Connecting device and dehumidifier

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connecting device and a dehumidifier, the connecting device (100) for connecting a runner (1002) of the dehumidifier (1000) to a frame (102), the connecting device (100) comprising a bushing (104) having a first end (104a) and a second end (104b) and a through hole (108) extending through the bushing (104) in an axial direction, the through hole (108) being configured to receive a bolt (120), the bolt (120) being configured to interact with the runner (1002), the bushing (104) is detachably connected to the frame (102).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a rotating wheel of a dehumidifier to a frame and a dehumidifier including such a connecting device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a rotating wheel of a dehumidifier to a frame and a dehumidifier as defined in the main aspects of the present invention. Background Art

[0002] It is known that dehumidifiers are used to reduce the humidity in a room or an enclosed space and typically work by sucking in humid air, extracting the excess moisture, and then releasing the dry air into the room. Dehumidifiers are commonly used in various environments such as homes, offices, companies, and basically any area where the humidity level is too high and / or humidity may interfere with electronic components, cause mold growth, or other moisture-related problems.

[0003] Some dehumidifiers include a rotating wheel, also known as a desiccant wheel or an adsorption wheel. The rotating wheel includes a rotating wheel medium, which may be referred to as an adsorption medium or a honeycomb medium. The rotating wheel medium may include a corrugated fiberglass structure that contains a moisture-absorbing desiccant such as silica gel, lithium chloride, or a hydrophobic zeolite adsorbent.

[0004] The rotating wheel rotates slowly between the process air and the regeneration air, and the rotating wheel typically includes a process section and a regeneration section. The process air flows through the channels of the rotating wheel medium, and the rotating wheel medium adsorbs or absorbs moisture. When the rotating wheel rotates, the rotating wheel medium is heated by the hot regeneration air, and the rotating wheel medium releases its moisture into the regeneration air. After regeneration, the rotating wheel rotates back into the process air, where the process repeats. The rotating wheel is a key component in a dehumidifier that can effectively dehumidify. The design and materials of the rotating wheel ensure effective moisture absorption and regeneration, thus contributing to the overall performance and effectiveness of the dehumidification process. Therefore, the installation of the rotating wheel and how it is supported during its operation are crucial.

[0005] Known solutions typically use a solid metal bushing machined on a lathe, which is installed on each side of the rotating wheel into a riveted composite metal plate structure. The rotating wheel is fixed by bolts passing through the bushing. The problem with the prior art solutions is that a large number of parts and components are required to firmly connect the rotating wheel and hold the rotating wheel in place during operation.

[0006] Therefore, an improved assembly of the dehumidifier rotating wheel and its components is needed. Summary of the Utility Model

[0007] The object of the present invention is to alleviate, mitigate or eliminate one or more of the above deficiencies and drawbacks in the prior art and at least solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a connecting device for connecting a rotating wheel of a dehumidifier to a frame, the connecting device including a bushing having a first end and a second end and a through hole extending axially through the bushing, the through hole being configured to receive a bolt, the bolt being configured to interact with the rotating wheel, wherein the bushing is configured to be detachably connected to the frame.

[0009] The first end and the second end are located on opposite sides of the through hole. The first end and the second end are thus separated in the axial direction of the bushing.

[0010] By using a bushing detachably connected to the frame, the bushing is easily replaceable by a reverse assembly process. This is helpful during the maintenance of the dehumidifier and its components, such as the rotating wheel. Generally, the rotating wheel is connected to the frame by connecting devices on both sides of the rotating wheel.

[0011] According to an example, the bushing is detachably connected to the frame by means of a bayonet mechanism. A bayonet mechanism or other fastening mechanism with a similar effect can be used to fasten the detachably connected bushing to the frame by means of rotation of the bushing.

[0012] The bushing may include a first bayonet mounting portion, wherein the first bayonet mounting portion is configured to be connected to a second bayonet mounting portion. The first bayonet mounting portion and the second bayonet mounting portion may be corresponding convex and concave portions.

[0013] The second bayonet mounting portion may be included in a separate component, or the second bayonet mounting portion may be a separate component configured to be connected to the first bayonet mounting portion from the opposite side of the frame.

[0014] The bushing is configured to be inserted through a through hole of the frame. When the bushing has been inserted through the through hole of the frame, the second bayonet mounting portion may be connected to the first bayonet mounting portion. In this way, the bushing can be fastened in a desired position.

[0015] In one example, the second bayonet mounting portion is included in the frame such that only the frame and the bushing itself are used to fasten the bushing in a desired position.

[0016] According to some examples, the bushing further includes a locking portion configured to interact with the through hole of the frame, wherein when the locking portion is in a first rotational orientation relative to the through hole of the frame, the locking portion is capable of passing through the through hole in a first direction, and when the locking portion is in a second rotational orientation relative to the through hole of the frame, the locking portion is prevented from passing through the through hole in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0017] In other words, the locking portion has a geometry that enables the locking portion to pass through the through-hole of the frame when the locking portion has a first rotational orientation relative to the through-hole of the frame. However, when the locking portion rotates relative to the through-hole of the frame to a second rotational orientation different from the first rotational orientation, the locking portion can no longer pass through the through-hole. For ease of understanding, the first rotational orientation is the unlocked orientation of the bushing relative to the through-hole, and the second rotational orientation is the locked orientation of the bushing relative to the through-hole.

[0018] The advantage of the features disclosed above is that the bushing can be inserted from the outside of the frame and passed through the through-hole such that the locking portion is located inside the frame, whereupon the bushing is rotated so that the locking portion can no longer pass through the through-hole back to the outside of the frame. This facilitates the connection and disconnection of the runner.

[0019] In another example, the bushing further includes a non-rotationally symmetric locking portion configured to interact with a non-rotationally symmetric through-hole of the frame. The non-rotation symmetry of the locking portion is related to the axial direction of the bushing, and the non-rotation symmetry of the through-hole of the frame is related to the axial direction of the through-hole.

[0020] The term non-rotationally symmetric is considered to be well-known and is interpreted as a shape that does not have rotational symmetry.

[0021] The advantage that the locking portion and / or the through-hole do not have rotational symmetry is that it prevents the bushing from moving in a second direction, which is the direction used when removing the bushing from the frame. However, the bushing will have the ability to be rotated such that the bushing can be oriented in a first rotational orientation in which the bushing can be removed from the frame by moving the bushing in the second direction. Another advantage is that the bushing can include a balanced counterweight such that the bushing is configured to rotate to the second rotational orientation solely by gravity. Even a locking portion having rotational symmetry can include a balanced counterweight such that the bushing is configured to rotate to the second rotational orientation solely by gravity, which will automatically place the bushing in the second rotational orientation and prevent movement of the bushing in the second direction.

[0022] According to some examples, the connecting device further includes a bolt configured to extend through a through-hole of the bushing and interact with the runner. Thus, the bolt will extend through the bushing connected to the frame, and the bolt will be connected to the runner such that the runner is connected to the frame.

[0023] According to some examples, the connecting device further includes a frame configured to interact with the locking portion of the bushing.

[0024] According to some examples, the bushing is configured such that the locking portion and a first end of the bushing are on opposite sides of the frame when the bushing is connected to the frame. Thus, the bushing can be configured such that the locking portion and a first end of the bushing are on opposite sides of the frame when the bushing is connected to the frame.

[0025] According to some examples, the bushing further includes a head portion located at a first end of the bushing, the head portion being configured to prevent the first end of the bushing from passing through a through hole of the frame. In other words, the head portion prevents the bushing from completely passing through the through hole of the frame in a first direction.

[0026] According to some examples, the locking portion includes a heel protruding substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the bushing, wherein the heel is configured to interact with the frame and prevent the locking portion from passing through the through hole in a second direction when the locking portion is in a second rotational orientation. The heel may protrude on two opposite sides of the bushing. The heel may be configured to abut against a portion of the frame surrounding the through hole in the frame.

[0027] In other words, the heel serves as a protruding flange or protrusion configured to prevent the bushing from moving in a certain direction. In this case, it prevents the locking portion from passing through the through hole in a second direction when the locking portion is in a second rotational orientation relative to the frame. The heel is also configured to pass through the through hole when the locking portion is in a first rotational orientation relative to the frame.

[0028] According to some examples, the connecting device further includes a locking element configured to prevent rotation of the bushing when the bushing is in a second rotational orientation.

[0029] The locking element is advantageous because it prevents rotation of the bushing and thereby ensures that the bushing remains in the locked second rotational orientation. For example, when the bushing is inserted through the frame and rotated relative to the frame to the second rotational orientation, the bushing may inadvertently rotate from the second rotational orientation to the first rotational orientation. This may cause the bushing to shift from its desired position. The locking element will eliminate the risk of such inadvertent rotation of the bushing.

[0030] According to some examples, the locking element is configured to be connected to the frame. The locking element may be detachably connected to the frame such that it can be detached from the frame.

[0031] According to one example, the locking element is included in the frame. The locking element can thus form part of the frame. This has the advantage of simply locking the bushing against rotation by means of the locking element.

[0032] According to some examples, the locking portion includes a peripheral surface configured to interact with the locking element to prevent rotation of the bushing when the bushing is in a second rotational orientation. The peripheral surface may have a shape or surface structure that interacts with a corresponding surface of the locking element and generates a frictional force that prevents rotation of the bushing.

[0033] According to some examples, the peripheral surface is substantially flat. However, the peripheral surface can also have any other shape, such as a zigzag shape, as long as the peripheral surface can interact with the corresponding surface of the locking element and generate a force to prevent the bushing from rotating.

[0034] According to some examples, the bushing further includes a central portion that defines a gap between the first end portion of the bushing and the locking portion, wherein the length of the gap corresponds to the thickness of the frame. The central portion can define a gap between the head portion of the bushing and the locking portion. Thus, the bushing can include a narrow neck located between the first end portion of the bushing and the locking portion. The central portion has a length corresponding to the thickness of the frame, which means that the length of the central portion is at least equal to the thickness of the frame.

[0035] According to a second aspect, there is provided a dehumidifier including: a rotating wheel including a central tube; a frame including a through hole; and connecting means for connecting the rotating wheel to the frame according to the first aspect.

[0036] According to an example, the frame includes a non-rotationally symmetric through hole.

[0037] According to some examples, the connecting means is connected to the central tube of the rotating wheel.

[0038] It should be understood that the features and advantages mentioned with respect to the connecting means also apply to the dehumidifier.

[0039] The present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. The detailed description and specific examples disclose only the preferred embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. What those skilled in the art understand from the guidance of the detailed description is that changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0040] Therefore, it should be understood that the inventions disclosed herein are not limited to the specific components of the described devices or the steps of the described methods, as such devices and methods can vary. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean the presence of one or more elements. Thus, for example, a reference to "a unit" or "the unit" can include several devices and the like. In addition, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar words do not exclude other elements or steps. Description of the Drawings

[0041] These above - mentioned, additional objects, features, and advantages of the present inventive concept will be more fully understood from the following illustrative and non - restrictive detailed description of example embodiments of the present inventive concept, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figures 1a to 1e Fig. 4 shows a side view of a connecting device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept.

[0043] Figure 2a Fig. 8 shows an exploded view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept.

[0044] Figure 2b Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept.

[0045] Figure 2c Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. Detailed Embodiments

[0046] The present inventive concept will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the present inventive concept are shown. However, the present inventive concept may be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the present inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

[0047] Figures 1a to 1e Fig. 25 shows a connecting device 100 according to some embodiments of the first aspect of the present inventive concept.

[0048] Figure 1a Fig. 29 shows the connecting device 100 according to the first aspect of the present inventive concept. The connecting device 100 is configured to connect the runner 1002 of the dehumidifier 1000 (shown in Figures 2a to 2c to the frame 102 (shown in Figures 1b to 1e ). The connecting device 100 includes a bushing 104 having a first end 104a and a second end 104b, and a through - hole 108 extending axially from the first end 104a through the bushing 104 to the second end 104b. The through - hole 108 is configured to receive a bolt 120. The bolt 120 is configured to interact with the runner 1002, and more specifically with the central tube 1004 of the runner 1002 (shown in Figures 2a to 2c ). The bushing 104 is detachably connected to the frame 102 (not shown in Figure 1a ).

[0049] The bushing 104 includes a locking portion 106. In some examples, a bolt 120 configured to extend through the bushing 104 is included in the connecting device 100. The locking portion 106 is configured to interact with a through-hole 110 of the frame 102. The bolt 120 is configured to extend through a through-hole 108 of the bushing 104 and interact with a runner 1002. As shown, the bushing 104 includes a head portion 118 at a first end 104a of the bushing 104. The head portion 118 is configured to prevent the first end 104a of the bushing 104 from passing through a through-hole 110 (not shown) of the frame 102. When the head portion 118 prevents the bushing 104 from moving too far in a first direction, a heel 112 included on the locking portion 106 prevents the bushing from moving too far in a second direction when the locking portion is in its second rotational orientation. The heel 112 projects substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the bushing 104. To otherwise prevent unwanted movement of the bushing 104, more specifically to prevent unwanted rotation of the bushing 104, the connecting device 100 further includes a locking element 116. The locking portion 106 further includes a peripheral surface 114 configured to interact with the locking element 116 to further improve prevention of rotation of the bushing 104. The peripheral surface 114 may be generally flat. However, it should be understood that the peripheral surface 114 may have any other shape or structure. Another portion of the bushing 104 is a central portion 122 that defines a gap between the first end 104a of the bushing 104 and the locking portion 106, wherein the length of the gap corresponds to the thickness of the frame 102.

[0050] Figures 1b to 1e A connecting device 100 identical to the connecting device shown is shown, and illustrates how the bushing 104 can be securely connected to the frame 102 in a detachable connection manner. Figure 1a Shown is a connecting device 100 identical to the connecting device shown, and illustrates how the bushing 104 can be securely connected to the frame 102 in a detachable connection manner.

[0051] From Figure 1b the start, the bushing 104 and the locking portion 106 are located on a first side of the frame 102 and have a first rotational orientation r1 relative to the frame 102. The bushing 104 is inserted into the through-hole 110 of the frame 102 in a first direction d1 toward the locking element 116 located on a second side of the frame 102.

[0052] Figure 1b Shown is that the locking portion 106 has a shape that enables the locking portion 106 to pass through the through-hole 110 in a first direction d1 when the locking portion 106 is in a first rotational orientation r1 relative to the through-hole 110 of the frame 102. When the locking portion 106 is in a second rotational orientation r2 different from the first rotational orientation, the locking portion cannot pass through the through-hole 110. This is shown in Figure 1d shown.

[0053] InFigure 1c As shown, the bushing 104 has been partially inserted through the through hole 110 in the first direction d1 such that the locking portion 106 is located on the opposite second side of the frame 102, and the head portion 118 (not shown) remains on the first side of the frame 102. The bushing 104 can then be rotated (as indicated by the rotation arrow) to another rotational orientation, which will cause a corresponding rotation of the locking portion 106. When the locking portion 106 is in the second rotational orientation r2 (shown in Figures 1d to 1e ) relative to the through hole 110 of the frame 102, the locking portion 106 is prevented from passing through the through hole in the second direction d2 opposite to the first direction d1.

[0054] Figure 1d The same view as Figure 1c is shown. However, now the bushing 104 has been rotated 90 degrees from the first rotational orientation r1 to the second rotational orientation r2. Note the directions of r1 and r2 indicated by the dashed arrows. It is worth mentioning that during a complete 360-degree rotation of the bushing 104, the first rotational orientation and the second rotational orientation can occur multiple times. The number of times the first rotational orientation and the second rotational orientation occur is related to the shape of the locking portion 106.

[0055] The locking portion 106 includes a heel 112 that projects substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the bushing 104. The heel 112 is configured to interact with the frame 102 and, when the locking portion 106 is in the second rotational orientation r2, prevents the locking portion 106 from passing through the through hole 110 in the second direction d2.

[0056] The bushing 104 is now mounted to the frame 102. To further prevent unwanted rotation of the bushing 104 when the bushing 104 is in the second rotational orientation r2, a locking element 116 is connected to the frame (see Figure 1e ). The locking element 116 is configured to interact with the generally flat peripheral surface 114 of the locking portion 106.

[0057] In an example not shown, the locking element 116 can be part of the frame 102. In another example not shown, the locking element 116 can at least partially surround the edge of the locking portion 106. For example, the locking portion 106 can rotate and fit into a socket of the locking element 116.

[0058] Figures 2a to 2c A dehumidifier 1000 is shown. The dehumidifier 1000 includes a rotating wheel 1002 with a central tube 1004 and a frame 102 having a through hole 110. The dehumidifier 1000 also includes a connecting device 100 for connecting the rotating wheel 1002 to the frame 102 as disclosed in any one of Figures 1a to 1e .

[0059] Figure 2a It is an exploded view of the dehumidifier 1000. This figure shows how the rotary wheel 1002 is connected to the frame 102 using the connecting device 100. This figure illustrates that the connecting device 100 is connected to the central tube 1004 of the rotary wheel 1002.

[0060] The dehumidifier 1000 is assembled by connecting the rotary wheel 1002 to the frame 102 by fastening the central tube 1004 to the frame 102. This is achieved by inserting the bushing 104 from the first side of the frame 102 in the first direction through the through-hole 110 of the frame 102 such that the locking portion 106 of the bushing 104 reaches the second side of the frame 102. At this time, the first end 104a of the bushing 104 is located on the first side of the frame 102, and the second end 104b of the bushing 104 is located on the second side of the frame 102.

[0061] The bushing 104 is then rotated from the first rotational orientation to the second rotational orientation. The locking portion 106 now prevents the bushing 104 from moving in the second direction opposite to the first direction. To further prevent unwanted displacement of the bushing 104, the locking element 116 is connected to the second side of the frame 102. The rotary wheel 1002 can now be connected to the frame 102 by aligning the through-hole 110 of the frame 102 with the central tube 1004, that is, by aligning the bushing 104 with the central tube 1004. The bolt 120 is inserted through the through-hole 108 of the bushing 104 and connected to the central tube 1004, thereby fastening the rotary wheel 1002 to the frame 102. The fastening of the rotary wheel 1002 to the frame 102 is achieved by the engagement between the bolt 120 and the central tube 1004. For example, the threads of the bolt 120 interact with the corresponding threads included in the central tube 1004.

[0062] As indicated in the attached drawings, the above connection process is preferably carried out on both sides of the rotary wheel 1002. The frame 102 is shown as two separate frame parts located on opposite sides of the rotary wheel 1002. This is only for illustration. In other examples, the two frame parts can be part of the same frame structure.

[0063] Figure 2b Shows the same dehumidifier 1000 as Figure 2a except that the dehumidifier 1000 is located in the cabinet 1006.

[0064] Figure 2c A close-up view of the connecting device 100 mounted on the frame 102 of the rotary wheel 1002 is shown.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to the above preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that modifications and variations can be made within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, by studying the drawings, the present invention and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A connecting device (100), the connecting device (100) being used to connect a wheel (1002) of a dehumidifier (1000) to a frame (102), characterized in that: The connecting device (100) includes a bushing (104) having a first end (104a) and a second end (104b) and a through hole (108) extending through the bushing (104) in an axial direction, wherein the through hole (108) of the bushing (104) is configured to receive a bolt (120), and the bolt (120) is configured to interact with the rotating wheel (1002), wherein the bushing (104) is configured to be connected to the frame (102) in a detachable manner.

2. The connection device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bushing (104) is removably connected to the frame (102) by bayonet mounting.

3. The connection device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The bushing (104) also includes a locking portion (106) configured to interact with the through hole (110) of the frame (102), wherein, in a first rotational orientation (r1) of the through hole (110) relative to the frame (102), the locking portion (106) is capable of passing through the through hole (110) of the frame (102) in a first direction (d1), and in a second rotational orientation (r2) of the through hole (110) relative to the frame (102), the locking portion (106) is prevented from passing through the through hole in a second direction (d2) opposite to the first direction (d1).

4. The connection device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The connection device (100) also includes a bolt (120) configured to extend through the through hole (108) of the bushing (104) and interact with the rotating wheel (1002).

5. The connection device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connection device (100) also includes the frame (102) configured to interact with the locking portion (106).

6. The connection device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bushing (104) is configured such that the locking portion (106) and the first end (104a) of the bushing (104) are located on opposite sides of the frame (102) in a position of the bushing (104) where the bushing (104) is connected to the frame (102).

7. The connection device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bushing (104) also includes a head portion (118) located at the first end (104a) of the bushing (104), and the head portion (118) is configured to prevent the first end (104a) of the bushing (104) from passing through the through hole (110) of the frame (102).

8. The connection device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking portion (106) includes a heel (112) protruding substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction of the bushing (104), wherein the heel (112) is configured to interact with the frame (102) and prevent the locking portion (106) from passing through the through hole (110) of the frame (102) along the second direction (d2) in a position in which the locking portion (106) is in the second rotational orientation (r2).

9. The connection device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connection device (100) also includes a locking element (116) configured to prevent the bushing (104) from rotating from the second rotational orientation (r2).

10. The connection device (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The locking element (116) is configured to be connected to the frame (102).

11. The connection device (100) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The locking portion (106) includes a peripheral surface (114) configured to interact with the locking element (116) for preventing the bushing (104) from rotating from the second rotational orientation (r2).

12. The connection device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that The peripheral surface (114) is generally flat.

13. The connection device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bushing (104) also includes a central portion (122) defining a gap between the first end portion (104a) of the bushing (104) and the locking portion (106), wherein a length of the gap corresponds to a thickness of the frame (102).

14. A dehumidifier (1000), characterized in that: The dehumidifier (1000) comprises: a wheel (1002), the wheel (1002) comprising a central tube (1004); a frame (102), the frame (102) comprising a through hole (110); and a connecting device (100) for connecting the wheel (1002) to the frame (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The dehumidifier (1000) according to claim 14, characterized in that: The connection device (100) is positioned close to the central tube (1004).

16. The dehumidifier (1000) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The dehumidifier (1000) further includes a housing (1006).

Images