Tools for conducting ESD floor covering tests

Abstract

Aids for carrying out ESD floor covering tests, comprising a mobile test cart for carrying out ESD tests in accordance with DIN EN 61340-4-1 and -4-5, characterized in that a) a holding device for a high-resistance measuring device, b) a ground electrode in an attachment device, c) a handle electrode integrated into the handle, d) electrical connection of the two electrodes to the measuring device, e) an optional integrated power supply unit (power bank), f) and accessory compartments for additional measuring elements are provided.

Description

Technical field:

[0001] The invention relates to a testing device for performing electrostatic discharge measurements on floor coverings within electrostatically protected areas (EPA), in particular for measuring the discharge resistance according to DIN EN 61340-4-1 and the system resistance according to DIN EN 61340-4-5. Optionally, the device can also be used to perform electrostatic discharge tests on people according to DIN EN 61340-4-5 using an additional ESD voltmeter. State of the art:

[0002] For the regular testing of ESD floor coverings, high-resistance measuring devices with a separate electrode for measuring the leakage resistance are used. This electrode must be manually placed on the floor for each measurement and picked up again afterward. This is time-consuming, physically demanding, and prone to errors, especially for large areas.

[0003] For system resistance measurement, a separate handle electrode is required, which must be plugged into the high-resistance measuring device in place of the ground electrode. This is time-consuming for multiple measurements and increases the risk of cable breakage or wear and tear on the connection sockets of the high-resistance measuring device.

[0004] Furthermore, measuring devices are often battery-powered, which can lead to energy shortages during intensive use. Purpose of the invention:

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a tool that makes the performance of ESD tests (discharge resistance and system resistance) according to DIN EN 61340-4-1 and -4-5 more ergonomic, efficient, and user-friendly, particularly for large-area or frequent measurements. An extended embodiment of the invention additionally enables combined testing of personal electrostatic discharge (ESD) with ESD footwear on floor coverings according to DIN EN 61340-4-5 using an ESD voltmeter. Solution to the problem:

[0006] The task is solved by a mobile, two-wheeled test vehicle with the following features: 1. Trolley design (1) with narrow base and adjustable handle for easy movement even in confined work areas 2. Holding device (2) for a high-resistance measuring device for integrating the measuring technology directly on the test equipment 3. Mounting device for a ground electrode (3) which is automatically brought into contact with the ground by lowering the carriage. 4. Integrated handle electrode (4) in the handle for performing system resistance measurement with a standing person 5. Electrical connection (5) of the two electrodes (handle and base electrode) for uniform contacting of a measuring input (no need to reconnect) 6. Integrated device (6) for receiving and using an ESD voltmeter for measuring personal electrostatic discharge in accordance with DIN EN 61340-4-5 7. Additional power supply via an optional integrated power bank for continuous voltage supply of the measuring device during multiple measurements. 8. Accessory compartments for storing additional components such as second electrodes, measuring cables, spare batteries, grounding clamps and plugs, etc. Example implementation:

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the floor analyzer consists of a lightweight, stable base frame with two smooth-running wheels (1). The trolley has a height-adjustable handle into which a metallic electrode is integrated (4). At the lower end of the trolley, a standardized floor electrode (e.g., a 2.5 kg electrode according to the standard) is mounted in a mechanically supported holder (3). The middle unit contains a mounting device for a portable high-resistance measuring instrument (2), which is connected via connecting leads (5) to both electrodes and to the grounding point.

[0008] To measure the leakage resistance, the cart is moved to the desired point and set down. The ground electrode rests on the ground, and the measurement is triggered via the measuring device ( Fig. 1) Then, by grasping and pressing down on the handle, the floor electrode can be lifted from the floor; at the same time, the handle electrode is contacted. The person stands on the floor covering wearing ESD shoes, allowing the system resistance measurement to be carried out ( Fig. 2) In an extended version, an ESD voltmeter is also integrated, with which the electrostatic charge generated on the body of the test subject can be measured according to DIN EN 61340-4-5 ( Fig. 3). Advantages of the invention: • Ergonomic execution of the test types without constantly picking up and putting down the electrode • Time savings in large-area measurements • Integration of all measurement components into one compact device • Option to supply power via power bank – independent of battery changes • Clean cable routing and secure grounding • Reduced training effort due to intuitive design • (Optional) Combined charge measurement according to DIN EN 61340-4-5 with integrated voltmeter possible List of designations: 1 Trolley design 2 Holding device for a high-resistance measuring device 3 Attachment device for a ground electrode 4 Integrated handle electrode 5 Electrical connection 6 Integrated device for mounting and using an ESD voltmeter

Claims

[1] Aids for carrying out ESD floor covering tests, comprising a mobile test trolley for carrying out ESD tests in accordance with DIN EN 61340-4-1 and -4-5, characterized by , that a) a holding device for a high-resistance measuring device, b) a ground electrode in an attachment device, c) a handle electrode integrated into the handle, d) electrical connection of the two electrodes to the measuring device, e) an optional integrated power supply unit (power bank), f) and accessory compartments for additional measuring elements are provided. [2] Aids for carrying out ESD floor covering tests according to claim 1, characterized by that the ground electrode is automatically contacted with the ground when the trolley is set down. [3] Aids for carrying out ESD floor covering tests according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that by simultaneously grasping the handle electrode integrated in the handle and lifting the bottom electrode, the condition for carrying out a system resistance measurement in accordance with DIN EN 61340-4-5 is brought about. [4] Aids for carrying out ESD floor covering tests according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an ESD voltmeter is also integrated, which enables the measurement of the charge of a moving person in accordance with DIN EN 61340-4-5.

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