Fluid heating device for electric vehicle

Abstract

A fluid heating device for an electric vehicle is provided in which an anti-overheating portion of a heater is disposed proximate to the heater to prevent overheating of the heater at a precise temperature. The fluid heating device includes: a housing forming a first space in which a fluid is introduced and heated and separated from the first space by a partition wall formed therein; a heater extending from the outside of the housing into the first space to form a path through which the fluid flows into the first space and to heat the fluid; a plate disposed on the partition wall between the first space and the second space and close to the heater; and an overheating prevention unit disposed on a side of the plate facing the second space, and blocking power supply to the heater when heat applied from the heater reaches a preset range. Accordingly, the present disclosure has an effect of blocking power supply to the heater based on an accurate temperature of the heater by arranging the overheating prevention portion close to the heater to minimize an influence of a fluid located between the heater and the overheating prevention portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fluid heating device for an electric vehicle, and more particularly, to a fluid heating device for an electric vehicle for increasing the temperature of a battery of the electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Generally, electric vehicles travel based on batteries installed on the vehicle. When the outside temperature drops, the performance of the battery may deteriorate. In order to ensure the performance of the battery, a battery heating system is required. The heating system heats the fluid and uses the heated fluid to increase the temperature of the battery.

[0003] Korean Patent No. 10-1878723 discloses a conventional heating device, which is named "Heater assembly for heating fluid" (published on July 17, 2018). The conventional heating device includes: a housing into which a fluid is introduced and from which the fluid is discharged; and a heater for heating the fluid in the housing. The conventional heating device increases the temperature of the battery by providing heated fluid to the battery.

[0004] In conventional heating devices, when the fluid flow in the housing is insufficient, the heater may overheat. In this case, the internal temperature of the heating device may rise rapidly, which may cause the heating device to be damaged and the heating system to lose its function. As a result, the performance of the battery deteriorates.

[0005] (Prior Art Documents)

[0006] (Patent Document)

[0007] Korean Patent No. 10-1878723 (titled “Heater assembly for heating a fluid” and published on July 17, 2018) Utility Model Content

[0008] The present disclosure provides a fluid heating device for an electric vehicle, wherein an overheating prevention portion for a heater is provided close to the heater to prevent the heater from overheating at a precise temperature.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a fluid heating device for an electric vehicle includes: a shell, forming a first space and a second space, a fluid is introduced into the first space and heated, and the second space is separated from the first space by a partition wall formed in the shell; a heater, extending from the outside of the shell into the first space to form a path for the fluid to flow into the first space and heat the fluid; a plate, arranged on the partition wall between the first space and the second space and close to the heater; and an overheating prevention unit, arranged on a side of the plate facing the second space, and when the heat applied from the heater reaches a preset range, the overheating prevention unit blocks the power supply to the heater.

[0010] The plate may allow the overheat protection unit to be closer to the heater than the dividing wall.

[0011] The plate may include: a supporting member in contact with a surface of the partition wall in the second space; a connecting member extending from the supporting member to the first space; and a mounting member provided to the connecting member, wherein a surface of the mounting member facing the heater is closer to the heater than the partition wall, and an overheating prevention unit is mounted on the mounting member, and the plate may block fluid communication between the first space and the second space.

[0012] The case may include: a first outer wall extending from the partition wall; and a first cover member coupled to the first outer wall to close the second space, and the first cover member may include a plate pressing body coupled to the first outer wall and pressing the support member against the partition wall.

[0013] The fluid heating device may also include a grounding screw extending through the first cover member and entering the second space, wherein the grounding screw may include: a head member exposed to the outside of the first cover member and connected to the ground wire; and a threaded member extending from the head member, passing through the first cover member and contacting the wire set in the second space, and a sealing member may be provided between the first cover member and the threaded member.

[0014] The heater may include: a tube member including a first tube into which fluid flows and a second tube disposed to surround the first tube; a heating member disposed between the first tube and the second tube to generate heat; and a heater support member extending from an outer circumference of the tube member and contacting the housing surface.

[0015] The housing may include a second cover member supporting the heater to the housing, and the second cover member may include a heater pressing body pressing the heater supporting member against the housing.

[0016] The shell may include a second outer wall extending from one surface of the shell and one end of the second outer wall extending outward, and the second cover member may include a locking protrusion formed at an edge of a surface contacting the second outer wall and surrounding one end of the second outer wall.

[0017] The case may include a coupling member which surrounds an outer surface of the end of the second outer wall and an outer surface of the locking protrusion when the end of the second outer wall and the locking protrusion are coupled to each other.

[0018] The pipe member may include a heater outlet through which the fluid flows out into the first space, and the housing may be formed such that the outlet through which the fluid flows out is located at a position where a distance between the heater outlet and the outlet is maximum.

[0019] The tube member may be made of a ceramic material, and when the heating member generates heat exceeding a preset temperature, at least one of the first tube and the second tube may be broken to prevent the heating member from being overheated.

[0020] The fluid heating device may also include a temperature sensor installed in the shell to measure the temperature of the fluid in the first space, and the shell may include: a sensor fastening member, to which the temperature sensor is fastened, the sensor fastening member being connected to the first space; and an anti-separation member, connected to the outer end of the temperature sensor and the sensor fastening member to prevent the temperature sensor from being separated from the sensor fastening member.

[0021] According to the present disclosure, by arranging the overheat preventing portion close to the heater to minimize the influence of the fluid located between the heater and the overheat preventing portion, it is possible to cut off the power supply to the heater based on the precise temperature of the heater.

[0022] The technical effects of the present disclosure as described above are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a fluid heating apparatus for an electric vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 is shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the fluid heating device of an electric vehicle taken along line II′.

[0025] Figure 3 is shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the fluid heating device of an electric vehicle taken along line II-II′.

[0026] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a heater of a fluid heating device for an electric vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a fluid heating device for an electric vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a fluid heating device for an electric vehicle according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various forms. This embodiment is provided only to complete the description of the present utility model and fully inform the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. In order to explain more clearly, the shapes of the elements in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated, and the elements indicated by the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings refer to the same elements.

[0030] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing a fluid heating device for an electric vehicle according to one embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the fluid heating device 1000 for an electric vehicle (hereinafter, referred to as "heating device 1000") according to the present embodiment is configured to heat a fluid F. The fluid F may include a coolant used in a vehicle. However, the type of the fluid F flowing into the heating device 1000 is not limited.

[0031] The heating device 1000 forms a space containing the fluid F. The heating device 1000 has an inlet 151 from which the fluid F flows in and an outlet 139 from which the fluid F flows out. In addition, the heating device 1000 heats the fluid F supplied through the inlet 151 based on power supplied from the outside.

[0032] The heating device 1000 is provided with a power cord socket 10 for supplying power. The heating device 1000 is connected to a ground line 30 so that leakage current that may occur during operation can flow to the outside. The heating device 1000 is provided with a mounting portion 50 for mounting to a vehicle, and can be installed in a vehicle to heat the fluid F to increase the temperature of the battery.

[0033] Figure 2 is shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a fluid heating device for an electric vehicle taken along line II′, Figure 3 is shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the fluid heating device of the electric vehicle taken along line II-II′. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a heater of the fluid heating device for an electric vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0034] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the heating device 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 100 , a heater 200 , an overheating prevention unit 300 , a plate 400 , a temperature sensor 500 , and a grounding screw 600 .

[0035] The housing 100 forms the exterior of the heating device 1000. The housing 100 may be made of a thermoplastic material. A first space 110 and a second space 120 are formed in the housing 100. The first space 110 is a space into which the fluid F is introduced and heated, and the second space 120 is a space separated from the first space 110.

[0036] The housing 100 includes a body 130 , a first cover member 140 , a second cover member 150 , and a coupling member 160 .

[0037] The body 130 is provided as a cylinder with one side open. The body 130 forms a first space 110 capable of containing a fluid F therein. The body 130 includes a partition wall 131 , a first outer wall 133 , a support jaw 135 , a second outer wall 137 , and an outlet 139 .

[0038] The partition wall 131 forms the outer circumference of the main body 130 and separates the first space 110 from the second space 120. The first outer wall 133 extends outward from the partition wall 131 to form the second space 120 with one side open. A support clip 135 is formed at one end of the open side forming the main body 130. The support clip 135 supports the heater 200. The second outer wall 137 extends outward from one end of the main body 130. In addition, the above-mentioned outlet 139 is formed on the outer circumference of the main body 130 to communicate with the first space 110. In this case, the outlet 139 can be formed in the upper area of ​​the main body 130 (to be described later) to ensure that the fluid F has sufficient heating time.

[0039] Meanwhile, the first cover member 140 closes the open side of the first outer wall 133. The first cover member 140 is coupled to one end of the first outer wall 133 and can open and close the second space 120. In addition, a sealing member may be provided between the first cover member 140 and the first outer wall 133.

[0040] In addition, the second cover member 150 is formed with the above-mentioned inlet 151. The second cover member 150 is coupled to one end of the second outer wall 137. In this case, the second cover member 150 has a locking protrusion 155 formed on an edge in contact with the second outer wall 137. The locking protrusion 155 is bent to surround one end of the second outer wall 137. Therefore, the second cover member 150 is coupled to the body 130 by the engagement of the locking protrusion 155 with the second outer wall 137.

[0041] In addition, the coupling member 160 is provided to surround one end of the second outer wall 137 and the outer surface of the locking protrusion 155. The coupling member 160 makes one end of the second outer wall 137 and the locking protrusion 155 closely contact each other. The coupling member 160 can be formed using an overmolding method to ensure that the body 130 and the second cover member 150 are firmly coupled.

[0042] At the same time, the heater 200 heats the fluid F flowing into the first space 110 . The heater 200 may generate heat based on power supplied from the outside. The heater 200 includes a pipe member 210 , a heating member 220 , and a heater support member 230 .

[0043] The tube member 210 forms the appearance of the heater 200. The tube member 210 is communicated with the inlet 151 to form a path for the fluid F to flow into the first space 110. The tube member 210 includes a first tube 211 and a second tube 213. The first tube 211 has an inlet path 215 for the fluid F therein. In addition, the second tube 213 is provided to surround the outer peripheral surface of the first tube 211. In addition, the tube member 210 is formed with a heater outlet 217, and the fluid F flows out from the inlet path 215 into the first space 110 through the heater outlet 217.

[0044] The heating member 220 generates heat based on power supplied from the outside. The heating member 220 is disposed between the first tube 211 and the second tube 213. In this case, the space between the first tube 211 and the second tube 213 is configured to block fluid communication with the outside to prevent the heating member 220 from short-circuiting.

[0045] The heater 200 may be configured to cut off the power supply when overheating. For example, the tube member 210 may be made of a ceramic material. In addition, the first tube 211 and the second tube 213 may be formed to have a predetermined thickness so that the first tube 211 and the second tube 213 rupture when the heating member 220 exceeds a preset temperature. The first tube 211 and the second tube 213 of the tube member 210 may have different thicknesses so that when the heating member 220 generates heat higher than a preset temperature, at least one of the first tube 211 and the second tube 213 ruptures. The heating member 220 may stop generating heat due to a short circuit or power cutoff. For example, the overheating of the heater 200 that may occur when the fluid F introduced into the first space 110 is insufficient may be prevented.

[0046] The heater 200 is disposed on the open side of the body 130. The heater 200 may be supported on the body 130 by a heater support member 230. The heater support member 230 extends from the outer circumferential surface of the tube member 210. The heater support member 230 is supported on the support clip 135 and closes the open side of the body 130. A sealing member may be disposed between the heater support member 230 and the body 130.

[0047] Meanwhile, the second cover member 150 is provided with a heater pressing body 157 that closely contacts the heater supporting member 230 with the main body 130. The heater pressing body 157 is provided to press the heater supporting member 230 when the second cover member 150 is coupled to the second outer wall 137. In this case, the heater pressing body 157 ensures that the main body 130 and the second cover member 150 coupled by the coupling member 160 are more firmly supported.

[0048] At the same time, the overheating prevention unit 300 prevents the heater 200 from overheating. The overheating prevention unit 300 may be provided with a thermal fuse. For example, the overheating prevention unit 300 may include a fuse body 310 and a lead 320.

[0049] The fuse body 310 may have a shell made of a ceramic material, and the inside thereof may be filled with a composition containing tungsten. In addition, the lead 320 extends from the inside of the fuse body 310 to the outside and may be exposed at both ends of the fuse body 310. Each lead 320 exposed at both ends of the fuse body 310 is connected to a wire W that provides power to the heater 200. In addition, when the heat applied to the fuse body 310 exceeds a preset temperature, the lead 320 may be physically disconnected. Therefore, the overheating prevention unit 300 may block the power supply to the heater 200.

[0050] Meanwhile, the plate 400 supports the overheat prevention unit 300. Heat emitted from the heater 200 is applied to the overheat prevention unit 300 through the plate 400. The plate 400 is disposed on the partition wall 131 and disposed between the first space 110 and the second space 120. The plate 400 includes a supporting member 410, a connecting member 420, and a mounting member 430.

[0051] The support member 410 may be supported on one surface of the partition wall 131 forming the second space 120. In addition, the connecting member 420 extends from the support member 410 to a hole formed in the partition wall 131, and a portion of the connecting member 420 is disposed in the first space 110. The mounting member 430 is provided to the connecting member 420 and is disposed in the first space 110. One surface of the mounting member 430 facing the heater 200 may be closer to the heater 200 than the partition wall 131. In addition, the overheat prevention unit 300 is mounted on another surface of the mounting member 430. Therefore, the overheat prevention unit 300 is adjacent to the heater 200, so that interference with the fluid F can be minimized. In this case, the first cover member 140 is provided with a plate pressing body 141. The plate pressing body 141 extends from the first cover member 140 toward the support member 410 to support the support member 410 in the second space 120.

[0052] At the same time, the temperature sensor 500 measures the temperature of the fluid F introduced into the first space 110. The temperature sensor 500 may be mounted on a sensor fastening body 170 provided on the body 130. In this case, the sensor fastening body 170 allows the first space 110 to communicate with the installation space of the temperature sensor 500, so that the temperature sensor 500 can measure the temperature of the fluid in the first space 110. Therefore, the temperature sensor 500 can be inserted into the sensor fastening body 170 and measure the temperature of the fluid F in the first space 110 by contacting the fluid F in the first space 110. The temperature sensor 500 may be installed as far apart from the heater 200 as possible to minimize interference with heat from the heater 200.

[0053] Meanwhile, the separation prevention member 180 may be provided between the sensor fastening body 170 and the temperature sensor 500 to prevent the temperature sensor 500 from being separated. The separation prevention member 180 may be provided as a cap. The separation prevention member 180 is combined with a combining protrusion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the sensor fastening body 170 so that the temperature sensor 500 is firmly supported on the sensor fastening body 170.

[0054] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the fluid heating device for an electric vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the grounding screw 600 according to the present embodiment extends through the first cover member 140 and into the second space 120. The grounding screw 600 allows leakage current occurring in the second space 120 to flow to the outside therethrough. The grounding screw 600 includes a head member 610 and a thread member 620.

[0056] The head member 610 is exposed to the outside of the first cover member 140 and is connected to the ground wire G. In addition, the threaded member 620 extends through the first cover member 140 and enters the second space 120. The threaded member 620 can be connected to the wire W set in the second space 120. In this case, the wire W can be a power line and / or an electrical configuration for the application of the overheating prevention unit 300. Therefore, the grounding screw 600 transmits the leakage current that occurs when power is supplied to the heater 200 to the ground wire. The grounding screw 600 can prevent leakage in the heating device 1000.

[0057] In addition, a sealing member S may be provided between the threaded member 620 and the first cover member 140. In this case, one or more sealing members S may be provided. The sealing member S may be spaced apart between the threaded member 620 and the first cover member 140. The sealing member S blocks a fluid that may flow into the second space 120 from the outside of the heating device 1000. The sealing member S may prevent malfunction of the heating device 1000 by preventing leakage in electrical components provided in the second space 120.

[0058] Hereinafter, a method of increasing the temperature of a battery using a heating device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, detailed descriptions of the above components will be omitted and they will be described by allocating the same reference numerals.

[0059] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a fluid heating device for an electric vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, the heating device 1000 according to the present embodiment can increase the temperature of the battery through the step of operating the heating device (S100), the step of introducing and heating the fluid (S200), and the step of supplying the heated fluid to the battery (S300).

[0061] First, in the step ( S100 ) of operating the heating device, when the outside air temperature of the electric vehicle is lower than a preset temperature, the heating device 1000 may be operated.

[0062] Then, in the step (S200) of introducing and heating the fluid, the fluid (F) flows into the heating device 1000 through the inlet 151. The fluid F flows into the first space 110 through the inlet path 215. At this time, the heater 200 generates heat and heats the fluid F that has entered.

[0063] At the same time, the temperature sensor 500 measures the temperature of the fluid F introduced into the first space 110. Then, the temperature sensor 500 provides the measured temperature of the fluid F to a control device that controls heat generation of the vehicle system and / or the heater 200. The fluid F introduced into the first space 110 flows toward the outlet 139. In this case, the heater 200 heats the fluid F in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe member 210.

[0064] At the same time, the overheat prevention unit 300 receives the heat emitted by the heater 200 and blocks the power supplied to the heater 200. In this case, the overheat prevention unit 300 is arranged close to the heater 200 so that it can block the power based on the precise temperature of the heat applied from the heater 200. In addition, when the heating member 220 of the heater 200 generates heat exceeding a preset temperature, the pipe member 210 may be broken and the power may be cut off. Therefore, due to the configuration of the heater 200 and the overheat prevention unit 300, the heating device 1000 can prevent the heater 200 from overheating. In addition, the heating device 1000 can ensure stability by preventing defects caused by overheating of the heater 200 (for example, damage to the housing 100 due to heat) in advance.

[0065] Then, in the step of supplying heated fluid to the battery (S300), the fluid F heated by the heating device 1000 flows out through the outlet 139, and the heated fluid F is supplied to the battery of the electric vehicle. Therefore, the battery can be heated based on the heated fluid F.

[0066] In this way, the heating device 1000 for an electric vehicle according to the present disclosure can heat the fluid to increase the temperature of the battery. The heating device 1000 can prevent the battery performance from deteriorating when the external air temperature of the electric vehicle becomes low. In addition, the heating device 1000 is provided with an overheating prevention unit 300 capable of preventing overheating that may occur when heating the fluid F, thereby preventing defects caused by overheating.

[0067] Therefore, the present disclosure has the effect of blocking power supply to the heater based on the precise temperature of the heater by arranging the overheat preventing portion close to the heater to minimize the influence of a fluid located between the heater and the overheat preventing portion.

[0068] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings should not be interpreted as limiting the technical concept of the present disclosure. The protection scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the contents described in the claims, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can make various improvements and modifications to the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, as long as these improvements and modifications are obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art, they will fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A fluid heating device for an electric vehicle, characterized in that: The fluid heating device comprises: a housing forming a first space and a second space into which a fluid is introduced and heated, the second space being separated from the first space by a partition wall formed in the housing; a heater extending from the outside of the housing into the first space to form a path for the fluid to flow into the first space and to heat the fluid; a plate disposed on the partition wall between the first space and the second space and close to the heater; and An overheat prevention unit is provided at one side of the plate facing the second space and blocks power supply to the heater when heat applied from the heater reaches a preset range.

2. The fluid heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plate brings the overheat prevention unit closer to the heater than the partition wall.

3. The fluid heating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The board includes: a supporting member in contact with a surface of the partition wall in the second space; A connecting member extending from the supporting member to the first space; and a mounting member provided to the connection member, wherein a surface of the mounting member facing the heater is closer to the heater than the partition wall, and the overheating prevention unit is mounted on the mounting member, The plate blocks fluid communication between the first space and the second space.

4. The fluid heating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The housing comprises: a first outer wall extending from the partition wall; and a first cover member coupled to the first outer wall to close the second space, and Wherein, the first cover member includes a plate pressing body, which is coupled to the first outer wall and presses the support member against the partition wall.

5. The fluid heating device according to claim 4, characterized in that: further comprising a grounding screw extending through the first cover member and into the second space, Wherein, the grounding screw comprises: a head member exposed to the outside of the first cover member and connected to a ground line; and a threaded member extending from the head member, passing through the first cover member, and contacting a thread provided in the second space, and Wherein, a sealing member is provided between the first cover member and the threaded member.

6. The fluid heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heater comprises: A pipe member including a first pipe for the fluid to flow into and a second pipe arranged to surround the first pipe; a heating member disposed between the first tube and the second tube and generating heat; and A heater supporting member extends from the outer periphery of the tube member and contacts the housing surface.

7. The fluid heating device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The housing includes a second cover member that supports the heater to the housing, and The second cover member includes a heater pressing body that presses the heater supporting member against the housing.

8. The fluid heating device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The housing includes a second outer wall extending from one surface of the housing and one end of the second outer wall extending outward, and The second cover member includes a locking protrusion formed at an edge of a surface in contact with the second outer wall and surrounding the one end of the second outer wall.

9. The fluid heating device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The housing includes a coupling member that surrounds an outer surface of the end portion of the second outer wall and an outer surface of the locking protrusion when the end portion of the second outer wall and the locking protrusion are coupled to each other.

10. The fluid heating device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The pipe member includes a heater outlet through which the fluid flows out into the first space, and The housing is formed so that an outlet through which the fluid flows out is located at a position where a distance between the heater outlet and the outlet is maximum.

11. The fluid heating device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The tube member is made of ceramic material, and When the heating member generates heat exceeding a preset temperature, at least one of the first tube and the second tube is broken to prevent the heating member from being overheated.

12. The fluid heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a temperature sensor, which is installed in the housing to measure the temperature of the fluid in the first space, Wherein, the housing comprises: a sensor fastening member to which the temperature sensor is fastened, the sensor fastening member being in communication with the first space; and An anti-separation member is connected to an outer end of the temperature sensor and the sensor fastening member to prevent the temperature sensor from being separated from the sensor fastening member.

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