Modular ESD wrist strap with replaceable resistance cartridge

Abstract

ESD wristband comprising a wristband for wearing on the wrist, a conductive contact surface for contact with the skin and an electrical safety resistor for dissipating electrostatic charges, characterized in that the safety resistor is arranged in a replaceable cartridge which is detachably held in a receptacle provided in the wristband.

Description

Technical field The invention relates to a wristband for protection against electrostatic discharges (ESD), in particular a wearable ESD wristband with an interchangeable electrical functional unit. State of the art Common ESD wrist straps typically consist of a conductive band connected to a grounding point via a cable. In many known solutions, the safety resistor is integrated directly into the connecting cable or the wrist strap itself. This has several disadvantages: • the resistor cannot be easily replaced • maintenance or repair is more difficult • different wristband designs each require their own electrical components Object of the invention The object of the invention is to provide an ESD wristband that: • enables reliable dissipation of electrostatic charge • allows for easy maintenance • allows the use of different wristband designs with the same electrical functional unit Solution to the task The problem is solved by a modular ESD wristband in which an electrical functional element is arranged in the form of a separate cartridge. The cartridge can be inserted into a slot in the wristband and can be removed or replaced if necessary. The cartridge contains an electrical circuit, in particular a safety resistor, and establishes the connection between a conductive contact surface of the wristband and a grounding contact. The resistance arranged in the cartridge is preferably in the range of ESD protection resistors, for example about 1 MΩ. Modular system The resistance cartridge is designed as an independent functional unit. This allows the same cartridge to be combined with different types of wristbands. Examples of possible bracelet variations are: • technical or industrial bracelets • sporty bracelets • decorative or fashionable bracelets • specially designed bracelets for different target groups. The bracelet mainly performs mechanical and ergonomic functions, while the cartridge provides the electrical function. Maintenance and replacement The cartridge can be removed from the bracelet. This allows • a defective cartridge to be completely replaced • or the electronic circuitry contained in the cartridge to be repaired. This enables easy maintenance and extends the service life of the system. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows a top view of an ESD wrist strap with an integrated receptacle for a resistance cartridge. Reference symbol list 1 Wristband 2 Resistance cartridge 3 Electrical component 4 Cover

Claims

ESD wristband comprising a wristband for wearing on the wrist, a conductive contact surface for application to the skin and an electrical safety resistor for dissipating electrostatic charges, characterized in that the safety resistor is arranged in a replaceable cartridge which is detachably held in a receptacle provided in the wristband. ESD wristband according to claim 1, characterized in that the cartridge is fixed in the wristband by a cover. ESD wristband according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover is held in the wristband by locking elements, locking lugs or similar mechanical locking elements. ESD wristband according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety resistance has a value of approximately 1 MΩ. ESD wristband according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electrical connection is provided between the cartridge and a push button contact for connection to an earthing system. ESD wristband according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge is designed as a separate electrical functional unit which can be combined with different wristband types. ESD wristband according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge is removable from the wristband, so that repair or replacement of the electronic components is possible. ESD wristband according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge provides both a mechanical receptacle for the resistor and an electrical connection between skin contact and grounding contact.

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