Anti-static brush

Abstract

Provided is a novel anti-static brush which has excellent static removal performance, has no detachment of the brush material, and suppresses increases in manufacturing costs. This anti-static brush (1) comprises: a long first insulating tape member (11) provided with a first non-conductive adhesive layer (11b) on one surface thereof; and a plurality of anti-static needles (12) arranged with space therebetween along the longitudinal direction of the first insulating tape member (11), with one end (12a) of each anti-static needle (12) being fixed by means of the first non-conductive adhesive layer (11b) and the other end (12b) being exposed from the first insulating tape member (11). The anti-static needles (12) are each made of a single metal wire and remove static in a state of non-contact with an object from which static is to be removed.

Description

Anti-static brush

[0001] The present invention relates to a self-discharging type static elimination brush used to eliminate static electricity in, for example, an image forming apparatus.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, printers, and facsimile machines, static elimination brushes are used to reduce or eliminate static electricity stored on a target object such as a sheet or film.

[0003] An example of such a static elimination brush is one in which a conductive brush material made of a conductive fiber bundle is sandwiched between a surface tape and a conductive back tape (see Patent Document 1). The back tape is a double-sided adhesive tape with adhesive properties on both sides, and an external earth is connected to the adhesive surface of the back tape opposite to the adhesive surface to which the surface tape is attached.

[0004] However, conventional static elimination brushes such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 are required to have further improved static elimination performance. Furthermore, because conventional static elimination brushes eliminate static electricity by sliding contact with the object to be rid of static electricity, the conductive fibers may collapse or bend over long-term use. As a result, static elimination performance is impaired. Furthermore, conductive double-sided adhesive tapes generally have low adhesive strength. In particular, the static elimination brush disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a brush material made of a conductive fiber bundle, making it difficult to sufficiently adhere the brush material with the double-sided adhesive tape. As a result, the brush material may fall off due to sliding contact between the static elimination brush and the object to be rid of static electricity. Furthermore, conductive double-sided adhesive tapes are expensive, and the brush material uses a bundle of conductive fibers made of relatively expensive materials such as carbon fiber or metal-coated fiber, which increases the manufacturing cost of the static elimination brush.

[0005] Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2-142000

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a new static elimination brush that has excellent static elimination performance, does not suffer from brush material falling off, and suppresses increases in manufacturing costs.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the static elimination brush of the present invention is an static elimination brush for eliminating static electricity from an object to be neutralized, and comprises: a long first insulating tape member having a first non-conductive adhesive layer on one side of a first support portion; and a plurality of static elimination needles exposed from the first insulating tape member so that one end portion is fixed by the first non-conductive adhesive layer and the other end portion is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first insulating tape member, the static elimination needles being arranged at a distance from each other and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first insulating tape member, and the static elimination needles are made of a single metal wire and are capable of eliminating static electricity from the object to be neutralized in a non-contact manner.

[0008] According to the above configuration, instead of the conductive fiber bundle used in conventional static elimination brushes, a static elimination needle made of a single metal wire is used. Therefore, compared to when a conductive fiber bundle is used, the static elimination needle can be more effectively adhered and fixed to the first non-conductive adhesive layer, reducing or preventing the static elimination needle from falling off. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the static elimination needle does not use conductive fibers made of relatively expensive materials such as carbon fiber or metal-coated fiber, and the first insulating tape member is used instead of expensive conductive double-sided adhesive tape, thereby suppressing increases in manufacturing costs. Furthermore, with the above configuration, static elimination is performed without the static elimination needle coming into contact with the object to be eliminated, preventing the object from becoming charged due to so-called peeling electrification. Furthermore, unlike conventional static elimination brushes, the static elimination needle does not collapse or bend due to contact sliding. As a result, degradation of static elimination performance is suppressed even with long-term use. Furthermore, the static elimination needle does not fall off due to contact sliding with the object to be eliminated.

[0009] The above-described configuration further includes a long second insulating tape member having second non-conductive adhesive layers on both sides of the second support portion, the first insulating tape member and the second insulating tape member being bonded together so that the first non-conductive adhesive layer faces one of the pair of second non-conductive adhesive layers, the second insulating tape member having a thickness of 200 μm or less, and at least an end surface of one end of the static elimination needle being exposed. According to the above-described configuration, by bonding the first insulating tape member and the second insulating tape member together so that the first non-conductive adhesive layer faces one of the pair of second non-conductive adhesive layers, the static elimination needle is sandwiched between the first insulating tape member and the second insulating tape member. This prevents the static elimination needle from being electrically connected to other members, but by setting the thickness of the second insulating tape member to 200 μm or less and exposing at least an end surface of one end of the static elimination needle, the charge accumulated in each static elimination needle can be discharged with a minute voltage during static elimination. As a result, the static elimination of the object can be more effectively performed. Furthermore, with the above configuration, it is not necessary to use a complex structure for connecting the static elimination needle to earth, as in conventional static elimination brushes, and therefore manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0010] In the above configuration, the other end of the static elimination needle is preferably provided with a tip portion having at least one protrusion or a tip portion having a tapered shape toward the tip. By configuring the tip portion of the static elimination needle in this way, static elimination performance can be further improved.

[0011] In the above-mentioned configuration, the tip of the other end of the static elimination needle is preferably porous, which can further improve static elimination performance.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, it is preferable that the length of the other end portion of the static elimination needle is in the range of 1 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0013] In the above-mentioned configuration, the diameter of the other end portion excluding the tip portion is preferably within a range of 30 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0014] In the above configuration, the distance between adjacent static elimination needles is preferably within a range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

[0015] The static elimination brush of the present invention eliminates static electricity without contacting the static elimination needle with the object to be neutralized, thereby preventing the object from becoming charged due to so-called peeling electrification, resulting in excellent static elimination performance. Furthermore, unlike conventional static elimination brushes, the static elimination needle does not collapse or bend due to contact sliding, so degradation of static elimination performance can be suppressed even with long-term use. Furthermore, instead of the conductive fiber bundle used in conventional static elimination brushes, the static elimination needle is made of a single metal wire, preventing the static elimination needle from falling off. Furthermore, since the brush does not use conductive fibers made of relatively expensive materials or conductive double-sided adhesive tape, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0016] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a static elimination brush according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a static elimination brush according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a main portion of the static elimination brush according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a static elimination brush according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a static elimination brush according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6(a) and (b) are plan views showing a main portion of the static elimination brush according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7(a) and (b) are perspective views schematically showing the tip of a static elimination needle in a static elimination brush according to a modified example of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the tip of the static elimination needle in the static elimination brush according to the first example of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the tip of the static elimination needle in the static elimination brush according to the second example of the present invention; 10 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the tip of the static elimination needle in the static elimination brush according to Example 6 of the present invention.

[0017] (Embodiment 1) A static elimination brush according to embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below. The static elimination brush of this embodiment is a self-discharging static elimination brush used to remove static electricity that accumulates on drums, paper, synthetic resin films, etc. in office automation equipment such as printers, copiers, and facsimiles.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the static elimination brush 1 of this embodiment has a first insulating tape member 11 and a plurality of static elimination needles 12. The static elimination brush 1 may also be provided with a release sheet 13. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the static elimination brush 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the static elimination brush 1. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the main parts of the static elimination brush 1.

[0019] The first insulating tape member 11 functions as a support member that supports the static elimination needle 12. The first insulating tape member 11 is elongated and has a first support portion 11a and a first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b. The first support portion 11a is elongated, and the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b is provided on the entire surface of one side of the first support portion 11a. The lengths of the first insulating tape member 11 in the longitudinal direction and width direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) are not particularly limited and can be set appropriately as needed.

[0020] The thickness of the first support portion 11a is not particularly limited, but is typically in the range of 40 μm to 190 μm, and preferably in the range of 60 μm to 150 μm. Furthermore, the first support portion 11a may be, for example, an insulating film, sheet, or thin plate. Specific examples of the first support portion 11a include synthetic resin films, sheets, or plates made of polyester resin, polyethylene resin, polyurethane resin, or the like; paper; nonwoven fabric; and laminates thereof.

[0021] The first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b adheres and fixes the multiple static elimination needles 12. The first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b also functions as an attachment means when attaching the static elimination brush 1 to the main body of an electric / electronic device. At this time, the static elimination needles 12 are attached to the main body of an electric / electronic device in an exposed state, so they can be electrically connected to the main body of the electric / electronic device. Therefore, by electrically grounding the main body of the electric / electronic device, the charges collected by the static elimination needles 12 can be effectively eliminated.

[0022] The thickness of the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b is not particularly limited, but is usually in the range of 5 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and preferably in the range of 10 μm or more and 50 μm or less. By making the thickness of the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b 5 μm or more, good adhesion to the static elimination needle 12 can be maintained and falling off of the static elimination needle 12 can be prevented or reduced. On the other hand, by making the thickness of the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b 100 μm or less, flexibility can be maintained and ease of application can be maintained.

[0023] The material of the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b is not particularly limited, and for example, an acrylic, rubber, silicone, urethane, epoxy, or polyolefin adhesive can be used.

[0024] The static elimination needle 12 functions as a static elimination electrode and is made of a single metal wire. The metal wire is not particularly limited, and examples include drawn metal wires made of stainless steel (SUS304) or the like. The cross-sectional shape of the static elimination needle 12 (cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) is not particularly limited, and is typically substantially circular. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the static elimination needles 12 are arranged spaced apart from one another and parallel to the width direction of the first insulating tape member 11 (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). The static elimination needles 12 are preferably arranged at equal intervals. The spacing (pitch P) between adjacent static elimination needles 12 is preferably within a range of 0.5 mm to 30 mm, and more preferably within a range of 2 mm to 6 mm. The pitch P may be, for example, 0.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 mm, or may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here.

[0025] 3, one end portion 12a of the static elimination needle 12 is adhesively fixed to the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b. The one end portion 12a is preferably adhesively fixed to the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b so as not to protrude from the first insulating tape member 11. The length of the one end portion 12a may be such that the static elimination needle 12 does not fall off the first insulating tape member 11 when the static elimination needle 12 is transported or used, and that good adhesive fixation is ensured.

[0026] The other end portion 12b of the static elimination needle 12 is exposed so as to protrude from the first insulating tape member 11 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first insulating tape member 11. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 , the tip of the other end portion 12b is provided with a tip portion 12c that tapers toward the tip. Providing the tip portion 12c improves static elimination performance. Furthermore, the tip portion 12c is preferably porous with fine pores. This further improves static elimination performance. The pore size and shape are not particularly limited. Furthermore, methods for making the tip portion 12c porous include, for example, electrolysis using a sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution (details will be described later).

[0027] The length of the other end portion 12b of the static elimination needle 12 is not particularly limited, but can typically be set appropriately within a range of 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The length of the other end portion 12b may be, for example, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 mm, or may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. The length of the tip portion 12c is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 / 2 or less of the length of the other end portion 12b, and more specifically, is preferably within a range of 5 mm or less. The length of the tip portion 12c may be, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 mm, or may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here.

[0028] The diameter of the static elimination needle 12 (excluding the tip 12c) is not particularly limited, but is typically set within a range of 30 μm to 100 μm, preferably 30 μm to 70 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 50 μm. By setting the diameter of the static elimination needle 12 (excluding the tip 12c) to 30 μm or more, the mechanical strength of the static elimination needle 12 can be maintained and bending of the static elimination needle 12 can be suppressed. On the other hand, by setting the diameter of the static elimination needle 12 (excluding the tip 12c) to 100 μm or less, the static elimination needle 12 can be adhered and fixed well even when the adhesive strength of the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b is weak. Therefore, for example, the static elimination needle 12 can be more effectively prevented from falling off than the fiber bundle used in conventional static elimination brushes. The minimum diameter of the tip portion 12c, which tapers toward the tip, is preferably within the range of 60 μm or less, more preferably within the range of 30 μm or less, even more preferably within the range of 20 μm or less, and particularly preferably within the range of 12 μm or less.

[0029] The release sheet 13 is elongated and is provided to protect the static elimination needles 12 and the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b of the static elimination brush 1 before use. The length of the release sheet 13 in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) need only be sufficient to sufficiently cover the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b and the other end portion 12b of the static elimination needle 12. This prevents or reduces bending of the other end portion 12b of the static elimination needle 12 even if stress is applied to the other end portion 12b during transportation of the static elimination brush 1. It also prevents a decrease in the adhesive strength of the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b before use. The release sheet 13 is not particularly limited, and conventionally known materials can be used. Specific examples of the release sheet 13 include silicone-coated paper, polyolefin resin-coated paper, and non-adhesive resin sheets.

[0030] To use the static elimination brush 1 of this embodiment, the release sheet 13 is removed, and the surface of the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b to which the static elimination needle 12 is adhered is attached to a conductive portion of the electrical / electronic device body. At this time, one end portion 12a of the static elimination needle 12 may be in contact with a conductive portion of the electrical / electronic device body. The static elimination needle 12 is positioned so that its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the object to be neutralized and not in contact with the object. The distance between the static elimination needle 12 and the object to be neutralized is not particularly limited as long as it can neutralize static electricity and other charges on the object to be neutralized. However, it is typically set within a range of more than 0 mm and not more than 10 mm, preferably more than 0 mm and not more than 5 mm, and more preferably more than 0 mm and not more than 2 mm. The distance between the static elimination needle 12 and the object to be neutralized may be, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, or 10 mm, or may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. By not allowing the static elimination needles 12 to come into contact with the object to be neutralized, it is possible to prevent the object from becoming charged by what is called peeling electrification. In addition, the static elimination needles 12 will not collapse or bend due to sliding contact with the object to be neutralized. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the static elimination brush 1 from falling off the main body of the electric / electronic device, and the static elimination needles 12 from falling off the static elimination brush 1. By attaching the static elimination brush 1 to the main body of the electric / electronic device in this manner, the charge accumulated in the static elimination needles 12 from the object to be neutralized is grounded from the conductive part of the main body of the electric / electronic device, thereby neutralizing the object to be neutralized.

[0031] (Embodiment 2) Next, a static elimination brush according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below. The static elimination brush of this embodiment differs from the static elimination brush of Embodiment 1 in that it further includes a long second insulating tape member, and the static elimination needles 12 are fixed by being sandwiched between the first insulating tape member and the second insulating tape member. In the following, components having the same configuration as those of the static elimination brush of Embodiment 1 will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0032] The second insulating tape member 14 functions as an attachment means for attaching the static elimination needle 12, adhesively fixed by the first insulating tape member 11, to the main body of an electrical or electronic device. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the second insulating tape member 14 has a second support portion 14a and second non-conductive adhesive layers 14b and 14c provided on the entire surfaces of the second support portion 14a. The second insulating tape member 14 is attached to the first insulating tape member 11 so that the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b and the second non-conductive adhesive layer 14b of the first insulating tape member 11 face each other. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the static elimination brush 2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the static elimination brush 2 according to the second embodiment.

[0033] The second support portion 14 a may be the same as the first support portion 11 a of the first insulating tape member 11 .

[0034] The second non-conductive adhesive layer 14b adheres and fixes the multiple static elimination needles 12. The second non-conductive adhesive layer 14c also functions as an attachment means for attaching the static elimination brush 1 to the main body of an electric / electronic device when using the static elimination brush 1. There are no particular restrictions on the materials constituting the second non-conductive adhesive layers 14b and 14c, and the same materials as those for the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b can be used.

[0035] The thickness of the second insulating tape member 14 is preferably in the range of 5 μm to 200 μm, more preferably in the range of 10 μm to 120 μm, and particularly preferably in the range of 30 μm to 50 μm. The thickness of the second insulating tape member 14 may be, for example, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, or 200 μm, or may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. By setting the thickness of the second insulating tape member 14 to 5 μm or more, the mechanical strength of the second insulating tape member 14 can be maintained at a satisfactory level. On the other hand, by setting the thickness of the second insulating tape member 14 to 200 μm or less, the static elimination function can be satisfactorily exhibited even when the static elimination needle 12 is not electrically connected. The thicknesses of the second support portion 14 a and the second non-conductive adhesive layers 14 b and 14 c can be set appropriately within the numerical range of the thickness of the second insulating tape member 14 described above.

[0036] In this embodiment, the static elimination needle 12 is sandwiched between the first insulating tape member 11 and the second insulating tape member 14 so that at least the end surface 12d of one end portion 12a of the static elimination needle 12 is exposed. By exposing the end surface 12d and further setting the thickness of the second insulating tape member to 200 μm or less, the charge accumulated in the static elimination needle 12 can be discharged with a minute voltage during static elimination. The shape of the end surface 12d may be a flat surface as shown in FIG. 5, or may be a concave or convex curved surface.

[0037] The exposure of the end face 12d of the static elimination needle 12 is not limited to the embodiment in which the end face 12d is flush with the upper end faces of the first insulating tape member 11 and the second insulating tape member 14, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. For example, as shown in Figure 6(a), the end face 12d of the static elimination needle 12 may be exposed to the outside by having one end portion 12a thereof protrude from the upper end faces of the first insulating tape member 11 and the second insulating tape member 14. In this case, the height H of the exposed portion of the end portion 12a of the static elimination needle 12 is not particularly limited as long as it does not interfere with attachment to the main body of an electrical or electronic device, and can be set appropriately. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6(b), the end face 12d of the static elimination needle 12 may be exposed inside the area sandwiched between the first insulating tape member 11 and the second insulating tape member 14. In this case, the distance D between the end face 12d of the static elimination needle 12 and the upper end faces of the first insulating tape member 11 and the second insulating tape member 14 is not particularly limited as long as it is within a range that allows the charge accumulated in the static elimination needle 12 to be discharged with a minute voltage during static elimination, and can be set appropriately.

[0038] In this embodiment, the release sheet 13 is provided to protect the static elimination needle 12 and the second non-conductive adhesive layer 14c of the static elimination brush 1 before use. This prevents or reduces bending of the other end portion 12b of the static elimination needle 12, and also prevents the adhesive strength of the second non-conductive adhesive layer 14c from decreasing before use.

[0039] To use the static elimination brush 2 of this embodiment, the release sheet 13 is removed, and the surface of the second non-conductive adhesive layer 14c to which the static elimination needle 12 is adhesively fixed is attached to a conductive portion of the electrical / electronic device body. At this time, the static elimination needle 12 is sandwiched between the first non-conductive adhesive layer 11b and the second non-conductive adhesive layer 14b and is not electrically connected. However, because the thickness of the second insulating tape member 14 is 200 μm or less and the end surface 12d of the static elimination needle 12 is exposed, the static elimination needle 12 can discharge the charge collected from the object to be neutralized with a small voltage. As a result, the charge accumulated in the static elimination needle 12 from the object to be neutralized is grounded from the conductive portion of the electrical / electronic device body, thereby neutralizing the object. Here, when neutralizing the object to be neutralized, the static elimination needle 12 is out of contact with the object, thereby preventing the object from becoming charged due to peeling electrification. Furthermore, the static elimination needles 12 will not collapse or bend due to sliding contact with the object to be neutralized. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the static elimination brush 2 from falling off the main body of the electric / electronic device, and the static elimination needles 12 from falling off the static elimination brush 2. The distance between the static elimination needles 12 and the object to be neutralized is the same as that described in the first embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0040] (Other Matters) In the above description, the present invention has been described using preferred embodiments of the present invention as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be implemented in various other forms.

[0041] For example, in the first and second embodiments, the present invention has been described using an example of a static elimination needle having a tip portion at the other end that tapers toward the tip. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 7( a), a static elimination needle 12' may have a tip portion 12c' with a protrusion 15 at the other end, or as shown in FIG. 7( b), a static elimination needle 12" may have a tip portion 12c" with a plurality of protrusions 15. FIGS. 7( a) and 7( b) are perspective views schematically showing the tip portions 12c' and 12c" of the static elimination needles 12' and 12" in a static elimination brush according to a modified example of the present invention. The shape of the protrusions 15 shown in FIGS. 7( a) and 7( b) is not particularly limited, but a pointed shape is preferable. The size of the protrusions 15 is also not particularly limited. Furthermore, in the static elimination needle 12" shown in FIG. 7(b), the number of protrusions 15 is not particularly limited. By providing the protrusions 15, it is possible to improve static elimination performance compared to, for example, the static elimination needle 12' shown in FIG. 7(a) in which no protrusions 15 are provided. The protrusions 15 can be formed by known means capable of cutting, such as scissors or nippers. Note that the static elimination needle of the present invention may be in a form that does not have the tip portion 12c of embodiment 1 or the protrusions 15 shown in FIG.

[0042] Example 1 In this example, a static elimination brush with the same structure as the static elimination brush shown in Figures 1 and 2 was used. Specifically, a static elimination brush with the following structure was used. Support member: first insulating tape member (product name: CP101 (manufactured by Shurtape), width direction length: 8 mm, length direction length: 50 mm) First support portion of first insulating tape member: paper (thickness: 0.115 mm) First non-conductive adhesive layer of first insulating tape member: rubber-based adhesive layer (thickness: 5 μm) Static elimination electrode: static elimination needle (SUS304, diameter: 38 μm) Separation distance (pitch) between adjacent static elimination needles: 2 mm Length of other end of static elimination needle: 12 mm In this example, the tip of the other end of the static elimination needle was cut with scissors to form a protrusion as shown in Figure 8. FIG. 8 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the tip of the static elimination needle in the static elimination brush according to this embodiment.

[0043] Example 2 In this example, unlike Example 1, a static elimination needle was used that had a tip with multiple protrusions as shown in Figure 9. A static elimination brush with the same configuration as Example 1 was used except for this. The tip of the static elimination needle was formed by cutting with nippers. Figure 9 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the tip of the static elimination needle in the static elimination brush according to this example.

[0044] Example 3 In this example, the distance (pitch) between adjacent static elimination needles was changed to 6 mm compared to Example 1. Otherwise, a static elimination brush having the same configuration as Example 1 was used.

[0045] Example 4 In this example, the distance (pitch) between adjacent static elimination needles was changed to 10 mm compared to Example 1. Otherwise, a static elimination brush having the same configuration as Example 1 was used.

[0046] Example 5 In this example, unlike Example 1, the static elimination needle used was the same as that used in Example 1, but was further subjected to electrolysis. That is, the tip portion, which had been cut with scissors to form a protrusion, was subjected to electrolysis, resulting in a tapered shape and a porous tip portion (see FIG. 10). A static elimination brush with the same configuration as Example 1 was used except for this. FIG. 10 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the tip of the static elimination needle in the static elimination brush according to this example.

[0047] The electrolysis treatment was carried out by simultaneously immersing a stainless steel electrode (cathode) and an electrode (anode) consisting of a static eliminator needle with its tip cut off with scissors in an aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (concentration 5% by mass) and connecting these electrodes to a 30 V DC power source. The immersion time and number of immersions were 20 seconds per cycle. The immersion was continued until the tip became tapered and porous. The length of the tip was 5 mm.

[0048] Example 6 In this example, unlike Example 2, the static elimination needle used was the same as that used in Example 2, but further subjected to electrolysis. That is, the tip, which had been cut with nippers to form multiple protrusions, was subjected to electrolysis, resulting in a tapered, porous tip (see FIG. 11 ). A static elimination brush with the same configuration as Example 2 was used. The electrolysis was performed in the same manner and under the same conditions as Example 5. FIG. 11 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the tip of the static elimination needle in the static elimination brush according to this example. The tip had a length of 5 mm.

[0049] Example 7 In this example, a static elimination brush with the same structure as the static elimination brush shown in Figures 4 and 5 was used. Specifically, the static elimination brush used was the static elimination brush of Example 1, which further included a second insulating tape member, and the static elimination needle was sandwiched and fixed between the first insulating tape member and the second insulating tape member. By sandwiching the static elimination needle between the first insulating tape member and the second insulating tape member, the static elimination needle was not electrically connected to other members. Details of the second insulating tape member are as follows: Second insulating tape member: insulating double-sided tape (product name: No. 5000NS, manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation, width direction length: 8 mm, length direction length: 50 mm, thickness: 120 µm) Second support portion of second insulating tape member: nonwoven fabric Second non-conductive adhesive layer: acrylic adhesive layer

[0050] Example 8 In this example, compared to Example 7, the second insulating tape member was changed to one with a thickness of 50 μm. Otherwise, the same static elimination brush as in Example 7 was used. Details of the second insulating tape member used in this example are as follows: Second insulating tape member: insulating double-sided tape (product name: No. 5605, manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation, width direction length: 8 mm, length direction length: 50 mm, thickness: 50 μm) Second support portion of second insulating tape member: PET film Second non-conductive adhesive layer: acrylic adhesive layer

[0051] Example 9 In this example, a static elimination brush with the same structure as the static elimination brush shown in Figures 4 and 5 was used. Specifically, the static elimination brush used was the static elimination brush of Example 5, further comprising a second insulating tape member, and the static elimination needle was sandwiched and fixed between the first insulating tape member and the second insulating tape member. By sandwiching the static elimination needle between the first insulating tape member and the second insulating tape member, the static elimination needle was not electrically connected to other members. Details of the second insulating tape member are as follows: Second insulating tape member: insulating double-sided tape (product name: No. 5000NS, manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation, width direction length: 8 mm, length direction length: 50 mm, thickness: 120 µm) Second support portion of second insulating tape member: nonwoven fabric Second non-conductive adhesive layer: acrylic adhesive layer

[0052] (Example 10) In this example, compared to Example 9, the second insulating tape member was changed to one with a thickness of 50 μm. Otherwise, the same static elimination brush as in Example 9 was used. Details of the second insulating tape member used in this example are as follows: Second insulating tape member: insulating double-sided tape (product name: No. 5605, manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation, width direction length: 8 mm, length direction length: 50 mm, thickness: 50 μm) Second support portion of second insulating tape member: PET film Second non-conductive adhesive layer: acrylic adhesive layer

[0053] (Comparative Example 1) In this comparative example, a fiber electrode made of a fiber bundle of organic conductive fibers was used as the neutralization electrode. Furthermore, aluminum tape was used as the tape member that supports and fixes the fiber electrode. Details of the neutralization brush according to this comparative example are as follows: Aluminum tape: Conductive Aluminum Tape 363 (product name, manufactured by 3M Limited, width direction length 8 mm, length in the longitudinal direction 50 mm) Organic conductive fiber: Thunderon (registered trademark) acrylic (product name, manufactured by Nippon Sanmo Dyeing Co., Ltd.) Distance (pitch) between adjacent fiber electrodes: 2 mm Number of filaments in fiber electrode: 60 Length of exposed portion of fiber electrode from aluminum tape: 10 mm

[0054] (Static Elimination Performance) The static elimination performance was evaluated using each static elimination brush of Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Example 1. Specifically, a PET film was first charged as an object to be neutralized, and then the charged PET film was passed directly below any of the static elimination brushes of Examples 1 to 8 or Comparative Example 1 to eliminate static electricity. The surface potential of the PET film was measured before and after passing directly below each static elimination brush. The results are shown in Table 1. The detailed conditions for measuring the surface potential are as follows: Surface potential meter: Digital low potential meter KSD-3000 (product name, manufactured by Kasuga Electric Co., Ltd.) PET film (object to be neutralized): Lumirror (registered trademark) S10 (product name, thickness: 100 μm) (product name, manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) Film transport speed: 18.221 mm / sec Distance between the static elimination needle of Examples 1 to 8 or the fiber electrode of Comparative Example 1 and the film: 5 mm

[0055]

[0056] As can be seen from Table 1, it was confirmed that the static elimination brushes of Examples 1 to 8 all had superior static elimination performance compared to the static elimination brush of Comparative Example 1. Furthermore, the static elimination brush of Example 2, which used a static elimination needle with multiple protrusions, had improved static elimination performance compared to the static elimination brush of Example 1, which used a static elimination needle with a single protrusion. Furthermore, by subjecting the static elimination brushes of Examples 5 and 6, which used static elimination needles with tapered, porous tips, to electrolysis treatment, the static elimination performance was improved compared to the static elimination brushes of Examples 1 and 2, which were not subjected to the electrolysis treatment.

[0057] Furthermore, the static elimination brushes of Examples 3 and 4 had higher potentials after static elimination compared to the static elimination brush of Example 1. This indicates that static elimination performance improves when the pitch between adjacent static elimination needles is increased from 2 mm to 6 mm or 10 mm.

[0058] Furthermore, in Examples 7 and 8, it was confirmed that static electricity charged to the film could be eliminated even though the static elimination needle was not electrically connected by being sandwiched between the first insulating tape member and the second insulating tape member. Furthermore, since the static elimination brush of Example 8 had a higher potential after static elimination than the static elimination brush of Example 7, it was confirmed that a thinner second insulating tape member improves static elimination performance.

[0059] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2... static elimination brush 11... first insulating tape member 11a... first support portion 11b... first non-conductive adhesive layer 12, 12', 12"... static elimination needle 12a... one end portion 12b... other end portion 12c, 12c', 12c"... tip portion 12d... end surface 13... release sheet 14... second insulating tape member 14a... second support portion 14b... second non-conductive adhesive layer 14c... second non-conductive adhesive layer 15... protrusion

Claims

1. A static elimination brush for eliminating static electricity from an object to be neutralized, comprising: a long first insulating tape member having a first support part with a first non-conductive adhesive layer provided on one surface thereof; and a plurality of static elimination needles arranged spaced apart from one another and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first insulating tape member, one end of which is fixed by the first non-conductive adhesive layer and the other end of which is exposed from the first insulating tape member so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first insulating tape member; wherein the static elimination needles are made of a single metal wire and eliminate static electricity from the object to be neutralized in a non-contact manner.

2. The static elimination brush according to claim 1, further comprising a long second insulating tape member having a second non-conductive adhesive layer provided on each side of a second support portion, the first insulating tape member and the second insulating tape member being bonded together so that the first non-conductive adhesive layer faces one of the pair of second non-conductive adhesive layers, the thickness of the second insulating tape member being 200 μm or less, and at least the end face of one end portion of the static elimination needle being exposed.

3. An anti-static brush as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the other end of the anti-static needle has a tip portion with at least one protrusion or a tip portion that tapers toward the tip.

4. The static elimination brush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tip of the other end of the static elimination needle is porous.

5. The static elimination brush according to claim 1, wherein the length of the other end of the static elimination needle is within the range of 1 mm to 30 mm.

6. The anti-static brush according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of the other end portion excluding the tip portion is within the range of 30 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

7. The static elimination brush according to claim 1, wherein the distance between adjacent static elimination needles is within the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

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