ES2915558T3 - Electrically powered heating unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Electrically powered heating unit comprising a support element (2), an electrically conductive heat transfer element (15), an electrically conductive contact element (14), a positive temperature coefficient disk heating element (10 ) located between the heat transfer element (15) and the contact element (14), a fixing means (25, 27, 28) that fixes the heating element (10) and the contact element (14) between the heat transfer element (15) and the support element (2) and fixes the heating element (10) in electrical contact with the contact element (14) and the heat transfer element (15), a first connection means (38) cooperating with the contact element (14) to electrically connect the contact element (14) with a first pole of an electrical power supply, and a second connection means (55) cooperating with the heat transfer element (15) for connecting the heat transfer element (15) to a second pole of the power supply, wherein biasing means (34) comprising a compression spring (34) co-operate with the element support (2) and contact element (14) urges contact element (14) and heat transfer element (15) into electrical contact with heating element (10), and fixing means ( 25, 27, 28) is configured to fix the heating element (10) tightly sandwiched between the contact element (14) and the heat transfer element (15), characterized in that the first connection means (38) is it extends centrally from the contact element (14), centrally through the compression spring (34) and centrally through the support element (2).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Electrically powered heating unit

The present invention relates to an electrically powered heating unit, and the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an electrically powered heating unit.

Electrically powered heating units are known, and such electrically powered heating units are commonly used in evaporators, for example, evaporators for evaporating essential oils and the like. In general, said electrically powered heating units comprise an electrically resistive heating element, which can be located around or below a container that forms a well for the essential oil to be evaporated. It is also known to provide electrically powered heating elements to heat tobacco and other herbaceous matter in a vaporization chamber to release volatiles from the herbaceous matter for inhalation. Again, such heating elements tend to comprise an electrically resistive heating element. In general, the use of such electrically resistive heating elements tends to lead to a relatively cumbersome and somewhat inefficient heating unit, due to the fact that the electrically resistive heating element cannot be brought into direct contact with a heat transfer element. electrically conductive heat to transfer heat by conduction from the heating element to, for example, the container that forms the well for the essential oil, or to a chamber that contains the herbaceous matter. In general, the heat from such electrically resistive heating elements is transferred by radiation and convection. However, in general, it has been found that the efficiency with which heat can be transferred by convection and radiation is relatively low. Furthermore, control of the temperature to which material has to be heated, for example essential oils, herbaceous matter and the like, is difficult to control when the heat is being transferred by radiation and/or convection and, in general, the The precision with which the temperature of the material to be heated can be controlled is relatively low.

Such an electrically powered heating unit is disclosed in PCT Patent Specification WO 2015/056252 to Storey et al. The Storey electrically powered heating unit comprises a serpentine electrically resistive heating element. However, it is necessary to provide an insulating means between the electrically resistive heating element and any heat transfer element that is made of electrically conductive material. Since most of the good heat conducting materials that are suitable as a heat transfer element are electrically conductive, the requirement to provide an insulating medium between the electrically resistive heating element and the heat transfer element reduces, to some extent, measure, the efficiency of the heating unit.

PCT Patent Specification WO 2008/076455 to Thuot discloses a positive temperature coefficient electrical heating device that is suitable for vaporizing air treatment chemicals. The Thuot device comprises a positive temperature coefficient heating element located in a housing, between an elastic electrical contact element and a heat transfer electrical contact element. First and second electrical connectors are provided on the electrically conductive contact element and the electrically conductive heat transfer element, respectively, for connecting to a source of electricity.

PCT Patent Specification WO 2006/046209 to Zobele discloses a positive temperature coefficient electrical heating device for vaporizing a fragrance or an insecticide. The Zobele device comprises a positive temperature coefficient heating element located between an electrically conductive elastic contact element and an electrically conductive heat transfer element which are housed together in a housing. First and second electrically conductive connector elements are provided on the electrical contact element and the heat transfer element, respectively, for connecting the device to an electrical power source.

PCT Patent Specification WO 2009/002431 to Adair discloses an electrical heating device for vaporizing air treatment chemicals. The device comprises an enclosing body within which a positive temperature coefficient heating element is located, located between an electrically conductive elastic contact element and a heat diffuser plate. First and second electrical connection elements are connected to the electrical contact element and to the heat spreader plate, to connect the device to an electrical power source.

Patent specification US2015/0139632, by Mueller et al., discloses a heating device for heating fluid passing through a pipe. The Mueller heating device comprises a housing having through it a fluid accommodating orifice terminating at its opposite ends in couplers for coupling to a pipe through which the fluid to be heated flows. A copper tube is located in the pipe hole to transfer heat from the heating device to the fluid. A flattened part of the copper tube extends into a U-shaped housing which is attached to the flattened part of the copper tube. Located between the U-shaped housing and the flattened portion of the copper tube is a positive temperature coefficient disk heating element, positioned between a pair of electrically conductive contacts for applying an electrical supply to the positive temperature coefficient heating element. positive temperature. A compression spring acting between the U-shaped housing and one of the contact elements pushes the two contact elements with the heating element sandwiched between them into contact with the heating element and in turn , pushes the other of the contact elements into heat transfer engagement with the flattened portion of the copper tube, to transfer heat from the heating element to the copper tube.

Therefore, there is a need for an electrically powered heating unit that provides higher heat transfer efficiency from the heating element to the material to be heated by the heating unit and, in particular, to improve heat transfer efficiency. heat by conduction from the heating element to the material to be heated.

The present invention is directed to providing such an electrically powered heating unit, and the invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing such an electrically powered heating element.

According to the invention, an electrically powered heating unit is provided comprising a support element, an electrically conductive heat transfer element, an electrically conductive contact element, a positive temperature coefficient disc heating element located between the heat transfer element and the contact element, a fixing means that fixes the heating element and the contact element between the heat transfer element and the support element and fixes the heating element in electrical contact with the contact element and the heat transfer element, a first connection means that cooperates with the contact element to electrically connect the contact element with a first pole of an electrical power source, and a second connection means that cooperates with the heat transfer element to connect the heat transfer element to u n second pole of the electrical power supply, where a pushing means comprising a compression spring that can cooperate with the support element and the contact element pushes the contact element and the heat transfer element into electrical contact with the heating element, and the fixing means is configured to fix the heating element sandwiched tightly between the contact element and the heat transfer element, where the first connecting means extends centrally from the contact element, centrally through the compression spring and centrally through the support element.

In one aspect of the invention, the heating element defines first and second opposing planar major abutment surfaces, the first abutment surface being configured to abut against the contact element, and the second abutment surface of the element being configured heater to butt against the heat transfer element. Preferably, the first and second abutment surfaces of the heating element are parallel to each other.

In another aspect of the invention, the first abutment surface of the heating element engages the first surface of the contact element with electrically conductive coupling. Preferably, the second abutment surface of the heating element engages the heat transfer element with electrically conductive engagement.

Advantageously, the second abutment surface of the heating element engages the heat transfer element with heat conducting engagement.

In another aspect of the invention, the contact element defines a first major planar surface, the first surface of the contact element being in electrically conductive engagement with the heating element. Preferably, the contact element defines a second major surface opposite and parallel to the first surface thereof. Advantageously, the contact element comprises a disc element.

In one aspect of the invention, the first connection means is configured for spot welding on or crimping a first electrically conductive wire to connect the contact element to the first pole of the power supply. Preferably, the first connection means defines an opening for receiving the first power supply cable therein. Preferably, the first connection means is an electrically conductive coupling with the contact element.

In another aspect of the invention, the first connection means comprises a first connection element extending from the contact element. Preferably, the first connection element comprises a connection pin extending from the contact element. Advantageously, the connecting pin is integrally formed with the contact element from the same piece of material from which the contact element is formed.

In one aspect of the invention, the connecting pin extends from a peripheral edge of the contact element. Preferably, the connecting pin bends at a first bend adjacent the peripheral edge of the contact element to form a first portion extending inwardly from the peripheral edge, and substantially parallel to the contact element. Advantageously, the connecting pin bends into a second bend at a position spaced from the first bend, defining a portion extending from the contact element. Ideally, the portion of the connecting pin extending from the second bend and from the contact element curves into a third bend defining an intermediate portion extending between the second and third bends and a distal portion extending from the third elbow, the distal portion curving at an angle of approximately 180 degrees adjacent the third elbow, to run substantially parallel to the intermediate portion of the connecting leg, the distal portion of the connecting leg extending from the third elbow toward the contact element. Preferably, the distal portion and the intermediate portion of the connector pin are spaced apart from each other adjacent the third elbow to define the opening for receiving the first power supply cable therein.

In one aspect of the invention, the second connecting means extends from the heat transfer element. Preferably, the second connection means is in electrically conductive engagement with the heat transfer element.

In another aspect of the invention, the heat transfer element comprises a contact area for electrically engaging the second abutment surface of the heating element. Preferably, the contact area of the heat transfer element defines a planar contact surface for engaging the second abutment surface of the heating element with electrically and thermally conductive engagement. Advantageously, the contact area of the heat transfer element is located in a well formed in the heat transfer element.

In another aspect of the invention, the heat transfer element comprises an outer peripheral portion extending around the contact area thereof. Preferably, the second connecting means extends from the outer peripheral portion of the heat transfer element.

In another aspect of the invention, the second connection means extends parallel to and spaced apart from the first connection means.

Preferably, the second connection means is located on the heat transfer element separate from and to one side of the heating element and the contact element.

In one aspect of the invention, the second connection means extends through the support element.

In one aspect of the invention, the second connection means is configured for welding on or crimping a second electrically conductive wire from the power supply to couple the heat transfer element to the second pole of the power supply. electrical.

In another aspect of the invention, the second connection means comprises a second connection element fixed to the heat transfer element. Preferably, the second connection element is attached to the heat transfer element by a press fit in a hole extending through the heat transfer element.

In another aspect of the invention, the second connection element defines a cable receiving hole, adjacent a distal end thereof, for receiving the second electrically conductive cable of the electrical power supply. Advantageously, the distal end of the second connecting element is configured for welding to or crimping the second electrically conductive wire to the distal end of the connecting element.

In one aspect of the invention, the heat transfer element defines an outer heat transfer surface configured to transfer heat therefrom. Preferably, the outer heat transfer surface of the heat transfer element is configured to transfer heat therefrom by thermal conduction. Advantageously, the outer heat transfer surface of the heat transfer element comprises a flat surface. Advantageously, the outer heat transfer surface of the heat transfer element extends parallel to the contact surface of the heat transfer element. Preferably, the heating element is circular in shape.

Advantageously, the contact element has a circular shape.

Ideally, the contact surface of the heat transfer element is circular in shape.

In another aspect of the invention, the support element comprises an enveloping body that defines therein a hollow interior area to house the heating element therein, the enveloping body defining a communication opening communicating with the hollow inner area, and the heat transfer element is located next to the communication opening closing the communication opening. Preferably, the housing comprises a plate element which extends around the housing adjacent to the communication opening. Advantageously, the heat transfer element is abutted against the outer surface of one of the housing and the plate element.

In another aspect of the invention, the fixing means comprises at least one pair of complementary formations that can be coupled together, one of the formations of each pair being arranged in the heat transfer element and the other of the pair of formations being arranged. complementary formations engageable with each other on the support element. Preferably, one of the mating complementary formations of each pair thereof comprises a retaining element extending from one of the support member and the heat transfer element, and the other comprising the mating complementary formations of each pair thereof a corresponding receptor located on the other of the support element and the heat transfer element. Advantageously, each retaining element comprises an elongated retaining element extending from one of the support element and the heat transfer element. Ideally, a mating ridge extends laterally from each retaining element to engage a corresponding receiver on the other of the pair of mutually matable complementary formations of the support element and heat transfer element. Preferably, the engaging ridge of each retaining element is shaped to pass through the communication opening defined by the rim, the corresponding portion of which forms the receiver in one direction, and to engage the rim when pushed in the opposite direction. . Advantageously, the mating ridge of each retention element extends in a generally outward direction from the retention element.

In one aspect of the invention, the retaining element extends from the heat transfer element. In another aspect of the invention, the receiver of each pair of matable complementary formations comprises a portion of a rim defining a communicating opening in the support member.

Preferably, the mating complementary formations of each pair of mating mating formations engage the other of the pair of mating mating formations with a snap-fit action.

In one aspect of the invention, at least three pairs of matable complementary formations are spaced apart around the heating element. Preferably, six of the pairs of matable complementary formations are spaced apart around the heating element. Advantageously, the pairs of complementary formations engageable with each other are spaced the same distance around the heating element.

Additionally, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an electrically powered heating unit, the method comprising locating a positive temperature coefficient disk heating element between an electrically conductive heat transfer element and an electrically conductive contact element, fixing the heating element and the contact element between the heat transfer element and a support element, with the heating element in electrical contact with the contact element and the heat transfer element, arranging a first connection means cooperating with the contact element to electrically connect the contact element to a first pole of an electrical power source, and providing second connection means cooperating with the heat transfer element to connect the heat transfer element to a second pole of the power supply n electrical, wherein the method further comprises urging the contact element and the heat transfer element into electrical contact with the heating element by means of a compression spring operable with the support element and the heating element contact, and fixing the heating element sandwiched tightly between the contact element and the heat transfer element, wherein the first connecting element is disposed extending centrally from the contact element, centrally through the compression spring, and centrally through the support element.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that it provides a higher efficiency of conduction heat transfer from an electrically powered heating element to the material to be heated by the heating unit. Due to the improved efficiency of heat transfer by conduction, the heating element is much more reactive to the temperature of the material or container to be heated, and is considerably more reactive to the temperature of the heat transfer element through which it is being heated. transfers heat from the heating element to the material or container for the material to be heated. Furthermore, the reaction time by the heating element to a temperature change in the transfer element is almost instantaneous, since the heat transfer element is in direct thermal conductive coupling with the heating element.

Another advantage of the invention is that, by virtue of the fact that the contact element and the heat transfer element are both in direct electrically conductive engagement with the transfer element. heating, the construction of the heating unit is considerably simplified. This is due, in particular, to the fact that the first connection means for connecting the power supply to the heating element can be connected directly to the contact element, and the second connection means for connecting the power supply to the heating element can be directly connected to the heat transfer element.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrically powered heating unit, according to the invention,

Figure 2 is another perspective view of the heating unit of Figure 1,

figure 3 is a further perspective view of the heating unit of figure 1,

Figure 4 is yet another perspective view of the heating unit of Figure 1,

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the heating unit of Figure 1,

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional front end elevational view of the heating unit of Figure 1 on line VI-VI of Figure 5,

Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the heating unit of Figure 1,

Figure 8 is a rear end elevational view of the heating unit of Figure 1, Figure 9 is a side elevational view of the heating unit of Figure 1,

Figure 10 is another top plan view of the heating unit of Figure 1, and

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the heating unit of Figure 1. Referring to the drawings, there is shown an electrically powered heating unit in accordance with the invention, indicated generally by the numeral reference 1, which is suitable for heating many appliances, for example, an evaporator well of an evaporator for evaporating essential oils, a herb chamber for heating herbs in order to release volatiles from them, for example, for heating tobacco, but without burning the tobacco, to release tobacco volatiles, and for many other uses. The evaporator well, evaporator, and herb chamber are not shown, although such evaporator wells, evaporators, and herb chambers of vaporizers are well known to those skilled in the art.

The heating unit 1 comprises a support element 2 of a plastic material, which is usually made by injection moulding, and comprises a plate element 4 having a central circular communication opening 3 extending therethrough and a body shell 5 formed centrally in plate member 4. Shell 5 comprises a top wall 6 joined to plate member 4 by a series of circumferentially spaced connecting members 7 extending radially outwardly and downwardly from the top wall 6 to plate element 4 around and adjacent to communication opening 3. Top wall 6 and connecting elements 7 together define a hollow interior area 9 of housing 5. Communication opening 3 in communication element plate 4 communicates with, and provides access to, the hollow interior area 9.

A circular shaped positive temperature coefficient disk heating element 10 having a pair of first and second opposing parallel main planar abutment surfaces 11 and 12, respectively, is located in the hollow interior area 9. The heating element 10 is sandwiched between an electrically conductive contact element 14 which is located in the hollow interior area 9 and an electrically conductive heat transfer element 15. The heat transfer element 15 is fixed to the plate element 4, in a way that is described below, closing the communication opening 3. The contact element 14 is arranged in the form of a circular disk 16 of electrically conductive material, which in this case is stainless steel, and is configured, as will be described below, to applying a first pole of an electrical power supply to the first adjacent abutment surface 11 of the heating element 10.

The heat transfer element 15 is circular in shape and is made of an electrically conductive and thermally conductive material, in this case comprising nickel and iron plated brass. The brass of the heat transfer element 15 is initially iron plated to make it magnetically attractable, and then nickel plated to prevent oxidation of the iron plating. The heat transfer element 15 defines a flat inner surface 18, and a flat outer heat transfer surface 19. A central well 20 of circular in shape and substantially similar in diameter to the diameter of heating element 10 is centrally formed on the inner surface 18 of heat transfer element 15 to centrally locate heating element 10 in heat transfer element 15. Central well 20 defines a central contact area, i.e., a planar electrical contact surface 21 for engaging, and abutting, the adjacent second abutting surface 12 of heating element 10 with electrically conductive coupling for applying a second pole of the power supply to the second stop surface 12 of the heating element 10. The contact surface 21 also mates with the second stop surface 12 of the heating element 10 with thermally conductive coupling to transfer heat from the heating element 10 by thermal conduction. The diameter of the heat transfer element 15 is larger than the diameter of the communication opening 3 in the plate element 4, so that an outer peripheral part 22 of the heat transfer element 15 extending around the central well 20 it abuts against an outer surface 23 of the plate element 4 adjacent to the communication opening 3. The inner surface 18, the outer surface 19 and the contact surface 21 of the heat transfer element 15 are parallel to each other.

A fixing means for fixing the heat transfer element 15 in tight abutting engagement with the plate element 4 comprises a series of, in this embodiment of the invention six, pairs of complementary formations engageable with each other, where one of each pair of complementary formations engageable with each other comprises a retention element 25 extending from the inner surface 18 of the heat transfer element 15 adjacent to the peripheral area 22 thereof. The other of the mutually engageable complementary formations of each pair of these comprises a corresponding receiver provided by a receiving portion 27 of the rim 28 defining the communicating opening 3 in the plate member 4. Apertures 29 defined between adjacent pairs of the connecting elements 7 of the enclosing body 5 house the retaining elements 25.

Each retaining member 25 comprises a corresponding mating ridge 30 extending outwardly from the corresponding retaining member 25 for engaging the corresponding receiving portion 27 of the rim 28 with a snap-fit action. Each mating ridge 30 defines an inclined entry surface 32 to allow passage of the corresponding retainer 25 in the direction of arrow A through the communicating opening 3, and an exit surface 33 extending substantially perpendicular or at an acute angle with respect to the corresponding retaining element 25 to engage with the corresponding receiving portion 27 of the rim 28 of the communication opening 3 so that cooperative action between the retaining elements 25, the mating ridges 30 thereof and retaining portions 27 of flange 28 retain heat transfer element 15 in tight abutting engagement with plate element 4, with inner surface 18 of heat transfer element 15 in tight abutting engagement tight with the outer surface 23 of the plate element 4.

A biasing means comprising a compression spring 34 is located in the hollow interior area 9 of the housing 5 and acts between the upper wall 6 of the housing 5 and the contact element 14 to push a first main flat surface 35 of the element contact pad 14 into tightly abutting, electrically conductive engagement with first abutment surface 11 of heating element 10 and, in turn, for urging contact surface 21 of heat transfer element 15 into tight engagement with conduction with the second abutment surface 12 of the heating element 10, so that an electrical power supply applied through the contact element 14 and the heat transfer element 15 is correspondingly applied through the heating element 10 by the respective first and second abutment surfaces 11 and 12 of the heating element 10.

A first connection means for connecting the first pole of the power supply to contact element 14, in this embodiment of the invention, comprises a first connection element 38 extending from contact element 14 for spot welding with a first electrically conductive cable 39 from the electrical power supply. The first connecting element 38 comprises a connecting pin 40 which is made integrally with the contact disc 16, from the same piece of material as that from which the contact disc 16 is formed. The connecting pin 40 extends from a peripheral edge 41 of the contact disc 16. The connecting pin 40 bends at a first elbow 42 adjacent the peripheral edge 41 to form a first portion 43 extending inwardly from the peripheral edge 41 and running parallel with, and adjacent to a second major planar surface 44 of the contact disc 16. The second surface 44 of the contact element 14 is opposite and parallel to the first surface 35 thereof, abuts tightly against, and engages the first abutment surface adjacent 11 of the heating element 10.

The connecting pin 40 then curves into a second elbow 46 adjacent to the center of the contact disc 16, and a portion 45 of the connecting pin 40 extending from the second elbow 46 extends perpendicularly from the contact disc 16. The portion 45 of the connecting leg 40 extending from the second elbow 46 bends at a third elbow 49 spaced apart from the second elbow 46 to form the portion 45 of the connecting leg 40 at an intermediate portion 47 and a distal portion. 48. Distal portion 48 of pin 40 curves at third elbow 49 approximately 180° relative to intermediate portion 47 to extend back toward contact disk 16 substantially adjacent intermediate portion 47 of connecting pin 40 Distal portion 48 is slightly spaced from intermediate portion 47 of connecting pin 40 adjacent third elbow 49 to define an opening 50 to receive a proximal portion 52 of the first lead 39, such that the distal portion 48 and intermediate portion 47 of the connecting pin 40 can be spot welded to the first lead 39 or crimped to the first lead 39 so that the connection pin 40 is attached to the first cable 39 with good electrical continuity. Intermediate portion 47 and distal portion 48 of connecting pin 40 extend centrally through compression spring 34.

A central opening 54 in the upper wall 6 of the housing 5 receives the distal portion 48 and the intermediate portion 47 of the connecting lug 40 centrally through the housing 5 from the hollow interior area 9 to mate with the proximal portion 52 of the first cable 39 externally with respect to the housing 5.

A second connection means for connecting the second pole of the electrical power supply to the heat transfer element 15, in this embodiment of the invention, comprises a second connection element 55 formed by a tubular element 56. The tubular element 56 is it engages a hole 58 extending through the heat transfer element 15 in the outer peripheral portion 22 thereof. Tubular member 56 and hole 58 are dimensioned such that tubular member 56 presses snugly into hole 58 thereby forming a secure electrically conductive bond between tubular member 56 and heat transfer member 15. The tubular element 56 extends through one of the openings 29 defined between two adjacent ones of the connecting elements 7 of the housing 5 of the support element 2. A hole 57 extends into the tubular element 56 from the distal end 59 thereof, to receive a proximal end 60 of a second cable 61 of the power supply. The diameter of the hole 57 is such that it receives the proximal end 60 of the second cable 61 therein, so that the distal end 59 of the tubular element 56 can crimp the proximal end 60 of the second cable 61, or the second cable 61 can be crimped. weld to tubular element 56 in hole 57.

In this embodiment of the invention, the heating element 10 is suitable for being powered by a 3.7 volt DC power supply, and is suitable for battery power. In this embodiment of the invention, the heating element 10 is configured to operate within a temperature in the range of 80°C to 103°C, which is a suitable temperature range for evaporating essential oils. Being a positive temperature coefficient heating element, the temperature of the heating element 10 increases rapidly to 80°C and, upon reaching the temperature of 80°C, the current absorbed by the heating element 10 rapidly decays, so which then increases relatively slowly to the maximum temperature of 103°C. When the heating element 10 is selected so that the heat output of the heating element 10 matches the heat requirement of the load, the temperature of the heating element 10 generally stabilizes at a working temperature of order of 103 °C. As more heat is removed from the heat transfer element 15, the temperature of the heating element 10 begins to drop. When the temperature of the heating element 10 drops, the current absorbed by the heating element 10 progressively increases, thus relatively quickly returning the temperature of the heating element 10 to its working temperature of the order of 103°C. As less heat is extracted from the heat transfer element 15 and the temperature of the heating element 10 begins to increase, the current drawn by the heating element 10 progressively decreases, such that the temperature of the heating element 10 is maintained. substantially constant around the working temperature of the order of 103 °C.

The heating element 10 has a thickness t of approximately 0.9 mm between the first and second opposing abutment surfaces 11 and 12 thereof. The central well 20 in the heat transfer element 15 is relatively shallow, and in this embodiment of the invention it is no more than 0.2mm deep. Therefore, the heat transfer element 15 contacts the second stop surface 12 of the heating element 10, and the contact element 14 contacts the first stop surface 11 of the heating element 10, so such that the electrical power supply voltage applied to the heating element 10 is applied to the respective first and second opposing abutment surfaces 11 and 12 of the heating element 10 via the contact element 14 and the power transfer element. heat 15, respectively.

In use, the heating unit 1 is initially assembled by forming the first connection element 38 in the form of the connection pin 40 of the contact element 14. The second connection element 55 is fixed in the hole 58 of the heat transfer element. heat 15 by press fit therein. Next, the heating element 10 is placed in the central well 20 of the heat transfer element 15 with the second abutment surface 12 of the heating element 10 abutting against the contact surface 21 of the heat transfer element 15. Contact element 14 is placed on heating element 10 with first surface 35 of contact element 14 abutting against first abutting surface 11 of heating element 10, and with first connecting element 38 facing away from the element. 10. Compression spring 34 is then placed on top of contact element 14 abutting against second surface 44 thereof, with first connecting element 38 extending centrally through compression spring 34.

Next, the support element 2 is brought down over the heat transfer element 15 with the outer surface 23 of the plate element 4 facing the inner surface 18 of the heat transfer element 15 and with the well 20, the heating element 10, contact element 14 and connecting pin 40 centrally aligned with housing 5. As support element 2 is brought down over heat transfer element 15, the second connecting element 55 aligns with one of the openings 29 between an adjacent pair of connecting elements 7, and the retaining elements 25 align with the corresponding openings between the openings 29. As the support element 2 is brought further down above the heat transfer element 15, the first connection element 38 extends through the central opening 54 in the upper wall 6 of the housing 5, and the second element d The connection 55 extends through the opening 29 with which it is aligned. Retaining elements 25 then pass through communicating opening 3 in plate element 4, and into corresponding openings 29. As mating ridges 30 pass corresponding receiving portions 27 of rim 28 defining the communication opening 3, the mating ridges 30 press fit with the receiving portions 27 of the rim 28 with a snap-fit action, thereby retaining the inner surface 18 of the peripheral portion 22 of the heat transfer element 15 in tight abutment engagement against outer surface 23 of plate element 4, with heating element 10, contact element 14 and compression spring 34 located in hollow interior area 9 of housing 5.

With the heat transfer element 15 fixed to the support element 2, the action of the compression spring 34 between the upper wall 6 of the housing 5 and the contact element 14 ensures a tight abutting electrically conductive coupling between the first surface 35 of the contact element 14 and the first stop surface 11 of the heating element 10 and between the contact surface 21 in the central well 20 of the heat transfer element 15 and the second stop surface 12 of the heating element 10. The tight abutting coupling between the second abutting surface 12 of the heating element 10 and the contact surface 21 of the heat transfer element 15 also ensures a coupling with good thermal conductivity between the second abutting surface 12 of the heating element 10 and the contact surface 21 of the heat transfer element 15, thereby guaranteeing u an efficient transfer of heat from the heating element 10 to the heat transfer element 15 by thermal conduction.

Next, the first connecting element 38 is spot welded or crimped on the first wire 39, and the second wire 61 is fixed in the hole 57 of the second connecting element 55 by crimping or by welding. Next, the heating element 1 is ready for use.

By virtue of the fact that the heat transfer element 15 is of iron and nickel plated brass, the heat transfer element is of a thermally conductive material, and by virtue of the fact that the heating element 10 is in coupling abutting tightly against the contact surface 21 in the central well 20 of the heat transfer element 15, heat is efficiently transferred from the heating element 10 to the heat transfer element 15 by thermal conduction. Therefore, the heat transfer element 15 can be used as a hot plate for many heating appliances and products and, in particular, portable battery-powered heating appliances and products, for example, to heat a container defining a essential oil well of an essential oil evaporator, for heating herbaceous material, for example, tobacco in an herb chamber of a vaporizer to release volatiles from the tobacco or other herb. The herb chamber could be constructed with the heat transfer element 15 forming a base of, for example, a cylindrical or otherwise shaped chamber for containing the herbaceous material to be heated. Such a vaporizer could be a "heat without burning" type vaporizer for heating, but not burning, tobacco or other herbaceous material to release the volatiles therein for inhalation by a subject. The heat transfer element 15 could also be used as a hot plate for a stove, to keep a cookware warm, or of course to cook food in a cookware. The heat transfer element 15 could also be used as a food warmer hot plate for use in a food cart to keep food warm.

Additionally, by virtue of the fact that the heat transfer element 15 includes iron plating, the heat transfer element is magnetically attractable, and thus, a container defining a well for containing an essential oil to be evaporated could be attached. detachably to the heat transfer element 15 by means of a magnet, which could be fixed, or incorporated in the base or in any other suitable position in the container that defines the essential oil containment well. Alternatively, the heat transfer element 15, being also made of a thermally conductive material and an electrically conductive material, can also be configured as a permanent magnet.

Although the support member has been described as being an injection molded plastics material, it will of course be appreciated that it will be of a heat resistant plastics material. It goes without saying that the support element can be made of any other suitable material.

It will also be appreciated that although the support element has been described as comprising a plate element with the housing 5 formed integrally with the plate element, the support element may be of any other suitable construction and, in some embodiments of the invention, it is contemplated that the plate element can be dispensed with, and the connecting elements would end in a ring whose inner rim would define the communication opening to the hollow inner area of the enclosing body, and receiving portions 27 to engage retaining members 25. Then, the outer peripheral portion of the heat transfer member would abut against the ring.

It will also be appreciated that although the housing has been described as being a housing, the housing, when located in a plate member, need not necessarily be centrally located in the plate member. Furthermore, although the housing has been described as comprising a top wall and connecting members extending downwardly from the top wall to the plate member, any other suitable housing construction may be provided. Of course, the housing could be made up of a top wall and a side wall that extends around the top wall and ends in the plate element or a ring, as explained above.

It will also be appreciated that the heat transfer element may be made of any other suitable material in addition to iron and nickel plated brass. However, it is important that the heat transfer element is made of both an electrically conductive material and a thermally conductive material.

The contact element can also be made of any other suitable electrically conductive material, in addition to stainless steel.

Although the heating element has been described as being configured to operate within a working temperature range of 80°C to 103°C, the working temperature range for which the heating element 10 will function will be selected based on usage. to be given to the heating unit. For example, to heat an essential oil evaporator well, it is contemplated that the working temperature range of the heating element is of the order of 80 °C to 103 °C, while, on the other hand, when the heating unit is for use in a vaporizer to vaporize herbaceous matter, the operating temperature range of the heating element is contemplated to be within the range of 170°C to 230°C. Additionally, the working temperature range of the heating element will depend on the temperature to which the herbaceous matter is going to be heated in order to release the volatiles that have to be released. In cases where the heating unit is adapted for other uses and purposes, the heating element shall be selected to operate within an appropriate operating temperature range for the use or purpose the heating unit is to serve. .

Although the heating element has been described as comprising a circular disk heating element, the heating element may be of any other shape than circular, for example, the disk heating element may be square, rectangular, or any other shape. another polygonal shape. Although this would not be necessary, it is nevertheless contemplated that the contact element and the shape of the well within which the contact surface is located on the heat transfer element will typically be similar in shape to that of the disk heating element.

Although the attachment means for attaching the heat transfer element to the support element has been described as comprising a series of interlocking complementary formations, any other type of attachment means could be used, for example other types of attachable complementary formations each. Alternatively, the fixing means could comprise one or more fastening elements, for example screws, rivets or the like, which could fix the heat transfer element to the support element.

Claims (13)

1. Electrically powered heating unit comprising a support element (2), an electrically conductive heat transfer element (15), an electrically conductive contact element (14), a positive temperature coefficient disk heating element (10) located between the heat transfer element (15) and the contact element (14), a fixing means (25, 27, 28) that fixes the heating element (10) and the contact element (14 ) between the heat transfer element (15) and the support element (2) and fixes the heating element (10) in electrical contact with the contact element (14) and the heat transfer element (15), a first connection means (38) cooperating with the contact element (14) to electrically connect the contact element (14) with a first pole of an electrical power supply, and a second connection means (55) cooperating with ac transfer element lor (15) to connect the heat transfer element (15) to a second pole of the electrical power supply, in which a biasing means (34) comprising a compression spring (34) that can cooperate with the support element (2) and contact element (14) urges contact element (14) and heat transfer element (15) into electrical contact with heating element (10), and fixing means (25, 27, 28) is configured to fix the heating element (10) tightly sandwiched between the contact element (14) and the heat transfer element (15), characterized in that the first connection means (38) it extends centrally from the contact element (14), centrally through the compression spring (34) and centrally through the support element (2). 2. Electrically powered heating unit, according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connection means (38) comprises a first connection pin (40) extending from a peripheral edge (41) of the contact element (14) the connecting pin (40) curving at a first elbow (42) adjacent to the peripheral edge (41) of the contact element (14) to form a first portion (43) extending inwardly from the peripheral edge (41) , and substantially parallel to the contact element (14), the connecting pin (40) curving into a second elbow (46) at a position spaced from the first elbow (42) and defining a portion (45) extending from the contact element (14). 3. Electrically powered heating unit, according to claim 2, characterized in that the part (45) of the connection pin (40) that extends from the second elbow (46) and from the contact element (14) is curved into a third elbow (49) defining an intermediate portion (47) extending between the second and third elbows (46, 49) and a distal portion (48) extending from the third elbow (49), curving the distal part (48) at an angle of approximately 180° next to the third elbow (49) to run substantially parallel to the intermediate part (47) of the connecting pin (40), the distal part (48) of the pin extending (40) from the third elbow (49) to the contact element (14), the distal part (48) and the intermediate part (47) of the connecting pin (40) are separated from each other next to the third elbow (49) to define an opening (50) for receiving therein a first electrically conductive cable (39) for connecting the ele contact element (14) to a first pole of the power supply. 4. Electrically powered heating unit, according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the second connection means (55) is located on the heat transfer element (15) separate from the heating element (10) and the contact element ( 14) and on one side thereof, and extends parallel to, and spaced from, the first connecting means (38), and through the support element (27). 5. Electrically powered heating unit according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the heating element (10) defines first and second opposing planar main stop surfaces (11, 12), the first stop surface (11) being configured ) of the heating element (10) to abut against the contact element (14), and the second abutment surface (12) of the heating element (10) being configured to abut against the heat transfer element (15). ), the heat transfer element (15) comprising a contact area (21) defining a flat contact surface (21) for engagement with the second abutment surface (12) of the heating element (10) with conductive engagement electrical and thermal. 6. Electrically powered heating unit, according to claim 5, characterized in that the heat transfer element (15) comprises an outer peripheral part (22) that extends around the contact area (21) thereof, and the second connecting means (55) extends from the outer peripheral portion (22) of the heat transfer element (15). 7. Electrically powered heating unit, according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the second connection means (55) comprises a second connection element (55, 56) fixed to the heat transfer element (15), defining the second element connecting a cable housing hole (57) next to a distal end (59) thereof to house a second electrically conductive cable (61) from a second pole of the power supply, the distal end (59) being configured of the second connecting element (55, 56) for welding on or crimping the second electrically conductive wire to the distal end (59) of the connecting element (55, 56). 8. Electrically powered heating unit, according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the support element (2) comprises a surrounding body (5) that defines therein a hollow interior area (9) to house the heating element therein. heating element (10), the enclosing body (5) defining a communication opening (3) communicating with the hollow interior area (9), and comprising a plate element (4) extending around the enclosing body (5) together to the communication opening (3), and the heat transfer element (15) is abutted against an outer surface (23) of one of the housing (5) and the plate element (4) next to the opening (3) and closing the communication opening (3). 9. Electrically powered heating unit, according to claim 8, characterized in that the fixing means (25, 27, 28) comprises at least one pair of complementary formations that can be coupled together (25, 27, 28), being One of the formations (25) of each pair of these is arranged in the heat transfer element (15) and the other of the pair of interconnectable complementary formations (25, 27, 28) is arranged in the support element (2 ), one of the mutually engageable complementary formations (25, 27, 28) of each pair comprising a retaining element (25) extending from one of the support element (2) and the heat transfer element ( 15), and comprising the other of the pair of interlocking complementary formations (25, 27, 28) of each pair of these a corresponding receiver (27, 28) located on the other of the support element (2) and the support element heat transfer (15). 10. Electrically powered heating unit, according to claim 9, characterized in that each retention element (25) comprises an elongated retention element (25) extending from one of the support element (2) and the transfer element (15), and a mating ridge (30) extends laterally from each retainer (25) for mating with the corresponding receiver (27, 28) of the other of the pair of mating complementary formations (25, 27). , 28). 11. Electrically powered heating unit according to claim 10, characterized in that each retention element (25) extends from the heat transfer element (15), the coupling ridge (30) of each retention element (25 ) extends in a generally outward direction from the retaining element (25), and the receiver (27, 28) of each pair of interengaging complementary formations (25, 27, 28) comprises a portion (27) of a rim (28) defining the communication opening (3) in the housing (5). 12. Electrically powered heating unit, according to claim 11, characterized in that the coupling ridge (30) of each retaining element (25) is shaped to pass in one direction through the communication opening (3) defined by the rim (28), the corresponding part of which forms the receiver (27, 28), and to engage with the rim (28) when pushed in the opposite direction. 13. Method for manufacturing an electrically powered heating unit (1), the method comprising locating a positive temperature coefficient disk heating element (10) between an electrically conductive heat transfer element (15) and a contact element electrically conductive element (14), fix the heating element (10) and the contact element (14) between the heat transfer element (15) and a support element (2) with the heating element (10) in contact with the contact element (14) and the heat transfer element (15), arranging a first connection means (38) that cooperates with the contact element (14) to electrically connect the contact element (14) with a first pole of an electrical power supply, and providing a second connection means (55) cooperating with the heat transfer element (15) to connect the heat transfer element (15) to a second pole of the electrical power supply, wherein the method further comprises urging the contact element (14) and the heat transfer element (15) into electrical contact with the heating element (10) by means of a compression spring (34) which can cooperate with the support member (2) and the contact member (14), and fix the heating element (10) tightly sandwiched between the contact member (14) and the transfer member (15), characterized in that the first connection element (38) is arranged extending centrally from the contact element (14), centrally through the compression spring (34) and centrally through the support element (2). ).