A heating assembly and a method of manufacturing a heating assembly

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of electric heating technology and discloses a heating assembly and a method for manufacturing the heating assembly. The heating assembly includes a shell, electrodes, and a heating element. The heating element is electrically connected to the electrodes. The electrodes include a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate. The first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are positioned opposite each other in the height direction of the heating assembly. At least a portion of the heating element is confined between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and at least a portion of the first electrode plate is electrically connected to a part of the heating element. At least a portion of the second electrode plate is electrically connected to another part of the heating element. The heating assembly has a fixing member that fixes the first and second electrode plates. The shell has a first tooling hole that corresponds to the position of the fixing member in the height direction of the heating assembly. This invention facilitates the fixing of the first and second electrode plates, confining the heating element between them, thus simplifying assembly and facilitating automated assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electric heating technology and relates to a heating component and a method for manufacturing the heating component. Background Technology

[0002] Heating components typically consist of heating elements, connectors, electrodes, and housings. One type of heating element is a tubular structure. Therefore, fixing the electrodes of the tubular structure usually involves shaping the flat electrode into an arc and then fitting it onto the outer circumference of the tubular connector. The electrode position is then aligned using screws or nuts, and the screws or nuts are aligned with the fixing holes in the housing for fixation. Because this assembly requires the electrodes to be fitted onto each tubular structure and fixed before being assembled with the housing, the process is complex and currently difficult to assemble using robots. As a result, heating components are generally assembled manually on a production line. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heating component and a method for manufacturing the heating component, which are convenient for automated assembly.

[0004] A heating assembly includes a housing, electrodes, and a heating element. The heating element is electrically connected to the electrodes. The electrodes include a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate. The first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are disposed opposite each other in the height direction of the heating assembly. At least a portion of the heating element is located between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. At least a portion of the first electrode plate is electrically connected to a portion of the heating element, and at least a portion of the second electrode plate is electrically connected to another portion of the heating element. The heating assembly has a fixing member that fixes the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The housing has a first tooling hole that corresponds to the position of the fixing member in the height direction of the heating assembly.

[0005] The heating assembly in the above technical solution has a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate. At least a portion of the heating element is located between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The cooperation between the heating element and the first and second electrode plates is simple. At the same time, since the outer shell has a first tooling hole, and the first tooling hole corresponds to the position of the fixing member in the height direction of the heating assembly, it is convenient for the fixing member to fix the first and second electrode plates. The assembly is simple and easy to automate.

[0006] A method for manufacturing a heating component includes the following steps:

[0007] The first electrode sheet is supported on the outer casing;

[0008] The heating element is placed on the first electrode plate;

[0009] Place the second electrode plate on the heating element;

[0010] The first support extends from the first tooling hole of the housing to provide support below the first electrode plate, fixes the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and confines the heating element between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. In the height direction of the heating assembly, the portion of the first electrode plate that houses the heating element is at a certain distance from the housing.

[0011] The above technical solution involves simply stacking the heating element and the second electrode plate, while the first support extends from the first tooling hole of the housing to provide support under the first electrode plate and fix the first and second electrode plates. This facilitates the fixing of the first and second electrode plates, confining the heating element between the first and second electrode plates. The manufacturing method is simple and easy to automate. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the heating component of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 An exploded view of one embodiment of the heating component of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure when the heating assembly is assembled with a connector structure and heating elements but without the second housing.

[0015] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The structure shown is a cross-sectional view at the location where the electrode plates are set.

[0016] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the electrode support component in the structure shown.

[0017] The labels in the attached drawings are as follows: 1. First housing; 2. Electrode support; 3. Heating element; 4. First electrode plate; 5. Second electrode plate; 6. Second housing; 7. Spring; 8. Sealing ring; 9. Connector structure; 10. Electrode plate screw; 11. Lower connector screw; 12. Upper connector screw; 13. Rivet; 14. Ring wall portion; 15. Arc-shaped portion; 16. Joint portion; 17. Positioning wall; 18. Fixing hole; 19. Support leg; 20. Reinforcing rib; 21. Protrusion; 23. First tooling hole; 24. Fixing portion; 25. First arc-shaped portion; 26. Second arc-shaped portion; 27. First joint portion; 28. Second joint portion; 29. ​​Second tooling hole; 30. Connecting portion; 31. Positioning groove; 32. Positioning pin; 33. Heat dissipation groove. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following detailed description of the embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate the specific implementation of the present invention, in order to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate, and in-depth understanding of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention.

[0019] Figures 1-5 A heating assembly is illustrated, comprising a housing, electrodes, and a hollow heating element 3. The heating element 3 is electrically connected to the electrodes. The housing includes a first shell 1, a second shell 6, and an electrode support 2. At least a portion of the heating element 3 is suspended between the second shell 6 and the first shell 1. At least a portion of the electrodes is suspended between the first shell 1 and the second shell 6. Along the width direction of the heating assembly, the electrode support 2 is located on the side of the heating element 3, and there is a certain distance between the electrode support 2 and the heating element 3. The electrodes have a fixing portion 24, which is supported by the electrode support 2.

[0020] Thus, on the one hand, there is a certain distance between the heating element 3 and the electrode support 2, so that the heating element 3 will not directly contact the electrode support 2, and will not cause thermal effects due to contact with the electrode support 2; on the other hand, at least a part of the heating element 3 is suspended between the second housing 6 and the first housing 1, and at least a part of the electrode is suspended between the first housing 1 and the second housing 6. The heat generated by the heating element 3 will be dissipated to the space between the first housing 1 and the second housing 6, which also reduces the thermal effects of the high heat of the heating element 3 on the electrode support 2.

[0021] In this document, "electrode support 2 is located on the side of heating element 3" includes, when there is one heating element 3, the electrode support 2 is located on both sides of the heating element 3 in the width direction of the heating assembly; when there are two or more heating elements 3, the side of the heating element 3 includes the side of one of the heating elements 3, and also includes the side of all the heating elements 3.

[0022] In this article, "fixed part 24 supported on electrode support 2" includes fixed part 24 and electrode support 2 by another fixing member, and also includes fixed part 24 directly supporting or fixing to electrode support 2.

[0023] In this paper, the electrode support 2 and the first housing 1 can be an integral structure or a separate structure. For example, the first housing 1 is metal and the electrode support 2 can be plastic. The electrode support 2 and the first housing 1 can be fixed by a tight fit, such as an interference fit or a snap fit. Alternatively, the electrode support 2 and the first housing 1 can both be made of plastic material and formed by integral injection molding.

[0024] In this embodiment, the electrodes include a first electrode plate 4 and a second electrode plate 5. The first electrode plate 4 and the heating element 3 are electrically connected, and the second electrode plate 5 and the heating element 3 are also electrically connected. The first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5 are positioned relative to the heating element 3. A certain distance is maintained between the first electrode plate 4 and the second housing 6 and the first housing 1, and a certain distance is maintained between the second electrode plate 5 and the second housing 6 and the first housing 1. The arrangement of the first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5 facilitates the assembly and fixation of the heating element 3 and the electrodes, and also facilitates the processing of the first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5.

[0025] In the above structure, the heating element 3 can be a cylindrical heating tube. The electrode has arc-shaped portions 15 that correspond one-to-one with and contact the surface of the heating element 3. The portion of the electrode between adjacent arc-shaped portions 15 is a joint portion 16. The joint portion 16 can be a planar structure. Figure 1 In the described embodiment, the electrodes are divided into an upper second electrode piece 5 and a lower first electrode piece 4 according to their position. In this case, the joint 16 includes a first joint 27 and a second joint 28. In other embodiments, there may be only one electrode, and the first electrode piece 4 and the second electrode piece 5 may be formed by bending one electrode. The electrode may have an arc-shaped structure for limiting or fixing with the heating element 3.

[0026] It should be understood that the number of heating elements 3 is not limited. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, there are at least two heating elements 3. The first electrode plate 4 has at least two first arcuate portions 25, which are electrically connected to a portion of the heating element 3. The second electrode plate 5 has at least two second arcuate portions 26, which are electrically connected to another portion of the heating element 3. The first electrode plate 4 has a first joining portion 27 located between adjacent first arcuate portions 25. The second electrode plate 5 has a second joining portion 28 located between adjacent second arcuate portions 26. The fixing portion 24 is located on both sides of the width direction of the first electrode plate 4 and / or the second electrode plate 5, or the fixing portion 24 is located on the first joining portion 27 and / or the second joining portion 28. The first joining portion 27 and the second joining portion 28 can be fixed by screws or rivets 13. In this embodiment, there are at least two heating elements 3. The first joint 27 and the second joint 28 are fixed by screws or rivets 13, which facilitates the contact and electrical connection between the electrode and the heating element 3. The fixing part 24 is provided on both sides of the width direction of the first electrode plate 4 and / or the joint 16, and is fixed by electrode plate screws 10, which makes the fixing of the electrode and the electrode support frame simple and advantageous.

[0027] In other embodiments, the heating element 3 in the heating assembly can also be a single element. When there is only one heating element 3, the first electrode plate 4 has a first arc-shaped portion 25, which is electrically connected to a portion of the heating element 3; the second electrode plate 5 has a second arc-shaped portion 26, which is electrically connected to another portion of the heating element 3; with the length direction of the heating element 3 as the length direction of the heating assembly, the electrode support 2 is located on both sides of the width direction of the heating assembly. When there is only one heating element 3, the fixing portion 24 is disposed on both sides of the width direction of the electrode and fixed to the electrode support 2, thus simplifying the installation structure.

[0028] In both of the above cases, the distance between the electrode support 2 and the heating element 3 is 3mm in the width direction of the heating assembly to prevent the heat generated by the heating element 3 from radiating to the electrode support 2. The distance between the heating element 3 and the second housing 6 and the first housing 1 is also not less than 3mm, which can reduce the rate at which the housings heat up due to heat radiation.

[0029] The first housing 1 has a first tooling hole 23, which corresponds to the positions of the first joint 27 and the second joint 28 in the height direction of the heating assembly. Thus, when the first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5 need to be fixed, for example by riveting, a riveting machine can pass through the first tooling hole 23 to rivet the first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5.

[0030] When the heating element 3 and the electrode are assembled, the heating element 3 is supported by extending the support fixture into the first fixture hole 23, which can be used to fix the first electrode plate 4, the second electrode plate 5 and the heating element 3, for example by rivets 13 or screws.

[0031] The fixing part 24 is located on both sides of the electrode sheet in the width direction. The fixing part 24 can be on the first electrode sheet 4 or the second electrode sheet 5.

[0032] The heating assembly has a fixing member that secures the first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5. The fixing member can be a screw or a rivet 13, etc. The first joint 27 and the second joint 28 are fixed by a rivet 13, and the fixing part 24 is fixed to the electrode support member 2 by a screw or a rivet 13. In this embodiment, the first electrode and the second electrode are fixed to the electrode support member 2 at their left and right ends by screws. Alternatively, the left and right ends of the first electrode and the second electrode can be directly riveted or fixed by screws, and then the first electrode or the second electrode is fixed to the electrode support member 2.

[0033] The first housing 1 is also provided with a second tooling hole 29, which corresponds to the position of the heating element 3 in the height direction of the heating assembly. In one embodiment, a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate are provided on both ends of the heating element, and a first tooling hole is provided on both ends of the heating element. The second tooling hole 29 is located between two rows of first tooling holes 23. There are multiple second tooling holes, and the number corresponds to the heating element. The second tooling holes are arranged along the width direction of the first housing 1. In this embodiment, the second tooling holes 29 can also be in two rows, with each heating element 3 corresponding to two second tooling holes 29. The function of the second tooling hole 29 is to allow the support tool for supporting the heating element 3 to extend into the corresponding second tooling hole 29 during assembly and support the bottom of the corresponding heating element 3. In another embodiment, the second tooling hole 29 can also be a large hole, corresponding to two or more heating elements. The second tooling hole 29 can extend along the width direction to cover all heating elements. The second tooling hole 29 can be a large hole or two or more small holes. The number of holes can be the same as the number of heating elements 3. Two or more small holes can correspond to the heating elements 3.

[0034] The electrode support 2 has a positioning wall 17 that contacts the electrode, and a fixing hole 18 is provided in the positioning wall 17. The electrode is fixed to the positioning wall 17 of the electrode support 2 by screws. The electrode support 2 also has two elongated legs 19, which form mounting grooves with the positioning wall 17 for mounting the electrode. The mounting grooves can limit the position of the electrode during assembly, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0035] Each support leg 19 is provided with a reinforcing rib 20 between its side facing the electrode and the positioning wall 17. The reinforcing rib 20 can further define the position of the electrode. The electrode portions at both ends of the electrode and the heating element 3 are provided with two sets of front and rear electrodes respectively. Correspondingly, the first housing 1 is provided with two sets of paired electrode supports 2 at both ends of the length direction corresponding to the positions of the electrodes.

[0036] In this structure, the electrode support 2 and the housing can be connected in various ways. In one embodiment, the electrode support 2 has a protrusion 21 on the side facing away from the positioning wall 17, and the first housing 1 has a mounting hole corresponding to the protrusion 21. The protrusion 21 is located in the mounting hole, and the protrusion 21 is tightly fitted with the wall portion corresponding to the mounting hole. In this connection method, the second housing 6 and the first housing 1 are made of metal, and the electrode support 2 is made of plastic. The electrode support 2 is fixed or limited to the second housing 6 or to the first housing 1.

[0037] In another embodiment, the electrode support 2 is integrally injection molded with the first housing 1. The electrode support 2 protrudes in the height direction of the heating assembly, and the protrusion direction faces the heating element 3. In this connection method, the second housing 6, the first housing 1, and the electrode support 2 are all made of plastic. There is no additional connecting structure between the electrode support 2 and the second housing 6 and the first housing 1. They are all formed into a single integral structure by injection molding.

[0038] In the above scheme, since the joint 16 is fixed by riveting with rivets 13, the connection method is simple and convenient for automated assembly. Both the second housing 6 and the first housing 1 can be made of sheet metal. The first tooling hole 23 is a through circular or square groove. The lower tooling of the automated riveting device can pass through these first tooling holes 23 to provide support and positioning for the lower joint 16 during the riveting process.

[0039] Both the second housing 6 and the first housing 1 can be provided with one or more heat dissipation slots 33. The heat emitted by the heating element 3 when heating will be released into the space between the first housing 1 and the second housing 6. Through the heat dissipation slots 33, the temperature inside the first housing 1 and the second housing 6 can be further reduced.

[0040] The heating element 3 can be a resistance heating element of various forms. For example, the heating element 3 has a tube base, an electrothermal film disposed on the surface of the tube base, and an electrode part (e.g., a silver electrode). The electrode part and the electrothermal film are electrically connected. The copper electrode is located in the electrode part area of ​​the heating element 3 and is in close contact with the silver electrode after assembly.

[0041] The heating assembly includes a connector structure 9, and the heating element 3 includes a heating body and two end portions. Along the length of the heating assembly, the connector structure is located at both end portions of the heating element 3. The two end portions are confined within the connector structure 9, and the heating body is suspended between the first housing 1 and the second housing 6. A spring 7 is installed inside the heating element 3 to increase turbulence when liquid flows through the heating tube. Connector structures 9 and sealing rings 8 are fitted at both ends of the heating element 3 to allow liquid to flow into the heating element 3. The sealing rings 8 are used to achieve a seal between the heating element 3 and the connector structure 9.

[0042] The connector structure 9 is made of plastic and has connection holes that fit the ends of the heating elements 3. Both ends of each heating element 3 are connected to the connector structure 9. The connector structure 9 is connected to the first housing 1 via a lower connector screw 11 and to the second housing 6 via an upper connector screw 12. The connector structure 9 is integrally injection molded, ensuring that each heating element is fixed in position inside the housing and at a consistent height relative to the housing surface.

[0043] The connector structure 9 has an annular wall portion 14 and a connecting portion 30, which are integrally injection molded. The annular wall portion 14 has a groove and is used to mate with the end portion of the heating element 3. The end portion of the heating element 3 is limited to the groove.

[0044] The connector structures 9 on both sides have reserved positioning grooves 31 to facilitate tooling positioning, which makes it convenient for automated assembly of the connector and heating element 3.

[0045] The connector structure 9 has a positioning pin 32, and the second housing 6 has corresponding holes at the corresponding positions. The positioning pin 32 is used to position the second housing 6 and the connector, which facilitates the installation of the second housing 6. At the same time, after the first housing 1 and the second housing 6 are fixed, the connector structure is further positioned. The connector structure 9 can also be fixed to the first housing 1 and the second housing 6 by screws (lower connector screw 11 and upper connector screw 12).

[0046] The connecting part 30 is provided with a connecting cavity for connecting the heating element 3, for example Figure 2 As shown, the left connector structure 9 has two connecting cavities and two draft holes. These draft holes are ultrasonically welded with plastic plugs to achieve water circuit sealing. The right connector has a water outlet or inlet end. An NTC sensor is installed in the draft hole, which can not only detect the inlet and outlet water temperatures, but also has a plug function. The structure is simple and easy to install.

[0047] In the above installation structure, the second housing 6, the first housing 1, and the electrode supports 2 on both sides are all at a certain distance from the heating element 3, so that the heat generated by the heating element 3 is not easily radiated to the electrode supports 2, the second housing 6, and the first housing 1, reducing the possibility that the electrode supports 2 are easily affected by high temperature and produce a burnt smell when in contact with the heating element 3.

[0048] Multiple electrode supports 2 can be provided. Along the length of the heating assembly, the electrode supports 2 are positioned near both ends of the heating element 3. Along the width of the heating assembly, the electrode supports 2 can be positioned on both sides of the heating element 3. Thus, in... Figure 1 As shown in the figure, there can be four electrode supports 2, each set independently. This separate electrode support 2 saves material and reduces production costs. The tooling passes through the first housing 1 via the first tooling hole 23 to support the first joint 27 and the second joint 28, facilitating the fixing and connection of the tooling to the first joint 27 and the second joint 28. This allows the fixing of the heating element 3 and the contact between the heating element 3 and the electrode to be performed while the heating element 3 is suspended.

[0049] The manufacturing method of the above-mentioned heating component includes the following steps:

[0050] The first electrode sheet is supported on the outer casing;

[0051] The heating element 3 is placed on the first electrode plate 4;

[0052] Place the second electrode 5 on the heating element 3;

[0053] A first support member extends into the first tooling hole 23 of the housing to provide support below the first electrode plate 4, fixing the first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5, so that the heating element 3 is confined between the first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5. In the height direction of the heating assembly, the portion of the first electrode plate 4 that houses the heating element 3 is at a certain distance from the housing. The first support member can be part of the riveting device or a tooling for providing support, such as other vertically movable lifting support members. For example, the first support member extends into the first tooling hole to provide support below the first electrode plate when riveting the first and second electrode plates, enabling the first and second electrode plates to be fixed by riveting after being supported by the housing.

[0054] The steps of fixing the first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5 include:

[0055] A second support extends into the second tooling hole 29 of the housing to provide positioning for the heating element 3, wherein the heating element 3 is at a certain distance from the housing in the height direction of the heating assembly. The second support can be a tooling for positioning, such as a vertically movable lifting support.

[0056] The two ends of the first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5 are fixed to the electrode support 2 with screws;

[0057] Alternatively, after fixing the two ends of the first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5, one of the first electrode plate 4 or the second electrode plate 5 can be fixed to the electrode support 2 with screws.

[0058] After fixing the first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5, the following steps are also included:

[0059] Connect the connector structure 9 to both ends of the heating element 3; fix the connector structure 9 and the outer shell in the height direction of the heating assembly.

[0060] When connecting the connector structure 9, first attach the sealing rings 8 to both ends of the heating element 3. This step of attaching the sealing rings can be done before or after fixing the first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5.

[0061] The step of supporting the first electrode sheet 4 on the outer casing includes:

[0062] The outer casing includes a first housing 1 and an electrode support 2. The electrode support 2 and the first housing 1 are assembled. The electrode support 2 is inserted into the mounting hole of the first housing along the height direction of the heating assembly, and the electrode support 2 is fixed to the first housing.

[0063] The first electrode plate 4 is supported on the electrode support member 2, so that the first electrode plate 4 and the first housing 1 are at a certain distance in the height direction of the heating assembly.

[0064] "Placing the heating element 3 on the first electrode plate 4" includes the following steps:

[0065] The first electrode plate 4 has a first arc-shaped portion 25 and a first joint portion 27. The first joint portion 27 is located between adjacent first arc-shaped portions 25. Two or more heating elements 3 are placed on the first arc-shaped portion 25 of the first electrode plate 4, such that the bottom of the heating element 3 is limited to the first arc-shaped portion 25.

[0066] "Placing the second electrode 5 on the heating element 3" includes the following steps:

[0067] The second electrode sheet 5 has a second arc-shaped portion 26 and a second joint portion 28. The second joint portion 28 is located between adjacent second arc-shaped portions 26. The second arc-shaped portion 26 of the second electrode sheet 5 is placed over each of the heating elements 3, and the second joint portion 28 and the first joint portion 27 are opposite to each other.

[0068] "Fixing the first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5" includes fixing the first joint 27 and the second joint 28 with rivets 13.

[0069] The aforementioned first and second support components can be tooling for providing support; or part of a device or equipment capable of providing support. This manufacturing method allows for automated operation of fixing the first and second electrode sheets on a riveting fixture. Simultaneously, the assembly of components utilizes simple directional operations such as stacking and inserting, facilitating the setting of robotic arm movements for each process, promoting automated assembly of the heating assembly, and reducing labor costs.

[0070] More specifically, taking a circular heating tube as the heating element 3 as an example, the manufacturing method of the heating component based on the above-mentioned heating assembly includes the following steps.

[0071] 1. Positioning and clamping electrode support 2 and first housing 1.

[0072] The assembly platform of the automatic assembly equipment is equipped with a positioning structure that can position the first housing 1. After the first housing 1 is positioned based on the positioning structure, it is fixed by clamping fixtures, for example. If the first housing 1 and the electrode support 2 are integrally formed, clamping is sufficient. If the electrode support 2 needs to be installed separately, it can be pre-assembled or the first housing 1 can be clamped on the assembly platform, and then the pressing position of the electrode support 2 can be determined based on the positioning structure. By pressing the protrusion 21 and the mounting hole of the first housing 1, an interference fit is formed between the protrusion 21 and the first housing 1 to complete the installation of the two pairs of electrode support 2.

[0073] 2. Place the first electrode plate 4 on the electrode support 2.

[0074] Place the first electrode plate 4, ensuring that its left and right ends, along the width direction, are accurately positioned on the positioning wall 17 under the guidance of the reinforcing rib 20. Align the through holes for mounting screws at both ends of the first electrode plate 4 with the fixing holes 18 of the positioning wall 17. Then, temporarily press down on both ends of the first electrode plate 4 to prevent displacement and errors during subsequent assembly.

[0075] 3. Place the heating tube into the arc-shaped part 15 of the first electrode plate 4.

[0076] In this embodiment, four heating tubes are exemplified, and correspondingly, four arc-shaped portions 15 are also present for each of the first electrode plates 4. Before, during, or after assembly, the heating tubes are fitted with connector structures 9 and sealing rings 8 at both ends. The heating tubes are positioned within the arc-shaped portions 15 based on the positioning of the tooling extending into the second tooling hole 29, ensuring that the electrode portion of the heating tube contacts the first electrode plate 4. A slight displacement error may occur when the heating tube is lowered; the lowered heating tube can be repositioned.

[0077] Fourth, install a second electrode plate 5 above the heating element 3.

[0078] The second electrode 5 is placed above the heating element 3, with the arc-shaped portion of the second electrode 5 corresponding to the heating element 3, and the first joint portion 27 of the first electrode 4 and the second joint portion 28 of the second electrode 5 corresponding to each other. The two ends of the second electrode 5 along the width direction are also guided accurately to fall onto the ends of the first electrode 4 by the limiting of the reinforcing ribs 20 and the mounting groove.

[0079] 5. Fix the two ends of the first electrode plate 4 and the second electrode plate 5 to the electrode support 2 using mounting screws.

[0080] The electrode screws 10 are installed using a screwdriver. The electrode screws 10 pass through the through holes of the second electrode 5 and the first electrode 4, and fix the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 to the electrode support 2. Both ends of the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 are fixed to the electrode support 2 along the width direction, so that the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 can hold the heating tube in place.

[0081] 6. Use rivets 13 to press and fix the first joint 27 and the second joint 28 together.

[0082] Because the bottom of the first housing 1 has first tooling holes 23, the tooling of the automated riveting device can pass through these first tooling holes 23 to provide support and positioning for the riveting process of the rivets 13. During assembly, the automated riveting device has a tooling support for the lower die below the first joint 27 corresponding to the first electrode 4, and a riveting punch and rivet 13 conveying device above the second joint 28 of the second electrode 5. In this way, after positioning the heating tube and the upper and lower electrode plates, the automated riveting device can simultaneously complete the riveting process of multiple joints.

[0083] 7. Lower the second housing 6 and connect and fix the joint structure 9 to the upper and lower housings.

[0084] The second housing 6 is placed on the first housing 1. Since the connector structure 9 has a positioning pin 32 corresponding to the positioning hole of the second housing 6, the positioning pin ensures that the connector connection hole of the second housing 6 corresponds to the screw hole on the top surface of the connector structure 9. Then, the connector screw 12 is installed with a screwdriver to fix the second housing 6 on the connector structure 9. At the same time, the connector screw 11 is installed with a screwdriver to fix the connector structure 9 to the first housing 1.

[0085] The manufacturing method may also involve the installation steps of spring 7, sealing ring 8 and joint structure 9, as detailed below.

[0086] (1) A spring 7 is installed in the heating tube.

[0087] For some heating components, in order to increase the flow around the liquid as it flows through the heating tube, it is also necessary to install a spring 7 in the heating tube. In this case, a step of installing the spring 7 into the heating tube is required before the joint structure 9 or the sealing ring 8 is put on the end of the heating tube.

[0088] (2) Install sealing rings 8 at both ends of the heating tube.

[0089] Due to water circuit sealing requirements, sealing rings 8 are also installed at both ends of the heating tube. The sealing rings 8 can be installed on the ends of the heating tube before assembly, or they can be installed before any step between step three (after positioning the heating tube) and step seven, in which the sealing rings 8 are fitted onto both ends of the heating tube.

[0090] (3) Fit the connector structure 9 onto both ends of the heating tube.

[0091] This step can be performed before assembly, such as before installing the heating tube and after the sealing ring 8 has been installed. After installing the connector structure 9 on the heating tube, the heating tube with the connector structure 9 installed is then installed onto the first electrode plate 4 in step three. This step can also be performed during assembly, in which case it should be performed after the heating tube is placed and before any of steps four through seven.

[0092] During the assembly process, this step is as follows: simultaneously attach the corresponding joint structure 9 to the ends of each heating tube from both ends. After the attachment is completed, based on the positioned heating tube, the joint structure 9 should meet the position requirements of the screw hole at the bottom of the joint structure 9 and the joint connection hole of the first housing 1.

[0093] This application employs a manufacturing method that directly presses together the first joint 27 and the second joint 28, which is applicable to the automated assembly of electrodes and heating elements 3. This manufacturing method fixes the second electrode sheet 5, the heating tube, and the first electrode sheet 4, and establishes a fixed connection between the electrode sheet and the electrode support 2. Furthermore, the first tooling hole 23 of the first housing 1 is used to rivet and press together the suspended first and second electrodes. This method is suitable for structures where the heating tube is suspended on the first housing 1, and it maintains accurate and reliable positioning of the heating tube and electrode sheet during assembly, avoiding the problem of electrode sheet or heating tube misalignment due to lack of support positioning during assembly.

[0094] It should be noted that the order of the above steps is only an illustrative example of this embodiment. Steps that do not have a clear sequential relationship do not need to be completed in the above order and can be completed in other orders or simultaneously.

[0095] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention to other occasions without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heating assembly, comprising a housing, electrodes, and a heating element (3), wherein the heating element (3) is electrically connected to the electrodes, characterized in that: The electrode includes a first electrode plate (4) and a second electrode plate (5). In the height direction of the heating assembly, the first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5) are disposed opposite to each other. At least a portion of the heating element (3) is located between the first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5). At least a portion of the first electrode plate (4) is electrically connected to a portion of the heating element (3), and at least a portion of the second electrode plate (5) is electrically connected to another portion of the heating element (3). The heating assembly has a fixing member that fixes the first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5). The housing has a first tooling hole (23) that corresponds to the position of the fixing member in the height direction of the heating assembly. The outer casing has a first housing (1), a second housing (6), and an electrode support (2). The electrode support (2) is located on the side of the heating element (3). The first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5) are fixed on the electrode support (2) at their left and right ends. At least a portion of the electrode is suspended between the first housing (1) and the second housing (6). The first electrode plate (4) is closer to the first housing (1) than the second electrode plate (5). The first tooling hole (23) is located in the first housing (1). The fixing member is a certain distance from the first housing (1). The fixing member is a rivet (13). The first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5) are fixed by the rivet (13). There are two or more heating elements (3). The first electrode plate (4) has a first arc-shaped portion (25) and a first joint portion (27). A portion of the heating element (3) is located in the first arc-shaped portion (25). The second electrode plate (5) has a second arc-shaped portion (26) and a second joint portion (28). Another portion of the heating element (3) is located in the second arc-shaped portion (26). The first joint portion (27) is located between adjacent first arc-shaped portions (25). The second joint portion (28) is located between adjacent second arc-shaped portions (26). The fixing member fixes the first joint portion (27) and the second joint portion (28). When the first electrode sheet (4) and the second electrode sheet (5) are riveted, the first support extends from the first tooling hole (23) to provide support below the first electrode sheet (4), thereby achieving the riveting fixation of the first electrode sheet (4) and the second electrode sheet (5) after being supported by the outer shell.

2. The heating assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element (3) has a heating body and two end portions. The first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5) are adjacent to the two end portions of the heating element (3). The first housing (1) has a second tooling hole (29). In the height direction of the heating assembly, the second tooling hole (29) and the heating body are positioned opposite each other.

3. A method for manufacturing a heating assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: The first electrode sheet (4) is supported on the outer shell; Place the heating element (3) on the first electrode plate (4); Place the second electrode plate (5) on the heating element (3); The first support extends from the first tooling hole (23) of the housing to provide support below the first electrode plate (4), fixes the first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5), and confines the heating element (3) between the first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5). In the height direction of the heating assembly, the portion of the first electrode plate (4) that houses the heating element (3) is at a certain distance from the housing.

4. The method for manufacturing the heating assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The steps of "fixing the first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5)" include: The second support extends into the second tooling hole (29) of the housing to provide positioning for the heating element (3), which is at a certain distance from the housing in the height direction of the heating assembly.

5. The method for manufacturing the heating assembly according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The step of "supporting the first electrode sheet (4) against the outer casing" includes: The outer casing includes a first housing (1) and an electrode support (2), and the electrode support (2) and the first housing (1) are assembled. The first electrode plate (4) is supported on the electrode support member (2) so that the first electrode plate (4) and the first housing (1) are at a certain distance in the height direction of the heating assembly.

6. The method for manufacturing the heating assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of "fixing the first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5)" also includes: The two ends of the first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5) are fixed to the electrode support member (2) with screws; Alternatively, after fixing the two ends of the first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5), one of the first electrode plate (4) or the second electrode plate (5) can be screwed to the electrode support (2).

7. The method for manufacturing the heating assembly according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, After "fixing the first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5)", the following steps are also included: Connect the connector structure (9) to both ends of the heating element (3); The connector structure (9) and the housing are fixed in the height direction of the heating assembly.

8. The method for manufacturing the heating assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of "assembling the electrode support (2) and the first housing (1)" includes: inserting the electrode support (2) into the mounting hole of the first housing (1) along the height direction of the heating assembly, and fixing the electrode support (2) to the first housing (1); The manufacturing method of the heating component further includes the following steps: sealing rings (8) are fitted onto both ends of the heating element (3), and the step of "fitting sealing rings (8) onto both ends of the heating element (3)" is before or after the step of "fixing the first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5)".

9. The method for manufacturing the heating assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, "Placing the heating element (3) on the first electrode plate (4)" includes the following steps: The first electrode sheet (4) has a first arc-shaped portion (25) and a first joint portion (27). The first joint portion (27) is located between adjacent first arc-shaped portions (25). Two or more heating elements (3) are placed on the first arc-shaped portion (25) of the first electrode sheet (4) such that the bottom of the heating element (3) is limited to the first arc-shaped portion (25). "Placing the second electrode plate (5) on the heating element (3)" includes the following steps: The second electrode sheet (5) has a second arc-shaped portion (26) and a second joint portion (28). The second joint portion (28) is located between adjacent second arc-shaped portions (26). The second arc-shaped portion (26) of the second electrode sheet (5) is placed above each of the heating elements (3), and the second joint portion (28) and the first joint portion (27) are opposite to each other. "Fixing the first electrode plate (4) and the second electrode plate (5)" includes fixing the first joint (27) and the second joint (28) by means of rivets (13).

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