Rear cover assembly of air heating device for vehicle and air heating device for vehicle comprising same

Abstract

The invention discloses a rear cover assembly of an air heating device for a vehicle and the air heating device for the vehicle comprising the rear cover assembly. A rear cover assembly of an air heating device according to the present invention is coupled to an air discharge port side of a heater assembly including a PTC unit and a heat dissipation fin, and comprises: a cover part which is divided into a plurality of through-hole parts of the same or different sizes by a plurality of connection members, and in which a sensor mounting part is formed on a side opposite to a rear part of the heater assembly from which air is discharged; and a sensor unit which is attached to the sensor attachment unit and detects the flow rate or temperature of air passing through the heater assembly. Wherein the sensor mounting part comprises a sensor mounting hole and a connecting part formed at a specific position; and a cable installation groove formed along the connection member and connected to the sensor installation hole in which a sensor constituting the sensor portion is installed and fixed, and a sensor cable connected to the sensor is guided to the outside of the cover portion along the cable installation groove and electrically connected to the control portion of the heater assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rear cover assembly for a vehicle air heating device, and more particularly to a rear cover assembly for a vehicle air heating device that heats air introduced from the outside or inside for vehicle heating, and a vehicle air heating device including the assembly. Background Technology

[0002] A PTC heater (Positive Temperature Coefficient Heater) is an electric heating element that generates heat using the Joule heating phenomenon. Joule heating refers to the phenomenon where heat is generated due to resistance during the passage of electric current.

[0003] PTC heaters have a positive temperature coefficient, meaning that when a certain current flows through them, the temperature rises to a certain level and then remains at a stable level. Because of this characteristic, PTC heaters are widely used in automotive interior temperature control systems.

[0004] Typically, internal combustion engine vehicles utilize the heat generated during engine operation to control interior temperature. In this context, the PTC heater, acting as a preheater before the engine reaches a certain temperature, plays a supporting role in interior temperature control.

[0005] On the other hand, in recent years, with the rapid increase in attention to environmentally friendly energy, the demand for electric vehicles has exploded. Since they do not use engines, they must be equipped with electric heaters. However, the trend is to use PTC heaters, which have been proven in terms of heating speed, high energy efficiency and safety, as an alternative heat source.

[0006] PTC heaters offer advantages such as rapid heating, stable performance, and high durability. Furthermore, PTC heaters efficiently utilize electrical energy with low power consumption. Due to their inherent characteristics, the material's resistance increases and the current decreases when electricity is supplied, thus preventing overheating and ensuring safety during long-term use.

[0007] Due to the numerous advantages mentioned above, PTC heaters are widely used as an auxiliary or primary means of controlling interior temperature in automobiles. They are typically installed inside the housing of the air conditioning unit, behind a blower that is based on airflow. The blower's operation directly heats the air passing through the interior, thus providing heating for the vehicle interior.

[0008] This automotive PTC heater includes the following main components: a heater core, consisting of multiple PTC units that generate heat and heat dissipation fins that provide air passages and receive heat from the PTC units to heat the flowing air; and a control unit that controls the heat generation of the PTC units.

[0009] In particular, when the blower fails to operate normally due to control errors or mechanical failures, a temperature sensor is used as a safety device to protect the heater or its surrounding components from overheating caused by the inability to dissipate heat properly from the heater core.

[0010] When the temperature sensor detects that the air volume has decreased due to a blower control error or mechanical defect, causing the heater temperature to rise abnormally, it will output an electrical signal to the controller. At the time the controller receives the signal, it will take subsequent safety measures such as cutting off the current supply to the heater.

[0011] Most automotive PTC heaters typically employ a structure, as disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-2442176, where the temperature sensor is positioned on the side of the heater core. This is because placing the temperature sensor on the side of the heater core offers advantages in terms of product modularity and assemblability.

[0012] However, as mentioned above, when the temperature sensor is placed on the side of the heater core, the sensor will maintain a certain distance in the lateral direction from the heater core, which is the actual heat-generating part. This results in a large deviation between the actual temperature of the heater core and the temperature detected by the sensor, and the response speed will be slower accordingly, making it difficult to respond in a timely manner.

[0013] In particular, in the existing structure where the temperature sensor is placed on the side of the heater core, the actual temperature of the heater core can deviate from the temperature detected by the temperature sensor by more than 90 degrees depending on the airflow conditions (blower speed). This can cause the temperature sensor to completely fail to prevent the heater and surrounding components from overheating.

[0014] [Existing Technical Documents] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent No. 10-2442176 (Publication Date: 2022.09.08) Summary of the Invention Technical problems to be solved The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a rear cover assembly for a vehicle air heater and a vehicle air heater including the assembly. The rear cover assembly can effectively utilize the existing components of the air heater (PTC heater) and arrange the sensor near the rear of the air outlet side of the heater core without adding any additional components. With this arrangement, the temperature of the air passing through the air heater and being heated can be detected more accurately, thereby improving the accuracy of temperature control and safely protecting the heater or its surrounding components from overheating.

[0015] Problem-solving methods As a means of solving the problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, a rear cover assembly for a vehicle air heating device is provided. This rear cover assembly is incorporated into the air outlet side of a heater assembly including a PTC unit and heat dissipation fins. It is characterized by comprising: a cover portion divided into multiple through-hole portions of the same or different sizes by multiple connecting members, and a sensor mounting portion formed on a side opposite to the rear portion of the heater assembly from which air is discharged; and a sensor portion mounted on the sensor mounting portion to detect the airflow or air temperature passing through the heater assembly. The sensor mounting portion is composed of a sensor mounting hole and a cable mounting groove. The sensor mounting hole is formed at a specific position on the connecting member, and the cable mounting groove is formed along the connecting member and connected to the sensor mounting hole. A sensor constituting the sensor portion is mounted and fixed in the sensor mounting hole, and a sensor cable connected to the sensor is guided along the cable mounting groove to the outside of the cover portion and electrically connected to the control portion of the heater assembly.

[0016] According to the invention, the cover portion of a side cover assembly can be composed of a pair of side plates and the connecting member, the pair of side plates being spaced apart from each other, the connecting member including at least two or more transverse members connecting the side plates to each other, the connecting member being composed of at least two or more transverse members, a plurality of longitudinal members and a plurality of bridges, the plurality of longitudinal members connecting the transverse members to each other in a configuration orthogonal to the transverse members, and the plurality of bridges connecting two adjacent longitudinal members.

[0017] In this case, the sensor mounting hole may be formed in the bridge, and a cable setting groove may be formed in a portion of the transverse and longitudinal components, such that the sensor cable is guided along the cable setting groove to the outside of the cover.

[0018] Furthermore, a cable anti-detachment device can be formed in a raised shape in the cable setting groove to prevent the sensor cable set along the mounting groove from detaching arbitrarily. In this case, the raised cable anti-detachment device can be arranged at uniform intervals or at non-uniform intervals along the cable setting groove.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, preferably, the sensor mounting holes can be formed in such a way that each heating zone of the heater assembly, which controls heating by area, corresponds one-to-one with a sensor.

[0020] Conversely, the sensor mounting hole can also be formed in such a way that the sensor is positioned corresponding to the boundary surface position between the heating areas of the heater assembly that controls heating by area.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, the sensor fixed to the sensor mounting hole can be a temperature sensor or an air flow sensor.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, a temperature sensor and an air flow sensor can be installed simultaneously in the sensor mounting hole.

[0023] As a means of solving the problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle air heating device is provided, which heats air for heating a vehicle, comprising: a heater assembly including a plurality of PTC units, heat dissipation fins and control elements; and the aforementioned rear cover assembly, which is coupled to the air outlet side of the heater assembly.

[0024] According to another aspect of the vehicle air heating device of the present invention, the heater assembly may include: a heater core including a plurality of PTC units and heat dissipation fins arranged between each of two adjacent PTC units; a frame portion that houses and protects the heater core, including a pair of side frames and a lower support, the lower support connecting the side frames to each other and having mounting slots corresponding to each of the PTC units; and a control portion, combined with the upper part of the frame portion that houses the heater core, and having the control element installed therein.

[0025] Here, the control unit may include a housing, which is attached to the upper part of a frame portion that houses the heater core and has an installation space therein. Multiple busbars and a substrate that electrically connect one end of the PTC unit are installed inside the housing. Control elements that are electrically connected to the busbars and individually control the heating of the PTC unit are mounted on the substrate.

[0026] Furthermore, the PTC unit may consist of a heating element and a heating tube that houses the heating element in a sealed manner.

[0027] At this time, the heating element may include: an insulating frame having a first element receiving hole and a second element receiving hole; a first PTC element, one of which is disposed in each of the first element receiving holes; a second PTC element, one of which is disposed in each of the second element receiving holes; a first electrode plate arranged to simultaneously contact one surface of the first PTC element; a second electrode plate arranged to simultaneously contact one surface of the second PTC element; and a common electrode plate arranged to simultaneously contact the other surface of the first PTC element and the other surface of the second PTC element.

[0028] Invention Effects According to an embodiment of the present invention, by effectively utilizing existing components, a structure in which the sensor is arranged near the rear of the air exhaust side of the heater core can be realized without the need for additional components. Since the sensor is arranged near the air exhaust side to measure the temperature, there is no deviation or a significant reduction in deviation between the actual temperature and the measured temperature.

[0029] Furthermore, since the deviation between the actual temperature and the measured temperature is nonexistent or significantly reduced, more accurate information feedback can be achieved, thereby improving the precision and accuracy of temperature control. It can also detect overheating of the device more quickly and accurately, so that subsequent measures (such as cutting off the power supply) can be taken in a timely manner, thus protecting the air heating device or its surrounding components from overheating more safely and reliably. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle air heating device including a rear cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 The diagram shows the air heating device as viewed from the rear surface (air outlet side).

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partially exploded perspective view of the air heating device shown.

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a partial exploded perspective view of the heater core.

[0034] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view based on a preferred embodiment of the PTC unit applied to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the rear cover assembly, which is attached to the rear surface of the heater assembly of the aforementioned vehicle air heating device, viewed from the direction facing the heater assembly.

[0036] Figure 7 It is Figure 6 The enlarged view of the main parts of the present invention is shown in section "A".

[0037] Figure 8 This is an enlarged view of the main parts of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is an example diagram showing a preferred arrangement of the sensor relative to the rear surface (the part excluding air) of the air heating device.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1: Air heating device 10: Heater assembly 12: Heater core 13: PTC Unit 14: Heat dissipation fins 15L, 15R: Finned plates 16: Frame Section 18: Control Department 20: Back cover assembly 22: cover 23:Through hole part 24: Sensor Department 130: Fever Element 131: Insulating frame 132: First component receiving hole 133: Second component receiving hole 134: First PTC element 135: Second PTC element 136: First electrode plate 137: Second electrode plate 138: Common electrode plate 160L, 160R: Side frame 162: Lower support 163: Mounting slot 180: Casing 184: Busbar 220: Side panel 222: Connecting component 223: Horizontal components 224: Longitudinal component 225: Bridge 226: Sensor Mounting Section 227: Sensor mounting hole 228: Cable routing slot 229: Cable anti-detachment device 240: Sensor 244: Sensor cable W1: Horizontal component width T1: PTC unit thickness Detailed Implementation The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0040] The terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0041] It should be understood that terms such as “comprising” or “having” in this specification are intended to specify the presence of the features, quantities, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features or quantities, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0042] Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" can be used to describe multiple constituent elements, but the constituent elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from another.

[0043] In addition, the terms “…section,” “…unit,” “…module”, etc., used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which can be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0044] When describing the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will be used for the same constituent elements, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, when describing the invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art will be omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle air heating device including a rear cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is Figure 1 The illustrated air heating device is shown as a view from its rear surface (air outlet side). Furthermore, Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The image shows a partial exploded perspective view of the air heating device. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a partial exploded perspective view of the heater core.

[0046] Referring to these accompanying drawings, we will begin by observing the overall structure of a vehicle air heating device including a rear cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The aforementioned air heating device 1, used for heating air in vehicle interior heating, includes: a heater assembly 10, including multiple PTC units 13, heat dissipation fins 14, and control elements; and a rear cover assembly 20, attached to the rear of the heater assembly 10, i.e., the air outlet side, and including a detection element for detecting the state of the heater assembly 10, such as temperature.

[0048] The heater assembly 10 includes a heater core 12 and a frame 16. The heater core 12 includes a plurality of PTC units 13 and heat dissipation fins 14 disposed between adjacent PTC units 13. The frame 16 houses and protects the heater core 12 and may be composed of a pair of side frames 160L and 160R and a lower support 162. The lower support 162 connects the lower ends of the pair of side frames 160L and 160R to each other and provides mounting slots 163 corresponding to each of the PTC units 13.

[0049] As shown in the figure, the PTC unit 13 constituting the heater core 12 can be made into a strip structure with a length extending in the vertical direction and a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The relatively wide flat side portions of the PTC unit 13 can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the figure in a way that is spaced apart from each other and arranged opposite to each other. The aforementioned heat dissipation fins 14 can be arranged between the PTC units 13 that are spaced apart from each other and arranged opposite to each other.

[0050] Each PTC unit 13 can have the following structure: with an insulating frame 131 for mounting multiple PTC elements as the center, electrode plates are arranged in a sandwich structure, and then these are inserted into the heating tube 139, with both ends sealed with heat-resistant material (see below). Figure 5 The structure of the heat dissipation fins 14 can be such that one side and the opposite side are in contact with the PTC units 13 arranged on both sides, and have channels for air to pass through.

[0051] Figure 4 In the accompanying drawings, 15L and 15R refer to fin plates that are mounted in contact with the outer surface of the outermost heat dissipation fin 14 among the plurality of heat dissipation fins 14 constituting the heater core 12. One of the two fin plates 15L and 15R may be a grounding plate that is electrically connected to the vehicle body to achieve grounding.

[0052] The heater assembly 10 may also include a control unit 18. The control unit 18 is shown in the figure (…). Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the frame portion 16, which internally houses the heater core 12, is installed on the upper part of the frame portion 16, and the aforementioned control element is installed inside it, thereby supplying or de-energizing the PTC unit 13 constituting the heater core 12, and controlling the heat generation by controlling the current.

[0053] The control unit 18 may include a housing 180 mounted on the upper part of the frame portion 16 that internally houses the heater core portion 12 and forms an installation space inside. At this time, inside the housing 180, a plurality of busbars 184 electrically connecting the electrode terminals at one end of each PTC unit 13 and a substrate may be installed. The substrate is equipped with control elements (not shown) that are electrically connected to the busbars 184 and synchronously or individually control the heating of the PTC unit 13.

[0054] According to the above structure, when the power supply of the control unit 18 is turned on, each PTC unit 13 generates heat and transfers the generated heat to the heat dissipation fins 14. At this time, if a blower (not shown) is driven to force air through the heat dissipation fins 14, the air temperature rises due to the heat exchange between the air passing through the heat dissipation fins 14 and the heat dissipation fins 14, which receive heat from the PTC units 13 and maintain a high temperature. The air is then supplied as warm air to the required locations inside the vehicle (driver's seat, front passenger seat, rear seats, etc.).

[0055] The control unit 18 can also adjust the heating level of the PTC unit 13 according to the ambient temperature or operating environment. For this purpose, a dedicated program for PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control can be input into the control unit 18. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control is a highly efficient switching control method that refers to a control method that changes the duty cycle according to the magnitude of the input signal (DC level).

[0056] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the PTC unit applicable to the present invention.

[0057] refer to Figure 5 Each PTC unit 13 constituting the heater core 12 can be composed of a heating element 130 and a heating tube 139 that is sealed to house the heating element 130. The heating element 130 can be composed of an insulating frame 131, multiple PTC elements 134 and 135, electrode plates 136 to 138, and a pair of insulating caps (c1, c2), etc. The heating tube 139 can be configured to have an angular cross-section and be a hollow tube inside, and its material is a non-conductive metal, such as aluminum.

[0058] The insulating frame 131 can form a plurality of first component receiving holes 132 and second component receiving holes 133. A first PTC element 134 and a second PTC element 135 are respectively installed in the first component receiving holes 132 and the second component receiving holes 133 of the insulating frame 131, and a first electrode plate 136 is arranged in a manner that is simultaneously connected to one side of the first PTC element 134, and a second electrode plate 137 is arranged in a manner that is simultaneously connected to one side of the second PTC element 135.

[0059] The electrode plate also includes a common electrode plate 138. The common electrode plate 138 can be arranged at a position opposite to the first electrode plate 136 and the second electrode plate 137, separated by an insulating frame 131. More specifically, the common electrode plate 138 can be arranged to simultaneously contact the other side of the first PTC element 134 (the side opposite to the side in contact with the first electrode plate) and the other side of the second PTC element 135 (the side opposite to the side in contact with the second electrode plate).

[0060] An insulating frame 131 with PTC elements 134 and 135 installed is formed. Electrode plates are tightly bonded to both sides of the insulating frame 131 in a sandwich structure so as to connect with the PTC elements. In this state, a pair of insulating caps c1 and c2 are placed on one side and the other side to cover and combine them, thereby forming a heating element 130. The heating element 130 thus constructed is placed into the heating tube 139 and sealed at both ends with heat-resistant material to complete a PTC unit 13.

[0061] exist Figure 5 In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals 136-1, 137-1, and 138-1 represent terminals extending from each electrode plate and protruding to the outside of the heating tube 139. These terminals are electrically connected to the busbar 184 of the aforementioned control unit 18, thereby enabling the supply of current for heating each of the aforementioned PTC elements simultaneously or individually.

[0062] According to this structure of the PTC unit 13, although the first PTC element 134 and the second PTC element 135 are mounted on an insulating frame 131, their heat generation is controlled by the power supply supplied independently by different electrode plates (the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate) according to the region (the region where the first PTC element belongs and the region where the second PTC element belongs), thereby enabling more efficient and precise temperature regulation.

[0063] Of course, regional heating control can be achieved not only through... Figure 5 The form shown can also be achieved by changing the number of the first and second PTC elements 134 and 135 (e.g., setting the first PTC element to 4 and the second PTC element to 2, etc.), or by using PTC elements with different capacities (heat generation) in different regions. Therefore, these variations also clearly fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the rear cover assembly attached to the rear side of the heater assembly of the aforementioned vehicle air heating device, viewed from a direction opposite to the aforementioned heater assembly. Figure 7 It is Figure 6 The enlarged view of the present invention is shown in part "A".

[0065] Combination Figure 6 , Figure 7 As mentioned above Figure 2 The rear cover assembly 20 is attached to the air outlet side of the heater assembly 10, which includes the PTC unit 13 and the heat dissipation fins 14. It may include a cover 22 with a sensor mounting portion 226 and a sensor portion 24 installed in the sensor mounting portion 226 for detecting the air flow or air temperature through the heater assembly 10.

[0066] The cover 22 may be structured such that it is divided into multiple through holes 23 of the same or different sizes by multiple connecting members 222, and the sensor mounting portion 226 is formed on the side opposite to the rear of the heater assembly 10. Here, the sensor mounting portion 226 may include a sensor mounting hole 227 formed at a specific position on the connecting member 222, and a cable mounting groove 228 formed along the connecting member 222 and connected to the sensor mounting hole 227.

[0067] The sensor unit 24 may include a plurality of sensors 240, sensor cables 244 connected to each sensor 240, and a wire harness connector (not shown) that is electrically connected to the connector 246 on the control unit 18 side for supplying power to the sensor 240 applied to the control unit 18 via the sensor cables 244 or outputting signals detected by the sensor 240 to the aforementioned control unit 18. Here, the sensor 240 is preferably a temperature sensor, but it may also be an air flow sensor.

[0068] The sensor 240 constituting the sensor section 24 can be mounted and fixed in the sensor mounting hole 227 of the connecting member 222 formed at a specific position. The sensor cable 244 connected to the sensor 240 has a structure that is embedded in the cable setting groove 228 formed along the connecting member 222, and is guided to the outside of the cover 22. After converging into the wire harness connector (not shown), it can be electrically connected to the control section 18 of the heater assembly 10 through the connector.

[0069] The cover portion 22 of the rear cover assembly 20 is preferably composed of a pair of side plates 220 spaced apart by a predetermined distance and a connecting member 222 comprising at least two or more transverse members 223 connecting the side plates 220 to each other. In this case, the connecting member 222 may consist of at least two or more transverse members 223 and a plurality of longitudinal members 224 that connect the transverse members 223 to each other in a configuration perpendicular to the transverse members 223.

[0070] The connecting component 222 may also include a plurality of bridges 225 connecting two adjacent longitudinal components 224. In this case, sensor mounting holes 227 for mounting sensors 240 are formed in the bridges 225. The cable setting grooves 228 may be formed in a portion of the transverse component 223 and the longitudinal component 224, so that the sensor cable 244 can be guided to the outside of the cover 22 along the cable setting grooves 228 in a structure embedded in the cable setting grooves 228.

[0071] The width W1 of the longitudinal member 224 can be the same as or close to the thickness T1 of the PTC unit 13, and it is formed at a position corresponding to one of the multiple PTC units 13, so that when the air heating device is viewed from the rear side (air outlet side), it coincides with the PTC unit 13 at the corresponding position (see reference). Figure 3 Therefore, the horizontal component 223 does not obstruct the flow of air through the heat dissipation fins 14, and can maintain smooth airflow.

[0072] In the cable mounting groove 228, to prevent the sensor cable 244, which is installed along the groove in a buried manner, from detaching due to external impacts, a cable anti-detachment device 229 can be formed in a raised form to restrain it (see...). Figure 7 At this time, the cable anti-detachment device 229 with the protruding shape can be evenly spaced in the cable mounting groove 228, or it can be formed unevenly.

[0073] Furthermore, the sensor 240, which is mounted and fixed in the sensor mounting hole 227, is preferably a temperature sensor, as mentioned above, but it can also be an air flow sensor. This is because, in the air heating device according to the embodiment of the present invention, overheating is mainly caused by mechanical defects or control errors of the blower; therefore, information about the air flow through the heat dissipation fins 14 is also important information for predicting overheating.

[0074] In some cases, as shown in Figure 8 In another preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor 240-1 and the air flow sensor 240-2 can be installed simultaneously in a single sensor mounting hole 227, thereby providing safer protection against overheating for the air heating device and its surrounding components.

[0075] exist Figure 6 In the figure, reference numeral 221 indicates a fixing means for securely attaching the rear cover assembly 20 to a designated fixed position of the heater assembly 10 during device assembly. The fixing means 221 shown in the figure can be a hook-shaped hook, and the fixing hole (omitted symbol) for fixing such a hook-shaped hook can be formed along the outer edge of the aforementioned pair of side frames 160L, 160R.

[0076] on the other hand, Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is an example diagram showing a preferred arrangement of sensors in the rear (air exhaust section) of the air heating device.

[0077] For heater assembly 10, which is capable of controlling heating by region, such as Figure 9 As shown, sensor mounting holes 227 can be formed in the center of each separated heating zone to allow the sensors to be arranged one-to-one (see...). Figure 9This structure allows for temperature confirmation of the heating zones, thereby enabling more efficient control of the PTC unit 13 and faster detection of device overheating.

[0078] Unlike this, such as Figure 10 As shown, the sensor mounting hole 227 can also be formed such that the sensor corresponds to the center position of the boundary surface between the heating areas. In this case, compared with arranging the sensor at the center of each heating area... Figure 9 Compared to the illustrated embodiment, the number of sensors is reduced, thereby lowering costs while enabling efficient zoned temperature control and overheat prediction.

[0079] Of course, the division of the heating controlled area is not limited to Figure 9 or Figure 10 The quantities shown are (2, 4, 6, etc.). Depending on the shape or arrangement of the busbar for input power in the aforementioned busbar, the heating area can also be divided into an odd number of areas such as 3, 5, 7, etc. In this case, it is also preferable to set the sensor mounting holes so that the sensors are arranged one by one at the center of each separated heating area, or at the center of the boundary surface between the heating areas.

[0080] According to the embodiments of the present invention described above, a structure in which the sensor is positioned near the rear of the air exhaust side of the heater core can be achieved by effectively utilizing existing components without adding any additional components. Since the sensor is positioned near the air exhaust side to measure the temperature, there is no deviation or a significant reduction in deviation between the actual temperature and the measured temperature.

[0081] Furthermore, since the deviation between the actual temperature and the measured temperature is nonexistent or significantly reduced, more accurate information feedback can be achieved, thereby improving the precision and accuracy of temperature control. It can also detect overheating of the device more quickly and accurately, so that subsequent measures (such as cutting off the power supply) can be taken in a timely manner, thus protecting the air heating device or its surrounding components from overheating more safely and reliably.

[0082] The above detailed description of the present invention has only been provided with reference to specific embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific forms mentioned in the specific embodiments, and should be understood to cover all variations, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rear cover assembly for a vehicle air heating device, comprising a rear cover assembly attached to the air outlet side of a heater assembly including a PTC unit and heat dissipation fins, characterized in that, include: The cover is divided into multiple through holes of the same or different sizes by multiple connecting parts, and a sensor mounting portion is formed on the side opposite to the rear of the heater assembly from which air is discharged; and The sensor unit, mounted on the sensor mounting section, detects the airflow or air temperature passing through the heater assembly. The sensor mounting section consists of sensor mounting holes and cable routing slots. The sensor mounting hole is formed in the connecting component at a specific location. The cable mounting groove is formed along the connecting component and connects to the sensor mounting hole. The sensor constituting the sensor unit is mounted and fixed in the sensor mounting hole. The sensor cable connected to the sensor is guided along the cable setting groove to the outside of the cover and electrically connected to the control unit of the heater assembly.

2. The rear cover assembly of the vehicle air heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover is composed of a pair of side plates and the connecting component. The pair of side plates are spaced apart from each other. The connecting components include at least two or more transverse components that connect the side plates to each other. The connecting component consists of at least two or more transverse components, multiple longitudinal components, and multiple bridges. The multiple longitudinal components connect the transverse components to each other in a configuration orthogonal to the transverse components, and the multiple bridges connect two adjacent longitudinal components.

3. The rear cover assembly of the vehicle air heating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sensor mounting hole is formed in the bridge. The cable mounting groove is formed in a portion of the transverse and longitudinal components, such that the sensor cable is guided along the cable mounting groove to the outside of the cover.

4. The rear cover assembly of the vehicle air heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable setting groove is provided with a cable anti-detachment device in a raised form.

5. The rear cover assembly of the vehicle air heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor mounting holes are formed in such a way that each heating zone of the heater assembly, which controls heating by area, corresponds one-to-one with a sensor.

6. The rear cover assembly of the vehicle air heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor mounting hole is formed in such a way that the sensor is positioned corresponding to the boundary surface position between the heating areas of the heater assembly that controls heating by area.

7. The rear cover assembly of the vehicle air heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor fixed to the sensor mounting hole is a temperature sensor.

8. The rear cover assembly of the vehicle air heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor fixed to the sensor mounting hole is an air flow sensor.

9. The rear cover assembly of the vehicle air heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A temperature sensor and an air flow sensor are installed simultaneously in the sensor mounting hole.

10. An air heating device for a vehicle, used to heat air for vehicle heating, wherein, include: The heater assembly includes multiple PTC units, heat sink fins, and control elements; as well as The rear cover assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is coupled to the air outlet side of the heater assembly.

11. The vehicle air heating device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The heater assembly includes: The heater core includes multiple PTC units and heat dissipation fins arranged between each of two adjacent PTC units; The frame section, which houses and protects the heater core, includes a pair of side frames and a lower support, the lower support connecting the side frames to each other and having mounting slots corresponding to each PTC unit; and The control unit is attached to the upper part of the frame portion that houses the heater core, and the control element is installed inside the frame portion.

12. The vehicle air heating device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The control unit includes a housing, which is attached to the upper part of a frame portion that houses the heater core and has an internal mounting space. Multiple busbars and a base plate are installed inside the housing to electrically connect one end of the PTC unit. The base plate is equipped with control elements that are electrically connected to the busbars and individually control the heating of the PTC unit.

13. The vehicle air heating device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The PTC unit consists of a heating element and a heating tube that houses the heating element in a sealed manner.

14. The vehicle air heating device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The heating element includes: An insulating frame having a first component receiving hole and a second component receiving hole; The first PTC element is disposed in each of the first element receiving holes; The second PTC element is disposed in each of the second element receiving holes; The first electrode plate is arranged to simultaneously contact one surface of the first PTC element; The second electrode plate is arranged to simultaneously contact a surface of the second PTC element; and The common electrode plate is arranged to simultaneously contact the other surface of the first PTC element and the other surface of the second PTC element.

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