SE541945C2 - Dehumidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

Dehumidification device (1), for dehumidifying air, gas, gases or the like, in containers in hydraulic systems in which a variable volume of liquid and air, gas or the like is stored. Dehumidification device (1) comprises at least one cooling dryer (2), comprising at least one condensing space (8) and at least one cooling element such as, for example, at least one Peltier element (4). In the condensing space (8) the dehumidification of air takes place by condensation to liquid which is collected in at least one collecting container (15). The dehumidifying device (1) comprises at least a first tubular body (26) and at least one outer tubular outer body (27), between which an intermediate space (28) forms a channel for air to a condensing space (8). The condensing space (8) communicates with at least one second channel (12) and at least one connecting device (35) with the hydraulic tank. The dehumidifying device (1) comprises at least one end (29) which is connected or integrated with one end of the tubular inner body. (26) and the other end of the second tubular outer body (27). The dehumidification device (19) comprises at least one detachably arranged adapter (1)

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a dehumidification device in accordance with the claims.

Technical background In a number of different contexts and a number of different areas of use, there is a need to dehumidify gas or gases such as air. Such a need exists, for example, in connection with dehumidification of gases, such as air, which come into contact with the pressure fluid (hydraulic oil) in a hydraulic tank. Because the pressure fluid level (hydraulic oil level) varies, in connection with the use of different functions in the hydraulic system, there is an inflow of air to the hydraulic tank or an outflow of air from the hydraulic tank.

With air being introduced into the tank from the surrounding atmosphere, in connection with the volume reduction of the pressure fluid in the tank, moisture is included. The moisture in the air risks being transferred to the pressure fluid (hydraulic oil), which in turn causes several problems. One of the problems with moisture in the pressure fluid is that the moisture causes the pressure fluid to break down more quickly. Another problem with moisture in the pressure fluid is that the moisture in the pressure fluid risks freezing when the temperature is below zero. There are also problems with the moisture in the pressure fluid risking causing corrosion in the hydraulic system.

The above-mentioned problems are particularly pronounced when using vegetable pressure fluids in the hydraulic systems. This is due to the fact that these pressure fluids (hydraulic oils) usually absorb a larger volume percentage of water than non-vegetable pressure fluids absorb. When using vegetable pressure fluids, there is therefore a need for improved technology for dehumidifying air which comes into contact with said vegetable pressure fluids.

In order to remedy the above-mentioned problems, it is already known to use filters which take up moisture from air which is introduced into hydraulic tanks and the like. Known filters usually include water-absorbing pellets, water-absorbing materials or the like which absorb moisture from the air. The pellets may, for example, comprise moisture-absorbing materials such as calcium chloride, silica gel or other materials suitable for the purpose. Using this type of water-absorbing filter causes a number of problems. One of the problems with existing dehumidifiers with dehumidifying agents is that they have to be replaced or alternatively that the dehumidifying material in these dehumidifiers has to be replaced regularly.

There is a need for a construction where the amount of desiccant can be limited, and the interval for replacement can be extended, as is the case with already known constructions.

An additional problem is caused by the filters working best at relatively hot temperatures. The filters usually do not work at a relative humidity below a certain level such as 40%. The filters also have the problem that when it is saturated with moisture, this moisture saturation can give off moisture to relatively dry air which enters the hydraulic tank via the filter.

Another problem with these types of dehumidifiers is that the user does not know if the water-absorbing pellets in the filter are saturated with moisture or not. Another problem with existing filters is the risk that the function of these will deteriorate due to the fact that they freeze in cold climates, whereby the function of the filter ceases or at least is greatly reduced.

A further problem with known constructions where the Peltier element is used is problems with satisfactory connection of these to cooling of the hot side. In the event of unsatisfactory contact with the cooling surface, these risk breaking.

Prior art Other constructions for dehumidifying air are already known. Via patent application SE1400166, for example, a dehumidification device is already known which dehumidifies air which is moved in and out of a hydraulic tank with pressure fluid. In preferred embodiments of the dehumidification device according to the patent specification, at least one Peltier element is used for the dehumidification. Peltier element has the technical effect of emitting heat on one side of the Peltier element and has a cooling effect on its other side. The effect is achieved by direct current flowing through the metals or semiconductors of the Peltier element in accordance with previously known technology. The condensation takes place by the inner space being connected to the cooling side of the Peltier element.

The construction according to the patent application SE1400166 differs in other respects from the construction in accordance with the present patent application. For example, the construction in accordance with the patent specification does not consist of a construction which is intended to be able to be connected to a filter with moisture-absorbing material. Other devices and systems have also been developed to dehumidify air. For example, dehumidifiers that use negative pressure / vacuum to reduce the amount of moisture in hydraulic oils, pressure oils have been developed. However, none of the developed systems and constructions comprise a corresponding construction in accordance with that of the present patent application. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The main object of the present invention is to eliminate, or at least reduce, at least one of the previously stated problems with known constructions of dehumidification devices. The object is achieved with a dehumidifying device in accordance with the claims.

Brief Description of the Figures The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings which, by way of example, show the presently preferred embodiments.

Figures 1A to 1C show a dehumidification device according to an exemplary first embodiment. Figure 2 shows in a cross section the dehumidification unit and the cooling unit in more detail.

Figures 3A to 3C show that the dehumidification device comprises at least one adapter.

Figures 4A and 4B show a dehumidifier device connected to a bellows or the like.

Figures 5A and 5B show a dehumidification device with a filter unit.

Figure 5C shows a dehumidifier with an adapter with integrated filter unit.

Figure 5D shows a separate filter unit.

Figure 5E shows a dehumidification device with a separate filter unit and an adapter with integrated filter unit.

Figure 6 shows a variant of a vortex generator for the air flow to the cooling unit.

Figure 7 schematically shows an exemplary hydraulic diagram with a dehumidification device in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention With reference to the figures, a dehumidification device 1 in accordance with the present patent application will be described in more detail. The dehumidification device is used, for example, to dehumidify air in at least one container or the like in a hydraulic system.

The container can, for example, consist of a hydraulic tank.

The dehumidification in the dehumidification device 1 takes place in at least a first step. In the first step, the dehumidification takes place in the dehumidification device 1 with at least one cooling dryer 2 which uses cooling effect to dehumidify air, gases or gas.

The cooling dryer 2 comprises at least one cooling element 3 or the like. The cooling element 3 preferably consists of at least one Peltier element 4 which has a relatively hot surface (side) 5 and a relatively cold surface (side) 6. In alternative embodiments, the cooling element consists of a unit other than a Peltier element. It is thus conceivable that the cooling unit consists of a cooling element which is connected to a vehicle's AC system or other system suitable for the purpose for supplying cooled medium for cooling the condensing plate.

The functions of the cooling element 3, in the exemplary embodiment of the Peltier element 4, are preferably controlled by at least one control system, not shown in figures, or the like. With the control system, it is possible to invert the hot and cold side so that the hot becomes the cold and vice versa.

The Peltier element 4 is preferably connected directly, or indirectly, to a cooling device, cooler or the like. At least a condensing plate 7, such as at least one heat sink, cooling device or the like, is preferably connected to the relatively cooler surface (side) 6 of the Peltier element 4. The cooling dryer 2 comprises at least one condensing space 8 in which a condensation of moisture in the air, gas or gases takes place. The condensing space 8 is delimited in the exemplary embodiment by at least one wall 9, partition wall, wall or the like which, or which, completely or partially enclose the condensing space.

The condensing space 8 communicates directly or indirectly with the surrounding atmosphere of the dehumidification device via at least one first channel 10, opening, pipe or the like. In the exemplary embodiment, the inner space communicates with the surrounding atmosphere via at least a first channel 10 with at least one inlet 11 or the like.

The condensing space 8 is furthermore also in contact with the inner space (not shown in figures) in a container such as a hydraulic tank (not shown in figures) via at least a second channel 12.

The second channel 12 preferably extends through a tubular body, alternatively via another type of construction.

The condensing space 8 further comprises at least one outlet 13 for condensed liquid or the like. The condensed liquid is discharged via the outlet 13 to at least one container 15, tank or the like for collecting moisture separated by the cooling dryer. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the dehumidification device comprises at least a third channel 14 connecting line or the like through which the condensed liquid is fed to container 15, the tank or the like. The container 15 preferably comprises at least one outlet (drain) 16 or the like through which separated moisture is discharged from the tank (container) 15. The container 15 preferably comprises a valve 17, plug or the like with which the outlet 16 can be closed temporarily. The valve is not clearly shown in the figures, but position 17 indicates the position of this valve. In alternative embodiments, the condensed liquid is collected in at least one separate container, tank (not shown in the figures) or other collecting device suitable for the purpose. Alternatively, the condensed liquid is transferred from the container 15 via a hose, pipe or the like to an external tank or container (not shown in figures).

Referring to Figure 2, the dehumidification of the late unit and the cooling unit is shown in more detail. In the exemplary embodiment, the dehumidifying device comprises at least one insulating layer of material 18.

In the exemplary embodiment, the device comprises at least one cooling unit 19 which, if necessary, cools the surface on the relatively hot side 5 of the Peltier element 4. The cooling unit 19 in the exemplary embodiment comprises cooling flanges 20 and preferably at least one cooling fan 21.

In alternative embodiments, the dehumidification device 1 also comprises at least one protective cover 22 or the like for protecting the fan and the environment against the fan. In alternative embodiments, the fan may lack a protective cover 21.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention comprises at least one spring-loaded device 23 which creates a pressure between the warm surface 5 of the Peltier element 4 and the wall 7.

In this case, the spring-loaded device 23 consists of at least one resilient member 24 and preferably at least four resilient members 24. In alternative embodiments, the number of resilient members 24 may be more or less than those indicated.

In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 25, tank housing or liquid collecting unit comprises at least one first inner tube 26, wall or the like and at least one first outer tube 27, outer wall, or the like. Between the outer tube 27 and the inner tube 26 a space 28 is created. The space 28 consists of channel 10 through which air is led to the dehumidification space. The inner wall together with the end wall 29 forms said space which constitutes containers 15 for temporary storage of the separated liquid such as the water. The dehumidification unit and the cooling unit, the cooling dryer, comprise at least one connection device 30, with which it is connected to the housing 25, i.e. to the inner tube 26 and the outer tube 27. In one embodiment, the inner tube and the outer tube may consist of a transparent material. In alternative embodiments, these are not transparent. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the dehumidifier 1 is connected to at least one hydraulic tank (shown schematically in Figure 7) in a hydraulic system. The pressure fluid level varies depending on the functions used in the hydraulic system. The proportions of air in relation to hydraulic oil can thus vary, which entails air flows in different directions in the dehumidification device.

When using the present dehumidification device 1, this is connected to the hydraulic tank. Air is led via the dehumidification device 1 into and out of the tank when the pressure fluid decreases in level and the pressure fluid in the hydraulic tank increases. When air is introduced into the tank, the cooling dryer of the dehumidifier 1 will condense moisture in the air which passes past the cooling element 3 of the cooling dryer 2.

In the exemplary embodiments, the dehumidification device 1 is preferably intended to be connected to a hydraulic tank or the like. In alternative embodiments, the dehumidification device 1 can be connected to another device, system or the like and / or another application where there is a corresponding need for dehumidification.

The dehumidification device 1 comprises at least one connection device 31 or the like with which the dehumidification device 1 is connected to the hydraulic tank or the like.

The connection device 31 consists, for example, of at least one threaded pipe coupling 32, threaded pipe or the like. The connection device 31 can also consist of another type of connection device such as at least one screw connection or consist of another connection device suitable for the purpose.

Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, an alternative embodiment is shown which includes at least one adapter 33 or the like. The adapter 33 is connected to the connection device 31.

The adapter 33 in the exemplary embodiment comprises at least one body 34, housing or the like, with at least a second connection device 35 with which the device is connected directly or indirectly to at least one hydraulic tank or other unit which is connected to the hydraulic tank. Figure 3A shows the parts separately. Figure 3B shows the parts interconnected.

Figure 3C shows the flow in the dehumidification device. The arrows show how air is carried in one direction between the surroundings, bellows or similar to the hydraulic tank.

Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, it is shown how the adapter 33 is connected via at least one connecting line 36 to at least one bellows 37 or other type of expandable body, inwardly housed in a housing. The connecting line 36 may be a hose, pipe or other connecting line suitable for the purpose. The connecting line 36 is connected to the adapter 22 via at least one pipe coupling 38 or other type of connecting device. In the exemplary embodiment of the figures, an adapter 33 is shown with at least one first pipe coupling 38 and at least one second pipe coupling 39.

In the event of an increase in the liquid level in the hydraulic tank, the air in the tank is conveyed via dehumidification device 1 with the associated adapter 33 to the bellows 37 which expands. When the air fits the dehumidification device, a dehumidification of the air takes place. When the liquid level in the hydraulic tank decreases, air is conveyed from the bellows 37 via the adapter 33 and the dehumidification device back to the hydraulic tank. By means of the bellows 37, the air from the hydraulic tank does not, or substantially does not come into contact with, ambient air. As the air is reciprocated between the hydraulic tank and the bellows 37, it will be dehumidified and purified at the air flow in both directions. The smaller bellows 37 exemplifies that the bellows is substantially not filled with air and the larger variant of the bellows 37 shows that the bellows has been filled with air.

Referring to Figures 5A - 5C, it is shown how the dehumidifying device 1 comprises at least one filter unit 40. Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, a filter unit 40 is shown which forms a separately connectable part to the housing 25. In this embodiment, the filter unit 40 comprises at least one filter holder 41 and at least a filter 42. The filter 42 consists, for example, of a filter of a type suitable for the purpose. The filter 42 consists of a filter which filters air from particles, dust and the like. In alternative embodiments, filters 42 may also include absorbent material which may preferably be a water-absorbent material. In alternative embodiments, the absorbent material in filter 42 may be one or more absorbent materials that also absorb at least one, or other substances, than water.

Referring to Figure 5C, a second type of filter unit 43 is shown which is integrated with the adapter 33. The filter unit 43 in this embodiment consists of a filter 44. The filter 44 consists, for example, of a filter of a type and material suitable for the purpose. The filter 44 consists, for example, of a filter which filters air from particles, dust and the like. In alternative embodiments, filters 44 may also comprise absorbent material which may preferably be a water absorbent material. In alternative embodiments, the absorbent material in filter 44 may be absorbent material which also absorbs at least one other, or other substances, than water. The filter unit is interchangeably arranged.

Referring to Figures 5D and 5E, a dehumidifier is shown which includes both the separate filter unit 40 in accordance with Figures 5A and 5B and a filter unit 43 integrated with the adapter in accordance with Figure 5C. The filter type in the separate filter unit 43 according to Figures 5A and 5B and the filter in filter unit 43 integrated with the adapter may be of the same type or of different types.

Referring to Figures 6A to 6b, there is shown a variant of a dehumidifying and cooling unit which includes a vortex generator 45 which causes the air flow 46 to rotate relative to the cooling element. The vortex generator 45 means that the dehumidification of the air flow at the cooling element is made more efficient. The air flow is controlled by one or more inlet ducts 47, which form part of the inlet duct 10, direction relative to the condensing plate 7. The figures show a plurality of inlet ducts 47. In the exemplary embodiment they deviate from a radial direction towards the condensing plate 7 and tangential direction relative to the condensing plate 7.

Referring to Figure 7A, there is schematically shown an exemplary hydraulic diagram with a dehumidifier 1, in accordance with some embodiment of the present invention, but with associated bellows 37. The dehumidifier 1 is connected to at least one container 48. The container 48 is in the exemplary embodiment of at least one hydraulic tank 49. In the hydraulic tank there is a level 50 of hydraulic oil 51 and a volume of air 52, or gases, of gas. In the exemplary embodiment, the supply of air to and from the ambient atmosphere comprises at least one valve 53 which in the exemplary embodiment comprises at least a first pressure controlled check valve 54 for controlling flow from the atmosphere and at least a second pressure controlled check valve 55 for controlling the flow of air. or the like, out of the dehumidifier 1 (and the hydraulic tank 49). Figure 7 shows connecting cables to the required extent.

Referring to Figure 7B, the use of the dehumidifier 1 is shown schematically. In this embodiment, the dehumidifier 1 is connected to at least one closed space 56 where it comprises gas or gases. The space can, for example, be a space comprising electrical components where low humidity is sought in order to, for example, reduce the risk of flashover and other things. However, the temperature in the space 56 may vary which causes the space to breathe. In this embodiment the breathing is via the dehumidifier.

In the detailed description of the present invention, construction details may be omitted which will be apparent to a person skilled in the art to which the device relates. Such obvious design details are included to the extent required to obtain a satisfactory function. Although certain preferred embodiments have been shown in more detail, variations and modifications of the method and apparatus may be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All such modifications and variations are considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Advantages of the Invention The present invention achieves a number of advantages. The most obvious advantage of the present invention is that at least one of the aforementioned problems is eliminated or substantially reduced.

Claims (9)

Patent claims Dehumidifying device (1), for dehumidifying air, gas or gases in containers in hydraulic systems in which a variable volume of liquid and air, gas is stored, which dehumidifying device (1) comprises at least one cooling dryer (2) which comprises at least one condensing space ( 8) and at least one Peltier element (4), which dehumidification of air takes place in a condensing space (8) and that the condensed liquid is collected in at least one container (15) characterized by the dehumidification device (1) comprising at least a first inner tubular body (26). ) and at least one outer tubular outer body (27), between which an intermediate space (28) forms a channel for air to the condensing space (8) and and that the condensing space (8) via at least one second channel (12) and at least one connection sanitizing device ( 35) communicates with the hydraulic tank, and the dehumidifying device (1) comprises at least one end (29) which is connected or integrated with one end of the first tubular body (26) and one end of the second tubular body (27) and that the dehumidifying device (1) comprises at least one detachably arranged adapter (33) Dehumidification device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (15) for liquid is formed by the inner tubular body (26) and the end (29). Dehumidification device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized by the adapter (33) is connected via at least one connecting line to at least one bellows. Dehumidification device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dehumidification device (1) comprises at least one filter unit (40). Dehumidification device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the filter unit (40) consists of a separate part which is temporarily connected to the end (29) of the dehumidification device. Dehumidification device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the filter unit (40) consists of a filter unit which is integrated with the adapter (33). Dehumidification device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dehumidification device comprises a vortex generator (45) which causes the air flow at the cooling element to be rotated so that a more efficient dehumidification is achieved. Dehumidification device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the vortex generator (45) consists of inlet channels. Dehumidification device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Peltier element is connected to the cooling unit with a spring load.