Heating device

Abstract

A heating device comprises a PCB (10), at least one heating element (30, 31, 32), bus bars (60a, 60b, 60c) and terminal pins (40) and terminal plates (70). At least a portion of the PCB (10) extends from a PCB housing (20). The terminal pins (40) are arranged in a connector housing (50) which is arranged at least partially outside the PCB housing (20). The portion of the PCB (10) extending from the PCB housing (20) and the connector housing (50) comprise at least one support element (52) to support the connector housing (50) in a predetermined position relative to the PCB (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a heating device, and more particularly, to a printed circuit board (PCB) controlled heating device used in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, high-current processing printed circuit boards (PCBs) are traditionally constructed of copper, but such PCBs are expensive. Accordingly, PCBs with embedded busbars are preferred because this configuration of the busbar system allows for the construction or assembly of different components on the busbar terminals. The busbar terminals distribute power to the different components. Furthermore, this configuration of PCBs with embedded busbars results in effective heat dissipation, particularly through the integration of copper inserts.

[0003] The busbar system includes multiple busbars, each busbar having at least one first terminal and at least one second terminal. The at least one first terminal of each busbar is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB). The at least one second terminal of each busbar is connected to at least one heating element, a positive terminal, and at least one negative terminal of a heating device, such as a heater used in a vehicle. Specifically, the heating element may be used for cold starting of a vehicle engine, or the heating element may be constructed downstream of the evaporator of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit used in a vehicle to obtain and maintain comfortable conditions within the passenger compartment. The busbar terminals are typically strips of conductive metal, such as copper, brass, or aluminum, which are grounded and conductive. The busbar terminals are typically soldered to the printed circuit board.

[0004] In conventional heating devices, a printed circuit board (PCB) (with busbars mounted thereon) is housed within a PCB housing. Because heating devices are typically located in confined spaces, such as engine compartments or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning housings, there is no room to increase the size of the PCB housing to accommodate additional components, such as terminal pins. Thus, the terminal pins are housed in a connector housing located outside the PCB housing. With this configuration, most of the first busbar terminals are connected to components within the PCB housing, such as the PCB itself, and at least one second busbar terminal is connected to the terminal pin, which is housed in the connector housing outside the PCB housing. Because at least one second busbar terminal is connected to the terminal pin housed in the connector housing, the connector housing becomes heavier along with the terminal pin housed therein, and an unstable force is applied to the first busbar terminals. During the soldering of the first busbar terminals to the PCB, this unstable force causes the first busbar terminals to lose contact with the PCB, resulting in connection difficulties and adversely affecting the soldering between the first busbar terminals and the PCB.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an electric heating device controlled by a printed circuit board (PCB), and a method for constructing joints between its components, particularly brazed connections, which avoids the disadvantages associated with conventional heating devices and methods for constructing joints between their components. Furthermore, there is a need for an electric heating device and a method for constructing joints between its components that ensures sufficient contact between the connected components to form a robust joint therebetween. Additionally, there is a need for an electric heating device that is easy to manufacture and eliminates fasteners used to maintain contact between its components during soldering to securely connect them, thereby eliminating disadvantages such as residual stress or damage associated with the use of fasteners. Furthermore, there is a need for an electric heating device and a method for constructing joints between its components that eliminates the need for fastener inventory, related inventory costs, and reduces manufacturing time, manufacturing defects, and scrap rates. Finally, there is a need for an electric heating device that is efficient, robust, and reliable. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an electric heating device controlled by a printed circuit board (PCB), and a method for constructing joints between its components, which avoids the disadvantages associated with conventional heating devices and methods for constructing joints between their components.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric heating device that is easy to manufacture and eliminates fasteners used to keep the connected elements in contact with each other during the connection process for forming a secure joint therebetween.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric heating device and a method for constructing joints between its components, which eliminates disadvantages or other disadvantages associated with the use of fasteners, such as residual stress and damage to the components held together to be connected.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric heating device and a method for constructing joints between its components, which eliminates fastener inventory, fastener-related inventory costs, and reduces manufacturing time, manufacturing defects, and scrap rates.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric heating device and a method for constructing a joint between its components, which ensures sufficient contact between the connected components to form a robust joint therebetween.

[0011] In this specification, some elements or parameters may be indexed, such as first element and second element. In this case, unless otherwise stated, the index is only used to distinguish and indicate similar but not identical elements. The concept of priority should not be inferred from such an index, as these terms can be interchanged without departing from the invention. Furthermore, the index does not imply any order in which the elements of the invention are installed or used.

[0012] An electric heating element is disclosed according to embodiments of the present invention. The electric heating device includes a printed circuit board (PCB), at least one heating element, terminal pins, and a plurality of busbars. At least a portion of the PCB extends from a PCB housing. The terminal pins are arranged in a connector housing, which is at least partially located outside the PCB housing. At least one portion of the PCB extending from the PCB housing and at least one of the connector housings include at least one support element to support the connector housing relative to the PCB at a predetermined location, defining a pre-connected assembly configuration.

[0013] In addition, each busbar includes at least one first terminal and at least one second terminal, the at least one first terminal being connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), and the at least one second terminal being adapted to be connected to at least one of a terminal pin, a terminal plate, and the at least one heating element.

[0014] Specifically, at least one first terminal of the first busbar of the plurality of busbars is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), and at least one second terminal of the first busbar is connected to a terminal pin and the at least one heating element.

[0015] Furthermore, at least one first terminal of the second busbar of the plurality of busbars is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), and the at least one second terminal of the second busbar is connected to the at least one heating element.

[0016] Furthermore, at least one first terminal of the third busbar of the plurality of busbars is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), and at least one second terminal of the third busbar is connected to a terminal board.

[0017] Typically, in a pre-connected assembly configuration, the at least one support element is integrally formed with or fixed to the connector housing and extends toward and rests on the printed circuit board (PCB).

[0018] Alternatively, in a pre-connected assembly configuration, the at least one support element is integrally formed with or fixed to a printed circuit board (PCB) and extends toward and supports at least a base portion that extends radially from the connector housing.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one support element has two parts, wherein a first part is integrally formed with or fixed to the connector housing, and a second part is integrally formed with or fixed to the printed circuit board (PCB), the first part and the second part together supporting the connector housing in a pre-connected assembly configuration.

[0020] Specifically, the at least one support element is supported on or extends from at least a portion of the periphery of the opening, which is constructed on a portion of the printed circuit board extending from the printed circuit board housing and receiving the connector housing.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the terminal pin is used as a positive terminal, while the terminal plate is used as a negative terminal.

[0022] Alternatively, the terminal pin is used as the negative terminal, while the terminal block is used as the positive terminal.

[0023] Specifically, the plurality of busbars form an electrical connection between the terminal pin and the terminal plate via the at least one heating element. The at least one first terminal of each busbar is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) that controls the flow of current through the at least one heating element. At least one second terminal of the busbar is connected to at least one terminal pin and terminal plate.

[0024] Furthermore, a method according to embodiments of the present invention is disclosed for constructing a robust solder joint between a printed circuit board (PCB) of a heating device and a plurality of busbars. The method includes the steps of: receiving at least a portion of a connector housing in an opening constructed on a portion of the PCB extending outside the PCB housing. Thereafter, supporting at least one support element to provide support for the connector housing relative to the PCB at a predetermined position, the support element being constructed on either the connector housing or the periphery of the opening, the opening being constructed on the portion of the PCB extending outside the PCB housing, and holding a plurality of first terminals of the plurality of busbars in contact with the portion of the PCB received within the PCB housing via at least one busbar connected to terminal pins received within the connector housing. Finally, while the first busbar terminals are in contact with the portion of the PCB received within the PCB housing, a joint is constructed between the first busbar terminals and the portion of the PCB received within the PCB housing.

[0025] Specifically, the connection between the first busbar terminal and the portion of the printed circuit board (PCB) received within the printed circuit board (PCB) housing is constructed by soldering. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention can be inferred from the following specification. A more complete understanding of the invention and its many advantages will readily emerge when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 An isometric view of a heating device controlled by a printed circuit board (PCB) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, without showing the portion of the PCB extending outside the PCB housing, and an enlarged view is also shown showing the connection between complementary bonding elements formed on the first and second portions of the housing.

[0028] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Another view of the heating device controlled by the printed circuit board (PCB), and an enlarged view showing its components, such as terminal pins arranged in the connector housing, the PCB, the terminal board, and the first and second terminals of the busbar.

[0029] Figure 3 Another enlarged view is shown, illustrating the terminal pins received in the connector housing, the PCB, Figure 2 The first and second terminals of the busbar and the interconnection therebetween;

[0030] Figure 4 Another enlarged view is shown, which shows Figure 1 The various busbars of the heating device controlled by the printed circuit board (PCB), and the connection between the second terminal of the busbar and at least one of the heating element, the terminal plate and the terminal pin;

[0031] Figure 5a An enlarged view is shown, illustrating at least one support element according to an embodiment of the invention, for supporting the connector housing relative to a printed circuit board (PCB) at a predetermined position;

[0032] Figure 5b An enlarged view is shown, illustrating at least one support element of a two-component structure according to another embodiment of the invention; and

[0033] Figure 6 This is a flowchart depicting a method for configuring a robust joint between busbars according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the steps of the method are depicted by blocks in the flowchart. Detailed Implementation

[0034] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings disclose the invention in sufficient detail, and, where necessary, the drawings help to better define the invention. However, the invention should not be limited to the embodiments disclosed in the specification.

[0035] This invention envisions a heating device controlled by a printed circuit board (PCB), hereinafter referred to simply as a heating device. The heating device includes a printed circuit board (PCB) (hereinafter referred to simply as "PCB"), at least one heating element, terminal pins, a terminal plate, and a plurality of busbars. At least a portion of the PCB extends from a printed circuit board (PCB) housing, hereinafter referred to simply as "PCB housing". The plurality of busbars form a connection between the terminal pins and the terminal plate via the at least one heating element. Each busbar includes at least one first terminal and at least one second terminal, the first terminal being connected to the printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the PCB housing, and the second terminal being connected to at least one of the terminal pins, the terminal plate, and the at least one heating element. Specifically, at least one busbar is connected to at least one terminal plate and at least one terminal pin, the terminal pin being received in a connector housing formed outside the PCB housing. Although the present invention relates to a heating device including at least one support element for supporting the connector housing relative to the printed circuit board (PCB) in a predetermined manner to maintain contact between the first busbar terminal and the printed circuit board (PCB). However, the invention is also applied to other devices comprising a plurality of busbars having busbar terminals for contacting a PCB to form a joint therebetween, but at least one busbar is connected to a heavy, unstable component that interferes with the contact between the busbar and the PCB.

[0036] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An isometric view of an electric heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, referred to simply as heating device 100. Heating device 100 includes a PCB 10, which receives at least a portion 10a and a remaining portion 10b thereof, said portion 10a extending from a PCB housing 20, said remaining portion being disposed within the PCB housing 20. Specifically, Figure 1 The heating device 100 is shown without the portion 10a of the PCB 10 extending outside the PCB housing 20. The heating device 100 also includes at least one heating element. In the following description and figures, the heating device 100 is explained by way of example, having three heating elements 30, 31, and 32, also referred to as the first heating element 30, the second heating element 31, and the third heating element 32. The heating device 100 also includes terminal pins 40, terminal plates 70, and a plurality of busbars received within the connector housing 50. According to an embodiment, the terminal pins 40 serve as negative terminals, while the terminal plates 70 serve as positive terminals. According to another embodiment of the invention, the terminal pins 40 received within the connector housing 50 serve as positive terminals, while the terminal plates 70 serve as negative terminals. The terminal pins 40 and the terminal plates 70 are connected by busbars 60a, 60b, and 60c via the heating elements 30, 31, and 32. The heating device described below is illustrated by the example of heating device 100, which has three busbars 60a, 60b, and 60c, also referred to as the first busbar 60a, the second busbar 60b, and the third busbar 60c. Specifically, Figure 2 The heating device 100 is shown without a top cover or the first portion 20a of the PCB housing 20, to show the internal details and components received within the PCB housing 20. More specifically, Figure 2 Another view of the heating device 100 is shown, which has terminal pins 40 arranged within the connector housing 50. The enlarged view also shows at least a portion 10b of the PCB 10 receiving within the PCB housing 20, at least one of the first terminals 62a, 62b, 62c, and at least one second terminal 64a, 64b, 64c.

[0037] Also refer to Figure 1 The PCB housing 20 includes a top cover or a first part 20a and a second part 20b, which are configured with complementary joining elements 22a and 22b to assist the joining between the first part 20a and the second part 20b of the PCB housing 20 to construct a cover. Figure 1An enlarged view of the engagement between complementary engagement elements 22a and 22b is also shown. Complementary engagement elements 22a and 22b are respectively hole and complementary snap-fit ​​engagement elements. However, the invention is not limited to any particular construction of the PCB housing 20, as long as the PCB housing 20 has a modular construction and is defined as a enclosure for receiving at least portion 10b of the PCB 10, as well as busbars 60a, 60b, 60c and other components. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to any particular construction of the complementary engagement elements 22a and 22b, as long as the complementary engagement elements can be releasably engaged between the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b of the PCB housing 20, thus giving the PCB housing 20 a modular construction. Such a modular construction of the PCB housing 20 provides access to components received within the PCB housing 20 for maintenance and replacement, thereby facilitating maintenance activities.

[0038] The at least one heating element 30, 31, 32 is an electric heating element that generates heat when an electric current passes through it. However, the present invention does not relate to any particular construction, number, or arrangement of the at least one heating element 30, 31, 32, as long as the at least one heating element can be connected to at least one of the second bus terminals 64b, 64c and generates heat when an electric current passes through it.

[0039] Contact pin 40 is disposed within connector housing 50. Connector housing 50 is at least partially disposed outside PCB housing 20. Typically, terminal pin 40 is connected to at least one second terminal 64a of bus 60a of the plurality of busbars 60a, 60b, 60c extending from PCB housing 20. In one embodiment, terminal pin 40 is integrally formed on the at least one second terminal 64a extending from PCB housing 20. Alternatively, terminal pin 40 is detachably mounted on the at least one second terminal 64a extending from PCB housing 20. Specifically, terminal pin 40 is either removably received in a hole formed in the at least one second terminal 64a, or terminal pin 40 is fixed to a hole in the at least one second terminal 64a extending from PCB housing 20.

[0040] Terminal pin 40 is received within connector housing 50, which is located outside PCB housing 20. Figure 3 Another enlarged view is shown, illustrating the terminal pins arranged in the connector housing 50, as well as the PCB 10, the first and second terminals 62a and 62b of the busbar, and the interconnection therebetween. (See again) Figure 1The connector housing 50 extends from the PCB housing 20 from one side. More specifically, the connector housing 50 includes a base portion 50a and a tubular portion 50b formed on the base portion 50a. The tubular portion 50b is configured with an open end 50c and an open side 50d. The open end 50c and the open side 50d of the connector housing 50 facilitate the reception of a power connector, referred only to as a connector within the connector housing 50. In particular, the tubular portion 50b of the connector housing 50 is complementary to the outer contour of the connector and receives the connector. The connector engages with a terminal pin 40 received within the connector housing 50 and supplies current to the terminal pin 40.

[0041] With this configuration, the connector engaging with the terminal pin 40 is positioned outside the PCB housing 20, rather than within the PCB housing 20 or in a confined space above the PCB housing 20. In particular, this configuration provides ample space for constructing a robust connection of any configuration between the terminal pin 40 and the connector without requiring any alteration to the PCB housing 20, especially where limited space exists above the PCB housing 20. Furthermore, this configuration ensures a robust connection between the terminal pin 40 and the connector without damaging electronic components arranged within the PCB housing 20. Moreover, this configuration of the connector housing 50 provides flexibility in positioning or selecting different shapes, sizes, and configurations of the engaging terminal pin 40 and connector.

[0042] The plurality of busbars—particularly three busbars 60a, 60b, and 60c—form electrical connections between the terminal pin 40 and the terminal plate 70 via heating elements 30, 31, and 32. At least one first terminal 62a, 62b, or 62c of each busbar 60a, 60b, or 60c is connected to the PCB 10. Furthermore, at least one second terminal 64a, 64b, or 64c of each busbar 60a, 60b, or 60c is connected to at least one of the terminal pin 40, the terminal plate 70, and the at least one heating element 30, 31, or 32. Specifically, refer to… Figure 4The first busbar 60a has at least one first terminal 62a connected to PCB 10, and at least one second terminal 64a connected to terminal pin 40 and at least one of the first and third heating elements 30, 32. More specifically, the first busbar 60a includes one first terminal 62a and two second terminals 64a connected to PCB 10, wherein one of the second terminals 64a is connected to the first heating element 30, and the other second terminal 64a is connected to the third heating element 32. Furthermore, the second busbar 60b has at least one first terminal 62b connected to PCB 10, and at least one second terminal 64a connected to at least one of the first, second, and third heating elements 30, 31, 32. More specifically, the second busbar 60b includes four first terminals 62b and four second terminals 64b connected to PCB 10, wherein two second terminals are connected to the second heating element 31, and the remaining two second terminals are connected to the first and second heating elements 30 and 32. Furthermore, at least one first terminal 62c of the third busbar 60c is connected to the PCB 10, and at least one second terminal 64c of the third busbar 60c is connected to the terminal board 70. More specifically, the busbar 60c includes three first terminals 62c connected to the PCB 10 and one second terminal 64c connected to the terminal board 70. Through this configuration of at least one first terminal 62a, 62b, 62c and at least one second terminal 64a, 64b, 64c of each busbar 60a, 60b, 60c, the PCB 10 controls the flow of current through the at least one heating element 31, 32, 33.

[0043] At least one of the portions 10a extending from the PCB housing 20 of the PCB 10 and the connector housing 50 includes at least one support element 52. The at least one support element 52 supports the connector element 50 relative to the PCB 10 in a predetermined position to define a pre-connected assembly configuration. In the pre-connected assembly configuration, the connector housing 50 in its inverted configuration and its tubular portion 50b received in the opening 12 are formed on the portion 10a extending from the PCB housing 20 of the PCB 10 (e.g., Figure 3As shown), the at least one support element 52 rests on the PCB 10 and stably supports the connector housing 50. Specifically, in a pre-connected assembly configuration, the tips of the at least one support element 52 and the tips of the at least one second terminal 64a, 64b, 64c rest on the PCB 10 and are held at the same horizontal "L" position. More specifically, in a pre-connected assembly configuration, the first terminals 62a, 62b, 62c maintain contact with a portion 10b of the PCB 10 arranged within the PCB housing 20, the first terminals including a first terminal 62a connected to a terminal pin 40 received within the connector housing 50. According to an embodiment of the invention, in such... Figure 5a In the pre-connected assembly configuration shown, the at least one support element 52, integrally formed with the connector housing 50, extends toward and rests on the PCB 10. Specifically, the connector housing 50, together with the at least one support element 52, is molded as a single piece. Alternatively, in the pre-connected assembly configuration, the at least one support element 52, fixed to the connector housing 50, extends toward and rests on the PCB 10. According to another embodiment of the invention, in the pre-connected assembly configuration, the at least one support element 52, integrally formed with the PCB 10, extends toward and supports a base portion 50a, which extends radially from the connector housing 50. Alternatively, in the pre-connected assembly configuration, the at least one support element 52, fixed to the PCB 10, extends toward and supports a base portion 50a, which extends radially from the connector housing 50. According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the at least one support element 52 has two parts, specifically a first part 52a and a second part 52b. The first part 52a may be integrally formed with or fixed to the connector housing 50, while the second part 52b may be integrally formed with or fixed to the PCB 10. In one embodiment, as shown in... Figure 5aIn the pre-connected assembly configuration shown, the first portion 52a and the second portion 52b of the at least one support element 52 extend toward and support each other to provide support for the connector housing 50. According to another embodiment, the first portion 52a extends from the connector housing 50 and is supported in the PCB 10, and the second portion 52b extends from the PCB 10 and rests in a base portion 50a that extends radially from the connector housing 50. In the pre-connected assembly configuration, the first portion 52a and the second portion 52b together support the connector housing 50. The at least one support element 52 is either supported on or extends from at least a portion of the periphery of the opening 12, which is constructed on a portion 10a of the PCB 10 extending from the PCB housing 20 and receives the tubular portion 50b of the connector housing 50. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular construction, number, arrangement and setting of the at least one support element 52 and its connection with the connector housing 50, as long as the at least one support element 52 is able to provide support to the connector housing 50 at a predetermined position relative to the PCB 10 in a pre-connected assembly configuration.

[0044] Furthermore, a method 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed, which is used to construct a robust joint between the PCB 10 of the heating device 100 and a plurality of busbars 60a, 60b, 60c. Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method 200 for constructing a secure connection between busbars 60a, 60b, 60c (particularly the first terminals 62a, 62b, 62c of each busbar 60a, 60b, 60c) and PCB 10, wherein the steps of the method are shown as blocks in the flowchart. The order in which the various blocks showing the steps included in the method appear in the flowchart is not intended to be limiting. Any number of steps shown as blocks in the flowchart can be combined in any order, or can be performed in parallel, to utilize method 200 or alternative methods. Furthermore, various blocks can be removed from the flowchart showing the method without departing from the scope and limits of the invention. Method 200 may include the steps mentioned in the following description for constructing a secure connection between the first terminals 62a, 62b, 62c of each busbar 60a, 60b, 60c) and PCB 10. Method 200 should be referenced in conjunction with the following description. Figure 6 To be understood.

[0045] The method 200 includes step 202: receiving at least a portion of the connector housing 50 in an opening 12 constructed in a P portion 10a extending outside the PCB housing 20 of the CB 10. Thereafter, the method includes step 204: supporting at least one support element 52 to support the connector housing 50 relative to the PCB 10 in a predetermined position, the support element being constructed on either the connector housing 50 or the periphery of the opening 12, the opening being constructed on the portion 10a of the PCB 10 extending outside the PCB housing 20, and holding a plurality of first terminals 62a, 62b, 62c of a plurality of busbars 60a, 60b, 60c in contact with the portion 10b of the PCB 10 received within the PCB housing 20, at least one of the plurality of busbars being connected to a terminal pin 40 received in the connector housing 50 to define a pre-connected assembly configuration. Finally, the method includes step 206: while the first terminals 62a, 62b, 62c remain in contact with the portion 10b of the PCB 10 received within the PCB housing 20, a joint is formed between the first terminals 62a, 62b, 62c and the portion 10b of the PCB 10 received within the PCB housing 20. Step 206 of forming the joint between the first terminals 62a, 62b, 62c and the portion 10b of the PCB 10 received within the PCB housing 20 is achieved by soldering. However, the invention is not limited to any particular connection method for forming a joint between the first terminals 62a, 62b, 62c and the portion 10b of the PCB 10 received within the PCB housing 20, nor to any other connection method requiring sufficient contact between the first terminals 62a, 62b, 62c and the portion 10b of the PCB 10 received within the PCB housing 20.

[0046] Numerous modifications and improvements can be applied to the electrically heated device 100 as defined above by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and improvements will still be considered within the scope and limits of the invention, provided that the system includes a printed circuit board (PCB), at least one heating element, terminal pins, and a plurality of busbars. At least a portion of the printed circuit board (PCB) extends from a PCB housing. The terminal pins are received in a connector housing disposed at least partially outside the PCB housing. The plurality of busbars form an electrical connection between the terminal pins and a terminal block via the at least one heating element. Each busbar includes at least one first terminal connected to the PCB, which controls the flow of current through the at least one heating element. At least one busbar is connected to the terminal pins. The portion of the PCB extending from the PCB housing and at least one of the connector housings include at least one support element to support the connector housing relative to the PCB at a predetermined location to define a pre-connected assembly configuration.

[0047] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible based on the above teachings. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention may be practiced in ways not specifically described herein.

[0048] In no event shall the invention be, and should not be, limited to the embodiments specifically described herein, as other embodiments may exist. The invention is intended to be extended to any equivalent manner and any technical combination of these manners.

Claims

1. An electric heating device (100), comprising: a printed circuit board (10) having at least a portion (10a) extending out of a printed circuit board housing (20); at least one heating element (30, 31, 32); a terminal pin (40) received in a connector housing (50) arranged at least partially outside of the printed circuit board housing (20); and a plurality of busbars (60a, 60b, 60c), wherein at least one first terminal (62a) of a first busbar (60a) of the plurality of busbars (60a, 60b, 60c) is connected to the printed circuit board (10) and at least one second terminal (64a) of the first busbar (60a) is connected to the terminal pin (40) and the at least one heating element (30, 32); characterized in that at least one of the portion (10a) of the printed circuit board (10) extending out of the printed circuit board housing (20) and the connector housing (50) comprises at least one support element (52) adapted to support the connector housing (50) in a predetermined position relative to the printed circuit board (10) to define a pre-connected assembly configuration; wherein in the pre-connected assembly configuration, the at least one support element (52) is either integrally formed with or fixed to the connector housing (50) and is adapted to extend towards the printed circuit board (10) and rest on the printed circuit board (10); or in the pre-connected assembly configuration, the at least one support element (52) is either integrally formed with or fixed to the printed circuit board (10) and is adapted to extend towards and support at least a base portion (50a) of the connector housing (50) radially extending from the connector housing (50); or the at least one support element (52) has two portions, wherein a first portion (52a) is either integrally formed with or fixed to the connector housing (50) and a second portion (52b) is either integrally formed with or fixed to the printed circuit board (10), the first portion (52a) and the second portion (52b) together being adapted to support the connector housing (50) in the pre-connected assembly configuration. each busbar (60a, 60b, 60c) comprises the at least one first terminal (62a, 62b, 62c) connected to the printed circuit board (10) and the at least one second terminal (64a, 64b, 64c) adapted to be connected to at least one of the terminal pin (40), a terminal plate (70) and the at least one heating element (30, 31, 32).

2. The electric heating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein ​ 3. The electric heating device (100) according to claim 2, wherein The at least one first terminal (62b) of a second busbar (60b) of the plurality of busbars (60a, 60b, 60c) is joined to the printed circuit board (10) and the at least one second terminal (64b) of the second busbar (60b) is connected to the at least one heating element (30, 31, 32).

4. The electric heating device (100) according to claim 2, wherein The at least one first terminal (62c) of a third busbar (60c) of the plurality of busbars (60a, 60b, 60c) is joined to the printed circuit board (10) and the at least one second terminal (64c) of the third busbar (60c) is connected to the terminal plate (70).

5. The electric heating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The at least one support element (52) is supported on or extends from at least a portion of a periphery of an opening (12) configured in a portion (10a) of the printed circuit board (10) extending out of the printed circuit board housing (20) and receiving the connector housing (50).

6. The electric heating device (100) according to claim 2, wherein The terminal pin (40) functions as a positive terminal and the terminal plate (70) functions as a negative terminal.

7. The electric heating device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The terminal pin (40) functions as a negative terminal and the terminal plate (70) functions as a positive terminal.

8. The electric heating device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The plurality of busbars (60a, 60b, 60c) form an electrical connection between the terminal pin (40) and the terminal plate (70) through the at least one heating element (30, 31, 32), the at least one first terminal (62a, 62b, 62c) of each busbar (60a, 60b, 60c) is joined to the printed circuit board (10) which is adapted to control the flow of electrical current through the at least one heating element (30, 31, 32), and the at least one second terminal of the busbar is connected to at least one of the terminal pin (40) and the terminal plate (70).

9. A method (200) for creating a secure joint between a printed circuit board (10) and a plurality of busbars (60a, 60b, 60c) of an electrical heating device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, the method (200) comprising the steps of: receiving at least a portion of a connector housing (50) in an opening (12) configured in a portion (10a) of the printed circuit board (10) extending outside the printed circuit board housing (20); supporting the connector housing (50) relative to the printed circuit board (10) at a predetermined position to hold a plurality of first terminals (62a, 62b, 62c) in contact with a portion (10b) of the printed circuit board (10) received within the printed circuit board housing (20) by connecting to a terminal pin (40) received in the connector housing (50) through at least one first terminal; and When the first terminal (62a, 62b, 62c) remains in contact with the portion (10b) of the printed circuit board (10) received within the printed circuit board housing (20), a joint is configured between the first terminal (62a, 62b, 62c) and the portion (10b) of the printed circuit board (10) received within the printed circuit board housing (20).

10. The method (200) for constructing a secure joint of claim 9, wherein, The configuration of the joint between the first terminal (62a, 62b, 62c) and the portion (10b) of the printed circuit board (10) received within the printed circuit board housing (20) is achieved by soldering.

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