Patent ID: 6530231
Filing Date: 2003-03-11
Classification: B60N,F25B,F25D,H01L

Abstract:
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 exchanger having an inner surface in contact with said first surface of said thermoelectric module; a second heat exchanger having an inner surface in contact with said second surface of said thermoelectric module; a sealing member positioned beyond the periphery of said thermoelectric module, said sealing member having a first sealing surface which sealingly engages said inner surface of said first heat exchanger, a second surface which sealingly engages said inner surface of said second heat exchanger, and an outer surface defining an outer periphery of said sealing member; a space between said first heat exchanger and said second heat exchanger created by said sealing engagement of said inner surface of said first heat exchanger and said inner surface of said second heat exchanger with said sealing member; and at least one fastener fastening said first heat exchanger to said second heat exchanger, said at least one fastener positioned beyond said outer periphery of said sealing member such that there is no fastener fastening said first heat exchanger to said second heat exchanger which is positioned inside said outer periphery of said sealing member; said at least one electrical wire extending along said space between said first and second heat exchangers and sealingly engaging and passing through and beyond said outer periphery of said sealing member whereby corrosion and/or degradation of said thermoelectric module due to intrusion of water vapor within said space is reduced.