CURRENT FEEDTHROUGH SEAL ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A current feedthrough seal assembly (1) for insertion into and sealing a wall opening (WO) of a climate chamber (KK) comprises a plastic core (10) formed in a step-like shape in an axial direction thereof so as to be inserted into the wall opening (WO) of the climate chamber (KK), so that, when inserted, substantially the whole of the plastic core (10) is located in the wall opening (WO), and a flange (11) is formed at an axial end of the plastic core (10) to protrude beyond the wall opening in the radial direction of the plastic core (10) to abut against one (I) of an internal or external wall (I, A) of the climate chamber (KK), at least two elongated power conducting members (20) accommodated in parallel to each other inside the plastic core (10) and extending through the plastic core (10) and a press ring seal (30) interposed between an inner peripheral surface of the wall opening (WO) and an outer peripheral surface of the plastic core (10) on an opposite axial side thereof with respect to the flange (11) of the plastic core (10).

Claims

1. A current feedthrough seal assembly (1) for insertion into and sealing a wall opening (WO) of a climate chamber (KK), wherein the current feedthrough seal assembly (1) comprises: a plastic core (10) formed in a step-like shape in an axial direction thereof to be inserted into the wall opening (WO) of the climate chamber (KK) so that, when inserted, substantially the whole of the plastic core (10) is located in the wall opening (WO), and a flange (11) of the plastic core (10) is formed at an axial end of the plastic core (10) to protrude in a radial direction of the plastic core (10) beyond the wall opening to abut against one (I) of an internal or external wall (I, A) of the climate chamber (KK), at least two elongated power conducting members (20) accommodated in parallel to each other inside the plastic core (10) and extending through the plastic core (10), and a press ring seal (30) interposed between an inner peripheral surface of the wall opening (WO) and an outer peripheral surface of the plastic core (10) on an opposite axial side thereof with respect to the flange (11) of the plastic core (10).

2. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the press ring seal (30) is slidable on the outer peripheral surface of the plastic core (10) in the axial direction of the plastic core (10) before being axially compressed to be flush with the other (A) of the internal or external wall (I, A) of the climate chamber (KK).

3. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein an annular temperature isolation gap (Sp) is formed between the press ring seal (30) and the flange (11) of the plastic core (10) in the axial direction and between the inner peripheral surface of the wall opening (WO) and the outer peripheral surface of the plastic core (10) in the radial direction.

4. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein an annular temperature isolation gap (Sp) is formed between the press ring seal (30) and the flange (11) of the plastic core (10) in the axial direction and between the inner peripheral surface of the wall opening (WO) and the outer peripheral surface of the plastic core (10) in the radial direction.

5. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein each elongated power conducting member (20) has, on the side of the plastic core (10) on which the press ring seal (30) is located, at least one radial protrusion (21) located in a corresponding recess (12) on an associated end face (13) of the plastic core (10).

6. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein a plastic plate (14) is fixed to the end face (13) of the plastic core (10) in such a way that the radial protrusions (21) of the power conducting members (20) are axially and/or radially fixed.

7. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein each elongated power conducting member (20) has, on the side of the plastic core (10) on which the press ring seal (30) is located, at least one radial protrusion (21) located in a corresponding recess (12) on an associated end face (13) of the plastic core (10), and a plastic plate (14) is fixed to the end face (13) of the plastic core (10) in such a way that the radial protrusions (21) of the power conducting members (20) are axially and/or radially fixed.

8. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein each elongated power conducting member (20) protrudes outwardly through the plastic plate (14).

9. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein each corresponding axial end of the elongated power conducting member (20) is located between the plastic core (10) and the plastic plate (14).

10. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein the plastic plate (14) has a diameter greater than that of the press ring seal (30).

11. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein each elongated power conducting member (20) has, on the side of the plastic core (10) on which the flange (11) is located, one or more radial protrusions (22) each having an individual geometry.

12. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the press ring seal (30) has a constant radial dimension around its circumference.

13. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the press ring seal (30) has a constant radial dimension around its circumference.

14. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the press ring seal (30) comprises two rigid ring members (31) between which, in the axial direction of the plastic core (10), there is an elastic sealing material (32) which deforms inwardly and outwardly in the radial direction when the ring members (31) are contracted.

15. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 13, wherein the press ring seal (30) comprises two rigid ring members (31) between which, in the axial direction of the plastic core (10), there is an elastic sealing material (32) which deforms inwardly and outwardly in the radial direction when the ring members (31) are contracted.

16. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 14, wherein the elastic sealing material (32) is formed without interruption in the circumferential direction.

17. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 15, wherein the elastic sealing material (32) is formed without interruption in the circumferential direction.

18. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the power conducting members (20) are disposed in through holes (15) formed in the plastic core (10), and stoppers (16) are provided in the through holes (15), protruding radially inward from the peripheral walls of the through holes (15), against which the power conducting members (20) abut in the axial direction.

19. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 17, wherein the power conducting members (20) are disposed in through holes (15) formed in the plastic core (10), and stoppers (16) are provided in the through holes (15), protruding radially inward from the peripheral walls of the through holes (15), against which the power conducting members (20) abut in the axial direction.

20. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plastic core (10) is provided with a cover (40) on the side of the press ring seal (30), the cover being provided with a fan (41) above the outwardly protruding axial ends of the power conducting members (20).

21. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the current feedthrough seal assembly (1) is suitable for the feedthrough of currents up to 1000 A current strength and up to 1500 V voltage.

22. The current feedthrough seal assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein the current feedthrough seal assembly (1) is suitable for the feedthrough of currents up to 1000 A current strength and up to 1500 V voltage.

Description

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a current feedthrough seal assembly according to the invention.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows a frontal view of the plastic core and press ring seal from the press ring seal side without cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of the current feedthrough seal assembly according to the present invention. A climate chamber KK has an isolating wall in which a wall opening WO is provided. In the present case, this wall opening is circular cylindrical. A circular cylindrical wall opening and the associated circular cross-sectional shape of the current feedthrough seal assembly enable an optimum provision of a sealing effect.

[0044] A plastic core 10 is provided in a step-like manner, so that a flange 11 can be provided on the inside of the climate chamber KK in such a way that it protrudes beyond the wall opening. That is, the flange 11 has a larger outer diameter than that of the wall opening. This can ensure better sealing at the axial contact surface of the flange 11 with the inner wall surface. The subsequent step in the cross-section of the plastic core is intended to ensure a correspondingly accurate fit in the wall opening. Relatively shortly behind the inner wall surface of the climate chamber, a further reduction in cross-section takes place from this step. This reduction in cross-section creates a gap which is sufficiently large to allow insertion of a press ring seal 30. Accordingly, the plastic core 10 of the present embodiment has three sections with different diameters.

[0045] The press ring seal 30 is shown in this embodiment to be non-flush with the outer wall surface of the climate chamber. As can be seen from the constant inner diameter of the wall opening WO as well as the constant cross-sectional portion of the plastic core 10, the press ring seal is axially slidable in the gap provided for this purpose between the wall opening WO and the plastic core 10. That is, the plastic core or current feedthrough seal assembly shown here is also suitable for use in climate chambers having different walls.

[0046] The press ring seal 30 is activated by compressing the elastic sealing material 32 via the two rigid ring members 31 to form two sealing surfaces. A first sealing surface is located between the press ring seal 30 and the wall opening WO, and a second sealing surface is located between the press ring seal 30 and the outer peripheral surface of the plastic core 10.

[0047] Since in the present case an annular circular cylindrical press ring seal 30 is used, which has a constant radial dimension, an optimum sealing effect is achieved here.

[0048] Elongated power conducting members 20 are inserted into the plastic core 10 from the outside of the current feedthrough seal assembly. The power conducting members have different cross-sections and, in the present embodiment, the corresponding intermediate step surface abuts a stopper 16 formed in the plastic core 10. At this point, it can be achieved that a corresponding pressing effect is generated between the power conducting member 20 and the plastic core 10 in the axial direction at the circumferential continuous step surface to further increase a sealing effect between the power conducting member 20 and the plastic core 10. This may be advantageous in the case where a corresponding fit of the power conducting member 20 in the plastic core 10 is subject to an increased tolerance generated due to the wide temperature range. This increased temperature difference may result from very high currents being conducted through the power conducting member. This stepped cross-section of the power conducting member, as well as an associated stopper 16 or collar, is not mandatory.

[0049] Furthermore, the present embodiment is configured such that each power conducting member 20 has two radial protrusions 21. These radial protrusions are intended to be located positively in corresponding recesses 12 in the plastic core 10. This ensures that corresponding tensile forces on the power conducting members 20 in the direction towards an interior I of the climate chamber KK can be absorbed. In addition, the corresponding radial protrusions 21 and the associated recesses 12 can also absorb rotational forces which are applied to each power conducting member 20 by an actuation (e.g. connection of connecting cables). Even if one radial protrusion 21 per power conducting member is sufficient for this purpose, the provision of two radial protrusions 21 and two associated recesses 12 is desirable for reasons of symmetrical force distribution.

[0050] With regard to axial forces, the radial protrusions 21 of the power conducting members in conjunction with the recesses 12 of the plastic core are only capable of absorbing axial forces of the power conducting members in the direction toward the plastic core (also rotational forces due to the form fit). In addition, to absorb axial forces of the power conducting members away from the plastic core 10, a plastic plate 14 is provided in the present embodiment to prevent removal of the power conducting members 20 from the plastic core 10. In the present embodiment, the plastic plate 14 is shown without corresponding recesses. The plastic plate 14 may also have corresponding recesses for the radial protrusions 21 (not shown). The plastic plate 14 is fixed to the plastic core 10 by means of screws 17. In the present embodiment, the plastic plate 14 is not in direct contact with the plastic core 10, but only with the radial protrusions 21 of the power conducting members 20. This ensures that the entire screw force applied to the plastic plate 14 is transmitted to the radial protrusions 21. This maximization of the force input to the radial protrusions 21 of the power conducting members 20 is particularly advantageous when, for example, corresponding sockets 51 are to be brought into close contact with the reduced diameter area 24 of the power conducting members 20 from the inside of the climate chamber.

[0051] When the connecting cables 50 are to be connected to the power conducting members 20 by means of the sockets 51, in the present embodiment each socket 51 has one or more radial protrusions 22, 23 each having an individual geometry. The radial protrusions 22, 23 may also be provided on the power conducting members 20. Overall, this is to realize a distinctive bayonet lock for each power conducting member 20. This ensures that the correct connecting cable is connected to the corresponding pole and that a reliable and always consistent contact is established.

[0052] On the opposite side, i.e. the outside of the climate chamber, the corresponding end of the power conducting member 20 protrudes bluntly over the plastic plate 14. A screw hole is provided in the power conducting member 20 at this end. The screw hole (no corresponding reference sign) receives a corresponding screw that connects a connecting eyelet of a connecting cable 60 to the power conducting member 20. The eyelet of the connecting cable 60 allows the connecting cable 60 having an appreciable diameter to be directed straight and vertically along the external wall of the climate chamber KK toward the floor. This realizes a space-saving arrangement that would not be possible with corresponding cable passages, since the bending radii of correspondingly thick connecting cables are relatively large.

[0053] The overall combination of connecting cables 50, 60 and the power conducting member 20 in between forms a heat/cold bridge between the inside I and the outside A of the climate chamber KK. If a comparatively low temperature now prevails on the inside I of the climate chamber KK, the temperature gradient with respect to the ambient temperature outside the climate chamber KK is comparatively large. As a result, condensation forms on the metallic portion exposed to the outside A of the climate chamber KK, i.e., the blunt end of the power conducting members 20, the screw as well as the connecting eyelet of the connecting cable 60. Now, in order to prevent or remove this condensation, a corresponding cover 40 is provided around the current feedthrough seal assembly, which provides a fan unit 41 consisting of an electric motor and a fan at an upper end of the cover 40. The fan unit (fan) 41 generates an air flow from top to bottom through the enclosed space of the cover, which absorbs the corresponding moisture (condensation) and removes it downwardly. In this way, a wide variety of problems associated with condensation can be avoided. In addition, in the case of positive temperature operation of the climate chamber, excessive heating of the connecting leads can be counteracted by means of the air flow.

[0054] With regard to the inside I and the outside A of the climate chamber KK as shown in FIG. 1, it should be noted that these can also be reversed with the same design of the current feedthrough seal assembly. In this case, the current feedthrough seal assembly would not be inserted from the inside to the outside, but from the outside to the inside.

[0055] FIG. 2 shows only the plastic core 10 and the associated press ring seal 30. The press ring seal 30 has a number of screws that are used to bring the rigid ring members 31 closer together, thereby squeezing the elastic sealing material 32 between them. The radial expansion of the elastic sealing material 32 causes the corresponding minimum distances between the press ring seal and the plastic core 10, and between the press ring seal 30 and the inner peripheral surface of the wall opening WO, to be reduced and come into contact in such a way that a correspondingly necessary sealing effect is achieved.

[0056] It can also be seen in FIG. 2 that through holes 15 are provided for three power conducting members 20. Each through hole is provided with two recesses 12, which can be of any shape, that face each other here. While axial force absorption is also possible with one recess 12 per power conducting member 20, a number of two or more recesses 12 per power conducting member 20 enables a more even and symmetrical distribution. Furthermore, with multiple recesses 12 per power conducting member 20, their longitudinal or radial extensions can be reduced. This enables an even more compact design of the plastic core and thus of the current feedthrough seal assembly.

[0057] Between the corresponding through holes 15 are further screw holes 18, which are used to fix the plastic plate 14.

[0058] While in each of the two lower and also larger through holes 15 a stopper 16 complete in the circumferential direction is shown, the upper through hole 15 functions without such a stopper 16 in the present embodiment. As described above, however, all through holes 15 can also be provided with stoppers or without stoppers, depending on the requirements for tightness and usability.