Drying agent rotating wheel sealing device and drying agent dehumidifier

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a desiccant runner sealing device (1) and a desiccant dehumidifier (22), the desiccant runner sealing device (1) comprising: a first elastic sealing member (2) comprising a first sealing portion (4) and a second sealing portion (6); a second sealing member (8); the second sealing part (8) is attached to the first elastic sealing part (2); and the second sealing member (8) comprises an exposed sealing surface (10). The first sealing portion (4) and the second sealing portion (6) of the first elastic sealing member (2) are connected to each other by a first joint portion (12) and a second joint portion (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a desiccant wheel seal, a desiccant dehumidifier, and a method for manufacturing the desiccant wheel seal. The desiccant wheel seal includes a first resilient sealing member comprising a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion; a second sealing member attached to the first resilient sealing member; and an exposed sealing surface. The desiccant dehumidifier includes a desiccant wheel. Background Art

[0002] Desiccant dehumidifiers typically include a dehumidifying element in the form of a wheel or rotor that holds a desiccant material that effectively attracts and retains water vapor. The dehumidifier may include two sections for the desiccant rotor: a processing section and a regeneration section. The air flow to be dehumidified, or process air, passes through the processing section and then through the desiccant rotor. The desiccant material in the rotor absorbs moisture from the process air, allowing it to exit the rotor as dry air. Simultaneously, the desiccant material is regenerated by a regeneration air flow passing through the regeneration section, which can rotate slowly around its central axis. An additional air flow, or purge air flow, is used to regenerate the desiccant material in the rotor, enabling an even more efficient regeneration process. A separator may be used to direct the air flow through the desiccant rotor in the desiccant dehumidifier. The separator may be configured to direct process air through the processing section, regeneration air through the regeneration section, and purge air through one or more purge sections. The separation device may include a sealing element configured to abut the rotor and prevent mixing of the different air flows. Furthermore, a sealing element may be disposed at the periphery of the rotor element to prevent process air from escaping the processing section. The regeneration air in the regeneration air flow is heated in a heater device before passing through the regeneration section of the rotor. An air fan may be configured to generate the regeneration air flow through the regeneration section. By simultaneously dehumidifying the process air and regenerating the desiccant material, the dehumidifier can operate continuously.

[0003] JP2008151462A discloses a sealing structure for a desiccant air conditioner that slidably contacts an end surface of a desiccant wheel and holds the slidable contact portion in a sealed state, thereby dividing the desiccant wheel into a dehumidification area and a regeneration area. Utility Model Content

[0004] There are known desiccant wheel seals that suffer from leakage of airflow into and out of the desiccant wheel due to the gap between the wheel and the seal. In addition, due to the presence of joints in the wheel seal, there may be leakage in the purge and regeneration sectors, which may result in some performance loss. There are also known seals that have high friction between the seal and the wheel surface, which results in efficiency loss due to the need for a powerful drive motor and / or gearbox. This may result in reduced efficiency of the desiccant dehumidifier, increased weight and cost, and shortened gearbox life. In addition, there are known desiccant wheel seals in which the seal suffers from wear due to the high friction between the seal and the wheel surface.

[0005] Although solutions in the art are known, it is still desirable to develop a desiccant wheel sealing device and a desiccant dehumidifier including such a desiccant wheel sealing device that overcomes or mitigates at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. In addition, it is also desirable to develop a method for manufacturing such a desiccant wheel sealing device.

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art and to at least solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] These objects are achieved by the initially defined desiccant wheel sealing device, which further includes the feature that the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion of the first elastic sealing member are connected to each other by a first joint portion and a second joint portion. Furthermore, these objects are achieved by the initially defined desiccant dehumidifier including the desiccant wheel and a method for manufacturing such a desiccant wheel sealing device.

[0008] This desiccant wheel seal seals air flowing into and out of the desiccant wheel. Furthermore, the desiccant wheel seal slidably contacts the desiccant wheel with low friction, resulting in reduced wear on the seal and wheel. This further allows the drive motor and gearbox used to rotate the wheel to be designed with reduced power. Furthermore, the seal can be assembled without subsequent adjustments and remains airtight throughout the life of the desiccant dehumidifier. This seal also seals the desiccant wheel's peripheral areas at the inlet and outlet to prevent pressure buildup in the desiccant dehumidifier's housing. A first sealing portion of a first resilient member can be positioned at a portion of the wheel's periphery to seal the process air flow and prevent process air from escaping between the first sealing portion of the first resilient member and the surrounding desiccant dehumidifier housing. A second sealing portion of the first resilient member seals the regeneration and purge sectors. The second sealing portion is configured to prevent regeneration and purge air from escaping between the desiccant dehumidifier's ducting system for the regeneration and purge sectors and the surface of the wheel. The second sealing portion can be manufactured without a joint. The second sealing portion can be manufactured by stamping and / or cutting. Preferably, the second sealing component is substantially rigid, having a hard surface without any elasticity. The second sealing component can be wear-resistant and can have a low-friction sealing surface that is configured to be exposed and abut the desiccant wheel.

[0009] The first and second joints can have complementary shapes. The second sealing portion of the first resilient sealing member can be produced without the joint by stamping and / or cutting. They can then be joined to the straight peripheral seal using a jigsaw-shaped cut that forms a jigsaw-shaped joint. This results in a very airtight processed air flow.

[0010] The first and second joints can each be configured to have a pointed tip at the first sealing portion and a recessed portion at the second sealing portion. The recessed tip and pointed tip can increase the length of the joint, which increases the strength of the joint and prevents leakage through the joint. This configuration of the first and second joints ensures an airtight seal between the first and second joints, which prevents performance loss in the desiccant dehumidifier.

[0011] The first and second joints can each be configured to have a recessed portion at the first sealing portion and a pointed portion at the second sealing portion. The recessed portion and pointed portion can increase the length of the joint, which increases the strength of the joint and prevents leakage through the joint. This configuration of the first and second joints ensures an airtight seal between the first and second joints, which prevents performance loss in the desiccant dehumidifier.

[0012] The first and second joints can include a jigsaw-shaped joint connecting the first and second sealing portions of the first resilient sealing member. The jigsaw-shaped joint can prevent leakage from the process sector to the surrounding housing of the desiccant dehumidifier. The jigsaw-shaped joint can ensure an airtight seal between the first and second joints, thereby preventing performance loss of the desiccant dehumidifier.

[0013] The first and second joints may include a labyrinth seal. The labyrinth seal may prevent leakage from the process sector to the surrounding housing of the desiccant dehumidifier. The labyrinth seal may ensure an airtight seal between the first and second joints, which may prevent performance loss of the desiccant dehumidifier.

[0014] The first sealing portion of the first elastic sealing component may include foamed silicone, foamed ethylene propylene diene monomer EPDM and / or foamed polyurethane, and wherein the second sealing portion of the first elastic sealing component includes foamed silicone, foamed ethylene propylene diene monomer EPDM and / or foamed polyurethane. The silicone resin can be foamed. The material configuration of the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion of the first elastic sealing component can result in an elastic and flexible first elastic component. The first elastic component can be compressed and act on the second component by force. The second sealing component can act on the runner by force to achieve a sealing effect between the runner and the housing. The second sealing component includes polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE and / or metal. These materials of the second sealing component can result in a low-friction hard seal.

[0015] According to a second aspect, a desiccant dehumidifier is provided, comprising a housing and a desiccant wheel. The dehumidifier includes the desiccant wheel sealing device according to the first aspect, wherein the exposed sealing surface of the second sealing component is configured to abut and seal against the desiccant wheel to prevent process air, regeneration air, and / or purge air from passing between the desiccant wheel and the housing. Process air is sealed by the wheel seals on both sides of the wheel. Sealing both sides bypasses the need for pressure buildup in the dehumidifier unit housing and eliminates the need for further sealing.

[0016] The dehumidifier may include a compression rib configured to abut and compress the first resilient sealing member to generate pressure from the second sealing member on the desiccant wheel. The first resilient sealing member may be compressed over only a small portion of its width to reduce the force on the wheel while still maintaining the stability of the soft seal due to its height / width ratio. However, the compression rib may have a width substantially the same as the width of the first resilient sealing member.

[0017] According to a third aspect, a method for manufacturing the desiccant wheel seal according to the first aspect is provided, the method comprising the steps of: manufacturing a first sealing portion; manufacturing a second sealing portion; manufacturing a second sealing component; and attaching the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion to the second sealing component. The first sealing portion, the second sealing portion, and the second sealing component can be manufactured by stamping. The first sealing portion can be manufactured as a straight line and then bent into an arched shape before being attached to the second sealing component.

[0018] The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the present disclosure by way of illustration only. It will be understood by those skilled in the art from the guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above objects and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood by referring to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 shows a front view of a first elastic sealing member of a desiccant wheel sealing device according to a first example,

[0021] Figure 2 shows a front view of a second sealing component of a desiccant wheel sealing device according to a second example,

[0022] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a desiccant wheel and the desiccant wheel seals on each side of the desiccant wheel,

[0023] Figure 4 A desiccant dehumidifier including a desiccant wheel sealing device according to an example is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 Shown along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of line AA in FIG.

[0025] Figure 6 Shown by Figure 1 Detailed view of the part indicated by the circle,

[0026] Figure 7 Shown along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the line BB of a desiccant dehumidifier,

[0027] Figure 8 Shown by Figure 7 A detailed perspective view of the part indicated by the circle in FIG.

[0028] Figure 9 A flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a desiccant wheel seal is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure may be implemented 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 disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0030] Figure 1 A front view of the first elastic sealing member 2 of the desiccant wheel sealing device 1 is shown. The first elastic sealing member 2 includes a first sealing portion 4 and a second sealing portion 6. The first elastic sealing member 2 of the desiccant wheel sealing device 1 has a circular shape. The first sealing portion 4 and the second sealing portion 6 of the first elastic sealing member 2 are connected to each other by a first joint 12 and a second joint 14. The second sealing portion 6 has a shape that is suitable for the desiccant dehumidifier duct device 15 (see FIG. Figure 4 ). The first sealing portion 4 of the first elastic sealing member 2 includes foamed silicone resin, foamed EPDM and / or foamed polyurethane. The second sealing portion 6 of the first elastic sealing member 2 includes foamed silicone resin, foamed EPDM and / or foamed polyurethane. It should be noted that the first sealing portion 4 and the second sealing portion 6 may include different materials from each other.

[0031] Figure 2 A front view of the second sealing member 8 of the desiccant wheel seal 1 is shown. The second sealing member 8 is constructed to be hard and durable and is provided with a low friction surface. Preferably, the second sealing member 8 is substantially rigid without any elasticity. The second sealing member 8 may comprise a highly sustainable material such as PTFE and / or metal. The second sealing member 8 is wear resistant and has a low friction sealing surface 10 that is configured to be exposed and abut the desiccant wheel 24 (see Figure 3 ). The second sealing member 8 has a shape similar to that of the first elastic sealing member 2, but is formed as one piece. The second sealing member 8 is configured to be attached to the first elastic sealing member 2. The second sealing member 8 is configured to be arranged between the desiccant wheel 24 and the desiccant dehumidifier housing 25 (see Figure 4 ). A guide protrusion 7 is arranged at the periphery of the second sealing member 8. In addition, the second sealing member 8 is provided with a guide opening 9. The guide protrusion 7 and the guide opening 9 are configured to respectively correspond to the corresponding guide recess 35 and the corresponding guide pin 37 (see Figure 4 ) interacting guide members so that the desiccant wheel sealing device 1 is received and held in a predetermined position when installed in the housing 25.

[0032] Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates how the desiccant wheel 24 and the desiccant wheel seals 1 are arranged on each side of the desiccant wheel 24. For clarity, each seal 1 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 24 is shown at a distance from the runner 24. However, the second sealing member 8 of each sealing device 1 is configured to be arranged in contact with and abut the runner 24 so as to form a seal between the runner 24 and the housing 25. The sealing devices 1 on each side of the runner 24 are mirror-shaped so that the second sealing members 8 of the sealing devices 1 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) is arranged to face the runner 24. The second sealing component 8 of each sealing device 1 is configured to abut the end surface 27 of the runner 24 at the periphery of each end surface 27 of the runner 24. The runner 24 includes a plurality of channels 29 extending and opening in the two end surfaces 27. The channels 29 arranged at the periphery of the runner 24 can be sealed by the sealing device 1. The motor 31 is arranged to rotate the runner 24. During the rotation of the runner 24, each sealing device 1 is configured to form a seal between the runner 24 and the housing 25. In addition, each sealing device 1 is in contact with the corresponding desiccant dehumidifier duct device 15 (see Figure 4 ) to form a seal between the desiccant dehumidifier duct device 15 is arranged on both sides of the wheel 24.

[0033] Figure 4 A desiccant dehumidifier 22 including the desiccant wheel sealing device 1 according to an example is shown. The desiccant dehumidifier 22 includes a housing 25 configured to enclose a desiccant wheel 24 (see FIG. Figure 3 ).exist Figure 4 , a portion of the housing 25 of the dehumidifier 22 is shown, which portion is configured to be arranged on one side of the wheel 24. For clarity, Figure 4 The rotor 24 is not shown. The sealing device 1 is arranged at the periphery of the housing 25 and at the desiccant dehumidifier duct device 15.

[0034] Figure 5 Shown along Figure 4 . A cross-sectional view along line AA in FIG. The second sealing component 8 is attached to the first elastic sealing component 2. The second sealing component 8 includes an exposed sealing surface 10. An attachment surface 33 of the second sealing component 8, which is directed in the opposite direction of the exposed sealing surface 10, is attached to the first elastic sealing component 2. The first component 2 and the second component 8 have different extensions in a direction parallel to the normal N of the exposed sealing surface 10. The extension of the first elastic sealing component 2 is greater than the extension of the second sealing component 8. The first elastic sealing component 2 and the second sealing component 8 have the same width W.

[0035] Figure 6 Shown by Figure 1Detailed view of the portion indicated by the circle in . The first sealing portion 4 and the second sealing portion 6 of the first elastic sealing component 2 are connected to each other by a first joint 12. The first joint 12 and the second joint 14 have complementary shapes. The first joint 12 and the second joint 14 are each configured to have a tip 18 at the first sealing portion 4 and a recess 20 at the second sealing portion 6. Alternatively, the first joint 12 and the second joint 14 are each configured to have a recess 20 at the first sealing portion 4 and a tip 18 at the second sealing portion 6. The first joint 12 and the second joint 14 can each be configured as a jigsaw-shaped joint. The first joint 12 and the second joint 14 can be configured as a labyrinth seal.

[0036] Figure 7 Shown along Figure 4 The desiccant dehumidifier 22 is a cross-sectional view of the line BB in FIG. The desiccant dehumidifier 22 includes a desiccant wheel 24. The desiccant wheel 24 is Figure 7 24 and is also arranged at a distance from the desiccant wheel sealing device 1 for the sake of clarity. The exposed sealing surface 10 of the second sealing member 8 is actually configured to abut the desiccant wheel 24 and seal against the desiccant wheel 24 to prevent process air, regeneration air and / or purge air from passing between the desiccant wheel 24 and the housing 25.

[0037] Figure 8 Shown by Figure 7 Detailed perspective view of the portion indicated by the circle in FIG. Dehumidifier 22 includes compression ribs 26 configured to abut and compress first elastic sealing member 2 to generate pressure from second sealing member 8 on desiccant wheel 24. The width of compression ribs 26 is smaller than the width of first elastic sealing member 2. However, compression ribs 26 may have substantially the same width as first elastic sealing member 2.

[0038] Figure 9 Shown for manufacturing Figures 1 to 7 Flowchart of a method for sealing a desiccant wheel shown in FIG. The method includes the following steps: manufacturing (s101) a first sealing portion 4; manufacturing (s102) a second sealing portion 6; manufacturing (s103) a second sealing component 8; and attaching (s104) the first sealing portion 4 and the second sealing portion 6 to the second sealing component 8. The first sealing portion 4, the second sealing portion 6, and the second sealing component 8 can be manufactured by stamping. The first sealing portion 4 can be formed as a straight line and then bent into an arched shape before being attached to the second sealing component 8.

Claims

1. A desiccant wheel sealing device (1), comprising: A first elastic sealing component (2), the first elastic sealing component (2) comprising a first sealing portion (4) and a second sealing portion (6); a second sealing member (8); The second sealing member (8) is attached to the first elastic sealing member (2); and The second sealing member (8) includes an exposed sealing surface (10); It is characterized by: The first sealing portion (4) and the second sealing portion (6) of the first elastic sealing member (2) are connected to each other via a first joint portion (12) and a second joint portion (14).

2. The sealing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first engaging portion (12) and the second engaging portion (14) have complementary shapes.

3. The sealing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that The first engaging portion (12) and the second engaging portion (14) are each configured to have a tip (18) at the first sealing portion (4) and a recess (20) at the second sealing portion (6).

4. The sealing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that The first engaging portion (12) and the second engaging portion (14) are each configured to have a recess (20) at the first sealing portion (4) and a tip (18) at the second sealing portion (6).

5. The sealing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first joint portion (12) and the second joint portion (14) include jigsaw-shaped joint portions for connecting the first sealing portion (4) and the second sealing portion (6) of the first elastic sealing member (2).

6. The sealing device (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, 5, characterized in that: The first joint (12) and the second joint (14) include labyrinth seals.

7. The sealing device (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, 5, characterized in that: The first sealing portion (4) of the first elastic sealing component (2) includes foamed silicone resin, foamed ethylene propylene diene monomer and / or foamed polyurethane, and wherein the second sealing portion (6) of the first elastic sealing component (2) includes foamed silicone resin, foamed ethylene propylene diene monomer and / or foamed polyurethane.

8. The sealing device (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, 5, characterized in that: The second sealing component (8) comprises polytetrafluoroethylene and / or metal.

9. A desiccant dehumidifier (22), comprising a housing (25), a desiccant wheel (24) and a desiccant wheel sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The exposed sealing surface (10) of the second sealing member (8) is configured to abut the desiccant wheel (24) and seal against the desiccant wheel (24) to prevent process air, regeneration air and / or purge air from passing between the desiccant wheel (24) and the housing (25).

10. The dehumidifier (22) according to claim 9, characterized in that The dehumidifier (22) includes a compression rib (26) configured to abut and compress the first elastic sealing member (2) for generating pressure from the second sealing member (8) on the desiccant wheel (24).

Images