EP1515588B1 - High manufacturable and high performance structure of electric heater - Google Patents
High manufacturable and high performance structure of electric heater Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1515588B1 EP1515588B1 EP04021604.6A EP04021604A EP1515588B1 EP 1515588 B1 EP1515588 B1 EP 1515588B1 EP 04021604 A EP04021604 A EP 04021604A EP 1515588 B1 EP1515588 B1 EP 1515588B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- retainer
- heater assembly
- heater
- frames
- clamping
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H3/00—Air heaters
- F24H3/02—Air heaters with forced circulation
- F24H3/04—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element
- F24H3/0405—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element using electric energy supply, e.g. the heating medium being a resistive element; Heating by direct contact, i.e. with resistive elements, electrodes and fins being bonded together without additional element in-between
- F24H3/0429—For vehicles
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H3/00—Air heaters
- F24H3/02—Air heaters with forced circulation
- F24H3/04—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element
- F24H3/0405—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element using electric energy supply, e.g. the heating medium being a resistive element; Heating by direct contact, i.e. with resistive elements, electrodes and fins being bonded together without additional element in-between
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H3/00—Air heaters
- F24H3/02—Air heaters with forced circulation
- F24H3/04—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element
- F24H3/0405—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element using electric energy supply, e.g. the heating medium being a resistive element; Heating by direct contact, i.e. with resistive elements, electrodes and fins being bonded together without additional element in-between
- F24H3/0429—For vehicles
- F24H3/0435—Structures comprising heat spreading elements in the form of fins
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H3/00—Air heaters
- F24H3/02—Air heaters with forced circulation
- F24H3/04—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element
- F24H3/0405—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element using electric energy supply, e.g. the heating medium being a resistive element; Heating by direct contact, i.e. with resistive elements, electrodes and fins being bonded together without additional element in-between
- F24H3/0429—For vehicles
- F24H3/0441—Interfaces between the electrodes of a resistive heating element and the power supply means
- F24H3/0447—Forms of the electrode terminals, e.g. tongues or clips
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H3/00—Air heaters
- F24H3/02—Air heaters with forced circulation
- F24H3/04—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element
- F24H3/0405—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element using electric energy supply, e.g. the heating medium being a resistive element; Heating by direct contact, i.e. with resistive elements, electrodes and fins being bonded together without additional element in-between
- F24H3/0429—For vehicles
- F24H3/0452—Frame constructions
- F24H3/047—Multiple-piece frames assembled on their four or more edges
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H3/00—Air heaters
- F24H3/02—Air heaters with forced circulation
- F24H3/04—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element
- F24H3/0405—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element using electric energy supply, e.g. the heating medium being a resistive element; Heating by direct contact, i.e. with resistive elements, electrodes and fins being bonded together without additional element in-between
- F24H3/0429—For vehicles
- F24H3/0452—Frame constructions
- F24H3/0476—Means for putting the electric heaters in the frame under strain, e.g. with springs
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H9/00—Details
- F24H9/18—Arrangement or mounting of grates or heating means
- F24H9/1854—Arrangement or mounting of grates or heating means for air heaters
- F24H9/1863—Arrangement or mounting of electric heating means
- F24H9/1872—PTC
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
- H05B3/10—Heater elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor
- H05B3/12—Heater elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor characterised by the composition or nature of the conductive material
- H05B3/14—Heater elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor characterised by the composition or nature of the conductive material the material being non-metallic
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
- H05B3/40—Heating elements having the shape of rods or tubes
- H05B3/42—Heating elements having the shape of rods or tubes non-flexible
- H05B3/48—Heating elements having the shape of rods or tubes non-flexible heating conductor embedded in insulating material
- H05B3/50—Heating elements having the shape of rods or tubes non-flexible heating conductor embedded in insulating material heating conductor arranged in metal tubes, the radiating surface having heat-conducting fins
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Resistance Heating (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates an electric heater according to the preamble of
claim 1. -
Fig. 44 illustrates a conventional structure of an electric heater. For example,JP-B-3274234 8-8391 - The
electric heater 9 consists essentially of first andsecond retainer frames side retainer frames heater assembly 95 retained by theframes - The
heater assembly 95 is made up ofradiator fin assemblies 951,electric heating elements 952, andelectrode plates 953 which are laid to overlap each other in an illustrated manner. The first andsecond retainer frames heater assembly 95. Theside retainer frames heater assembly 95. -
Spring strips first retainer frame 91 and an upper surface of theheater assembly 95 and between thesecond retainer frame 92 and a lower surface of theheater assembly 95 to produce spring pressures which act on theheater assembly 95 in a vertical direction. - In assembling of the
electric heater 9, the first and secondside retainer frames heater assembly 95 to deform thespring strips side retainer frames second retainer frames spring strips heater assembly 95 constantly, thereby clamping theradiator fin assemblies 951, theheating elements 952, and theelectrode plates 953 vertically in surface-to-surface abutment with each other. - In operation, the electric power is supplied to the
heating elements 952 through theelectrode plates 953 to produce thermal energy which is, in turn, transmitted to theradiator fin assemblies 951, so that a medium such as air flowing through theradiator fin assemblies 951 is heated. It is, thus, advisable that the radiator fin assemblies 951, theheating elements 952, and theelectrode plates 953 be placed in close contact with each other in terms of the thermal transfer therebetween. Theelectric heater 9 is designed to enhance such thermal transfer by means of thespring strips heating elements 952, and theelectrode plates 953 together. - The assembling of the radiator fin assemblies 951, the
heating elements 952, and theelectrode plates 953 is, as described above, accomplished with the spring pressures produced by thespring strips frames 91 to 94. This structure, however, is low in assemblability of theheater assembly 95, thus resulting in decrease in manufacturability of theelectric heater 9. This also leads to a decrease in performance of theelectric heater 9. - Specifically, the first and
second retainer frames heater assembly 95 and then clamped inwardly of theheater assembly 95 using some sort of a press. In order to retain the shape of this clamped assembly, it must be held in a direction perpendicular to the drawing using some clamper. Subsequently, theside retainer frames second retainer frames spring strips - Heater, radiators, heat exchangers in which the
side retainer frames -
US 5 256 857 A shows a generic electric heater according to the preamble ofclaim 1. - A PTC heater for heating a tubular member is shown in
US 4 814 584 . - It is an object of the invention to further develop an electric heater according to the preamble of
claim 1 such that the structure of the electric heater is simplified and that the electric heater is easy to assemble. - The object of the present invention is achieved by an electric heater having the features of
claim 1. - Further advantageous developments are defined in the dependent claims.
- It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a highly manufacturable and high performance structure of an electric heater.
- According to an advantage of the invention, there is provided an electric heater designed to heat, for example, air. The heater comprises: (a) a heater assembly made up of a fin radiator, an electric heating element, and an electrode plate for supplying electric power to the heating element which are laid to overlap each other in a first direction, the heater assembly having first ends opposed to each other in the first direction and second ends opposed to each other in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the heater assembly also having a first and a second major surface which are opposed to each other in a thickness-wise direction thereof and through which a medium to be heated passes the fin radiators; (b) a first and a second retainer frames placed on the first ends of the heater assembly, respectively; and (c) a metallic clamping member jointed to the first and second retainer frames, respectively, to produce a compression pressure acting on the first and second retainer frames to clamp the fin radiator, the heating element, the electrode plate, and the first and second retainer frames together in the first direction.
- The heating element is activated by the electric power supplied through the electrode plate. The thermal energy produced by the heating element is transmitted to the fin radiator through the electrode plate and to the medium (e.g., air) to be heated. Thus, the greater areas of contacts between the heating element and the electrode plate and between the fin radiator and the electrode plate, the more effectively the thermal energy will be conducted to the medium. This is accomplished in the above structure of the electric heater by holding the fin radiator, the heating element, the electrode plate, and the first and second retainer frames together close to each other using the metallic clamping member.
- The use of the clamping member facilitates ease of assembling of the electric heater, thus resulting in an improved manufacturability thereof.
- In a preferred mode of the invention, the metallic clamping member may be made up of C-shaped frames each of which consists of a support strip and a first and a second clamping arms extending from ends of the support strip in opposite directions. The support strips is placed on the second ends of the heater assembly. The first claming arms is fitted in the first retainer frame, while the second clamping arms is fitted in the second retainer frame.
- Each of the first and second retainer frames is made of a hollow strip member having open ends oriented to the second ends of the heater assembly. The first and second clamping arms are fitted at ends thereof into the open ends of the first and second retainer frames.
- Each of the first and second clamping arms may be made up of a base portion continuing from the support strip, an end portion extending from the base portion, and a V-shaped bend which has ends connecting with the base portion and the end portion, respectively, in a lengthwise direction of the first ends of the heater assembly. The V-shaped bend has a bottom edge oriented inward of the heater assembly. The first and clamping second arms are fitted in the first and second retainer frames in abutment of the bottom edges with the first and second retainer frames to produce the compression pressure. The formation of the V-shaped bends results in an increased interval between the tips of the end portions of the first and second clamping arms, thus facilitating fitting of the first and second clamping arms into the first and second retainer frames.
- The support strips of the clamping member may alternatively be placed on the first major surface of the heater assembly. The first clamping arms may be fitted in the first retainer frame, while the second clamping arms may be fitted in the second retainer frame.
- The metallic clamping member may alternatively be made of a closed-loop strip which extends to encompass the first and second major surfaces of the heater assembly.
- Each of the first and second retainer frames may have an opening oriented toward the first major surface of the heater assembly. The closed-loop strip may alternatively be designed to be fitted into the openings of the first and second retainer frames to produce the compression pressure.
- The closed-loop strip may alternatively be designed to extend over the first and second major surfaces of the heater assembly through the first and second retainer frames to produce the compression pressure.
- The metallic clamping member may be made of one of a tool steel and a spring steel.
- Each of the first and second retainer frames is made of a hollow strip member which has openings oriented to the second ends of the heater assembly. The metallic clamping member is made up of a first and a second clamper each of which has a first and a second clamping arms fitted into the openings of the first and second retainer frames and which are placed on the second ends of the heater assembly to serve as side frames. The first and second clamping arms and/or the first and second retainer frames have engagement portions which establish firm engagement between the first clamping arm and the first retainer frame and between the second clamping arm and the second retainer frame. This results in a simplified structure of the electric heater which is easy to assemble.
- Each of the first and second clamping arms may be made up of a base portion, an end portion extending from the base portion, and a V-shaped bend which has ends connecting with the base portion and the end portion, respectively, in the lengthwise direction of the first ends of the heater assembly. The V-shaped bend has a bottom edge oriented inward of the heater assembly. The V-shaped bends of the first and second clamping arms establish the firm engagement with the engagement portions provided on the first and second retainer frames.
- The engagement portions may be implemented by protrusions form on inner surfaces of the first and second retainer frames.
- The engagement portions may alternatively be implemented by slits form in inner surfaces of the first and second retainer frames.
- Each of the first and second clamping arms may be made up of a base portion, an end portion extending from the base portion, and a V-shaped bend which has ends connecting with the base portion and the end portion, respectively, in the lengthwise direction of the first ends of the heater assembly. The V-shaped bend has a bottom edge oriented inward of the heater assembly. The engagement portions may be implemented by protrusions which are formed on the first and second clamping arms and oriented toward inner surfaces of the first and second retainer frames.
- The metallic clamping member may be made of first and second clampers each of which has a support portion and a first and a second clamping arms extending from ends of the support portion. The support portion is placed on the second ends of the heater assembly to serve as side frames. Each of the first and second clampers engage the heater assembly to define detent mechanisms which work to lock movement of the heater assembly in the thickness-wise direction thereof.
- The detent mechanisms may be provided by openings formed in the first and second clampers which extend along the second ends of the heater assembly and in which portions of the heater assembly are fitted.
- The heater assembly may also include a retainer which includes a body in which the heating element is retained and extensions continuing from the body. The extensions has a width smaller than that of the body and is fitted within the openings of the first and second clampers.
- The retainer of the heater assembly may have cuts in which the first and second clampers are fitted to define the detent mechanisms to lock the movement of the heater assembly in the thickness-wise direction thereof.
- The first and second clampers may be made of an elastic metallic member.
- The heater assembly may also include an insulating heater element retainer on which the heating element is retained. The electrode plate has a connector terminal which protrudes from one of the second ends of the heater assembly. The clamping member is made up of a first and a second clamper placed on the second ends of the heater assembly to serve as side frames. The insulating heater element retainer includes a heating element retaining portion in which the heating element is retained and a terminal retaining portion in which the connector terminal of the electrode plate is retained. The terminal retaining portion is made up of a bottom wall and a pair of insulating walls extending from the bottom wall in the first direction of the heater assembly to define an insulating retainer groove within which the connector terminal is retained inside the insulating walls. One of the first and second clampers works to hold the terminal retaining portion in abutment with the insulating walls. The insulating walls are placed between the connector terminal and the one of the first and second clampers to insulate the connector terminal electrically from the one of the first and second clampers.
- The heating element retaining portion may be made up of a bottom wall and a pair of walls extending from the bottom wall in the first direction to define an insulating retainer within which one of the fin radiator and the electrode plate is retained.
- The heater assembly may include an insulating heater element retainer on which the heating element is retained. The insulating heater element retainer has a groove formed in a surface thereof oriented to the first direction within which the electrode plate is retained and a cut formed in an end thereof in which the clamping member is fitted. The electrode plate has a connector terminal projecting from the insulating heater element retainer on a side of the first major surface of the heater assembly. The insulating heater element retainer works to insulate electrically between the electrode plate and the clamping member.
- The present invention will be better understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments but are for the purpose of explanation and understanding only.
- In the drawings:
-
Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view which shows an electric heater according to the first embodiment of the invention; -
Fig. 2 is a front view of the electric heater, as illustrated inFig. 1 ; -
Fig. 3 is a perspective view which shows a heater assembly of the electric heater ofFig. 1 ; -
Fig. 4 is a perspective view which shows a spring clamper which clamps the heater assembly ofFig. 3 ; -
Fig. 5(a) is an illustration which shows a left side spring clamper expanded for installation in retainer frames; -
Fig. 5(b) is an illustration which shows a step of inserting the spring clamper ofFig. 5(a) ; -
Fig. 5(c) is an illustration which shows the spring clamper ofFigs. 5(a) and 5(b) after fitted in retainer frames; -
Fig. 6(a) is an illustration which shows a right side spring clamper expanded for installation in retainer frames; -
Fig. 6(b) is an illustration which shows a step of inserting the spring clamper ofFig. 6(a) ; -
Fig. 6(c) is an illustration which shows the spring clamper ofFigs. 6(a) and 6(b) after fitted in retainer frames; -
Fig. 7 is a perspective view which shows a retainer plate on which heating elements are retained; -
Fig. 8 is a partial view which shows an end portion of the retainer plate ofFig. 7 ; -
Fig. 9 is a sectional view, as taken along the lines A-A inFig. 8 ; -
Fig. 10 is a front view of the electric heater according to the second embodiment of the invention; -
Fig. 11 is partially sectional view which shows a spring clamper fitted within a retainer frame in the second embodiment; -
Fig. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view which shows a retainer frame and a heater assembly in the second embodiment; -
Fig. 13 is a partially perspective view which shows how to fit a spring clamper into a retainer frame; -
Fig. 14 is a front view which shows a modification of a spring clamper fitted in retainer frames; -
Fig. 15(a) is a front view which shows an electric heater on which spring clampers are installed according to the third embodiment of the invention; -
Fig. 15(b) is a side view ofFig. 15(a) ; -
Fig. 16(a) is a front view which shows an electric heater on which spring clampers are installed according to the fourth embodiment of the invention; -
Fig. 16(b) is a side view ofFig. 16(a) ; -
Fig. 17(a) is a partially vertical sectional view which shows a first modification of an internal structure of a first retainer frame; -
Fig. 17(b) is a partially plan view which shows an inside wall of the first retainer frame ofFig. 17(a) ; -
Fig. 18(a) is a partially vertical sectional view which shows a second modification of an internal structure of a first retainer frame; -
Fig. 18(b) is a partially plan view which shows an inside wall of the first retainer frame ofFig. 18(a) ; -
Fig. 19(a) is a partially vertical sectional view which shows a third modification of an internal structure of a first retainer frame; -
Fig. 19(b) is a partially plan view which shows an inside wall of the first retainer frame ofFig. 19(a) ; -
Fig. 20 is a partially vertical sectional view which shows a first modification of a clamping arm of a spring clamper; -
Fig. 21 is a partially vertical sectional view which shows a second modification of a clamping arm of a spring clamper; -
Fig. 22(a) is an illustration which shows a right side spring clamper expanded for installation in retainer frames; -
Fig. 22(b) is an illustration which shows a step of inserting the spring clamper ofFig. 22(a) ; -
Fig. 22(c) is an illustration which shows the spring clamper ofFigs. 22(a) and 22(b) after fitted in retainer frames; -
Fig. 23 is a partially plan view which show a retainer frame on which heating elements are retained; -
Fig. 24 is a partially perspective view which shows a retainer frame; -
Fig. 25 is a partially perspective view which shows connector terminals projecting from a heater assembly; -
Fig. 26 is a partially perspective view which shows a right side spring clamper fitted on a right side end of the heater assembly ofFig. 25 ; -
Fig. 27 is a partially perspective view which shows an assembly of a heater assembly and retainer frames in which a spring clamper is fitted according to the fifth embodiment of the invention; -
Fig. 28 is a partially perspective view which shows an assembly of a heater assembly and retainer frames according to the fifth embodiment of the invention; -
Fig. 29 is a front view which shows an electric heater according to the fifth embodiment of the invention; -
Fig. 30 is a side view which shows a heater assembly on which frame retainers are installed according to the fifth embodiment of the invention; -
Fig. 31 is a partially plan view which shows a retainer plate on which a connector terminal of an electrode plate is retained according to the fifth embodiment of the invention; -
Fig. 32 is a partially plan view which shows a modification of a spring clamper which may be used in the structure ofFig. 31 ; -
Fig. 33 is a partially plan view which shows an electrode plate fitted on a retainer plate and the spring clamper, as illustrated inFig. 32 ; -
Fig. 34 is a partially perspective view of the electrode plate, as illustrated inFig. 33 ; -
Fig. 35 is a perspective view which shows a modified form of a retainer plate; -
Fig. 36 is a partially plan view ofFig. 35 ; -
Fig. 37 is a sectional view, as taken along the line A-A ofFig. 36 : -
Fig. 38 is a sectional view, as taken along the line B-B ofFig. 36 ; -
Fig. 39 is side view of a heater assembly in which the retainer plates, as illustrated infig. 35 , are installed; -
Fig. 40 is a partially perspective view which shows a heater assembly in which the retainer plates, as illustrated inFig. 35 , are installed and from which connector terminals project; -
Fig. 41 is a partially plan view which shows an electrode plate fitted on the retainer plate, as illustrated inFig. 35 ; -
Fig. 42 is a sectional view, as taken along the line C-C inFig. 41 ; -
Fig. 43 is a partially perspective view which shows a modified form of the retainer plate, as illustrated inFig. 35 ; and -
Fig. 44 is a front view which shows a conventional electric heater. - Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like parts in several views, particularly to
Figs. 1 to 3 , there is shown anelectric heater 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention which includes aheater assembly 3 made of a lamination ofradiator fin assemblies 32,electric heating elements 330,electrode plates 31 for supplying electric power to theheating elements 330, a first insulatingplate 391, and a second insulatingplate 392. Theheater assembly 3 has, as clearly shown inFig. 3 , upper and lower end surfaces 301 and 302 opposed to each other in a vertical direction of theheater assembly 3, side surfaces 303 and 304, and front andrear surfaces radiator fin assemblies 32 in a direction from thefront surface 305 to the rear surface 306 (i.e., a thickness-wise direction of the heater assembly 3). - The
heater assembly 3 is retained firmly by first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 placed substantially in abutment of entire side surfaces thereof with those of the first and second insulatingplates - The
electric heater 2 also includes a pair ofmetallic spring clampers 1 which clasp the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 together to produce inward spring pressures which work to retain or clasp theradiator fin assemblies 32, theheating elements 330, theelectrode plates 31, and the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 together. - The
spring clampers 1 also serve as side frames extending along the side walls of theheater assembly 3. Each of thespring clampers 1 is, as clearly shown inFigs. 4 , and5(a) to 6(c) , formed by a C-shaped frame made up of first and second clampingarms support strip 10 connecting with the first and second clampingarms heater assembly 3. The first and second clampingarms clampers 1 are, as clearly shown inFigs. 5(c) and6(c) , fitted within channels of the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22, respectively. - The first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 are, as described above, made of C-channel strips and has the
end openings arms spring clampers 1 within the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 is achieved by inserting the tip ends of the clampingarms end openings 213 and 223 (or 214 and 224) of the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22, respectively. - The first and second clamping
arms Figs. 4 to 6(c) , consist of slightly curledbase portions end portions base portions bends base portions end portions bends end portions arms - The fitting of the
spring clampers 1 in the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 is accomplished by inserting the clampingarms bends heater assembly 3 vertically, as viewed inFig. 1 . - Each of the
metallic spring clampers 1 is, as described above, made of a C-shaped frame consisting of the first and second clampingarms support strip 10. Thesupport strip 10 is, as clearly shown inFig. 4 , made of a rectangular ring. Theclampers 1 are made of a spring steel such as SK5 or a tool steel. - The
base portions clampers 1 are curved inwardly and coupled with theend portions bends end portions - In operation, the
heating elements 330 are electrically activated to produce heat energy which is, in turn, transmitted to theradiator fin assemblies 32. The medium (e.g., air) flows from thefront surface 305 to therear surface 306 of theheater assembly 3. When passing through theradiator fin assemblies 32, the medium is exposed to the heat from theradiator fin assemblies 32 and elevated in temperature thereof. - The
heater assembly 3 is, as can be seen fromFigs. 1 ,2 , and3 , made up of the first insulatingplate 391, theelectrode plate 31, theradiator fin assembly 32, aretainer plate 33 in which theheating elements 330 are retained, theelectrode plate 31, theradiator fin assembly 32 ··· theradiator fin assembly 32, and the second insulatingplate 392 which are laid to overlap each other in that order. Specifically, theheater assembly 3 includes the fiveelectrode plates 31, the fiveradiator fin assemblies 32, and the fourretainer plates 33 each having the fourheating elements 330 held therein. - The
metallic spring clampers 1 are snapped on the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 and the side surfaces 303 and 304. Side frames 23 and 24 are fitted into theheater assembly 3 from outside themetallic spring clampers 1 - Each of the
radiator fin assemblies 32 is made up of two L-shapedframes corrugated fin 320. Thecorrugated fin 320 is fitted within a chamber surrounded by the L-shapedframes frames corrugated fin 320 are made of an aluminum- or copper-based material. - Each of the
heating elements 330 is implemented by a positive temperature coefficient sensitivity (PTC) plate made of a barium titanate semiconductor porcelain. - Each of the
retainer plates 33 within which theheating elements 330 are retained is, as clearly shown inFigs. 1 ,7, 8, and 9 , made up of an H-shapedstrip body 331, anend extension 333 extending from one end of thestrip body 331, and aterminal extension 334 extending from the other end of thestrip body 331. Theterminal extension 334 works to retain aconnector terminal 311 of one of theelectrode plates 31, as will be described later in detail. Theextensions strip body 331. Thestrip body 331 has formed therein fouropenings 332 within which theheating elements 330 are fitted. - Each of the
retainer plates 33 is, as can be seen fromFig. 9 , of an H-shape in cross section to form grooves on opposed major surfaces thereof which extend along the length of theretainer plate 33. Specifically, theretainer plate 33 hasside flanges 331 which hold theradiator fin assembly 32 and theelectrode plate 31 firmly. - Each of the
electrode plates 31 is made of a metallic strip and has the terminal 311 which couples or mates to one of females orreceptacle terminals 261, as will be described later. Theelectrode plate 31 is made of brass or copper-based material. - The first insulating
plate 391, as shown inFig. 1 , works to insulate between theelectrode plate 31 of an uppermost one of theradiator fin assemblies 32 and thefirst retainer frame 21 electrically. The second insulatingplate 392 works to insulate between theelectrode plate 31 of a lowermost one of theradiator fin assemblies 32 and thesecond retainer frame 22 electrically. The first insulatingplate 391 is made of a C-channel strip serving to retain theelectrode plate 31. Similarly, the second insulatingplate 392 is made of a C-channel strip serving to retain theradiator fin assembly 32. The first and second insulatingplates plates retainer plates 33 and also be omitted in terms of the number of theradiator fin assemblies 32 and electrical properties of the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22. - Each of the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 is, as clearly shown in
Fig. 1 , made of a C-channel strip which is substantially rectangular in cross section. The first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 haveend openings heater assembly 3. The first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 has formed in side walls thereofrectangular holes barbed claws Fig. 1 omits theholes rear surface 306 of theheater assembly 3 for the brevity of illustration. - The side frames 23 and 24, as described above, cover the
metallic spring clampers 1 and engage theheater assembly 3 firmly. Theleft side frame 23 is made of a C-channel strip and has thebarbed claws 235 which extend over themetallic spring clamp 1 to snap into theholes 217 of thefirst retainer frame 21 and theholes 227 of thesecond retainer frame 22. Theright side frame 24 hasflanges 241 formed on ends thereof and thebarded claws 245 which extend over themetallic spring clamp 1 to snap into theholes 218 of thefirst retainer frame 21 and theholes 228 of thesecond retainer frame 22. Theside frame 24 also hasslots 249 through which theterminals 311 of theelectrode plates 31 pass. Theside frame 24 also has formed in a side wall thereofterminal slots 240 through which thereceptacle terminals 261 pass and couple with theterminals 311 of theelectrode plates 31. - The
side frame 24 also has aprotective casing 25 joined to a major body of theside frame 24 to cover thereceptacle terminals 261. - The
receptacle terminals 261 haveleads 262 coupling withsockets - The assembling of the
electric heater 2 will be described below. - First, the
heating elements 330 are, as illustrated inFig. 1 , installed in theretainer plates 33. Next, the first insulatingplate 391, theelectric plate 31, theradiator fin assembly 32, theretainer plate 33, theelectrode plate 31, theradiator fin assembly 32 ··· theradiator fin assembly 32, and the second insulatingplate 392 are laid to overlap each other in this order to make theheater assembly 3. - In the above process, the
radiator fin assemblies 32 and theelectrode plates 31 are retained or fitted in the grooves (i.e., channels) of theretainer plates 33 and the first and second insulatingplates - The first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 are placed on the upper and lower surfaces of the
heater assembly 3. - Subsequently, the
metallic spring clampers 1 are expanded outward, as illustrated inFigs. 5(a), 5(b) ,6(a), and 6(b) until the distance L0 between thebends arms inside walls - The clamping
arms spring clampers 1 are, as shown inFigs. 5(b) and6(b) , inserted into theend openings spring clampers 1 are subjected to no load, the distance L0 between thebends inside walls spring clampers 1 have snapped into the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 to bring thebends inside walls inside walls heater assembly 3 firmly. - Finally, the side frames 23 and 24 are fitted into the side surfaces 303 and 304 of the
heater assembly 3 from outside thespring clampers 1. The fitting of theside frame 24 is so achieved that theterminals 311 of theelectrode plates 31 pass through theslots 249 to make joints with thereceptacle terminals 261 disposed inside theprotective casing 25. - As described above, the
heating elements 330 are activated by the electric power supplied through theelectrode plates 31. The thermal energy produced by theheating elements 330 is transmitted to theradiator fin assemblies 32 through theelectrode plates 31 and to the medium (e.g., air) to be heated. Thus, the greater areas of contacts between theheating element 330 and theelectrode plate 31 and between theradiator fin assembly 32 and theelectrode plate 31, the more effectively the thermal energy will be conducted to the medium. - The firm installation of the
heater assembly 3 between the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 is accomplished with the inwardly oriented compression elastic pressures which are produced by thespring clampers 1, thereby establishing close adhesion between theheating element 330 and theheating plate 31 and between theradiator fin assembly 32 and theelectrode plate 31, which facilitates the conduction of the thermal energy from theheating elements 330 to theradiator fin assemblies 32 to enhance the heating efficiency of theelectric heater 1. - The use of the
spring clampers 1 results in decreased parts of theelectric heater 2 as compared with the conventional structures of the electric heater and also facilitates ease of assembling of theelectric heater 2. Thespring clampers 1 are made of a metallic material and thus less susceptible to creeping, thereby minimizing a reduction in rigidity thereof to improve the service life of theelectric heater 2. -
Figs. 10 to 13 show theelectric heater 2 according to the second embodiment of the invention which has ametallic spring clamper 4 different in structure from that of thespring clampers 1 of the first embodiment. - The
spring clamper 4 is, as clearly shown inFig. 10 , made of a closed-loop strip encompassing the upper and lower end surfaces 301 and 302 and the side surfaces 303 and 304 of theheater assembly 3. Theheater assembly 3 is identical in structure with the one in the first embodiment, andFig. 10 omits an internal structure thereof for the brevity of illustration. - The
electric heater 2 also includes afirst retainer frame 41 and asecond retainer frame 42 installed on the upper and lower end surfaces 301 and 302 of theheater assembly 3. Thefirst retainer frame 41 is, as clearly shown inFigs. 11, 12, and 13 , made of a C-channel strip which has an opening oriented frontward (i.e., to the side of thefront surface 305 of the heater assembly 3). Thefirst retainer frame 41 has an inner chamber (i.e., the C-channel) which is defined by aninner bottom surface 411, an innerupper surface 412, and aninner side surface 413 and in which the part of thespring clamper 4 is secured. Thesecond retainer frame 42 is identical in structure with thefirst retainer frame 41, and explanation and illustration thereof will be omitted here. - The
spring clamper 4 is, as can be seen fromFig. 13 , fitted or snapped into the first and second retainer frames 41 and 42 from the side of thefront surface 305 into abutment of an innerperipheral surface 401 with the side surfaces 303 and 304 of theheater assembly 3 and the bottom surfaces 411 of the first and second retainer frames 41 and 42, thereby exerting an inward spring pressure or compression pressure on theheater assembly 3. - The
heater assembly 3 is, like the first embodiment, made up of, as shown inFig. 12 , theradiator fin assemblies 32, theelectric heating elements 330, theretainer plates 33, theelectrode plates 31, and the first and second insulatingplates - The
spring clamper 4 is, as shown inFigs. 10 and11 , fitted within thefirst retainer frame 41 in partial abutment with theinner bottom surface 411. Specifically, as can be seen fromFig. 10 , thespring clamper 4 is placed in contact with two points on theinner bottom surface 411 of thefirst retainer frame 41 and simultaneously two points on the upperinner surface 412 of thesecond retainer frame 42. -
Fig. 14 shows a modification of thespring clamper 41 which is placed in contact with two points on the upperinner surface 412 and a single point on theinner bottom surface 411 of thefirst retainer frame 41 and simultaneously in contact with two points on theinner bottom surface 411 and a single point on the innerupper surface 412 of thesecond retainer frame 42. -
Figs. 15(a) and 15(b) show theelectric heater 2 according to the third embodiment of the invention which has twospring clampers 5. Each of thespring clampers 5 is, as clearly illustrated inFig. 15(b) , of a C-shape and made up of a pair ofspring arms support strip 50 connecting with thespring arms - The
support strip 50 of each of thespring clampers 5 is placed in abutment with thefront surface 305 of theheater assembly 3. Simultaneously, thespring arms electric heater 2 are identical with those in the first embodiment, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. -
Figs. 16(a) and 16(b) show theelectric heater 2 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention which has twospring clampers 6. Each of thespring clampers 6 is, as clearly illustrated inFig. 16(b) , made of a closed-loop strip and fitted elastically in abutment with the front andrear surfaces heater assembly 3 and the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 to clamp the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 and theheater assembly 3 together. The fitting of thespring clampers 6 on theheater assembly 3 through the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 is achieved by snapping thespring clampers 6 on the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 from a lateral direction of theheater assembly 3. Other arrangements of theelectric heater 2 are identical with those in the first embodiment, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. -
Figs. 17(a) and 17(b) show a modification of an internal structure of thefirst retainer frame 21 of theelectric heater 2 in the first embodiment which establish firm engagement with the clampingarm 11 of thespring clamper 1. - The
first retainer frame 21 has twoprotrusions 211 formed on theinside wall 219 by a press or a hammer (only a right side one is shown for the brevity of illustration). The joint of thespring clamper 1 to thefirst retainer frame 21 is, as clearly shown inFig. 17(a) , accomplished by snapping the clampingarm 11 on theprotrusion 211 to establish firm engagement of the V-shapedbend 112 with theprotrusion 211. -
Fig. 17(b) is a plan view which illustrates theprotrusion 211, as indicated by half-tone dot meshing, formed on theinside wall 219 of thefirst retainer frame 21. Thesecond retainer frame 22 has the same internal structure as that of thefirst retainer frame 21. Specifically, the joint of thesecond arm 12 of thespring clamper 1 to thesecond retainer frame 22 is achieved in the same manner as described above, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. -
Figs. 18(a) and 18(b) show a second modification of the internal structure of thefirst retainer frame 21 which establish the firm engagement with the clampingarm 11 of thespring clamper 1. - The
first retainer frame 21 has two cut-outtabs 212 formed on the inside wall 219 (only a right side one is shown for the brevity of illustration). The joint of thespring clamper 1 to thefirst retainer frame 21 is, as clearly shown inFig. 18(a) , accomplished by snapping the clampingarm 11 on thetab 212 to establish firm engagement of the V-shapedbend 112 with thetab 212. -
Figs. 19(a) and 19(b) show a third modification of the internal structure of thefirst retainer frame 21 which establish the firm engagement with the clampingarm 11 of thespring clamper 1. - The
first retainer frame 21 has twoslits 216 formed in the inside wall 219 (only a right side one is shown for the brevity of illustration). Theslit 216, as clearly shown inFig. 19(b) , extend perpendicular to the length of thefirst retainer frame 21. The joint of thespring clamper 1 to thefirst retainer frame 21 is, as clearly shown inFig. 19(a) , accomplished by snapping the clampingarm 11 in theslit 216 to establish a firm lock of the V-shapedbend 112 in thetab 212. -
Fig. 20 shows a first modification of the spring clampers 1 (only a right side one is shown for the brevity of illustration). - The clamping
arm 11 of thespring clamper 1 has aprotrusion 118 formed on thebase portion 111 by a press or a hammer. Theprotrusion 118 projects inwardly of thespring clamper 1 and works to provide additional abutment of the clampingarm 11 with theinside wall 219 of thefirst retainer frame 21, thereby enhancing the firm engagement of thespring clamper 1 with thefirst retainer frame 21. The clampingarm 12 of thespring clamper 1 has the same structure, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. -
Fig. 21 shows a second modification of the spring clampers 1 (only a right side one is shown for the brevity of illustration). - The clamping
arm 11 of thespring clamper 1 has a cut-outtab 119 formed on thebase portion 111. Thetab 119 projects inwardly of thespring clamper 1 and works to provide additional abutment of the clampingarm 11 with the inside wall 291 of thefirst retainer frame 21, thereby enhancing the firm engagement of thespring clamper 1 with thefirst retainer frame 21. The clampingarm 12 of thespring clamper 1 has the same structure, and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. - Referring back to
Figs. 1 and4 , each of thespring clampers 1 has aslit 100 extending in a lengthwise direction thereof through which theterminals 311 of theelectrode plates 31 pass when thespring clamper 1 is fitted in the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22. - Each of the
retainer plates 33 within which theheating elements 330 are retained, as described already inFig. 7 , has theend extension 333 extending from one end of thestrip body 331, and theterminal extension 334 extending from the other end of thestrip body 331. When thespring clampers 1 are installed in the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22, theend extension 333 and theterminal extension 334 are fitted in theslits 100 of thespring clampers 1. - The
terminal extension 334 works to retain theconnector terminal 311 of one of theelectrode plates 31. Theextensions retainer plate 33 and smaller in width than thestrip body 331. - Each of the
retainer plates 33, as clearly shown inFig. 23 , hasshoulders strip body 331 and theend extension 3330 and between thestrip body 331 and theterminal extension 3340. Theextension 333 also hasside surfaces 3330 facing frontward and rearward of theheater assembly 3. Similarly, theextension 334 hasside surfaces 3340 facing frontward and rearward of theheater assembly 3. -
Fig. 24 shows the structure of the first insulatingplate 391 which, as already described, insulates between theelectrode plate 31 of an uppermost one of theradiator fin assemblies 32 and thefirst retainer frame 21 electrically. The first insulatingplate 391, as shown inFig. 24 , includes a C-shapedstrip body 341 in which one of theelectrode plates 31 is retained, aterminal extension 344, and anend extension 363 opposed to theterminal extension 344. Theextensions strip body 341 and identical in shape and size with each other. - The first insulating
plate 391 hasshoulders side surfaces retainer plates 33, frontward and rearward of theheater assembly 3. The second insulatingplate 392, as shown inFig. 25 , has aterminal extension 375 and shoulders 371. Theterminal extension 375 hasside surfaces 3370 facing frontward and rearward of theheater assembly 3. The second insulatingplate 392 has, like the first insulatingplate 391, an end extension which is omitted inFig. 25 for the brevity of illustration. Specifically, the second insulatingplate 392 has substantially the same structure as that of the first insulatingplate 391. - The
heater assembly 3 has, as shown inFig. 25 , theextensions plates extensions 334 of theretainer plates 33, and theterminals 311 of theelectrode plates 31 project from theside surface 304. Theterminals 311 of theelectrode plates 31 are retained firmly and oriented outward by theextension 344 of the first insulatingplate 391 and theextensions 334 of theretainer plates 33. Theheater assembly 3 has similar arrangements on theleft side surface 303. - The fitting of each of the
spring clampers 1 is, as already described, by expanding thespring clamper 1 outward, as clearly shown inFig. 22(a) , inserting it, as shown inFig. 22(b) , into theend openings extensions plates extensions 334 of theretainer plates 33, and theterminals 311 of theelectrode plates 31 projecting from theside surface 304 may pass through theslit 100 of thespring clamper 1, and snapping, as shown inFig. 22(c) , the clampingarms inside walls arms end openings -
Fig. 26 illustrates theside surface 304 of theheater assembly 3 where thespring clamper 1 is installed in the first and second retainer frames 21 and 22. Thespring clamper 1 is placed in abutment of aninside surface 102 thereof (seeFig. 4 ) with theshoulders plates shoulders 3341 of theretainer plates 33 and also in abutment of an innerperipheral surface 101 thereof with the side surfaces 3340 and 3370 of the first and second insulatingplates retainer plates 33. Specifically, theslit 100 of thespring clamper 1 serves as alock holder 6, as illustrated inFig. 26 , which locks movement of the first and second insulatingplates retainer plates 33 in the thickness-wise direction of theheater assembly 3, thereby keeping the first and second insulatingplates retainer plates 33 arrayed flush with the front andrear surfaces heater assembly 3. - As apparent from the above discussion, the
spring clampers 1 work to clamp the first and second insulatingplates radiator fin assemblies 32, and theretainer plates 33 vertically, serve as side frames of theheater assembly 3 to retain the first and second insulatingplates radiator fin assemblies 32, and theretainer plates 33 laterally and also to hold them from moving in the thickness-wise direction of theheater assembly 3. -
Figs. 27 to 31 show theelectric heater 2 according to the fifth embodiment of the invention. - Each of the
retainer plates 33 in which theheating elements 330 are retained hasdetent cuts 34 formed in the ends thereof. The detent cuts 34 formed in each end of theretainer plates 33 are, as clearly shown inFig. 28 , aligned vertically. The spring clampers 150 which are different in structure from thespring clampers 1 only in that theslit 100 is not formed are, as clearly shown inFigs. 27 and29 , fitted in the detent cuts 34 firmly. - Specifically, the detent cuts 34 and the
spring clampers 150 work as thelock holder 6 to lock the movement of theretainer plates 33 and thecorrugated fins 320 in the thickness-wise direction of theheater assembly 3. - The spring clampers 150, as described above, do not have the
slit 100 and thus are allowed to be decreased in width thereof as compared with thespring clampers 1. The decrease in width of thespring clampers 150 permits theheater assembly 3 to be decreased in width. - The
heater assembly 3 of this embodiment is, as can be seen fromFigs. 27 and30 , made up of theradiator fin assemblies 32, theelectrode plates 31, and theretainer plates 33 which are laid to overlap each other. Specifically, theheater assembly 3 is made of fiveheater units 30 each consisting of theradiator fin assembly 32, theelectrode plate 31, and theretainer frame 33. The fiveheater units 30 are grasped by thespring clampers 150 with the support strips 10 fitted in the detent cuts 34 and the clampingarms heater units 30 vertically. - Each of the
retainer plates 33, as shown inFigs. 27 and31 , has aninside end wall 3411 and insideside walls 342 which define each of the detent cuts 34 and with which thespring clamper 150 is placed in abutment, thereby holding, as described above, theretainer plates 33 and theradiator fin assemblies 32 from moving undesirably in the thickness-wise and lateral directions of theheater assembly 3. - Each of the
retainer plates 33, as clearly shown inFigs. 30 and31 , has upper andlower retainer grooves 35 each defined by aflat strip 350 andupright side walls 351 extending from theflat strip 350 vertically. The upper andlower grooves 35 extend in a lengthwise direction of theretainer plates 33. Theupper retainer groove 35 works to retain theelectrode plates 31 and a lower part of theradiator fin assembly 32 firmly. Thelower retainer groove 35 works to retain an upper portion of theradiator fin assembly 32 firmly. - A front one of the
upright side walls 351, as clearly shown inFigs. 27 and31 , has a cut 352 from which theterminal 311 of theelectrode plate 31 extends frontward of theheater assembly 3. The terminal 311 extends from the end of thestrip body 312 of each of theelectrode plates 31 in the frontward direction of theheater assembly 3. The terminal 311 is formed integrally with thestrip body 312 to be flush therewith. - All the
terminals 311 project frontward of theheater assembly 3, thus permitting electrical joints to be achieved easily with female terminals such as thereceptacle terminal 261 illustrated inFig. 1 , especially in a case where lateral space is unavailable and also allowing the lateral size of theelectric heater 2 to be decreased. -
Figs. 32 ,33, and 34 show a modification of theterminals 311 of theelectrode plates 31. - The
terminal 311 of each of theelectrode plates 31 stands upright from thestrip body 312 and projects frontward of theheater assembly 3. This structure permits the length of theelectrode plates 31 to be decreased, thus allowing the lateral size of theelectric heater 2 to be reduced. - The spring clampers 150 may alternatively be, as can be seen in
Figs. 32 and33 , made of a round bar. -
Fig. 35 showsretainer plates 5 which are a modification of theretainer plates 33 used in the above embodiments. - Each of the
retainer plates 5 is made of an insulating material such as nylon and includes a heatingelement retaining strip 51, aterminal retaining extension 52, and anend extension 53. Theterminal retaining extension 52 includes abottom wall 520 and upright insulatingside walls 521. Theside walls 521 extend from side edges of thebottom wall 520 vertically of theheater assembly 3 to define, as shown inFig. 38 , aterminal retaining groove 526 within which theconnector terminal 311 of each of theelectrode plates 31 is retained firmly inside theside walls 521. A vertical array of theterminal retaining extensions 52 is, like the first embodiment, held in theslit 100 of thespring clamper 1 in abutment of theside walls 521 with the innerperipheral surface 101. Theside walls 521 also work to insulate theconnector terminal 311 electrically from thespring clamper 1. - Each of the
retainer plates 5 is of an H-shape in cross section as a whole. Theterminal retaining extension 52 and theend extension 53 are identical in shape with each other for facilitating assembling of theheater assembly 3. Specifically, theretainer plates 5 is shaped to be symmetrical with respect to a vertical center line of theheater assembly 3. - The heater
element retaining strip 51 of each of theretainer plates 5 includes, as clearly shown inFigs. 35 to 37 , abottom wall 510 andupright side walls 511 extending from side edges of thebottom wall 510 to define a retaininggroove 515 opening upward of theheater assembly 3. Within the retaininggroove 515, theradiator fin assembly 32 is retained. Thebottom wall 510 has formed therein fouropenings 519 within which theheating elements 330 are fitted. - The heating
element retaining strip 51 is of an H-shape in cross section and defines, as clearly shown inFig. 37 , a retaininggroove 516 together with theupright side walls 511. The retaininggroove 516 opens downward of theheater assembly 3 and retains therein thestrip body 312 of theelectrode plate 31. - The
terminal retaining extension 52, as described above, includes, as clearly shown inFigs. 35, 36 ,38 ,41, and 42 , thebottom wall 520 and the upright insulatingside walls 521. Theside walls 521 extend from the side edges of thebottom wall 520 vertically of theheater assembly 3 to define agroove 525 opening upward. - The
upright side walls connector terminal 311 of theelectrode plate 31, thus ensuring, as can be seen fromFig. 42 , the stability in retaining theelectrode plate 31. - The assembling of the
electric heater 2 of this embodiment will be described below. - First, the
heating elements 330 are installed in theretainer plates 5. Next, as illustrated inFigs. 39 and40 , the first insulatingplate 391, theelectric plate 31, theradiator fin assembly 32, theretainer plate 5, theelectrode plate 31, theradiator fin assembly 32 ··· theradiator fin assembly 32, and the second insulatingplate 392 are laid to overlap each other in this order to make theheater assembly 3. - The first and second retainer frames 21 and 22 are placed on the upper and lower surfaces of the
heater assembly 3. - Subsequently, the
metallic spring clampers 1 which are identical in structure with the ones in the first embodiment are expanded outward and fitted into theend openings heater assembly 3 in the same manner as described above. - Finally, the side frames 23 and 24 are fitted into the side surfaces 303 and 304 of the
heater assembly 3 from outside thespring clampers 1. - Upon completion of the assembling of the
heater assembly 3, theterminal extensions plates terminal extensions 52 of the retainingplates 5, as clearly shown inFig. 40 , project from theside surface 304 of theheater assembly 3. - The
spring clamper 1 is placed in abutment of the innerperipheral surface 101 thereof, as illustrated inFig. 4 , with theupright side walls terminal extensions plates upright side walls 521 of theretainer plates 5, as illustrated inFigs. 41 and 42 . Specifically, theslit 100 of thespring clamper 1 serves to lock the movement of the first and second insulatingplates retainer plates 5 in the thickness-wise direction of theheater assembly 3, thereby keeping the first and second insulatingplates retainer plates 5 arrayed flush with the front andrear surfaces heater assembly 3. - The
side walls peripheral surface 101 of thespring clamper 1 and theconnector terminal 311 of each of theelectrode plates 31 to insulate theconnector terminal 311 electrically from thespring clamper 1. - Although not illustrated in
Fig. 40 , the anotherspring clamper 1 is fitted on the side surface303 of theheater assembly 3 and works to keep the first and second insulatingplates retainer plates 5 arrayed flush with the front andrear surfaces heater assembly 3 in the same manner as described above. -
Fig. 43 shows theelectric heater 2 according to the sixth embodiment in which theretainer plates 5 are employed in the structure, as illustrated inFig. 27 , instead of theretainer plates 33. - Each of the
retainer plates 5 has an insulatingwall 56 formed between theupper retainer groove 35 and thecut 34. The insulatingwall 56 has a thickness enough to insulate theelectrode plate 31 electrically from thespring clamper 150. Other arrangements of theelectric heater 2 are identical with those inFig. 27 , and explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. - The
retainer plates 5 of this embodiment may alternatively designed like the ones ofFig. 28 . Theround spring clamper 1, like the one ofFig. 32 , may also be used in this embodiment. - While the present invention has been disclosed in terms of the preferred embodiments in order to facilitate better understanding thereof, it should be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention, i.e. the invention should be understood to include all possible embodiments and modifications to the shown embodiments which can be embodied without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
- A highly manufacturable and high performance structure of an electric heater is provided which includes a heater assembly, retainer frames, and spring clampers. The retainer frames are placed on an upper and a lower end surfaces of the heater assembly. The spring clampers are fitted in the retainer frames to produce compression pressures which clamp the heater assembly firmly to complete the structure of the electric heater. The use of the spring clamper facilitate ease of assembling of the electric heater without sacrificing the performance of the electric heater.
Claims (17)
- An electric heater (2) comprising:a heater assembly (3) made up of a fin radiator (32), an electric heating element (330), and an electrode plate (31) for supplying electric power to the heating element (330) which are laid to overlap each other in a first direction, said heater assembly (3) having first ends (301, 302) opposed to each other in the first direction and second ends opposed to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, said heater assembly (3) also having a first and a second major surface which are opposed to each other in a thickness-wise direction thereof and through which a medium to be heated passes the fin radiators (32);first and second retainer frames (21 and 22); andmetallic clamping members (1) jointed to said first and second retainer frames (21 and 22), respectively, to produce a compression pressure acting on said first and second retainer frames (21 and 22) to clamp the fin radiator (32), the heating element (330), and the electrode plate (31) together in the first direction, each of said metallic clamping members (1) having a length made up of a support strip (10), a first clamping arm (11), and a second clamping arm (12) extending from ends of the support strip (10), each of the support strips (10) being placed on said heater assembly (3) so that the first and second clamping arms (11 and 12) clamp said first and second retainer frames (21 and 22) to produce the compression pressure,characterized in thatsaid first and second retainer frames (21 and 22) are placed on the first ends (301, 302) of said heater assembly (3), respectively, and are clamped together in the first direction,each of said first and second retainer frames (21 and 22) is made of a hollow strip member (21; 22) which has openings (213, 214; 223, 224) oriented to the second ends of said heater assembly (3),the first and second clamping arms (11 and 12) being fitted into the openings (213, 214; 223, 224) of said first and second retainer frames (21 and 22) and which are placed on the second ends of said heater assembly (3) to serve as side frames, the first and second clamping arms (11 and 12) and/or said first and second retainer frames (21 and 22) have engagement portions which establish firm engagement between the first clamping arm (11) and said first retainer frame (21) and between the second clamping arm (12) and said second retainer frame (22),the support strips (10) are placed on the second ends of said heater assembly (3) to serve as side frames, and wherein said metallic clamping members (1) engage said heater assembly (3) to define detent mechanisms (34) which work to lock movement of said heater assembly (3) in the thickness-wise direction thereof.
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in claim 1, each of said metallic clamping members (1) is made up of a C-shaped frame which consists of the support strip (10) and the first and second clamping arms (11 and 12), the first clamping arms (11) being fitted in said first retainer frame (21), the second clamping arms (12) being fitted in said second retainer frame (22).
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in claim 2, wherein each of said first and second retainer frames (21 and 22) is made of the hollow strip member (21; 22) having open ends oriented to the second ends of said heater assembly (3), and wherein the first and second clamping arms (11 and 12) are fitted at ends thereof into the open ends of said first and second retainer frames (21 and 22).
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in claim 2 or 3, wherein each of the first and second clamping arms (11 and 12) is made up of a base portion continuing from the support strip (10), an end portion extending from the base portion, and a V-shaped bend which has ends connecting with the base portion and the end portion, respectively, in a lengthwise direction of the first ends (301, 302) of said heater assembly (3), the V-shaped bend having a bottom edge oriented inward of said heater assembly (3), and wherein the first and second clamping arms (11 and 12) are fitted in said first and second retainer frames (21 and 22) in abutment of the bottom edges with said first and second retainer frames (21 and 22) to produce the compression pressure.
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in claim 1, each of said metallic clamping members (1) is made up of a C-shaped frame which consists of the support strip (10) and the first and second clamping arms (11 and 12), the support strips (10) being placed on the first major surface of said heater assembly (3), the first clamping arms being fitted in said first retainer frame (21), the second clamping arms (12) being fitted in said second retainer frame (22).
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said metallic clamping member is made of one of a tool steel and a spring steel.
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second clamping arms (11 and 12) is made up of a base portion, an end portion extending from the base portion, and a V-shaped bend which has ends connecting with the base portion and the end portion, respectively, in a lengthwise direction of the first ends (301, 302) of said heater assembly (3), the V-shaped bend having a bottom edge oriented inward of said heater assembly (3), and wherein the V-shaped bends of the first and second clamping arms (11 and 12) establish the firm engagement with the engagement portions provided on said first and second retainer frames (21 and 22).
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in claim 7, wherein the engagement portions are implemented by protrusions (211; 212) formed on inner surfaces of the first and second retainer frames (21 and 22).
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in claim 7, wherein the engagement portions are implemented by slits (216) form in inner surfaces of the first and second retainer frames (21 and 22).
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in claim 7, wherein each of the first and second clamping arms (11 and 12) is made up of a base portion, an end portion extending from the base portion, and a V-shaped bend which has ends connecting with the base portion and the end portion, respectively, in a lengthwise direction of the first ends (301, 302) of said heater assembly (3), the V-shaped bend having a bottom edge oriented inward of said heater assembly (3), and wherein the engagement portions are implemented by protrusions (118; 119) which are formed on the first and second clamping arms (11 and 12) and oriented toward inner surfaces of the first and second retainer frames (21 and 22).
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in claim 1, wherein the detent mechanisms (34) are provided by openings formed in said metallic clamping members (1) which extend along the second ends of said heater assembly (3) and in which portions of said heater assembly (3) are fitted.
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in claim 11, wherein said heater assembly (3) also includes a retainer (33) which includes a body in which the heating element (330) is retained and extensions continuing from the body, the extensions having a width smaller than that of the body and being fitted within the openings of said metallic clamping members (1).
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in claim 1, wherein a retainer of said heater assembly (3) has cuts (31) in which said metallic clamping members (1) are fitted to define the detent mechanisms (34) to lock the movement of said heater assembly (3) in the thickness-wise direction thereof.
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said metallic clamping members (1) are made of an elastic metallic member.
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in claim 1, wherein said heater assembly (3) also includes an insulating heater element retainer (391) on which the heating element (330) is retained, the electrode plate (31) having a connector terminal which protrudes from one of the second ends of said heater assembly (3), wherein said clamping members (1) are placed on the second ends of said heater assembly (3) to serve as side frames, wherein the insulating heater element retainer (391) includes a heating element retaining portion in which the heating element (330) is retained and a terminal retaining portion in which the connector terminal of the electrode plate (31) is retained, the terminal retaining portion being made up of a bottom wall and a pair of insulating walls extending from the bottom wall in the first direction of said heater assembly (3) to define an insulating retainer groove within which the connector terminal is retained inside the insulating walls, and wherein said clamping members (1) holds the terminal retaining portion in abutment with the insulating walls, the insulating walls being placed between the connector terminal and the one of said clamping members (1) to insulate the connector terminal electrically from the one of said clamping members (1).
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in claim 15, wherein the heating element retaining portion is made up of a bottom wall and a pair of walls extending from the bottom wall in the first direction to define an insulating retainer within which one of the fin radiator (32) and the electrode plate (31) is retained.
- An electric heater (2) as set forth in claim 1, wherein said heater assembly (3) also includes an insulating heater element retainer (391) on which the heating element (330) is retained, the insulating heater element retainer (391) having a groove formed in a surface thereof oriented to the first direction within which the electrode plate (31) is retained and a cut formed in an end thereof in which the clamping member (1) is fitted, wherein the electrode plate (31) has a connector terminal projecting from the insulating heater element retainer (391) on a side of the first major surface of said heater assembly (3), and wherein said insulating heater element retainer (391) works to insulate electrically between the electrode plate (31) and the clamping members (1).
Applications Claiming Priority (12)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2003318832A JP3982471B2 (en) | 2003-09-10 | 2003-09-10 | Electric heater |
JP2003318828 | 2003-09-10 | ||
JP2003318831 | 2003-09-10 | ||
JP2003318831 | 2003-09-10 | ||
JP2003318832 | 2003-09-10 | ||
JP2003318828A JP4107205B2 (en) | 2003-09-10 | 2003-09-10 | Electric heater |
JP2003318830 | 2003-09-10 | ||
JP2003318830 | 2003-09-10 | ||
JP2004193537A JP4063257B2 (en) | 2003-09-10 | 2004-06-30 | Electric heater |
JP2004193538A JP3988749B2 (en) | 2003-09-10 | 2004-06-30 | Electric heater |
JP2004193537 | 2004-06-30 | ||
JP2004193538 | 2004-06-30 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1515588A1 EP1515588A1 (en) | 2005-03-16 |
EP1515588B1 true EP1515588B1 (en) | 2015-08-12 |
Family
ID=34139932
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP04021604.6A Expired - Fee Related EP1515588B1 (en) | 2003-09-10 | 2004-09-10 | High manufacturable and high performance structure of electric heater |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP1515588B1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE502006000793D1 (en) | 2005-09-23 | 2008-07-03 | Catem Gmbh & Co Kg | Heat generating element of a heating device |
ES2303168T3 (en) | 2005-09-23 | 2008-08-01 | CATEM GMBH & CO.KG | HEAT GENERATING ELEMENT OF A HEATING DEVICE. |
US7576305B2 (en) | 2006-09-22 | 2009-08-18 | Catem Gmbh & Co. Kg | Heat-generating element of a heating device |
DE102007014094A1 (en) * | 2007-03-21 | 2008-09-25 | Behr Gmbh & Co. Kg | air vents |
DE502008001033D1 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2010-09-09 | Eberspaecher Catem Gmbh & Co K | A heat generating element and heating device comprising a heat generating element |
KR101076191B1 (en) * | 2008-12-05 | 2011-10-21 | 현대자동차주식회사 | PTC Rod Assembly and PTC Heater Using the Same |
EP2428746B8 (en) * | 2010-09-13 | 2021-12-29 | MAHLE Behr GmbH & Co. KG | Heat exchanger |
CN104640246A (en) * | 2015-01-19 | 2015-05-20 | 常熟市林芝电热器件有限公司 | Safe energy-saving heater structure for movable air conditioner |
FR3032588B1 (en) * | 2015-02-10 | 2017-02-17 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | ELECTRICAL HEATING DEVICE AND RELATIVE LOCKING ELEMENT |
CN106545913A (en) * | 2016-11-03 | 2017-03-29 | 江阴市国豪电热电器制造有限公司 | A kind of high-efficient heat-dissipating electric heater |
FR3062898B1 (en) * | 2017-02-14 | 2021-06-18 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | ELECTRICAL HEATING DEVICE INCLUDING A DEVICE FOR LIMITING THE MOVEMENT OF THE HEATING ELEMENTS |
DE102018206085B4 (en) * | 2018-04-20 | 2021-09-23 | Eberspächer Catem Gmbh & Co. Kg | Electric heater |
FR3101510A1 (en) * | 2019-10-01 | 2021-04-02 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | Heating block of a heating device. |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3677603D1 (en) | 1986-10-01 | 1991-03-28 | David & Baader Dbk Spezfab | PTC PTC RADIATOR. |
US5256857A (en) | 1990-08-22 | 1993-10-26 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Finned PTC air heater assembly for heating an automotive passenger compartment |
DE59207626D1 (en) * | 1992-06-23 | 1997-01-16 | David & Baader Dbk Spezfab | radiator |
DE19911547C5 (en) * | 1999-03-16 | 2005-12-01 | Behr Gmbh & Co. Kg | Electric heating device for a motor vehicle |
-
2004
- 2004-09-10 EP EP04021604.6A patent/EP1515588B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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EP1515588A1 (en) | 2005-03-16 |
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