US 6,662,571 B1 · Thermoelectric assembly sealing member and thermoelectric assembly incorporating same

Abstract

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.

Claims46

Dependent claims

A thermoelectric assembly comprising:

a thermoelectric module having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a periphery and at least one electrical wire projecting therefrom;
a first heat exchange member in contact with said first surface of said thermoelectric module;
a second heat exchange member in contact with said second surface of said thermoelectric module;
and
a sealing member positioned about the periphery of said thermoelectric module, said sealing member having a first sealing surface which sealingly engages said first heat exchange member, and a second sealing surface which sealingly engages said second heat exchange member, said sealing member formed with at least one aperture therethough, said at least one aperture dimensioned to sealingly receive said at least one electrical wire therethrough, and at least one wire guide projecting from said sealing member in a direction away from said thermoelectric module, said at least one wire guide having a channel dimensioned for receipt of said at least one wire, wherein said at least one aperture and said channel are substantially axially aligned.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Thermoelectric assembly sealing member and thermoelectric assembly incorporating same

Life of this patent

Thermoelectric assembly sealing member and thermoelectric assembly incorporating same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims46