ES2321221T3 - ELECTRICAL HEATING DEVICE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Electric heating device, especially for a motor vehicle, equipped with a frame (2) within which a configuration by layers of heat-giving elements (22) and heat-generating elements (16) is provided, comprising PTC heating elements (18) arranged between contact strips (20) parallel to each other, and which is held within the frame (2) under spring pre-tension, characterized in that it has at least one separator element (28) housed in the frame (2).

Description

Electric heating device

The present invention relates to a electric heating device, with a frame inside which a layered configuration is provided, supported under tension pre-spring, consisting of radiating elements that yield heat, and PTC heating elements, arranged between strips of parallel contact, comprising heat generating elements arranged between said radiator elements.

Such electric heating devices are know, for example, from this field document EP A 457 367, as well as documents DE 199 11547, US-5,854,471, EP-0 350 528 or DE 197 06 199. In this state of the art, the layered configuration is keeps inside the frame by means of spring preload. This fastening class of the heating block, consisting of elements heat generators and heat transfer elements, too called radiator elements, has been imposed in practice. Do not However, alternative embodiments are also known, in which the individual elements of the heating block are bonded with adhesive and held within the frame. In In the latter case, the framework basically constitutes the surface of support for the sealing edges of conduction channels air, for example, in a motor vehicle, for which it is driven cold air to the electric heating device and by those that extract the air heated by it. Usually said channels are tightly attached to the surfaces outer frames opposite each other. When the heating block is subject by spring pre-tension, the frame also serves as a counterportion of the spring force. This spring can be configured as a component integrated in the heating block, as disclosed in US-5,854,471. In this case, to achieve a good transfer of heat of power heat generated by the heat generating elements, the spring is arranged in the air stream conducted through of the frame in the vicinity of the radiating elements giving hot. The other possible alternative spring configuration as an integrated component in the heating block is what gives know document DE 199 11 547. It is also possible to arrange the spring in the area of the frame branches (DE 197 06 199), so that basically all the interior space that encloses the frame is available exclusively to house the heating block.

The electric heating devices of This genre is used, especially, in motor vehicles. For different cars are manufactured heating devices electrical with different heat output, which forces adapt the frame geometry. There is certainly the possibility of assemble the individual branches of the frame in the form of components modular and configure them with different lengths and joints simple at the corners of the frame (compare with DE 199 11 547). However, with this configuration of the heating device Cost advantages are not taken advantage of in mass production of Electric heating devices.

The aforementioned state of the art refers to electric heating devices in which the configuration Layered is supported on the frame by spring pre-tension. The heating arrangement that gives is fundamentally different EP 1 621 378 A1, a prior art according to Article 54 (3) of the Patent Convention European, in which each PCT element is bonded with adhesive or welded to current conductive contact plates electric

The present invention is intended to resolve the problem of creating a heating device of this genre that can be adapted to different heating powers so simple and economical

To solve this problem, this invention discloses an electric heating device with the features of claim 1. This device is difference in the state of the art of devices of this genre at least one separator element included in the frame.

If the heating device is considered from a calorific point of view, the separating element is basically ineffective The selection of a suitable separator element It is determined primarily by cost considerations. He separator element is not a heat generating element, nor does it have skills, such as radiating or heat-giving elements, to give heat to the air. However, due to the conductivity of heat in the heating block, the separator element can be to warm. Since the separator element is inside the frame, and over it passes the air that flows through the frame, the heating of the separating element can contribute little measure to the heat transfer of the heating device electric.

The device separator element of electric heating according to the invention is within the frame, that is, it is without fastening in the interior space of the frame and on it for the current that crosses the framework. The separator element can be arranged on the edge of the heating block, that is, directly between the elements heat generators and heat transfer elements. How alternatively, the separator element can also be a component member of the heating block. One or more can be arranged separating elements

In the manufacture of heating devices electric of this genre, usually mounted on the frame radiator elements of identical dimensions and elements heat generators of identical dimensions, so that alternate the radiator elements and the generator elements of hot. Sometimes, heat generating elements can be replace with one or more supporting strips, whose dimensions are basically correspond to those of the generating elements of heat, but not containing PTC heating elements and whose main function is to achieve a flat support surface for contiguous radiator elements (compare with EP-0 350 528) .With this you get, at the address of the width of the radiating and heat transfer elements elongated and in the plane of the heating block, a uniform grid of radiating elements and bands interspersed between them, and the separator element is preferably configured so that It fits in this reticule. For this, the thickness of the separator element it can correspond to the width of a radiator element or with the sum of the widths of a radiator element and an element heat generator The total thickness of the separator element also it can be the sum of the width of a radiator element and a part of the heat generating element, for example, of a strip of sheet metal or a strip of sheet metal and the site of the elements PTC heaters. Depending on the desired heat output, the interior space of the frame can be filled in a variable way exchanging a radiator element and / or a generator element of heat and introducing a separating element, without modifying the frame. Especially high flexibility in adaptation is achieved of the heating power having both an element separator that corresponds to the width of the generator element of heat as another that corresponds to the width of the element  radiator. Correspondingly, the device can be adapted electric heating to the desired heating power, in form of a module system, preserving the framework that It is usually manufactured by plastic molding by injection.

Other details, advantages and features of the This invention follows from the following description of Examples of embodiment in combination with the drawing. The drawing sample:

- Figure 1 shows a side view in perspective of a first embodiment of a device heating according to the invention;

- Figure 2 shows the separating element of the exemplary embodiment of figure 1;

- Figure 3 shows the embodiment of Figure 1, with the partially cut frame;

- Figure 4 is a side view in perspective of another embodiment of the device heating according to the invention;

- Figure 5 shows a longitudinal section of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 4, with the frame partially  chopped up;

- Figure 6 is a side view in perspective of a third embodiment of the device heating according to the invention; Y

- Figure 7 is a side view in perspective of a fourth embodiment of the device heating according to the invention.

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Figures 1 to 3 show a first exemplary embodiment of a heating device according to the invention, the configuration of which may correspond to the configuration described in the previous patent application EP-1 432 287 A1 or EP-04 002 958 of the applicant. Electric heating device it comprises a flat frame (2) composed of two frame halves (4a), (4b) of plastic embedded in each other, on one of whose front sides a flange element (6) has been fitted with a box of plug (8) formed in one piece. The frame (2) configures bearing surfaces (10) parallel to the frame plane surrounding its outer edge, by which the frame (2) can be connect to the ends of a ventilation channel not shown, for example, from a motor vehicle. These support surfaces (10) they serve as sealing surfaces for opposite ends of the ventilation channel in which the device is inserted electric heating The support surfaces (10) delimit a interior space (12), which determines the construction space maximum available to configure a heating block (14) inside of the frame (2).

The heating block (14) consists of elements elongated, on the one hand, the heat generating elements (16) consisting of several PTC heating elements (18) located one after another in a plane, each one arranged between strips of parallel sheet (20). In addition, the heating block (14) comprises radiator elements (22) that yield heat formed by strips of corrugated sheet (20). The heat generating elements (16) and the radiator elements (22) basically have the same length and the same thickness (dimensions perpendicular to the plane of the frame). Preferably, the heating block is supported only in the direction of the width against the inner side of the frame (2). In the present case, the heating block (14) is kept inside the low frame the previous pressure of a spring (24) integrated in the frame (2), the which is described in detail in European patent application 04 002 958.

The frame (2) comprises on its surfaces lateral a reticulated structure (26) with longitudinal bridges and transverse perpendicular to each other. Crosslinked structure (26) is configured so that the longitudinal bridges are aligned with the heat generating elements (16). The elements heat transfer radiators (22) are exposed in both outer sides of the frame (2) through the windows it forms the crosslinked structure (26).

In the exemplary embodiment showing the Figure 1, for the transfer of heat to the air that circulates through the frame (2) a heating block is configured only at five o'clock lower windows of the reticulated structure (26). Only there are radiator elements (22). The top row of the Layered configuration consists of a separator element (28), provided as a separate component (compare with figure 2), one of whose longitudinal sides are attached to the heating block (14) while its other longitudinal side is in contact with the spring (24) supported on the frame (2).

In this case, the separator element (28) is a injection molded plastic part, which involves a cell structure (30), which shows in detail Figure 2. The cell structure (30) comprises a longitudinal bridge (32) and multiple transverse bridges (34), located in places planned corresponding to the transverse bridges of the reticulated structure (26). The cross bridges (34) are correspond in width to the transverse bridges of the reticulated structure (26). The cells of the cell structure (30) have air passage holes (36), through in the direction of air circulation, so that the air through the frame can also be passed through the heating device electric through the separator element (28). Preferably the dimensions of the cell structure (30) are selected from so that they present a resistance to the passage of air through the frame basically equal to that of a radiator element (22). Thank you to this, in all parts of the layered configuration that flows through the air flow flow conditions are generated same, which is advantageous to easily configure the electric heating device in regards to heat produced.

In the exemplary embodiment shown by Figures 1 to 3, the separator element (28) reduces in the direction transversal to the layered configuration mounting space available to accommodate heat generating elements (16) and the heat transfer elements (22). The separating element (28) it has a length basically equal to the length of the elements radiators (22) or heat generating elements (16). Also the thickness of the separator element (28), that is, its extension in the direction of air circulation, corresponds basically to the thickness of a radiator element (22) or of an element heat generator (16), which, with its sheet metal strips (20) for shape the ends of an edge surrounding a radiator element (22), is usually a little thicker than the radiator element (22). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the separator element (28) instead of a heat transfer element (22) and parts of a heat generating element (16). Between separating element (28) and the adjacent radiator element (22) there is only one sheet strip (20), which, to form a contact element, protrudes laterally from the configuration layered to a printed circuit board housed in the flange element (6). Accordingly, the separator element (28) has a thickness equal to the sum of the thicknesses of an element radiator (22), a sheet metal strip (20) and the layer of elements PTC heaters (18). The separating element (28), in its respective longitudinal sides in the thickness direction, it forms flat support surfaces, on which they are in surface contact sheet strips (20) and spring (24).

Figures 4 and 5 show a second example of realization of an electric heating device according to the invention, whose basic configuration has been explained before with reference to figures 1 to 3. The same components are designated with the same reference numbers.

The exemplary embodiment shown by the Figures 4 and 5 differ from the previous embodiment basically in that the separator element (28) is located in the center of the layered configuration, that is, it is a component member of the heating block (14). The length and width of the separator element (28) correspond to the dimensions of the previous embodiment example. On the lateral surfaces opposite each other perpendicular to the plane of the heating block (14) a sheet metal strip (20) has been placed on the one hand. In the configuration shown in figures 4 and 5, this sheet metal strip (20) is immediately below the separator element (28). On the other side of the lower sheet strip (20) is supported by an element radiator (22). On the other hand, adjacent to the longitudinal side upper part of the separator element (28), there is another sheet metal strip (20) whose opposite longitudinal side constitutes the surface of PTC heating element support (18). So while the lower longitudinal side of the separator element (28) simply serves as support to the adjacent radiator element (22), with interposition of a sheet metal strip (20) to establish contact electric with said radiator element (22), on the opposite side there is a complete heat generating element (16). The width of the separator element (28) is basically equal to the width of a radiator element (22). The thickness of the lower sheet strip (20) basically does not increase the total thickness of the configuration by layers and can be compensated perfectly with the displacement of the two springs (24). Therefore, when the element is configured separator (28) in the direction of the configuration width by layers it is not essential to consider the thickness of a layer partial of the heat generating element, especially a strip of sheet (20), at least in cases where the configuration by layers is pressure mounted on the frame with one or more springs with previous tension. On the contrary, it has been observed that the element separator (28) should preferably be configured with the same width of the radiator element (22). With the spring (24) you can achieve possible tolerance compensation. Alternatively, with a layered configuration of insufficient thickness, you can mount on the frame (2) additional sheet metal strips merely intended to slightly increase the width of the configuration by layers.

In the exemplary embodiment of figures 4 and 5, as seen in Figure 5, the separator element is It is in the center of the layered configuration and is used for electrical insulation of the different heating circuits of the heating block (14). As can be seen in particular from the Figure 5, the part of the heating block (14) arranged above of the separator element (28) comprises two contact elements (17), which in Figure 5 protrude from the heating block (14) towards on the left, which are associated with a single circuit of heating (15) inside the frame (2). It is understood by circuit of heating (15) a subunit of the heating block (14) that is controls or regulates separately. The control elements or associated regulation may be mounted, for example, directly on the frame (2). In the present case, the element separator thermally and electrically separates the heating circuit upper (15a) of the lower heating circuit, so basically heat is not conducted through the plane that makes up the frame (2) transversely with respect to the layers of the configuration layered between the heating block (15a) and the other block of heating (15b). Correspondingly, the separator element (28) It is preferably constituted by an insulation material electric and / or thermal.

In the exemplary embodiment shown by Figures 1 to 5, the separator element is a piece of plastic injection molded, which reduces by approximately 17% the mounting space provided in the frame to accommodate the elements heat generators (16) and heat transfer elements (22), in the cross direction of the layered configuration, that is, in the width direction. In the embodiment example shown, this mounting space is basically constituted by opposite edges of each other of the support surfaces (10), since that the spring (24) is an integral component of the frame (2) and is housed between the frame halves (4a) and (4b). In ways of alternative embodiments, in which, for example, the spring is a integral component of the heating block (14), the space of characteristic assembly is made up of surfaces sides of the frame (4) opposite each other.

Finally, Figure 7 shows another exemplary embodiment, in which the mounting space provided in the frame to accommodate heat generating elements (16) and elements heat transferrs (22), in the longitudinal direction of the Layered configuration, is reduced by two separator elements (40) arranged on the front side of the heating block (14).

Therefore, to place or remove items separators (40) it is necessary to adapt the layers in length individual configuration by layers and modify, in a electric heating device mounting device, the preparatory equipment parts of the respective layers. How alternatively, it would also be possible to configure the individual elements of the layered configuration in their direction longitudinal, and connect them together, electrically and / or with thermal conductivity, at the intersection points, which preferably they are located behind the transverse bridges of the crosslinked structure (16). Also with this configuration by modules the assembly space can be economically modified provided in the longitudinal direction of the layered configuration by one or more separating elements, preferably adapted to the grid of the crosslinked structure (26).

The present invention is not limited to Examples of embodiment shown. However, in the configuration of the electric heating device, according to the invention, is uses a frame for heating devices thereof external dimensions for power heating devices different calories. To reduce effective mounting space intended for housing a heating block, the frame can contain one or more separating elements. This way it reduce the mounting space without modifying the outer dimensions of the frame. Thus, they can be manufactured from very economical way electric heating devices of different heat output. Especially contemplated are electric heating devices intended for heating complementary to a motor vehicle, with a heat output median of approximately 700 to 1200 W.

Practical trials have shown that separating elements can occupy up to 50% of the space inside the frame. When the separating elements comprise air passage holes, with the separating elements you can regulate the desired final temperature of the air stream after of the electric heating device by mixing the hot air flowing through the heating block and the air cold that crosses the separator elements. In addition, you can generate a stream of cold air surrounding the air stream hot, by means of which the pieces of plastic material of the air duct arranged after heating device, provided that the element or elements separators are arranged, partially or entirely, in the outer edge of the inner space of the frame.

List of reference numbers

2

Framework

4th

Half of the plastic frame

4b

Half of the plastic frame

6

Flange element

8

Socket box

10

Support surfaces

12

Interior space

14

Heating block

fifteen

Heating circuit

16

Heat generating element

17

Contact element

18

PTC heating element

twenty

Sheet Metal Strip

22

Radiator element

24

Spring

26

Reticulated structure

28

Separator element

30

Honeycomb structure

32

Longitudinal bridge

3. 4

Cross bridge

36

Air passage opening

40

Separator element to reduce the space of construction in the longitudinal direction of the configuration by layers

Claims (18)

1. Electric heating device, especially for a motor vehicle, equipped with a frame (2) within which a configuration by layers of heat-giving elements (22) and heat-generating elements (16) is provided, comprising PTC heating elements (18) arranged between contact strips (20) parallel to each other, and which is held within the frame (2) under spring pre-tension, characterized in that it has at least one separator element (28) housed in the frame (2). 2. Electric heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the separating element (28) reduces in the longitudinal direction of the layered configuration the mounting space provided in the frame (2) to accommodate heat generating elements (16) and heat transfer elements (22). 3. Electric heating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the separating element (28) reduces, in the transverse direction to the layered configuration, the mounting space provided in the frame (2) to accommodate generating elements of heat (16) and heat transfer elements (22). 4. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (28) reduces the installation space provided in the frame (2) by up to 50% to accommodate heat generating elements (16) and elements heat transferrs (22). 5. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (28) reduces the mounting space provided in the frame (2) by at least 10%, preferably by 20%. housing heat generating elements (16) and heat transfer elements (22). 6. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (28) replaces a heat transfer element (22) and / or a heat generating element (16) and / or partial layers of the same. 7. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (28), in the direction of the width of the elements of the layered configuration, has the same width as a heat transfer element (22 ) and / or a heat generating element (16) and / or partial layers thereof. 8. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (28) has basically the same thickness as the layered configuration. 9. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (28) is basically configured with the same dimensions as the heat transfer element (22). 10. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layered configuration comprises several heat-giving elements (22) of identical dimensions and several heat-generating elements (16) of identical dimensions, and because each separating element (28) is basically configured with the dimensions of the heat transfer element (22) and / or the heat generating element (16) and / or partial layers thereof. 11. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (28) is constituted by a thermal and / or electrical insulating material. 12. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (28) consists of plastic material. 13. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has several separate heating circuits provided with heat generating elements, and that at least one of the heat generating elements of the separate heating circuits is arranged, a separator element (28). 14. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (28) is configured as part of the frame (2) of plastic material. 15. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (28) is integrated in the layered configuration as a separate component. 16. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (28) is provided with air passage openings (36).

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17. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (28) has basically the same resistance to the passage of air flow through the frame (2) as a heat transfer element (22). 18. Electric heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (28) rests flatly on the adjacent element (20, 22) of the layered configuration.