WO2007049746A1

WO2007049746A1 - Heater apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007049746A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/321501
Authority: WO
Inventors: Syotaro Abe
Original assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
Priority date: 2005-10-28
Filing date: 2006-10-27
Publication date: 2007-05-03
Also published as: JP2007118779A

Abstract

A heater element (9) is arranged in a casing (8a), and on the both planes of the heater element (9) in the vertical direction, electrode sheets (10, 10) are arranged. Insulating sheets (11, 11) are arranged between each of the electrode sheets (10, 10) and an inner plane of the casing (8a). Furthermore, an urging mechanism is provided in the casing (8a) to press the electrode sheets (10, 10) to the heater element (9).

Description

Specification

Heater device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a heater device used for an automotive air conditioner or the like.

Background art

[0002] In general, there is a known heater core that uses the cooling water of an automobile traveling engine to warm the air in the passenger compartment of the automobile.

[0003] With such a heater core, the heating effect is sufficiently achieved by starting the engine of a diesel engine vehicle with a low calorific value or by the low water temperature of the engine cooling water accompanying the improvement of the combustion efficiency of a general vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. It may not be obtained.

[0004] Therefore, an automotive air conditioner that combines a heater core lc and an electric auxiliary heater has been considered, and in particular, a PTC heater Id having a PTC element is used as an electric auxiliary heater (for example, Europe) (See Patent Application Publication No. 0350528).

[0005] This PTC heater Id is installed on the downstream side of the heater core lc in the automobile air conditioner, and the outside air taken in by the blower fan F installed on the upstream side in the air conditioner is first heated by the heater core lc and then This air is further heated by the PTC heater Id arranged on the downstream side of the heater core lc. Thereafter, the air heated by the heater core lc and the PTC heater Id is exhausted from a plurality of outlets If provided in the vehicle interior and introduced into the vehicle interior.

[0006] Such a PTC heater Id includes, as shown in FIG. 9, frames 2 and 3 disposed at the left and right ends, frames 4 and 5 disposed at the upper and lower ends, and frames 2, 3 and 4, And a heater main body 6d arranged so as to be surrounded by 5.

[0007] The heater body 6d includes a plurality of long position frames 15 extending between the frames 2 and 3, a plurality of flat PTC elements 9 disposed on the position frames 15, and a plurality of long lengths. The contact sheet 14 and a plurality of fins 7 are provided!

More specifically, one contact sheet 14 is disposed in the center of the force heater body 6d, and a plurality of fins 7 are disposed on the upper surface of the contact sheet 14. These A position frame 15 on which the contact sheet 14 and the PTC element 9 are placed is laminated on the position 7, and a position frame 15 on which the PTC element 9 is placed on the position frame 15 via the fins 7. Are stacked. Further, a contact sheet 14 is laminated on the position frame 15 on which each PTC element 9 is placed via fins 7. Thus, an upper laminated structure is formed on the upper surface side of the contact sheet 14 disposed in the central portion of the heater body 6d.

Similarly, a lower laminated structure similar to the above upper laminated structure formed on the upper surface side of the contact sheet 14 is formed on the lower surface side of the contact sheet 14 provided in the central portion of the heater body 6d. It is formed so as to be symmetrical about the center.

On the other hand, a plurality of pressing portions 4a are formed along the longitudinal direction on the lower surface of the upper end frame 4, and similarly, a plurality of pressing portions (not shown) are also formed along the longitudinal direction on the upper surface of the lower end frame 5. Is formed.

[0011] Thereby, the heater body 6d is pressed in the stacked state by the pressing portion, and the heater body 6d is fixed to each frame.

In addition, one end portion in the longitudinal direction of each contact sheet 14 is inserted into each of a plurality of through holes 2 b formed in the vertical direction of the left frame 2.

[0013] Here, the contact sheets 14 of the PTC heater Id installed in the air conditioner of the automobile are such that the adjacent contact sheets 14 and 14 arranged in the stacking direction have different positive and negative electrodes. Are connected to the positive or negative side of the on-board power source such as a battery via electric wires.

Accordingly, the PTC elements 9 stacked between the contact sheets 14 and 14 are energized through the fins 7 and 7 to generate heat.

The heat generated from each PTC element 9 is conducted to each fin 7, flows from the heat core lc to the PTC heater Id, and passes through the gaps between the fins 7 to be heated by heat exchange. Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the PTC heater Id as described above, the energization to each PTC element 9 is contacted. For example, if conductive foreign matter adheres across the fins 7 and 7 facing each other with the PTC elements 9 sandwiched between them, the fins 7 There was a risk of short circuit due to the electrical connection between 7 and 7.

[0017] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a heater device that heats a heating element without energizing a heat exchanging portion.

Means for solving the problem

[0018] In order to achieve the above object, a heater device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a casing, at least one heating element disposed in the casing, and electric power to the heating element disposed in the casing. And an urging mechanism disposed in the casing for pressing the electrode portion against the heating element.

The invention's effect

According to the present invention, the contact layer portion and the heat exchanging portion are insulated by the insulating layer portion, so that the heat exchanging portions facing each other with the heat generating element portion interposed therebetween are electrically connected by foreign matter or the like. There will be no short-circuit even if it becomes a state. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an automotive air conditioner to which a PTC heater according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a partially sectional perspective view showing a first embodiment of a PTC heater according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the PTC heater according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view in the casing of the PTC element holding portion in the PTC heater according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a PTC element holding portion in a PTC heater according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a coasting electrode sheet and a PTC element provided in a PTC element holding part in a PTC heater according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an elastic member provided in a PTC element holding part according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an elastic electrode sheet and a PTC element provided in a PTC element holding part according to another embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional PTC heater.

Explanation of symbols

6A, 6B, 6d Heater body

7 Heat exchanger

8 Heating part

8a casing

9 Heating element

10 Electrode sheet

11 Insulating sheet

12 Spring

12a Flat part

12b Flange

14 Contact sheet

15 position frame

20 Elastic electrode sheet

20a Flat plate

20b Flange

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the best embodiment of the heater device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown, for example, an automotive air conditioner 1 to which a heater device according to the present invention is applied. This automotive air conditioner 1 has a duct la. A blower fan F and a motor M for driving the fan F are installed upstream of the flow path of the air flowing in the duct la. Further, an evaporator lb for cooling the air and a heater core lc for heating the air are installed downstream of the duct la.

As shown in FIG. 1, the heater device 100A according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a heater core. It is installed downstream of lc. Here, the heater device 100A according to the present invention is formed, for example, as a PTC heater that is an electric auxiliary heater for compensating for a shortage of a heat source due to an engine low water temperature as will be described in detail later.

[0024] Air is taken from inside or outside the vehicle compartment (not shown) through the intake port le provided at the upstream end of the duct la, and this air is at least from the evaporator lb, the heater core lc or the PT C heater 100A. The desired temperature is adjusted by one. Thereafter, the temperature-adjusted air is blown out into the passenger compartment through a plurality of outlets If provided at the downstream end of the duct la.

[0025] A plurality of switching dampers lg for changing the direction of air flow are provided between the heater core lc and the openings of the respective outlets If.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the PTC heater 100A in the first embodiment is shown.

The PTC heater 100A according to the first embodiment includes, for example, left and right frames 2 and 3 having a substantially elliptical cross section extending upward and downward as shown in FIG. 3, and long upper and lower frames 4 and 5 extending laterally. And a heater body 6A sandwiched between the frames 2, 3 and 4, 5. These frames 2, 3, 4, 5 and the heater body 6A are fixed by appropriate means.

[0027] The heater body 6A is installed in an opening having a rectangular shape in a plan view surrounded by the frames 2, 3, and 4, 5.

As shown in FIG. 3, the heater body 6 A includes a plurality of heat exchanging portions 7 and a plurality of heat generating portions 8 arranged in a stacked state between the upper and lower frames 4 and 5. Each of the heat exchanging portions 7 includes a fin 7 formed by bending a sheet in the illustrated embodiment, and each of the heat generating portions 8 is formed by a long PTC element holding portion in the illustrated embodiment. Is formed. In this structure, the air in contact with the heat exchanging unit 7 and the heat generating unit 8 is heated by the heat exchanging unit 7 and the heat generating unit 8.

In the present invention, it is sufficient that only the heat generating portion 8 is provided to heat the air, and the heat exchanging portion 7 is not necessarily required. However, by providing the heat exchanging section 7, the air is quickly heated. In the heater main body 6A shown in FIG. 3, one heat exchanging part 7 is arranged adjacent to the upper and lower frames 4 and 5, respectively, and two heat exchanging parts 7 are arranged between the adjacent heat generating parts 8. It has been done.

Each of the fins 7 is formed of a sheet-like metal material having good thermal conductivity, has a meandering shape that is repeatedly folded back in the longitudinal direction, and a gap is formed between the folded surfaces ( (See Figure 2). The long sheet-like contact members 7a, 7a are between the heat exchange part 7 and the upper and lower frames 4, 5, respectively, between the heat exchange part 7, and between the heat exchange part 7 and the heat generating part 8. It is provided.

[0032] The heater body 6A is sandwiched from above and below in the stacking direction by the upper and lower frames 4 and 5, and both longitudinal ends of the upper and lower frames 4 and 5 and the heater body 6A are formed on the left and right frames 2 and 3, respectively. Inserted into the elliptical openings 2a, 3a. Next, the heater main body 6A is fixed to the frames 2 and 3 by fitting the stepped portions 4a and 5a formed at the both ends in the longitudinal direction of the upper and lower frames 4 and 5 to the upper and lower edges of the openings 2a and 3a. It has become so.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, each of the heat generating portions, that is, the PTC element holding portion 8, is inserted along the longitudinal direction of the casing 8a and the casing 8a. A plurality of heating elements 9 spaced apart from each other, a pair of electrode members 10 and 10 inserted in the casing 8a to supply power to the heating element 9, and the inner surfaces of these electrode members 10 and 10 and the casing 8a And an insulating member for insulating them. The long sheet is provided with electrode sheets 10 and 10 as a flat contact layer portion and insulating sheets 11 and 11 as a thin insulating layer portion. The casing 8a is formed by, for example, a cylindrical member having a rectangular cross section. The heating element 9 is composed of, for example, a PTC element. The electrode member 10 is made up of, for example, an electrode assembly disposed so as to be in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the heating element 9. The insulating member 11 is made of an insulating sheet covering each of the electrode members (see FIG. 2).

[0034] The spring 12 as the elastic pressure contact portion is laminated in the same direction as the lamination direction of each portion (fin 7, contact member 7a, etc.) of the heater body 6A.

[0035] At both ends in the longitudinal direction of the casing 8a, opening ends of through-holes having a rectangular cross section communicating between the both ends are formed, and each electrode sheet described later is formed from each opening end. One end of G-10 is protruding.

[0036] When the heater body 6A is housed and fixed in each frame, a plurality of protruding one end edges of each electrode sheet 10 are provided in the vertical direction in the opening grooves 2a, 3a of the front and rear end frames 2, 3. It is inserted into each of the formed through holes 2b and 3b (the through hole 3b is not shown).

[0037] The casing 8a, the electrode sheet 10 and the spring 12 are made of a metal material having thermal conductivity, and the insulating sheet 11 is made of a synthetic resin having heat resistance.

[0038] Further, one surface of each electrode sheet 10, 10 provided on each surface of the PTC element 9 is in contact with both sides of the casing 8a in the vertical direction. The other surfaces of the electrode sheets 10 and 10 are in contact with one surface of the insulating sheets 11 and 11, respectively. Further, a flat plate portion 12a of a spring 12 is in contact with the other surface of the insulating sheet 11 located above each PTC element 9.

[0039] The spring 12 also serves as a U-shaped cylindrical elastic plate body force extending along the longitudinal direction in the casing 8a. Each of the flange portions 12b and 12b having an arcuate cross section is integrally formed along both side edges of the flat plate portion 12a of the plate (see FIG. 4). The flanges 12b and 12b also extend toward the upper corners of the casing 8a, and their tips are crimped along the upper and side surfaces of the upper corners of the casing 8a (FIG. 2). reference).

[0040] Next, the operation of the PTC heater 100A according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0041] The PTC heater 100A installed in the automotive air conditioner 1 in the automobile is connected to an in-vehicle power source such as a battery.

[0042] Note that both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheets 10 and 10 that also project the opening end force of the casing 8a are connected to the positive or negative side of the in-vehicle power source via electric wires or the like so as to be different from each other in positive and negative. Has been. Accordingly, each PTC element 9 generates heat by being energized through the electrode sheets 10 and 10 of the PTC heater 100A such as the in-vehicle power source.

[0043] Each PTC element 9 has a ceramic resistor strength such as barium titanate, and has a characteristic that the resistance value increases rapidly as the temperature rises due to heat generation and is stabilized at a constant temperature. [0044] Further, between each electrode sheet 10, 10 in the casing 8a and each fin 7, 7 stacked on the casing 8a via each contact member 7a, 7a, each insulating sheet is provided via the casing 8a. The fins 11 and 11 are provided so that the fins 7 and 7 are not energized.

Therefore, even if a conductive foreign matter adheres between the fins 7 and 7 facing each other across the PTC element holding portion 8 and is electrically connected, it does not short-circuit and can prevent smoke and ignition.

[0046] Furthermore, the front end portions of the flange portions 12b and 12b of the spring 12 are pressure-bonded along the upper surface and the side surface of the upper end corner portion in the casing 8a. And each flange part 12b, 12b of circular arc shape of a cross section is elastically deformed by being pinched in the outer peripheral direction.

That is, the flat plate portion 12a is pressed downward in the casing 8a via the elastic reaction force of the flange portions 12b and 12b. Therefore, due to the pressing force, the electrode sheets 10 and 10 in the casing 8a are appropriately pressed against both sides of the casing 8a of each PTC element 9 in the vertical direction. As a result, when the pressure contact is weak, the heater performance decreases due to an increase in contact resistance between each PTC element 9 and each electrode sheet 10 or 10, or each PTC element 9 in the casing 8a and each The contact portion between the electrode sheets 10 and 10 rubs against each other, so that poor conduction can be prevented.

[0048] In addition, arc-shaped flange portions 12b and 12b integrally formed along both side edges of the flat plate portion 12a of the spring 12 have a top end portion of the upper end corner portion having high and rigidity in the casing 8a. It is crimped to each side. Therefore, the electrode sheets 10 and 10 in which the casing 8a is not deformed by the pressing force of the spring 12 can be appropriately pressed against the PTC element 9.

[0049] The heat generated from each PTC element 9 is conducted to each fin 7 via the casing 8a or the like.

The air passing through the gaps between the fins 7 is heated by heat exchange with the fins 7.

[0050] Next, a second embodiment of the PTC heater according to the present invention will be described.

[0051] The PTC heater 100B in the second embodiment is the same as the PTC heater 100A in the first embodiment except for the internal structure of the PTC element holding unit 8. Therefore, in the following description of the configuration according to the second embodiment, the internal structure of the PTC element holding unit 8 will be described. FIG. 5 shows a PTC element holding unit 8 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the casing 8a of the PTC element holding portion 8, there are a plurality of flat PTC elements 9 provided at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the casing 8a. The elastic electrode sheet 20, the electrode sheet 10, and the insulating sheets 11 and 11 as elastic pressure contact layers extending along the longitudinal direction in the casing 8a are laminated in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the casing 8a.

In addition, the elastic electrode sheet 20 provided on the upper surface of each PTC element 9 in the vertical direction of the casing 8a also forms an elastic plate body force extending along the longitudinal direction in the casing 8a. The lower surface of the flat plate portion 20a of the conductive plate is in contact with the upper surface of each PTC element 9.

[0055] Further, each elastic electrode sheet 20 is integrally formed with each flange portion 20b having an arcuate cross section extending toward the upper end corner portion in the casing 8a. Each flange portion 20b is formed only in a portion where the flat plate portion 20a of the elastic electrode sheet 20 and the upper surface of each PTC element 9 are in contact with each other (see FIG. 6).

[0056] The tip of each flange portion 20b is pressure-bonded to the upper surface and side surface of the upper corner portion in the casing 8a via the insulating sheet 11.

That is, the insulating sheet 11 is pressed between the front end surface of each flange portion 20b and the upper surface of the upper corner portion in the casing 8a by the side edge forces along the longitudinal direction thereof. It is in contact with the upper surface.

On the other hand, one surface of the flat electrode sheet 10 is in contact with the lower surface of each PTC element 9 in the vertical direction of the casing 8a. The other surface of the electrode sheet 10 is in contact with one surface of the insulating sheet 11, and the other surface of the insulating sheet 11 is in contact with the lower surface in the casing 8a.

Next, the operation of the PTC element holding unit 8 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0060] In the PTC element holding portion 8 according to the second embodiment, the elastic electrode sheet 20 on the upper side in the vertical direction of the casing 8a of each PTC element 9 is formed by an elastic plate. Each flange portion 20b is formed on the elastic electrode sheet 20 only at a portion where the flat plate portion 20a of the elastic electrode sheet 20 and the upper surface of each PTC element 9 are in contact with each other. Accordingly, the casing 8a can be thinned by the amount that it is not necessary to provide a pressing member in the casing 8a. As a result, the heater body 6B itself can be reduced in weight, and the casing 8a is thin. Since the area of each fin 7 through which air passes can be widened, the air permeability of the heater body 6B is improved.

[0061] Since the flange portion 20b is formed only on the portion where the flange portion 20b comes into contact with each PTC element, the pressure contact force of each PTC element 9 by the elastic electrode sheet 20 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the elastic electrode sheet 20 is made of a material whose elastic pressing force is too strong, it is possible to prevent the PTC elements 9 from being damaged.

[0062] In addition, the elastic electrode sheet 20 is pressure-bonded along the upper and side surfaces of the upper end corner in the casing 8a via the insulating sheet 11 at the end of each flange portion 20b. Each flange portion 20b having an arcuate cross section is elastically deformed by bending in the outer circumferential direction. Accordingly, the flat plate portion 20a of the elastic electrode sheet 20 is pressed downward in the casing 8a via the elastic reaction force of each flange portion 20b.

[0063] Thereby, the casing 8a in the vertical direction of each PTC element 9 is press-fitted appropriately by the elastic electrode sheet 20 and the electrode sheet 10. Also, by pressing the front end of each flange portion 20b to a corner portion having high rigidity in the casing 8a, the casing 8a is not deformed, and the PTC element 9 and the elastic electrode sheet 20 or the electrode sheet 10 are not deformed. Appropriate pressure welding can be performed.

[0064] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and that various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments.

[0065] For example, if the spring 12 according to the first embodiment is made of a material that is too elastically pressed, each flange is only at the portion where the flat plate portion 12a of the spring 12 and the upper surface of each PTC element 9 abut. The part 12b may be formed on both side edges of the spring 12 (see FIG. 6).

[0066] Further, the elastic electrode sheet 20 having the elastic plate body force according to the second embodiment includes each of the francs only in a portion where the flat plate portion 20a of the elastic electrode sheet 20 and the upper surface of each PTC element 9 abut. The force at which the edge portion 20b is formed is not limited to this. If the elastic electrode sheet 20 is made of an elastic electrode sheet 20 having a too strong elastic pressure, both sides of the flat plate portion 2 Oa of the elastic electrode sheet 20 can be obtained. The flanges 20b and 20b may be formed along the entire edge (see Fig. 4).

[0067] Further, the shape of the spring 12 according to the first embodiment and the elastic electrode sheet 20 having the elastic plate body force according to the second embodiment are different from each other at the corners in the casing 8a. It is formed in a U-shaped cross section so that the tip ends of the screw portions 12b and 20b are crimped, but the present invention is not limited to this. The elastic part 13a having a circular arc shape and an overall partial cylindrical shape is formed on the upper surface of the flat plate so that the separation width from the upper surface of the flat plate increases as the other end advances from the front side to the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the flat plate A plurality of elastic members 13 may be formed in the longitudinal direction.

[0068] Further, the spring 12 according to the first embodiment and the elastic electrode sheet 20 also having elastic plate body force according to the second embodiment are both on the upper side of the casing 8a of each PTC element 9 in the vertical direction. In the case where only the spring 12 or the elastic electrode sheet 20 provided on the upper side is not limited to this, and the PTC element 9 and the electrode sheet 10 or the elastic electrode sheet 20 are not sufficiently pressed against each other. Further, the casing 8a of each PTC element 9 may be provided with each of the springs 12, 12 or the respective elastic electrode sheets 20, 20 having the elastic plate body force on both sides in the vertical direction.

[0069] Further, as in the other embodiments described above, the casing 8a of each PTC element 9 is provided with the elastic electrode sheets 20, 20 or the springs 12, 12 which are elastic plate body forces on both sides in the vertical direction. Casing 8a When the elastic electrode sheets 20, 20 or the springs 12, 12 are made of a material with too strong elastic pressure when pressing the upper and lower double-sided areas, the flat plate portions 20a, 20a of the elastic electrode sheets 20, 20 and The flange portions 20b and 12b may be formed on the elastic electrode sheets 20 and 20 or the springs 12 and 12 only at the portions where the upper and lower surfaces of the PTC elements 9 are in contact with each other.

However, if the elastic pressure of each elastic electrode sheet 20, 20 or each spring 12, 12 is still too strong, as shown in FIG. 8, the flat plate portions 20 a, 2 Oa of each elastic electrode sheet 20, 20 A plurality of flange portions 20b are formed on the elastic electrode sheets 20 and 20 only at the portions where the upper and lower surfaces of the PTC elements 9 are in contact with each other. The flange portion 20b of each elastic electrode sheet 20, 20 is attached to one side edge of a region partitioned into a plurality along the longitudinal direction of each flat plate portion 20a, 20a where the upper and lower surfaces of each PTC element 9 abut. It is possible to install only so that it is not continuous between adjacent sections (same for springs 12 and 12!).

[0071] Thereby, the casing 8a of each PTC element 9 is pressed evenly on both sides in the vertical direction, so that each PTC element 9 is damaged or between each PTC element 9 and each elastic electrode sheet 20, 20. Optimal pressure contact without contact failure can be performed.

[0072] In addition, since the respective parts in the casing part are appropriately pressed by the elastic pressure contact part, when the pressure contact is weak, the heater performance is reduced due to an increase in contact resistance, and each part in the casing part is caused by vibration of the automobile. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor electrical conduction due to friction between the contact portions.

[0073] Further, an arcuate flange portion is formed along both end portions of the elastic pressure contact portion, which is an elastic plate body force, and the tip end portion of the flange portion is crimped to a corner portion having high and rigidity of the casing portion. Thus, it is possible to perform appropriate pressure contact between the heating element and the contact layer portion without deformation of the casing portion.

[0074] Further, the present invention has a configuration in which the elastic pressure contact portion and the contact layer portion are combined, so that the pressure contact between each portion in the casing portion is achieved by the elastic pressure contact layer portion having elasticity without separately providing the elastic pressure contact portion. Since this can be done, the casing portion can be made thinner and lighter.

[0075] Furthermore, since the casing part is thin, the heat exchange part region through which air passes can be widened, so that the air permeability of the heater body is improved.

[0076] Further, by forming a flange portion only in a region where the flat plate portion of the elastic pressure contact layer portion and the heating element abut, and reducing the pressure contact of each portion by the elastic pressure contact layer portion, the elastic pressure contact layer portion is elastically pressed. Even if the material is too strong, the heating element can be prevented from being damaged.

[0077] Further, each flange portion of the elastic pressure contact layer portion is formed only on one side edge of each partitioned region of the flat plate portion, and is provided so as not to be continuous between adjacent regions. Therefore, the heat generating elements are pressed evenly without unevenness, and optimal pressure contact can be performed without breakage of the heat generating elements or contact failure between the heat generating elements and the contact layer portion. Industrial applicability

Although the heater device according to the present invention is applied to an air conditioner for automobiles, the heater device can be applied to various home appliance air conditioners or air conditioners such as trains and airplanes, and is not limited to air conditioners. It can be applied to various air or fluid heating devices,

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A casing, at least one heating element disposed in the casing, a pair of electrode members disposed in the casing for supplying power to the heating element, and disposed in the casing A heater device comprising an insulating member disposed between the electrode member and an inner surface of the casing.

2. The heater device according to claim 1, further comprising an urging mechanism for pressing the electrode member against the heating element.

[3] The casing is formed of a long cylindrical member having a substantially rectangular cross section, a plurality of heating elements are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the casing, and the pair of electrode members sandwich the heating element. 2. The heater device according to claim 1, wherein the heater device is disposed so as to contact both surfaces of the heat generating element.

[4] The claim 2, wherein the urging mechanism includes a plate-like spring disposed between an inner surface of the casing and one of the electrode members so as to press the pair of electrode members against the heat generating element. Heater device.

5. The heater device according to claim 4, wherein the spring includes a flat plate portion and a flange portion that is provided on both side edges of the flat plate portion and elastically contacts the inner surface of the casing.

6. The heater device according to claim 5, wherein the flange portion is formed only in a region where the flat plate portion of the spring and the heating element are in contact with each other.

[7] A region where the flat plate portion of the spring and the heating element are in contact with each other is formed at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the flat plate portion, and the flange portion is formed only on one side edge of the region. 7. The heater device according to claim 6, wherein the heater device is provided so as not to be continuous between adjacent regions. The heater device according to claim 1, further comprising a heat exchanger, wherein the heat generated by the heating element force is reached through the heat exchanger.