DE19807955A1 - Internal combustion engine heater installed in road vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The heating device uses shearing of a viscous liquid, especially silicone oil, to generate heat. The heater has a rotor (8) inside a housing (4) which is filled with the viscous liquid. The rotor may be mounted on a shaft (20) which may be driven by a grooved pulley wheel (24). There is a small gap between the outer diameter of the cylindrical rotor and the inner diameter of the cylindrical housing. The stator has an inner sleeve (3) and there is a small gap between the outer diameter of the inner sleeve and the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical rotor. The outer portion of the stator assembly may act as a radiator, transmitting heat to the surrounding environment.

Description

The invention relates to a viscous heater, the a housing, a rotatable ro housed in the housing gate, a viscous fluid housed in the housing and one has defined radiator chamber in the housing. In the visco heating device, the viscous fluid is sheared by the rotor, to generate heat, the resulting heat on a circulating fluid is transferred to the radiator chamber flows to carry out a heat exchange.

A viscous heater has the attention of engineers as a thermal auxiliary source for accommodation on a vehicle stuff pulled on itself. The viscous heater uses an on driving force of a vehicle engine. For example, the JP 2-246823 A is a viscous heater that fits into a heater is installed for a vehicle.

This viscous heater has a front housing and a rear case arranged so that they face each other lying, and tightened together, creating a heater in it generation chamber and a water jacket (or a radiator chamber) are trained. The water jacket is around an outer area arranged the heat generating chamber. In the front case is a drive shaft rotatable by means of a bearing device held. At one of the opposite ends of the drive shaft is a rotor attached so that it integrally with the An drive shaft can rotate in the heat generation chamber. To the front ren and rear outer walls of the rotor and on the inner walls of the Heat generation chamber covering the front and rear outer walls opposite the rotor, concave-convex stripes are formed forms that match each other so that a labyrinth groove is formed. If the concave-convex stripes follow closely positioned in relation to each other is a labyrinthine Gap between the outer walls of the rotor and the inner walls the heat generation chamber ensured. In the heat generator The delivery chamber is a viscous fluid, for example a silicone  oil, filled and sealed in a predetermined amount spread out in the labyrinthine gap.

When a driving force of a motor is supplied to the drive shaft the rotor rotates together with the drive shaft in the Heat generating chamber. The same thing happens between the inside walls of the heat generating chamber and the outer walls of the rotor Arranged viscous fluid sheared by the rotor to generate heat generate, which follows from a fluid friction. The so in the Heat generation chamber generates heat on in the water jacket flowing, circulating fluid transferred to a To carry out heat exchange. The circulating so heated Water is supplied to an external heating circuit and becomes Used to heat a passenger compartment of a vehicle.

In the conventional viscous heater, the body of the Rotor be formed in a disc-like shape, the axial length shorter than the radius measured from the center is because the concave-convex stripes on the front and back tere outer walls of the rotor should be formed to the Form the labyrinth groove. The main shear surfaces are in the rotor surfaces of the concave-convex stripes on the front and rear outer walls of the rotor, the con cav-convex stripes that start from the center of the rotor body are arranged remotely, a faster peripheral speed (i.e. a higher shear rate). Corresponding the diameter of the rotor, i. H. the outside diameter of the Body of the viscous heater, to be made larger by the To increase heat generation of the viscous heater. It is however, generally difficult to accommodate in a room a vehicle, especially in its engine compartment, for the visco heater to ensure that a large dimension in egg has a radial direction. In addition, such brings Visco heater for the design of other driving tools the engineers when drafting the design in problems.

The invention has for its object a Viskoheizvorrich device that can be easily attached to a vehicle or other pro products can be accommodated without their own heat supply ability to decrease. The invention is also intended to be a viscous heater create a device that can solve the problems involved in ver change the general configuration (or dimensions) ih res rotor or their body arise so that they emerge offers excellent heat generation performance.

According to one aspect of the invention, the Viskoheizvor device has the following:
a housing;
a rotor that is rotatably housed about an axis of rotation in the housing and includes a shear member that is formed such that it surrounds the axis of rotation and rotates along a rotating location when the rotor rotates;
a viscous fluid housed in the housing;
a radiator section defined in the housing and defining a first radiator chamber and a second radiator chamber, the first and second radiator chambers being arranged so that the rotational location of the shear member is interposed therebetween; and
a circulating fluid flowing in the radiator area;
wherein shearing the viscous fluid with the rotor generates heat and the resulting heat is transferred to the circulating fluid to perform heat exchange.

In the present viscous heating device described above tion, the viscous fluid is subject to shear through the shear element of the rotor when the rotor rotates, creating heat is produced. The resulting heat is quickly transferred to the zir cululating fluid transmitted in the first and second Ra diaphragm chamber flows, whereby a heat exchange is carried out. It it should be noted that the circulating fluid generated by the Viscous fluid can collect heat without loss because the first and second radiator chambers are arranged such that the location of the shear element is set in between. That's why can the present visco heater by itself  give off generated heat effectively to the circulating fluid and can effectively supply a required amount of heat. In addition, the heat generated can quickly change from that generated by the Rotor sheared viscous fluid on the first and two transmitted radiating fluid circulating fluid be because the heat generation area between the first and second radiator chamber is set. Consequently, a local Overheating of the viscous fluid can be inhibited to the extreme and it can be saved from thermal deterioration the.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present viscous heater may further include a drive shaft that is rotated by an external drive source; and where
the rotor further includes a base that is mounted on the drive shaft and includes a cylindrical member that protrudes from the base to surround the drive shaft and serve as the shear member.

In the present viscous heating device arranged in this way the rotor rotates in one piece together with the drive shaft. The shear element protrudes from the base part to the drive To surround wave, whereby the shear element is provided. There The first and second radiator chambers are simple to arrange that the rotational location of the cylindrical element therebetween is set. In addition, it is possible to use the cylinder cal element as the shear element, which between the first and second radiator chamber is interposed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present viscous heater may further include a first stator disposed in the housing and defining the first radiator chamber and a second stator disposed in the housing and defining the second radiator chamber; and
wherein the shear element of the rotor is arranged between the first stator and the second stator.

In the present viscous heating device arranged in this way it is easy to put the first and second radiator chambers between which is the shear element of the rotor interposed, in the Ge housing defined by the first and second stator turned on are set, which are arranged independently in the housing.

In addition, the present vis co-heater described above can be further modified in the following manner: a first gap may exist between the first stator and the shear element of the rotor and a second gap may exist between the second stator and the shear element of the rotor; and
wherein the first gap and the second gap have dimensions that differ from one another.

In the present visco heating device modified in this way the shear element of the rotor can generate a first shear heat capacity on one of the shear surfaces (i.e. that of the first Stator opposite surface) and a second shear heat productivity on the other of the shear surfaces (i.e., the second stator opposite surface), which is the first and second shear heat generating capacity to each other are different. Consequently, it is easy to generate heat ability of the present viscous heating device depending suitably adjust the circumstances.

The present viscous heater in the above modification can be further modified in the following manner:
the first stator is arranged closer to the axis of rotation of the rotor than the second stator; and
wherein the dimension of the first gap is larger than that of the second gap.

The visco heating device modified in this way can can be set in terms of their properties as follows. The shear heat generation capacity is in a range between  the second stator and the shear element of the rotor, in which has a relatively narrow gap. At the same time it is Shear heat generation ability prevented from getting in on one the area between the first stator and the shear element of the rotor, in which there is a relatively wide gap is seen. Accordingly, in the area in which the shear heat generation capacity is prevented from increasing a greater emphasis on radiator power than that heat generated by scissors. As a result, overheating of the viscous fluid is inhibited. As As a result, the life of the viscous fluid can be extended will.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the viscous heater may further include a containment chamber disposed in the housing where the rotor and viscous fluid are housed therein; and
wherein the receiving chamber is functionally divided into a heat generation region and a reservoir region, the heat generation region being arranged between the first stator and the shear element of the rotor and between the second stator and the shear element of the rotor, and wherein the reservoir region stores the viscous fluid that is to be exchanged between the latter itself and the heat generation area.

In the present viscous heating device arranged in this way can the viscous fluid between the heat generating area and the reservoir area to be replaced in the shot are arranged when the rotor rotates. Especially becomes the viscous fluid that is held in the reservoir area has been supplied to the heat generation area. On the other hand becomes the viscous fluid generated by the rotor in the heat generator has been sheared into the reservoir area returned. Accordingly, it can be prevented that a speci eller section of the viscous fluid always in the heat generator supply chamber is present and the shearing process is continuous subject to. Consequently, the special section of the viscous  Fluids are prevented from deteriorating quickly. In addition, the viscous fluid can have its own viscosity regain the reservoir area and from there again Heat generation area can be supplied because it is in the reser voir range can remain for a predetermined cycle. If the present visco heater operated continuously consequently, the viscous fluid can be sheared by the rotor without shear effectiveness decreasing over time. Like this with the viscous heater can consistently generate heat maintain performance.

The present visco heater described above can be modified in the following manner:
the first radiator chamber and the second radiator chamber communicate with each other; and
the housing being provided with a first opening, a second opening and a flow channel for continuous flow, the flow channel for continuous flow in the first and second radiator chambers being designed to extend continuously from the first opening to the second opening.

Even if with the present visco heater modified in this way the first radiator chamber and the second radiator came mer with the interposition of the location of the shear element of the rotor are arranged separately, the circulating fluid that passes through the first opening has been fed, the second opening range, after it has been used to continue using the independent channel currents has circulated the entire radiator area. Therefore, with the simple arrangement, the circulating fluid flow without interference in the radiator area.

A viscous heater according to another aspect of the present invention includes:
a housing;
a rotor rotatably housed in the housing about an axis of rotation and comprising a first shear member and a second shear member, the first and second shear members being configured to surround the axis of rotation and to rotate along a location of rotation as the rotor rotates turns;
a viscous fluid housed in the housing;
a radiator section defined in the housing and including a radiator chamber, the radiator chamber being located between the locations of rotation of the first and second shear members; and
a circulating fluid flowing in the radiator area;
wherein shearing the viscous fluid with the rotor generates heat and the resulting heat is transferred to the circulating fluid to perform heat exchange.

In the present viscous heating device described above tion, the viscous fluid is sheared by the first and second shear element of the rotor when the rotor is rotating, which generates heat. The resulting heat becomes quickly transferred to the circulating fluid, which in the interim the first and second shear elements arranged radiator chamber flows, whereby a heat exchange is carried out. It it should be noted that a much larger amount of heat is applied to the circulating fluid is brought in because the radiator chamber Absorbs heat from the viscous fluid flowing through the first and second shear element is sheared, between which the radiator came is always set. Therefore, the present viscous heater tion generate a large amount of heat, so that the circulating Fluid can be heated permanently. Even if the body of the present visco heater in its dimensions is consequently dimensioned reduced viscous heater as before supply a sufficient amount of heat.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the viscous heating device in front can further have a drive shaft which is rotated by an external drive source;
and wherein the rotor further comprises a base which is mounted on the drive shaft and has two concentrically arranged cylindrical elements which protrude from the base so as to surround the drive shaft and which serve as the first and second shear elements.

In the present viscous heating device arranged in this way the rotor rotates in one piece together with the drive shaft. The first and second shear elements are concentric as two orderly cylindrical elements formed by the bottom protrude part to surround the drive shaft. Therefore, it is simple, the radiator chamber between the locations of the first and to arrange the second cylindrical element. Furthermore it is possible to use the first and second cylindrical element as form the first and second shear elements, between the one independent radiator chamber is interposed.

According to another aspect of the present invention the present viscous heater can further one Have stator, which is arranged in the housing and the Ra diaphragm chamber defined.

In the present viscous heating device arranged in this way it is easy to find the radiator chamber between the first and second shear element of the rotor is arranged in the housing to be defined by using the stator that is in the Ge is arranged.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the present visco heating device described above may further include a receiving chamber disposed in the housing to house the rotor and the viscous fluid therein; and
wherein the receiving chamber can be functionally divided into a heat generation area and a reservoir area, the heat generation area being arranged between the stator and at least one element consisting of the first shear element of the rotor and its second shear element, and wherein the reservoir area stores the viscous fluid, which is to be exchanged between the latter itself and the heat generation area.

In the present viscous heating device arranged in this way can the viscous fluid between the heat generating area and the reservoir area to be replaced in the shot are arranged when the rotor rotates. Especially becomes the viscous fluid that is held in the reservoir area has been supplied to the heat generation area. On the other hand becomes the viscous fluid generated by the rotor in the heat generator has been sheared into the reservoir area returned. Accordingly, a special section of the vis free fluids are always prevented from generating heat to be available and continuously to shear subject to gear. Consequently, the special section of the viscous fluids are prevented from moving quickly worse. In addition, the viscous fluid in the reser voir range regain its own viscosity and can from there be fed back to the heat generation area because it remain in the reservoir area for a predetermined cycle can. If the present viscous heater is continuously Chen is operated, the viscous fluid can thus through the Rotor can be sheared without losing its own shear efficiency to decrease the time. Thus, the viscous heater can last maintain the heat generation capacity.

The present visco heater described above can be modified in the following manner:
The housing may be provided with a first opening, a second opening and a flow channel for continuous flow, the flow channel for continuous flow in the radiator chamber being designed such that it extends continuously from the first opening to the second opening.

In the present visco heating device modified in this way can the circulating fluid that is drawn through the first opening has reached the second opening after using it independent channel for continuous flow entire radiator area (or the radiator chamber) is circulated Has. With the simple arrangement, the circulating can Flow fluid without interference in the radiator area.  

As far as this is described, the one described above can present viscous heater has the following advantages bring: the present viscous heater can easily on egg a vehicle or other products without to decrease their own heat supply capacity and at the same time can solve the problems caused by changing the general configuration (or dimensions) of your rotor or your Body arise so that they are excellent heat generation can offer performance.

A more complete understanding of the present invention and Many of their benefits can be easily achieved if these better with reference to the following detailed description exercise is understandable, including the attached Read drawings and the detailed patent description that all form part of the revelation:

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a Viskoheizvorrich device according to a first preferred exemplary embodiment according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outer peripheral side wall of the viscous heater shown in FIG. 1;

Fig. 3 is a developed view schematically illustrating an exemplary arrangement of an inner embodied radiator chamber in an inventive Viskoheizvorrichtung;

Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a Viskoheizvor direction according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 is a development that schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of an inner radiator chamber in a viscous heater according to the invention;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of Hauptab sections of a modified version of the present Vis koheizvorrichtung; and

Fig. 7 is a schematic block diagram of major portions of another modified version of the present viscous heater.

While the present invention is generally described is a further understanding with reference to the spe particular preferred embodiments can be obtained are provided here for illustration purposes only and not for this purpose are intended to cover the scope of the appended claims to restrict.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the front lying invention below with respect to a first and two Described th preferred embodiment, which the vorlie embody the visco heater that is in a vehicle heater device must be installed.

First preferred embodiment

As shown in FIGS . 1 and 2, a viscous heating device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided with a housing body 1 and a housing cover 2 . The housing body 1 has an open end. The housing cover 2 is attached to the open end of the housing body 1 .

The housing body 1 comprises a base end 1 a, a first cylindrical wall 1 b and a second cylindrical wall 1 c. The base part 1 a forms a rear end of the viscous heater. The first and second cylindrical wall 1 b and 1 c project forward (ie to the left in Fig. 1) and are arranged concentrically. The first cylindrical wall 1 b has an inner diameter which is smaller than that of the second cylindrical wall 1 c, and it is arranged within the second cylindrical wall 1 c. The second cylindrical wall 1 c forms an outer peripheral wall of the housing body 1 (ie its contour).

On an outside of the first cylindrical wall 1 b he st stator 3 is fitted around the first cylindrical wall 1 b. A main portion of the first stator 3 is formed substantially in a cylindrical shape and the base end thereof is designed as a flange 3 a with a large thickness. An annular seal 10 is held between the flange 3 a and an inner wall surface of the base end 1 a of the housing body 1 . In addition, the leading end of the first stator 3 is formed in a disk shape on the front. At the scheibenför shaped leading end of the first stator 3 , an annular holding plate 13 is grown by a plurality of screws 11 with the interposition of an annular seal 12 between the holding plate 13 and the leading end of the first stator 3 .

On an inside of the second cylindrical wall 1 c, a second stator 4 is fitted into the second cylindrical wall 1 c. The second stator 4 is formed essentially in a cylindrical shape and is provided with a strip of a rib 4 a on an outer peripheral surface. The rib 4 a protrudes from the outer circumferential surface and extends spirally thereon. The rear end of the substantially cylindrical second stator 4 is in contact with the flange 3 a of the first stator 1 via a ring-shaped seal 14 . An overall length of the second stator 4 is determined such that the front end of the second stator 4 is in conformity with the leading end of the second cylindrical wall 1 c when the second stator 4 is fitted in the two-th cylindrical wall 1 c. In addition, an annular seal 15 is held between the front end of the second stator 4 and the housing cover 2 and between the leading end of the second cylindrical wall 1 c and the housing cover 2 .

The housing cover 2 is mounted on one side of the open end of the housing body 1 Ge, in which the first and second stator 3 and 4 are fitted. The first and second stator 3 and 4 each serve as an element defining the radiator chamber in the housing body 1 . Subsequently, the housing body 1 and the housing cover 2 are tightened by a plurality of through bolts (not shown) which are arranged in one direction along the axis of the housing body 1 . Accordingly, he ste and second stator 3 and 4 are immovably positioned in the housing 1 in such a way that they are pressed against each other ge. Thus, a receiving chamber 5 is defined by a part of the housing body 1 , the housing cover 2 and the first and second stator 3 and 4 in the housing body 1 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the first stator 3 is fitted around the cylindrical wall 1 b, an inner water jacket 6 between the first stator 3 and the first zy-cylindrical wall 1 b defined. The inner water jacket 6 serves as the first radiator chamber. If the second stator 4 is fitted into the second cylindrical wall 1 c, an outer water jacket 7 is also defined between the second stator 4 and the second cylindrical wall 1 c. The outer water jacket 7 serves as the second radiator chamber. If the second stator 4 is press-fitted in the housing body 1 , the spiral rib 4 a of the second stator 4 is in close contact with an inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical wall 1 c of the housing body 1 and results in a spiral flow channel "P1" (which is shown in Fig. 2) in the outer What sermantel 7th Thus, the rib 4 a in the outer Wasserman tel 7 serves as a device for giving a circulation channel for a circulating fluid and for directing the circulating fluid.

FIG. 3 is a development that schematically represents the first stator 3 . In the drawing, the first stator 3 is cut and opened along a side that extends in the longitudinal direction. As shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of before strip 3 b is arranged on an inner peripheral side of the first gate 3 . The projection strips 3 b extend in a longitudinal direction of the first stator 3 (ie in the axial direction thereof). At the same time, the protrusion strips 3 b are in close contact with an outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical wall 1 b when the first stator 3 is fitted around the first cylindrical wall 1 b. The projection strips 3 b thus result in a flow channel “P2” in zigzag shape in the water jacket 6 . The flow channel "P2" runs around the first cylindrical wall 1 b, while it runs in a zigzag shape in the inner water jacket 6 ver. Therefore, in the water jacket 6, the Vorsprungsstrei serve fen 3 b as a means for giving a circulation channel for a circulating fluid and for passing the circulating fluid.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, two connecting holes 21 and 22 are drilled through the flange 3 a of the first stator 3 . The inlet side communication hole 21 and the outlet side communication hole 22 are arranged at positions corresponding to the start point and end point of the flow channel "P2" in a zigzag shape. The connection holes 21 and 22 he each extend in a radial direction of the body 1 Pers and put the inner water jacket 6 with the outer water jacket 7 in connection.

As shown in Fig. 2, the outer periphery of the housing body 1 is provided with an inlet opening 16 (ie, the first opening) and an outlet opening 17 (ie, the second opening). The inlet port 16 allows circulating water (e.g., engine coolant) into the outer water jacket 7 from a vehicle heating circuit (not shown). The circulating water serves as the circulating fluid. The outlet opening 17 provides the circulating water from the outer What sermantel 7 in the heating circuit. Accordingly, the circulating water, which has been let in through the inlet opening 16 from the heating circuit, arrives at the outlet opening 17 via the spiral flow channel "P1", which is set up in the outer water jacket 7 , and is returned to the heating circuit again. In addition, the circulating water which is let into the outer water jacket 7 is also introduced into the other water jacket 6 through the inlet-side communication hole 21 . Then the circulating water runs in wesentli Chen around the entire circumference of the first stator 3 via the flow channel "P2" in a zigzag shape and then arrives at the outlet-side connection hole 22 . Finally, the circulating water returns to the spiral flow channel "P1" through the connection hole 22 on the outlet side. Thus, the circulating water is supplied from the outside and flows smoothly in the inner and outer water jackets 6 and 7 .

As shown in Fig. 1, the drive shaft 20 is rotatably held in the housing body 1 and the housing cover 2 via bearing devices 18 and 19 . At the front end (or the outer end) of the drive shaft 20 is a threaded hole 20 a is formed. In the threaded hole 20 a ne (not shown) bolt is screwed so that a pulley 24 is tightened on the drive shaft 20 . In the drawing, the pulley 24 is shown schematically by the two-dot chain line. Thus, the belt pulley 24 is driven by and connected to a vehicle engine via a power transmission belt (not shown). The vehicle engine serves as an external power source. The power transmission belt is placed around the outer circumference of the belt pulley 24 . As a result, the drive shaft 20 is rotated via the pulley 24 by a driving force of the motor.

The bearing devices 18 and 19 are sealed bearings, which also have a sealing function. When the central main portion of the drive shaft 20 is housed in the receiving chamber 5 , the bearing devices 18 and 19 respectively make the receiving chamber 5 a liquid-filled inner space. In the receiving chamber 5 , a rotor 8 is tightened on the drive shaft 20 and rotates integrally with the drive shaft 20 by the driving force of the motor.

The rotor 8 is made of a light metal such as an aluminum-based alloy and the like. The rotor 8 is provided with a base end 8 a and a cylindri's element 8 b. The base end 8 a is mounted on the drive shaft 20 . The cylindrical element 8 b protrudes from the base end 8 a to the rear (ie to the right in FIG. 1). The base end 8 a is substantially benform in a Schei and is flat on a front end surface. The flat front end surface of the base end 8 a lies opposite the rear end surface of the housing cover 2 . A narrow gap "C3" is thus formed between the front end face of the base part 8 a and the rear end face of the housing cover 2 . The cylindrical element 8 b is formed in a cylindrical shape which surrounds an axis of rotation "A" of the drive shaft 20 . Positions on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical element 8 b are spaced from the axis of rotation "A" by a distance of a radius'"R1". The cylindrical element 8 b has a length "L" in the direction of the axis of rotation "A" of the drive shaft 20th The length "L" is designed to be longer than the radius "R1".

An inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical element 8 b is opposite to an outer peripheral surface of the first stator 3 . A narrow gap "C1" is thus formed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical element 8 b and the outer peripheral surface of the first stator 3 . In addition, an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 8 b is an inner circumferential surface of the second stator 4 opposite. A narrow gap "C2" is thus formed between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical element 8 b and the inner peripheral surface of the second gate 4 . Thus, the cylindrical member 8 b between the first stator 3 and the second stator 4 is arranged and rotates such that a rotation location about the axis of rotation "A" is drawn when the rotor 8 rotates. It should be noted who that the first stator 3 defines the inner water jacket 6 , and that the second stator 4 defines the outer water jacket 7 . In the first preferred embodiment, the "C1", "C2" and "C3" columns are designed to give an identical interval (or distance). However, the "C1", "C2" and "C3" columns can result in intervals that differ from one another.

A silicone oil (not shown) is held in the receiving chamber 5 in a predetermined amount. The silicone oil serves as the viscous fluid. The receiving chamber 5 serves as the liquid-filled inner space. A filling amount Vf of the silicone oil is determined such that a volumetric filling ratio at an ordinary temperature of the silicone oil falls in a range of 50 to 80% with respect to a remaining volume Vr. The remaining space volume Vr here means a volumetric difference which is obtained by subtracting the volumes of the housed objects (for example the rotor 8 and the drive shaft 20 ) from the theoretical inner volume of the receiving chamber 5 . Taking into account the volumetric expansion of the silicone oil during heat generation, the filling ratio of the silicone oil is not set to 100%. In particular, an empty space in which no silicone oil is present serves as a buffer space. The buffer space allows the silicone oil to expand its volume during the generation of heat, and prevents the internal pressure of the receiving chamber 5 from increasing.

When the drive shaft 20 and the rotor 8 integrally dre hen, shear the outer and inner peripheral surface of the cylindricity rule element 8b of the rotor 8 and the front end face of its disc-shaped base end 8 of a silicone oil which, in the en gen column "C1""C2" and "C3" is present. More specifically, the cylindrical element 8 b contributes much more when shearing than the disk-shaped base 8 a because of the dimensions of the upper surface area and because of the high peripheral speed during rotation. Therefore, the cylindri cal element 8 b plays the role of the rotor as the main element for shearing the viscous fluid. The silicone oil is subject to the shearing processes of the shear surfaces in the rotor 8 (ie the inner and outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical element 8 b of the rotor 8 and the front end surface of its disk-shaped base end 8 a). Consequently, the silicone oil generates heat that results from fluid friction. The heat thus generated is transferred to the circulating water via the first and second stator 3 and 4 to carry out heat exchange. The circulating water flows in the inner and outer water jackets 6 and 7 to serve as a circulating fluid. Then, the circulating fluid heated in the inner and outer water jackets 6 and 7 is supplied to the heating circuit and may be used to heat a passenger compartment of a vehicle.

As described above, the interior of the receiving chamber 5 is functionally divided into the heat generating area and the other loading area (ie, the reservoir area). In the heat generation area, the viscous fluid is subject to shearing to generate heat. More specifically, the heat generation area is formed by the columns "C1", "C2" and "C3". The gap "C1" is between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical element 8 b and the outer circumferential surface of the first stator 3 before. The gap "C2" is present between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical element 8 b and the peripheral surface of the second stator 4 . The gap "C3" is present between the front end face of the disk-shaped base end 8 a and the rear end face of the housing cover 2 . The inner and outer water jacket 6 and 7 each serve as the first and second radiator chambers and are regarded as the radiator area. The radiator area simplifies the transfer or radiation of heat, which the viscous fluid, which is arranged in the heat generation area, to the circulating fluid.

In addition, in the receiving chamber 5, the area of a reservoir play with the exception of the heat generating region, the roll chamber for the viscous fluid. The reservoir portion is formed by the plural main respect to the cylindrical wall 1b inner region, which surrounds the receiving chamber disposed in the drive shaft 5 20th The viscous fluid is housed in the reservoir area in addition to the heat generation area and serves as a supply source of the viscous fluid that is exchanged between the reservoir area and the heat generation chamber.

It should be noted that the generation of heat by shearing the viscous fluid is not inhibited because the filling ratio of the silicone oil is set to 80% or less with respect to the remaining volume Vr. This phenomenon results from the expanding viscosity of the viscous fluid. Namely, when the drive shaft 20 and the rotor rotate 8 integrally, the silicone oil spreads by its own, the receiving chamber 5 are formed ausdeh designating viscosity uniformly throughout the narrow gaps, the surfaces between the outer surfaces of the rotor 8 and the inner FLAE .

The operations and advantages of the viscous heater according to which he Most preferred embodiment are listed below counts.

• a) The outer and inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical element 8 b of the rotor 8 serves as the main shear element and shears the viscous fluid that is held in the heat generating area to generate heat. Even if the dimensions of the ro tors are reduced 8, accordingly it is possible to generate a variable amount of heat it ford with the resulting small rotor. 8 In addition, the inner and outer water jacket 6 and 7 are arranged so that between them the cylindri cal element 8 b of the rotor 8 is arranged and they are in close proximity to the inner and outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical element 8 b as close as possible arranged. Consequently, the heat generated in columns "C1" and "C2" can be effectively transferred to the circulating water in order to carry out a heat exchange. Therefore, in the Viskoheizvor direction, the body of the Viskoheizvorrichtung can be easily reduced in size while ensuring sufficient heat generation ability.
• b) The first and second stator 3 and 4 are arranged concentrically to place the cylindrical element 8 b of the rotor 8 between them. Accordingly, there is a relative difference between the peripheral speed of the first stator 3 and that of the second stator 4 . Under this circumstance, a secondary flow occurs in a fluid that is disposed between the circumferential surfaces opposed to each other, such as the peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical member 8 b and the first and second stators 3 and 4 . The side flow is called Taylor's vortex and is caused by destabilizing effects that follow from the centrifugal force. More specifically, a plurality of ring-shaped vortices are generated in each of the areas of the "C1" and "C2" columns. The annular vortices are adjacent to the direction of the axis of rotation "A" and generate a relative flow in the direction of the circumferential direction as a whole. However, the relative flow assumes a spiral flow generated by complicated superimposition of the three-way vectors, for example, the vectors that extend in the direction of the axis of rotation "A", the vectors that extend in the circumferential directions, and the vectors that extend in the radial direction. When the annular vortices are observed in a vertical cross section that runs along the axis of rotation "A", the directions of rotation of the annular vortices are offset from each other.

Therefore, the silicone oil spirally circulates in columns "C1" and "C2" because the side flow (ie, Taylor vortex) is generated in each of the areas of columns "C1" and "C2". The temperature distribution of the silicone oil in the radial direction can be compensated accordingly. Accordingly, it is possible, please include the portions of the silicone oil that is adjacent to the inherent ren and outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 8 b of the rotor are available 8 (ie, the extremely thin Grenzschichtbe rich) to hold in front of local overheating, and in part the post to avoid that results from the local deterioration of the silicone oil.

• c) As described above, the interior of the receiving chamber 5 can be functionally divided into the heat generation area and the reservoir area without losses. Consequently, it is possible to effectively utilize the inside of the accommodating chamber 5 . Thus, the arrangement is extremely advantageous in reducing the dimensions of the body of the Viskoheizvorrich device.
• d) The reservoir area of the receiving chamber 5 additionally contains the viscous fluid (for example the silicone oil) with the exception of the viscous fluid which is sheared directly by the rotor 8 . As a result, a large amount of the viscous fluid can be secured in the accommodating chamber 5 and the viscous fluid can be subject to shearing at intervals while being exchanged between the heat generation area and the reservoir area and while taking a rest. Thus, it is possible to delay the deterioration time of the viscous fluid and to extend the longevity of the Viskoheizvorrich device as a whole.

Second preferred embodiment

Basically, a viscous heater according to an inventive second preferred embodiment has the same arrangements as those of the viscous heater according to the first preferred embodiment. However, the viscous heating device according to the second preferred exemplary embodiment has a rotor, the composition of which partly differs from the rotor 8 of the viscous heating device according to the first preferred exemplary embodiment. Therefore, in FIG. 4, which specifically shows the viscous heater according to the second preferred embodiment, the components or elements which have counterparts in the viscous heater according to the first embodiment have the same reference numerals as those of the viscous heater according to the first preferred embodiment designated. Accordingly, the viscous heating device according to the second preferred exemplary embodiment is mainly described with respect to the arrangements which differ from those of the viscous heating device according to the first preferred exemplary embodiment in order to avoid the same description parts being given again.

As shown in FIG. 4, a rotor 8 is tightened on a drive shaft 20 in a receiving chamber 5 . In addition to egg end part 8 a and a first cylindrical element 8 b, the rotor 8 is further provided with a second cylindrical element 8 c. The first cylindrical element 8 b and the second cylindrical element 8 c are ausgebil det in cylindrical shapes, which are arranged concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation "A" of the drive shaft 20 . Thus, the outer peripheral surfaces of the first cylindrical element 8 b and the second cylindrical element 8 c rotate locations, each having a radius "R1" and "R2" around the axis of rotation "A" when the rotor 8 rotates. A gap "C4" is thus formed between an outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical element 8 c and an inner circumferential surface of a first cylindrical wall 1 b of a housing body 1 because the rotor 8 is provided with the second cylindrical element 8 c. The gap "C4" forms part of a heat generation area in the viscous heater according to the second preferred embodiment. It should be be noted that the gap "C4" is designed so that it with respect to that of the "C2" gap yields an identical interval (or an identical distance), between the outer Umfangsflä surface of the first cylindrical member 8 b and a Inner circumferential surface of the second stator 4 is formed.

In the viscous heater according to the second preferred exemplary embodiment, the first cylindrical element 8 b and the second cylindrical element 8 c of the rotor 8 correspond to the first shear element and the second shear element. Furthermore, an inner water jacket 6 corresponds to the radiator chamber, which is arranged between the locations of the first and second shear elements. The entire surface area of the surfaces for shearing the viscous fluid is enlarged because the second cylindrical element 8 c is additionally formed on the rotor 8 . Even if the viscous heater according to the second embodiment has the same external dimensions as those of the viscous heater according to the first preferred embodiment, the viscous heater according to the second preferred embodiment can generate a larger amount of heat than the viscous heater of the first preferred embodiment.

In the viscous heater according to the second preferred exemplary embodiment, the main shear element of the rotor 8 is formed by two concentrically arranged cylinder elements 8 b and 8 c. It should be noted that, however, the concentrically arranged cylinder members may be provided in three or more pieces. With this arrangement, it is possible to further increase the amount of heat generated by the viscous heating device and to effectively utilize the interior space. In this regard, it is preferable to additionally provide an extra radiator chamber which works in the same manner as the inner water jacket 6 between the second cylindrical member and the third and extra cylindrical members and the like.

The first and second embodiments described above in no way limit the execution of the present Er finding. For example, it is possible to be the first and second Modify preferred embodiment in the following manner.

First modified version

In the first and second preferred embodiments, the gap "C1" and the "C2" are designed to give the same dimension with respect to each other (ie, interval or distance). The gap "C1" is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 8 b of the rotor 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the first stator 3 . The gap "C2" is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical element 8 b of the rotor 8 and the inner peripheral surface of the second stator 4 .

The inner gap "C1" opposite the cylindrical element 8 b of the rotor 8 can, however, be larger than the opposite outer gap "C2" (ie "C1"<"C2"). If the column "C1" and "C2" of the type are designed, the shear heat generation capacity in the outer gap "C2" can be improved, while the shear heat generation capacity in the inner gap "C1" can be suppressed to the extreme. In this regard, the radiance in the inner gap "C1" for radiating the heat in the water jacket 6 is increased relative to the heat generating capacity that results from the shearing. As a result, it is possible to prevent the silicone oil present in the heat generating area from overheating. Overall, it is possible to inhibit overheating and local deterioration of the silicone oil in the heat generation area and possibly to extend the longevity of the silicone oil.

Second modified version

In the first and second preferred embodiment, the narrow gap "C3" is designed so that it consists of the space between the rear end face of the housing cover 2 and the front end face of the disk-shaped base end 8 a of the rotor 8 and it serves as part of the heat generating area . However, the gap "C3" can be enlarged so that no heat is generated in the area of the gap "C3". If this is the case, the total heat input capacity is only slightly negatively influenced because a considerably large amount of heat can be generated in the regions of the columns "C1", "C2" and "C4".

Third modified version

Instead of the flow channel "P2" (which is shown in FIG. 3) in a zigzag shape, which is used in the first and second preferred exemplary embodiment, a flow channel "P3", which is shown in FIG. 5, can be in an inner water jacket 6 be formed from who works as the first radiator chamber. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of tabs 31 are arranged on an inner peripheral surface side of the first stator 3 . The projection stripes 31 extend in a circumferential direction and come up with the outer surface Umfangsflä the first cylindrical wall 1 b of the case body 1 in contact en gen. Thus, the protrusion strips 31 form a flow channel "P3" in a zigzag shape, which extends back and forth in a circumferential direction. With the flow channel "P3" thus arranged, it is possible to omit the circulating water which is introduced through an inlet-side connection hole 21 into the water jacket 6 through an outlet-side connection hole 22 after the circulating water is free of interference through the entire area in the inner water jacket 6 is circulated.

Fourth modified version

In the first and second preferred embodiment, the spiral rib 4 a protrudes from the outer circumference of the second stator 4 . As shown in Fig. 6, instead of the Rip pe 4 a, a plurality of radiator fins 4 b can be formed essentially in total on an outer circumference of the second stator 4 . The radiator fins 4 b are designed so that they have a leading end, which is prevented from coming into contact with an inner peripheral surface of a second cylindrical wall 1 c of a housing body 1 . With the thus arranged Ra diatorrippen 4 b, it is possible to avoid undesired heat transfer to the housing body 1 and accordingly we perform a heat exchange between a viscous fluid and a circulating water.

Fifth modified version

In the viscous heating devices according to the first and second preferred embodiment, which are each shown in FIGS . 1 and 4, an electromagnetic clutch mechanism 26 can also be arranged between the pulley 24 and the drive shaft 20 and regulated by a controller 28 as shown in FIG. 7. Consequently, the driving force of the vehicle engine (ie, the external power source) can optionally be transmitted to the drive shaft 20 as needed. When no shear heat generation is needed, the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 26 is turned off. Consequently, it is possible with this arrangement to prevent the viscous fluid from being unnecessarily sheared.

In the present description, the term "viscous Fluid "for all media that generate heat when sheared  operation of a rotor. The heat generated in this way results from fluid friction. Hence the viscous fluid not on liquids with high viscosity, semi-liquid sub punching and the like limited. Of course it is viscous fluid in no way limited to silicone oil.

Based on the full description of the present invention It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that many changes Changes and modifications can be made to it without the Leave scope of the present invention, which in the appended claims.

The viscous heater comprises the housing 1 , the rotor 8 , the silicone oil, which serves as a viscous fluid, the radiator area 6 , 7 and the circulating water, which serves as a circulating fluid. The rotor 8 is rotatably accommodated about the axis of rotation A in the housing 1 and includes the shear element 8 b. The shear element 8 b is formed such that it surrounds the axis of rotation A and rotates along a location when the ro tor 8 rotates. The radiator area 6 , 7 is defi ned in the housing 1 and includes the first radiator chamber 6 and the second Ra diatorkammer 7th The first and second radiator chamber 6 , 7 are arranged such that between them the location of the Scherele element 8 b is set. The viscous fluid is housed in the housing 1 un. The circulating fluid flows in the radiator region 6 , 7 . The viscous fluid is sheared by the rotor 8 for generating heat. The resulting heat is transferred to the circulating fluid, reindeer auszufüh to heat exchange. Instead of the single and independent shear element 8 b, the rotor a first shearing element and a second Sherele include management and instead of the first and second radiator chamber 6, 7, the radiator area include a single and independent radiator chamber. The viscous heater not only offers excellent heat generation performance, but it can also be easily accommodated on a vehicle and solve the problems caused by changing the general configuration (or dimensions) of its rotor 8 or casing 1 .

Claims (12)

1. Visco heater with the following:
a housing ( 1 );
a rotor ( 8 ) which is rotatably housed about an axis of rotation (A) in the housing ( 1 ) and a shear element ( 8 b, 8 c) to which is designed such that there is the axis of rotation (A) and rotates along a rotating location when the rotor ( 8 ) rotates;
a viscous fluid housed in the housing ( 1 );
a radiator area ( 6 , 7 ) defined in the housing ( 1 ) and defining a first radiator chamber ( 6 ) and a second radiator chamber ( 7 ), the first and second radiator chambers ( 6 , 7 ) being arranged in this way that the location of the Scherele element ( 8 b, 8 c) is placed in between; and
a circulating fluid flowing in the radiator area ( 6 , 7 );
wherein shearing the viscous fluid with the rotor ( 8 ) generates heat and the resulting heat is transferred to the circulating fluid to perform heat exchange. 2. Visco heater according to claim 1, characterized in that
the viscous heater further includes a drive shaft ( 20 ) rotated by an external drive source; and that the rotor ( 8 ) further comprises a base part ( 8 a), which is mounted on the drive shaft ( 20 ), and a cylindri cal element ( 8 b, 8 c), which is from the base part ( 8 ), to surround the drive shaft ( 20 ) and to serve as the scissors element. 3. Visco heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that
the viscous heating device further comprises a first stator ( 3 ) which is arranged in the housing ( 1 ) and defines the first radiator chamber ( 6 ), and a second stator ( 4 ) which is arranged in the housing ( 1 ) and which second radiator chamber ( 7 ) defined; and
wherein the shear element ( 8 b, 8 c) of the rotor ( 8 ) is arranged between the first stator ( 3 ) and the second stator ( 4 ). 4. Visco heater according to claim 3, characterized in that
a first gap (C1) between the first stator ( 3 ) and the shear element ( 8 b) of the rotor ( 8 ) and a second gap (C2) between the second stator ( 4 ) and the shear element ( 8 b) of the rotor ( 8 ) exists; and
wherein the first gap (C1) and the second gap (C2) have dimensions that differ from one another. 5. Visco heater according to claim 4, characterized in that
the first stator ( 3 ) is arranged closer to the axis of rotation (A) of the rotor ( 8 ) than the second stator ( 4 ); and
wherein the dimension of the first gap (C1) is larger than that of the second gap (C2). 6. Visco heater according to claim 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that
the viscous heating device further comprises a receiving chamber ( 5 ) which is arranged in the housing ( 1 ), the rotor ( 8 ) and the viscous fluid being accommodated therein; and
wherein the receiving chamber (5) generation region and a reservoir region is divided functionally into a Wärmeer, wherein the heat generating region between the first stator (3) and the shear element (8 b) of the rotor (8) and between the second stator (4) and the shearing member ( 8 b) of the rotor ( 8 ) is arranged, and wherein the reservoir area stores the viscous fluid that is to be exchanged between it and the heat generation area. 7. Visco heater according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that
the first radiator chamber ( 6 ) and the second radiator chamber ( 7 ) communicate with each other; and
wherein the housing ( 1 ) is provided with a first opening ( 16 ), a second opening ( 17 ) and a flow channel (P1, P2; P3) for continuous flow, the flow channel (P1, P2: P3) for continuous flow in the first and second radiator chamber ( 6 , 7 ) is designed such that it extends continuously from the first opening ( 16 ) to the second opening ( 17 ). 8. Visco heater with the following:
a housing ( 1 );
a rotor ( 8 ) which is accommodated in the housing ( 1 ) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (A) and comprises a first shear element ( 8 b) and a second shear element ( 8 c), the first and second shear elements ( 8 b, 8 c) are designed such that they surround the axis of rotation (A) and each rotate along a location when the rotor ( 8 ) rotates;
a viscous fluid housed in the housing ( 1 );
a radiator area ( 6 ) defined in the housing ( 1 ) and comprising a radiator chamber ( 6 ), the radiator chamber ( 6 ) being arranged between the locations of the first and second shear elements ( 8 b, 8 c); and
a circulating fluid flowing in the radiator area ( 6 );
wherein shearing the viscous fluid with the rotor ( 8 ) generates heat and the resulting heat is transferred to the circulating fluid to perform heat exchange. 9. Visco heater according to claim 8, characterized in that
the viscous heater further comprises a drive shaft ( 20 ) rotated by an external drive source;
and wherein the rotor ( 8 ) further comprises a base part ( 8 a), which is mounted on the drive shaft ( 20 ), and two concentrically arranged cylindrical elements ( 8 b, 8 c), of the base part ( 8 a) in such a way protrude that they surround the drive shaft ( 20 ), and which serve as the first and second shear element ( 8 b, 8 c). 10. Visco heater according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that
the viscous heating device further has a stator ( 4 ) which is arranged in the housing ( 1 ) and defines the radiator chamber ( 6 ). 11. Visco heater according to claim 10, characterized in that
the viscous heating device further comprises a receiving chamber ( 5 ) which is arranged in the housing ( 1 ) in order to accommodate the rotor ( 8 ) and the viscous fluid therein; and
wherein the receiving chamber ( 5 ) is functionally divided into a heat generation area and a reservoir area, the heat generation area between the stator ( 4 ) and at least one element consisting of the first shear element ( 8 b) of the rotor ( 8 ) and its second shear element ( 8 c) is arranged, and wherein the reservoir area stores the viscous fluid that is to be exchanged between it itself and the heat generation area. 12. Visco heater according to claim 8, 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that
the housing ( 1 ) is provided with a first opening ( 21 ), a second opening ( 22 ) and a flow channel (P2) for continuous flow, the flow channel (P2) being designed for continuous flow in the radiator chamber ( 6 ) that it extends continuously from the first opening ( 21 ) to the second opening ( 22 ).