EP2516938B1 - Electrical heating device and its corresponding assembly process - Google Patents

Electrical heating device and its corresponding assembly process Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2516938B1
EP2516938B1 EP10805230.9A EP10805230A EP2516938B1 EP 2516938 B1 EP2516938 B1 EP 2516938B1 EP 10805230 A EP10805230 A EP 10805230A EP 2516938 B1 EP2516938 B1 EP 2516938B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
heating device
terminals
frame
clipping
teeth
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP10805230.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2516938A1 (en
Inventor
Stéphane De Souza
Philippe Legros
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Valeo Systemes Thermiques SAS
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Valeo Systemes Thermiques SAS
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Publication of EP2516938A1 publication Critical patent/EP2516938A1/en
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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
    • 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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electric heating device intended to be traversed by a flow of air to be heated.
  • the invention also relates to a method of assembling such a heating device.
  • Such an electric heating device otherwise called additional electric radiator, is generally mounted in an air circulation duct to be heated downstream of a heat exchanger to heat the air intended for heating the passenger compartment of a vehicle. and defogging and defrosting by heat exchange between a flow of air passing through the heat exchanger and a liquid, usually the engine coolant.
  • the electric heating device comprises heating modules arranged to be exposed directly to the air passing through the heating device to achieve an almost immediate heat build-up when reheating by the heat exchanger is insufficient.
  • the operation of the electric heater is temporarily controlled until the heat exchanger alone can provide adequate air heating.
  • the control of the heater is provided by a power supply circuit mounted for example on a printed circuit board in a control box on the heater.
  • This power supply circuit is connected to a power source and is further connected to the electrical terminals of the heating modules.
  • the electrical terminals of the heating modules are connected to corresponding electrical terminals connected to the power supply circuit.
  • the movement to connect the corresponding electrical terminals is not limited and it has been found that the electrical terminals connected to the supply circuit can be put in strain as well as the supply circuit , causing mechanical stress of the printed circuit, which should be avoided.
  • the document EP 2 056 036 A1 shows the preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention therefore aims to overcome this drawback of the prior art.
  • the positioning means therefore make it possible to limit the assembly movement of the electric heating modules to the control box when the heating modules are correctly positioned, thus avoiding stressing the electrical terminals of the control box.
  • the figure 1 shows a part of a heater and / or air conditioning 1 of a motor vehicle, comprising a housing 3 defining a channel 5 for the passage of the flow of air to be heated.
  • the channel 5 brings the air to the heating and defogging / defrosting vents 7,9 to be selectively distributed in the passenger compartment according to the mixer and distribution flaps positions 11.
  • the air flow in the channel 5 is produced by a fan 13, or blower, receiving outside air or circulating air from the passenger compartment.
  • the heating of the air when necessary, is provided by a possible fluid heat exchanger 15, using the engine coolant as heat transfer fluid and by an electric heater 17, otherwise called electric heater.
  • the exchanger 15 and the electric heater 17 are arranged in the channel 5, the first being located upstream of the second. In the absence of exchanger 15, the heating of the air is provided by the single electric heating device 17.
  • such an electric heating device 17 comprises a heating block 19 having a frame 21 of substantially parallelepipedal general shape, receiving electric heating modules 23 arranged to be traversed by the flow of air to be heated.
  • Such an electric heater 17 can reach high temperatures in operation, for example of the order of 150 ° C, the frame 21 is made of a material, for example plastic, capable of withstanding these high temperatures reached in operation.
  • These heating modules 23 are arranged parallel to each other and extend over the entire length of the frame 21 by being received in receiving housings 25 made in the frame 21, these housings 25 being delimited in the illustrated example by means of longitudinal walls 27 of the frame 21.
  • the heating modules 23 are for example interposed between perforated zones of the frame 21.
  • the frame 21 has flexible tongues 31 for exerting a friction force on the heating module 23 during the insertion of the heating module 23 into the housing 25, for example from the left on the figure 2 .
  • the tabs 31 form a non-zero angle with respect to the insertion direction of the heating modules 23 in the housings 25.
  • some of the longitudinal walls 27 delimiting the housings 25 for the heating modules 23, have at least one projection 33, extending towards the inside of the housing 25, so as to ensure the guiding of the module heating 23 when inserted into the housing 25 and its retention in the housing 25 once inserted.
  • the frame 21 may also have guide ribs 35, for example in an "X" shape to allow the guidance of the heating modules 23 during their insertion into the housing 25 and also their maintenance once inserted.
  • a heating module 23 may comprise resistive elements of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) type. These elements are protected against overheating or overcurrent.
  • PTC positive temperature coefficient
  • a heating module 23 comprises two electrodes 39 which extend longitudinally, each enclosing a heat sink 41 formed for example of a pleated or corrugated metal strip and bearing against the resistive elements or PTC stones 43.
  • a heat sink 41 is not represented in its entirety on the figure 3 .
  • the heat sink 41 extends over the entire length in the electrode 39.
  • the electrodes sandwich the resistive elements while the heat sinks formed by the metal ribbon are placed against the free outer faces of said electrodes.
  • the heating module 23 consists of two heat sinks which enclose two electrodes between which are placed CTP stones or resistive elements.
  • the two electrodes 39 of a heating module 23 are traversed, by means of two first electrical terminals 45, by different electrical potentials, for example a first potential available in the vehicle, such as the battery voltage, and a second potential, such as mass.
  • a first potential available in the vehicle such as the battery voltage
  • a second potential such as mass
  • the control of the electric heater 17 is therefore provided by a power supply circuit (not shown) of the heating modules 23 mounted on one side of the frame 21 in a control box 47 otherwise called "driver".
  • the power supply circuit is mounted for example on a printed circuit board.
  • This power supply circuit is connected to a power supply source via two metal conductors 49 and 49 ', also called "bus bars", of which a first 49 can be put to the first potential, and the second 49 'to the second potential.
  • the power supply circuit can receive information on the power to be delivered through a connector 50.
  • the power supply circuit comprises transistors (not shown) to allow or not the passage of current in the heating modules 23.
  • second electrical terminals 51 connected to the electrical supply circuit conduct the electric current to the corresponding first electrical terminals 45 of the heating modules 23 when the transistor concerned allows the passage of current.
  • the electric heating device 17 comprises three heating modules 23
  • six second electrical terminals 51 are provided for supplying power to the first six corresponding terminals 45 of the heating modules 23.
  • the housing 47 further comprises positioning means 53 of the heating modules which are more visible on the Figures 4a to 4c .
  • positioning means 53 comprise in the illustrated example positioning stops 55 to limit the assembly movement, here a translation, and define the appropriate operating position of the terminals 45 and 51 relative to each other.
  • the stops 55 extend towards the second terminals 51.
  • a first stop 55 is above a terminal 51 and a second stop 55 is below the other terminal 51 for better recovery forces.
  • the means of positioning 53 may also comprise guide members 57 for centering the frame 21 relative to the housing 47.
  • These guide members 57 cooperate with complementary guide sleeves 59 provided on the frame 21. More specifically, the guide members 57 are inserted into the complementary sleeves 59 when the frame 21 and the casing 47 are assembled.
  • These guide members 47 provide a lateral centering of the frame 21 ( figure 5 ) and a centering in the thickness ( figure 6 ).
  • the guide members 47 have slightly smaller dimensions than the complementary sleeves 49 to allow the insertion of the guide members 47 in the sleeves 49 complementary.
  • the positioning means 53 thus allow both a guiding and centering function of the frame 21 before attaching it to the casing 47 as well as a function of correctly positioning the electrical terminals 45 and 51 relative to one another .
  • the guide members 57 are arranged parallel to the second terminals 51 and the stops 55 are formed by protuberances on the guide members 57 which extend towards the second terminals 51.
  • the guide members 57 respectively have a substantially parallelepipedal shape with a window 61 in which extends longitudinally a guide pin 63.
  • each guide pin 63 ends at its free end by a clipping tooth 65 better visible on the figure 7 .
  • This clipping tooth 65 is configured to cooperate with a clipping counter-tooth 67 provided in the sleeve 59 complementary to the guide member 57.
  • These teeth 65 and counter-teeth 67 allow attachment clipping of the frame 21 and the housing 47.
  • the teeth 65 have a height h greater than or equal to the height h ' of the counter-teeth 67.
  • the teeth 65 With the teeth 65 being carried by the guide fingers 63, the latter present a sufficient length so that during the insertion of the guide members 57 in the complementary sleeves 59, the teeth 65 remain unrestrained over a predefined guiding distance d , until they come into abutment against the counter-teeth 67 ( figure 7 ) and then overlap them to lead in the example shown on the figure 8 in a window 69 of the complementary sleeves 59.
  • the positioning means 53 thus still provide a third function of fixing the frame 21 and the housing 47.
  • control unit 47 is formed of two half-housings fixed together, for example by clipping.
  • each positioning means 53 is formed of two half-portions made respectively in one piece with an associated half-casing of the casing 47.
  • the two half-portions of a positioning means 53 are fixed between it, for example by clipping using a clipping means as noted on the figures 5 , 7 and 8 .
  • This clipping means may be a clipping tab 71 carried by a half portion of the positioning means 53 which engages in an associated orifice provided on the other half-portion of the positioning means 53.
  • the heating device 17 may comprise a heel 73 on the side of the frame 21 opposite the side carrying the control box 47, and formed in one piece with the frame 21, for example by molding.
  • This heel 73 forms a lateral closure of the housings 25 of the heating modules 23 in the frame 21.
  • the heel 73 may include openings 75 to be traversed by the flow of air to be heated to balance the pressure losses, and avoid temperature differences at the output of the electric heater 17.
  • This heel 73 may also have a hollow tubular shape which makes it possible to place the heel 73 on an associated assembly support (not shown) for the assembly of the heating device 17.
  • an assembly support may comprise a rotary base (not shown) which engages in the hollow heel 73 so as to be able to rotate the frame 21 to place the first terminals 45 on the second terminals 51 and to avoid a bad overlap of the terminals 45 and 51 or else a frontal shock during assembly.
  • the assembly of the heating device 17 is carried out as follows.
  • a first step ( figure 4a ) the first electrical terminals 45 of the heating modules 23 are placed on the electrical terminals 51 of the housing 47 and the heating modules 23 are positioned in a predefined operating position with respect to the housing 47 more precisely with respect to the second electrical terminals 51 by placing the heating modules 23 bearing against the stops 55 of the positioning means 53 provided on the housing 47.
  • the heating modules 23 pushes in a translational movement the heating modules 23 towards the housing 47 or conversely pushes the housing 47 in a translational movement towards the heating modules 23.
  • the movement of translation is implemented by the support stops 55 on the edge 100 of the heating module 23.
  • the frame 21 and the housing 47 are fixed, for example by clipping.
  • the guide members 57 are inserted into the complementary guide sleeves 59 in order to center the frame 21 over a distance d ( figure 7 ) until the clipping teeth 65 cooperate with the clipping counter-teeth 67 ( figure 8 ).
  • This assembly method may comprise a preliminary step in which the housing 47, for example previously assembled, is positioned on an assembly support and in which the heel 73 is placed on a rotary base enabling the frame 21 to be rotated. in the direction of the housing 47 so that the first terminals 45 are placed above the second terminals 51 in the figures illustrated.
  • the assembly method may further comprise a step in which the heating modules 23 are inserted into the housings 25 of the frame 21, the modules heaters 23 being guided by the protrusions 33 or the guide ribs 35.
  • the positioning means 53 carried by the housing 47 make it easier to assemble the heating device 17, more specifically the assembly of the frame 21 with the housing 47 and the connection of the corresponding electrical terminals 45 and 51, guaranteeing a good positioning of these terminals.

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  • 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)
  • Air-Conditioning For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Direct Air Heating By Heater Or Combustion Gas (AREA)
  • Devices For Blowing Cold Air, Devices For Blowing Warm Air, And Means For Preventing Water Condensation In Air Conditioning Units (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne un dispositif de chauffage électrique destiné à être traversé par un flux d'air à réchauffer. L'invention concerne également un procédé d'assemblage d'un tel dispositif de chauffage.The invention relates to an electric heating device intended to be traversed by a flow of air to be heated. The invention also relates to a method of assembling such a heating device.

Un tel dispositif de chauffage électrique, autrement appelé radiateur électrique additionnel, est généralement monté dans un conduit de circulation d'air à réchauffer en aval d'un échangeur de chaleur pour réchauffer l'air destiné au chauffage de l'habitacle d'un véhicule automobile, ainsi qu'au désembuage et au dégivrage, par un échange de chaleur entre un flux d'air traversant l'échangeur de chaleur et un liquide, en général le liquide de refroidissement du moteur.Such an electric heating device, otherwise called additional electric radiator, is generally mounted in an air circulation duct to be heated downstream of a heat exchanger to heat the air intended for heating the passenger compartment of a vehicle. and defogging and defrosting by heat exchange between a flow of air passing through the heat exchanger and a liquid, usually the engine coolant.

Le dispositif de chauffage électrique comporte des modules chauffants disposés de manière à être exposés directement à l'air traversant le dispositif de chauffage pour réaliser un appoint de chaleur quasiment immédiat lorsque le réchauffage par l'échangeur de chaleur est insuffisant.The electric heating device comprises heating modules arranged to be exposed directly to the air passing through the heating device to achieve an almost immediate heat build-up when reheating by the heat exchanger is insufficient.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif de chauffage électrique est commandé de façon temporaire, jusqu'à ce que l'échangeur de chaleur puisse seul assurer le chauffage de l'air de façon requise.The operation of the electric heater is temporarily controlled until the heat exchanger alone can provide adequate air heating.

La commande du dispositif de chauffage est assurée par un circuit d'alimentation électrique monté par exemple sur une carte à circuit imprimé dans un boîtier de commande sur le dispositif de chauffage. Ce circuit d'alimentation électrique est relié à une source d'alimentation électrique et est en outre relié aux terminaux électriques des modules chauffants.The control of the heater is provided by a power supply circuit mounted for example on a printed circuit board in a control box on the heater. This power supply circuit is connected to a power source and is further connected to the electrical terminals of the heating modules.

À cet effet, les terminaux électriques des modules chauffants sont connectés à des terminaux électriques correspondants reliés au circuit d'alimentation électrique.For this purpose, the electrical terminals of the heating modules are connected to corresponding electrical terminals connected to the power supply circuit.

Toutefois, durant l'assemblage du dispositif de chauffage, le mouvement pour connecter les terminaux électriques correspondants n'est pas limité et on a constaté que les terminaux électriques reliés au circuit d'alimentation peuvent être mis en contrainte ainsi que le circuit d'alimentation, provoquant un stress mécanique du circuit imprimé, ce qu'il convient d'éviter. Le document EP 2 056 036 A1 montre le préambule de la revendication 1.However, during the assembly of the heating device, the movement to connect the corresponding electrical terminals is not limited and it has been found that the electrical terminals connected to the supply circuit can be put in strain as well as the supply circuit , causing mechanical stress of the printed circuit, which should be avoided. The document EP 2 056 036 A1 shows the preamble of claim 1.

L'invention a donc pour objectif de pallier cet inconvénient de l'art antérieur.The invention therefore aims to overcome this drawback of the prior art.

À cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un dispositif de chauffage électrique pour réchauffer un flux d'air le traversant, ledit dispositif de chauffage comprenant :

  • un nombre prédéterminé de modules chauffants électriques destinés à être traversés par le flux d'air à réchauffer et présentant des premiers terminaux électriques à alimenter électriquement, et
  • un boîtier de commande desdits modules chauffants comportant des seconds terminaux électriques connectés d'une part auxdits premiers terminaux et configurés pour être connectés d'autre part à une source d'alimentation électrique pour alimenter électriquement lesdits premiers terminaux,
caractérisé en ce que le boîtier de commande comporte en outre des moyens de positionnement desdits modules chauffants par rapport audit boîtier pour délimiter une position de fonctionnement adéquate lors de la connexion desdits premiers et seconds terminaux lors de l'assemblage dudit dispositif de chauffage.To this end, the subject of the invention is an electric heating device for heating an air flow therethrough, said heating device comprising:
  • a predetermined number of electric heating modules intended to be traversed by the flow of air to be heated and having first electrical terminals to be powered electrically, and
  • a control unit for said heating modules comprising second electrical terminals connected on the one hand to said first terminals and configured to be connected on the other hand to a power supply source for electrically powering said first terminals,
characterized in that the control box further comprises means for positioning said heating modules relative to said housing to delimit an adequate operating position when connecting said first and second terminals during assembly of said heater.

Les moyens de positionnement permettent donc de limiter le mouvement d'assemblage des modules chauffants électriques au boîtier de commande lorsque les modules chauffants sont correctement positionnés, évitant ainsi de mettre en contrainte les terminaux électriques du boîtier de commande.The positioning means therefore make it possible to limit the assembly movement of the electric heating modules to the control box when the heating modules are correctly positioned, thus avoiding stressing the electrical terminals of the control box.

Ledit dispositif de chauffage peut en outre comporter une ou plusieurs caractéristiques suivantes, prises séparément ou en combinaison :

  • les moyens de positionnement sont réalisés d'une seule pièce avec ledit boîtier,
  • les moyens de positionnement comportent des butées de positionnement contre lesquelles lesdits modules chauffants sont en appui, par l'intermédiaire d'un bord du module chauffant, pour définir le positionnement approprié desdits premiers terminaux par rapport auxdits seconds terminaux,
  • ledit dispositif de chauffage comporte un cadre pour maintenir lesdits modules chauffants et les moyens de positionnement comportent des organes de guidage configurés pour s'insérer dans des fourreaux de guidage complémentaires prévus sur le cadre,
  • les organes de guidage sont disposés parallèlement auxdits seconds terminaux et en ce que les butées de positionnement sont formées par des protubérances sur les organes de guidage s'étendant vers lesdits seconds terminaux,
  • les organes de guidage présentent respectivement une forme générale sensiblement parallélépipédique avec une fenêtre dans laquelle s'étend longitudinalement un doigt de guidage,
  • les moyens de positionnement comportent des dents de clipsage configurées pour coopérer avec des contre-dents de clipsage prévues sur le cadre,
  • les dents de clipsage sont portées par les extrémités libres des doigts de guidage,
  • les dents de clipsage présentent respectivement une hauteur supérieure ou égale à la hauteur des contre-dents de clipsage.
Said heater may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken separately or in combination:
  • the positioning means are made in one piece with said housing,
  • the positioning means comprise positioning stops against which said heating modules are supported, via an edge of the heating module, to define the appropriate positioning of said first terminals with respect to said second terminals,
  • said heating device comprises a frame for holding said heating modules and the positioning means comprise guide members configured to fit into complementary guide sleeves provided on the frame,
  • the guide members are arranged parallel to said second terminals and in the positioning stops are formed by protuberances on the guide members extending towards said second terminals,
  • the guide members respectively have a substantially parallelepipedal general shape with a window in which a guide finger extends longitudinally,
  • the positioning means comprise clipping teeth configured to cooperate with counter-clipping teeth provided on the frame,
  • the clipping teeth are carried by the free ends of the guide fingers,
  • the clipping teeth respectively have a height greater than or equal to the height of the clipping of the teeth.

L'invention a également pour objet un procédé d'assemblage d'un dispositif de chauffage tel que défini ci-dessus caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les étapes suivantes :

  • on place les premiers terminaux électriques desdits modules chauffants sur les seconds terminaux électriques du boîtier de commande,
  • on positionne lesdits modules chauffants par rapport audit boîtier de manière à ce que lesdits modules chauffants soient en appui contre les butées de positionnement, et
  • on fixe le cadre et ledit boîtier.
The invention also relates to a method of assembling a heating device as defined above, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
  • placing the first electrical terminals of said heating modules on the second electrical terminals of the control box,
  • said heating modules are positioned relative to said housing so that said heating modules bear against the positioning stops, and
  • the frame and said housing are fixed.

Ledit procédé d'assemblage peut en outre comporter une ou plusieurs caractéristiques suivantes, prises séparément ou en combinaison :

  • on effectue une translation desdits modules chauffants en direction dudit boîtier jusqu'à ce que lesdits modules chauffants viennent en appui contre lesdites butées,
  • on effectue une translation dudit boîtier en direction desdits modules chauffants jusqu'à ce que lesdites butées viennent en appui contre lesdits modules chauffants,
  • on translate les modules chauffants dans des logements de réception configurés dans le cadre par appui des butées sur le bord du module chauffant,
  • ledit procédé d'assemblage comprend une étape dans laquelle on insère les organes de guidage dans les fourreaux de guidage complémentaires sur une distance de guidage prédéfinie durant laquelle les dents de clipsage terminant les doigts de guidage restent libres, et on place les dents de clipsage contre les contre-dents de clipsage pour fixer le cadre et ledit boîtier par clipsage,
  • ledit procédé d'assemblage comprend une étape préliminaire dans laquelle on effectue une rotation du cadre pour venir placer lesdits premiers terminaux sur lesdits seconds terminaux.
Said assembly method may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in combination:
  • translating said heating modules towards said housing until said heating modules bear against said stops,
  • translating said housing towards said heating modules until said stops bear against said heating modules,
  • the heating modules are translated into receiving housings configured in the frame by pressing the stops on the edge of the heating module,
  • said assembly method comprises a step in which the guide members are inserted into the complementary guide sleeves over a predefined guide distance during which the clipping teeth terminating the guide fingers remain free, and the clipping teeth are placed against the counter-teeth of clipping to secure the frame and said housing by clipping,
  • said assembly method comprises a preliminary step in which the frame is rotated to place said first terminals on said second terminals.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description suivante, donnée à titre d'exemple illustratif et non limitatif, et des dessins annexés parmi lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue partielle schématique d'un appareil de chauffage pour véhicule automobile,
  • la figure 2 illustre un dispositif de chauffage électrique de l'appareil de chauffage de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 représente un exemple de réalisation d'un module chauffant du dispositif de chauffage,
  • la figure 4a représente le dispositif de chauffage de la figure 2 avant l'assemblage du cadre et du boîtier de commande dudit dispositif de chauffage,
  • la figure 4b est une vue en perspective partielle de la figure 4a,
  • la figure 4c est une autre vue en perspective partielle de la figure 4a,
  • la figure 5 représente une vue partielle du dispositif de chauffage assemblé de la figure 2,
  • la figure 6 est une vue de côté partielle de la figure 4a,
  • la figure 7 est une vue partielle en coupe longitudinale du dispositif de chauffage de la figure 2 avant la fixation du cadre et du boîtier dudit dispositif de chauffage, et
  • la figure 8 est une vue partielle en coupe longitudinale du dispositif de chauffage de la figure 2 après fixation du cadre et du boîtier dudit dispositif de chauffage.
Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings among which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic partial view of a heating apparatus for a motor vehicle,
  • the figure 2 illustrates an electric heater of the heater of the figure 1 ,
  • the figure 3 represents an embodiment of a heating module of the heating device,
  • the figure 4a represents the heating device of the figure 2 before assembly of the frame and the control box of said heating device,
  • the figure 4b is a partial perspective view of the figure 4a ,
  • the figure 4c is another partial perspective view of the figure 4a ,
  • the figure 5 represents a partial view of the assembled heating device of the figure 2 ,
  • the figure 6 is a partial side view of the figure 4a ,
  • the figure 7 is a partial view in longitudinal section of the heating device of the figure 2 before fixing the frame and the housing of said heater, and
  • the figure 8 is a partial view in longitudinal section of the heating device of the figure 2 after fixing the frame and the housing of said heater.

Dans ces figures, les éléments sensiblement identiques portent les mêmes références.In these figures, the substantially identical elements bear the same references.

La figure 1 montre une partie d'un appareil de chauffage et/ou climatisation 1 de véhicule automobile, comprenant un boîtier 3 délimitant un canal 5 pour le passage du flux d'air à réchauffer. Le canal 5 amène l'air vers des bouches de chauffage et de désembuage/dégivrage 7,9 pour être distribué sélectivement dans l'habitacle selon les positions de volets de mixage et de distribution 11. Le débit d'air dans le canal 5 est produit par un ventilateur 13, ou pulseur, recevant de l'air extérieur ou de l'air de circulation en provenance de l'habitacle. Le réchauffage de l'air, lorsqu'il est nécessaire, est assuré par un échangeur de chaleur à liquide éventuel 15, utilisant le liquide de refroidissement du moteur comme liquide caloporteur et par un dispositif de chauffage électrique 17, autrement appelé radiateur électrique. L'échangeur 15 et le radiateur électrique 17 sont disposés dans le canal 5, le premier étant situé en amont du second. En l'absence d'échangeur 15, le chauffage de l'air est assuré par le seul dispositif de chauffage électrique 17.The figure 1 shows a part of a heater and / or air conditioning 1 of a motor vehicle, comprising a housing 3 defining a channel 5 for the passage of the flow of air to be heated. The channel 5 brings the air to the heating and defogging / defrosting vents 7,9 to be selectively distributed in the passenger compartment according to the mixer and distribution flaps positions 11. The air flow in the channel 5 is produced by a fan 13, or blower, receiving outside air or circulating air from the passenger compartment. The heating of the air, when necessary, is provided by a possible fluid heat exchanger 15, using the engine coolant as heat transfer fluid and by an electric heater 17, otherwise called electric heater. The exchanger 15 and the electric heater 17 are arranged in the channel 5, the first being located upstream of the second. In the absence of exchanger 15, the heating of the air is provided by the single electric heating device 17.

En référence à la figure 2, un tel dispositif de chauffage électrique 17 comprend un bloc de chauffage 19 présentant un cadre 21 de forme générale sensiblement parallélépipédique, recevant des modules chauffants 23 électriques agencés de façon à être traversés par le flux d'air à réchauffer.With reference to the figure 2 such an electric heating device 17 comprises a heating block 19 having a frame 21 of substantially parallelepipedal general shape, receiving electric heating modules 23 arranged to be traversed by the flow of air to be heated.

Un tel dispositif de chauffage électrique 17 pouvant atteindre en fonctionnement des températures élevées, par exemple de l'ordre de 150°C, le cadre 21 est réalisé en un matériau, par exemple plastique, capable de supporter ces températures élevées atteintes en fonctionnement.Such an electric heater 17 can reach high temperatures in operation, for example of the order of 150 ° C, the frame 21 is made of a material, for example plastic, capable of withstanding these high temperatures reached in operation.

Ces modules chauffants 23 sont disposés parallèlement les uns aux autres et s'étendent sur toute la longueur du cadre 21 en étant reçus dans des logements de réception 25 pratiqués dans le cadre 21, ces logements 25 étant délimités dans l'exemple illustré, par des parois longitudinales 27 du cadre 21. Les modules chauffants 23 sont par exemple intercalés entre des zones ajourées du cadre 21.These heating modules 23 are arranged parallel to each other and extend over the entire length of the frame 21 by being received in receiving housings 25 made in the frame 21, these housings 25 being delimited in the illustrated example by means of longitudinal walls 27 of the frame 21. The heating modules 23 are for example interposed between perforated zones of the frame 21.

Le cadre 21 présente des languettes flexibles 31 pour exercer une force de frottement sur le module chauffant 23 lors de l'insertion du module chauffant 23 dans le logement 25, par exemple par la gauche sur la figure 2.The frame 21 has flexible tongues 31 for exerting a friction force on the heating module 23 during the insertion of the heating module 23 into the housing 25, for example from the left on the figure 2 .

À cet effet, les languettes 31 forment un angle non nul par rapport à la direction d'insertion des modules chauffants 23 dans les logements 25.For this purpose, the tabs 31 form a non-zero angle with respect to the insertion direction of the heating modules 23 in the housings 25.

De plus, on peut prévoir que certaines des parois longitudinales 27 délimitant les logements 25 pour les modules chauffants 23, présentent au moins une saillie 33, s'étendant vers l'intérieur du logement 25, de manière à assurer le guidage du module chauffant 23 lors de son insertion dans le logement 25 et son maintien dans le logement 25 une fois inséré.In addition, it can be provided that some of the longitudinal walls 27 delimiting the housings 25 for the heating modules 23, have at least one projection 33, extending towards the inside of the housing 25, so as to ensure the guiding of the module heating 23 when inserted into the housing 25 and its retention in the housing 25 once inserted.

Le cadre 21 peut également présenter des nervures de guidage 35, par exemple selon une forme en « X » pour permettre le guidage des modules chauffants 23 durant leur insertion dans les logements 25 et également leur maintien une fois insérés.The frame 21 may also have guide ribs 35, for example in an "X" shape to allow the guidance of the heating modules 23 during their insertion into the housing 25 and also their maintenance once inserted.

Par ailleurs, un module chauffant 23 peut comporter des éléments résistifs de type à coefficient de température positif (CTP). Ces éléments sont protégés contre des échauffements excessifs ou contre une surintensité.Furthermore, a heating module 23 may comprise resistive elements of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) type. These elements are protected against overheating or overcurrent.

Selon une variante de réalisation illustrée sur la figure 3, un module chauffant 23 comporte deux électrodes 39 qui s'étendent longitudinalement, chacune enserrant un dissipateur thermique 41 formé par exemple d'un ruban métallique plissé ou ondulé et venant en appui contre les éléments résistifs ou pierres CTP 43. Pour plus de clarté, le dissipateur thermique 41 n'est pas représenté dans son intégralité sur la figure 3. Bien entendu, le dissipateur thermique 41 s'étend sur toute la longueur dans l'électrode 39.According to an embodiment variant illustrated on the figure 3 , a heating module 23 comprises two electrodes 39 which extend longitudinally, each enclosing a heat sink 41 formed for example of a pleated or corrugated metal strip and bearing against the resistive elements or PTC stones 43. For the sake of clarity, the heat sink 41 is not represented in its entirety on the figure 3 . Of course, the heat sink 41 extends over the entire length in the electrode 39.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation du module chauffant 23 (non représentée), les électrodes prennent en sandwich les éléments résistifs alors que les dissipateurs thermiques formés par le ruban métallique sont placés contre les faces extérieures libres desdites électrodes. En d'autres termes, le module chauffant 23 est constitué de deux dissipateurs thermiques qui enserrent deux électrodes entre lesquelles sont placées des pierres CTP ou éléments résistifs.According to another embodiment of the heating module 23 (not shown), the electrodes sandwich the resistive elements while the heat sinks formed by the metal ribbon are placed against the free outer faces of said electrodes. In other words, the heating module 23 consists of two heat sinks which enclose two electrodes between which are placed CTP stones or resistive elements.

Les deux électrodes 39 d'un module chauffant 23 sont parcourues, par l'intermédiaire de deux premiers terminaux électriques 45, par des potentiels électriques différents, par exemple un premier potentiel disponible dans le véhicule, tel que la tension de batterie, et un second potentiel, tel que la masse.The two electrodes 39 of a heating module 23 are traversed, by means of two first electrical terminals 45, by different electrical potentials, for example a first potential available in the vehicle, such as the battery voltage, and a second potential, such as mass.

Dans l'exemple illustré sur la figure 2, lorsque trois modules chauffants 23 sont prévus, on a alors une rangée de six premiers terminaux 45 à alimenter en énergie électrique.In the example shown on the figure 2 when three heating modules 23 are provided, there is then a row of six first terminals 45 to supply electrical energy.

Le contrôle du dispositif de chauffage électrique 17 est donc assuré par un circuit d'alimentation électrique (non représenté) des modules chauffants 23 monté sur un côté du cadre 21 dans un boîtier de commande 47 autrement appelé « driver ».The control of the electric heater 17 is therefore provided by a power supply circuit (not shown) of the heating modules 23 mounted on one side of the frame 21 in a control box 47 otherwise called "driver".

Le circuit d'alimentation électrique est monté par exemple sur une carte à circuit imprimé. Ce circuit d'alimentation électrique est relié à une source d'alimentation électrique par l'intermédiaire de deux conducteurs métalliques 49 et 49', également appelés « bus barres », dont un premier 49 peut être mis au premier potentiel, et le second 49' au second potentiel. Le circuit d'alimentation électrique peut recevoir des informations sur la puissance à délivrer à travers un connecteur 50.The power supply circuit is mounted for example on a printed circuit board. This power supply circuit is connected to a power supply source via two metal conductors 49 and 49 ', also called "bus bars", of which a first 49 can be put to the first potential, and the second 49 'to the second potential. The power supply circuit can receive information on the power to be delivered through a connector 50.

À titre d'exemple, le circuit d'alimentation électrique comporte des transistors (non représentés) pour autoriser ou non le passage du courant dans les modules chauffants 23.For example, the power supply circuit comprises transistors (not shown) to allow or not the passage of current in the heating modules 23.

En outre, des seconds terminaux électriques 51 reliés au circuit d'alimentation électrique conduisent le courant électrique vers les premiers terminaux électriques correspondants 45 des modules chauffants 23 quand le transistor concerné autorise le passage du courant. Dans l'exemple illustré dans lequel le dispositif de chauffage électrique 17 comporte trois modules chauffants 23, six seconds terminaux électriques 51 sont prévus pour alimenter en énergie les six premiers terminaux correspondants 45 des modules chauffants 23.In addition, second electrical terminals 51 connected to the electrical supply circuit conduct the electric current to the corresponding first electrical terminals 45 of the heating modules 23 when the transistor concerned allows the passage of current. In the example illustrated in which the electric heating device 17 comprises three heating modules 23, six second electrical terminals 51 are provided for supplying power to the first six corresponding terminals 45 of the heating modules 23.

Le boîtier 47 comporte en outre des moyens de positionnement 53 des modules chauffants mieux visibles sur les figures 4a à 4c.The housing 47 further comprises positioning means 53 of the heating modules which are more visible on the Figures 4a to 4c .

Ces moyens de positionnement 53 comportent dans l'exemple illustré des butées de positionnement 55 pour limiter le mouvement d'assemblage, ici une translation, et définir la position de fonctionnement appropriée des terminaux 45 et 51 les uns par rapport aux autres.These positioning means 53 comprise in the illustrated example positioning stops 55 to limit the assembly movement, here a translation, and define the appropriate operating position of the terminals 45 and 51 relative to each other.

À cet effet, les butées 55 s'étendent vers les seconds terminaux 51.For this purpose, the stops 55 extend towards the second terminals 51.

Selon le mode de réalisation illustré, une première butée 55 est au dessus d'un terminal 51 et une deuxième butée 55 est en dessous de l'autre terminal 51 pour une meilleure reprise des forces.According to the illustrated embodiment, a first stop 55 is above a terminal 51 and a second stop 55 is below the other terminal 51 for better recovery forces.

Comme on le constate sur la figure 5, lorsque les modules chauffants 23 sont en appui contre les butées 55, un jeu j constant est défini entre les seconds terminaux 51 et les modules chauffants 23.As we see on the figure 5 When the heating modules 23 are pressed against the stops 55, a constant j clearance is defined between the second terminal 51 and the heating modules 23.

Par ailleurs en se référant à nouveau aux figures 4a à 4c, les moyens de positionnement 53 peuvent comporter également des organes de guidage 57 pour le centrage du cadre 21 par rapport au boîtier 47.Moreover, referring again to Figures 4a to 4c , the means of positioning 53 may also comprise guide members 57 for centering the frame 21 relative to the housing 47.

Ces organes de guidage 57 coopèrent avec des fourreaux de guidage 59 complémentaires prévus sur le cadre 21. Plus précisément, les organes de guidage 57 sont insérés dans les fourreaux 59 complémentaires lors de l'assemblage du cadre 21 et du boîtier 47.These guide members 57 cooperate with complementary guide sleeves 59 provided on the frame 21. More specifically, the guide members 57 are inserted into the complementary sleeves 59 when the frame 21 and the casing 47 are assembled.

Ces organes de guidage 47 assurent un centrage latéral du cadre 21 (figure 5) ainsi qu'un centrage dans l'épaisseur (figure 6). Pour cela, les organes de guidage 47 présentent des dimensions légèrement inférieures à celles des fourreaux 49 complémentaires pour permettre l'emboîtement des organes de guidage 47 dans les fourreaux 49 complémentaires.These guide members 47 provide a lateral centering of the frame 21 ( figure 5 ) and a centering in the thickness ( figure 6 ). For this, the guide members 47 have slightly smaller dimensions than the complementary sleeves 49 to allow the insertion of the guide members 47 in the sleeves 49 complementary.

Dans ce cas, les moyens de positionnement 53 permettent donc à la fois une fonction de guidage et centrage du cadre 21 avant de le fixer au boîtier 47 ainsi qu'une fonction de positionnement correct des terminaux électriques 45 et 51 les uns par rapport aux autres.In this case, the positioning means 53 thus allow both a guiding and centering function of the frame 21 before attaching it to the casing 47 as well as a function of correctly positioning the electrical terminals 45 and 51 relative to one another .

De plus, selon le mode de réalisation décrit les organes de guidage 57 sont disposés parallèlement aux seconds terminaux 51 et les butées 55 sont formées par des protubérances sur les organes de guidage 57 qui s'étendent vers les seconds terminaux 51.In addition, according to the embodiment described, the guide members 57 are arranged parallel to the second terminals 51 and the stops 55 are formed by protuberances on the guide members 57 which extend towards the second terminals 51.

En outre, dans l'exemple illustré sur les figures 4a à 4c, les organes de guidage 57 présentent respectivement une forme sensiblement parallélépipédique avec une fenêtre 61 dans laquelle s'étend longitudinalement un doigt de guidage 63.In addition, in the example shown on Figures 4a to 4c , the guide members 57 respectively have a substantially parallelepipedal shape with a window 61 in which extends longitudinally a guide pin 63.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté, chaque doigt de guidage 63 se termine à son extrémité libre par une dent de clipsage 65 mieux visible sur la figure 7. Cette dent de clipsage 65 est configurée pour coopérer avec une contre-dent de clipsage 67 prévue dans le fourreau 59 complémentaire de l'organe de guidage 57. Ces dents 65 et contre-dents 67 permettent une fixation par clipsage du cadre 21 et du boîtier 47.According to the embodiment shown, each guide pin 63 ends at its free end by a clipping tooth 65 better visible on the figure 7 . This clipping tooth 65 is configured to cooperate with a clipping counter-tooth 67 provided in the sleeve 59 complementary to the guide member 57. These teeth 65 and counter-teeth 67 allow attachment clipping of the frame 21 and the housing 47.

À cet effet, les dents 65 présentent une hauteur h supérieure ou égale à la hauteur h' des contre-dents 67.For this purpose, the teeth 65 have a height h greater than or equal to the height h ' of the counter-teeth 67.

Les dents 65 étant portées par les doigts de guidage 63, ces derniers présentent une longueur suffisante pour que lors de l'insertion des organes de guidage 57 dans les fourreaux 59 complémentaires, les dents 65 restent sans contrainte sur une distance de guidage d prédéfinie, jusqu'à venir en butée contre les contre-dents 67 (figure 7) puis les chevaucher pour déboucher dans l'exemple illustré sur la figure 8, dans une fenêtre 69 des fourreaux 59 complémentaires.With the teeth 65 being carried by the guide fingers 63, the latter present a sufficient length so that during the insertion of the guide members 57 in the complementary sleeves 59, the teeth 65 remain unrestrained over a predefined guiding distance d , until they come into abutment against the counter-teeth 67 ( figure 7 ) and then overlap them to lead in the example shown on the figure 8 in a window 69 of the complementary sleeves 59.

Les moyens de positionnement 53 assurent ainsi encore une troisième fonction de fixation du cadre 21 et du boîtier 47.The positioning means 53 thus still provide a third function of fixing the frame 21 and the housing 47.

Dans l'exemple décrit la fixation du cadre 21 et du boîtier 47 se fait par clipsage, bien entendu, on peut prévoir toute autre variante de fixation.In the example described fixing the frame 21 and the housing 47 is by clipping, of course, any other variant of attachment can be provided.

De plus, on peut prévoir que le boîtier de commande 47 soit formé de deux demi-boîtiers fixés entre eux, par exemple par clipsage.In addition, it can be provided that the control unit 47 is formed of two half-housings fixed together, for example by clipping.

Dans ce cas, chaque moyen de positionnement 53 est formé de deux demi-parties réalisées respectivement d'une seule pièce avec un demi-boîtier associé du boîtier 47. Les deux demi-parties d'un moyen de positionnement 53 sont fixées entre elle, par exemple par clipsage à l'aide d'un moyen de clipsage comme on le remarque sur les figures 5, 7 et 8. Ce moyen de clipsage peut être une languette de clipsage 71 portée par une demi-partie du moyen de positionnement 53 qui s'engage dans un orifice associé prévu sur l'autre demi-partie du moyen de positionnement 53.In this case, each positioning means 53 is formed of two half-portions made respectively in one piece with an associated half-casing of the casing 47. The two half-portions of a positioning means 53 are fixed between it, for example by clipping using a clipping means as noted on the figures 5 , 7 and 8 . This clipping means may be a clipping tab 71 carried by a half portion of the positioning means 53 which engages in an associated orifice provided on the other half-portion of the positioning means 53.

Par ailleurs, en se référant à nouveau à la figure 2, on constate que le dispositif de chauffage 17 peut comporter un talon 73 sur le côté du cadre 21 opposé au côté portant le boîtier de commande 47, et formé d'une seule pièce avec le cadre 21 par exemple par moulage.Moreover, referring again to the figure 2 it can be seen that the heating device 17 may comprise a heel 73 on the side of the frame 21 opposite the side carrying the control box 47, and formed in one piece with the frame 21, for example by molding.

Ce talon 73 forme une fermeture latérale des logements 25 des modules chauffants 23 dans le cadre 21.This heel 73 forms a lateral closure of the housings 25 of the heating modules 23 in the frame 21.

Le talon 73 peut comporter des ouvertures 75 destinées à être traversées par le flux d'air à réchauffer pour équilibrer les pertes de charge, et éviter des différences de température en sortie du dispositif de chauffage électrique 17.The heel 73 may include openings 75 to be traversed by the flow of air to be heated to balance the pressure losses, and avoid temperature differences at the output of the electric heater 17.

Ce talon 73 peut également présenter une forme tubulaire creuse qui permet de placer le talon 73 sur un support d'assemblage (non représenté) associé pour l'assemblage du dispositif de chauffage 17. Un tel support d'assemblage peut comporter un socle rotatif (non représenté) qui s'engage dans le talon 73 creux de façon à pouvoir effectuer une rotation du cadre 21 pour placer les premiers terminaux 45 sur les seconds terminaux 51 et éviter un mauvais chevauchement des terminaux 45 et 51 ou encore un choc frontal lors de l'assemblage.This heel 73 may also have a hollow tubular shape which makes it possible to place the heel 73 on an associated assembly support (not shown) for the assembly of the heating device 17. Such an assembly support may comprise a rotary base (not shown) which engages in the hollow heel 73 so as to be able to rotate the frame 21 to place the first terminals 45 on the second terminals 51 and to avoid a bad overlap of the terminals 45 and 51 or else a frontal shock during assembly.

Ainsi, l'assemblage du dispositif de chauffage 17 se réalise de la façon suivante.Thus, the assembly of the heating device 17 is carried out as follows.

Lors d'une première étape (figure 4a), on place les premiers terminaux électriques 45 des modules chauffants 23 sur les terminaux électriques 51 du boîtier 47 puis on positionne les modules chauffants 23 dans une position de fonctionnement prédéfinie par rapport au boîtier 47 plus précisément par rapport aux seconds terminaux électriques 51 en plaçant les modules chauffants 23 en appui contre les butées 55 des moyens de positionnement 53 prévus sur le boîtier 47.In a first step ( figure 4a ), the first electrical terminals 45 of the heating modules 23 are placed on the electrical terminals 51 of the housing 47 and the heating modules 23 are positioned in a predefined operating position with respect to the housing 47 more precisely with respect to the second electrical terminals 51 by placing the heating modules 23 bearing against the stops 55 of the positioning means 53 provided on the housing 47.

Pour ce faire, on pousse dans un mouvement de translation les modules chauffants 23 en direction du boîtier 47 ou à l'inverse on pousse le boîtier 47 dans un mouvement de translation en direction des modules chauffants 23. Dans les deux cas, le mouvement de translation est mis en oeuvre par l'appui des butées 55 sur le bord 100 du module chauffant 23.To do this, it pushes in a translational movement the heating modules 23 towards the housing 47 or conversely pushes the housing 47 in a translational movement towards the heating modules 23. In both cases, the movement of translation is implemented by the support stops 55 on the edge 100 of the heating module 23.

Ensuite, on fixe le cadre 21 et le boîtier 47, par exemple par clipsage. À cet effet, on insère les organe de guidage 57 dans les fourreaux de guidage 59 complémentaires pour centrer le cadre 21 sur une distance d (figure 7) jusqu'à ce que les dents de clipsage 65 coopèrent avec les contre-dents de clipsage 67 (figure 8).Then, the frame 21 and the housing 47 are fixed, for example by clipping. For this purpose, the guide members 57 are inserted into the complementary guide sleeves 59 in order to center the frame 21 over a distance d ( figure 7 ) until the clipping teeth 65 cooperate with the clipping counter-teeth 67 ( figure 8 ).

On peut alors connecter les terminaux 45 et 51 par exemple par soudure ou encore par clinchage obtenant ainsi un point de clinchage 77 (figure 2).We can then connect the terminals 45 and 51 for example by welding or by clinching thus obtaining a clinching point 77 ( figure 2 ).

Ce procédé d'assemblage peut comporter une étape préliminaire dans laquelle on positionne le boîtier 47, par exemple préalablement assemblé, sur un support d'assemblage et dans laquelle on place le talon 73 sur un socle rotatif permettant d'effectuer une rotation du cadre 21 en direction du boîtier 47 pour que les premiers terminaux 45 soient placés au-dessus des seconds terminaux 51 dans les figures illustrées.This assembly method may comprise a preliminary step in which the housing 47, for example previously assembled, is positioned on an assembly support and in which the heel 73 is placed on a rotary base enabling the frame 21 to be rotated. in the direction of the housing 47 so that the first terminals 45 are placed above the second terminals 51 in the figures illustrated.

Le procédé d'assemblage peut encore comprendre une étape dans laquelle on insère les modules chauffants 23 dans les logements 25 du cadre 21, les modules chauffants 23 étant guidés par les saillies 33 ou encore les nervures de guidage 35.The assembly method may further comprise a step in which the heating modules 23 are inserted into the housings 25 of the frame 21, the modules heaters 23 being guided by the protrusions 33 or the guide ribs 35.

Bien entendu, l'ordre des étapes de ce procédé d'assemblage du dispositif de chauffage 17 peut être intervertit.Of course, the order of the steps of this method of assembling the heating device 17 can be reversed.

On comprend donc que les moyens de positionnement 53 portés par le boîtier 47 permettent de faciliter l'assemblage du dispositif de chauffage 17, plus précisément l'assemblage du cadre 21 avec le boîtier 47 et la connexion des terminaux électriques 45 et 51 correspondants en garantissant un bon positionnement de ces terminaux.It will thus be understood that the positioning means 53 carried by the housing 47 make it easier to assemble the heating device 17, more specifically the assembly of the frame 21 with the housing 47 and the connection of the corresponding electrical terminals 45 and 51, guaranteeing a good positioning of these terminals.

Claims (9)

  1. Heating device for electrically heating a flow of air through it, said heating device comprising:
    - a predetermined number of electric heater modules (23) designed to have the flow of air to be heated pass through them and having first electric terminals (45) to be supplied with electric power, and
    - a control module (47) of said heater modules (23) including second electric terminals (51) connected on the one hand to said first terminals (45) and configured to be connected on the other hand to an electric power supply to supply electric power to said first terminals (45),
    the control module (47) further includes means (53) for positioning said heater modules (23) relative to said module (47) to delimit an appropriate operating position during connection of said first terminals (45) and second terminals (51) during assembly of said heating device, characterized in that said heating device includes a frame (21) for retaining said heater modules (23), said positioning means (53) including guide members (57) configured to be inserted in complementary guide sheaths (59) provided on the frame (21).
  2. Heating device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the positioning means (53) are produced in one piece with said module (47).
  3. Heating device according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the positioning means (53) include positioning abutments (55) against which said heater modules (23) bear to define the appropriate position of said first terminals (45) relative to said second terminals (51).
  4. Heating device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the guide members (57) are disposed parallel to said second terminals (51) and in that the positioning abutments (55) are formed by protuberances on the guide members (57) extending toward said second terminals (51).
  5. Heating device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guide members (57) have a substantially parallelepid general shape with a window (61) in which a guide finger (63) extends longitudinally.
  6. Heating device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the positioning means (53) include clipping teeth (65) configured to cooperate with clipping counter-teeth (67) provided on the frame (21).
  7. Heating device according to Claim 5 in combination with Claim 6, characterized in that the clipping teeth (65) are carried by the free ends of the guide fingers (63).
  8. Heating device according to either one of Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the clipping teeth (65) have a height (h) greater than or equal to the height (h') of the clipping counter-teeth (67).
  9. Method of assembling an electric heating device according to Claim 3 in combination with any one of Claims 4 to 8, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
    - the first electric terminals (45) of said heater modules (23) are placed over the second electric terminals (51) of the control module (47),
    - said heater modules (23) are positioned relative to said module (47) so that said heater modules (23) bear against the positioning abutments (55),
    - the heater modules (23) are moved in translation in housings (25) configured in the frame (21) by virtue of the abutments (55) bearing on an edge (100) of one end of the heater module (23),
    - the guide members (57) are inserted in the complementary guide sheaths (59), in particular with the clipping teeth (65) placed against the clipping counter-teeth (67) to fix the frame (21) and said module (47).
EP10805230.9A 2009-12-23 2010-12-22 Electrical heating device and its corresponding assembly process Active EP2516938B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0906302A FR2954468B1 (en) 2009-12-23 2009-12-23 ELECTRIC HEATING DEVICE AND CORRESPONDING ASSEMBLY METHOD
PCT/EP2010/070454 WO2011076824A1 (en) 2009-12-23 2010-12-22 Electric heating device and corresponding assembly method

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EP2516938A1 EP2516938A1 (en) 2012-10-31
EP2516938B1 true EP2516938B1 (en) 2017-04-05

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EP (1) EP2516938B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5746211B2 (en)
CN (1) CN102770720B (en)
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FR3032386B1 (en) * 2015-02-10 2018-05-25 Valeo Systemes Thermiques HOUSING OF AN ELECTRIC HEATING DEVICE
FR3032588B1 (en) * 2015-02-10 2017-02-17 Valeo Systemes Thermiques ELECTRICAL HEATING DEVICE AND RELATIVE LOCKING ELEMENT
FR3057816B1 (en) * 2016-10-21 2019-12-13 Valeo Systemes Thermiques ADDITIONAL ELECTRIC HEATING DEVICE
DE102018200433A1 (en) * 2018-01-11 2019-07-11 Eberspächer Catem Gmbh & Co. Kg Electric heater
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JP2013515940A (en) 2013-05-09
CN102770720A (en) 2012-11-07
CN102770720B (en) 2015-12-02
EP2516938A1 (en) 2012-10-31
WO2011076824A1 (en) 2011-06-30
FR2954468A1 (en) 2011-06-24
FR2954468B1 (en) 2012-06-08
JP5746211B2 (en) 2015-07-08

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