Electrostatic atomizer

Abstract

An electrostatic atomizer can include a paint supply path configured to supply paint to a paint discharge section; and a high voltage supply path configured to supply a high voltage to a discharge electrode, wherein the discharge electrode comprises a semi-conductive material, and wherein the high voltage supply path includes a high resistance near the discharge electrode, and is electrically segregated from the paint supply path.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An electrostatic atomizer comprising: a paint supply path configured to supply paint to a paint discharge section; and a high voltage supply path configured to supply a high voltage to a discharge electrode, wherein the discharge electrode comprises a semi-conductive material, and wherein the high voltage supply path includes a high resistance near the discharge electrode and is electrically segregated from the paint supply path, wherein the high voltage supply path includes a metal part on an upstream side of the high resistance, and wherein the metal part does not include a paint supply system part forming a part of the paint supply path, wherein the electrostatic atomizer is a rotary atomizing type electrostatic atomizer, wherein the discharge electrode is composed of a rotary atomizing head which is connected to an output shaft of an air motor configured to drive the rotary atomizing head, and wherein the rotary atomizing head consists of a semi-conductive resin material, wherein the air motor consists of metal and constitutes a part of the high-voltage supply path, wherein the output shaft of the air motor consists of an electrically insulating material and is hollow, and wherein the feed tube is coaxially arranged in the hollow output shaft, and wherein the electrostatic atomizer further comprises an electrically insulating motor holder for supporting the air motor and having a hole for receiving a high-voltage cable forming a part of the high voltage supply path, and a cylindrical and electrically insulating member provided at an entrance of the hole of the motor holder, wherein the motor holder has a cylindrical and electrically insulating member at an entrance of a hole for receiving a high-voltage cable, wherein the hole forms a portion of the high voltage supply path. 
     
     
         2 . The electrostatic atomizer according to  claim 1 , wherein the paint supply path comprises an electrically insulating material. 
     
     
         3 . The electrostatic atomizer of  claim 2 , wherein the discharge electrode consists of a semi-conductive material, and wherein the paint supply path consists of an electrically insulating material. 
     
     
         4 . An electrostatic coater according to  claim 1 , wherein the paint supply path includes a feed tube connected to the paint discharge section, and wherein the feed tube consists of an electrically insulating material. 
     
     
         5 . The electrostatic atomizer according to  claim 1 , wherein the paint supply path includes a manifold communicated with the feed tube, wherein a paint supply pipe communicated with a paint source and a solvent supply pipe communicated with a solvent source are connected to the manifold, and wherein the paint supply pipe and the solvent supply pipe are grounded through a bracket. 
     
     
         6 . The electrostatic atomizer according to  claim 5 , wherein the manifold consists of an electrically insulating material. 
     
     
         7 . The electrostatic atomizer according to  claim 6 , wherein the paint supply pipe and the solvent supply pipe consist of an electrically insulating material. 
     
     
         8 . The electrostatic atomizer according to  claim 1 , wherein the paint supply path consists of an electrically insulating material. 
     
     
         9 . The electrostatic atomizer according to  claim 1 , wherein the high resistance is supported by the hollow output shaft. 
     
     
         10 . The electrostatic atomizer according to  claim 1 , wherein the high resistance has a resistance value of 120 MW to 180 MW.