Static eliminator

Abstract

To provide a static eliminator which can reliably remove static electricity on the entire part of an article to be destaticized.SOLUTION: A static eliminator has: a plurality of first electrodes; a plurality of second electrodes; and a voltage supply part which respectively supplies a first voltage and a second voltage, different from the first voltage, to the first electrodes and the second electrodes so as to generate lines of electric force between the first electrodes and the second electrodes. A first support tool and a second support tool are disposed in such a manner that the first electrodes disposed on the first support tool and the second electrodes disposed on the second support tool may be adjacent to each other in a second direction intersecting a first direction, and that the second electrodes disposed on the first support tool and the first electrodes disposed on the second support tool may be adjacent in the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a static eliminator. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, ion generators have been proposed that spray ions (positive and negative ions) onto an object to neutralize the object. Examples of ion generators include those that generate positive and negative ions by corona discharge. Specifically, the ion generator electrically decomposes molecules in the air (e.g., water molecules) by corona discharge caused by applying a voltage to a pair of electrodes, generating positive ions (hydrogen ions (H+)) and negative ions (oxygen ions (O2-)) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-149561 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A static eliminator that eliminates static electricity by spraying ions needs to be equipped with a blower to generate an airflow containing ions, which makes the configuration complicated. In a configuration that eliminates static electricity by spraying ions, it is possible to eliminate static electricity from the surface of an item to be neutralized, but it may be difficult to eliminate static electricity from the inside.

[0005] Furthermore, in the case of an ion generator that utilizes corona discharge as described above, a high voltage of several thousand volts or more must be applied to generate the corona discharge, which requires a power supply circuit to generate the high voltage, making the device configuration complex and large.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a static eliminator that has a simple configuration and can reliably eliminate static from the entire object that is the target of static elimination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the static eliminator of the present invention includes a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a voltage supply unit that supplies a first voltage and a second voltage different from the first voltage to the first electrodes and the second electrodes, respectively, so as to generate electric field lines between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and first and second supports that alternately arrange the first electrodes and the second electrodes at a distance in a first direction. The first and second supports are arranged so that the first electrodes arranged on the first support and the second electrodes arranged on the second support are adjacent to each other in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and the second electrodes arranged on the first support and the first electrodes arranged on the second support are adjacent to each other in the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The static eliminator of the present invention has a simple configuration and can reliably eliminate static from the entire object to be neutralized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a static eliminator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the static eliminator shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing electric force lines EL that indicate electric forces generated at the positive electrode and the negative electrode. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing electric lines of force in the static eliminator. [Figure 5] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a positively charged article is placed in a target area for static elimination. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a case where a negatively charged article is placed in the static elimination target area. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sheet conveying device using a static eliminator. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an article processing apparatus that uses a static eliminator. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another example of a static eliminator. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another example of a static eliminator. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of use of a static eliminator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In the following description, the operation of removing charge from an article P that is charged with static electricity or the like is referred to as static elimination.

[0011] First Embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a static eliminator A according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the static eliminator A shown in Fig. 1.

[0012] The static eliminator A eliminates static electricity from an item P placed in a static elimination target area Ar. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the static eliminator A has a first electrode 1, a second electrode 2, a voltage supply unit 3, wiring 4, a first support 51, and a second support 52. Note that while the static elimination target area Ar is shown as a rectangular parallelepiped in FIG. 1 and other figures, the actual static elimination target area Ar is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The static elimination target area Ar can be, for example, an area where the density of electric field lines EL, described below, is equal to or greater than a certain level. However, the static elimination target area Ar is not limited to this. The static elimination target area Ar can be any space in which static electricity can be eliminated from an item P placed therein. The same applies to the static elimination target areas Br and Cr, described below.

[0013] The first electrode 1 is a rod-shaped electrode. The second electrode 2 is also a rod-shaped electrode like the first electrode 1. The first support 51 and the second support 52 are cylindrical members arranged side by side. Both the first support 51 and the second support 52 are made of an insulating material such as resin.

[0014] On the first support 51, the first electrodes 1 and the second electrodes 2 are alternately arranged at a first distance L1. On the second support 52, the first electrodes 1 and the second electrodes 2 are also alternately arranged at a first distance L1. Two first electrodes 1 and two second electrodes 2 are attached to each of the first support 51 and the second support 52.

[0015] The voltage supply unit 3 is connected to a power supply (not shown) and generates a predetermined DC voltage based on the voltage supplied from the power supply. The voltage supply unit 3 has, for example, a constant voltage circuit capable of outputting a constant voltage. The voltage supply unit 3 is electrically connected to the first electrode 1 via wiring 4 and to the second electrode 2 via wiring 4.

[0016] The voltage supply unit 3 applies a first voltage V1 to the first electrode 1 and a second voltage V2, which is a negative voltage (less than 0 V), to the second electrode 2. The same first voltage V1 is applied to all of the first electrodes 1, and the same second voltage V2 is applied to all of the second electrodes 2.

[0017] In the static eliminator A, even when the second voltage V2 is the ground voltage (0 V), electric lines of force are formed from the first electrode 1 to the second electrode 2. That is, in the static eliminator A, the second voltage V2 may be the ground voltage (0 V). When the second voltage V2 is the ground voltage (0 V), the wiring 4 connected to the second electrode 2 may be configured to be connected to, for example, a ground terminal capable of supplying the ground voltage. This configuration increases the degree of freedom in arranging the wiring 4 connected to the second electrode 2.

[0018] Furthermore, even when the first voltage V1 is set to ground voltage (0 V) and the second voltage V2 is set to a negative voltage (less than 0 V), electric field lines EL are similarly formed from the first electrode 1 to the second electrode 2. That is, in the static eliminator A, the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 may be different voltages, with the first voltage V1 being equal to or greater than ground voltage and the second voltage V2 being equal to or less than ground voltage. Note that, although the first voltage V1 is higher than the second voltage V2 in the static eliminator A of this embodiment, the opposite may also be true.

[0019] In the static eliminator A of this embodiment, the first support 51 and the second support 52 are arranged in parallel. At this time, the first support 51 and the second support 52 extend in a first direction D1, and the first support 51 and the second support 52 are arranged side by side in a second direction D2 with the static elimination target area Ar sandwiched between them. The first electrode 1 of the first support 51 and the second electrode 2 of the second support 52 are arranged with a second distance L2 between them in the second direction D2. Furthermore, the second electrode 2 of the first support 51 and the first electrode 1 of the second support 52 are arranged with a second distance L2 between them in the second direction D2.

[0020] In the static eliminator A, the first distance L1 can be, for example, 30 cm to 60 cm. Furthermore, the second distance L2 can be, for example, 60 cm to 200 cm. The first distance L1 and the second distance L2 can be changed depending on the applied voltage. In the static eliminator A, the first support 51 and the second support 52 are parallel, but they do not have to be parallel. Even if they are not parallel, it is preferable that the distance falls within the above-mentioned range.

[0021] If the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 are too large, the electric field lines EL emitted from the first electrode 1 will not enter the second electrode 2, and if they are too close, the electric field lines EL will not easily spread, and an area may be formed that is less affected by the electric field lines EL. Furthermore, if the distance between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 is too small, the static elimination target area Ar will be narrow, and it may be difficult to place the article P. Therefore, it is preferable that the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 be approximately the lengths described above.

[0022] The first electrode 1 of the first support 51 and the second electrode 2 of the second support 52, and the second electrode 2 of the first support 51 and the first electrode 1 of the second support 52 are arranged side by side in the first direction D1 at a first distance L1. Explaining further, as shown in Fig. 1, in the static eliminator A, the first electrode 1 is arranged at the top of the first support 51 in the second direction D2 and the second electrode 2 is arranged at the bottom. Furthermore, the second electrode 2 is arranged at the top of the second support 52 in the second direction D2 and the first electrode 1 is arranged at the bottom.

[0023] That is, in the static eliminator A, the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are arranged so that different electrodes are adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. That is, the electrode adjacent to the first electrode 1 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is the second electrode 2. Also, the electrode adjacent to the second electrode 2 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is the first electrode 1. To explain further, in the static eliminator A, the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are configured to be arranged on an imaginary plane (a central static elimination plane Ar1 described later). Note that the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 may be offset from the imaginary plane (the central static elimination plane Ar1).

[0024] In this state, a first voltage V1 is applied to the first electrode 1 and a second voltage V2 is applied to the second electrode 2 from the voltage supply unit 3. The first voltage V1 is equal to or greater than the ground voltage, and the second voltage V2 is equal to or less than the ground voltage (e.g., a negative voltage). Therefore, in the static eliminator A, when a voltage is applied to each electrode, the first electrode 1 acts as a positive electrode and the second electrode 2 acts as a negative electrode, and a positive charge moves from the first electrode 1, which is a positive electrode, to the second electrode 2, which is a negative electrode. The locus of the moving positive charge is the electric field line EL. The electric field line will be explained with reference to the drawings. In the static eliminator A, the absolute values ​​of the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 are about several volts. With this configuration, the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 generate electric field lines EL that can eliminate static electricity.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing electric field lines EL, which indicate the electric force generated at the positive electrode Ea and the negative electrode Ec. As shown in FIG. 3, if there are no other electrodes or conductors around the positive electrode Ea, positive charges radiate from the positive electrode Ea. Therefore, radial electric field lines EL are formed at the positive electrode Ea. Furthermore, if there are no other electrodes or conductors around the negative electrode Ec, positive charges enter the negative electrode Ec. Therefore, radial electric field lines EL are formed at the negative electrode Ec.

[0026] The positive charge coming out of the positive electrode Ea enters the negative electrode Ec. Therefore, when the positive electrode Ea and the negative electrode Ec are arranged side by side, the electric field lines coming out of the positive electrode Ea form straight or curved lines and enter the negative electrode Ec.

[0027] 3 illustrates the electric field lines EL on a plane for ease of understanding, but in reality, the electric field lines EL extend in a spherical shape radiating from the positive electrode Ea and are absorbed by the negative electrode Ec in three-dimensional space. In other words, the electric field lines EL act not only on a plane but also in space.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing electric field lines EL on a central static elimination surface Ar1 of a static elimination target area Ar of the static elimination device A. The central static elimination surface Ar1 is the surface on which the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are arranged. In the static elimination device A of Fig. 4, the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 are shown as having the same length, and the electric field lines EL are shown with dashed lines. As shown in Fig. 4, the electric field lines EL are curved lines that extend from the first electrode 1, which is a positive electrode, and enter the second electrode 2, which is a negative electrode.

[0029] The electric field lines EL are the loci of positive charges moving from the first electrode 1, which is a positive electrode, to the second electrode 2. Since the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are rod-shaped electrodes arranged with their tips facing each other, the electric field lines EL formed by the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are not only formed on a plane but also formed three-dimensionally. Therefore, the static elimination target area Ar is a space formed three-dimensionally, and the actual electric field lines EL are also formed in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 4 .

[0030] In the static eliminator A, the first support 51 and the second support 52 are made of an insulating material. This configuration reduces shielding by the first support 51 and the second support 52. By applying a first voltage V1 to the first electrode 1 and a second voltage V2 to the second electrode 2 from the voltage supply unit 3 to the first support 51 and the second support 52, positive charges are transferred from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2. In other words, electric field lines EL are formed that exit the first electrode 1 and enter the second electrode 2 (see FIG. 4). At this time, the first voltage V1 continues to be applied to the first electrode 1 from the voltage supply unit 3. Therefore, positive charges are continuously discharged from the first electrode 1.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4, the static eliminator A is provided with four first electrodes 1 and four second electrodes 2. By configuring the static eliminator A in this manner, the same number of first electrodes 1 and second electrodes 2 are arranged, and electric field lines EL are formed to extend from the first electrodes 1 to the second electrodes 2. This prevents the influence of the electric field lines EL from spreading to areas outside the static elimination target area Ar of the static eliminator A. In the static eliminator A, when a voltage is supplied from the voltage supply unit 3 to the first electrodes 1 and the second electrodes 2, the state shown in Fig. 4 is a stable state.

[0032] Although the electric field lines EL of the central static elimination surface Ar1 have been described above, in reality, electric field lines are also formed in directions that intersect with the central static elimination surface Ar1. Therefore, the static elimination target area Ar is a space formed in three dimensions (see FIG. 1). In the static elimination device A, the static elimination target area Ar is a portion where the electric field lines EL are at a certain density or higher. However, this is not limited to this, and a wide range of areas that can efficiently negate static electricity from the item P can be used.

[0033] In the static elimination device A, the central static elimination surface Ar1 (see FIG. 1) of the static elimination target area Ar shown in FIG. 4 is a portion where static elimination is highly effective. In the static elimination device A, static is eliminated from the item P by placing a charged item P inside the static elimination target area Ar as shown in FIG. 1. Here, the static elimination state of the item P in the static elimination target area Ar will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0034] The following describes the cases where a positively charged object Pa1 (P) is placed on the central static elimination surface Ar1 of the static elimination target area Ar, and the case where a negatively charged object Pc1 (P) is placed. First, Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state where a positively charged object Pa1 is placed within the central static elimination surface Ar1 of the static elimination target area Ar.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 5, when a positively charged item Pa1 is placed within the central static elimination surface Ar1 of the static elimination target area Ar, electric field lines EL1 are formed from the item Pa1 toward the second electrode 2. At the central static elimination surface Ar1, the charged state of the item Pa1 changes so that the electric field lines EL1 approach the stable state shown in Fig. 4. As a result, static electricity is eliminated from the item Pa1.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a case where a negatively charged item Pc1 is placed on the central static elimination surface Ar1 of the static elimination target area Ar. As shown in Fig. 6, when the charged item Pc1 is placed within the central static elimination surface Ar1 of the static elimination target area Ar, electric field lines EL2 are formed from the first electrode 1 toward the item Pc1. At the central static elimination surface Ar1, the charged state of the item Pc1 changes so that the electric field lines EL2 approach the stable state shown in Fig. 4. As a result, the item Pc1 is neutralized.

[0037] For ease of explanation, the state of neutralization at the central neutralization surface Ar1 has been described, but the same effect can be obtained within the neutralization target area Ar, although there may be variations in the neutralization ability.

[0038] As described above, the static eliminator A can easily and safely eliminate static electricity from the item P whether it is positively charged or negatively charged. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate static electricity from an item whose charge state is unknown. It is also possible to simultaneously eliminate static electricity from a positively charged item and a negatively charged item. Furthermore, it is also possible to alternately eliminate static electricity from a positively charged item and a negatively charged item without switching the operation of the static eliminator A.

[0039] In the static eliminator A, static elimination of an object is performed by the effect of the electric field lines EL, so static elimination can be performed in a short time. Therefore, even if the object is a long member, for example, static elimination of the object P is possible by moving the object P so that it passes through the static elimination target area Ar.

[0040] Furthermore, in the static eliminator A, a lower voltage is applied to the electrodes compared to configurations that perform discharges such as corona discharge. This allows for a simplified configuration of the voltage supply unit 3. Furthermore, since the configuration does not apply a high voltage, the wiring 4 can also be simplified and power consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, since the configuration does not use discharge, static elimination can be performed safely even in spaces filled with flammable gases, dust, etc. Furthermore, since the static eliminator A does not generate ions, static elimination is possible even in places where the gas for generating ions is thin (for example, places filled with inert gas). Furthermore, the static eliminator A does not require a configuration for generating an airflow to blow ions. In other words, the static eliminator A is configured to be able to eliminate static from an item regardless of the ambient atmosphere in which the item to be static eliminated is placed.

[0041] Furthermore, since the static eliminator A is configured to eliminate static electricity using electric field lines EL, it is possible to eliminate static electricity not only from the surface but also from the portion of the surface layer of the article where charge accumulates. Therefore, sufficient static elimination can be achieved even if the number of static elimination operations (here, the operation of passing the article P through the static elimination target area Ar) is small.

[0042] As described above, the static eliminator A can be more convenient for the user than conventional static eliminators.

[0043] In the present embodiment, two first electrodes 1 and two second electrodes 2 are arranged on each of the first support 51 and the second support 52, but this is not limiting. The number of first electrodes 1 and second electrodes 2 is not limited as long as the first electrodes 1 of the first support 51 and the second electrodes 2 of the second support 52 are adjacent to each other in the second direction D2, and the second electrodes 2 of the first support 51 and the first electrodes 1 of the second support 52 are adjacent to each other in the second direction D2.

[0044] Furthermore, in the static elimination device A, the static elimination target area Ar is a space that extends in a direction intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Therefore, the item P to be static eliminated can be neutralized as long as it is within the static elimination target area Ar, and can be neutralized even if it is not placed in a portion sandwiched between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2. In other words, static elimination of a space that extends three-dimensionally is possible even when the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are placed on a plane.

[0045] Furthermore, in the static elimination target area Ar formed by the static elimination device A, the central static elimination surface Ar1 has a high density of electric field lines EL and a high static elimination effect. Therefore, when an article P is made to enter (pass through) the static elimination target area Ar, the static elimination effect can be enhanced by making the article P pass through the central static elimination surface Ar1.

[0046] <1st usage example> FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a sheet conveying device St that uses a static eliminator A. The sheet conveying device St is a device that conveys a long sheet Sh made of, for example, resin, paper, or the like. The sheet conveying device St is used, for example, as a conveying mechanism of a printing device that prints on the surface of the sheet Sh and then cuts it to a predetermined length. In the sheet conveying device St, the sheet Sh is supplied as a roll Rr wound around a cylindrical core.

[0047] In the sheet conveying device St, the conveying rollers R1 and R2 rotate while sandwiching the sheet Sh between them. As a result, the frictional force between the conveying rollers R1 and R2 and the sheet Sh causes the sheet Sh to be pulled out from the roll Rr. The conveying rollers R1 and R2 are also arranged on the conveying path Tw along which the sheet Sh moves. The sheet Sh is moved along the conveying path Tw by the conveying rollers R1 and R2 and sent to the printing press Pr.

[0048] When the sheet Sh is transported, static electricity may be generated between the sheet Sh and the transport rollers R1 and R2 due to friction. If the sheet Sh becomes charged, it may cause wrinkles in the sheet Sh. It may also result in poor printing. Therefore, a static eliminator A is disposed upstream of the transport path Tw in the direction of transport of the printer Pr, and static electricity is eliminated from the sheet Sh by having the sheet Sh pass through the central static elimination surface Ar1 of the static elimination target area Ar of the static eliminator A. Although the printer Pr and the static eliminator A are disposed apart in FIG. 7, the static eliminator A may also be disposed at the entry point of the printer Pr for the sheet Sh.

[0049] The sheet Sh may be electrically charged when it is supplied as a roll Rr. In such cases, a strong force may be required to unwind the sheet Sh from the roll Rr. Furthermore, the charge on the sheet Sh may cause discharge, which may deteriorate the sheet. Therefore, the static eliminator A may be disposed near the portion of the roll Rr where the sheet Sh is unwound.

[0050] By locating the static elimination device A near the portion of the roll Rr where the sheet Sh is pulled out, part or all of the roll Rr is positioned within the static elimination target area Ar, thereby eliminating static from the sheet Sh on the roll Rr. Furthermore, by having the sheet Sh pulled out from the roll Rr pass through the central static elimination surface Ar1 of the static elimination target area Ar, static elimination of the sheet Sh can be more efficiently achieved.

[0051] <Second usage example> 8 is a schematic diagram of an article processing device Pt that uses a static eliminator A. The article processing device Pt is an article processing device that transports articles P and processes the articles P (for example, printing).

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8, the article processing device Pt has a conveying device Pt1, a static eliminator A, and a processing device Pt2. The article processing device Pt performs processing on the article P conveyed by the conveying device Pt1 using the processing device Pt2. As shown in FIG. 8, the article P is a rectangular box made of paper. The box-shaped article P is then transported by the conveying device Pt1. The conveying device Pt1 can be, for example, a belt conveyor, but is not limited to a belt conveyor. The processing device Pt2 can be, for example, a printing device that prints on the surface of the article P, but is not limited to this.

[0053] The item P may become charged with static electricity or the like. When the item P becomes charged, it may attract surrounding dust, dirt, etc. If printing is performed when dust, dirt, etc. is adsorbed to the surface of the item P, there is a risk that part of the print will be missing. Furthermore, when the charged charge is discharged, it may be discharged to the processing device Pt2, which may cause a malfunction of the processing device Pt2.

[0054] Therefore, in the article processing device Pt, the static eliminator A is disposed adjacent to the conveying device Pt1. The static eliminator A is disposed so that the first support 51 and the second support 52 face each other in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the conveying device Pt1. By disposing them in this manner, the static elimination target area Ar, which is formed by the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 of the first support 51 and the second electrode 1 and the first electrode 1 of the second support 52, is formed so as to intersect with the conveying device Pt1. In other words, as the article P is transported by the transporting device Pt1, it passes through the static elimination target area Ar of the static eliminator A and the central static elimination surface Ar1 of the static elimination target area Ar. As a result, the article P is neutralized and transported to the processing device Pt2. The neutralized article P is printed by the processing device Pt2.

[0055] The static eliminator A can eliminate the electric charge on parts of an article that is moving while placed on the top surface of a conveying device Pt1 such as a belt conveyor, which do not directly face the static eliminator A.

[0056] The static eliminator A eliminates static electricity from the item P (here, sheet Sh, item P, etc.) as the item P passes through the static elimination target area Ar (particularly, the central static elimination surface Ar1). Therefore, there is a high degree of freedom in the installation location of the static eliminator A relative to the sheet conveying device St and the item processing device Pt, and the static eliminator A can be easily installed. Furthermore, because there is a high degree of freedom in the installation location, the static eliminator A can be easily installed in existing equipment.

[0057] The two use examples described above are examples of configurations in which static eliminator A is used to eliminate static electricity from objects, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, a configuration in which an air curtain is placed after static eliminator A, which eliminates static electricity from objects to be eliminated, such as people and objects, can be mentioned. In such a configuration, static eliminator A eliminates static electricity from the objects to be eliminated, and the air curtain blows away any foreign matter. In this way, the effect of removing foreign matter can be improved compared to when only an air curtain is placed.

[0058] Another example is a configuration in which a vacuum cleaner is placed after a static eliminator A that eliminates static from objects to be eliminated, such as people and objects. In such a configuration, the static eliminator A eliminates static from the objects to be eliminated, and the vacuum cleaner sucks in and collects foreign matter. This can improve the effectiveness of removing foreign matter compared to when only a vacuum cleaner is placed.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, a configuration can be exemplified in which an adhesive roller that attracts and removes foreign matter is placed after static eliminator A, which eliminates static electricity from objects to be neutralized, such as people and objects. In such a configuration, static eliminator A eliminates static electricity from the objects to be neutralized, thereby removing static electricity, and the adhesive roller attracts and collects the foreign matter. This can improve the effect of removing foreign matter compared to when only an adhesive roller is placed.

[0060] Furthermore, other than these, it is possible to use it in devices and members that can arrange the first support tool 51 and the second support tool 52 so that the object to be neutralized enters the neutralization target area Ar.

[0061] Second Embodiment Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of another example of static eliminator B. As shown in Fig. 9, static eliminator B differs from static eliminator A in that it has flat first supports 61 and second supports 62 instead of first supports 51 and second supports 52. Other parts of static eliminator B have substantially the same configuration as static eliminator A. Parts of static eliminator B that are substantially the same as those of static eliminator A are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0062] 9, the first support 61 of the static eliminator B is flat, and two rows of first electrodes 1 and second electrodes 2 arranged alternately in a first direction D1 are arranged side by side in a third direction D3 that intersects with the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In the first support 61, the first electrodes 1 and the second electrodes 2 are arranged adjacent to each other in the third direction D3.

[0063] The second support 62 is flat and has two rows of first electrodes 1 and second electrodes 2 arranged two by two in the first direction D1, arranged side by side in the third direction D3. In the second support 62, the first electrodes 1 and the second electrodes 2 are arranged adjacent to each other in the third direction D3.

[0064] Furthermore, the first support 61 and the second support 62 are arranged so that the first electrode 1 of the first support 61 and the second electrode 2 of the second support 62 are adjacent to each other in the second direction D2, and so that the second electrode 2 of the first support 61 and the first electrode 1 of the second support 62 are adjacent to each other in the second direction D2. By arranging them in this manner, the width of the static elimination target area Br in the third direction D3 can be increased. This, for example, increases the time that a transported article is located within the static elimination target area Br, thereby more reliably eliminating static electricity from the article.

[0065] Furthermore, as described above, by arranging the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2, two central static elimination surfaces Br1 and Br2 are formed in the static elimination target area Br. Then, for example, by configuring the transported articles to pass through the two central static elimination surfaces Br1 and Br2, the static eliminator B can more reliably eliminate static electricity from the articles. Note that, although the present embodiment has been described using an example in which two rows are arranged in the third direction D3, three or more rows may also be used. Furthermore, the first support 61 and the second support 62 may be configured to be elastically deformable.

[0066] Third Embodiment Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of another example of a static eliminator C. As shown in Fig. 10, the static eliminator C differs from the static eliminator A in that it includes one first electrode 1 and one second electrode 2, and includes a first support 71 and a second support 72 instead of the first support 51 and the second support 52. Other parts of the static eliminator C have substantially the same configuration as the static eliminator A. Parts of the static eliminator C that are substantially the same as those of the static eliminator A are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10 , in the static eliminator C, one first electrode 1 is supported by a first support 71. Also, one second electrode 2 is supported by a second support 72. The first support 71 has a shape that can support the first electrode 1. Here, the first support 71 is sheet-like. Also, the second support 72 has a shape that can support the second electrode 2. Here, the second support 72 is sheet-like. The first support 71 and the second support 72 can be configured to be elastically deformable, but may also be flat-plate-like with a certain degree of rigidity.

[0068] In the static eliminator C, the first support 71 and the second support 72 are arranged so that the distance between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 is a second distance L2. A first voltage V1 is applied to the first electrode 1, and a second voltage V2, which is a voltage equal to or lower than the ground voltage, is applied to the second electrode 2. As a result, the first electrode 1 becomes a positive electrode and the second electrode 2 becomes a negative electrode, and electric lines of force are formed from the first electrode 1 to the second electrode 2.

[0069] With this configuration, electric field lines EL are formed by the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2. The first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are arranged to sandwich a target region Cr for neutralization. The target region Cr for neutralization can be an area where the density of the electric field lines EL formed by the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 is equal to or greater than a certain level.

[0070] The static eliminator C is configured to use an elastically deformable sheet-like first support 71 and a second support 72. Therefore, the first support 71 and the second support 72 can be arranged so as to be attached along a curved surface. Alternatively, the first support 71 and the second support 72 may be omitted, and the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 may constitute the static eliminator C. Alternatively, the static eliminator C may be configured so that the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are attached to the rod-shaped first support 51 and the rod-shaped second support 52.

[0071] <Third usage example> FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of use of the static eliminator C. As shown in FIG. 11, the static eliminator C is used in an air pressure feeding device Ta that transports sheet fragments Sc together with an airflow. For example, in a processing device (not shown) that performs a cutting process to cut a sheet (not shown) such as paper, when the sheet is cut, sheet fragments Sc, which are the ends of the sheet, may be generated. In a processing device configured in this way, an air pressure feeding device Ta is used that sucks in the sheet fragments Sc together with the surrounding air and transports the sheet fragments Sc together with the air to prevent the sheet fragments Sc from being mixed in with the processed products.

[0072] The air pressure feeding device Ta is provided with a pipe Ta1. The pipe Ta1 is made of a resin such as polyvinyl chloride and has insulating properties. A suction blower (not shown) is attached to the pipe Ta1, and air is sucked in by the negative pressure generated by the suction blower. This causes air mixed with the sheet pieces Sc to flow inside the pipe Ta1. When the sheet pieces Sc move inside the pipe Ta1, the sheet pieces Sc rub against each other and against the inner surface of the pipe Ta1, causing the sheet pieces Sc to become electrically charged.

[0073] When the sheet pieces Sc become charged, they may stick together and form clumps, making it difficult for the sheet pieces Sc to be sucked in. Furthermore, the sheet pieces Sc may also stick to the inner surface of the pipe Ta1. In this case, the sheet pieces Sc may also be unable to move inside the pipe Ta1.

[0074] In the compressed air feeding device Ta, a sheet-like first support 71 and a sheet-like second support 72 are attached to the outer surface of the pipe Ta1. A first voltage V1 and a second voltage V2 are applied from a voltage supply unit 3 to the first electrode 1 of the first support 71 and the second electrode 2 of the second support 72, respectively, forming a static elimination device C. As shown in FIG. 11 , the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are offset from each other along the center line of the pipe Ta1. This arrangement allows the distance between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 to be the second distance L2, even when the outer diameter of the pipe Ta1 is small. This allows for efficient static elimination of the sheet fragments Sc flowing through the pipe Ta1. The first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 may also be arranged on a cut surface perpendicular to the center line of the pipe Ta1. In this configuration, the outer diameter of the pipe Ta1 is often small, and in this case, sufficient static elimination effect can be achieved even when the static elimination target area Cr is small.

[0075] The first support 71 and the second support 72 may be connected to form an integrated band-shaped member, which allows the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 to be easily and reliably attached to a curved surface such as a tube.

[0076] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. Furthermore, various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0077] According to the present invention, a static eliminator capable of eliminating static electricity from an article can be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] A, B, C static eliminator Ar, Br, Cr Static elimination target area Ar1, Br1, Br2 Center neutralization surface 1 1st electrode 2 2nd electrode 3. Voltage supply section 4 Wiring 51, 61, 71 1st support 52, 62, 72 Second support EL, EL1, EL2 electric field lines Ea positive electrode Ec negative electrode P Goods Pa1 positively charged item Pc1 negatively charged items Pt Item Processing Equipment Pt1 transport device Pt2 Processing Device Pr printing machine R1, R2 transport rollers Rr roll body Sc sheet cut pieces Sh sheet St Sheet transport device Ta air pumping device Ta1 piping

Claims

1. a plurality of first electrodes; a plurality of second electrodes; a voltage supply unit that supplies a first voltage and a second voltage different from the first voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively, so as to generate electric lines of force between the first electrode and the second electrode; a first support and a second support that alternately arrange the first electrodes and the second electrodes at a distance in a first direction; A static elimination device in which the first support and the second support are arranged so that the first electrode arranged on the first support and the second electrode arranged on the second support are adjacent to each other in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and the first electrode arranged on the first support and the second support are arranged so that the second electrode arranged on the first support and the first electrode arranged on the second support are adjacent to each other in the second direction.

2. a first electrode; a second electrode; a voltage supply unit that supplies a first voltage and a second voltage different from the first voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively, so as to generate electric lines of force between the first electrode and the second electrode; a first support that supports the first electrode; a second support that supports the second electrode, The static eliminator, wherein the first support and the second support are arranged so that the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged with a predetermined distance between them.

3. 3. The static eliminator according to claim 1, wherein the voltage supply unit sets the first voltage to a voltage equal to or higher than a ground voltage and sets the second voltage to a voltage equal to or lower than the ground voltage.

4. The static eliminator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first support and the second support are sheet-shaped.

5. 3. The static eliminator according to claim 1, wherein the first support and the second support are both rod-shaped.

6. The static eliminator according to claim 1 , wherein the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode in the first direction is equal to or greater than 30 cm and equal to or less than 60 cm.

7. The static eliminator according to claim 1 , wherein the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode in the second direction is equal to or greater than 60 cm and equal to or less than 200 cm.

8. The static eliminator according to claim 1 , wherein the number of the first electrodes and the number of the second electrodes are the same.

Images