A. Field of Invention
This invention relates generally to apparatus for grounding components in vehicles and more particularly to washers for improving grounding of electrically conductive plastics.
B. Description of the Related Art
It is well known in the art to apply electrically conductive plastic in an automotive body-in-white. It is also well known to paint a body-in-white with an electrostatic painting process. Conductive plastic must be properly grounded to the body during painting or the paint will not achieve appropriate film thickness. If the conductive plastic is not properly grounded, the plastic builds up an electrical charge during painting preventing the paint from reaching the conductive plastic. Various factors can interfere with proper grounding of the conductive plastic. The conductive plastic can expand due to the heat generated during the painting process disrupting the electrical ground connection. In addition, paint can get between the plastic and the body-in-white to weaken or interrupt the electrical ground connection.
Therefore, what is needed are apparatus and methods, which adequately ground the electrically conductive plastic to prevent the buildup of an electric charge in the conductive plastic during painting. Embodiments of the present invention overcome one or more of the deficiencies in the prior art.
II. SUMMARY
According to one embodiment of this invention, an electrical grounding apparatus for a vehicle includes an outer wall; an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall; a first contacting surface comprising a plurality of elevated portions, wherein the first contacting surface makes electrical contact with a first vehicle component, and wherein the elevated portions extend at least partially into the first vehicle component; and a second contacting surface, wherein the second contacting surface makes electrical contact with a second vehicle component; wherein the electrical grounding apparatus is substantially formed of an electrically conductive material. The second contacting surface can include a plurality of elevated portions, which extend at least partially into the first vehicle component. The plurality of elevated portions can increase the surface area of the contacting surfaces. In some embodiments, both the outer wall and the inner wall of the electrical grounding apparatus are substantially circular. The electrical grounding apparatus can be formed of a substantially metallic material or of a metal, which provides electrical contact between the first and second vehicle components.
According to another embodiment, a vehicle painting apparatus includes a first vehicle component formed of an electrical conductive plastic; a second vehicle component formed of an electrically conductive material, wherein the second vehicle component is electrically grounded; and an electrical grounding apparatus substantially formed of an electrically conductive material. In some embodiments, the electrical grounding apparatus includes an outer wall; an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall; a first contacting surface comprising a plurality of elevated portions, wherein the first contacting surface makes electrical contact with the first vehicle component, and wherein the elevated portions extend at least partially into the first vehicle component; and a second contacting surface, wherein the second contacting surface makes electrical contact with the second vehicle component; and an electrostatic paint spraying system providing paint for the first and second vehicle components. The second vehicle component can substantially be formed of a metallic material or of metal. The outer and inner walls of the electrical grounding apparatus can be substantially circular. The vehicle painting apparatus can further include a second electrical grounding apparatus substantially formed of an electrically conductive material, the second electrical grounding apparatus comprising: an outer wall; an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall; a first contacting surface comprising a plurality of elevated portions, wherein the first contacting surface makes electrical contact with the first vehicle component, and wherein the elevated portions extend at least partially into the first vehicle component; and a second contacting surface, wherein the second contacting surface makes electrical contact with a fastener; wherein the fastener secures the first vehicle component to the second vehicle component, the first electrical grounding apparatus between the first and second vehicle components, and the second electrical grounding apparatus between the fastener and the first vehicle component. The second contacting surface of the second electrical grounding apparatus can include a plurality of elevated portions, which extend at least partially into the fastener. The electrostatic paint spraying system can provide a positive charge to the first and second vehicle components and spray or otherwise deposit negatively charged paint on the first and second vehicle components.
According to another embodiment, a method of grounding a vehicle component includes providing a first vehicle component formed of an electrical conductive plastic; providing a second vehicle component formed of an electrical conductive material, wherein the second vehicle component is electrically grounded; providing an electrical grounding apparatus substantially formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrical grounding apparatus includes an outer wall; an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall; a first contacting surface comprising a plurality of elevated portions, wherein the first contacting surface makes electrical contact with the first vehicle component, and wherein the elevated portions extend at least partially into the first vehicle component; and a second contacting surface, wherein the second contacting surface makes electrical contact with the second vehicle component.
One advantage of this invention is that the electrical conductive plastic of a body-in-white can be properly grounded.
Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components,
With reference now to
With continued reference to
With reference now to
Many different patterns and configurations of the elevated portions 52 have been contemplated and are within the scope of this invention. In addition, many different shapes of the elevated portions 52 have been contemplated and are within the scope of this invention.
Various combinations of the elevated portions 52 shown in FIGURES can be utilized and are within the scope of this invention. For one non-limiting example, the elevated portions 52 have different sizes and shapes on one side 58 or both sides 58, 60 of the electrical grounding apparatus 50. For another non-limiting example, the elevated portions 52 have different patterns or configurations within different regions on one side 58 or both sides 58, 60 of the electrical grounding apparatus 50.
With reference now to
Numerous embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.