PTC heater

Abstract

The utility model provides a PTC heater, and relates to the technical field of heat exchange equipment. The PTC heater comprises a water tank body, a clamping piece, an outer shell, a fixing piece and a plurality of IGBT modules. The outer shell is mounted on the outer side of the water tank body, and a mounting groove is formed in the outer shell. The plurality of IGBT modules are installed in the installation groove and abut against the water tank body. The clamping piece is installed in the installation groove and abuts against all the IGBT modules. The fixing piece partially extends into the mounting groove, abuts against the clamping piece and is fixedly connected with the outer shell. According to the IGBT module, better heat dissipation of the IGBT module can be realized.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to the utility model with the application number 2024211216757, which was filed in China on May 22, 2024. The entire content thereof is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The utility model relates to the field of heat exchange equipment, and more particularly, to a PTC heater. Background Art

[0003] A PTC heater is a device that utilizes the characteristics of a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC thermistor) to achieve a heating function. The PTC material has unique properties, namely, when its temperature rises to a specific Curie temperature point, the resistance value will increase sharply. This characteristic enables the PTC heater to achieve automatic constant temperature without an external temperature control device. When current passes through the PTC element, the element starts to heat up. As the temperature rises to the Curie point, the resistance increases and the current decreases, thus reaching thermal equilibrium and avoiding overheating. Due to its high safety, fast response speed, energy saving, no open flame, long service life and other characteristics, the PTC heater is widely used in fields such as air conditioners, electric vehicle heating, household appliances, drying equipment, etc.

[0004] An IGBT module is a composite fully controlled voltage-driven semiconductor power device and is the main control element of the PTC heater. It can be turned on and off by controlling the gate voltage, and can efficiently control large currents to achieve the control of the power of the PTC heater.

[0005] With the development of high-power electric commercial vehicles and high-power fuel cells, the requirement for PTC heating power has also increased to 20 kw, 30 kw or higher. The current passing through the IGBT module inside the PTC heater has also increased, and in order to achieve precise control of the PTC heating power by using PWM regulation, the IGBT module needs to be turned on and off frequently at high frequencies. A large amount of heat is generated in the IGBT module during high currents or high-frequency switching. The existing heat dissipation methods of the IGBT module can no longer meet the usage requirements, which will lead to overheating, reduced working stability and reduced service life. Summary of the Utility Model

[0006] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a PTC heater, which can better achieve the heat dissipation of the IGBT module.

[0007] The embodiments of the utility model are implemented as follows:

[0008] The utility model provides a PTC heater, which includes a water tank body, a clamping member, an outer shell body, a fixing member and a plurality of IGBT modules;

[0009] The outer housing is installed on the outside of the water tank body, and an installation groove is provided on the outer housing;

[0010] A plurality of the IGBT modules are installed in the installation groove and are in contact with the water tank body;

[0011] The clamping member is installed in the installation groove and is in contact with all the IGBT modules;

[0012] The fixing member partially extends into the installation groove and is in contact with the clamping member, and is fixedly connected to the outer housing.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the clamping member includes a body portion and a plurality of outwardly convex elastic portions provided on the body portion;

[0014] The plurality of elastic portions are in contact with the plurality of IGBT modules, the body portion is in contact with the fixing member, and the fixing member can deform the elastic portions to apply an elastic force to the IGBT modules.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the elastic portion includes a first elastic portion and a second elastic portion, and the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion are connected in a V shape;

[0016] The first elastic portion and the second elastic portion are respectively in contact with one of the IGBT modules.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, a first horizontal contact portion is provided at an end of the first elastic portion, and a second horizontal contact portion is provided at an end of the second elastic portion;

[0018] The first horizontal contact portion and the second horizontal contact portion are respectively in contact with the IGBT module.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, one end of the first horizontal contact portion is connected to the end of the first elastic portion, and the other end extends horizontally away from the second horizontal contact portion;

[0020] One end of the second horizontal contact portion is connected to the end of the second elastic portion, and the other end extends horizontally away from the first horizontal contact portion.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, a flanging is provided on the edge of the body portion toward a side away from the elastic portion;

[0022] The flanging encloses to form a limiting groove;

[0023] One end of the fixing member extending into the installation groove is inserted into the limiting groove and is in contact with the body portion.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, the fixing member includes a plugging portion and a fixing portion. The plugging portion is connected to the fixing portion. The plugging portion is plugged into the installation groove and abuts against the clamping member.

[0025] The outer peripheral edge of the fixing portion extends beyond the outer peripheral edge of the plugging portion.

[0026] The part of the fixing portion that extends beyond the peripheral edge of the plugging portion abuts against the outer housing.

[0027] The fixing portion is connected to the outer housing.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the PTC heater further includes a fastener. The fixing portion is provided with a through hole, and the fastener passes through the through hole and is connected to the outer housing.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the fixing member is connected to the outer housing through a snap structure.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the water tank body has a water inlet and a water outlet.

[0031] A plurality of the IGBT modules are arranged at a position of the water tank body close to the water inlet.

[0032] The beneficial effects of the PTC heater provided by the embodiments of the present invention are as follows:

[0033] In this application, by providing an installation groove on the outer housing and installing a plurality of IGBT modules into the installation groove, the IGBT modules are attached to the water tank body, and the IGBT modules are fixed by the clamping member and the fixing member. In this way, the heat generated by the IGBT modules can be conducted to the water tank body, and the heat is carried away by the heat exchange medium flowing in the water tank body, so as to realize the cooling of the IGBT modules, so that the temperature of the IGBT modules can be kept in a relatively low range to improve the operation stability. And the heat generated by the IGBT modules can be used to heat the heat exchange medium to realize the recycling of energy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required to be used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention, and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0035] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the PTC heater provided by the embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2Exploded schematic diagram of the structure of the PTC heater provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0037] Figure 3 Cross-sectional structure schematic diagram of the PTC heater provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0038] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the PTC heater removing the outer housing provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0039] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the clamping member of the PTC heater provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0040] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing member of the PTC heater provided by the embodiment of the present utility model.

[0041] Reference numerals: 100 - PTC heater; 110 - water tank body; 111 - water inlet; 113 - water outlet; 130 - clamping member; 131 - body part; 133 - elastic part; 135 - first elastic part; 137 - second elastic part; 139 - first horizontal abutting part; 141 - second horizontal abutting part; 143 - flanging; 145 - limiting groove; 150 - outer housing; 151 - installation groove; 170 - fixing member; 171 - insertion part; 173 - fixing part; 175 - fastener; 177 - through hole; 190 - IGBT module. Detailed implementation manners

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Apparently, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present utility model. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present utility model described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0043] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present utility model provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present utility model to be protected, but merely represents the selected embodiments of the present utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0044] It should be noted that: similar reference numerals and letters indicate similar items in the following drawings. Therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent drawings.

[0045] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of this utility model is usually placed during use. It is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as a limitation to the present utility model. In addition, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for distinguishing descriptions and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0046] In addition, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not mean that the components are required to be absolutely horizontal or hanging vertically, but can be slightly inclined. For example, "horizontal" only means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical", and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly inclined.

[0047] In the description of the present utility model, it should also be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "set", "installed", "connected", "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific situations.

[0048] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 , the present utility model provides a PTC heater 100, which is applied in an electric vehicle to heat a heat exchange medium to achieve the management of the compartment temperature and the management of the battery pack temperature.

[0049] In this embodiment, the PTC heater 100 includes a water tank body 110, a clamping member 130, an outer shell body 150, a fixing member 170, and a plurality of IGBT modules 190. The outer shell body 150 is installed on the outside of the water tank body 110, and an installation groove 151 is provided on the outer shell body 150. A plurality of IGBT modules 190 are installed in the installation groove 151 and are in contact with the water tank body 110. The clamping member 130 is installed in the installation groove 151 and is in contact with all the IGBT modules 190. The fixing member 170 partially extends into the installation groove 151 and is in contact with the clamping member 130, and is fixedly connected to the outer shell body 150.

[0050] In this embodiment, an installation groove 151 is provided on the outer housing 150, and multiple IGBT modules 190 are installed in the installation groove 151, so that the IGBT modules 190 are in contact with the water tank body 110. The IGBT modules 190 are fixed by the clamping member 130 and the fixing member 170. In this way, the heat generated by the IGBT modules 190 can be conducted to the water tank body 110, and the heat is carried by the heat exchange medium flowing in the water tank body 110, so as to realize the cooling of the IGBT modules 190, and the temperature of the IGBT modules 190 can be kept in a relatively low range to improve the operation stability. Moreover, the heat generated by the IGBT modules 190 can be used to heat the heat exchange medium to realize the recycling of energy.

[0051] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, multiple IGBT modules 190 can be arranged at intervals in a "one" shape, installed in the installation groove 151, and in contact with the water tank body 110. Of course, in other embodiments, multiple IGBT modules 190 can also be arranged in multiple rows at intervals.

[0052] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 , in this embodiment, the clamping member 130 includes a body portion 131 and a plurality of outwardly protruding elastic portions 133 provided on the body portion 131. The plurality of elastic portions 133 are in contact with the plurality of IGBT modules 190, and the body portion 131 is in contact with the fixing member 170. The fixing member 170 can deform the elastic portions 133 to apply an elastic force to the IGBT modules 190.

[0053] In this embodiment, the clamping member 130 is set as the body portion 131 and a plurality of outwardly protruding elastic portions 133. In this way, after the clamping member 130 is installed in place by the fixing member 170, the elastic portions 133 can be pre-compressed to store energy. In this way, the elastic portions 133 can apply an elastic force to the IGBT modules 190, so that the IGBT modules 190 are in close and complete contact with the water tank body 110, thereby improving the installation stability and the heat exchange efficiency.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, the elastic portion 133 includes a first elastic portion 135 and a second elastic portion 137, and the first elastic portion 135 and the second elastic portion 137 are connected in a V shape. The first elastic portion 135 and the second elastic portion 137 are respectively in contact with an IGBT module 190.

[0055] In this embodiment, the elastic portion 133 is set in a V shape, so that one elastic portion 133 can be in contact with two IGBT modules 190, and the two can be independent of each other and will not interfere with each other.

[0056] In this embodiment, a first horizontal abutting portion 139 is provided at the end of the first elastic portion 135, and a second horizontal abutting portion 141 is provided at the end of the second elastic portion 137. The first horizontal abutting portion 139 and the second horizontal abutting portion 141 are respectively abutted against the IGBT module 190.

[0057] In this embodiment, by providing the first horizontal abutting portion 139 and the second horizontal abutting portion 141, the abutting area between the elastic portion 133 and the IGBT module 190 can be increased, so that the clamping can be made more stable.

[0058] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 , in this embodiment, one end of the first horizontal abutting portion 139 is connected to the end of the first elastic portion 135, and the other end extends horizontally away from the second horizontal abutting portion 141. One end of the second horizontal abutting portion 141 is connected to the end of the second elastic portion 137, and the other end extends horizontally away from the first horizontal abutting portion 139.

[0059] In this embodiment, by arranging both the first horizontal abutting portion 139 and the second horizontal abutting portion 141 horizontally at the ends, the clamping member 130 can be prepared by a stamping process, and the cost is lower.

[0060] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 , in this embodiment, a flanging 143 is provided on the edge of the body portion 131 away from the elastic portion 133. The flanging 143 encloses to form a limiting groove 145. One end of the fixing member 170 extending into the mounting groove 151 is inserted into the limiting groove 145 and abutted against the body portion 131.

[0061] In this embodiment, by providing the flanging 143 on the body portion 131 of the clamping member 130 to form the limiting groove 145, the fixing member 170 can be inserted into the limiting groove 145 and cooperate with the flanging 143 to achieve limiting while abutting against the clamping member 130, so as to prevent the clamping member 130 from displacing relative to the fixing member 170 during use.

[0062] In this embodiment, the fixing member 170 includes a plugging portion 171 and a fixing portion 173. The plugging portion 171 is connected to the fixing portion 173. The plugging portion 171 is inserted into the mounting groove 151 and abutted against the clamping member 130. The outer peripheral edge of the fixing portion 173 exceeds the outer peripheral edge of the plugging portion 171. The portion of the fixing portion 173 exceeding the peripheral edge of the plugging portion 171 is abutted against the outer housing 150. The fixing portion 173 is connected to the outer housing 150.

[0063] In this embodiment, the fixing member 170 is set as a connected insertion part 171 and a fixing part 173. In this way, the shape matching between the insertion part 171 and the installation groove 151 can achieve positioning in the plane, while the fixing part 173 is in abutting cooperation with the outer housing 150, which can limit the insertion depth of the insertion part 171 during installation, avoiding overpressure on the clamping member 130 during installation, resulting in damage to the elastic part 133 of the clamping member 130 and loss of the restoring force.

[0064] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 , in this embodiment, the PTC heater 100 further includes a fastener 175. The fixing part 173 is provided with a through hole 177, and the fastener 175 passes through the through hole 177 and is connected to the outer housing 150. The fixing member 170 can be selected as a screw to achieve detachable installation. Of course, in another embodiment of the present application, the fixing member 170 and the outer housing 150 can also be connected through a snap structure.

[0065] Furthermore, the installation groove 151 can also be set as a stepped groove, which matches the shape of the fixing member 170 to sink the fixing member 170 in the installation groove 151 during installation.

[0066] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 , in this embodiment, the water tank body 110 has a water inlet 111 and a water outlet 113. A plurality of IGBT modules 190 are arranged at a position of the water tank body 110 close to the water inlet 111, and preferably corresponding to the flow channel of the water tank body 110. Since the temperature at the position of the water tank body 110 close to the water inlet 111 is relatively low, arranging the IGBT modules 190 close to the water inlet 111 can achieve better cooling.

[0067] Of course, in order to improve the heat conduction performance between the IGBT module 190 and the water tank body 110, heat-conducting silicone grease can also be applied or a heat-conducting pad can be provided between the IGBT module 190 and the water tank body 110. In this way, better heat conduction can be achieved while avoiding the condensation formed on the water tank body 110 from affecting the IGBT module 190.

[0068] The working principle and beneficial effects of the PTC heater 100 provided by the embodiment of the present utility model include:

[0069] In this embodiment, by providing an installation groove 151 on the outer housing 150 and installing a plurality of IGBT modules 190 into the installation groove 151, the IGBT modules 190 are brought into contact with the water tank body 110, and the IGBT modules 190 are fixed by the clamping member 130 and the fixing member 170. In this way, the heat generated by the IGBT modules 190 can be conducted to the water tank body 110, and the heat is carried away by the heat exchange medium flowing in the water tank body 110, so that the temperature of the IGBT modules 190 can be reduced, and the temperature of the IGBT modules 190 can be maintained in a relatively low range to improve the operation stability. Moreover, the heat generated by the IGBT modules 190 can be used to heat the heat exchange medium to realize the recycling of energy.

[0070] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A PTC heater, characterized in that: It comprises a water tank body (110), a clamping member (130), an outer shell (150), a fixing member (170) and a plurality of IGBT modules (190); The outer shell (150) is installed on the outer side of the water tank body (110), and a mounting groove (151) is provided on the outer shell (150); The plurality of IGBT modules (190) are installed in the installation groove (151) and abut against the water tank body (110); The clamping member (130) is installed in the installation groove (151) and abuts against all the IGBT modules (190); The fixing member (170) partially extends into the installation groove (151) and abuts against the holding member (130), and is fixedly connected to the outer shell (150).

2. The PTC heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping member (130) comprises a main body portion (131) and a plurality of outwardly protruding elastic portions (133) arranged on the main body portion (131); The plurality of elastic parts (133) abut against the plurality of IGBT modules (190), the main body (131) abuts against the fixing member (170), and the fixing member (170) can deform the elastic part (133) to apply elastic force to the IGBT module (190).

3. The PTC heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic portion (133) comprises a first elastic portion (135) and a second elastic portion (137), and the first elastic portion (135) and the second elastic portion (137) are connected in a V-shape; The first elastic portion (135) and the second elastic portion (137) are respectively in contact with one of the IGBT modules (190).

4. The PTC heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end of the first elastic portion (135) is provided with a first horizontal abutment portion (139), and the end of the second elastic portion (137) is provided with a second horizontal abutment portion (141); The first horizontal abutting portion (139) and the second horizontal abutting portion (141) respectively abut against the IGBT module (190).

5. The PTC heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: One end of the first horizontal abutting portion (139) is connected to the end of the first elastic portion (135), and the other end extends horizontally in a direction away from the second horizontal abutting portion (141); One end of the second horizontal abutting portion (141) is connected to the end of the second elastic portion (137), and the other end extends horizontally in a direction away from the first horizontal abutting portion (139).

6. The PTC heater according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The edge of the main body (131) is provided with a flange (143) toward a side away from the elastic portion (133); The flange (143) surrounds and forms a limiting groove (145); One end of the fixing member (170) extending into the installation groove (151) is inserted into the limiting groove (145) and abuts against the main body (131).

7. The PTC heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The fixing member (170) comprises an inserting portion (171) and a fixing portion (173), the inserting portion (171) being connected to the fixing portion (173), the inserting portion (171) being inserted into the mounting groove (151) and abutting against the holding member (130); The outer periphery of the fixing portion (173) exceeds the outer periphery of the plug-in portion (171); The portion of the fixing portion (173) that exceeds the periphery of the plug-in portion (171) abuts against the outer shell (150); The fixing portion (173) is connected to the outer shell (150).

8. The PTC heater according to claim 7, characterized in that: The PTC heater further comprises a fastener (175), the fixing portion (173) is provided with a through hole (177), and the fastener (175) passes through the through hole (177) to be connected to the outer shell (150).

9. The PTC heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The fixing member (170) is connected to the outer shell (150) via a snap-fit ​​structure.

10. The PTC heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The water tank body (110) has a water inlet (111) and a water outlet (113); The plurality of IGBT modules (190) are arranged at a position of the water tank body (110) close to the water inlet (111).

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