The gas flowing through the destatication zone 13 then flows back to the first zone 11, restarting the above process.

[0040] The gas carrying positive and negative ions has a large contact area with the object to be destaticated in the destatication zone 13, allowing for sufficient contact between the object and the gas, effectively improving the static elimination effect. During the static elimination process, the gas carrying positive and negative ions formed in the chamber flows through the destatication zone 13 to achieve static elimination. This gas flow is uniform in velocity and has low wind force, making it adaptable to various static elimination conditions, such as those involving powder, thus improving application adaptability. Furthermore, it allows for control of the gas flow rate, ensuring work efficiency.

[0041] Furthermore, during the static elimination process, the temperature inside the chamber can be adjusted. Through program linkage, the heating power of heating device 2 and the cooling power of cooling device 3 can be adjusted respectively, so as to achieve precise control of the temperature inside the chamber, which is beneficial to improving the experimental accuracy and effect.

[0042] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a glove box according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. The glove box includes the above-described static elimination system to achieve static elimination within the glove box. The glove box with the static elimination system has its body configured as the main body 1, and the operating area of ​​the glove box is configured as the static elimination area 13. The static elimination system can be fully integrated with the glove box and can adapt to various structural types of glove boxes (such as glove boxes containing a single operating area, glove boxes containing multiple operating areas, etc.).

[0043] In some embodiments, the glove box includes two operating areas. The box body (main body 1) of the glove box includes a first area 11, two second areas 12 and two operating areas (static discharge areas 13). The first area 11 is located between the two second areas 12, and the two operating areas are respectively located in the two second areas 12. The two second areas 12 are respectively located on both sides of the box body cavity.

[0044] A flow guiding device 6 is provided in the upper region of the first zone 11 inside the box to guide the heated gas in the first zone 11 to the second zone 12 on both sides; a heating device 2 is provided in the lower region of the first zone 11 inside the box. The heating device 2 consists of several electric heating wires arranged on the same plane, with sufficient gaps between the electric heating wires to allow gas to pass through.

[0045] The two second zones 12 inside the box have the same structural arrangement. In the upper area of ​​the second zone 12 inside the box, a refrigeration device 3, an ion generator 4 and a cold gas channel 41 are arranged from top to bottom. The discharger on the ion generator 4 is a metal array type conical tip discharger. An operation area is arranged in the lower area of ​​the second zone 12 inside the box.

[0046] A heat insulation device 5 is provided between the first zone 11 and the second zone 12 inside the box. The upper part of the heat insulation device 5 is connected to the cold gas channel 41, and the lower part of the heat insulation device 5 is provided with an air inlet channel 51. An electric heating wire is installed above the air inlet channel 51 to better heat the gas in the first zone 11.

[0047] The glove box uses heating device 2 to heat the gas in the first zone 11. The heated gas rises and flows through the guide device 6 to the area above the second zone 12. The heated gas comes into contact with the ion generator 4 and is cooled during the contact process, generating a large amount of gas with positive and negative ions. After cooling, the gas with positive and negative ions becomes denser and falls into the operating zone through the cold gas channel 41. The positive and negative ions in the gas neutralize the charge in the operating zone, thereby eliminating static electricity in the operating zone. After flowing through the operating zone, the gas enters the first zone 11 through the air inlet channel 41 and flows through the heating device 2 to start the above process again.

[0048] Throughout the static elimination process within the glove box, the movement space of the gas carrying positive and negative ions matches the entire second zone 12. This allows for a large contact area between the gas and the operating area, resulting in a large static elimination area and achieving static elimination across the entire operating surface. The glove box maintains a static-free state, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of the experiment.

[0049] This glove box utilizes the principle of gas rising when heated and falling when cooled to create flowing gas. The gas flow rate is uniform and the wind force is small. This glove box is suitable for various static electricity removal conditions, has no dead angles for static electricity protection, avoids static damage, and has good adaptability.

[0050] The glove box generates a "chimney effect" during static electricity elimination, accelerating gas circulation and improving elimination efficiency. Simultaneously, the box contains a heating device 2 and a cooling device 3, facilitating precise temperature control during static elimination. This adaptability allows it to meet varying environmental requirements under different operating conditions, further enhancing its versatility and effectively improving experimental precision and product quality. The glove box also reduces structural volume and the number of components, lowering manufacturing costs while remaining adaptable to diverse operating conditions.

[0051] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0052] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrostatic elimination system for use in a glove box, comprising: The glove box comprises: a main body comprising a chamber, the chamber comprising a first zone, a second zone and a destaticizing zone, the first zone being in communication with the second zone, gas flowing through the second zone returning to the first zone through the destaticizing zone; a heating device arranged in the first zone for heating the gas in the first zone, the heated gas in the first zone flowing to the second zone; a refrigeration device arranged in the second zone for cooling the gas in the second zone, the cooled gas in the second zone flowing to the destaticizing zone; and an ion generating device arranged in the chamber for enabling the gas flowing to the destaticizing zone to carry positive and negative ions.

2. The static elimination system of claim 1, wherein, The chamber further comprises a heat insulation device arranged between the first zone and the second zone, the heat insulation device being provided with an air inlet channel for enabling the gas to enter the first zone.

3. The static elimination system of claim 1, wherein, The chamber further comprises a flow guiding device for guiding the gas in the first zone to enter the second zone.

4. The static elimination system of claim 1, wherein, The chamber further comprises a cold gas channel for enabling the cooled gas in the second zone to enter the destaticizing zone.

5. The static elimination system of claim 1, wherein, The ion generating device is arranged on the side of the refrigeration device close to the destaticizing zone.

6. The static elimination system of claim 5, wherein, The ion generating device and the refrigeration device are connected through a cooling pipeline, and the cold gas output by the refrigeration device can flow through the cooling pipeline to cool the ion generating device.

7. The static elimination system of claim 1, wherein, The heating device comprises at least two electric heating wires arranged in the same plane.

8. The static elimination system of claim 1, wherein, The ion generating device comprises a pointed discharge device.

9. A glove box characterized by The glove box comprises the static electricity eliminating system according to any one of claims 1-8, and the main body is in the shape of a box.

10. A method of static elimination using the static elimination system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The glove box comprises: a chamber provided with a first zone, a second zone and a destaticizing zone, the first zone and the second zone being in communication, and the gas in the second zone returning to the first zone through the destaticizing zone; a heating device for heating the gas in the first zone, so that the heated gas flows to the second zone; a refrigeration device for cooling the gas flowing into the second zone, and an ion generating device for enabling the gas to carry positive and negative ions; the gas in the second zone returning to the first zone through the destaticizing zone, so as to destaticize the object to be destaticized arranged in the destaticizing zone when the gas flows through the destaticizing zone.

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