AU2021107279A4

AU2021107279A4 - Heater Reflector

Info

Publication number: AU2021107279A4
Application number: AU2021107279A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Brendon Tait
Original assignee: Brand Developers Ltd
Current assignee: Brand Developers Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-25
Filing date: 2021-08-25
Publication date: 2021-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-25
Also published as: AU2021107279A6

Abstract

This disclosure relates to heaters comprising a housing and a reflective surface and reflective surfaces configured for use in such heaters. Disclosed herein is a heater comprising a housing, a heating element and a first reflective surface. The 5 housing is elongate, comprising at least one recess 42 extending along an elongate side of the housing 20, wherein a corresponding elongate edge 24 of the first reflective surface 18 may be received. A second elongate reflective surface 44 extends at an angle from the first reflective surface 18 along and adjacent to the elongate edge 20. The second reflective surface is configured to reflect radiant 10 heat from the heating element away from the elongate side of the housing 20 in use of the heater. 18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085.AU 1/3 10 24 20 ---------------------------------- - ' --- - - - - - ------------------------------ ---------------- - ------------------ -- - - - - - - - - ------------------------------- 22 12 18 26 16 14 Figure 1

Description

1/3

24 20

- ' - --- - - - - ------------------------------ ---------------------------------- - ---------------- - - ------------------ --- - - - - - -------------------------------

22 12 18 26 16

14

Figure 1

HEATER REFLECTOR TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to heaters comprising a housing and a reflective surface and reflective surfaces configured for use in such heaters.

BACKGROUND ART

Heaters, both electrical and gas-powered, are used worldwide as a means of increasing the temperature of an environment, for example a room. Most heaters contain a heating element that generates radiant energy, a power source for the heating element and a reflective surface which directs the radiant energy generated by the heating element into the surrounding environment. Typically, the surface is concave, but other geometries can be used. The elements listed hitherto are encased in a housing.

In traditional heaters, the power source for the heating element enters the housing at a location on an exterior rear-wall of the housing. Certain parts of the housing may be exposed to the radiant heat emitted from the heating element. The housing may conduct the absorbed radiant heat toward the power source and electronics within the heater. Ultimately, the heat can be absorbed by the electronics, which can result in overheating and premature failure of the electronics. The heat may also be conducted to a connection between the housing and the power source itself

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085.AU

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a heater comprising a heating element, a housing and a first reflective surface. The heater may be used to reduce radiant energy absorbed by the housing.

The housing of the heater may be elongate and can comprise at least one recess extending along an elongate side of the housing. The first reflective surface may comprise a corresponding elongate edge which is able to be received by the at least one recess.

The heater may also comprise a second elongate reflective surface extending at an angle from the first reflective surface along and adjacent to the elongate edge.

Further, when the corresponding elongate edge of the first reflective surface is received in the at least one recess, the second reflective surface may extend such that a band of radiant heat from the heating element to the elongate side of the housing at least partially intersects with the second reflective surface in use of the heater. The band of radiant heat may be reflected away from the elongate side of the housing.

The heater disclosed herein reduces the quantity of radiant heat absorbed by the housing that is emitted by the heating element. By reducing the quantity of radiant heat absorbed by the housing, the heater's working life may be extended. A reduction in heat absorption by the housing may reduce the temperature of the housing. This reduction in housing temperature may have safety advantages. For example, the likelihood of burns associated with touching an outer surface of the housing may be decreased.

The heater may comprise electronics which may allow the heater to be operated via a remote, a timer, a room occupancy sensor, tilt sensor, and to change power levels. Radiant heat absorbed by the housing may increase the temperature

18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085.AU of the electronics. This absorption can result in overheating of the electronics and the electronics may prematurely fail from extended overheating. In general, as the temperature of electronic components increases there is a reduction in component lifetime. Reducing the heat absorbed by the housing may reduce the temperature of the electronics, which may increase the life of the electronics and thereby the heater.

By reducing the quantity of radiant heat absorbed by the housing, the working life of the power source may also be extended. Typically, the power source enters the housing at a location within an exterior rear-wall of the housing. The radiant heat absorbed by the housing may increase the temperature of or near the power source which may lead to overheating and may further result in short circuiting of the power source.

As set forth above, in some embodiments, the second reflective surface may comprise a continuation of the first reflective surface.

In some embodiments, a reflective member may be folded to create the first reflective surface, the second reflective surface and the corresponding edge.

In some embodiments, the folds may comprise folding a portion of the reflective member back onto itself thereby producing a first fold, a distal portion between the first fold and an end of the reflective member, thefirst reflective surface, and the corresponding elongate edge, said corresponding elongate edge comprising the first fold. Further, a second fold may be created by folding the distal portion back towards the corresponding elongate edge so as to create the second reflective surface.

In some embodiments, an opposing elongate side of the housing may comprise a second recess extending therealong. The first reflective surface may have an opposing corresponding elongate edge which may be received in the recess along the opposing elongate side of the housing.

18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085.AU

In some embodiments, a third elongate reflective surface may extend at an angle from the first reflective surface along and adjacent to the opposing elongate edge of the first reflective surface.

Further, when the opposing corresponding elongate edge of the first reflective surface is received in the second recess, the third reflective surface may extend such that a band of radiant heat from the heating element to the opposing elongate side of the housing at least partially intersects with the third reflective surface in use of the heater. The band of radiant heat may be reflected away from the opposing elongate side of the housing.

In some embodiments, the third reflective surface may comprise a continuation of the first reflective surface.

In some embodiments, the reflective member may be further folded to create the third reflective surface and the opposing corresponding edge.

In some embodiments, the folds may comprise folding an opposing portion of the reflective member back onto itself thereby producing a third fold, an opposing distal portion between the third fold and an opposing end of the reflective member, and the opposing corresponding elongate edge, said opposing corresponding elongate edge comprising the third fold. Further, a fourth fold may be created by folding the opposing distal portion back towards the opposing corresponding elongate edge so as to create the third reflective surface.

In some embodiments, the first reflective surface may be configured with an in-use externally concave profile when viewed from an end of the first reflective surface.

In some embodiments, the second elongate reflective surface may be oriented to reduce the amount of heat transmitted to electronics via the housing. Optionally, the third elongate reflective surface may also be oriented to reduce the amount of heat transmitted to electronics via the housing.

18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085.AU

In some embodiments, the heating element may comprise an electric heating element. The reflective surface disclosed herein is particularly suited for use where the heating element is electric as it may reduce the occurrence of premature failure of electronics in the heater. It may reduce the occurrence of short circuits in an electric power source.

In some embodiments, the heating element may comprise an elongate bar.

In some embodiments, the second elongate reflective surface may be oriented to reduce the amount of heat transmitted to a connection between the power source and the housing. Optionally, the third elongate reflective surface may also be oriented to reduce the amount of heat transmitted to the connection between the power source and the housing.

Also disclosed herein in a second aspect is a reflective surface for use in a heater. The reflective surface may be configured in a manner as described in any of the preceding embodiments.

The reflective surface may comprise a corresponding elongate edge able to be received by an elongate edge of the heater. A second elongate reflective surface may extend at an angle from the first reflective surface along and adjacent to the elongate edge. The second reflective surface may extend to an extent such that said second reflective surface is configured to reflect radiant heat from a heating element away from the elongate side of a housing installed with the first reflective surface and in use of the heater.

In some embodiments, the second reflective surface is a continuation of the first reflective surface.

In some embodiments, the folds may comprise folding a portion of the reflective member back onto itself thereby producing a first fold, a distal portion

18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085.AU between the first fold and an end of the reflective member, thefirst reflective surface, and the corresponding elongate edge, said corresponding elongate edge comprising the first fold. Further, a second fold may be created by folding the distal portion back towards the corresponding elongate edge so as to create the second reflective surface.

In some embodiments, the first reflective surface may also comprise an opposing corresponding elongate edge able to be received by an opposing elongate edge of the heater.

Further, the third reflective surface may extend to an extent such that said third reflective surface is configured to reflect radiant heat from a heating element away from the opposing elongate side of the housing installed with the first reflective surface and in use of the heater.

18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085.AU

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a heater comprising a heating element, a power source, a housing and a reflective surface.

Figure 2 is a profile view of the reflective surface and the housing when viewed from an end of the reflective surface.

Figure 3 is a schematic of a profile view of the reflective surface when viewed from an end of the reflective surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. In the attached drawings, the same numeral is used to denote the same feature in different drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a heater in which the reflective surface disclosed herein is used. The heater 10 comprises a heating element 12, a housing 16 and afirst reflective surface 18.

18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085.AU

A power source 14 provides energy for the heating element 12, typically in the form of electricity. The electricity is sourced from a mains power source by connecting the heater to the mains power source, for example using an electrical plug. The electricity is conducted into the heating element 12. The heating element 12 is an elongate bar comprising one or more resistors which transform the electricity into heat energy. The heat energy is in the form of radiant heat which emanates outwards from the heating element 12.

When the radiant heat produced by the heating element 12 contacts the first reflective surface 18, it is reflected off the first reflective surface 18 and into an environment surrounding the heater. The radiant heat reflected off the first reflective surface 18 thus provides heat energy to an environment surrounding the heater. To increase efficacy of the heater, the reflective surface 18 is configured with an externally concave profile when viewed from an end of thefirst reflective surface.

The housing 16 is elongate to accommodate the elongate geometry of the heating element 12. The housing 16 includes an exterior rear-wall, which is generally oriented away from the environment to be heated. For example, the exterior rear-wall may face a wall on which the heater 10 is mounted. The power source 14 for the heating element 12 enters the housing 16 at a central location within the exterior rear-wall.

The housing 16 has an elongate side 20 and an opposing elongate side 22. The elongate side of the housing 20 contains a recess which extends therealong. The first reflective surface 18 has a corresponding elongate edge 24 which received by the recess along the elongate side of the housing 20.

Typically, the opposing elongate side of the housing 22 contains a second recess which extends therealong. The reflective surface 18 also has a corresponding opposing elongate edge 26 which is received by the second recess along the opposing elongate side of the housing 22.

18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085.AU

In this embodiment, a second reflective surface is added to the first reflective surface 18 along and adjacent to the corresponding elongate edge 24. The second reflective surface is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, described below. The second reflective surface is configured to reflect radiant heat away from the elongate side of the housing 20. Likewise, a third reflective surface is provided to the first reflective surface 18 along and adjacent to the opposing corresponding elongate edge 26. The third reflective surface is configured to reflect radiant heat away from the opposing elongate side of the housing 20.

Without the second reflective surface and the third reflective surface, the first reflective surface 18 would be received by the housing 16 such that the outermost part of the elongate side 20 and opposing elongate side 22 remained in a direct line with a band of the radiant heat from the heating element 12. That is, the first reflective surface 18 does not reflect a totality of the radiant heat into the environment and away from the housing 16.

The additional reflective surface(s) is configured to reflect radiant heat from the heating element away from the elongate side of the housing in use of the heater. The additional reflective surface(s) may wholly or partially prevent the housing of the heater from being in a direct radiation path of the heater element. This can help to reduce the temperature of the housing. Further, this may be advantageous as the radiant heat absorbed by the housing may transmit to other components. For example, the heat may be transmitted to electronics which may result in the electronics increasing in temperature. This may lead to overheating and premature failure of electronic components, reducing the working life of the heater. As another example, heat may also be transmitted to a connection between the power source 14 and the housing, which may overheat the connection.

The geometry of these second and the third reflective surfaces are now described in detail.

18004787_1 (GHMatters) P117085.AU

Figure 2 is a profile view of thefirst reflective surface 18 being received by the recess 42 in the elongate side of the housing 20. Figure 3 is a profile view of the first reflective surface 18 before being received by the housing.

Both figures show the second elongate reflective surface 44 extending at an angle from the first reflective surface 18 along and adjacent to the elongate edge. The second reflective surface 44 is configured to either partially or wholly reflect radiant heat from the heating element 12 away from the elongate side of the housing 20. To this end, the second reflective surface 44 extends such that a band of radiant heat from the heating element 12 to the elongate side of the housing 20 at least partially intersects with the second reflective surface 44 when the heating element 12 is producing the radiant heat.

Typically, the second reflective surface 44 is a continuation of the first reflective surface 18 wherein both reflective surfaces are formed from a singular reflective member.

The reflective member is folded to form the second reflective surface 44, the first reflective surface 18 and the corresponding edge 24. The folds are created as follows:

1. A portion of the reflective member is folded back onto itself thereby producing a first fold, a distal portion between the first fold an end of the reflective member 46, and the corresponding elongate edge 24. Said corresponding elongate edge comprises the first fold. The unfolded portion of the reflective member forms the first reflective surface 18.

2. A second fold is created by folding the distal portion 46 back towards the corresponding elongate edge 24 so as to create the second reflective surface 44. Specifically, the distal portion 46 forms an acute angle 50 with the corresponding elongate edge 24.

18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085.AU

The part of the distal portion 46 between the first and second folds lies close to the first reflective surface 18 to create the corresponding elongate edge 24 which is able to be received by the recess in the elongate side of the housing 20. The corresponding elongate edge 24 is received therein such that the second reflective surface 44 is externally facing.

The third elongate reflective surface extends at an angle from the first reflective surface 18 along and adjacent to the opposing elongate edge 26. The geometry of the third reflective surface with respect to both thefirst reflective surface 18 and the opposing elongate edge 26 is identical to the geometry of the second reflective surface 44, shown in Figures 2 and 3.

The third reflective surface is configured to either partially or wholly reflect radiant heat from the heating element 12 away from the opposing elongate side of the housing 22. To this end, the third reflective surface extends such that a band of radiant heat from the heating element 12 to the opposing elongate side of the housing 22 at least partially intersects with the third reflective surface when the heating element 12 is producing the radiant heat.

Typically, the third reflective surface is a continuation of the first reflective surface 18 formed from the reflective member.

The reflective member is further folded to form the third reflective surface and the opposing corresponding elongate edge 26. The folds are created as follows:

1. An opposing portion of the reflective member is folded back onto itself thereby producing a third fold, an opposing distal portion between the third fold and an opposing end of the reflective member, and the opposing corresponding elongate edge 26. Said opposing corresponding elongate edge 26 comprises the third fold. The remaining unfolded portion of the reflective member now forms the first reflective surface 18.

18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085.AU

2. A fourth fold is created by folding the opposing distal portion back towards the opposing corresponding elongate edge 26 so as to create the third reflective surface. Specifically, the opposing distal portion forms an acute angle with the opposing corresponding elongate edge 26.

The part of the opposing distal portion between the third and fourth folds lies close to the first reflective surface 18 such that the opposing corresponding elongate edge 26 is able to be received by the recess in the opposing elongate side of the housing 22. The opposing corresponding elongate edge 26 is received therein such that the third reflective surface is externally facing.

Further Variations

Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the heater.

18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085.AU

Claims

1. A heater comprising a heating element, a housing and a first reflective surface,

the housing being elongate and comprising at least one recess extending along an elongate side of the housing, a corresponding elongate edge of the first reflective surface able to be received in the at least one recess, a second elongate reflective surface extending at an angle from the first reflective surface along and adjacent to the elongate edge,

wherein, when the corresponding elongate edge of the first reflective surface is received in the at least one recess, the second reflective surface extends to an extent such that said second reflective surface is configured to reflect radiant heat from the heating element away from the elongate side of the housing in use of the heater.

2. A heater as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second reflective surface is a continuation of the first reflective surface.

3. A heater as claimed in claim 2, wherein a reflective member is folded to create the first reflective surface, the second reflective surface and the corresponding edge.

4. A heater as claimed in claim 3, wherein the folds comprise:

folding a portion of the reflective member back onto itself thereby producing a first fold, a distal portion between the first fold and an end of the reflective member, the first reflective surface, and the corresponding elongate edge, said corresponding elongate edge comprising the first fold, and

a second fold created by folding the distal portion back towards the corresponding elongate edge so as to create the second reflective surface.

18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085AU

5. A heater as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an opposing elongate side of the housing comprises a second recess extending therealong, the first reflective surface having an opposing corresponding elongate edge able to be received in the recess along the housing opposing elongate side.

6. A heater as claimed in claim 5, wherein a third elongate reflective surface extends at an angle from the first reflective surface along and adjacent to the opposing elongate edge of the first reflective surface,

wherein, when the opposing corresponding elongate edge of the first reflective surface is received in the second recess, the third reflective surface extends to an extent such that said third reflective surface is configured to reflect radiant heat from the heating element away from the opposing elongate side of the housing in use of the heater.

7. A heater as claimed in claim 6, wherein the third reflective surface is a continuation of the first reflective surface.

8. A heater as claimed in claim 7, wherein a reflective member is folded to create the third reflective surface and the opposing corresponding edge.

9. A heater as claimed in claim 8, wherein the folds comprise:

folding an opposing portion of the reflective member back onto itself thereby producing a third fold, an opposing distal portion between the third fold and an opposing end of the reflective member, and the opposing corresponding elongate edge, said opposing corresponding elongate edge comprising the third fold, and

a fourth fold created by folding the opposing distal portion back towards the opposing corresponding elongate edge so as to create the third reflective surface.

18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085AU

10. A heater as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first reflective surface is configured with an in-use externally concave profile when viewed from an end of the first reflective surface.

11. A heater as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second elongate reflective surface and, when present, the third elongate reflective surface are each oriented to reduce the amount of heat transmitted to electronics via the housing.

12. A heater as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element comprises an electric heating element.

13. A heater as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element comprises an elongate bar.

14. A reflective surface for use in a heater as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the reflective surface being configured in a manner as defined in any one of the preceding claims.

18004787_1 (GHMatter) P117085AU