WO2022042982A1

WO2022042982A1 - Device for electrically heating and circulating a liquid

Info

Publication number: WO2022042982A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/071075
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arnaud Faivre; Romain DELCOURT; Laurent Decool
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
Priority date: 2020-08-31
Filing date: 2021-07-27
Publication date: 2022-03-03

Abstract

A device (1) for electrically heating a heat-transfer liquid (FC), comprising a housing (3), an internal wall (35) of which delimits a frustoconical chamber (350) in which a heating element (2) extends, the heating element (2) being centred on a main axis (200) and being defined by a set of external points (5) furthest away from the main axis of extension (200), a first point (51) of the set of external points (5) of the heating element (2), which is disposed in a first portion (351) of the chamber (350), being separated from the internal wall (35) by a first distance (510) substantially equal, with a variation of ±10%, to a second distance (520) separating a second point (52) of the set of external points (5), which is disposed in a second portion (352) of the chamber (350), on the opposite side from the first portion (351) with respect to a median plane (500) of the chamber (350).

Description

DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC HEATING AND CIRCULATION OF A LIQUID

The field of the present invention is that of electrical heating and liquid circulation devices, in particular for a ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning installation for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to electric heating devices used for such installations in motor vehicles, electric or hybrid, equipped with a high-voltage power supply system.

The heating of the air intended for the heat treatment of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle with combustion engine is ensured by heat exchange between a flow of air and a heat transfer liquid, by means of a heat exchanger. In the case of hybrid or electric vehicles, electric heating devices are known which form a source of calories and in which an electric current is circulated to raise the temperature of a heating element on board this heating device. The liquid to be heated thus passes through the heating device and is brought into contact with the heating element, an exchange of calories then takes place between the heating element and the liquid intended for heating the passenger compartment, which then heats up to his turn.

The heating element usually consists of electrical heating means, for example one or more heating resistors arranged in a circulation chamber for the liquid to be heated. In order to obtain sufficient heating power for the desired operation, it may be necessary to multiply the heating elements in the same electric heating device. In known manner, these heating elements can thus be aligned one after the other.

Such an arrangement is accompanied by a limitation of the number of heating elements that can be integrated into the electric heating device and therefore a limitation of the power that can be generated by the latter. Limiting the size generated by the heating elements, while ensuring ever higher degrees of power and performance, remain essential issues for vehicles, in particular electric or hybrid motor vehicles.

Furthermore, such heating elements may have structures unsuited to the shape of certain circulation chambers, for example substantially frustoconical chambers, which is accompanied by a limited occupation of space. delimited by the chamber, and therefore a loss of power from the electric heating device. Such a phenomenon is particularly amplified when the heating device comprises a plurality of heating elements aligned with each other in the chamber.

The object of the present invention is thus to propose an electric heating device comprising a heating body adapted to chambers of frustoconical shape and whose power is optimized.

The object of the present invention relates to a device for electric heating of a heat transfer liquid comprising a heating body and a casing, at least one internal wall of the casing delimiting a frustoconical chamber for the circulation of the heat transfer liquid centered on a main axis and in which extends at least in part the heating body:

- the chamber comprising a first portion and a second portion arranged on either side of a median plane orthogonal to the main axis and respectively delimited by a first end wall and a second end wall

?

- the heating body being at least partly centered on a main axis of extension and comprising at least one electric heating element which comprises at least a first terminal segment and a second terminal segment, which allow it to be supplied with electrical energy, and at least at least one intermediate portion at least partially wrapped around the main extension axis and connecting the first end segment to the second end segment.

The heating device according to the invention is particularly characterized in that the heating body is defined by a set of external points furthest from the main axis of extension falling within at least one external line of the heating body. and in that a first point of the set of external points of the heating body, arranged in the first portion of the chamber, is separated from the internal wall by a first substantially equal distance, with a variation of ±io%, at a second distance separating a second point of the set of external points of the heating body from the internal wall, the second point being arranged in the second portion of the chamber. According to one possibility offered by the invention, the variation between the first distance and the second distance can also be at most equal to 5%, or even 2%. In an example of the invention, the first distance is strictly equal to the second distance, to the tolerance close to the measuring tool.

By convention, throughout this document, the qualifier “longitudinal” applies to the direction in which the main axis of the heating body extends. Thus, according to the invention, the at least one heating element is longitudinally interposed between the first end wall and the second end wall of the chamber.

The terms “first”, “second”, etc. make it possible to distinguish the elements described but in no way rank these elements with respect to each other.

The electric heating device according to the invention is in particular intended for a hybrid or electric motor vehicle, which can, for example, be designed to operate with a so-called high voltage power supply, generally greater than 50V.

By “heating element” is meant, for example, one or more tubular electrical resistors which may be electrically connected in series or in parallel. The use of coil-shaped heating elements allows a reduction in the size as well as an increase in the disturbance of the liquid passing through the electric heating device, thereby increasing the performance of said device.

The term "set of external points" of the heating body means a set comprising each of the points of the heating body furthest from the main axis of extension while moving along the longitudinal direction. The set of external points thus falls within at least one external line. It should be noted that the points of the set of external points can be included in the same heating element of the heating body or, when the heating body comprises a plurality of heating elements, in separate heating elements, so that the set of external points can fit into a plurality of external lines. In particular, at least part of the set of external points is included in the intermediate portion and/or in the first segment and/or in the second segment of the heating element. According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the first end wall and the second end wall can be respectively defined by a first main dimension and a second main dimension such that the first main dimension is strictly greater than the second main dimension .

According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the frustoconical chamber can be of circular section along the median plane.

According to an alternative, the frustoconical chamber can be of polygonal section along the median plane.

By "frustoconical" we can thus hear a truncated cone with a circular base or a polygonal base, for example a pyramidal cone.

According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the main extension axis of the heating body and the main axis of the chamber can be combined. In other words, the heating body can be centered in the chamber.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the intermediate portion of the heating element can be a frustoconical helix centered on the main extension axis and comprising at least one turn.

A "helix" is understood to mean a shape of the intermediate portion defined by a helical movement, that is to say a regular movement combining a translation and a rotation around the main axis of extension. In this case, the tapered propeller is characterized by a plurality of diameters.

By "turn" is meant a winding of the helix of the intermediate portion corresponding to a complete rotation, that is to say a rotation of 360°, while a half-turn corresponds to a rotation of 180 °.

According to an optional characteristic of the first embodiment, the first point of the set of external points is included in a first end part of the heating body closest to the first end wall of the chamber and which is included in the intermediate portion and the second point is included in a second end part of the heating body closest to the second end wall of the chamber, included in the intermediate portion.

In other words, in the first embodiment, the first distance and the second distance are measured at points of the set of points external included in the most distant extremal parts from each other within the intermediate portion. By way of example, the first point and the second point can be two points of the intermediate portion that are furthest apart from each other.

According to an optional characteristic of the first embodiment, all the points of the set of external points comprised in the intermediate portion can be separated from the internal wall by an equal distance, with a variation of ±io%, at the first distance and / or at the second distance.

The heating body is thus configured and arranged so that the points of the entire intermediate portion of the heating element are approximately equidistant, with a variation of ±io%, from the internal wall of the chamber. In this way, on the one hand the dimensions, and therefore the power, of the electric heating device are optimized with respect to the frustoconical shape of the chamber of the housing and, on the other hand, a regular space for the circulation of the liquid is defined. around the heating body in the chamber, thus allowing a good distribution of the volumes of liquid.

According to a characteristic of a second and a third embodiment, the heating body can comprise at least the heating element, hereinafter called the first heating element, and a second heating element which comprises at least a first terminal segment , a second terminal segment and at least one intermediate portion, called secondary intermediate portion, at least partially wound around a secondary axis of extension and connecting the first terminal segment to the second terminal segment of the second heating element, the secondary intermediate portion being distinct from the intermediate portion of the first heating element, called the primary intermediate portion, which wraps around a primary extension axis and/or the main extension axis.

According to an optional feature of the second and third embodiments, the primary axis of extension of the first heating element can coincide with the secondary axis of extension of the second heating element. The first heating element and the second heating element are then coaxial, thus limiting the space generated and optimizing the occupation of the chamber.

According to an optional characteristic of the second embodiment, the primary intermediate portion of the heating element can be a frustoconical helix comprising at least one turn centered on the main extension axis and the portion secondary intermediate of the second heating element can be a substantially frustoconical helix centered on the secondary extension axis comprising at least one turn.

According to an optional characteristic of the second embodiment, the first point of the set of external points can be included in a first end part of the heating body, included in the primary intermediate portion of the first heating element and being closest to the first end wall of the chamber, and the second point can be included in a second end part of the heating body which is included in the secondary intermediate portion of the second heating element and closest to the second end wall of the bedroom.

In other words, as explained previously, in the present embodiment the set of external points falls within a plurality of external lines. In particular, the set of external points is inscribed at least in a first external line at least partly comprised in the primary intermediate portion and/or in the first segment and/or in the second segment of the first heating element and the set of external points is inscribed at least in a second external line at least partly comprised in the secondary intermediate portion and/or in the first segment and/or in the second segment of the second heating element.

According to an optional characteristic of the second embodiment, all the points of the set of external points included in the primary intermediate portion and in the secondary intermediate portion can be separated from the internal wall by an equal distance, with a variation of ±io %, to the first distance and/or to the second distance.

The first heating element and the second heating element are then centered in the heat transfer liquid circulation chamber and configured so as to maximize the occupation of the chamber, thus optimizing the power of the electric heating device.

According to a characteristic specific to the third embodiment, the primary intermediate portion of the first heating element is a cylindrical helix comprising at least one turn centered on the main extension axis of the heating body and the secondary intermediate portion of the second heating element is a cylindrical helix centered on the secondary axis of extension and comprising at least one turn.

A "cylindrical helix" is understood to mean a shape of the intermediate portion defined by a helical movement, that is to say a regular movement combining a translation and a rotation around the axis of extension, principal or secondary, the helix having a constant diameter throughout along the longitudinal direction.

According to an optional characteristic of the third embodiment, the first point of the set of external points can be included in a first end part of the heating body, included in the primary intermediate portion of the first heating element and closest to the first end wall, and the second point can be included in an intermediate part of the heating body, included in the secondary intermediate portion of the second heating element and which is closest to the first end wall.

According to an optional characteristic common to the second and third embodiments, the primary intermediate portion and the secondary intermediate portion can each form at least one helix respectively defined by a first pitch and by a second pitch, the first pitch and the second pitch being substantially equal.

The term “pitch” of an intermediate helical portion is understood to mean the distance separating each turn, measured along the longitudinal direction.

Alternatively, the primary intermediate portion and the secondary intermediate portion can each form at least one helix respectively defined by a first pitch and by a second pitch, the first pitch and the second pitch being different.

According to an optional characteristic of the second and third embodiments, the primary intermediate portion can be wound around the main extension axis in a first winding direction and the secondary intermediate portion can be wound around the axis extension secondary according to a second direction of winding, identical to the first direction of winding. The term "winding direction" means the direction of movement, clockwise or counterclockwise, performed when following the extension of the turn of the intermediate portion of one of the heating elements along the longitudinal direction.

Alternatively, the primary intermediate portion can wrap around the main extension axis in a first winding direction and the secondary intermediate portion can wrap around the secondary extension axis in a second direction. winding, opposite to the first direction of winding.

According to an optional characteristic of the second and third embodiments, the second heating element is at least partially interposed between the first heating element and the second end wall of the chamber along the main axis of the chamber.

According to a first embodiment of the second or third embodiment, the secondary intermediate portion of the second heating element and the primary intermediate portion of the first heating element are placed axially end to end along the main extension axis.

In other words, the first heating element and the second heating element are arranged within the heating body so that a transverse plane, orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, passes through the secondary intermediate portion or through the primary intermediate portion.

According to a second embodiment of the second or of the third embodiment, the first heating element at least partially surrounds the second heating element.

Specifically, the primary intermediate portion of the first heating element at least partly surrounds the secondary intermediate portion of the second heating element.

In other words, the first heating element and the second heating element are arranged within the heating body so that the transverse plane, orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, passes through the primary intermediate portion and/or through the secondary intermediate portion .

Additionally, the second heating element may surround, at least in part, the first end segment and/or the second end segment of the first heating element. It is understood that the second mode and the third embodiment of the present invention may implement any combination of winding directions, pitch or example of relative arrangement of the first heating element and second heating element as previously explained.

According to a particular embodiment of the second or of the third embodiment, the heating body may comprise at least one third heating element, the heating body being placed in the chamber so that at least one third point of the assembly of external points of the heating body, included in the third heating element, is separated from the internal wall of the chamber by a third equal distance, with a variation of ±io%, at the first distance and/or at the second distance.

In particular, the third heating element may comprise at least a first end segment, a second end segment and at least one intermediate portion, called the tertiary intermediate portion, the tertiary intermediate portion being at least partially wound around a tertiary axis of extension and connecting the first end segment to the second end segment of the third heating element.

The invention also relates to a heat treatment system for a vehicle comprising at least one electric heating device as described above.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, and several examples of embodiment given by way of indication and not limitation with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

Figure i is a perspective view of a heating device comprising a housing, shown in transparency, and a heating body;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an electric heating device made according to a first embodiment and whose housing is cut away;

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the heating body of the electric heating device shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an electric heating device according to a second embodiment, in which the cutaway housing;

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the heating body of the electric heating device shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the electric heating device according to the second embodiment;

Figure 7 is a schematic sectional representation of an electric heating device made according to a third embodiment;

Figure 8 is a schematic representation of the heating body of the electric heating device shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a schematic sectional representation of a particular embodiment of an electric heating device according to the third embodiment;

Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the heating body of the electric heating device shown in Figure 9;

First of all, it should be noted that if the figures expose the invention in detail for its implementation, they can of course be used to better define the invention if necessary. It should also be noted that, in all of the figures, similar elements and/or fulfilling the same function are indicated by the same reference.

In the figures, the denominations longitudinal, transverse, lateral, left, right, above, below, refer to the orientation, in a trihedron L, V, T. In this frame, a longitudinal axis L represents a longitudinal direction, a transverse axis T represents a transverse direction, orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and a vertical axis V represents a vertical direction of the object under consideration, orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and to the transverse direction.

FIGS. 1 to 10 illustrate a device 1 for electric heating of a heat transfer liquid FC, for example glycol water, intended for a ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning installation of a hybrid or electric vehicle. The heating device 1 comprises at least one heating body 2 and a housing 3 configured to accommodate said heating body 2. For clarity, the housing 3 is shown in transparency in Figure 1.

The box 3 comprises a main block 30 which extends along the longitudinal direction and comprises at least a first end 31 and a second end 32, transverse to the longitudinal direction. The casing also comprises at least one side wall 33 which connects the first end 31 and the second end 32 to each other and participates in delimiting an internal volume 300 of the casing 3. In order to allow the insertion of the heating body 2, the main block 30 is open on at least one of the ends 31, 32. In this case, the second end 32 of the electric heating device 1 is open and is configured to be closed by at least one cover 34.

The housing 3 also comprises at least one internal wall 35, visible in FIGS. 2, 4, 7 or 9 for example, which delimits at least partially, within the internal volume 300, a chamber 350 for the circulation of the heat transfer liquid FC substantially frustoconical configured to receive, at least in part, the heating body 2. The chamber 350 is centered on a main axis 3000 substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction and comprises a first portion 351 and a second portion 352. The first portion 351 and the second portion 352 of the chamber 350 are arranged on either side of a median plane 500 orthogonal to the main axis 3000 and are respectively delimited by a first end wall 353 and a second end wall 354 along the longitudinal direction. The first end wall 353 and the second end wall 354 of the chamber 350 are respectively defined by a first major dimension 3530 and a second major dimension 3540, both measured along the vertical direction, the first major dimension 3530 being, in the various examples illustrated, strictly greater than the second principal dimension 3540.

Advantageously, the inner wall 35 can be at least partly coincident with the side wall 33 of the housing 3. Furthermore, the frustoconical chamber 350 can, as shown, have a circular section along the median plane 500. According to an alternative not shown, the chamber 350 may have a chamber 350 of polygonal section along the median plane 500.

In general, the heating body 2 of the electric heating device 1 according to the invention is at least partly centered on a main extension axis 200 and comprises at least one electrical heating element 4 such as a tubular resistor of circular section. The at least one heating element 4 comprises at least a first terminal segment 41 and a second terminal segment 42 which each carry electrical terminals 43 of the heating body 2 and allow its electrical power supply. Also, the at least one heating element 4 comprises an intermediate portion 44 at least partially wrapped around the main extension axis 200 and connecting the first terminal segment 41 to the second terminal segment 42.

According to the invention, the heating body 2 comprises a set of external points 5 furthest from the main axis of extension 200. By moving along the longitudinal direction, the set of external points 5 can for example, register in at least one external line 50 of the heating body 2, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 10. Said external line 50 can thus extend in the first terminal segment 41 and/or in the intermediate portion 44 and/or in the second end segment 42 of at least one heating element 4 of the heating body 2. An approximate example of such an external line 50 is shown, by way of indication, in the various figures.

The heating body 2 is particularly configured as well as arranged in the chamber 350 so that at least a first distance 510, measured between a first point 51 of the set of external points 5 and the internal wall 35, is substantially equal, with a variation of ±10%, at a second distance 520 measured between a second point 52 of the set of external points 5 of the heating body 2 and the internal wall 35. In particular, the first point 51 of the heating body 2 is arranged in the first portion 351 of the chamber 350 while the second point 52 is arranged in the second portion 352 of the chamber 350, said points 51, 52 thus being on either side of the median plane 500 of the chamber 350. Similar to the depiction of outer line 50, the depiction of first distance 510 and second distance 520 is indicative and has been exaggerated for clarity.

The heating body 2 can comprise at least one base 21 configured to carry the at least one heating element 4 and to hold it within the chamber 350. Said base 21 can be of substantially planar shape, such as a plate, or of more complex shape, for example a cup shape. The base 21 is provided with a plurality of orifices 22, here shown in dotted lines, allowing the insertion and the fixing, in a sealed manner, of the at least one heating element 4. In particular, the base 21 is configured to receive the first terminal segment 41 and/ or the second terminal segment 42 of the at least one heating element 4.

In order to facilitate the insertion and maintenance of the at least one heating element 4 on the base 21, the first terminal segment 41 and/or the second terminal segment 42 can be at least partly rectilinear, for example so as to extend at least partially along the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in order to prevent deformation of the base 21, the first end segment 41 and/or the second end segment 42 of the at least one heating element 4 can comprise a non-heating zone, located at the level of its insertion seat in the base 21. Alternatively, the base 21 of the heating body 2 can be made of a heat-resistant material. Different modes and examples of embodiment of the heating body 2 of the electric heating device 1 will be further detailed below.

When the electric heating device 1 is assembled and the heating body 2 is placed in the casing 3, the latter divides the internal volume 300 into the chamber 350 for the circulation of the heat transfer liquid FC and into an annex cavity 360 in which its extend the electrical terminals 43 of the heating element(s). Specifically, the base 21 is configured to cooperate with the housing 3 of the electric heating device 1 so as to delimit at least in part the frustoconical chamber 350 for the circulation of the heat transfer liquid FC. In other words, the base 21 can form the first end wall 353 or the second end wall 354 of the chamber 350. In this case, the base 21 forms the second end wall 354 and delimits d on the one hand the chamber 350, in which the heating body 2 essentially extends, and on the other hand the annex cavity 360.

In the chamber 350, the heating body 2 is arranged so that the at least one heating element 4 does not come into contact with the internal wall 35 of the chamber 350. In particular, in the various examples illustrated, the heating body heater 2 is centered in chamber 350, so that the main extension axis 200 of the heating body 2 and the main axis 3000 of the chamber 350 coincide. Such an arrangement aims in particular to ensure a homogeneous distribution of the heating element(s) 4 within the chamber 350 as well as a good distribution of the volumes of heat transfer liquid FC in the chamber 350. Advantageously, the electric heating device may comprise at least one sealing member, not shown, such as an annular seal, arranged at the level of the base 21 so as to ensure the sealing of the chamber 350 and to prevent the infiltration of heat transfer liquid FC at the level of the adjoining cavity 360.

The circulation of the heat transfer liquid FC within the chamber 350 is ensured by means of a supply pipe 36 and an evacuation pipe 37, connected to a heat transfer liquid circuit FC, not shown, and opening respectively into the chamber 350 of the electric heating device 1 at a supply opening and an exhaust opening, which are not visible. The heat transfer liquid FC to be heated is thus brought to the chamber 350 via the supply pipe 36, then circulates in the chamber 350, between the heating element(s) 4, and, by contact , has risen in temperature. The heat transfer liquid FC thus heated is evacuated from the electric heating device 1 at the level of the evacuation pipe 37 and sent to the heat transfer liquid circuit FC, for example in order to ensure the heat treatment of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. It is understood that the supply line 36 and discharge line 37 are shown here for information only, their shape and position not being limiting in any way.

The electrical heating device 1 is also connected to an electrical power supply system, not shown, so as to supply electrical energy to the at least one heating element 4 of the heating body 2. The heating body 2 is connected to the system power supply through electrical terminals 43 which are specific to it. The electrical terminals 43 are connected to the power supply system via conductive members, not shown, such as cables, pins or conductive strips. These conductive members extend at least partly in the annex cavity 360 and in a housing 38 of the casing 3, partially delimited by the side wall(s) 33 of the casing 3 and intended to house at least one device control 382 of the electric heating device 1. This housing 38 extends, by way of example, over the main block 30, along the chamber 350 and ensures that the electrical and/or electronic components of the electric heating device 1 are maintained at a distance, and physically separated, from the circulation of the heat transfer liquid FC.

Figures 2 to 10 illustrate different modes and embodiments of the heating body 2 of the electric heating device 1 as described above. According to a first embodiment, illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the heating body 2 comprises a single heating element 4 whose intermediate portion 44 of the heating element 4 is a frustoconical helix centered on the main axis of extension 200 of the heating body 2. In other words, the intermediate portion 44 of the heating element 4 is defined by a regular movement combining a translation and a rotation around the main axis of extension 200. The intermediate portion 44 comprises at least one turn 45, that is to say that the intermediate portion 44 has a winding around the main axis of extension 200 corresponding to at least one complete rotation, ie a rotation of 360°.

The intermediate portion 44 extends partly in a main length 355 of the chamber 350 measured along the longitudinal direction between the first end wall 353 and the second end wall 354. As previously explained, the intermediate portion 44 connects the first terminal segment 41 and the second terminal segment 42. In this case, the first terminal segment 41 extends at least between the base 21 of the heating body 2 and a proximal end 441, the closest to the base 21 , of the intermediate portion 44. Conversely, the second terminal segment 42 extends at least between the base 21 and a distal end 442, opposite the proximal end 441 and furthest from the base 21, from the portion intermediate 44. The heating element 4 thus forms a first bend 443 at the level of the connection between the proximal end 441 of the intermediate portion 44 and the first terminal segment 41 and a second bend 444 at the level of the connection between the end said stale 442 of the intermediate portion 44 and the second terminal segment 42.

Advantageously, so as to limit the size generated by the heating body 2, the second terminal segment 42 can extend in a central volume 400 of the heating element 4, delimited by the intermediate portion 44 of the heating element 4 In other words, the second terminal segment 42 can extend so as to be at least partly surrounded by the intermediate portion 44 of the heating element 4.

In the first embodiment, the first point 51 of the set of external points 5 as previously explained is included in a first end part 23 of the heating body 2 closest to the first end wall 353 of the chamber. 350. Such a first end part 23 of the heating body 2 is in particular included in the intermediate portion 44 of the heating element 4 and includes the distal end 442 of the intermediate portion 44. Similarly, the second point 52 is included in a second end part 24 of the heating body 2 closest to the second end wall 354 of the chamber 350. Such a second end part 24 is included in the intermediate portion 44 of the heating element 4 and includes the proximal end 441 thereof.

In other words, in the first embodiment, the first distance 510 and the second distance 520 defining the arrangement of the heating body 2 with respect to the internal wall 35 delimiting the chamber 350 are measured at points 51, 52 of the set of external points 5 included in the parts of the heating body 2 furthest apart from each other within the intermediate portion 44.

By way of example, when the heating body 2 comprises, as illustrated, a plurality of turns 45, the first end part 23, comprising the first point 51 of the set of external points 5, can at least correspond to a first end turn 451 of the heating element 4, that is to say the turn 45 of the intermediate portion 44 closest to the first end wall 353 of the chamber 350. Conversely the second end part 24, comprising the second point 52, can at least correspond to a second extreme turn 452 of the heating element 4, that is to say to the turn 45 of the intermediate portion 44 closest to the second wall end 354, in other words the furthest from the first end wall 353.

The intermediate portion 44 of the heating body 2 according to the first embodiment is thus characterized by a plurality of diameters, called winding diameters. For example, the heating body 2 can be configured so that each of said winding diameters is specific to one of the turns 45 of the heating element 4. Each of these winding diameters corresponds to the diameter of a disc located in a plane orthogonal to the main axis of extension 200 of the heating body 2, this disc resulting from the projection, on said orthogonal plane, of the points of the set of external points 5 included in the turn 45 considered .

The heating element 4 has at least a first winding diameter 461, specific to the first end turn 451 included in the first end part 23 of the heating body 2, and a second diameter 462, specific to the second end turn 452 included in the second end part 24 of the heating body 2. Also, similarly to the first main dimension 3530 and to the second main dimension 3540 of the first end wall 353 and of the second end wall 354 respectively, the first winding diameter 461 is smaller than the second winding diameter 462. Optionally, when the intermediate portion comprises more than two turns 45, the heating element 4 can be defined by one or several intermediate winding diameter(s) 463, each intermediate winding diameter 463 being specific to an intermediate turn 45 between the first extreme turn 451 and the second extreme turn 452. In particular the said diameter(s) intermediate windings 463 are included between the first winding diameter 461 and the second winding diameter 462.

Such an arrangement of the heating body 2 aims to optimize the occupation of the internal volume 300. In other words the heating body 2 is configured to extend as close as possible to the internal wall 35 delimiting the chamber 350. As for example, the first distance 510 and/or the second distance 520 can be of the order of 1.8 millimeters.

Advantageously, the heating body 2 can, as illustrated, be configured so that all the points of the set of external points 5 included in the intermediate portion 44 are separated from the internal wall 35 by an equal distance, with a variation of ±10%, at the first distance 510 and/or at the second distance 520.

Furthermore, the heating element 4 is characterized by a winding direction of the intermediate portion 44 corresponding to the direction, clockwise or anti-clockwise, of the displacement performed by the intermediate portion 44 while moving along the main extension axis 200 and seen from the first end segment 41 of said heating element 4. Thus for the intermediate portion 44 illustrated, the intermediate portion 44 winds clockwise.

The helical shape of the intermediate portion 44 is also characterized by a pitch 47 which may, as illustrated, be constant over the entirety of the intermediate portion 44, the pitch 47 corresponding to an interval separating two successive turns 45 of the intermediate portion 44. The pitch 47 is measured along the main winding axis 200, between two points included in the set of external points 5 of two successive turns 45 of the intermediate portion 44.

Figures 4 to 10 illustrate different embodiments of a second embodiment and a third embodiment in which the heating body 2 comprises a plurality of heating elements 4. In these embodiments, the heating body 2 comprises at least the heating element 4, hereinafter called the first heating element 6, and a second heating element 7. Similarly to what has been explained previously, the first heating element 6 comprises the first terminal segment 41, the second terminal segment 42 and the intermediate portion 44, hereinafter called primary intermediate portion 61, wound around a primary extension axis 600.

Similar to the heating elements 4 previously exposed, the second heating element 7 comprises at least a first terminal segment 41, a second terminal segment 42 and at least one intermediate portion 44, called secondary intermediate portion 71, at least partially wound around an axis extension secondary 700.

The first heating element 6 and the second heating element 7 have characteristics substantially identical to those of the heating element 4 as previously explained. In particular, the primary intermediate portion 61 and the secondary intermediate portion 71 of these heating elements 6, 7 each comprise a proximal end 441 and a distal end 442 and the primary intermediate portion 61 or the secondary intermediate portion 71 are each connected to the first terminal segment 41 and to the second end segment 42 of the heating element 4 comprising them.

It is understood that, throughout the description below, the characteristics described in relation to one of the heating elements 4 could be transposed to the different embodiments and extended to all the heating elements 4 of the heating device 1 electric, unless otherwise specified. In particular, in the example illustrated, the section of each heating element 4 is circular and substantially identical, illustrating the fact that they are composed of resistive strands of dimensions, here of diameter, similar, or substantially similar. Alternatively, these dimensions may vary from one heating element 4 to another. Furthermore, the lengths of each of the heating elements illustrated, measured along the main extension axis 200 of the heating body 2, are in no way limiting and may be modified, for example so that the various elements heaters 4 have different lengths.

In particular, the first heating element 6 and the second heating element 7 can be arranged in the heating body 2 so that the primary axis of extension 600 of the first heating element 6 and/or the secondary extension axis 700 of the second heating element 7 coincide with the main extension axis 200 of the heating body 2 defining the main direction of extension of the body heater 2. Furthermore, the primary axis of extension 600 and the secondary axis of extension 700 can be combined so that the first heating element 6 and the second heating element 7 are concentric.

Also, in the examples illustrated, the second heating element 7 is at least partially interposed between the first heating element 6 and the second end wall 354 of the chamber 350 along the main axis 3000 of the chamber 350.

Figures 4 to 6 illustrate two embodiments of the second embodiment.

According to the second embodiment, the primary intermediate portion 61 of the first heating element 4 is a frustoconical helix comprising at least one turn 45 centered on the main extension axis 200 and on the primary extension axis 600. Also, the secondary intermediate portion 71 of the second heating element 7 is a substantially frustoconical helix centered on the secondary axis of extension 700 and comprising at least one turn 45. In other words, according to the second embodiment, the heating body 2 comprises a plurality of heating elements 4 of substantially frustoconical shape.

Within such a heating body 2, the set of external points 5 furthest from the main extension axis 200 is part of a plurality of external lines 50, in particular at least one first external line 501, specific to the first heating element 6, and a second external line 502, specific to the second heating element 7. Each of these external lines 501, 502 can be continuous, as illustrated, or discontinuous.

In the second embodiment, the first distance 510 is measured, as previously explained, at the level of the first point 51 of the set of external points 5 which is included in the first end part 23 of the heating body 2. In l In this case, such a first end part 23 is included in the primary intermediate portion 61 of the first heating element and consists of the part of the primary intermediate portion 61 closest to the first end wall 353 of the chamber 350. In particular, as explained with reference to the first embodiment, the first end part 23 of the heating body 2 can at least correspond to the first extreme turn 451 of the heating body 2, here included in the primary intermediate portion 61.

The second distance 520 is, for its part, measured at the level of the second point 52 which is included in the second end part 24 of the heating body 2. Such a second end part 24 consists, in the present embodiment, of the part of the secondary intermediate portion 71 of the second heating element 7 closest to the second end wall 354 of the chamber 350. In particular, the second end part 24 of the heating body 2 can at least correspond to the second extreme turn 452 of the heating body 2, here included in the secondary intermediate portion 71 of the second heating element 7.

FIGS. 4 and 5 represent a first example of the second embodiment in which all the points of the set of external points 5 furthest from the main extension axis 200 of the heating body 2, whether they are included in the primary intermediate portion 61 or in the secondary intermediate portion 71, are separated from the internal wall 35 by an equal distance, with a variation of ±10%, at the first distance 510 and/or at the second distance 520.

In other words, such an example of the second embodiment is substantially identical to the heating body 2 as described with reference to the first embodiment except that the heating body 2 comprises a plurality of heating elements 4 Also, the description of the heating body 2 made with reference to Figures 2 to 3 applies mutatis mutandis and may be transposed to the present embodiment.

In such an exemplary embodiment, the first heating element 6 and the second heating element 7 are arranged so that the heating body 2 essentially forms a frustoconical shape. The secondary intermediate portion 71 of the second heating element 7 and the primary intermediate portion 61 of the first heating element 6 are thus placed axially end to end along the main extension axis 200, so that any transverse plane orthogonal to the main extension axis 200 passes through the secondary intermediate portion 71 or through the primary intermediate portion 61.

Furthermore, as previously explained, the heating body 2 is characterized by at least the first winding diameter 461, specific to the first end turn 451 of the heating body 2 closest to the first end wall 353 of the chamber 350. The heating body 2 is also characterized by at least the second winding diameter 462, specific to the second end turn 452 of the heating body 2 closest to the second end wall 354. In this case , the first winding diameter 461 is measured at the turn 45 of the primary intermediate portion 61 of the first heating element 6 which is closest to the first end wall 353 while the second winding diameter 462 is measured at the turn 45 of the secondary intermediate portion 71 of the second heating element 7 which is closest to the second end wall 354-

Optionally, the heating body 2 can be characterized by one or more intermediate winding diameters 463 each specific to an intermediate turn 45, included in the primary intermediate portion 61 or in the secondary intermediate portion 71, and which extends between the first end turn 451 and the second end turn 452 along the main extension axis 200. In particular, each intermediate winding diameter 463 has a value between that of the first winding diameter 461 and that of the second winding diameter 462. Also, when the heating body is defined by a plurality of intermediate winding diameters 463, these increase in proportion to the distance of the turn 45 considered with respect to the first end wall 353 of room 350.

As previously explained, each heating element 4 is characterized by a winding direction of its intermediate portion 44. The primary intermediate portion 61 winds around the main extension axis 200 and/or the primary axis d extension 600 in a first winding direction and the secondary intermediate portion 71 winds around the secondary axis of extension 700 in a second winding direction. In this case, such winding directions are identical, the primary intermediate portion 61 and the secondary intermediate portion 71 winding clockwise. According to an alternative not shown, the first direction of winding and the second direction of winding can be opposed.

The same goes for step 47 of each of the intermediate portions. The primary intermediate portion 61 and the secondary intermediate portion 71 being respectively characterized by a first step 471 and a second step 472, which can be substantially identical, as illustrated, or different.

Figure 6 schematically illustrates a second example of the second embodiment, substantially identical to the previous example, except that the first heating element 6 and the second heating element 7 are configured and arranged so that the first heating element 6 at least partly surrounds the second heating element 7. In other words, the primary intermediate portion 61 of the first heating element 6 wraps at least partly around the secondary intermediate portion 71 of the second heating element 7 and any plane transverse orthogonal to the main extension axis 200 can pass through the secondary intermediate portion 71 and/or through the primary intermediate portion 61. It is understood that the heating elements 4 do not come into contact 47 with each other , whether at their terminal segments 41, 42 or their respective intermediate portions 44.

Such an embodiment aims to optimize the power of the heating body while limiting an extension length 235 of the heating body 2, measured along the main extension axis 200.

In such an exemplary embodiment, all of the characteristics set out for the second embodiment, for example relating to the positioning of the first point 51 and second point 52 and/or to the direction of winding and/or to the pitch 47 of the intermediate portions 44, described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 will apply mutatis mutandis and may be transposed to this example embodiment.

The present embodiment of the second embodiment, by the relative arrangement of the first heating element 6 and the second heating element 7, differs from the previous one by the dimensions of the intermediate winding diameters 463 defining the intermediate turns 45 of the primary intermediate portion 61 and/or secondary intermediate portion 71, i.e. the turns 45 between the first end turn 451 of the heating body 2 and the second end turn 452.

In the example illustrated, the first heating element 6 and the second heating element 7 each comprise a plurality of turns 45. The first heating element 6 is defined by the first winding diameter 461 as previously explained and by at least a first end diameter intermediate 6io which is specific to the turn 45 of the first heating element 6 furthest from the first extreme turn 451 of the heating body 2. Similarly, the second heating element 7 is defined by the second winding diameter 462 and by at least a second intermediate end diameter 710 which is specific to the turn 45 of the second heating element 7 furthest from the second extreme turn 452 of the heating body 2. In particular, at least the first intermediate end diameter 610 is greater than the second intermediate end diameter 710 so that the first heating element 6 at least partially surrounds the second heating element 7. Also, the first intermediate end diameter 610 is greater than the first winding diameter 461 and less than the second winding diameter 462.

It is understood that the schematic representation made in Figure 6 is in no way limiting. Also, the second heating element 7 can more or less extend inside a primary central volume 650 delimited by the primary intermediate portion 61 of the first heating element 6.

Figures 7 to 10 illustrate examples of the third embodiment of the heating body 2 as previously explained, that is to say comprising a plurality of heating elements 4. In particular, in the example illustrated, the secondary intermediate portion 71 of the second heating element 7 and the primary intermediate portion 61 of the first heating element 6 are axially placed end to end along the main extension axis 200.

The third embodiment differs from the various examples and embodiments previously exposed in that the primary intermediate portion 61 of the first heating element 6 is a cylindrical helix comprising at least one turn 45 centered on the main extension axis 200 of the heating body 2 and in that the secondary intermediate portion 71 of the second heating element 7 is a cylindrical helix centered on the secondary axis of extension 700 and comprising at least one turn 45. In particular, the first heating element 6 and the second heating element 7 can be coaxial.

Such an embodiment aims in particular to simplify the manufacture of the heating body 2 while optimizing the power that it can generate.

It is understood that the characteristics relating to the direction of winding or the pitch 47 of the intermediate portions 44, exposed for the second embodiment in reference to Figures 4 to 6 will apply mutatis mutandis and may be transposed to the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the positioning of the first point 51 of the set of external points 5 is identical to what has previously been explained with reference to the second embodiment.

The second point 52 is, according to the third embodiment, included in an intermediate part 25 of the heating body 2 arranged in the second portion 352 of the chamber 350, for example near the median plane 500. In particular the second point 52 is included in the second heating element 7, so said intermediate portion 25 may, by way of example, consist of the part of the secondary intermediate portion 71 closest to the first end wall 353, corresponding for example to the turn 45 of the second heating element 7 closest to the closest to the first end wall 353 of the chamber.

In other words, in such an embodiment, the first distance 510 and the second distance 520 with the internal wall 35 of the chamber 350 are measured at the level of a part, for example of an extreme turn 45, of each of the elements heaters 4, 6, 7 which is closest to the first end wall 353.

Each of the heating elements 4 of the heating body 2 according to the third embodiment is characterized by a constant diameter over the entirety of the intermediate portion 44 considered. The primary intermediate portion 61 of the first heating element 6 is thus defined by the first winding diameter 461 as previously explained, while the secondary intermediate portion 71 is defined by the second winding diameter 462. In this case, the first winding diameter 461 is smaller than second winding diameter 462.

Figures 9 and 10 finally illustrate a particular example of the third embodiment, in which the heating body 2 comprises at least a third heating element 8 interposed between the first heating element 6 and the second heating element 7 along the axis main extension 200. The heating body 2 is then characterized by at least a third point 53 of the set of external points 5 of the heating body 2, included in the third heating element 8, which is separated from the internal wall 35 of the chamber 350 by a third distance 530 equal, with a variation of ±10%, to the first distance 510 and/or to the second distance 520. The third heating element 8 may have a structure substantially identical to that of the heating elements 4 previously exposed, that is to say it may comprise at least a first end segment 41, a second end segment 42 and an intermediate portion 44 , called the tertiary intermediate portion 81, which wraps around a tertiary extension axis 800.

Advantageously, the first heating element 6 and/or the second heating element 7 and/or the third heating element 8 can be coaxial.

In particular, at least one of these heating elements 6, 7, 8 can be centered on the main extension axis 200 of the heating body 2.

Similar to what was previously explained for the third embodiment, the third point 53 can, as illustrated, be included in a second intermediate part 26 of the heating body 2, corresponding to an end part, for example at least a turn 45, of the tertiary intermediate portion 81 of the third heating element 8 which is closest to the first end wall 353 of the chamber 350. In particular such a third point 53 can be arranged in the first portion 351 and/or in the second portion 352 of the chamber 35.

The third heating element 8 may also have characteristics, for example a direction of winding and/or a pitch 47 and/or a length, substantially identical to those of the first heating element 6 and/or of the second heating element 7.

In the example illustrated, the tertiary intermediate portion 81 of the third heating element 8 is characterized by a third diameter 810, which is greater than the first winding diameter 461 of the primary intermediate portion 61 of the first heating element 6 and less than the second diameter winding 462 of the secondary intermediate portion 71 of the second heating element 7.

It is understood that such a third heating element 8 can also be integrated into the various examples of the second embodiment previously described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, with the difference that its tertiary intermediate portion 81 will have the shape of a frustoconical helix comprising at least one turn 45. The description given in relation to FIGS. 9 and 10 can then be transposed mutatis mutandis to the second embodiment so that the heating body 2 comprises the third heating element 8 interposed between the first heating element 6 and the second heating element 7 along the main extension axis 200 and so that the third point 53 is included in a part of the tertiary intermediate portion 81 closest to the second end wall 354.

It is understood on reading the foregoing that the present invention proposes a heating body intended for a device for electric heating of a heat transfer liquid, this heating body being configured to optimize its thermal performance for a chamber of the heating device of frustoconical shape. This heating body, intended in particular to cooperate with a ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning installation for an electric or hybrid vehicle, has its dimensions optimized due to the shape and the particular arrangement of the various heating elements.

The invention cannot however be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here, and it also extends to any equivalent means or configuration and to any technical combination operating such means. In particular, the number of heating elements, the pitch of the intermediate portions of said heating elements, their direction of winding or their number of turns can be modified without harming the invention, insofar as the electric heating device for a vehicle , ultimately, performs the same functionality as described in this document.

Claims

1. Heating device (i) electric heat transfer liquid (FC) comprising a heating body (2) and a housing (3), at least one inner wall (35) of the housing (3) delimiting a chamber (350 ) frustoconical circulation of the heat transfer liquid (FC) centered on a main axis (3000) and in which the heating body (2) extends at least in part:

- the chamber (350) comprising a first portion (351) and a second portion (352) arranged on either side of a median plane (500) orthogonal to the main axis (3000) and respectively delimited by a first end wall (353) and a second end wall (354);

- the heating body (2) being at least partly centered on a main extension axis (200) and comprising at least one electric heating element (4) which comprises at least a first terminal segment (41) and a second segment terminal (42), which allow it to be supplied with electrical energy, and at least one intermediate portion (44, 61, 71, 81) at least partially wound around the main extension axis (200) and connecting the first terminal segment (41) to the second terminal segment (42); characterized in that the heating body (2) is defined by a set of external points (5) furthest from the main extension axis (200) falling within at least one external line (50, 501, 502) of the heating body (2) and in that a first point (51) of the set of external points (5) of the heating body (2), disposed in the first portion (351) of the chamber ( 350), is separated from the internal wall (35) by a first distance (510) substantially equal, with a variation of ±10%, to a second distance (520) separating a second point (52) from the set of points (5) of the heating body (2) of the internal wall (35), the second point (52) being arranged in the second portion (352) of the chamber (350).

2. Electric heating device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the main extension axis (200) of the heating body (2) and the main axis (3000) of the chamber (350) coincide.

3. Electric heating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first point (51) of the set of external points (5) is included in a first end part (23) of the heating body. (2) closest to the first end wall (353) of the chamber (350) and which is included in the intermediate portion (44) and the second point (52) is included in a second end part (24) of the heating body (2) closest to the second end wall (354) of the chamber (350), included in the intermediate portion (44).

4. Electric heating device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which all the points of the set of external points (5) of main extension (200) included in the intermediate portion (44) are separated from the internal wall (35) by a distance equal, with a variation of ±10%, to the first distance (510) and/or to the second distance (520).

5. Heating device (1) electric according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating body (2) comprises at least the heating element (4), hereinafter called first heating element (6) , and a second heating element (7) which comprises at least a first end segment (41), a second end segment (42) and at least one intermediate portion (44), called secondary intermediate portion (71), at least partially wound around a secondary extension axis (700) and connecting the first end segment (41) to the second end segment (42) of the second heating element (7), the secondary intermediate portion (71) being distinct from the intermediate portion ( 44) of the first heating element (6), called the primary intermediate portion (61), which wraps around the main extension axis (200).

6. Electric heating device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the primary extension axis (600) of the first heating element (6) coincides with the secondary extension axis (700) of the second heating element. (7).

7. Heating device (1) electric according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the primary intermediate portion (61) of the first heating element (6) is a cylindrical helix comprising at least one turn (45) centered on the main extension axis (200) of the heating body (2) and the secondary intermediate portion (71) of the second heating element (7) is a cylindrical helix centered on the secondary extension axis (700) and comprising at minus one turn (45).

8. Electric heating device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first point (51) of the set of external points (5) is included in a first end part (23) of the heating body (2), included in portion primary intermediate (61) of the first heating element (6) and closest to the first end wall (353), and the second point (52) is included in an intermediate part (25) of the heating body (2) , included in the secondary intermediate portion (71) of the second heating element (7) and which is closest to the first end wall (353).

9. Electric heating device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the second heating element (7) is at least partially interposed between the first heating element (6) and the second end wall (354) of the chamber (350) along the main axis (3000) of the chamber (350).

10. Heat treatment system for a vehicle comprising at least one electric heating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.