Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns an air-drying device in accordance with the claims. Background of the Invention

In a variety of contexts and a variety of uses there is a need to dehumidify, dry gas or gases such as air. Such a need exists, for example, in the dehumidification of gases such as air which comes into contact with the pressure fluid (hydraulic oil) in a hydraulic tank. Because the pressure fluid level (hydraulic oil level) varies, in conjunction with the use of various functions of the hydraulic system, an inflow of air to the hydraulic tank or an outflow of air from the hydraulic tank occurs.

With air introduced into the tank from the ambient atmosphere, in conjunction with the volume reduction of the pressurized liquid in the tank, moisture is supplied. The moisture in the air is likely to be transferred to the pressure fluid (hydraulic oil), which in turn causes several problems. One of the problems with moisture in the pressurized fluid is that the moisture causes the pressure fluid to break down faster. Another problem with moisture in the pressurized fluid is that the moisture in the pressurized liquid may freeze when the temperature is below zero. There are also problems that the moisture in the pressurized fluid may cause corrosion in the hydraulic system.

The above mentioned problem is particularly apparent when using vegetable pressurized liquids in the hydraulic systems. This is because these pressure fluids (hydraulic oils) usually occupy a higher volume percentage of water than non- vegetable pressurized liquids.

Therefore, in the use of vegetable pressurized liquids there is a need for improved air dehumidification techniques that come into contact with said vegetable pressurized liquids. In order to address the above-mentioned problems, it has been known to use filters which absorb moisture from air introduced into hydraulic tanks and the like. Known filters typically include water-absorbing pellets, water-absorbing materials or the like which absorb moisture from the air. For example, the pellets may include moisture absorbing materials such as calcium chloride, silica gel or other suitable materials. The use of this type of water absorption filter causes a number of problems. One of the problems with existing humidifier dehumidifiers is that they must be replaced or alternatively that the moisture absorbed material in these dehumidifiers has to be replaced regularly. There is a need for a design in which the amount of desiccant can be limited, and the range of replacement may be extended, as is the case with previously known designs.

Another problem is that the filters work best at relatively hot temperatures. The filters usually do not operate at a relative humidity below a certain level, such as 40 , for example. The filters also have the problem that when saturated with moisture, this moisture saturation can emit moisture to relatively dry air as it enters the hydraulic tank via the filter.

Another problem with these types of dehumidifier is that the user does not know if the water- absorbing pellet in the filter is saturated with moisture or not. Another problem with existing filters is the risk that the function in these deteriorates depending on the fact that they freeze in cold climates, eliminating or at least greatly reducing the function of the filter.

A further problem with known designs in which the Peltier element is used are problems with the satisfactory connection of these to the cooling of the hot side. In case of unsatisfactory contact with the cool side, they may break.

Prior Art

Previously, other designs for dehumidifying air are known. For example, via SE1400166, a dehumidifier is known as dehumidifying air which is moved in and out of a hydraulic tank with pressure fluid. In preferred embodiments of the dehumidifier according to the patent application, at least one peltier element is used for dehumidification. Peltier elements have the technical effect of giving heat on the one side of the peltier element and having a cooling effect on the other side. The effect is achieved by directing direct current through the Peltier element's metals or semiconductors in accordance with the prior art. The condensation takes place by the internal space being connected to the cooling side of the peltier element.

The design according to SE1400166 is otherwise substantially different from the design in accordance with the present patent application. For example, the design according to the patent is not of a design which is intended to be coupled with a moisture absorbing filter.

Other devices and systems have also been developed to dehumidify air. For example, dehumidification devices that use pressure/vacuum to reduce the amount of moisture in hydraulic oils, pressure oils have been developed. However, none of the developed systems and designs comprise a corresponding design according to the present patent application. Purpose of the Invention

The main object of the present invention is to eliminate, or at least reduce, at least one of the previously identified problems with known designs of air-drying device devices. The object is achieved with a air-drying device according to the claims.

Brief description of figures

The present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the

accompanying schematic drawings, which exemplify the presently preferred embodiments.

Figures 1A to 1C show an air-drying device according to an exemplary first embodiment.

Figure 2 shows in a cross section the air-drying device and the cooling unit in more detail.

Figures 3A to 3C show that the air-drying device comprises at least one adapter.

Figures 4A and 4B show the air-drying device connected to a bellow or the like.

Figures 5A and 5B show an air-drying device with a filter unit.

Figure 5C shows an air-drying device with an adapter with integrated filter unit.

Figure 5D shows a separate filter unit.

Figure 5E shows an air-drying device with a separate filter unit and an adapter with integrated filter unit.

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

Figure 7 shows schematically an exemplary hydraulic scheme with an air-drying device according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to the figures, an air-drying device 1 according to the present patent application will be described in more detail. The air-drying device is for example used for dehumidifying air, drying air in at least one container or the like in a hydraulic system. For example, the container may be a hydraulic tank.

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

The cooling dryer 2 comprises at least one cooling element 3 or the like. The cooling element 3 is preferably comprised 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 is 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 suitable system for supplying refrigerated medium for cooling the condensation plate.

The cooling element 3, which in the exemplary embodiment, consists of a 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 cold and vice versa.

The peltier element 4 is preferably connected directly or indirectly to a cooling device, radiator or the like. The relatively colder surface (side) 6 of the peltier element 4 is preferably connected to at least one condensation plate 7 such as at least one cooling flange, cooling device or the like. The cooling dryer 2 comprises at least one condensation space 8 in which a condensation of moisture in the air, gas or gases occurs. The condensation space 8 is defined in the exemplary embodiment by at least one wall 9, partition wall, wall or the like which, or which, completely or partially encloses the condensation space.

The condensation space 8 communicates directly or indirectly with at least one first channel 10, aperture, tube (duct) or the like to the surrounding atmosphere of the air drying device. In the exemplary embodiment, the internal space communicates with the surrounding

atmosphere via at least one first channel 10 with at least one inlet 11 or the like. The condensation space 8 is 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 one second duct 12. The second duct 12 extends preferably through a tubular body, alternatively via another type of design.

The condensation space 8 further comprises at least one condensed liquid outlet 13 or the like. The condensed liquid is discharged via an 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 dehumidifier comprises at least one third channel 14 conduit (duct) or the like through which the condensed liquid is supplied to container 15, tank or the like. The container 15 preferably includes 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 temporarily closed. 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 figures) or other suitable collecting device suitable for the purpose.

Alternatively, the condensed liquid is transferred from the container 15 through a hose, tube (pipe) or the like to an external tank or container (not shown in figures).

With reference to Figure 2, the dehumidifier and the cooling unit are shown in more detail. The dehumidifier comprises in the exemplary embodiment at least one insulating material layer 18.

In the exemplary embodiment, the device comprises at least one cooling unit 19 which, if necessary, cools the surface of the relatively hot side 5 of the peltier element 4. The cooling unit 19 comprises in the exemplary embodiment cooling flanges 20 and preferably at least one cooling fan 21. In alternative embodiments, the dehumidifier 1 also includes at least one protective cover 22 or the like to protect the fan and the environment from 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 hot 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 specified. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 25, the 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. A space 28 is formed between the outer tube 27 and the inner tube 26. The space 28 is the conduit, channel 10 through which air is introduced to the

dehumidification space. The inner wall together with the end gable 29 forms the space that constitutes the container 15 for temporary storage of the separated liquid, such as the water. The dehumidifying unit and the cooling unit, the cooling dryer, comprise at least one connecting device 30 with which it is connected to the housing 25, that is to the inner tube 26 and the outer tube 27. In one embodiment, the inner tube and the outer tube may be of a translucent material. In alternative embodiments, these are not transparent.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the air-drying device 1 is connected to at least one hydraulic tank (shown schematically in Figure 7) in a hydraulic system. Pressure fluid level varies depending on the functions used in the hydraulic system. The proportions of air relative to hydraulic oil can thus vary which causes airflow in different directions in the air drying device.

When using the present air-drying device 1, it is connected to the hydraulic tank. Air is fed via the air-drying device 1 into and out of the tank during lowering of pressure fluid and an increase of pressure fluid in the hydraulic tank. When air is introduced into the tank, the cooling dryer of the air drying device 1 will condense moisture in the air passing past the cooling element 3 of the cooling dryer 2.

The air-drying device 1 in the exemplary embodiments is preferably intended to be connected to a hydraulic tank or the like. In alternative embodiments, the air-drying device 1 may be connected to another device, system or similar and/or other application where the

corresponding dehumidification requirement exists.

The air-drying device 1 comprises at least one connecting device 31 or the like with which the dehumidifier 1 is connected to the hydraulic tank or the like. The connecting device 31 consists, for example, of at least one threaded pipe coupling 32, threaded pipe or the like. The connecting device 31 may also consist of another type of connector such as at least one screw connection or by any other connection device suitable for the purpose.

Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, there is shown an alternative embodiment which comprises at least one adapter 33 or the like. The adapter 33 is connected to the connecting device 31. The adapter 33 comprises, in the exemplary embodiment, at least one body 34, housing or the like, with at least one second connecting device 35 with which the device is connected directly or indirectly to at least one hydraulic tank or other device which communicates with the hydraulic tank. Figure 3A shows the parts separately. Figure 3B shows the parts interconnected.

Figure 3C shows the flow in the air drying device. The arrows show how air is moved in one direction between the surrounding environment, bellow or similar to the hydraulic tank.

Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, is shown how the adapter 33 is connected via at least one connecting line 36 to at least one bellow 37 or other type of expandable body, enclosed by housing. The connecting line 36 may be a hose, a tube or other suitable connection line for the purpose. The connection 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, is shown an adapter 33 with at least one first pipe coupling 38 and at least, one second pipe coupling 39

When the liquid level in the hydraulic tank is increased, the air in the tank is conveyed via the air drying device with associated adapter 33 to the bellows 37 which expands. When the air passes through the air drying device, the air is dehumidified. When the liquid level in the hydraulic tank decreases, air from the bellows 37 is fed back via the adapter 33 and the air drying device back to the hydraulic tank. By means of the bellows 37, the air in the hydraulic tank does not, or substantially does not, contact with surrounding air. When the air is moved back and forth between the hydraulic tank and the bellows 37, it will be dehumidified and cleaned when 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, the air-drying device 1 shows at least one filter unit 40. With reference to Figures 5 A and 5B, a filter unit 40 is shown which forms a separately

connectable portion of the housing 25. The filter unit 40 in this embodiment comprises at least one filter holder 41 and at least one filter 42. The filter 42, for example, consists of a filter of a suitable type. The filter 42 is a filter that filters air from particles, dust and the like. In alternative embodiments, the filter 42 may also comprise 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 which also absorb at least one other, or other substances, than water.

Referring to Figure 5C, a second type of filter unit 43 is integrated with the adapter 33. The filter unit 43 in this embodiment consists of a filter 44. The filter 44 is for example a filter of a suitable type and material suitable for the purpose. The filter 44 consists, for example, of a filter that filters air from particles, dust and the like. In alternative embodiments, the filter 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 an 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, there is shown an air-drying device which both comprises the separate filter unit 40 according to 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 of 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 6 A to 6B, there is shown a variant of a dehumidifying and cooling unit comprising a vortex (swirl) 45 which actuates airflow 46 to rotate relative to the cooling element. The vortex 45 causes the dehumidification of the air flow at the cooling element to be effected. The air flow is controlled by one or more inlet ducts 47 which form part of the inlet channel (duct) 10, direction relative to the condensation plate 7. In the figures, a plurality of inlet ducts 47 are shown. In the exemplary embodiment, they deviate from the radial direction towards the condensation plate 7 and the tangential direction relative to the condensation plate 7.

Referring to Figure 7A, there is shown schematically an exemplary hydraulic diagram with a dehumidifier 1 according to one of the embodiments of the present invention but with associated bellows 37. The air-drying device 1 is connected to at least one container 48. The container 48 in the exemplary embodiment consists 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, gas. In the exemplary embodiment, the flow of air to and from ambient atmosphere comprises at least one valve 53 which in the exemplary embodiment comprises at least one first pressure controlled flow control valve 54 for controlling flow from the atmosphere and at least one second pressure controlled check valve 55 for controlling the flow of air, or the like, from the air-drying device 1 (and the hydraulic tank 49). Figure 7 shows connection lines to the required extent.

With reference to Figure 7B, schematically, the use of the air-drying device 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the dehumidifier 1 is connected to at least one closed space 56 that encloses gas or gases. For example, the space may be a space comprising electrical components where low humidity is desired in order to reduce, for example, the risk of overload and other undesired deviations. However, the temperature in the space 56 may vary which causes the space to breathe, expel and take in air or other gas or gases. In this embodiment, breathing occurs via the air drying device.

In the detailed description of the present invention, structural features may be omitted, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the apparatus relates. Such obvious design features are included to the extent necessary for a satisfactory function to be obtained.

Although some preferred embodiments have been shown in more detail, variations and modifications of the method and device may be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All such modifications and variants 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 significant advantage of the present invention is that at least one of the aforementioned problems is eliminated or substantially reduced.