Abstract:
A circuit board, including a static electricity protection conductor formed around a protection target to be protected from static electricity, the static electricity protection conductor having one or more projections and being grounded at one or more points.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-354021 filed on Dec. 28, 2006. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a circuit board and an electronic component. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    In the electronic information devices, electronic components have been used in various units. 
         [0006]    However, there is concern that those electronic components may be malfunctioned or damaged by even a small amount of static electricity. 
         [0007]    Human bodies easily builds up the static electricity by friction of clothes and so on. If this built up static electricity is discharged to the device, this causes the malfunction or damage of the electronic components. 
         [0008]    For example, in an operation panel of an image formation device, a switch operated with user&#39;s fingertip is provided. When the user operates the switch using his/her fingertip, the static electricity is transferred from the fingertip to the switch and is accumulated, resulting in a high possibility of occurring the malfunction or damage of the switch. 
         [0009]    Additionally, an electronic component in the vicinity of the switch operated using the fingertip is in danger of the malfunction or damage from the static electricity transferred from the fingertip. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    An aspect of the present invention provides a circuit board, including a static electricity protection conductor formed around a protection target to be protected from static electricity, the static electricity protection conductor having one or more projections and being grounded at one or more points. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a circuit board on which a static electricity protection pattern having a projection facing toward a circuit is formed; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a diagram showing a circuit board on which a static electricity protection pattern having a projection facing in the opposite direction to the circuit is formed; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a diagram showing a circuit board on which a static electricity protection pattern not surrounding a whole circuit is formed; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a diagram showing a circuit board on which a static electricity protection pattern having different intervals between projections is formed; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a circuit board on which a static electricity protection pattern having different lengths of projections is formed; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 6A through 6L  are diagrams showing static electricity protection patterns having various shapes of projections; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are diagrams showing static electricity protection patterns having different inclinations of projections; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a diagram showing an example of a static electricity protection pattern formed around a periphery of a circuit board; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a diagram showing a circuit board on which a static electricity protection pattern for protecting other circuit board is formed; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are diagrams showing a movable circuit board on which a static electricity protection pattern is formed; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a diagram showing a circuit board on which a static electricity protection pattern for protecting a whole circuit is formed; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a diagram showing a circuit board on which a static electricity protection pattern for protecting an IC is formed; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a diagram showing a circuit board on which a static electricity protection pattern for protecting a CCD is formed; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a diagram showing a circuit board on which a static electricity protection pattern for protecting a switch is formed; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a diagram showing a circuit board on which a static electricity protection pattern for protecting a switch and having a shape not surrounding the switch is formed; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a diagram showing a circuit board on which a static electricity protection pattern for protecting a signal line is formed; and 
           [0028]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  are diagrams showing electronic components having a static electricity protection pattern. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    Hereinbelow, a detailed description of an example of a circuit board and an electronic component pertaining to the present invention will be made with reference to attached drawings. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a circuit board  103  pertaining to the present invention. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the circuit board  103  pertaining to the present invention has a static electricity protection pattern  100  for protecting a circuit  102  on the circuit board  103  from the static electricity. 
         [0032]    The static electricity protection pattern  100  is a conductor pattern made of copper foil. 
         [0033]    In manufacturing the static electricity protection pattern  100 , as similar to other conductor patterns on the circuit board, a pattern is printed with a mask on the positive type photosensitive board, and then the copper located in a printed part is melted through the etching process. Accordingly, the shape of the static electricity protection pattern  100  is formed by the masked part of copper. 
         [0034]    The static electricity protection pattern  100  as manufactured in the process described above is connected to the ground, and has a projection  101  with a sharp angled top end. 
         [0035]    Additionally, the top end of the projection  101  faces toward the circuit  102  to be protected. 
         [0036]    Although a detailed description will be made later with reference to  FIG. 2 , the direction to which the sharp angled projection  101  faces may not only be the direction toward the circuit  102 , but also be an opposite direction against the circuit  102 . 
         [0037]    Additionally, an interval between each of the adjacent projections  101  in the static electricity protection pattern  100  is set to 10 mm or below. 
         [0038]    The interval is measured by the distance between each of the top end of the adjacent projections  101 . 
         [0039]    Considering that, when the distance is 1 mm, the breakdown voltage of the static electricity is 1 kV, the interval is set to 10 mm or below so as to ensure that the projection always exists within 5 mm from a fingertip when the fingertip of the human having the static electricity of 5 kV touches a device. 
         [0040]    Thus, considering the protection from lighter static electricity, the interval between the adjacent projections  101  can be set to less than 10 mm. 
         [0041]    Additionally, considering the protection from stronger static electricity, the interval between the adjacent projections  101  can be set to 10 mm or longer. 
         [0042]    The circuit board  103  having the static electricity protection pattern  100  is provided to, for example, an operation panel of an image forming device that is operated by a fingertip of the human, a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) in the fingerprint authentication device with which the fingertip contacts, or a circuit to which a CCD of the digital camera susceptible to the static electricity is installed. 
         [0043]    Even if the circuit board  103  is placed to a more likely place where the static electricity occurs, the static electricity protection pattern  100  protects the electronic components susceptible to the static electricity on the circuit board  103  from the static electricity. 
         [0044]    For example, when the circuit board  103  is used in the vicinity of the operation panel of the image forming device, the static electricity that is likely to be transferred from the fingertip operating the operation panel to the circuit  102  is guided by the projection  101  of the static electricity protection pattern  100  and is transferred to the ground. 
         [0045]    Additionally, the static electricity generated by the operation of the circuit  102  is also guided to the projection  101  and is led to the ground. 
         [0046]    Therefore, the circuit  102  to be protected is prevented from accumulating the static electricity, and the device can be protected from malfunction. 
         [0047]    Although a detailed description will be made later, the static electricity protection pattern  100  may protect not only the circuit  102 , but also various electronic components or signal lines installed on the circuit board  103 . In such case, the static electricity protection pattern  100  is formed to surround the periphery of the various electronic components or signal lines to be protected. 
         [0048]    Next, with reference to  FIG. 2 , a description will be made of a case where the sharp angled projection of the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention faces not only toward the protection target, but also in a different direction from the protection target, for example, in the opposite direction to the protection target. 
         [0049]      FIG. 2  is a diagram showing a circuit board  204  in a case where the projection of the static electricity protection pattern faces toward the circuit to be protected and in the opposite direction with respect to the circuit to be protected. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , a static electricity protection pattern  200  formed on the circuit board  204  pertaining to the present invention has a projection  201  facing toward the circuit  203 , which is the protection target, to be protected from the static electricity, and a projection  202  facing in the opposite direction to the circuit  203 . 
         [0051]    As described above, the static electricity protection pattern  200  formed on the circuit board  204  pertaining to the present invention can have not only the projection facing toward the protection target, but also the projection facing in the different direction from the protection target. 
         [0052]    Regarding the interval between each of the adjacent projections in this case, the interval between the projection  201  facing toward the circuit  203  and the projection  202  facing in the opposite direction to the circuit  203  is not 10 mm or below, but the interval between the projection  201  facing toward the circuit  203  and the adjacent projection  201  facing toward the circuit  203  is 10 mm or below, while the interval between the projection  202  facing in the opposite direction to the circuit  203  and the adjacent projection  202  facing in the opposite direction to the circuit  203  is 10 mm or below. 
         [0053]    Since the protection pattern has the projection facing in the opposite direction to the circuit to be protected, the static electricity transferred from the outside of the circuit board  204  is guided to the projection facing in the different direction, and is led to the ground. Thus, the circuit to be protected is prevented from accumulating the static electricity. 
         [0054]    Although a detailed description will be made later, the static electricity protection pattern  200  may protect not only the circuit  203 , but also various electronic components or signal lines installed on the circuit board  204 . In this case, the static electricity protection pattern is formed to surround the various electronic components or signal lines to be protected. 
         [0055]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , the overall configuration of the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention will be described next. 
         [0056]      FIG. 3  is a diagram showing a circuit board  302  on which the overall shape of the static electricity protection pattern does not surround the protection target. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a static electricity protection pattern  300  formed on the circuit board  302  pertaining to the present invention does not have the shape in which the protection pattern surrounds the protection target as described in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , but have a shape in which the protection pattern exists linearly in a part of the periphery of a circuit  301 . 
         [0058]    Additionally, the static electricity protection pattern  300  has a sharp angled projection, and is connected to the ground. 
         [0059]    As described above, the static electricity protection pattern  300  formed on the circuit board  302  pertaining to the present invention can be formed to not have a shape in which the protection target is fully surrounded, but have a shape in which the protection pattern exists in a part of the periphery of the protection target. Additionally, the protection pattern can have a different shape from the linear shape as shown in  FIG. 3 , and may have various shapes. 
         [0060]    Although a detailed description will be made later, the static electricity protection pattern  300  may protects not only the circuit  301 , but also various electronic components or signal lines installed on the circuit board  302 . In this case, the static electricity protection pattern is formed in a part of the periphery of the various electronic components or signal lines to be protected. 
         [0061]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , an interval between the projection and the adjacent projection will be described next in connections with plural projections of the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention. 
         [0062]      FIG. 4  is a diagram showing that a part of a circuit board  404  in which the interval between each of the projections of the static electricity protection pattern includes both dense part and sparse part is enlarged. 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the interval between each of the projections of a static electricity protection pattern  400  formed on the circuit board  404  pertaining to the present invention may be formed to include a dense or sparse part comparing with other intervals between the projections. 
         [0064]    For example, in the vicinity of electronic components that are likely to have the static electricity, such as a switch  401  or IC  402 , the interval between the projections of the static electricity protection pattern  400  may be set to be dense. On the other hand, in the vicinity of a signal line  403  that is less likely to have the static electricity, the interval between the projections of the static electricity protection pattern  400  may be set to be sparse. 
         [0065]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , length of the projection of the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention will be described next. 
         [0066]      FIG. 5  is a diagram showing that a part of a circuit board  501  having the static electricity protection pattern having a long projection and a short projection is enlarged. 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , a static electricity protection pattern  500  formed on the circuit board  501  pertaining to the present invention may have both a shorter length of projection as compared with other projections and a longer length of projection as compared with other projections. 
         [0068]    Each of the projection lengths of the static electricity protection pattern  500  can be changed depending on arrangement of signal lines, electronic components, and so on, or on the value of resistance of the static electricity protection pattern. 
         [0069]    With reference to  FIGS. 6A through 6L , shapes of the projections of the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention will be described next. 
         [0070]      FIGS. 6A through 6L  are diagrams showing various shapes of the projections of the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention. 
         [0071]    The projection of the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention can be formed in various shapes, provided that the static electricity is guided to the projection. 
         [0072]    For example, the projection can be formed in a shaped as shown in  FIGS. 6A through 6K . 
         [0073]      FIG. 6A  provides an example of a projection having a sharp angled top end and a triangle shape. 
         [0074]    Additionally,  FIG. 6B  provides an example of a projection having a mountain and triangle shape in which the top end of the projection is a sharp angle, and the base part thereof is a gentle slope. 
         [0075]    Additionally,  FIG. 6C  provides an example of a projection having a bar shape. 
         [0076]    Additionally,  FIG. 6D  provides an example of a projection having a needle shape with a sharp angled top end. 
         [0077]    Additionally,  FIG. 6E  provides an example of a projection having a bell shape with a sharp angled top end. 
         [0078]    Additionally,  FIG. 6F  provides an example of a projection having a shape in which a top end is a sharp angle and an adjacent area of the top end of the projection bulges like a sectional view of an apple. 
         [0079]    Additionally,  FIG. 6G  provides an example of a projection having a shape in which a top end is a sharp-angled and triangle shape, and the main body of the projection is a bar shape. 
         [0080]    Additionally,  FIG. 6H  provides an example of a projection having a sharp-angled top end and a wave-like shape. 
         [0081]    Additionally,  FIG. 6I  provides an example of a projection having a shape in which the projection is not perpendicular but tilted with respect to a signal line connecting the projections. 
         [0082]    Additionally,  FIGS. 6J and 6K  provide examples of a projection having plural projections on a top end. 
         [0083]      FIG. 6J  provides an example of the projection having a Y shape in which the top end of the projection has plural sharp angled projections.  FIG. 6K  provides an example of the projection having an antenna-like shape with plural projections on the top end. 
         [0084]    As described above, the projection of the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention can be formed in various shapes. 
         [0085]    Additionally,  FIG. 6L  provides an example of the static electricity protection pattern in which various shapes of projection are incorporated in one static electricity protection pattern. 
         [0086]    As described above, the projection of the static electricity protection pattern can be formed to be incorporated in one static electricity protection pattern. 
         [0087]    Next, with reference to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a description will be made of the static electricity protection pattern in a case where each of the plural projections of the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention has different directions. 
         [0088]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are diagrams showing a static electricity protection pattern  700  in the case where each of the plural projections has different directions. 
         [0089]    In an ordinary case, as shown in  FIG. 7A , the direction of the projection is perpendicular to a signal line  701  connecting the projections. 
         [0090]    However, the direction of the projections of the static electricity protection pattern  700  formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention is not necessarily in the same direction. 
         [0091]    Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 7B , the direction of the projections of the static electricity protection pattern  700  may be formed in a direction focused on the protection target (In this case, IC  702 ). 
         [0092]    By focusing the top ends of the projections on the IC  702  as shown in  FIG. 7B , the larger number of the top ends of projections are located in the vicinity of the IC  702 , as compared with the ordinary case shown in  FIG. 7A . 
         [0093]    Next, with reference to  FIG. 8 , a description will be made of an example shape of the static electricity protection pattern in a case where the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention is formed on a circumference part of the board. 
         [0094]      FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a static electricity protection pattern  800 , which is an example of the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circumference part of the circuit board. 
         [0095]    In the densely packed circuit board, an IC  801  to be protected may be installed on the circumference part. In this case, by carving a part of the ground on the circumference part as shown in  FIG. 8 , the static electricity protection pattern  800  can be formed with a shape having a projection in the carved part. 
         [0096]    With the static electricity protection pattern  800  as described above, the densely packed circuit board on which the IC or signal line is arranged around the edge of the circuit can also be protected from the static electricity. 
         [0097]    Although the static electricity protection pattern  800  shown in  FIG. 8  has a projection facing toward the IC  801 , the protection pattern  800  may also have a projection facing in a direction opposite to the IC  801 . 
         [0098]    Next, with reference to  FIG. 9 , a description will be made of a case where the protection target of the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention does not exist in its own circuit board, but exists in another adjacent circuit board. 
         [0099]      FIG. 9  shows a circuit board A  901  on which a static electricity protection pattern  900  is formed, and a circuit board B  902  having a protection target protected by the static electricity protection pattern  900 . 
         [0100]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , in the circuit board A  901 , the static electricity protection pattern  900  having the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention as described with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 8  is formed. 
         [0101]    Additionally, the circuit board A  901  and the circuit board B  902  are adjacent to each other. 
         [0102]    The static electricity protection pattern  900  on the circuit board A  901  guides to its own projection  904  the static electricity that is likely to be transferred from outside of the circuit board B  902  to an IC  903  on the circuit board B  902 , and leads it to the ground. Additionally, the static electricity that occurs on the circuit board B  902  and that is accumulated to the IC  903  is also guided to the projection  904  and led to the ground. 
         [0103]    As described above, the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board can protect the adjacent circuit board from the static electricity. 
         [0104]    Next, with reference to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , a description will be made of an example where the circuit board having the static electricity protection pattern pertaining to the present invention can be moved. 
         [0105]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are diagrams showing a state where a circuit board C  1001  having a static electricity protection pattern protecting an adjacent circuit board D  1002  is moved. 
         [0106]    The circuit board C  1001  can linearly move in the vicinity of the circuit board D  1002  using a connected movement mechanism not shown in the figure. 
         [0107]    As shown in  FIG. 10A , in an ordinary case, the circuit board C  1001  is located in a place where the static electricity protection pattern is located near an IC  1003  on the adjacent circuit board D  1002 . 
         [0108]    When a switch  1004  on the circuit board D  1002  is expected to be used frequently, the circuit board C  1001  is automatically moved in order to protect the switch  1004  from the static electricity. Then, as shown in  FIG. 10B , the static electricity protection pattern  1000  becomes located near the switch  1004 . 
         [0109]    As described above, the circuit board C  1002  having the static electricity protection pattern  1000  is moved as necessary, whereby the target to be protected from the static electricity by the static electricity protection pattern  1000  can be changed in accordance with the case. 
         [0110]    Hereinbelow, the static electricity protection patter formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention will be described with specific examples of the protection target. 
         [0111]    Firstly, with reference to  FIG. 11 , a description will be made of an example case where the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention protects the whole circuit. 
         [0112]      FIG. 11  is a diagram showing a circuit board  1100  pertaining to the present invention. 
         [0113]    A static electricity protection pattern  1101  is formed in the circuit board  1100  as a conductor pattern. 
         [0114]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the static electricity protection pattern  1101  is formed to surround the whole circuit. Additionally, plural projections of the static electricity protection pattern  1101  face toward the circuit located in the surrounded area, and the protection pattern  1101  is connected to the ground. 
         [0115]    The static electricity transferred from the outside of this circuit board  1100  to inside the circuit is guided to the projection of the static electricity protection pattern  1101 , and is led to the ground. 
         [0116]    Additionally, the static electricity accumulated through operation of the circuit on the circuit board  1100  is also guided to the static electricity protection pattern  1101 , and led to the ground. 
         [0117]    Next, with reference to  FIG. 12 , a description will be made of an example where the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention protects the IC. 
         [0118]      FIG. 12  is a diagram in which a part of the circuit board  1200  having a static electricity protection pattern  1202  protecting an arranged IC  1201  pertaining to the present invention is enlarged. 
         [0119]    On the circuit board  1200 , the static electricity protection pattern  1202  is formed in advance, as a conductor pattern, around a location where the IC  1201  is soldered. 
         [0120]    Then, as shown in  FIG. 12 , when the IC  1201  is soldered on the circuit board  1200 , the static electricity protection pattern  1202  in which the top end of projection thereof faces toward the IC  1201  is formed to surround the periphery of the arranged IC  1201 . 
         [0121]    The protection target of the static electricity protection pattern  1202  as formed above may not only be the IC  1201 , but also be an electronic part arranged on the circuit board  1200 . And, the protection pattern  1202  is formed, in advance, around a location where the electronic part is arranged. 
         [0122]    With this static electricity protection pattern  1202 , even when the circuit board  1200  is installed in a more likely place where the static electricity occurs outside the circuit board  1200 , the static electricity that is likely to be transferred from the outside of the circuit board  1200  to the IC  1201  is guided to the static electricity protection pattern  1202 , and is led to the ground. 
         [0123]    Additionally, the static electricity accumulated in the IC  1201  through operation of the circuit is also guided to the static electricity protection pattern  1202 , and is led to the ground. 
         [0124]    Next, with reference to  FIG. 13 , a description will be made of an example where the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention protects the CCD susceptible to the static electricity. 
         [0125]      FIG. 13  is a diagram in which a part of a circuit board  1300  having a static electricity protection pattern  1302  protecting an arranged CCD  1301  pertaining to the present invention is enlarged. 
         [0126]    In this description, it is assumed that this CCD  1301  is a CCD for converting an image taken through a lens of a digital camera into a digital image, or a CCD installed in a fingerprint authentication device and detecting a fingerprint pattern. However, this CCD  1301  may also be a CCD used for various other applications. 
         [0127]    Additionally, in place of the CCD  1301 , an electronic component that is easily malfunctioned or damaged as a result of static electricity may be installed in the circuit board  1300 . 
         [0128]    The static electricity protection pattern  1302  on the circuit board  1300  is formed in advance, as a conductor pattern, in the periphery of a place where the CCD  1301  is placed. 
         [0129]    Additionally, when the CCD  1301  is placed on the circuit board  1300 , as shown in  FIG. 13 , the static electricity protection pattern  1302  in which the top end of the projection faces toward the CCD  1301  is formed so as to exist around the placed CCD  1301 . 
         [0130]    With this static electricity protection pattern  1302 , even when the circuit board  1300  is installed in a more likely place where the static electricity occurs outside the circuit board  1300 , the static electricity that is likely to be transferred from the outside of the circuit board  1300  to the CCD  1301  is guided to the static electricity protection pattern  1302 , and is led to the ground, whereby the CCD  1301  is protected from the static electricity. 
         [0131]    Additionally, the static electricity accumulated in the CCD  1301  through operation of the circuit is guided to the static electricity protection pattern  1302 , and is led to the ground, whereby the CCD  1301  is protected from the static electricity. 
         [0132]    Next, with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a description will be made of an example where the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention protects a switch. 
         [0133]      FIG. 14  is a diagram in which a part of the circuit board  1400  having a static electricity protection pattern  1402  protecting an installed switch  1401  pertaining to the present invention is enlarged. 
         [0134]    On the circuit board  1400 , the static electricity protection pattern  1402  is formed in advance, as a conductor pattern, around a place where the switch  1401  is soldered. 
         [0135]    Additionally, when the switch  1401  is soldered on the circuit board  1400 , as shown in  FIG. 14 , the static electricity protection pattern  1402  in which the top end of the projection faces toward the switch is formed so as to surround the periphery of the installed switch  1401 . 
         [0136]    With this static electricity protection pattern  1402 , even when the circuit board  1400  is installed in a more likely place where the static electricity to occurs outside the circuit board  1400 , the static electricity that is likely to be transferred from the outside of the circuit board  1400  to the switch  1401  is guided to the static electricity protection pattern  1402 , and is led to the ground, whereby the switch  1401  is protected from the static electricity. 
         [0137]    Additionally, the static electricity accumulated in the switch  1401  via the signal line through operation of the circuit, or the static electricity accumulated in the switch  1401  through operation of the switch  1401  itself is guided to the static electricity protection pattern  1402 , and is led to the ground, whereby the switch  1401  is protected from the static electricity. 
         [0138]      FIG. 15  is a diagram in which a part of a circuit board  1500  having a static electricity protection pattern  1502  protecting an installed switch  1501  pertaining to the present invention is enlarged. 
         [0139]    On the circuit board  1500 , the static electricity protection pattern  1502  is formed in advance, as a conductor, around a place where the switch  1501  is soldered. 
         [0140]    Additionally, when the switch  1501  is soldered, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the L-shaped static electricity protection pattern  1502  in which the top end of the projection faces toward the switch  1501  is formed so as to exist around the installed switch  1501 . 
         [0141]    As described with reference to  FIG. 3 , this static electricity protection pattern  1502  is not formed to surround the switch  1501  to be protected, but exists in an L-shaped form in a part of the vicinity of the switch  1501  to be protected. 
         [0142]    The shape of the static electricity protection pattern  1502  is not limited to the L-shape, but may be in a linear shape or wave-like shape. Furthermore, the protection pattern  1502  may be formed in various other shapes. 
         [0143]    With this static electricity protection pattern  1502 , even if the circuit  1500  is placed to a more likely place where the static electricity occurs outside, the static electricity that is likely to be transferred from the outside of the circuit board  1500  to the switch  1501  is guided to the static electricity protection pattern  1502 , and is led to the ground, whereby the switch  1501  is protected from the static electricity. 
         [0144]    Additionally, the static electricity accumulated to the switch  1501  via the signal line through operation of the circuit, or the static electricity accumulated through operation of the switch  1501  itself is guided to the static electricity protection pattern  1502 , and is led to the ground, whereby the switch  1501  is protected from the static electricity. 
         [0145]    Next, with reference to  FIG. 16 , a description will be made of an example where the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention protects a signal line. 
         [0146]      FIG. 16  is a diagram in which a part of a circuit board  1600  having a static electricity protection pattern  1602  protecting a placed signal line  1601  is enlarged. 
         [0147]    On the circuit board  1600 , similar to the signal line  1601 , the static electricity protection pattern  1602  is formed as a conductor pattern in advance. 
         [0148]    As shown in  FIG. 16 , the static electricity protection pattern  1602  is formed such that the top end of a projection  1603  faces toward the signal line  1601  to be protected and is located in the vicinity of the signal line  1601 . 
         [0149]    In  FIG. 16 , the signal line connecting each of the projections  1603  in the static electricity protection pattern  1602  runs parallel to the signal line  1601  to be protected. However, this signal line connecting each of the projections  1603  does not necessarily run parallel to the signal line  1601  to be protected. 
         [0150]    Additionally,  FIG. 16  shows that the static electricity protection pattern  1602  is formed so as to sandwich the signal line  1601  and be located on both side of the signal line  1601 . However, the static electricity protection pattern  1602  is not necessarily formed on both side of the signal line  1601 , and may be formed on either one of the sides. 
         [0151]    With this static electricity protection pattern  1602 , even if the circuit board  1600  is placed to a more likely place where the static electricity occurs outside the circuit board  1600 , the static electricity that is likely to be transferred from the outside of the circuit board  1600  to the signal line  1601  is guided to the static electricity protection pattern  1602 , and is led to the ground. 
         [0152]    Additionally, the static electricity caused through operation of the circuit is also guided to the static electricity protection pattern  1602 , and is led to the ground. 
         [0153]    With reference to  FIGS. 17A and 17B , an electronic component pertaining to the present invention is described next. 
         [0154]    On the electronic component described below, the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board described above is formed. 
         [0155]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  are diagrams showing examples of electronic components pertaining the present invention.  FIG. 17A  is a diagram showing a CCD  1701  in which the static electricity protection pattern is formed, and  FIG. 17B  is a diagram showing a switch  1711  in which the static electricity protection pattern is formed. 
         [0156]    As shown in  FIG. 17A , the CCD  1701  is an electronic component placed on a circuit board  1700   
         [0157]    Additionally, the CCD  1701  has an image pickup section  1703  in which elements for converting from light to electric signal are arranged to pickup an image, and also has a static electricity protection pattern  1702  protecting the image pickup section  1703 . 
         [0158]    The static electricity protection pattern  1702  is formed around the image pickup section  1703 , is a conductor having plural projections, and is connected to the ground in the CCD  1701 . 
         [0159]    Each of the top ends of the plural projections in the static electricity protection pattern  1702  faces toward the image pickup section  1703 . 
         [0160]    Therefore, the static electricity accumulated in the image pickup section  1703  is guided to the projections of the static electricity protection pattern  1702 , and is led to the ground. 
         [0161]    The CCD  1701  is created by attaching, on the CCD  1701 , the copper foil formed in a shape of the static electricity protection pattern  1702  in advance, and connecting the copper foil to the ground in the CCD  1701 . 
         [0162]    As described above, the static electricity protection pattern  1702  is located on the CCD  1701 , which is an electronic component, whereby the static electricity accumulated in the image pickup section  1703  on the CCD  1701  can be guided to the projections of the static electricity protection pattern  1702 , and be led to the ground. 
         [0163]    Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 17B , the switch  1711  is an electronic component installed on the circuit board  1710 . 
         [0164]    Additionally, the switch  1711  has a pushing section  1713  that is depressed through operation of a human, and a static electricity protection pattern  1712  protecting the pushing section  1713 . 
         [0165]    The static electricity protection pattern  1712  is formed around the pushing section  1713 , is a conductor having plural projections, and is connected to the ground in the switch  1711 . 
         [0166]    Each of the top ends of the plural projections of the static electricity protection pattern  1712  faces toward the pushing section  1713 . 
         [0167]    Therefore, the static electricity transferred from the fingertip of the human to the pushing section  1713  is guided to the projection of the static electricity protection pattern  1712 , and is led to the ground. 
         [0168]    The switch  1711  is created by attaching, on the switch  1711 , the copper foil formed in a shape of the static electricity protection pattern  1712  in advance, and connecting the copper foil to the ground in the switch  1711 . 
         [0169]    As described above, the static electricity protection pattern is located on the switch  1711 , which is an electronic component, whereby the static electricity accumulated in the pushing section  1713  on the switch  1711  can be guided to the projection of the static electricity protection pattern  1712 , and be led to the ground. 
         [0170]    It should be noted that the specific shape of the static electricity protection pattern described with reference to  FIGS. 11 through 17B  is not limited to the shapes indicated in  FIGS. 11 through 17B . The static electricity protection pattern can also be formed in various shapes that have the feature of the static electricity protection pattern of the circuit board pertaining to the present invention as described with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 10B . 
         [0171]    In other words, the shape of the static electricity protection pattern formed on the electronic component pertaining to the present invention is also not limited to the shapes as described with reference to  FIGS. 17A and 17B . The static electricity protection pattern can also be formed in various shapes that have the feature of the static electricity protection pattern of the circuit board pertaining to the present invention as described with reference to  FIG. 1 through 10B . 
         [0172]    It should understood that, in the electronic component in which the static electricity protection pattern having the feature of the static electricity protection pattern as described with reference to  FIG. 9  is formed, the target protected by the static electricity protection pattern is not located in the electronic component itself, but the target is other adjacent electronic component, signal line, and so on. 
         [0173]    It should be noted that the sharp angled projection of the static electricity protection pattern formed on the circuit board pertaining to the present invention is not limited to facing toward the protection target as described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , and but the circuit board may be a circuit board on which the static electricity protection pattern having the sharp angled projection directing only in the opposite direction to the protection target is formed. 
         [0174]    The static electricity protection pattern having the projection directing only in the opposite direction to the protection target can be applicable to the static electricity protection pattern as described with reference to  FIGS. 4 through 17B . 
         [0175]    The present invention can be utilized for a circuit board and electronic component. 
         [0176]    According to an aspect of the present invention, the circuit on the circuit board can be protected from the static electricity by guiding the static electricity that is likely to be transferred from the outside of the circuit board to the circuit inside to the static electricity protection pattern on the circuit board, and leading it to the ground. 
         [0177]    Additionally, according to an aspect of the present invention, the circuit on the circuit board can be protected from the static electricity by guiding the static electricity accumulated in the circuit through its own operation on the circuit board to the static electricity protection pattern, and leading it to the ground. 
         [0178]    Additionally, according to an aspect of the present invention, the electronic component can be protected from accumulating the static electricity by guiding the static electricity that is likely to be accumulated in the electronic component to the static electricity protection pattern on the electronic component, and leading it to the ground. 
         [0179]    The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.