DE102012007507A1 - Heating device, has heating units comprising housing in which positive temperature coefficient elements are arranged, where side of heating units comprises contact elements and heating units are connected to each other over contact elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has positive temperature coefficient (PTC) elements producing heat, which is guided into heat exchangers (2). Heating units (3) comprise a housing (4) in which the PTC elements are arranged. A side of the heating units comprises contact elements (5a) i.e. pins. The heating units are electrical conductively connected to each other over the contact elements. The contact elements are electrical conductively connected with a contact path. An electrical insulation part is arranged between the path and the housing. The contact elements run in electrically insulating components (6a, 6b).

Description

The invention relates to a heating device in which by means of PTC elements heat can be generated, which is introduced into the heat exchanger.

In the DD 249 805 A1 No heater is described in the context of the invention, but only a loose juxtaposition of PTC elements. Neighboring PTC elements are electrically connected together. All parts of this loose arrangement of PTC elements are live during operation. If this arrangement is to be used in a heating device, then the PTC elements must be integrated in a suitable manner. The font gives no hints.

An integration of PTC elements in a heater with corresponding heat exchangers is in the EP 2 131 117 A1 described. Above and below each PTC element contact plates are arranged, which supply the PTC element with electric current. Adjacent contact plates are connected to each other by means of a plug and mating connector. At the contact plates are arranged as heat exchanger fins. The contact sheets conduct the heat generated by the PTC elements to these fins. The fins heat air flowing through. The heater is designed for a very specific application, and thus can only be used for a certain throughput of air. If the area of use changes, and thus the demands on the air throughput or the heat output, the heating device can no longer be used, so that a redesign is required, which entails considerable costs.

The object of the invention is to provide a heating device which is inexpensive to manufacture and covers a large field of application. It should be usable for many applications and be adaptable with a low cost to different applications. In particular, the adaptation to different spatial conditions and to different throughputs of the medium to be heated should be made possible in a simple and cost-effective manner.

This object is achieved in accordance with the invention in that the heating device has heating units, each heating unit having a housing in which at least one PTC element is arranged and each heating unit has at least one contact element on at least one side, directly adjacent heating units being electrically conductive via contact elements which correspond to one another connected to each other.

Unlike conventional heaters, the PTC elements are embedded in housings of heating units. In the housing of a heating unit, one or more PTC elements may be arranged.

The housing is preferably a body surrounding the PTC element. In this case, a body made of a metal, in particular aluminum or an aluminum alloy is suitable. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, an extruded profile is used as a housing.

The housing surrounds the PTC element. Preferably, at least one contact element is arranged on at least one side of each heating unit. The contact elements of adjacent heating units are designed to one another such that the heating units are electrically connectable to one another via their contact elements.

According to the invention, the heating device does not comprise a loose arrangement of PTC elements but modular heating units which can be connected to one another. The use of these heating units according to the invention enables a cost-effective and simple way of adapting to different fields of use. Due to the modular design of a very flexible in their applications heating device is created. Depending on requirements, a corresponding number of heating units is put together. This creates a rigid connection between the heating units.

The corresponding design of the contact elements of the adjacent heating units can be achieved by appropriate design.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, each heating unit, at opposite ends, to each other corresponding contact elements. For example, a male mold may be formed as a contact element on the right-hand end side of each heating unit, and a female mold as a contact element on the left-hand side of each heating unit. In this way, adjacent heating units can be connected to one another by interlocking shapes, with the contact element of one heating unit at least partially engaging in the contact element of the adjacent heating unit.

Preferably, all heating units of the heater are identical. The modular heating units are inexpensive to manufacture due to their uniform design. The adaptation of the necessary heating power to the respective Application is made by connecting the required number of identical heating units.

The contact elements are preferably rigid in themselves and also rigidly connected to the heating unit. This results in a rigid connection between the heating units, which brings considerable advantages over a connection with wires, cables or the like due to their modular handling.

The heating units used in the device according to the invention contain one or more PTC resistors. They are preferably made of doped polycrystalline ceramic based on barium titanate.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heater is composed of modules. Each module comprises at least one heating unit and at least one heat exchanger. In directly adjacent modules adjacent contact elements are connectable. The contact element of a heating unit engages at least partially in the contact element of the heating unit of the adjacent module. This makes it possible that not every module has its own power supply. The power supply must only be from one side of the heater. About the connection of adjacent modules by means of adjacent contact elements, the heating units of the laterally adjacent modules are supplied.

The modular design of the heater allows a quick and cost-effective adaptation to the particular application of the heater. Additional modules are added or removed as needed. The demand depends on the throughput, the type and composition of the medium to be heated, the specific heat output to be transferred, as well as the spatial conditions.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, all modules of the heater are identical.

It is also possible that several modules are arranged one above the other. In this case, the power supply can be effected, for example, via a power strip which runs vertically on one side of the heating device and supplies power to the heating units of the modules on this side. The laterally adjacent modules are supplied via the joints of adjacent contact elements.

Alternatively, with modules arranged one above the other, only individual heating units can be connected to a power supply and the heating units arranged on this side above or below can be supplied with power via U-connectors. The modules which are laterally adjacent to the individual modules are also co-supplied via the connections of adjacent contact elements of adjacent heating units, so that a power supply is also required here only on one side of the heating device.

The modules can not only be arranged side by side or one above the other but also one behind the other. Through this three-dimensional arrangement creates a structure that is adaptable in height, width and depth to required space conditions.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mutually facing outer sides of the heat exchanger of directly adjacent modules to each other on corresponding surface shapes that at least partially engage with each other. For example, it may be a wave-shaped surfaces, in which the mountain of a heat exchanger engages in the valley of the adjacent heat exchanger and vice versa.

The interlocking shapes can be positively and / or non-positively connected to each other, so that there is a stable in itself overall construction of the interconnected modules, which need not be held together by an additional outer housing. As a result, the heating device according to the invention has a high mechanical stability.

In a variant of the invention, the interlocking surfaces of the adjacent heat exchanger are glued together.

Preferably, each module comprises extruded sections between which at least one heating unit is arranged.

The heat generated by the PTC elements is passed through the housing of the heating units in the extruded profiles. The extruded profiles are flowed through by a medium to which the heat is released. Thus, the extruded profiles serve as heat exchangers.

The modules are constructed so that in each case at least one heating unit is arranged between extruded profiles, wherein it proves to be particularly advantageous to bond the housing of the heating unit with the extruded profiles.

The outer sides of a module are formed by the walls of the extruded profiles. Preferably, the extruded profiles are designed as box sections. In a box section is an extruded profile whose four walls frame a region which is preferably flowed through in the extrusion direction of medium. Preferably, ribs extend within this region to enhance heat transfer to the medium. The outer sides of a module may additionally have ribs.

The extruded profiles consist of a material with a high thermal conductivity. Preferably, aluminum or an aluminum alloy is used for this purpose.

It proves to be particularly favorable when a module is formed from a heating unit which is positioned between two extruded profiles, which are arranged one above the other transversely to the extrusion direction. The heating unit is thus positioned between an upper and a lower extruded profile. The lower extruded profile serves in this case at the same time as a support for the heating unit.

Preferably, the upper outside of a module is formed by a wall of the upper extruded profile and the lower outside of the module by a wall of the lower extruded profile. The left and right outer sides of the module are each formed by two walls, namely a wall of the upper and a wall of the lower extruded profile.

In the case of mutually opposite outer sides of a module, projections and / or depressions which correspond in each case axially symmetrically to one another are preferably positioned. For example, the corresponding protrusions and / or depressions on the left and right outer sides may each be arranged symmetrically to the vertical center axis of the module, or the corresponding protrusions and / or depressions may be arranged on the upper and lower outer sides symmetrically to the horizontal central axis of the module.

The axisymmetric arrangement of the mutually formed in corresponding forms projections and / or depressions allows that on both sides of a module further modules can be applied and at the same time the newly formed unit is also again on two sides with modules expandable.

When applying a module are preferably directly adjacent projections and / or depressions in mutually corresponding shapes. The shapes are coordinated so that one form at least partially engages the other shape. In this case proves to be particularly suitable training as tongue and groove pair.

It proves to be particularly favorable if a combination is formed in the combination of modules via adjoining projections and / or depressions. Thus, the modules can not only be aligned with each other, but it also creates a new unit that is inherently stable. The connection can be made for example by gluing, Verklipsen, snapping or plugging. It may be a positive connection, in which two projections and / or recesses engage in one another. Alternatively or additionally, a frictional connection is conceivable in which the two projections and / or recesses form an interference fit. It proves to be advantageous, a plug-in connection, as this is cheap solvable again without much effort, with a particular design of the corresponding projections and / or depressions as tongue and groove pair proves to be favorable.

The electrical contact elements of the heating units can be formed by the housing of the heating units. Adjacent contact elements are designed in mutually corresponding shapes. Thus, adjacent heating units can be modularly assembled. The contact elements simultaneously form the electrical connections of the heating units. Thus, in this variant of the invention, the PTC elements are supplied with power via the housing. In this case, the housing is divided into two, wherein both halves are electrically insulated from each other. The electrically two-part housing halves simultaneously represent the electrical connections.

Both side by side and / or successively arranged heating units can be connected to each other. Thus, not only a number of juxtaposed heating units but simultaneously or alternatively a series of heating units positioned one behind the other can be electrically connected to each other.

It is a three-dimensional arrangement of modules next to each other, one above the other and in succession possible. As a result, a space in the width, height and depth of interconnected modules can be optimally filled. This allows a great deal of flexibility.

In a particularly favorable embodiment of the invention runs within the housing of the heating unit at least one contact track, via which the PTC element is supplied with power. In a variant of the invention, the PTC elements of a heating unit are embedded between two contact paths.

The contact track may be a contact plate. The PTC elements are preferably provided with an electrically conductive coating and are placed on the contact track.

The contact track is electrically conductively connected to the contact elements. In this case, the contact elements and the contact track can be separate parts which are connected to one another, for example by soldering. Alternatively, the contact track and the contact elements may be integrally formed.

Between the contact track and the housing, an electrical insulation is preferably arranged. As insulation, a ceramic, for example, an alumina ceramic can be used. This makes it possible to supply the heating units with high-voltage, for example a mains voltage of 230 V. Thus, the heater does not need to be additionally electrically insulated to the outside.

Alternatively, a film based on polyimides can be used as insulation. A well-known product of such a film is Kapton ^®.

Another possibility is to carry out the insulation in a thermally conductive plastic.

In a particularly favorable variant of the invention, the contact elements extend at least partially in electrically insulating components, which are preferably arranged on the end faces of the heating unit. The components provide protection against contact and strain relief of the contact elements.

When connecting adjacent heating units preferably contact the insulating components. It proves to be particularly advantageous if mutually corresponding components are arranged at both ends of the heating units. In this way, adjacent heating units can be coupled to one another via components. The components can also lock together.

In a variant of the invention, in the case of directly adjacent heating units, the component of the one heating unit intervenes at least partially in the component of the adjacent heating unit. For example, a component can be designed as a plug housing and a component as a matching socket housing.

The insulating components may be attached in different ways to the end faces of the housing surrounding the heating unit. They can be positively and / or non-positively connected to the housing. Preferably, the components are at least partially disposed in the housing. You can flush with the front sides of the housing or protrude from the housing.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the components are pressed in the housing. Especially when using an extruded profile as a housing, the PTC elements together with the contact tracks with the contact elements and the insulating components can be pressed in the housing during the production of the heating units.

In a variant of the invention, the insulation and at least part of an insulating component are integrally formed. These then serve both as insulation between the contact track and the housing and as an insulating component in the contact elements. Preferably, a plastic is used.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments with reference to drawings and from the drawings themselves.

It shows

1 a perspective view of a heater with two modules,

2 a front view of a heater with two modules,

3 a sectional view of adjacent heating units with multi-part design of the insulating components and the insulation of the contact track,

4 a sectional view of adjacent heating units with one-piece design of the insulating components and the insulation of the contact track.

1 shows a heating device, which consists of two juxtaposed modules 1 composed. Every module 1 includes two superimposed heat exchanger 2 , At the heat exchangers 2 these are extruded profiles. These are designed as box sections and made of aluminum. They are flowed through in the extrusion direction of a medium.

The medium may be a gas or a liquid. Also pasty, pulpy substances can be heated in this way. In the exemplary embodiment, air flows through the extruded profiles.

Between the heat exchangers 2 every module 1 is each a heating unit 3 arranged. Both heating units 3 are identical. Every heating unit 3 includes a housing 4 , In the case 4 it is an extruded profile. At the front sides of the housing 4 protrude contact elements 5a . 5b out. The contact elements 5a . 5b are made of insulating components 6a . 6b surround. In 1 are only on the right side of a heating unit 3 outstanding contact elements 5a visible, noticeable. These are designed as pins. The pins are of a connector housing as an insulating component 6a surround.

The heating units 3 generate heat in the heat exchanger 2 is initiated. Every module 1 has projections and / or depressions 7a . 7b on. The projections and / or depressions 7a . 7b are on all outer sides of each module 1 formed.

In the following, the left module is used as an example for term definitions 1 the in 1 described heater described. The right module 1 is identical to the left module 1 ,

The left outside of the left module 1 is formed by the left wall of the upper extruded profile and the left wall of the lower extruded profile, at each of which two projections and / or depressions 7a . 7b are formed. The right outside of the left module 1 is formed by the right wall of the upper extruded profile and by the right wall of the lower extruded profile, at each of which two projections and / or depressions 7a . 7b are formed. The upper outside of the left module 1 includes two protrusions and / or depressions 7a . 7b and is formed by the upper wall of the upper extruded profile. The lower outside of the left module 1 has two projections and / or depressions 7a . 7b on and is formed by the lower wall of the lower extruded profile. The two mutually facing walls of the extruded profiles of the left module 1 are flat and have no protrusions and / or depressions 7a . 7b on, leaving the heating unit 3 without disturbing protrusions and / or depressions 7a . 7b between the two heat exchangers 2 is embedded and lies flat.

In each extruded section of the framed by its walls area of medium is flowed through. There are ribs in the area 8th which serve to improve the heat transfer to the medium. Ribs 8th are rectangular plates that extend over the entire depth of the module 1 extend. Several plates are arranged vertically next to each other within an extruded profile. Ribs 8th are formed in the extrusion process by the use of appropriate matrices and are integrally formed with the walls of the extruded profiles.

Within each module 1 , each axisymmetric to each other, are the projections and / or depressions 7a . 7b positioned. In this case, the projections and / or depressions 7a . 7b the upper and lower outside of the module 1 axisymmetric to the horizontal central axis and the projections and / or depressions 7a . 7b the left and right outside of the module 1 arranged axisymmetric to the vertical center axis.

At opposite outer sides of the module 1 are axially symmetrical to each other corresponding forms of the projections and / or depressions 7a . 7b positioned. This allows more identical modules 1 on all outer sides of the module 1 be set.

In 1 are two identical modules 1 arranged side by side. At the interface of the two modules 1 each four projections and / or depressions 7a . 7b of the left module 1 at four projections and / or depressions 7a . 7b the right module. The adjacent projections and / or depressions 7a . 7b are each executed in mutually corresponding shapes.

The projections and / or depressions 7a . 7b extend over the entire depth of the extruded profiles. The projections 7b form springs, which are formed in the recesses formed as grooves 7a intervention. This results in a tongue and groove connection between adjacent modules 1 ,

The modules 1 can be additionally framed by a module housing, which is not shown in the figures. The projections and / or depressions 7a . 7b on the extrusions prevent the outsides of the modules 1 come in flat contact with the module housing.

2 shows a front view of a heater, which consists of two modules 1 composed. Every module 1 has a heating unit 3 between two heat exchangers 2 on. At the front sides of the housing 4 protrude contact elements 5a . 5b out.

The contact elements 5a . 5b are partially made of an insulating component 6a . 6b surround. In the heater according to 2 are on the right side of each heating unit 3 the contact elements 5a designed as pins. The pins partially extend in an insulating component designed as a plug housing 6a , On the left side of each heating unit 3 are the contact elements 5b in an insulating component designed as a socket housing 6b arranged.

The two modules 1 Be over the contact elements 5a and 5b electrically connected to each other.

The power supply takes place in the embodiment of the left side. The right module 1 is through the connection of adjacent contact elements 5a . 5b jointly supplied. Thus, a power supply is required only on the left side of the heater. The right module 1 is supplied with.

In a variant, not shown, are several modules 1 arranged one above the other. In this case, the power can be supplied via a power strip which runs vertically on one side of the heater and the heating units 3 the modules 1 on this page about the contact elements 5b powered on this page. The heating units 3 the laterally adjacent modules 1 be over the joints of the adjacent contact elements 5a . 5b jointly supplied.

3 shows two juxtaposed heating units 3 , Every heating unit 3 includes a housing 4 , The housing 4 are hollow cuboid-shaped and open at their ends. These are box-shaped extruded aluminum profiles.

In every case 4 is a PTC element 9 arranged. Above and below each PTC element 9 are contact tracks 10 arranged. Between the contact tracks 10 and the housing 4 is an insulation 11 arranged so that each housing 4 potential-free and / or voltage-free.

At the two ends of each heating unit 3 are contact elements 5a . 5b arranged. Each contact element 5a . 5b is directly with a contact track 10 connected, z. B. by soldering and / or crimping. The contact elements 5a . 5b are matched to one another in a corresponding manner, that the contact elements 5a in the contact elements 5b intervention. contact elements 5a . 5b neighboring modules 1 are connected by joining together electrically conductive.

The contact elements 5a . 5b run at least partially in insulating components 6a . 6b , In this case, the component forms 6a a plug housing from which the pin-shaped contact elements 5a protrude. The insulating component 6b forms a socket housing with openings. The contact elements 5a are inserted into the openings for connection and come into contact with the contact elements 5b ,

For each heating unit 3 are the insulating components 6a . 6b together with the PTC element 9 , the contact tracks 10 and the insulations 11 in the case 4 pressed.

4 shows a variant in which each heating unit 3 the insulation 11 with parts of the components 6a . 6b are made in one piece. Here are the components 6a . 6b divided horizontally. At the in 4 variant shown are the contact elements 5a . 5b at least partially from the contact tracks 10 educated. The on the left side of the heating units 3 arranged contact elements 5a are designed as pins. The on the right side of the heating units 3 arranged contact elements 5b have at their ends clamping pockets, in which the pins are inserted for connecting.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DD 249805 A1 [0002]
• EP 2131117 A1 [0003]

Claims (12)

Heating device by means of PTC elements ( 9 ) Heat is generated in heat exchangers ( 2 ), characterized in that the heating device has heating units ( 3 ), each heating unit ( 3 ) a housing ( 4 ) has in the at least one PTC element ( 9 ) and each heating unit ( 3 ) on at least one side at least one contact element ( 5a . 5b ), with directly adjacent heating units ( 3 ) via mutually corresponding contact elements ( 5a . 5b ) are electrically connected to each other. Heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that each heating unit ( 3 ) at opposite ends to each other corresponding contact elements ( 5a . 5b ) having. Heating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact element ( 5a ) of a heating unit ( 3 ) at least partially into the contact element ( 5b ) of the adjacent heating unit ( 3 ) intervenes. Heating device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the heating device consists of modules ( 1 ), each module ( 1 ) at least one heating unit ( 3 ) and at least one heat exchanger ( 2 ) and in directly adjacent modules ( 1 ) the heating units ( 3 ) by means of adjacent contact elements ( 5a . 5b ) are electrically connected to each other. Heating device according to claim 4, characterized in that the mutually directed outer sides of the heat exchanger ( 2 ) directly adjacent modules ( 1 ) have mutually corresponding surface shapes that at least partially engage with each other. Heating device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that each module ( 1 ) at least one heating unit ( 3 ) between extruded profiles as heat exchangers ( 2 ), the outer sides of a module ( 1 ) are formed by walls of the extruded profiles and at least on a part of the outer sides projections and / or depressions ( 7a . 7b ) are formed, wherein at opposite outer sides of a module ( 1 ) each axisymmetric projections to each other and / or depressions ( 7a . 7b ) and directly adjacent modules ( 1 ) adjacent projections and / or recesses ( 7a . 7b ) are executed in mutually corresponding shapes. Heating device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the contact elements ( 5a . 5b ) from the housing ( 4 ) of the heating units ( 3 ) are formed. Heating device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the housing ( 4 ) of the heating units ( 3 ) at least one contact track ( 10 ) is arranged over which the PTC element ( 9 ) is supplied with power. Heating device according to claim 8, characterized in that the contact elements ( 5a . 5b ) with a contact track ( 10 ) are electrically connected. Heating device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that between the contact track ( 10 ) and the housing ( 4 ) an electrical insulation ( 11 ) is arranged. Heating device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the contact elements ( 5a . 5b ) at least partially in electrically insulating components ( 6a . 6b ). Heating device according to claim 10 and 11, characterized in that an insulation ( 11 ) and at least a part of a component ( 6a . 6b ) are integrally formed.

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