Patent Description:
Radial fans typically include an impeller, a motor and a motor shaft configured to be rotated by the motor and turn the fan impeller. The fan impeller is usually positioned in a housing with two openings to form a passage or conduit. The fan may be used to move fluids such as gas or a combustion gas/air mixture. Such fan impellers are configured, amongst others, for heating systems for providing a combustible mixture of air and gas. For instance, gas-air blowers can be installed in boilers or be used for generating heat especially designed for closed heating installations. These gas/air mixtures used for heating are ignitable. Therefore, it is especially desirable to prevent the fluid from leaking from the fan housing in direction to the motor side or to any electrical components as electrical switches disposed in the motor housing or in the vicinity thereof. Escaping gas due to improper sealing may present a danger to operators and others or may cause material damage, especially if any electrical switches or communication systems are used. It is noted that such radial fans cannot only be operated such that an overpressure is built up in the fan housing but also to establish a negative pressure in a defined area.

In conventional radial fans there are various designs available. <CIT> is directed to a gas blower including an impeller, a motor and a motor shaft. According to one configuration part of the fan housing can be integrally built as a motor plate, wherein the motor plate has a passage opening for the motor shaft.

Other configurations have the housing of the fan and the motor assembly arranged separately. Usually one or more bearings of the motor shaft are arranged on one side of the shaft passage opening of the fan housing or are partially inserted into said shaft passage opening.

A prior known solution for reducing leakage through such shaft passage openings is to provide a sealing assembly. In conventional radial fans wherein only the motor shaft extends from the motor side into the fan housing a sealing maybe disposed around the motor shaft. The sealing may be arranged to cover the gap between the motor shaft and the surrounding inner edge of the shaft passage opening. However, a gap between the seal and the motor shaft is present, either by design or following a period of use due to wear. Accordingly, fluid may leak between the seal and the motor shaft. In an attempt to overcome this problem, a plurality of seals may be provided.

A further requirement, which should be met by the seal, is to compensate tolerances of the components and compensate any offsets caused when torque is transmitted from the electric motor via the rotating shaft.

It is further known in the art that such radial fan assemblies and, in particular, their housings are inspected for leaks after assembly and before delivery to the client in order to safely exclude the undesirable and inadmissible leakage of a fluid such as gas mixtures. Accordingly, it is another object to provide a method for testing the tightness of the sealing after assembly.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sealing assembly to alleviate at least the above mentioned problems. One important object is to avoid during operation of the motor radial and axial displacement of at least part of the sealing which is in contact with the motorplate. It is another object to provide a sealing assembly that has not only the functionality of securely sealing. One desired object or functionality can be to ensure safety if electrical components on the motor side are in use.

The present invention addresses one or more of the objects mentioned above. The problems posed are solved according to the subject-matter of the independent claims appended herewith. Aspects of the present disclosure seek to provide a sealing assembly, a method of assembling a sealing assembly, and a method for verifying tightness of a sealing assembly. Various features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims and are set forth in part in the following description the description and figures, respectively.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sealing assembly for sealing a shaft passage opening according to claim <NUM>.

A key advantage of the sealing assembly of the first aspect is the provision of a fixing means to fix the second sealing portion to the motor plate, which allows for a secure and tight attachment between the seal and the motor plate. Thus even if during operation radial or vertical movements of the sealing are induced at the outer boundary of the sealing the fixing means ensure that no radial or axial displacement and thus potential leakage in this region occur.

A further advantage is that only a single seal is required to sufficiently seal the shaft passage opening, instead of a plurality of seals. Another advantage of this embodiment lies in a simple and safely arrangable arrangement. Thus, greater simplicity and lower cost for manufacturing may be achieved.

In case the bearing used is of a non leaking type, the sealing assembly may seal the shaft passage opening such that a flow of a fluid such as a gas mixture through the shaft passage opening may be sufficiently restricted or completely prevented. In this regard, the seal may be fluid impermeable. For example, the seal may be formed from silicon or any other suitable material. In this way, a fluid may not flow through the seal.

The rotatable motor shaft may connect a drive means, such as an electric motor including a rotor to a fan or an impeller. The seal is characterized by that it the outer and second sealing portion is fixed to the motor plate at a distance i.e. spaced from an edge of the passage opening. The distance from the edge of the passage opening in a vertical direction should be at least <NUM>,<NUM>. This is in contrast to sealings typically provided. As long as a sufficient distance from the edge is provided a tight sealing can be ensured when fixing the second portion on one side of the motor plate. The fixing can be done either on the side of the motor plate facing the fan or on the side facing the motor. Further, it is noted that the inner and first sealing portion is spaced apart of the motor shaft. Accordingly, the seal may not be worn due to contact with a rigid component such as a motor shaft, and no unsealed gap between the seal and the motor shaft may be present as in prior known sealing assemblies.

The bearing may be fixed onto the motor shaft. In some embodiments, a second bearing is provided. The second bearing may be fixed to the motor shaft and the bearing support without a seal. The second bearing may be provided on either side of the first bearing and the seal, however, preferably on the motor side of the first bearing such that both bearings can be supported by the same bearing support.

In the sealing assembly of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first sealing member is positioned between at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the at least one bearing and a portion of the bearing support. In some embodiments, the first sealing portion is positioned between the entire outer peripheral surface of the at least one bearing and the corresponding portion of the bearing support. In this way the sealing can be secured between the respective surfaces of the bearing and the bearing support, respectively.

The motor plate may be substantially planar. The passage opening for the motor shaft may be a through hole in the motor plate, which is preferably circular and has no sharp edges. The motor plate may include attachment points for the bearing support and/or other components to be secured to the motor plate.

The first sealing portion being arranged between at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the at least one bearing and a portion of the bearing support may allow for some movement of the bearing relative to the bearing support. In this regard, the seal may be flexible, elastic and/or resilient. The seal may compress and/or expand to allow for minor movement of the bearing relative to the bearing support, in the manner of an expansion joint, whilst maintaining a suitable seal.

In some embodiments, the second sealing portion may be fixed to the motor plate with an adhesive, plastic welding, with fixings such as bolts, screws or rivets, and/or based on a geometrical correspondence between the second sealing portion and the motor plate.

The fixing means comprises a fastening component attached to the motor plate, wherein the fastening component is configured and arranged to fix the second sealing portion on the motor plate. The fastening component may be annular. Alternatively, the fastening component may have a at least partially a non-circular shape, such as polygonal shape or alternatively a square or rectangular shape.

The motor plate comprises one or more protruding portions and/or one or more indentations to centre and/or connect the seal and/or the fastening component via form and/or friction-lock. The protruding portion may be at least partially deformed over the fastening component to secure the fastening component and the second sealing portion on the motor plate. Any number of protruding portions may be provided such as one, two, three, four, five or six. In some embodiments, the protruding portions are arcuate, wherein each arc has its center in the center of the shaft passage opening, and together form an interrupted annular protrusion from the motor plate. The motor plate and the protruding portions may be one piece and may be manufactured as e.g. aluminium cast part. Alternatively, the protruding portions may be attached to the motor plate. In some embodiments, the protruding portions may be tabs or fingers that may be bent over to press against the fastening component and hold the fastening component and the second sealing portion in place on the motor plate.

In an alternative embodiment, the fastening component may comprise at least one through hole and the at least one protruding portion of the motor plate may pass through the through hole. A plurality of through holes and protruding portions may be provided. The protruding portion may be a rivet or a post that is deformed over the fastening component to prevent the rivet from being removed from the through hole. In some embodiments, the seal comprises a through hole in a position corresponding to the through hole in the fastening component and the rivet or post is configured to pass through both the seal and the fastening component.

In some embodiments, the fastening component is larger than the outer perimeter of the seal. In alternative embodiments, the fastening component is approximately the same size as the outer perimeter of the seal or as the surface area of the second portion of the seal such that an outer peripheral edge of the fastening component aligns with an outer peripheral edge of the seal.

A mechanical and/or hydraulic press or stamp may be provided to deform at least part of the protruding portion or the entire volume of each protruding portion. The tool of the press or stamp used to contact the protruding portions may be planar. For example, the tool may have a circular cross-section such that circular, or partially circular, indentations are made in the protruding portions. Alternatively, the tool may be non-planar and/or shaped to correspond to a shape of the protruding portions. By using a specifically designed tool or stamp, a relatively large forming force may be provided and the second sealing portion may be held against the motor plate with a sufficient force such that tightness between the second sealing portion and the motor plate is achieved. The forming force may range between 1t to <NUM> t. The reliable manner in which tightness is achieved may mean that a post assembly tightness test is no more required. Accordingly, the production and quality control processes may be simplified.

In some embodiments, the fastening component is electrically conductive and comprises a protective earth contact and/or is arranged to extend radially outwardly in order to fasten a cover of a motor, wherein optionally the protective earth contact of the fastening component can be oriented in one or more predetermined directions via at least two protruding portions. A width of the protective earth contact may be substantially the same as a distance between two adjacent protruding portions.

In this way the fastening component has besides the sealing function other functionalities as a protective earth contact and/or a fastening possibility for an electronic cover. Due to the grounding possibility the safety of the system is increased. Further, the combination of several functionalities in a single part is very cost efficient.

In some embodiments, a plurality of predetermined directions are provided by the protruding portions. In a preferred embodiment, three equally spaced arcuate protruding portions are provided with three predetermined directions provided between the protruding portions. The three predetermined directions may be positioned <NUM> degrees apart such that a user may position the protective earth contact in a preferred direction. Alternatively, unequally spaced predetermined directions may be provided. Any number of protruding portions and predetermined directions may be provided. In this way the client's requirements can be addressed and accessibility of the protruding portion or finger can be increased.

In some embodiments, an electrically conductive cable may connect the protective earth contact to the electric component, which is to be grounded. By providing distinct orientation of the protruding portion of the fastening component, the one or more cable lugs may be connected at the desired orientation. In this way, a user friendly attachment mechanism may be provided. In some embodiments, the protective earth contact includes a through hole configured to receive a rivet or post extending from the motor plate. The rivet or post may be deformed over the fastening component to provide a permanent and relative low resistance electrical connection between the fastening component and the motor plate.

In some embodiments, the seal comprises a third sealing portion, intermediate the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion, wherein the third sealing portion has at least one arcuate shape and is disposed radially inwardly from the second sealing portion.

In some embodiments, the third sealing portion extends into the passage opening and passes from the second sealing portion through the motor plate via the passage opening, further wherein the third sealing portion is configured and arranged to be straight and/or have a different curvature after passing through the motor plate to extend to the first sealing portion.

In some embodiments, the first sealing portion is arranged substantially axially between the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the at least one bearing and the portion of the bearing support and/or wherein the first sealing portion has a substantially L-shaped cross-section having at its radially inward end a substantially horizontal seal member to be securely fitted between opposing sealing surfaces of the bearing support and one of the bearing or a washer.

By providing a L-shaped cross section of the first sealing portion, the end portion of the first sealing portion is fixedly secured even if he adjacent bearing slightly moves in radial and/or axial direction.

In some embodiments, the second sealing portion comprises an annular enlargement along or in the proximity of an outer circumference of the second sealing portion. In other embodiments, the second sealing portion comprises an enlarged part adjacent to a peripheral edge of the second sealing portion. The enlarged part may have a cross-sectional area that is greater than a cross-sectional area of an adjacent part of the second sealing portion. In a preferred embodiment, the annular enlargement or the enlarged part is clamped between the motor plate and the fastening component. In this way, a tight and reliable seal between the motor plate and the seal is achieved.

In some embodiments, the motor shaft includes a rotor operable to rotate the motor shaft. The rotor may be pressed onto the motor shaft or otherwise fixed to the motor shaft. The rotor may form part of a drive means such as an electric motor including a stator. The second sealing portion may be fixed to either side, or both sides, of the motor plate. In a preferred embodiment, the second sealing portion is fixed to a side of the motor plate facing the rotor. As discussed in more detail below, the motor shaft may comprise an impeller.

In some embodiments, the seal is rotationally symmetric about an axis, further wherein the first sealing portion is located at a first radius from the axis and the second sealing portion is located at a second radius from the axis, and the second radius is greater than the first radius, optionally the second radius being between <NUM> and <NUM>. Additionally the first radius is spaced from the motor shaft. Preferred radial dimensions of the seal are ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>, whereas preferred axial dimensions of the seal are ranging between <NUM>,<NUM> and <NUM>. Other dimensions are possible and depend on the dimensions of the involved components such as the shaft passage opening and the bearing.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for assembling a sealing assembly according to claim <NUM>.

After the method step of fixing, the contacting horizontal surface of the second portion of the seal with the motor plate is preferably spaced at least <NUM>,<NUM> from the edge of the passage opening. For example, distances may range between <NUM> and <NUM>. Preferred distances to the edge of the passage opening are approximately <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, or within any range created with these distances.

After the above method steps are completed a pre-assembled sealing assembly is provided. That is to say, the method of the second aspect may be a preassembly method used to preassemble the motor plate, seal and fastening component to form a single sub-assembly that may then be used as a component in a further assembly method, such as assembling a motorised fan assembly.

Accordingly the pre-assembled sealing assembly can be used for assembly steps, such as arranging at least one bearing, optionally with a washer, adjacent to the first sealing portion of the seal such that the first sealing portion is configured to bear against at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the at least one bearing.

The motor plate includes one or more protruding portions and/or identations and the step of fixing the second sealing portion to the motor plate includes:.

The protruding portion may be plastically deformed to permanently hold the fastening component and the second sealing portion in position on the motor plate. A force of at least <NUM> kN may be applied to the protruding portion to deform the protruding portion. Other magnitudes of force are envisaged, and the force applied may be dependent on the geometry and material of the protruding portion. For example, a force of approximately <NUM> kN or <NUM> t has been found to be sufficient to deform a protruding portion formed of cast or machined aluminium and provide a very reliable holding force to ensure a tight second sealing portion.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for verifying tightness of the sealing assembly of the first aspect comprising the method steps of claim <NUM>.

If the bearing is configured to be a roller bearing, which usually are not tight, there is the need to seal the bearing temporarily in order to test the tightness of the remaining seal. Alternatively the bearing itself can be chosen to be temporarily or permanently sealed. A further alternative tightness test configuration is to provide an additional sealing element or a modified shaft sealing. After providing a tightness test configuration, wherein for instance the bearing is sealed, a tightness test can easily and simply performed by common tightness methods such as introducing an inert gas as nitrogen or increasing the pressure on the side of the fan housing. These tightness tests are cost efficient and can easily be performed after assembling the radial fan with the sealing assembly by the manufacturer or by the client.

Various features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description of Figures referring to various examples of the invention. In this context it is noted that the dimensions shown in all Figures of this disclosure are not to scale. The illustrations are simplified and not in each Figure all components are indicated with reference numerals and like reference numerals may be carried forward. In this description reference is made to the accompanying Figures, in which:.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a sealing assembly <NUM>. The sealing assembly <NUM> includes a seal <NUM>. The seal <NUM> is clamped between a fastening component <NUM> and a motor plate <NUM>. A motor shaft <NUM> passes through the seal <NUM> and a passage opening <NUM> in the motor plate <NUM>. A lower bearing <NUM> and an upper bearing <NUM> are positioned on the motor shaft <NUM> to allow for rotation of the motor shaft <NUM> relative to the motor plate <NUM>. A bearing support <NUM> is also provided to support the upper bearing <NUM> and the lower bearing <NUM>.

The seal <NUM> is arranged to seal the passage opening <NUM> between the lower bearing <NUM>, the bearing support <NUM> and the motor plate <NUM>. The seal <NUM> includes a first sealing portion <NUM>, a second sealing portion <NUM>, and a third sealing portion <NUM> positioned between the first sealing portion <NUM> and the second sealing portion <NUM>. A preferred shape of the seal <NUM> is discussed in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

The second sealing portion <NUM> includes an annular enlargement <NUM> at an outer peripheral edge of the seal <NUM>. The annular enlargement <NUM> has a larger cross-sectional area than the other parts of the seal <NUM>. The annular enlargement <NUM> is arranged such that it is clamped between the fastening component <NUM> and the motor plate <NUM>. A relatively large clamping or holding force may be applied such that the annular enlargement <NUM> is deformed and fits tightly against the motor plate <NUM>, to seal the passage opening <NUM> and prevent radial or axial displacement of the second sealing portion <NUM>. In one preferred embodiment, the motor plate <NUM> may provide protruding portions, which are at least partially deformed (not shown in the cross-section of <FIG>) to hold down the fastening component <NUM> for a strong sealing of the second portion <NUM>.

The first sealing portion <NUM> is positioned between an outer peripheral surface of the lower bearing <NUM> and the bearing support <NUM>. Therefore, the connection between the lower bearing <NUM> and the bearing support <NUM> is sealed. The seal <NUM> also includes a horizontal seal member <NUM> that is arranged to partially overlap an upper surface of the lower bearing <NUM>. Accordingly the first sealing portion <NUM> has a substantially L-shaped cross-section having at its radially inward to be securely fitted between opposing sealing surfaces. An optional washer <NUM> may be provided between the lower bearing <NUM> and the horizontal seal member <NUM> (see <FIG>). In case the lower bearing <NUM> is moving in radial direction, the first sealing portion <NUM> can flexibly compensate such movements. Similarly, axial movements of the bearing <NUM> do not effect the sealing functionality.

The only areas of the sealing assembly <NUM> that may remain unsealed are the lower bearing <NUM>. To prevent small flows through the bearing, a permanently sealed bearing should be selected. Alternatively, an additional sealing or a modified shaft sealing may be provided.

As shown in <FIG>, part of the bearing support <NUM> and the lower bearing <NUM> are inserted in the shaft passage opening <NUM> such that passage opening <NUM> has to have a sufficiently wide diameter. In order to ensure that the outer radial edge and thus the second sealing portion <NUM> is spaced apart from the shaft passage opening the sealing assembly <NUM> is configured to have a relatively large radial dimension <NUM>. Preferred radial dimensions <NUM> range between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The seal <NUM> passes from the top of the motor plate <NUM>, at the second sealing portion <NUM>, down through the passage opening <NUM> and back up into the passage opening <NUM> at the first sealing portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the seal <NUM> passes across the entire passage opening <NUM>. There is an minimum axial distance from the shaft passage opening <NUM> to the top of the motor plate <NUM>, on which the second sealing portion <NUM> is fixed, which should be at least <NUM>,<NUM>. Providing a distance to the edge of the shaft passage opening ensures that a secure fixing of the outer boundary of the seal can be provided. Down holding forces can be applied in an annular region of the motor plate, which is spaced from the shaft passage opening <NUM>.

Additionally, an axial dimension <NUM> of the seal <NUM> from the passage opening <NUM> to the upper edge of the fastening component <NUM> is shown in <FIG> with reference numeral <NUM>, which dimension may range between <NUM>,<NUM> and <NUM>. Said axial dimension <NUM> extending above the level of the shaft passage opening <NUM> is limited by a vertex of a curvature of the third sealing portion. Thus close to the second sealing portion <NUM> until the vertex there is no contact of the third sealing portion <NUM> with the motor plate <NUM>. From the vertex the curvature of the the third sealing portion <NUM> extends into the passage opening <NUM> and passes from the second sealing portion <NUM> through the motor plate <NUM> via the passage opening <NUM>. Further, the third sealing portion <NUM> is configured and arranged to be straight and/or have a different curvature after passing through the motor plate <NUM> to extend to the first sealing portion <NUM>. By providing at least two curvatures or a S-like shape of the third portion <NUM> renders the seal <NUM> more flexible in the radial direction. Thus any tolerances of the components of bearing support <NUM> und rotor <NUM> can easily be compensated. That is to say the third potion <NUM> of the seal may serve as a compensator which can compensate a radial or axial offset of the adjacent components when torque of the electric motor is transmitted.

<FIG> is an exploded view of the sealing assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>. To assemble the sealing assembly <NUM>, the seal <NUM> may first be positioned on the motor plate <NUM>. The fastening component <NUM> may then be positioned within a set of protruding portions on the motor plate <NUM>, such that the second sealing portion <NUM> is positioned between the motor plate <NUM> and the fastening component <NUM>. The protruding portions on the motor plate <NUM> can be deformed with a stamping process to retain the fastening component <NUM> on the motor plate <NUM>, with the second sealing portion <NUM> clamped therebetween. The steps described above may be considered to be a pre-assembly.

Advantageously, the fastening component <NUM> includes a protective earth contact <NUM> that is attached to the motor plate <NUM>, as discussed and shown in more detail with reference to <FIG>. The lower bearing <NUM> may be positioned, optionally with a washer <NUM>, adjacent to the first sealing portion <NUM>. The pre-assembly may further be combined with the remaining parts of the sealing assembly such as the bearing support <NUM>. After the sealing assembly <NUM> is fully assembled the pre-assembly, consisting of the seal <NUM> fastened to the motor plate <NUM> by means of the fastening component <NUM>, is positioned on a lower side of the bearing support <NUM>. A motor shaft <NUM>, with a rotor <NUM> and an upper bearing <NUM> fixed thereto is configured to be inserted in the bearing support <NUM>, the fastening component <NUM>, the seal <NUM> and the shaft passage opening <NUM> of the motor plate <NUM>. The lower bearing <NUM> and the upper bearing <NUM> are pressed onto the motor shaft <NUM> according to common techniques. The bearing <NUM> and is preferably configured as a floating bearing whereas the upper bearing <NUM> is preferably configured as a fixed bearing. After assembling the sealing assembly the first sealing portion <NUM> is positioned between the bearing support <NUM> and the lower bearing <NUM>. An impeller (not shown in <FIG>) may be attached to the end of the motor shaft <NUM> opposite the rotor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the seal <NUM> of the sealing assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The seal <NUM> has the form of a non-planar annulus and may be formed of a resilient material such as silicon. As discussed with reference to <FIG>, the seal <NUM> has a first sealing portion <NUM>, a second sealing portion <NUM> and a third sealing portion <NUM>. The first sealing portion <NUM> extends substantially axially at a first radius R<NUM>, with reference to a central axis <NUM>. The third sealing portion <NUM> extends from a lower edge of the first sealing portion <NUM> and forms with regard to the adjacent first sealing portion <NUM> an angle of at least approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the central axis <NUM>. Other angles than shown are also possible and depend on the dimension of the shaft passage opening <NUM>. The third sealing portion <NUM> extends axially beyond an upper edge of the first sealing portion <NUM>, forms a curvature with a vertex and joins the second sealing portion <NUM>. An outer peripheral edge of the second sealing portion <NUM> is arranged at a second radius R<NUM>, which is greater than the first radius R<NUM>. The vertex of the curvature of the third sealing portion <NUM> is positioned at a third radius R<NUM>. By providing a curvature at radius R<NUM> and another curvature bended into the other direction at the connecting region between sealing portion <NUM> and sealing portion <NUM> in the vicinity of the first radius R<NUM> a S-like form or Z-form with an upper curved leg at R<NUM> is formed. This specifically multiple curved shape of the third portion <NUM> renders the seal <NUM> more flexible in the radial direction.

The second sealing portion <NUM> extends away from the third sealing portion <NUM> at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees relative to a radial plane. The second sealing portion <NUM> includes an annular enlargement <NUM> adjacent to the outer peripheral edge of the second sealing portion. The annular enlargement <NUM> is positioned at a fourth radius R<NUM> from the central axis, greater than the third radius R<NUM> and less than the second and outer radius R<NUM>. The annular enlargement <NUM> is configured to be clamped between the motor plate and the fastening component, as discussed with reference to <FIG>, to provide a desirable seal.

Additionally, the seal <NUM> includes a horizontal seal member <NUM>, which extends radially inwardly from the upper edge of the first sealing member <NUM> to an innermost radius R<NUM>. Once assembled, the first sealing portion <NUM> is configured to be positioned, at least partially, between the bearing and bearing support. Furthermore, the horizontal seal member <NUM> is configured to overlap an upper surface of the bearing, optionally with a washer positioned between the bearing and the horizontal seal member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the fastening component <NUM> of the sealing assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The fastening component <NUM> includes an annular portion that has a radius similar to the outermost radius R<NUM> of the second sealing portion <NUM> of the seal <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The fastening component <NUM> is formed of an electrically conductive material and includes a protective earth contact <NUM>. The protective earth contact <NUM> includes a through hole <NUM>. During assembly of the sealing assembly <NUM>, the fastening component <NUM> is placed on the motor plate, over the seal, such that a rivet or post on the motor plate is received within the through hole <NUM>. The rivet or post may then be deformed to prevent the rivet or post being removed from the through hole <NUM>. Accordingly, a secure electrical connection may be achieved. Although not shown, an electrically conductive cable may be attached, via a cable shoe or lug, to the protective earth contact <NUM>. In alternative embodiments in addition a plurality of protruding elements can be built such as the protective earth contact and connect a cover for the motor. In use, the fastening component <NUM> may be arranged in any suitable orientation with the protective earth contact <NUM> projecting out radially in any desirable direction, such that the accessibility for connecting cables and the like is ensured. In case three arcuate protruding portions are provided on the cover plate the protective earth contact <NUM> can be oriented in three directions, which may be equally distanced from each other by <NUM> degrees. Depending on the required access other orientations are envisable.

Claim 1:
Sealing assembly (<NUM>) for sealing a shaft (<NUM>) passage opening (<NUM>) comprising;
a rotatable motor shaft (<NUM>) with at least one bearing (<NUM>) which is supported by at least one bearing support (<NUM>),
a motor plate (<NUM>) with a passage opening (<NUM>) for the motor shaft (<NUM>) with the at least one bearing (<NUM>),
a seal (<NUM>) having a first sealing portion (<NUM>) and a second sealing portion (<NUM>),
wherein the first sealing portion (<NUM>) is arranged between at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the at least one bearing (<NUM>) and a portion of the bearing support (<NUM>); and
the second sealing portion (<NUM>) extends radially outwardly in a direction away from the motor shaft (<NUM>);wherein the second sealing portion (<NUM>) is spaced from an edge of the passage opening (<NUM>); and
in the second sealing portion (<NUM>) is fixed against radial and axial displacements on the motor plate (<NUM>) by fixing means being a fastening component (<NUM>) configured and arranged to fix the second sealing portion (<NUM>) on the motor plate (<NUM>) and configured to create a form-fit and/or friction-lock between the second sealing portion (<NUM>) and the motor plate (<NUM>),
characterised in that
the motor plate comprises one or more protruding portions (<NUM>) and/or one or more indentation to connect the second sealing portion (<NUM>) and the fastening component via form and/or friction-lock..