| 摘要 |
An electrostatic repulsion device (10) is provided in an electrostatic spray paint booth having a grounded ceiling and conveyor (26) to improve transfer efficiency in applying the paint to a workpiece (22) and maintain a safe working environment without requiring protective fencing between an operator and the application equipment (10,12). The device (10) includes a length of electrical cable (96) having a central resistive conductor (98) and an insulation layer (100). The cable (96) is designed to produce low electrical capacitance in operation when connected to a high voltage source (46). Conductive members or pins (114) are mounted along the cable (96) through the insulation (100,104) to contact the conductor (98). The conductive members or pins (114) are arranged parallel to the spray path (30) in two longitudinal groups, with the first set being diametrically opposed to the second set. Each conductive member or pin (114) has a discharge end that is substantially flush with the outside surface of the insulation (104) of the electrical cable (96). The device (10) is transversely mounted with respect to a spray path (30) of charged, atomized paint particles dispensed from a non-conductive, rotary atomizer or low capacitance spray gun (12), so that an electrostatic field from the first set of conductive members repels the atomized, charged paint particles away from the grounded ceiling and conveyor (26) of the paint booth towards a workpiece (22). The electrostatic field produced by the second set of conductive members (114) bleeds accumulated charge from the low electrical capacitance repulsion device (10) before a high energy spark or discharge can occur whenever a grounded operator or object comes into proximity with the device (10). This safety feature eliminates the need for protective fencing and interlocks within the spray booth. <IMAGE> |
