CA1082911A - Electrostatic spray coating apparatus - Google Patents
Electrostatic spray coating apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1082911A CA1082911A CA245,147A CA245147A CA1082911A CA 1082911 A CA1082911 A CA 1082911A CA 245147 A CA245147 A CA 245147A CA 1082911 A CA1082911 A CA 1082911A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- adapter
- spray
- charging
- electrodes
- nozzle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B5/00—Electrostatic spraying apparatus; Spraying apparatus with means for charging the spray electrically; Apparatus for spraying liquids or other fluent materials by other electric means
- B05B5/025—Discharge apparatus, e.g. electrostatic spray guns
- B05B5/043—Discharge apparatus, e.g. electrostatic spray guns using induction-charging
Abstract
A B S T R A C T
An improved electrostatic spray charging device for spray guns is disclosed. The device comprises an adapter formed from a dielectric material in the shape of a generally cylindrical tube adapted at one end to be secured to the end of a conventional spray gun and con-structed at the second end to provide an inductive charging field for materials discharged by the spray gun. The second end of the adaptor is formed, in the preferred embodiment, into two diametrically opposed lobes, each of which carries on its interior surface at least one charging plate to which a d.c. voltage on the order of 10-20 KV is applied. The exterior surface of each lobe carries an electrically grounded electrode which preferably is annular in shape to provide an electric field configu-ration that prevents accumulation of charged spray particles on the exterior surfaces of the adapter.
An improved electrostatic spray charging device for spray guns is disclosed. The device comprises an adapter formed from a dielectric material in the shape of a generally cylindrical tube adapted at one end to be secured to the end of a conventional spray gun and con-structed at the second end to provide an inductive charging field for materials discharged by the spray gun. The second end of the adaptor is formed, in the preferred embodiment, into two diametrically opposed lobes, each of which carries on its interior surface at least one charging plate to which a d.c. voltage on the order of 10-20 KV is applied. The exterior surface of each lobe carries an electrically grounded electrode which preferably is annular in shape to provide an electric field configu-ration that prevents accumulation of charged spray particles on the exterior surfaces of the adapter.
Description
E~ECTROSTATIC SPRAY COATING APPARATUS
The present invention relates to spray coating apparatus of the electrostatic type, wherein the spray particles are subjected to an electrostatic field which induces a charge on the particles.
Virtually all prior electrostatic devices have in common a spray gun to which is mounted a high voltage electrode disposed adjacent the spray discharge point and carrying an electrical potential in the neighborhood of from 50 to as high as 150 kilovolts. The voltage on this electrode creates a corona discharge condition and the resulting electric , field creates a region rich in ions through which the spray particles must pass. Some of these ions become attached to the spray droplets, producing electric charges on the particles which may then be directed toward a work-:
~ piece which is electrically grounded and which therefore attracts the ,,j particles.
Use of the corona discharge type of electrostatic spray coatingapparatus presents numerous difficulties, principally as a result of the very high voltages, obtained through the use of power supplies which are relatively large, heavy, and expensive. Because of the high voltages involved, the cable interconnecting the power supply and the spray gun charging electrode must necessarily be heavily insulated and thus is bulky, relat`ively inflexible and, again, very expensive. The use of such high voltages is hazardous, because of the possibility of electrical arcs and because of the possible danger to the operator.
It has been found that effective electrostatic spray coating can be accomplished through the use of induction charging apparatus which does not require high voltages. Induction charging of liquid particles in spray discharge devices is accomplished, for example, by surrounding the discharged .'' .
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spray with a static electric field uhich has an average potential gradient in the range of about 10 to 20 kilovolts per inch, with the liquid being held at ground potential. The spacing between the liquid and the source of potential is sufficient to prevent an electrical discharge so that a capaci-tive effect is produced. The static field so provided induces on liquid particles produced within the field an electrical charge having a polarity which is opposite to that of the applied voltage, with the particles carry-ing quantities of the charge. The resu~ting charged particles may then be directed, for example, at an electrically grounded workpiece, striking it to provide a coating of the liquid on the workpiece. Such induction charging techniques are particularly useful in spray systems utilizing electrically conductive liquids such as water base paints, since the liquid can be electrically grounded. In contrast, when using corona discharge and other high voltage spray devices which utilize a high voltage needle electrode in contact with the liquid, the liquid is at the same high voltage as the electrode, requiring that the liquid be electrically isolated for safe operation.
To enable conventional non-electrostatic spray guns, as well as spray guns of the very high voltage, corona discharge type, to be converted to induction charging devices, there may be used an adapter secured to a spray nozzle to surround the discharge ports of the spray gun and to produce a charging zone through which pass liquid particles exiting from the nozzle disc~harge ports. The adapter is located exteriorly of the conventional air and liquid discharge ports and is spaced radially outwardly therefrom, and may be, for example, a cylindrical dielectric tube having a thin con-ductive film such as a metallic foil adhered to the interior surface thereof, the tube circumferentially surrounding the discharge ports to define a charging zone in which there is provided, between the conductive film and the electrically grounded liquid, a d.c. voltage. Tne preferred average '
The present invention relates to spray coating apparatus of the electrostatic type, wherein the spray particles are subjected to an electrostatic field which induces a charge on the particles.
Virtually all prior electrostatic devices have in common a spray gun to which is mounted a high voltage electrode disposed adjacent the spray discharge point and carrying an electrical potential in the neighborhood of from 50 to as high as 150 kilovolts. The voltage on this electrode creates a corona discharge condition and the resulting electric , field creates a region rich in ions through which the spray particles must pass. Some of these ions become attached to the spray droplets, producing electric charges on the particles which may then be directed toward a work-:
~ piece which is electrically grounded and which therefore attracts the ,,j particles.
Use of the corona discharge type of electrostatic spray coatingapparatus presents numerous difficulties, principally as a result of the very high voltages, obtained through the use of power supplies which are relatively large, heavy, and expensive. Because of the high voltages involved, the cable interconnecting the power supply and the spray gun charging electrode must necessarily be heavily insulated and thus is bulky, relat`ively inflexible and, again, very expensive. The use of such high voltages is hazardous, because of the possibility of electrical arcs and because of the possible danger to the operator.
It has been found that effective electrostatic spray coating can be accomplished through the use of induction charging apparatus which does not require high voltages. Induction charging of liquid particles in spray discharge devices is accomplished, for example, by surrounding the discharged .'' .
, ' lO~
spray with a static electric field uhich has an average potential gradient in the range of about 10 to 20 kilovolts per inch, with the liquid being held at ground potential. The spacing between the liquid and the source of potential is sufficient to prevent an electrical discharge so that a capaci-tive effect is produced. The static field so provided induces on liquid particles produced within the field an electrical charge having a polarity which is opposite to that of the applied voltage, with the particles carry-ing quantities of the charge. The resu~ting charged particles may then be directed, for example, at an electrically grounded workpiece, striking it to provide a coating of the liquid on the workpiece. Such induction charging techniques are particularly useful in spray systems utilizing electrically conductive liquids such as water base paints, since the liquid can be electrically grounded. In contrast, when using corona discharge and other high voltage spray devices which utilize a high voltage needle electrode in contact with the liquid, the liquid is at the same high voltage as the electrode, requiring that the liquid be electrically isolated for safe operation.
To enable conventional non-electrostatic spray guns, as well as spray guns of the very high voltage, corona discharge type, to be converted to induction charging devices, there may be used an adapter secured to a spray nozzle to surround the discharge ports of the spray gun and to produce a charging zone through which pass liquid particles exiting from the nozzle disc~harge ports. The adapter is located exteriorly of the conventional air and liquid discharge ports and is spaced radially outwardly therefrom, and may be, for example, a cylindrical dielectric tube having a thin con-ductive film such as a metallic foil adhered to the interior surface thereof, the tube circumferentially surrounding the discharge ports to define a charging zone in which there is provided, between the conductive film and the electrically grounded liquid, a d.c. voltage. Tne preferred average '
- 2 - ~
~0829~1 .
.
potential gradient within the charging zone is between about 5 and about 20 kilovolts per inch.
In such an inductive charging device the cylindrical shape may interfere with the discharge pattern of the spray, with the result that the inductive charging device can become coated with the spray material, thereby reducing operating efficiency. Further, the collection of charged particles on the outer surface of the inductive charging tube over a prolonged period of operation can produce surface leakage paths between the high voltage electrode and ground.
The present invention is directed to an improved electrostatic spray charging device formed from a dielectric material and adapted to be secured at one end to the spray nozzle of a conventional hand-held or auto-matic spray gun of either the electrostatic or non-electrostatic type.
The improvement comprises shielding electrodes positioned exteriorly of the charging electrodes of the spray device.
Although other configurations may be used, the device in a pre-ferred form generally will be tubular, and is arranged to be mounted in spaced relationship to the spray nozzle. The forward end of the device preferably extends beyond the end of the spray nozzle and is formed in the shape of two diametrically opposed, forwardly extending lobes, each of which carries on its interior surface a charging electrode. In the preferred embodiments the shielding electrodes are mounted on the lobes exteriorly of and corresponding to the charging electrodes. A d.c. voltage is applied between the charging electrodes and the liquid being sprayed to establlsh an electrostatic field within the charging zone defined by the device.
,. .
<~ The voltage is less than that required to cuase corona discharge, but pro-duces a potential gradient in the region near the liquid being sprayed of sufficient value to insure that charges are induced on the particles sprayed from the nozzle.
~0829~1 .
.
potential gradient within the charging zone is between about 5 and about 20 kilovolts per inch.
In such an inductive charging device the cylindrical shape may interfere with the discharge pattern of the spray, with the result that the inductive charging device can become coated with the spray material, thereby reducing operating efficiency. Further, the collection of charged particles on the outer surface of the inductive charging tube over a prolonged period of operation can produce surface leakage paths between the high voltage electrode and ground.
The present invention is directed to an improved electrostatic spray charging device formed from a dielectric material and adapted to be secured at one end to the spray nozzle of a conventional hand-held or auto-matic spray gun of either the electrostatic or non-electrostatic type.
The improvement comprises shielding electrodes positioned exteriorly of the charging electrodes of the spray device.
Although other configurations may be used, the device in a pre-ferred form generally will be tubular, and is arranged to be mounted in spaced relationship to the spray nozzle. The forward end of the device preferably extends beyond the end of the spray nozzle and is formed in the shape of two diametrically opposed, forwardly extending lobes, each of which carries on its interior surface a charging electrode. In the preferred embodiments the shielding electrodes are mounted on the lobes exteriorly of and corresponding to the charging electrodes. A d.c. voltage is applied between the charging electrodes and the liquid being sprayed to establlsh an electrostatic field within the charging zone defined by the device.
,. .
<~ The voltage is less than that required to cuase corona discharge, but pro-duces a potential gradient in the region near the liquid being sprayed of sufficient value to insure that charges are induced on the particles sprayed from the nozzle.
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The average potential gradient between the electrodes and the liquid supply may be defined as the average value of the voltage change per unit of radial distance between the axis of the liquid stream and the electrodes, and may be calculated by dividing the radial distance into the value of the applied voltage. The actual gradient will vary, having a -lower value near the electrodes and having a much greater value at or near the location in the liquid stream where the spray particles are formed to produce the inductive charging effect, so that it is convenient to refer to the average value.
The electrical potential existing at any given point within the charging zone will depend upon the configuration of the electric field, and this will be inEluenced by factors such as the size and shape of the electrodes, the shape of the surface of the liquid stream, and the amount and location of the charge carried by spray particles within the zone.
Rach charging electrode may be in the form of a curved dielectric mounting plate carrying on its inner surEace an electrically conductive metallic film, foil, or the like, and each mounting plate is secured to a corres-ponding lobe in spaced relationship to the lobe to support the electrodes so as to define a charging zone in the path of spray particles discharged Erom the nozzle. The curved electrodes of a preferred form of the invention are concentric to tlle axis of the spray nozzle to produce an electrostatic field configuration within the charging zone that will result in the desired potential gradient near the liquid stream being sprayed from the nozzle.
,; The charging device is cut away between the two lobes to provide diametrically opposed openings which accomodate fan-shaped spray patterns of the type commonly used in spray painting.
` The exterior surfaces of the two lobes carry electrodes in the form of electrically conductive films, such as metallic foils or the like, which are connected to an electrical ground point. These grounded electrodes
The average potential gradient between the electrodes and the liquid supply may be defined as the average value of the voltage change per unit of radial distance between the axis of the liquid stream and the electrodes, and may be calculated by dividing the radial distance into the value of the applied voltage. The actual gradient will vary, having a -lower value near the electrodes and having a much greater value at or near the location in the liquid stream where the spray particles are formed to produce the inductive charging effect, so that it is convenient to refer to the average value.
The electrical potential existing at any given point within the charging zone will depend upon the configuration of the electric field, and this will be inEluenced by factors such as the size and shape of the electrodes, the shape of the surface of the liquid stream, and the amount and location of the charge carried by spray particles within the zone.
Rach charging electrode may be in the form of a curved dielectric mounting plate carrying on its inner surEace an electrically conductive metallic film, foil, or the like, and each mounting plate is secured to a corres-ponding lobe in spaced relationship to the lobe to support the electrodes so as to define a charging zone in the path of spray particles discharged Erom the nozzle. The curved electrodes of a preferred form of the invention are concentric to tlle axis of the spray nozzle to produce an electrostatic field configuration within the charging zone that will result in the desired potential gradient near the liquid stream being sprayed from the nozzle.
,; The charging device is cut away between the two lobes to provide diametrically opposed openings which accomodate fan-shaped spray patterns of the type commonly used in spray painting.
` The exterior surfaces of the two lobes carry electrodes in the form of electrically conductive films, such as metallic foils or the like, which are connected to an electrical ground point. These grounded electrodes
- 4 -prevent the buildup of positive charges on the spray gun adapter, thereby insuring operator safety, reducing the danger of arcing, and substantially eliminating the collection of cbarged spray particles on the exterior surface of the adapter. In a preferred form, the exterior electrode is formed with a central opening wherein each electrode takes on a generally annular configuration, thereby modifying the electrical field around the charging device and providing an improved resistance to contamination by the charged particles being sprayed. Thus, the present device provides improved inductive charglng of spray particles while at the same time reduc-ing interference of the charging apparatus with the spray pattern and thereby producing a cleaner and safer electrostatic charging device.
Although the inductive charging device illustrated herein is generally cylindrical, or tubular, this specific structure is merely illus-trative and other configurations may be provided which support the charging electrodes in spaced relationship to the discharge nozzle and facilitate the nonturbulent flow of air past the nozzle and the flow of air and entrained spray particles through the charging zone. The tubular form is particularly well suited to the additional functions of supporting the charging electrodes ad~acent the path of the sprayed particles in such a way as to produce an electrostatic field having the configuration and the desired average poten- -tial gradient within the charging zone, and of preventing undue interference with the aspirating effect produced by the various air and atomized liquid streams emitted at the nozzle. This aspirating effect draws some ambient air around and along the spray gun which has the effect of reducing turbu-lence in the spray zone.
Configurations other than the pair of curved electrodes illustrated herein can be used, and the number of electrodes may vary as long as the required field configuration and average potential gradient is maintained between the electrode and the liquid Two curved electrodes, one on each side of the spray nozzle, are convenient for this purpose, and are usually ~, .
1()82911 preferred. However, a larger number of electrodes can be provided, as long as care is taken to insure that there is no undue increase in the amount of current drawn by the device, that any tendency for arcing or corona discharge is avoided, and that charges having a polarity opposite to that generally produced by the induction charging system are not produced.
Further, the number, shape and arrangement of the electrodes should be chosen to minimize the turbulent air flow around the spray nozzle which reduces the effectiveness of the device.
The foregoing features are readily embodied in an induction charging device in the form of an adapter designed to be secured to the exterior of any conventional spray gun, the adapter being provided with suitable terminals and lead wires for connecting the charging electrodes to a d.c. voltage source and the ground electrodes to a convenient reference or earth point. Although the charging device of the invention is therefore referred to herein as an adapter, the charging device also may be constructed as an integral or permanent part of a spray gun or spray nozzle and such construction is within the scope of the invention.
.J.' A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a typical spray gun, shown in diagram- -matic form, to which is connected an electrostatic induction charging adapter in accordance with the present invention;
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Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view of the spray gun and adapter taken along line 2-2 of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the adaptor of Fib. 1, illustrating the arrangement of parts in the adapter;
- Fig 4 is a frount view of the adapter of Fig. 3;
,' Fig. 5 is a cross~sectional view of the adapter of Fig. 4, taken along lines 5-5;
., .' 1082~11 Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of Fig. 4, taken along lines 6-6;
Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of the adapter of Fig. l;
Fig. 8 is a partial sectional view of the adapter of Fig. l;
and Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a support suitable for for use in securing an adapter to a spray gun.
Referring to the drawings, in Figs. 1 and 2, there is illustrated at lO a conventional air-operated spray gun having a handle portion 12, a barrel 14, and a nozzle assembly generally indicated in Fig. 2 at 16. The illustrated spray gun is a hand held device having a conventional trigger mechanism 18 which operates valve means generally indicated at 20 to admit liquid from a supply source (not shown) to the gun. The liquid is fed to the spray gun through a suitable connector 22 which may be threaded to receive a corresponding connector on a liquid feed hose or the like (not shown) leading from the supply of liquid. The liquid to be sprayed passes through the valve "
means 20 and flows through a fluid passageway 25 (Fig. 2) controlled by a conventional needle valve to a liquid nozzle 26 for discharge as an atomized spray of droplets. A propellant or atomizing fluid such as air or another suitable gas is applied under pressure to the nozzle assembly by way of an air hose 28 and through suitable passageways in the body of the spray gun.
In order to provide the required degree of atomization and to regulate the discharge pattern of the spray, the air supply is divided into two separate passageways 30 and 32 (Fig. 2), with the air flow in the passageways being controlled by manually adjustable control valve generally indicated at 34 in Fig. 1. A second control valve 36 permits adjustment of the needle valve '~ in passageway 24, in conventional manner.
In accordance with known spray nozzle construction, the air flow in one of the air passageways, for example, passageway 30, is directed to , _ 7 _ . . .
' -~ 1082911 an annular chamber 38 within the spray nozzle 26 from which the air flows forward to a second annular chamber 40 defined between the forward end of the nozzle 26 and the interior of an air cap 42. The air cap incorporates a plurality of apertures, such as annulus 44 surrounding the outlet port of nozzle 26, which serve to direct air from chamber 40 to shape the flow of liquid from the nozzle 26 in known manner.
The flow of air from passageway 32 is directed to an annular chamber 46, also defined by the air cap 42. The air cap disclosed in this embodiment incorporates a pair of diametrically opposed ears 48 and 50 which extend forwardly from the discharge point of nozzle 26 and which contain air passageways 51 and 52 connected to the annular chamber 46. These passage-ways serve to direct air toward the atomized liquid being discharged from nozzle 26 to shape the pattern of the discharge. By regularing the rates of flow of the various air streams and of the liquid stream, a spray dis-charge having the desired characteristics may be produced.
In accordance with the present invention, the nozzle assembly 16, including the liquid nozzle 26 and the air cap 42, is generally conventional.
This means that the air cap 42 is constructed of a dielectric, or electrically nonconductive, material and the liquid being supplied is electrically grounded, as by means of a ground plate 54, in order to insure proper induction charging. The liquid nozzle 26 may be secured in the barrel 14 of the spray gun by any suitable means, as by threads 56. Similarly, the air cap 42 is secured to the barrel 14 by suitable means such as an annular nut 58, preferably dielectric, having an inner shoulder portion 60 which engages a corresponding shoulder on the air cap and which is threaded onto the exterior of barrel 14 as by means of threads 62.
The dielectric material from which the air cap is made is selected not only for its electrical insulative qualities, but fDr its mechanical properties of regidity, machinability, and strength. The dielectric elements - 1~)82911 of the nozzle assembly must be constructed of materials capable of with-standing the highest voltages provided by the power supply without an accompanying breakdown or rupture of the material. Suitable materials include acetal resins, epoxy resins, glass filled epoxy resins, glass filled nylon, and the like. Parts of the air cap may be made of, or have adhered thereto, a conductive material as long as such conductive material is not electrically grounded. It has been found that when grounded metal parts are used for the noz~le assembly, the charging efficiency drops drastically, in some cases by as much as about 75%. While a specific type of no~le has been shown in Fig. 2, it is to be understood that essentially any air-atomized spray nozzle would be usable with the instant invention, provided that all portions of the air cap are either electrically non-conducting or are ungrounded.
` Mounted on the exterior of spray gun barrel 14, and concentric . with the liquid discharge port, is an induction charging adapter 64 made in accordance with the present invention. Adapter 64 is illustrated in per-spective view in Fig. 3, in side elevation in Fig. 1, in cross section as mounted on the spray gun in Fig. 2, in end view of Fig. 4, in cross section in Figs. 5 and 6, and in a bottom vlew in Fig. 7. As illustrated, the v adapter is essentially a cylindrical housing, or tube 66 formed of a dielec-tric material and having a rearward portion 68 adapted to be secured to the spray gun and a forwardly extending portion 70 adapted to surround the path of the discharged spray material. Diametrically opposed portions of the forward part of the dielectric tube are cut away at 72 and 74 (see Fig. 3), leaving shaped, forwardly extending, opposed lobes 76 and 78 remaining. The lobes 76 and 78 carry charging electrodes, to be described, for which a d.c.
voltage is applied for inductively charging the spray particles, while the cutaway portions 72 and 74 prevent interference by the tube with generally fanshaped patterns which may be produced in the spray, and assist in the aspiration of ambient air through the tube.
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The adapter 64 is attached to the end of spray gun 10 by means of suitable mounts which are shaped to engage the outer surface of the barrel or of the annular nut 58. The mounts are formed to secure the adapter in concentric relationship with the discharge orifice. In the embodiment illustrated herein, two such supports 80 and 80' are secured, as by means of screws, to diametrically opposite locations on the interior wal~ of the rearward portion of tube 66. In Figs. 4, 5, and 9, support 80 consists of a pair of leg elements 82 and 84, and support 80' includes elements 82' and 84', which are adapted to be secured to the wall of the tubular housing. The upper surface of each leg portion is shaped to engage a corresponding shoulder portion formed on the exterior of nut 58, as illus-trated in Fig. 2. Thus, the forward portion of each leg has an upstanding flange which is adapted to abut the exterior shoulder on the nut. In mounting the adapter on the spray gun, the adapter is pushed onto the front of the gun, is centered so that the leg elements 8Z and 84, 82' and 84', will fit over the nut 58, and the adapter is then moved rearwardly on the gun until the flanges on the leg elements engage the exterior shoulder on the nut. A retainer plate 86 is then secured as by means of screws, to the rearward sides of legs 82 and 84, the retainer plate spanning the legs and extending thereabove to engage the rear surface of nut 58. In similar manner, retainer plate 86' spans elements 82' and 84'. The retainer plates 86, 86' and the flanges on legs 82, 82' and 84, 84' thus grip nut 58 and secure the adapter in place. The retainer plates are curved to fit snugly onto the curved outer surface of the nut. The exact shape of the inner surfaces and the exact location of the supports depends upon the axial location of the adapter with respect to the nozzle, and the adapter may be positioned in a variety of longitudinal locations with respect to the dis-charge point of the fluid spray. Any suitable number of supports may be provided and a variety of spacers may be utilized. The shaped spacers of the - i.0829~
type illustrated herein provide a removable mounting for the adapter;
if desired, the adapter can be permanently attached to the spray device, may be hald in place by frictional engagement, or may take other alternative forms.
It is preferred thàt the adapter 64 be of greater inner diameter than the outer diameter of the barrel portion of the spray gun so that ambient air can flow through the adapter from the rear for mixture with the air and liquid exiting from the discharge ports of nozzle assembly 16.
The aspiration of air through the adapter is caused by the spray discharge, and this flow minimizes turbulence in the area of the spray nozzle and thus reduces the tendency of the spray gun to deposit atomized and charged spray particles on the exterior surface of the nozzle assembly and barrel portion of the gun. A series of apertures or windows 88 through 93 around the circumference of the rearward portion 66 of the adapter can be provided to increase the aspirating effect of the adapter, and assist in reducing :.
turbulence.
The electrostatic field is generated by means of a pair of charging electrodes 96 and 98 mounted to the inner surfaces of lobes 76 and 7~, respec-tively, of the adapter. The electrodes are spaced from the nozzle assembly and are concentric therewith, having curved surfaces which are equidistant from the longitudinal axis of the spray nozzle. Each of the electrodes i8, in effect, a segment of a cylinder of slightly smaller diameter than the cylinder which forms the adapter. The electrodes are spaced from the spray nozzle by a distance sufficient to insure a good flow of aspirated air between the electrode and the spray nozzle, yet are close enough to provide the desired potential gradient between the surface of the electrodes and the grounded supply of liquid fed to spray nozzle 26.
The electrodes may be in the form of a metallic foil or coating adhered or otherwise formed on the inner surfaces of the adapter housing, 1~)8X9~
but preferably comprise metallic or other electrically conductive layers or coatings attached to and supported by a substrate which is, in turn, supported by suitable spacers attached to the interior surfaces of the lobes 76 and 78. Thus, the electrode 96 may consist of a substrate 100 supporting metal foil 102, the edges of which may be covered by a bead of epoxy to eliminate sharp edges and prevent corona discharges. As may be seen most clearly in Figs. 4 and 5, electrode 96 is shaped to be generally congruent with the shape of lobe 76 and is of sufficient size that the lobe falls within the radial shadow of the electrode; i.e., a radial line from the axis of the fluid nozzle passing by the edge of the electrode would not fall upon the lobe. The electrode is secured to the lobe 76 by means of a pair of spacers 104 and 106. Electrode 98 is formed in similar manner.
The dielectric spacers 104, 104', 106, 106' are shaped to insure a smooth air flow in the space between the electrodes aDd the outer lobes 76 and 78, and are located to prevent electrical leakage paths from developing.
To provide the required electrostatic field for the liquid spray discharged by the spray gun, a source of relatively high d.c. voltage which may be either polarity with respect to the reference ground point and which is diagramatically indicated at 108 in Fig. 6, is connected by way of a main power cable 110 which leads, in the case of an adapter unit mounted on a conventional spray gun, along the exterior of the barrel of the gun to a connector block 112 secured to the interior of adapter 64. Block 112 pro-vides a connection between cable 110 and a pair of secondary cables 114 and 116 leading to and connected to the electrically conductive material on the inner surfaces of electrodes 96 and 98, respectively. In the preferred apparatus, a high positive or negative voltage is supplied to the two opposed electrodes 96 and 98, and this voltage produces an electrostatic field between the electrodes and the electrically grounded liquid spray discharged ' 10~911 from the spray gun. This field defines a charging zone within the adapter which serves to induce an opposite charge on any particulate liquids passing therethrough. The voltage at source 108 preferably is less than about 20 kilovolts. Optimum results are obtained when the average poten-tial gradient within the charging zone, between the charging electrodes and the liquid nozzle, is between about 5 and about 20 kilovolts per inch, and preferably is between about 10 and 14 kilovolts per inch.
In a less desirable embodiment, the electrical potential may be applied to the liquid supply, with the electrodes 96 and 98 being held at the ground reference potential, thereby reversing the direction of the electro-static field developed within the adapter 64.
r In the preferred form of the invention, where the electrodes 96 and 98 are maintained at a high positive or negative voltage, the safety factor may be improved by providing a current limiting resistor within the power supply to protect both the supply and the operator. Such resistors are known in this art, and serve to limit the amount of current that can flow in the system in the event of arcing caused by a breakdown of insulation, by an accumulation of charged particulate matter, by contact of the elec-trodes with a grounded ob~ect, or the like. However, a greater degree of safety is provided by the present invention through the provision of ground-ing electrodes, or shields, on the exterior surface of the adapter. Such shields, illustrated in the drawings at 118 and 120, preferably are in the form of a conductive film or foil secured to the exterior surfaces of the adapter lobes, with shield 118 being on the exterior surface of lobe 78 and shield 120 being on the exterior surface of lobe 76. As illustrated, the shields generally conform in shape to the shape of the lobes, approaching the edges thereof, and extending between about one-half and about two thirds the Length of the adapter. The external electrodes thus lie within the radial shadow of tlle charging electrodes 96 and 98, thereby reducing the tendency ~0825~1 ' for charged particles to collect along the edges of the lobes and shield electrodes.
The shield electrodes are located within shallow recesses formed in the exterior surfaces of the lobes 76 and 78 so as to flush with or inset slightly below the lobe surfaces, thereby reducing the likelihood of sharp edges producing corona discharges. To further reduce this possi-bility, the peripheral edges of the shield electrodes are covered by a bead of epoxy which acts as a fillet between the electrode and the surface of the lobe, as generally illustrated in Figs. 2, 6 and 8.
Shields 118 and 120 are connected to an electrical reference point, preferably ground, as illustrated by Fig. 7, by way of wires 122 and 124 which may be connected to a metallic connector plate 126 suitably secured to or embedded in the exterior surface of the adapter. The connector 126 may be, for example, a brass foil lnsert secured to the adapter by rivets or other suitable fasteners to pravide good electrical contact with the wires 122 and 124 which may be adhered to or embedded in the dielectric material of the adapter. A ground wire 128 is secured to the connector plate 126 and is adapted to make contact with a suitable electrical ground reference point 130. The ground plate 54 (Fig. 2) which contacts the liquid supply for the spray gun either within or outside the gun, as well.as other ground points on the spray gun, are also connected to the electrical ground point 130 so that the shield electrodes 118 and 120 are maintained at ground ~, .
potential in common with the liquid supply.
As illustrated in Fig. 8, the presence of the grounded shield ~ electrodes on the exterior surfaces of the adapter produces an electrical :~ field 132 around the forward and side edges of each of the lobes, extending ::
... .
between the charging and the shielding electrodes mounted on opposite .
surfaces of each lobe. The electric field 132 produces a deflecting force F
on the charged particles emitted from the spray gun, preventing such '"
: ' ; - 14 -.
~082911 particles from reaching the surface of the adapter. Thus, if a positive potential is applied to the charging electrode 96, as illustrated in Fig. 8, negative charges will be induced on the particulate matter within the charging zone. Negatively charged particles which are discharged from the charging zone within the adapter will normally be directed toward a workpiece by reason of the air flow from the spray nozzle and through the adapter or by reason of an attracting potential on the workpiece, or both.
Often, however, the negative particles which travel near the forward edge of the adapter tend to be attracted around the edge and back toward the gun and adapter, where they will collect if a positive charge has built up on the gun and adapter surfaces. When external ground shield electrodes are provided, thereby creating the electric field illustrated in Fig. 8, this field is in a direction to repel the negatively charged particles back to the main stream of the spray, while any positively charged particles will be directed by a force opposite to that indicated at F in Fig. 8, and thus will also be deflected away from the surface of the adapter, but in the opposite direction.
The shield electrodes 118 and 120 may be continuous sheets of conductive material, but improved results can be obtained by providing in the electrodes 118 and 120 corresponding cut-out portions 134 and 136, respectively. The shield electrodes have the generally annular shape illustrated in the drawings, with a thickened area of the dielectric material used in constructing the adapter being exposed in the center portion of each electrode. Since the dielectric material of the adapter will gradually take on a positive charge with respect to the ground potential of electrodes 118 and 120, the central opening in the electrodes becomes positive and creates an additional electrostatic field 138 between the dielectric material and the electrode. This field provides a further deflection of any charged particles to prevent such particles from accumu-lating on the exterior surface of the adapter. The same general effect 1082gll occurs when the operating polarities of the system are reversed.
The grounding of the exterior surfaces of the adapter lobes also improves safety. With the exterior surface at ground potential, the adapter can be safely touched by an operator or by an ob;ect at ground potential with no danger of a shock or spark. There is virtually no accumulation of charged particles on the surface of the adapter and thus no problem of accidental sparking or electrical shock. The exact dimensions of the exterior shield electrodes are not critical, nor is the exact spacing between the various electrodes; however, it should be noted that the elec-trodes should be sufficiently far apart from each other to prevent break-down through or around the dielectric material and that all edges should be .
rounded to reduce this problem.
The axial position of the inductive charging adapter relative to the spray nozzle is not critical. The adapter is located exteriorly of the discharge ports, and is preferably positioned so that at least a portion ; of each of the charging electrodes extends forward of the radially extending plane tefined by the air and fluid discharge ports.
Neither the size of the charging electrodes nor the radial dis-tance between the electrodes and the air and liquid discharge ports is ., critical.
The air pressure used in con~unction with the spray gun is not critical, and can vary accordingly to the particular degree of atomization and particle size desired. In fact, the adapter can be used with the so-,~ called "airless" spray devices which operate on liquid pressure alone, without the need for an air supply. However, for any given fluid flow ~ rate and charging electrode configuration, the total particle flow to a
Although the inductive charging device illustrated herein is generally cylindrical, or tubular, this specific structure is merely illus-trative and other configurations may be provided which support the charging electrodes in spaced relationship to the discharge nozzle and facilitate the nonturbulent flow of air past the nozzle and the flow of air and entrained spray particles through the charging zone. The tubular form is particularly well suited to the additional functions of supporting the charging electrodes ad~acent the path of the sprayed particles in such a way as to produce an electrostatic field having the configuration and the desired average poten- -tial gradient within the charging zone, and of preventing undue interference with the aspirating effect produced by the various air and atomized liquid streams emitted at the nozzle. This aspirating effect draws some ambient air around and along the spray gun which has the effect of reducing turbu-lence in the spray zone.
Configurations other than the pair of curved electrodes illustrated herein can be used, and the number of electrodes may vary as long as the required field configuration and average potential gradient is maintained between the electrode and the liquid Two curved electrodes, one on each side of the spray nozzle, are convenient for this purpose, and are usually ~, .
1()82911 preferred. However, a larger number of electrodes can be provided, as long as care is taken to insure that there is no undue increase in the amount of current drawn by the device, that any tendency for arcing or corona discharge is avoided, and that charges having a polarity opposite to that generally produced by the induction charging system are not produced.
Further, the number, shape and arrangement of the electrodes should be chosen to minimize the turbulent air flow around the spray nozzle which reduces the effectiveness of the device.
The foregoing features are readily embodied in an induction charging device in the form of an adapter designed to be secured to the exterior of any conventional spray gun, the adapter being provided with suitable terminals and lead wires for connecting the charging electrodes to a d.c. voltage source and the ground electrodes to a convenient reference or earth point. Although the charging device of the invention is therefore referred to herein as an adapter, the charging device also may be constructed as an integral or permanent part of a spray gun or spray nozzle and such construction is within the scope of the invention.
.J.' A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a typical spray gun, shown in diagram- -matic form, to which is connected an electrostatic induction charging adapter in accordance with the present invention;
. .~.
Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view of the spray gun and adapter taken along line 2-2 of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the adaptor of Fib. 1, illustrating the arrangement of parts in the adapter;
- Fig 4 is a frount view of the adapter of Fig. 3;
,' Fig. 5 is a cross~sectional view of the adapter of Fig. 4, taken along lines 5-5;
., .' 1082~11 Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of Fig. 4, taken along lines 6-6;
Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of the adapter of Fig. l;
Fig. 8 is a partial sectional view of the adapter of Fig. l;
and Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a support suitable for for use in securing an adapter to a spray gun.
Referring to the drawings, in Figs. 1 and 2, there is illustrated at lO a conventional air-operated spray gun having a handle portion 12, a barrel 14, and a nozzle assembly generally indicated in Fig. 2 at 16. The illustrated spray gun is a hand held device having a conventional trigger mechanism 18 which operates valve means generally indicated at 20 to admit liquid from a supply source (not shown) to the gun. The liquid is fed to the spray gun through a suitable connector 22 which may be threaded to receive a corresponding connector on a liquid feed hose or the like (not shown) leading from the supply of liquid. The liquid to be sprayed passes through the valve "
means 20 and flows through a fluid passageway 25 (Fig. 2) controlled by a conventional needle valve to a liquid nozzle 26 for discharge as an atomized spray of droplets. A propellant or atomizing fluid such as air or another suitable gas is applied under pressure to the nozzle assembly by way of an air hose 28 and through suitable passageways in the body of the spray gun.
In order to provide the required degree of atomization and to regulate the discharge pattern of the spray, the air supply is divided into two separate passageways 30 and 32 (Fig. 2), with the air flow in the passageways being controlled by manually adjustable control valve generally indicated at 34 in Fig. 1. A second control valve 36 permits adjustment of the needle valve '~ in passageway 24, in conventional manner.
In accordance with known spray nozzle construction, the air flow in one of the air passageways, for example, passageway 30, is directed to , _ 7 _ . . .
' -~ 1082911 an annular chamber 38 within the spray nozzle 26 from which the air flows forward to a second annular chamber 40 defined between the forward end of the nozzle 26 and the interior of an air cap 42. The air cap incorporates a plurality of apertures, such as annulus 44 surrounding the outlet port of nozzle 26, which serve to direct air from chamber 40 to shape the flow of liquid from the nozzle 26 in known manner.
The flow of air from passageway 32 is directed to an annular chamber 46, also defined by the air cap 42. The air cap disclosed in this embodiment incorporates a pair of diametrically opposed ears 48 and 50 which extend forwardly from the discharge point of nozzle 26 and which contain air passageways 51 and 52 connected to the annular chamber 46. These passage-ways serve to direct air toward the atomized liquid being discharged from nozzle 26 to shape the pattern of the discharge. By regularing the rates of flow of the various air streams and of the liquid stream, a spray dis-charge having the desired characteristics may be produced.
In accordance with the present invention, the nozzle assembly 16, including the liquid nozzle 26 and the air cap 42, is generally conventional.
This means that the air cap 42 is constructed of a dielectric, or electrically nonconductive, material and the liquid being supplied is electrically grounded, as by means of a ground plate 54, in order to insure proper induction charging. The liquid nozzle 26 may be secured in the barrel 14 of the spray gun by any suitable means, as by threads 56. Similarly, the air cap 42 is secured to the barrel 14 by suitable means such as an annular nut 58, preferably dielectric, having an inner shoulder portion 60 which engages a corresponding shoulder on the air cap and which is threaded onto the exterior of barrel 14 as by means of threads 62.
The dielectric material from which the air cap is made is selected not only for its electrical insulative qualities, but fDr its mechanical properties of regidity, machinability, and strength. The dielectric elements - 1~)82911 of the nozzle assembly must be constructed of materials capable of with-standing the highest voltages provided by the power supply without an accompanying breakdown or rupture of the material. Suitable materials include acetal resins, epoxy resins, glass filled epoxy resins, glass filled nylon, and the like. Parts of the air cap may be made of, or have adhered thereto, a conductive material as long as such conductive material is not electrically grounded. It has been found that when grounded metal parts are used for the noz~le assembly, the charging efficiency drops drastically, in some cases by as much as about 75%. While a specific type of no~le has been shown in Fig. 2, it is to be understood that essentially any air-atomized spray nozzle would be usable with the instant invention, provided that all portions of the air cap are either electrically non-conducting or are ungrounded.
` Mounted on the exterior of spray gun barrel 14, and concentric . with the liquid discharge port, is an induction charging adapter 64 made in accordance with the present invention. Adapter 64 is illustrated in per-spective view in Fig. 3, in side elevation in Fig. 1, in cross section as mounted on the spray gun in Fig. 2, in end view of Fig. 4, in cross section in Figs. 5 and 6, and in a bottom vlew in Fig. 7. As illustrated, the v adapter is essentially a cylindrical housing, or tube 66 formed of a dielec-tric material and having a rearward portion 68 adapted to be secured to the spray gun and a forwardly extending portion 70 adapted to surround the path of the discharged spray material. Diametrically opposed portions of the forward part of the dielectric tube are cut away at 72 and 74 (see Fig. 3), leaving shaped, forwardly extending, opposed lobes 76 and 78 remaining. The lobes 76 and 78 carry charging electrodes, to be described, for which a d.c.
voltage is applied for inductively charging the spray particles, while the cutaway portions 72 and 74 prevent interference by the tube with generally fanshaped patterns which may be produced in the spray, and assist in the aspiration of ambient air through the tube.
_ g _ 1082~1~
The adapter 64 is attached to the end of spray gun 10 by means of suitable mounts which are shaped to engage the outer surface of the barrel or of the annular nut 58. The mounts are formed to secure the adapter in concentric relationship with the discharge orifice. In the embodiment illustrated herein, two such supports 80 and 80' are secured, as by means of screws, to diametrically opposite locations on the interior wal~ of the rearward portion of tube 66. In Figs. 4, 5, and 9, support 80 consists of a pair of leg elements 82 and 84, and support 80' includes elements 82' and 84', which are adapted to be secured to the wall of the tubular housing. The upper surface of each leg portion is shaped to engage a corresponding shoulder portion formed on the exterior of nut 58, as illus-trated in Fig. 2. Thus, the forward portion of each leg has an upstanding flange which is adapted to abut the exterior shoulder on the nut. In mounting the adapter on the spray gun, the adapter is pushed onto the front of the gun, is centered so that the leg elements 8Z and 84, 82' and 84', will fit over the nut 58, and the adapter is then moved rearwardly on the gun until the flanges on the leg elements engage the exterior shoulder on the nut. A retainer plate 86 is then secured as by means of screws, to the rearward sides of legs 82 and 84, the retainer plate spanning the legs and extending thereabove to engage the rear surface of nut 58. In similar manner, retainer plate 86' spans elements 82' and 84'. The retainer plates 86, 86' and the flanges on legs 82, 82' and 84, 84' thus grip nut 58 and secure the adapter in place. The retainer plates are curved to fit snugly onto the curved outer surface of the nut. The exact shape of the inner surfaces and the exact location of the supports depends upon the axial location of the adapter with respect to the nozzle, and the adapter may be positioned in a variety of longitudinal locations with respect to the dis-charge point of the fluid spray. Any suitable number of supports may be provided and a variety of spacers may be utilized. The shaped spacers of the - i.0829~
type illustrated herein provide a removable mounting for the adapter;
if desired, the adapter can be permanently attached to the spray device, may be hald in place by frictional engagement, or may take other alternative forms.
It is preferred thàt the adapter 64 be of greater inner diameter than the outer diameter of the barrel portion of the spray gun so that ambient air can flow through the adapter from the rear for mixture with the air and liquid exiting from the discharge ports of nozzle assembly 16.
The aspiration of air through the adapter is caused by the spray discharge, and this flow minimizes turbulence in the area of the spray nozzle and thus reduces the tendency of the spray gun to deposit atomized and charged spray particles on the exterior surface of the nozzle assembly and barrel portion of the gun. A series of apertures or windows 88 through 93 around the circumference of the rearward portion 66 of the adapter can be provided to increase the aspirating effect of the adapter, and assist in reducing :.
turbulence.
The electrostatic field is generated by means of a pair of charging electrodes 96 and 98 mounted to the inner surfaces of lobes 76 and 7~, respec-tively, of the adapter. The electrodes are spaced from the nozzle assembly and are concentric therewith, having curved surfaces which are equidistant from the longitudinal axis of the spray nozzle. Each of the electrodes i8, in effect, a segment of a cylinder of slightly smaller diameter than the cylinder which forms the adapter. The electrodes are spaced from the spray nozzle by a distance sufficient to insure a good flow of aspirated air between the electrode and the spray nozzle, yet are close enough to provide the desired potential gradient between the surface of the electrodes and the grounded supply of liquid fed to spray nozzle 26.
The electrodes may be in the form of a metallic foil or coating adhered or otherwise formed on the inner surfaces of the adapter housing, 1~)8X9~
but preferably comprise metallic or other electrically conductive layers or coatings attached to and supported by a substrate which is, in turn, supported by suitable spacers attached to the interior surfaces of the lobes 76 and 78. Thus, the electrode 96 may consist of a substrate 100 supporting metal foil 102, the edges of which may be covered by a bead of epoxy to eliminate sharp edges and prevent corona discharges. As may be seen most clearly in Figs. 4 and 5, electrode 96 is shaped to be generally congruent with the shape of lobe 76 and is of sufficient size that the lobe falls within the radial shadow of the electrode; i.e., a radial line from the axis of the fluid nozzle passing by the edge of the electrode would not fall upon the lobe. The electrode is secured to the lobe 76 by means of a pair of spacers 104 and 106. Electrode 98 is formed in similar manner.
The dielectric spacers 104, 104', 106, 106' are shaped to insure a smooth air flow in the space between the electrodes aDd the outer lobes 76 and 78, and are located to prevent electrical leakage paths from developing.
To provide the required electrostatic field for the liquid spray discharged by the spray gun, a source of relatively high d.c. voltage which may be either polarity with respect to the reference ground point and which is diagramatically indicated at 108 in Fig. 6, is connected by way of a main power cable 110 which leads, in the case of an adapter unit mounted on a conventional spray gun, along the exterior of the barrel of the gun to a connector block 112 secured to the interior of adapter 64. Block 112 pro-vides a connection between cable 110 and a pair of secondary cables 114 and 116 leading to and connected to the electrically conductive material on the inner surfaces of electrodes 96 and 98, respectively. In the preferred apparatus, a high positive or negative voltage is supplied to the two opposed electrodes 96 and 98, and this voltage produces an electrostatic field between the electrodes and the electrically grounded liquid spray discharged ' 10~911 from the spray gun. This field defines a charging zone within the adapter which serves to induce an opposite charge on any particulate liquids passing therethrough. The voltage at source 108 preferably is less than about 20 kilovolts. Optimum results are obtained when the average poten-tial gradient within the charging zone, between the charging electrodes and the liquid nozzle, is between about 5 and about 20 kilovolts per inch, and preferably is between about 10 and 14 kilovolts per inch.
In a less desirable embodiment, the electrical potential may be applied to the liquid supply, with the electrodes 96 and 98 being held at the ground reference potential, thereby reversing the direction of the electro-static field developed within the adapter 64.
r In the preferred form of the invention, where the electrodes 96 and 98 are maintained at a high positive or negative voltage, the safety factor may be improved by providing a current limiting resistor within the power supply to protect both the supply and the operator. Such resistors are known in this art, and serve to limit the amount of current that can flow in the system in the event of arcing caused by a breakdown of insulation, by an accumulation of charged particulate matter, by contact of the elec-trodes with a grounded ob~ect, or the like. However, a greater degree of safety is provided by the present invention through the provision of ground-ing electrodes, or shields, on the exterior surface of the adapter. Such shields, illustrated in the drawings at 118 and 120, preferably are in the form of a conductive film or foil secured to the exterior surfaces of the adapter lobes, with shield 118 being on the exterior surface of lobe 78 and shield 120 being on the exterior surface of lobe 76. As illustrated, the shields generally conform in shape to the shape of the lobes, approaching the edges thereof, and extending between about one-half and about two thirds the Length of the adapter. The external electrodes thus lie within the radial shadow of tlle charging electrodes 96 and 98, thereby reducing the tendency ~0825~1 ' for charged particles to collect along the edges of the lobes and shield electrodes.
The shield electrodes are located within shallow recesses formed in the exterior surfaces of the lobes 76 and 78 so as to flush with or inset slightly below the lobe surfaces, thereby reducing the likelihood of sharp edges producing corona discharges. To further reduce this possi-bility, the peripheral edges of the shield electrodes are covered by a bead of epoxy which acts as a fillet between the electrode and the surface of the lobe, as generally illustrated in Figs. 2, 6 and 8.
Shields 118 and 120 are connected to an electrical reference point, preferably ground, as illustrated by Fig. 7, by way of wires 122 and 124 which may be connected to a metallic connector plate 126 suitably secured to or embedded in the exterior surface of the adapter. The connector 126 may be, for example, a brass foil lnsert secured to the adapter by rivets or other suitable fasteners to pravide good electrical contact with the wires 122 and 124 which may be adhered to or embedded in the dielectric material of the adapter. A ground wire 128 is secured to the connector plate 126 and is adapted to make contact with a suitable electrical ground reference point 130. The ground plate 54 (Fig. 2) which contacts the liquid supply for the spray gun either within or outside the gun, as well.as other ground points on the spray gun, are also connected to the electrical ground point 130 so that the shield electrodes 118 and 120 are maintained at ground ~, .
potential in common with the liquid supply.
As illustrated in Fig. 8, the presence of the grounded shield ~ electrodes on the exterior surfaces of the adapter produces an electrical :~ field 132 around the forward and side edges of each of the lobes, extending ::
... .
between the charging and the shielding electrodes mounted on opposite .
surfaces of each lobe. The electric field 132 produces a deflecting force F
on the charged particles emitted from the spray gun, preventing such '"
: ' ; - 14 -.
~082911 particles from reaching the surface of the adapter. Thus, if a positive potential is applied to the charging electrode 96, as illustrated in Fig. 8, negative charges will be induced on the particulate matter within the charging zone. Negatively charged particles which are discharged from the charging zone within the adapter will normally be directed toward a workpiece by reason of the air flow from the spray nozzle and through the adapter or by reason of an attracting potential on the workpiece, or both.
Often, however, the negative particles which travel near the forward edge of the adapter tend to be attracted around the edge and back toward the gun and adapter, where they will collect if a positive charge has built up on the gun and adapter surfaces. When external ground shield electrodes are provided, thereby creating the electric field illustrated in Fig. 8, this field is in a direction to repel the negatively charged particles back to the main stream of the spray, while any positively charged particles will be directed by a force opposite to that indicated at F in Fig. 8, and thus will also be deflected away from the surface of the adapter, but in the opposite direction.
The shield electrodes 118 and 120 may be continuous sheets of conductive material, but improved results can be obtained by providing in the electrodes 118 and 120 corresponding cut-out portions 134 and 136, respectively. The shield electrodes have the generally annular shape illustrated in the drawings, with a thickened area of the dielectric material used in constructing the adapter being exposed in the center portion of each electrode. Since the dielectric material of the adapter will gradually take on a positive charge with respect to the ground potential of electrodes 118 and 120, the central opening in the electrodes becomes positive and creates an additional electrostatic field 138 between the dielectric material and the electrode. This field provides a further deflection of any charged particles to prevent such particles from accumu-lating on the exterior surface of the adapter. The same general effect 1082gll occurs when the operating polarities of the system are reversed.
The grounding of the exterior surfaces of the adapter lobes also improves safety. With the exterior surface at ground potential, the adapter can be safely touched by an operator or by an ob;ect at ground potential with no danger of a shock or spark. There is virtually no accumulation of charged particles on the surface of the adapter and thus no problem of accidental sparking or electrical shock. The exact dimensions of the exterior shield electrodes are not critical, nor is the exact spacing between the various electrodes; however, it should be noted that the elec-trodes should be sufficiently far apart from each other to prevent break-down through or around the dielectric material and that all edges should be .
rounded to reduce this problem.
The axial position of the inductive charging adapter relative to the spray nozzle is not critical. The adapter is located exteriorly of the discharge ports, and is preferably positioned so that at least a portion ; of each of the charging electrodes extends forward of the radially extending plane tefined by the air and fluid discharge ports.
Neither the size of the charging electrodes nor the radial dis-tance between the electrodes and the air and liquid discharge ports is ., critical.
The air pressure used in con~unction with the spray gun is not critical, and can vary accordingly to the particular degree of atomization and particle size desired. In fact, the adapter can be used with the so-,~ called "airless" spray devices which operate on liquid pressure alone, without the need for an air supply. However, for any given fluid flow ~ rate and charging electrode configuration, the total particle flow to a
5,~ grounded target, or workpiece, (and thus the charging efficiency) generally ., .
`~; increases with increasing fluid pressure. Air pressure, as measured at the input to the spray device, of between 20 and 70 p.s.i. is generally used .
, 1~8Zgll with the air type guns; similarly, the liquid flow rate varies with the degree of atomization and particle size desired, and will generally vary between about 100 ml. per minute and about 500 ml. per minute.
Induction charging adapters in accordance with the present inven-tion have been constructed and tested and have been found to produce satisfactory results, comparable to prior art electrostatic systems, but utilizing lower voltages and providing an increased margin of safety. The following examples of such operation are given as illustrative of the invention, and are not to be construed as limiting. All parts and percentages in the examples are by weight unless otherwise indicated.
Examples An induction charging adapter made in accordance with the present invention was mounted on a Binks Model 610 Automatic spray gun utilizing a Binks N63PB air cap modified to fit the 610 gun, a Binks D63B liquid nozzle ant a Binks 463A fluid needle, operated at full fan. The gun was connected,to a supply of paint, and the gun, paint container and the exterior shield electrodes on the adapter were connected to an electrical ground potential. The high voltage power supply was connected through a 100 megohm resistor to the charging electrodes.
The adapter was constructed in the form of a tube from glass cloth embedded in epoxy, the tube being 3 inches in length and 3 inches in diameter with a 1/8 inch wall thickness. The charging electrodes con-sisted of an aluminum foil 1.5 mil thick epoxied to the inner surfaces of two opposed electrode plates cut from an epoxy tube 1-1/2 inches long, 2-1/2 inches in diameter and having a wall thickness of 1/8 inch. The electrode plates were mounted to the interior of the adapter by means of nylon spacers sufficiently large to maintain a 2-1/2 inch diametric spacing between the electrode surfaces, with the forward edges of the electrode , l()l~Z911 plates being set back from the forward edges of the adapter tube 1/16 inch. To form the lobes on which the electrodes were mounted, the adapter tube was cut out to a depth of 1-15/16 inches, at an angle to produce lobes having a minimum width at their forward ends of less than about 1-1/2 ; inches. The exterior shield electrodes consisted of 1.5 mil aluminum foil secured by an epoxy adhesive to the outer surfaces of the adapter lobes.
All edges were rounded, and an epoxy bead was applied along the edges of the metal foil.
The adapter was secured on the air cap of the Binks spray gun so that slightly more than one-half the length of the adapter extended forward of the plane defined by the nozzle discharge ports.
In a first example, the spray gun was operated wlth the following paint formulation under the following conditions:
Paint Percent non-volatile solids 34 ' Solids: 11 parts titanium dioxide 89 parts of an amine-solubilized acrylic interpolymer having an acid value of 13.4 , Solvents: 81 parts water 17 parts carbitol 2 parts dimethylaminoethanol Yiscosity: 23.0 sec., No. 4 Ford cup ~- Flow Rate: 200 gm./min.
'' Spray Gun Air Pressure (into gun) 60 psig Input Voltage (supply 14 KV (~.C.~ positive Input Current Less than 0.5,u A
Target Current 7.0,u A
'~ , ~ - 18 -- 1082g11 In a second example, the spray gun was operated with the following paint formulation under the following conditions:
Paint Percent non-volatile solids 48 Solids: Z8 parts titanium dioxide 54 parts of an amine-solubilized acrylic interpolymer having an acid value of 13 11 parts of a sucrose polyether polyol 7 parts of a melamine-formaldehyde resin Solvents: 74 parts water 14 parts methyl Cellosolve 3 parts butyl alcohol
`~; increases with increasing fluid pressure. Air pressure, as measured at the input to the spray device, of between 20 and 70 p.s.i. is generally used .
, 1~8Zgll with the air type guns; similarly, the liquid flow rate varies with the degree of atomization and particle size desired, and will generally vary between about 100 ml. per minute and about 500 ml. per minute.
Induction charging adapters in accordance with the present inven-tion have been constructed and tested and have been found to produce satisfactory results, comparable to prior art electrostatic systems, but utilizing lower voltages and providing an increased margin of safety. The following examples of such operation are given as illustrative of the invention, and are not to be construed as limiting. All parts and percentages in the examples are by weight unless otherwise indicated.
Examples An induction charging adapter made in accordance with the present invention was mounted on a Binks Model 610 Automatic spray gun utilizing a Binks N63PB air cap modified to fit the 610 gun, a Binks D63B liquid nozzle ant a Binks 463A fluid needle, operated at full fan. The gun was connected,to a supply of paint, and the gun, paint container and the exterior shield electrodes on the adapter were connected to an electrical ground potential. The high voltage power supply was connected through a 100 megohm resistor to the charging electrodes.
The adapter was constructed in the form of a tube from glass cloth embedded in epoxy, the tube being 3 inches in length and 3 inches in diameter with a 1/8 inch wall thickness. The charging electrodes con-sisted of an aluminum foil 1.5 mil thick epoxied to the inner surfaces of two opposed electrode plates cut from an epoxy tube 1-1/2 inches long, 2-1/2 inches in diameter and having a wall thickness of 1/8 inch. The electrode plates were mounted to the interior of the adapter by means of nylon spacers sufficiently large to maintain a 2-1/2 inch diametric spacing between the electrode surfaces, with the forward edges of the electrode , l()l~Z911 plates being set back from the forward edges of the adapter tube 1/16 inch. To form the lobes on which the electrodes were mounted, the adapter tube was cut out to a depth of 1-15/16 inches, at an angle to produce lobes having a minimum width at their forward ends of less than about 1-1/2 ; inches. The exterior shield electrodes consisted of 1.5 mil aluminum foil secured by an epoxy adhesive to the outer surfaces of the adapter lobes.
All edges were rounded, and an epoxy bead was applied along the edges of the metal foil.
The adapter was secured on the air cap of the Binks spray gun so that slightly more than one-half the length of the adapter extended forward of the plane defined by the nozzle discharge ports.
In a first example, the spray gun was operated wlth the following paint formulation under the following conditions:
Paint Percent non-volatile solids 34 ' Solids: 11 parts titanium dioxide 89 parts of an amine-solubilized acrylic interpolymer having an acid value of 13.4 , Solvents: 81 parts water 17 parts carbitol 2 parts dimethylaminoethanol Yiscosity: 23.0 sec., No. 4 Ford cup ~- Flow Rate: 200 gm./min.
'' Spray Gun Air Pressure (into gun) 60 psig Input Voltage (supply 14 KV (~.C.~ positive Input Current Less than 0.5,u A
Target Current 7.0,u A
'~ , ~ - 18 -- 1082g11 In a second example, the spray gun was operated with the following paint formulation under the following conditions:
Paint Percent non-volatile solids 48 Solids: Z8 parts titanium dioxide 54 parts of an amine-solubilized acrylic interpolymer having an acid value of 13 11 parts of a sucrose polyether polyol 7 parts of a melamine-formaldehyde resin Solvents: 74 parts water 14 parts methyl Cellosolve 3 parts butyl alcohol
6 parts tert-butyl alcohol Viscosity: 25.5 sec., ~o. 4 Ford cup ; Flow Rate: 200 gm./min.
' Spray Gun Air Pressure (into gun) 60 psig Input Voltage (supply) 14 KV (D.C.) positive Input Current l.O~u A
Target Current 6.5 ~ A
, ..
' :' In both examples, the paint was sprayed onto a flat workpiece, or target, 48 inches by 17 inches, spaced 12 inches from the spray nozzle and electrically grounded. In both instances, uniform paint films were pro-; duced on the target, with no corona discharge being observed and with ; virtually no particle accumulation on the spray gun nozzle or the adapter.
: The device is illustrated herein in the form of an adapter attach-able to conventional spray gun, but a varlety of mounting configurations , -` 1082911 may be provided for using the device with different spray devices. For instance, it may be semi-permanently or even permanently attached to a spray nozzle, or may be manufactured as a unitary part of a spray gun, with suitable changes in the adapter housing and electrode conflgurations.
'"
.:
' Spray Gun Air Pressure (into gun) 60 psig Input Voltage (supply) 14 KV (D.C.) positive Input Current l.O~u A
Target Current 6.5 ~ A
, ..
' :' In both examples, the paint was sprayed onto a flat workpiece, or target, 48 inches by 17 inches, spaced 12 inches from the spray nozzle and electrically grounded. In both instances, uniform paint films were pro-; duced on the target, with no corona discharge being observed and with ; virtually no particle accumulation on the spray gun nozzle or the adapter.
: The device is illustrated herein in the form of an adapter attach-able to conventional spray gun, but a varlety of mounting configurations , -` 1082911 may be provided for using the device with different spray devices. For instance, it may be semi-permanently or even permanently attached to a spray nozzle, or may be manufactured as a unitary part of a spray gun, with suitable changes in the adapter housing and electrode conflgurations.
'"
.:
Claims (2)
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An electrostatic spray coating apparatus comprising:
a spray nozzle having liquid discharge ports;
induction charging means including electrode means located exterior-ly of said discharge ports and defining a charging zone through which passes liquid discharged from said nozzle;
means applying a relatively high electrical potential to said elec-trode means;
shielding means for said induction charging means; and means applying a reference potential to said shielding means.
a spray nozzle having liquid discharge ports;
induction charging means including electrode means located exterior-ly of said discharge ports and defining a charging zone through which passes liquid discharged from said nozzle;
means applying a relatively high electrical potential to said elec-trode means;
shielding means for said induction charging means; and means applying a reference potential to said shielding means.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said induction charging means com-prises charging electrodes and said shielding means comprises shielding electrodes disposed exteriorly of said charging electrodes.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/548,958 US4009829A (en) | 1975-02-11 | 1975-02-11 | Electrostatic spray coating apparatus |
| US548,958 | 1975-02-11 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1082911A true CA1082911A (en) | 1980-08-05 |
Family
ID=24191079
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA245,147A Expired CA1082911A (en) | 1975-02-11 | 1976-02-05 | Electrostatic spray coating apparatus |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4009829A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS5523104B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1082911A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2604636C3 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2300624A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1538931A (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1057157B (en) |
Families Citing this family (43)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE45426B1 (en) * | 1976-07-15 | 1982-08-25 | Ici Ltd | Atomisation of liquids |
| US4106697A (en) * | 1976-08-30 | 1978-08-15 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Spraying device with gas shroud and electrostatic charging means having a porous electrode |
| FR2364067A1 (en) * | 1976-08-30 | 1978-04-07 | Ppg Industries Inc | ELECTROSTATIC SPRAYING APPARATUS FOR LAYING A COATING MATERIAL ON A PART |
| GB1599303A (en) * | 1977-09-20 | 1981-09-30 | Nat Res Dev | Electrostatic spraying |
| JPS54145744A (en) * | 1978-05-09 | 1979-11-14 | Onoda Cement Co Ltd | Device for charging powder electrically |
| US4186886A (en) * | 1978-08-04 | 1980-02-05 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Adapting means providing detachable mounting of an induction-charging adapter head on a spray device |
| US4225090A (en) * | 1979-09-07 | 1980-09-30 | Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Device for painting by electrostatic powder spraying |
| US4266721A (en) * | 1979-09-17 | 1981-05-12 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Spray application of coating compositions utilizing induction and corona charging means |
| US4440349A (en) * | 1979-09-17 | 1984-04-03 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Electrostatic spray gun having increased surface area from which fluid particles can be formed |
| US4313968A (en) * | 1979-11-14 | 1982-02-02 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Application of liquid coating material |
| US4335419A (en) * | 1980-10-20 | 1982-06-15 | Hastings Edward E | Insulated dust control apparatus for use in an explosive environment |
| US4489894A (en) * | 1981-02-27 | 1984-12-25 | National Research Development Corporation | Inductively charged spraying apparatus |
| US4478370A (en) * | 1982-03-19 | 1984-10-23 | Nordson Corporation | Air atomizing nozzle assembly |
| JPS58190457U (en) * | 1982-06-10 | 1983-12-17 | 富士写真フイルム株式会社 | electrostatic painting equipment |
| DE3379448D1 (en) * | 1982-10-13 | 1989-04-27 | Ici Plc | Electrostatic sprayhead assembly |
| DE3478202D1 (en) * | 1983-01-06 | 1989-06-22 | Nat Res Dev | Electrostatic spray head |
| GB2132917B (en) * | 1983-01-06 | 1986-05-21 | Nat Res Dev | Electrostatic spray head |
| GB8305865D0 (en) * | 1983-03-03 | 1983-04-07 | British Res Agricult Eng | Electrostatic sprayers |
| US4566636A (en) * | 1983-07-11 | 1986-01-28 | Micropure, Incorporated | Producing liquid droplets bearing electrical charges |
| FR2587919B1 (en) * | 1985-10-02 | 1988-05-27 | Sames Sa | ELECTROSTATIC PROJECTION APPARATUS PROTECTED AGAINST ELECTRIC ARC |
| US4669671A (en) * | 1986-03-06 | 1987-06-02 | Hastings Edward E | Pollutant suppression device |
| US4774102A (en) * | 1986-06-09 | 1988-09-27 | Morton Thiokol, Inc. | Method of electrostatic powder spray coating |
| US4779564A (en) * | 1986-06-09 | 1988-10-25 | Morton Thiokol, Inc. | Apparatus for electrostatic powder spray coating and resulting coated product |
| US4863893A (en) * | 1986-08-06 | 1989-09-05 | Engelhard Corporation | Low temperature light off ammonia oxidation |
| US4749125A (en) * | 1987-01-16 | 1988-06-07 | Terronics Development Corp. | Nozzle method and apparatus |
| GB8918173D0 (en) * | 1989-08-09 | 1989-09-20 | British Res Agricult Eng | Electrostatic spraying |
| US5044564A (en) * | 1989-11-21 | 1991-09-03 | Sickles James E | Electrostatic spray gun |
| US5332154A (en) * | 1992-02-28 | 1994-07-26 | Lundy And Associates | Shoot-up electrostatic nozzle and method |
| US5409162A (en) * | 1993-08-09 | 1995-04-25 | Sickles; James E. | Induction spray charging apparatus |
| WO1996023591A1 (en) * | 1995-01-30 | 1996-08-08 | Abb Industry K.K. | Spray gun type electrostatic painting apparatus |
| US5647543A (en) * | 1995-01-31 | 1997-07-15 | Graco Inc | Electrostatic ionizing system |
| US5704554A (en) * | 1996-03-21 | 1998-01-06 | University Of Georgia Reseach Foundation, Inc. | Electrostatic spray nozzles for abrasive and conductive liquids in harsh environments |
| AU711608B2 (en) * | 1995-07-26 | 1999-10-14 | University Of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc., The | Electrostatic nozzles for abrasive and conductive liquids |
| US5765761A (en) * | 1995-07-26 | 1998-06-16 | Universtiy Of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc. | Electrostatic-induction spray-charging nozzle system |
| DE19621072A1 (en) * | 1996-05-24 | 1997-11-27 | Gema Volstatic Ag | Electrostatic spray device |
| AU2002234776A1 (en) * | 2002-03-01 | 2003-09-16 | Unilever Plc | Electrostatic spraying of a cosmetic composition |
| US7150412B2 (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2006-12-19 | Clean Earth Technologies Llc | Method and apparatus for electrostatic spray |
| US20070194157A1 (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2007-08-23 | Clean Earth Technologies, Llc | Method and apparatus for high transfer efficiency electrostatic spray |
| US8524312B2 (en) | 2011-11-16 | 2013-09-03 | Csl Silicones Inc. | Applicator for spraying elastomeric materials |
| US8985051B2 (en) | 2011-12-15 | 2015-03-24 | Honeywell Asca Inc. | Apparatus for producing a spray of changed droplets of aqueous liquid |
| US9455596B2 (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2016-09-27 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | System and method for reducing interference between wireless charging and amplitude modulation reception |
| US9138760B2 (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2015-09-22 | Steven C. Cooper | Electrostatic liquid spray nozzle having an internal dielectric shroud |
| CN104028381B (en) * | 2014-06-12 | 2016-08-24 | 云立方秦皇岛科技有限公司 | A kind of charged fog gun eliminating city raised dust and haze pollution |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2491889A (en) * | 1942-01-21 | 1949-12-20 | Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp | Production of coated glass and the like products |
| US2976175A (en) * | 1958-01-23 | 1961-03-21 | Gen Motors Corp | Method and apparatus for coating electrostatically and mechanically |
| US3700168A (en) * | 1966-04-28 | 1972-10-24 | Ransburg Electro Coating Corp | Spray coating apparatus |
| US3613993A (en) * | 1968-10-28 | 1971-10-19 | Gourdine Systems Inc | Electrostatic painting method and apparatus |
| US3698635A (en) * | 1971-02-22 | 1972-10-17 | Ransburg Electro Coating Corp | Spray charging device |
| US3900000A (en) * | 1973-11-28 | 1975-08-19 | Thomas J Gallen | Apparatus for spray coating articles |
-
1975
- 1975-02-11 US US05/548,958 patent/US4009829A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1976
- 1976-02-05 CA CA245,147A patent/CA1082911A/en not_active Expired
- 1976-02-06 DE DE2604636A patent/DE2604636C3/en not_active Expired
- 1976-02-10 FR FR7603660A patent/FR2300624A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1976-02-10 IT IT67296/76A patent/IT1057157B/en active
- 1976-02-10 GB GB5045/76A patent/GB1538931A/en not_active Expired
- 1976-02-12 JP JP1439676A patent/JPS5523104B2/ja not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4009829A (en) | 1977-03-01 |
| IT1057157B (en) | 1982-03-10 |
| DE2604636C3 (en) | 1981-06-04 |
| GB1538931A (en) | 1979-01-24 |
| FR2300624A1 (en) | 1976-09-10 |
| DE2604636B2 (en) | 1980-08-28 |
| JPS51103945A (en) | 1976-09-14 |
| DE2604636A1 (en) | 1976-09-09 |
| AU1080076A (en) | 1977-08-11 |
| JPS5523104B2 (en) | 1980-06-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |