Thermoelectric assembly sealing member and thermoelectric assembly incorporating same
AssigneeTE Technology, Inc.
InventorsMichael J. Nagy, Todd M. Ritzer, Paul G. Lau
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Loading patent…
AssigneeTE Technology, Inc.
InventorsMichael J. Nagy, Todd M. Ritzer, Paul G. Lau
Estimating the term…
A sealing member for a thermoelectric assembly includes an elastomeric body having one or more apertures formed therethrough for sealingly receiving an electrical wire projecting from the thermoelectric module. Sealing engagement between each electrical wire and each aperture may be enhanced by the use of a sealing agent, or by molding the wire, its sheath or a wire connector to each aperture. Preferably, a pair of wire guides project from the sealing member, each having a central channel in substantial registry with one of the apertures and providing additional surface area for wire support which reduces any tendency to create spaces between the wires and apertures. The sealing member may include one or more peripheral channels to capture water vapor, one or more indexing guides which receive fasteners from the assembly to locate the sealing member therein, as well as insulative filler material, and/or a central insulative channel.
A thermoelectric assembly comprising:
The thermoelectric assembly of claim 3, wherein said sealing member further comprises at least one wire guide projecting from said sealing member in a direction away from said thermoelectric module, said wire guide having a central channel dimensioned for receipt of said at least one wire, said wire guide being in substantial registry with said at least one aperture.
A thermoelectric assembly comprising:
A sealing member for a thermoelectric assembly having a thermoelectric module with a periphery and at least one wire projecting therefrom, wherein the thermoelectric module is positioned between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, said sealing member comprising an elastomeric member having a low water vapor permeability and a thermally insulative filler material homogeneously dispersed therethrough, said elastomeric member adapted to be positioned beyond the periphery of the thermoelectric module, said elastomeric member having a first surface adapted to sealingly engage a surface of the first heat exchanger, and an opposing second surface adapted to sealingly engage a surface of the second heat exchanger, and at least one aperture extending through said elastomeric member, said at least one aperture dimensioned to receive the at least one wire, said aperture sealingly engaging said one wire.
A sealing member for a thermoelectric assembly having a thermoelectric module with a periphery and at least one wire projecting therefrom, wherein the thermoelectric module is positioned between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, said sealing member comprising an elastomeric member having a low water vapor permeability and a thermally insulative filler material homogeneously dispersed therethrough, said elastomeric member adapted to be positioned beyond the periphery of the thermoelectric module, said elastomeric member having a first surface adapted to sealingly engage a surface of the first heat exchanger, and an opposing second surface adapted to sealingly engage a surface of the second heat exchanger, and at least one aperture extending through said elastomeric member, said at least one aperture dimensioned to receive the at least one wire, said aperture sealingly engaging said one wire;
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.