Electric heater and temperature sensor mounting structure thereof

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electric heater and a temperature sensor mounting structure thereof. The electric heater comprises a shell, the shell defines a flow channel cavity with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a heating assembly adjacent to the flow channel cavity and used for heating fluid flowing through the flow channel cavity, and an electric cavity provided with a control unit. Wherein the temperature sensor mounting structure comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of an object to be measured of the electric heater, the temperature sensor is electrically connected with the control unit, and a measuring part of the temperature sensor is close to the shell; a heat conduction structure is arranged between the measuring part of the temperature sensor and the to-be-measured object; and / or the object to be detected and / or the heat conduction structure are / is protected by a heat insulation structure. According to the technical scheme, the accuracy and sensitivity of temperature measurement of the temperature sensor can be improved, and the purpose of accurately controlling the power output of the electric heater is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electric heating equipment, and more specifically, to a temperature sensor mounting structure for an electric heater and an electric heater including the temperature sensor mounting structure. Background Technology

[0002] Electric heaters are important equipment for temperature control. For example, in electric vehicles, the electric heating element in the electric heater converts electrical energy into heat energy, which is then transferred to the vehicle's interior environment via a heat transfer medium and the vehicle's cooling system to control the temperature inside the vehicle.

[0003] Electric heaters typically use heating elements to transfer heat to a heat-conducting medium via thermal conduction, which then carries the heat away. To precisely control the power output of the electric heater, the temperature of the internal heat-conducting medium often needs to be monitored; the accuracy and sensitivity of this monitoring are crucial. Due to the increasing market demand for miniaturized heaters, manufacturers have adjusted the size of their electric heaters to adapt to market changes. To achieve product lightweighting while maintaining performance, companies indirectly propose reducing the size of the electric heater without changing the heating element. For example, this could be done by reducing the height of the main heating channel to lower the overall height of the heat exchange chamber; or by extending the heating element towards the edges to increase its utilization on the heating plate. However, such structural designs can cause the high temperature of the heating element to be transferred along the highly thermally conductive heating plate and flow channel cover to the vicinity of the temperature sensor's measurement point, resulting in a temperature reading higher than the temperature of the heat-conducting medium.

[0004] Therefore, ensuring the reliable installation of temperature sensors and obtaining the most accurate temperature parameters possible has become a technical problem that needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, this application proposes a temperature sensor mounting structure for an electric heater that can improve the accuracy and sensitivity of temperature sensor measurement, so as to achieve precise control of the power output of the electric heater.

[0006] According to this application, a temperature sensor mounting structure for an electric heater is proposed. The electric heater includes a housing that defines a flow channel cavity having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a heating component adjacent to the flow channel cavity for heating fluid flowing through the flow channel cavity, and an electrical cavity in which a control unit is provided. The temperature sensor mounting structure includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a target object in the electric heater. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the control unit, and the measuring portion of the temperature sensor is close to the housing. A thermally conductive structure is provided between the measuring portion of the temperature sensor and the target object; and / or the target object and / or the thermally conductive structure are protected by a thermal insulation structure.

[0007] Preferably, the object to be tested is at least one of the following:

[0008] The fluid temperature of the inflow region adjacent to the fluid inlet; the fluid temperature of the outflow region adjacent to the fluid outlet; the fluid temperature of the middle part of the flow channel cavity; and the heating temperature of the heating component.

[0009] Preferably, the housing includes a cover plate located in the flow channel cavity facing away from the heating assembly and towards the electrical cavity, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to a PCB assembly located in the electrical cavity.

[0010] Preferably, the thermally conductive structure includes a flexible thermally conductive material disposed between the cover plate and the measuring part of the temperature sensor to achieve heat transfer.

[0011] Preferably, the heat-conducting structure further includes a protruding structure disposed on the cover plate and extending toward the measuring part of the temperature sensor. The protruding structure is made of a heat-conducting material, and the flexible heat-conducting material is disposed between the protruding structure and the measuring part of the temperature sensor to achieve heat transfer.

[0012] Preferably, the heat-conducting structure includes a groove structure formed on the surface of the cover plate facing the measuring part of the temperature sensor or formed on the protrusion structure, wherein: the measuring part of the temperature sensor is inserted into the groove structure, and the flexible heat-conducting material is filled in the groove structure to achieve heat transfer between the measuring part of the temperature sensor; or the measuring part of the temperature sensor is detachably installed in the groove structure to achieve heat transfer.

[0013] Preferably, the temperature sensor is mounted on the PCB assembly.

[0014] The thermally conductive structure includes a thermally conductive shell and a flexible thermally conductive material. The measuring part of the temperature sensor is located in the thermally conductive shell, and the flexible thermally conductive material is arranged between the thermally conductive shell and the measuring part of the temperature sensor to achieve heat transfer. The thermally conductive shell is in direct contact with the cover plate or achieves heat transfer through the flexible thermally conductive material.

[0015] Preferably, the temperature sensor and the thermally conductive shell are integrated and arranged on the PCB assembly.

[0016] Preferably, the measuring part of the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the PCB assembly via a flexible connecting wire.

[0017] Preferably, the heat-conducting structure includes a heat-conducting columnar member that penetrates the cover plate and extends into the flow channel cavity, and the heat insulation structure is disposed between the heat-conducting columnar member and the cover plate to prevent the temperature of the cover plate from affecting the measurement of the temperature sensor.

[0018] Preferably, the heat-conducting column is detachably and sealedly installed on the cover plate via a support member, the heat-conducting column is thermally isolated from the support member by the heat insulation structure, or the support member itself is a heat insulation member, and the heat-conducting column is in direct contact with the measuring part of the temperature sensor or achieves heat transfer through a flexible heat-conducting material.

[0019] Preferably, a thermally conductive insulating material is provided between the measuring part of the temperature sensor and the thermally conductive columnar member.

[0020] Preferably, the temperature sensor is mounted on the heating assembly.

[0021] Preferably, the temperature sensor is provided with a protective housing; and / or the temperature sensor is pressed against the heating assembly by a clamping mechanism.

[0022] Preferably, the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the PCB assembly within the electrical cavity via a flexible connecting wire.

[0023] This application also provides an electric heater, which is provided with the temperature sensor mounting structure described above.

[0024] According to the technical solution of this application, when it is necessary to measure the temperature of the shell of the flow channel cavity to obtain the temperature of the fluid inside the flow channel cavity, one of the technical solutions of this application is adopted, namely, using a flexible thermally conductive material as the heat transfer medium between the measured part and the measuring part of the temperature sensor. It has good thermal conductivity and can quickly and effectively conduct heat, which is beneficial to the uniform distribution of heat energy. Because the flexible thermally conductive material is a material with excellent thermal conductivity, as well as softness and plasticity, it can fit well with the measured part and the measuring part of the temperature sensor, and greatly reduce the measurement error between the two. In this application, various flexible conductive materials are provided, all of which can further improve and ensure the high temperature resistance and stability of the flexible thermally conductive material. When it is necessary to measure the temperature of the fluid in the flow channel cavity, another technical solution of this application is adopted. The thermally conductive columnar member is detachably and sealedly installed on the cover plate through the support member, and the measuring end extends into the fluid. It is isolated between the thermally conductive columnar member and the support member by a thermal insulation structure, and the support member itself can also be set as a thermal insulation member. In this way, the heat from the flow channel cavity shell with the support is not conducted to the heat-conducting column, avoiding factors that could cause errors in the measured temperature. This perfectly ensures the sensitivity and accuracy of the measurement results. Furthermore, the heat insulation structure in this application is versatile and flexible, with low installation costs, simple structure, and easy implementation.

[0025] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application, and the illustrative embodiments and descriptions thereof are used to explain this application. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the first embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the second embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the third embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the fourth embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the fifth embodiment;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the sixth embodiment;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the seventh embodiment;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the eighth embodiment;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the ninth embodiment;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the tenth embodiment;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the eleventh embodiment;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the twelfth embodiment;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the thirteenth embodiment;

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the fourteenth embodiment;

[0041] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the fifteenth embodiment;

[0042] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the sixteenth embodiment;

[0043] Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of a specific embodiment of the electric heater;

[0044] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a specific embodiment of the electric heater.

[0045] Figure numbers: 101-Fluid inlet; 102-Fluid outlet; 10-Flow channel cavity; 20-Heating component; 30-Electrical cavity; 40-Temperature sensor; 46-Flexible thermally conductive material; 50-Cover plate; 41-Protruding structure; 42-Temperature conductive shell; 43-Groove structure; 44-Temperature conductive column; 45-Support component; Detailed Implementation

[0046] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the specific embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0047] The technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0048] The temperature sensor mounting structure of this electric heater is installed on the electric heater, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 13 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the electric heater includes a housing that defines a flow channel cavity 10 having a fluid inlet 101 and a fluid outlet 102, a heating assembly 20 adjacent to the flow channel cavity 10 for heating the fluid flowing through the flow channel cavity 10, and an electrical cavity 30 equipped with a control unit. The temperature sensor mounting structure includes a temperature sensor 40 for measuring the temperature of the object to be measured by the electric heater. The temperature sensor 40 is electrically connected to the control unit, and its measuring portion is close to the housing. A heat-conducting structure is provided between the measuring portion of the temperature sensor 40 and the object to be measured. The housing includes a cover plate 50 located in the flow channel cavity 10, facing away from the heating assembly 20 and towards the electrical cavity 30. In this application, to accurately and sensitively measure the temperature of the electric heater, the cover plate 50 of the flow channel cavity 10 can be selected as the measurement object, or the temperature of the fluid within the flow channel cavity 10 can be directly measured. When the measurement object is different, heat conduction or insulation methods can be selected to ensure the accuracy of the temperature measurement results.

[0049] exist Figure 17 In the middle, the fluid inlet 101 and the fluid outlet 102 are two pipelines with the same structure, respectively installed. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the electric heater, so only the specific structure of one pipeline can be shown.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, this is the first embodiment of the present invention. The heat-conducting structure includes a flexible thermally conductive material 46, which is disposed between the cover plate 50 and the measuring part of the temperature sensor 40 to achieve heat transfer. The flexible thermally conductive material 46 can tightly fit the cover plate 50 and tightly wrap the measuring part of the temperature sensor 40. Furthermore, because the flexible thermally conductive material 46 can maintain its thermal conductivity and has good thermal stability under high-temperature conditions, using it as a heat-conducting medium further ensures the sensitivity and stability of the temperature sensor 40 during measurement. The temperature sensor 40 is electrically connected to a PCB assembly located within the electrical cavity 30.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, in the second embodiment of this utility model, since the housing is directly heated by the heating element 20, if the flexible thermally conductive material 46 is directly provided on the cover plate 50, in order to reduce the amount of processing, only a small area of ​​protruding structure 41 is processed on the top. In this embodiment, the protruding structure 41 is provided. Specifically, the protruding structure 41 is a pad with a certain thickness made of a thermally conductive material with good thermal conductivity. The shape can be circular, square, or other shapes required for installation on the electric heater. The flexible thermally conductive material 46 is provided on the protruding structure 41, and the measuring part of the temperature sensor 40 extends into the flexible thermally conductive material 46 to obtain the temperature of the object to be measured.

[0052] Within the scope of the technical concept of this application, various modifications can be made to the technical solution of this application.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, in the third embodiment of this utility model, a groove structure 43 is provided at the center of the protruding structure 41, and the groove structure 43 is formed on the protruding structure 41; or as shown... Figure 4 In the fourth embodiment shown, a groove structure 43 is formed on the surface of the cover plate 50 facing the measuring part of the temperature sensor 40, and the measuring part of the temperature sensor 40 is inserted into the groove structure 43. Flexible thermally conductive material 46 is filled in the groove structure 43 to achieve heat transfer between it and the measuring part of the temperature sensor 40. The main purpose of the groove structure 43 is to protect the flexible thermally conductive material 46, ensure that the flexible thermally conductive material 46 has a stable shape, and prevent the flexible thermally conductive material 46 from being damaged or corroded.

[0054] like Figure 5 In the fifth embodiment shown, the temperature sensor 40 is fixed on the PCB assembly. The groove structure 43 can be directly provided on the housing, or the protrusion structure 41 can be provided on the housing and the groove structure 43 can be provided on the protrusion structure 41. The groove structure 43 and the PCB assembly are filled with flexible thermally conductive material 46. Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment can be used to measure the inlet and outlet water temperatures, for example, by setting the fluid inlet 101 and fluid outlet 102 at the main flow channel, and to indirectly monitor the temperature of the heating element by measuring the temperature of the cover plate 50. It can also be used to measure the temperature in the middle of the flow channel cavity 10. Furthermore, encapsulating the flexible thermally conductive material 46 ensures its stability and increases its service life.

[0055] In such Figure 6 In the sixth embodiment shown, the temperature sensor 40 is encapsulated in a housing with a threaded structure, forming a threaded temperature sensor, which is screwed into the surface being measured. In this case, the measuring part of the temperature sensor 40 is detachably mounted in the groove structure 43 to achieve heat transfer.

[0056] exist Figure 7 In the seventh embodiment shown, the temperature sensor 40 is mounted on a PCB assembly. The thermally conductive structure includes a thermally conductive shell 42 encapsulated with the temperature sensor 40 as a single component and a flexible thermally conductive material 46. The measuring part of the temperature sensor 40 is located within the thermally conductive shell 42, and the flexible thermally conductive material 46 is arranged between the thermally conductive shell 42 and the measuring part of the temperature sensor 40 to achieve heat transfer. The thermally conductive shell 42 directly contacts the cover plate 50 or achieves heat transfer through the flexible thermally conductive material 46. In this design, the thermally conductive shell 42 is relatively tall, allowing it to accommodate a larger amount of flexible thermally conductive material 46 and maintain a regular shape, which is more conducive to the temperature sensor 40 obtaining accurate data.

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown, in the eighth embodiment, the heat-conducting shell 42 can be an integral design with the PCB assembly, such as a copper heat-conducting shell soldered onto the PCB assembly. The heat-conducting shell 42 houses a temperature sensor 40, and the interior of the heat-conducting shell 42 is filled with flexible thermally conductive material 46. In this design, the upper part of the heat-conducting shell 42 is in sealed contact with the PCB assembly, and the lower part is in direct sealed contact with a portion of the flexible thermally conductive material 46, thus forming a sealed internal space. This provides good dust and corrosion protection and further ensures the reliability and stability of the thermal conductivity of the flexible thermally conductive material 46.

[0058] like Figure 9 As shown, as Figure 10 As shown, as Figure 11 As shown, besides the temperature sensor 40 with the structure described above, there are other types of temperature sensors 40. The measuring part of the temperature sensor 40 can be directly soldered onto the PCB assembly, or it can be electrically connected to a connector, flexible PCB, etc., via a flexible connecting cable, or it can be connected to the PCB assembly via a separate PCB adapter. The measuring part of the temperature sensor 40 can use various packaging and mounting methods, as detailed below.

[0059] exist Figure 9 In the ninth embodiment shown, the measuring part is encapsulated with thermally conductive potting compound, for example, in a circular cylindrical encapsulation structure. The measuring part is electrically connected by a flexible connecting wire and fixed and temperature measured by the above method.

[0060] exist Figure 10 In the tenth embodiment shown, the temperature sensor 40 is wrapped with two layers of thermally conductive insulating film and is attached to the surface being measured directly or indirectly by pasting or pressing.

[0061] exist Figure 11In the eleventh embodiment shown, the measuring unit is encapsulated in a high thermal conductivity housing (such as a metal housing) to form an armored temperature sensor, which is inserted into a corresponding mounting hole (e.g., the mounting hole of the thermally conductive housing 42) and attached to the surface to be measured directly or indirectly. At the same time, the armored temperature sensor housing may have a protruding structure (e.g., the fixing plate in the figure) for fixing.

[0062] Figures 9 to 11 The illustrated embodiment can be used to measure the temperature of fluid at inlet and outlet, for example, at the fluid inlet 101 and fluid outlet 102 of the main channel, and to indirectly monitor the temperature of the heating element by measuring the temperature of the cover plate 50. It can also be used to measure the fluid temperature in the middle of the flow channel cavity 10.

[0063] In the following specific embodiments of this utility model, the temperature sensor 40 measures the upper part of the heat-conducting column 44, and the lower part of the heat-conducting column 44 extends into the interior of the flow channel cavity 10, directly contacting the fluid. Therefore, the heat-conducting structure is the heat-conducting column 44 that penetrates the cover plate 50 and extends into the flow channel cavity 10. The heat-conducting column 44 is preferably a high thermal conductivity metal, preferably copper or aluminum. A heat insulation structure is disposed between the heat-conducting column 44 and the cover plate 50 to prevent the temperature of the cover plate 50 from affecting the measurement of the temperature sensor 40, allowing the heat-conducting column 44 to directly and accurately measure the temperature of the object to be measured inside the fluid cavity 10. In the following specific embodiments, the heat-conducting column 44 and the measuring part of the temperature sensor 40 can be in direct contact or heat transfer can be achieved through a flexible heat-conducting material.

[0064] In such Figure 12In the twelfth embodiment shown, the diameter of the middle part of the heat-conducting column 44 is larger than the diameter of the top and bottom parts. The heat-conducting column 44 penetrates the support member 45. The lower side of the middle part of the heat-conducting column 44 can be directly attached to the upper surface of the support member 45, or a groove can be provided on the support member 45. The height of the groove is slightly greater than the thickness of the middle part of the heat-conducting column 44, and the heat-conducting column 44 is installed in the groove. It should be noted that in both installation methods, the heat-conducting column 44 and the support member 45 must be sealed. It is preferable to use a sealing ring to prevent fluid leakage from the flow channel cavity 10. In this embodiment, the material of the support member 45 is preferably a material with low thermal conductivity and high temperature resistance to reduce the heat transferred from the heating element 20 to the housing and from the housing to the heat-conducting column 44, so as to ensure that the heat-conducting column 44 accurately reflects the temperature inside the flow channel cavity 10. The support member 45 is fixed to the cover plate 50 by adhesive bonding. Preferably, epoxy structural adhesive is used to bond the support member 45 to the cover plate 50, and the epoxy structural adhesive also serves as a seal. Epoxy resin encapsulation protects the electric heater housing from physical impacts, vibrations, and mechanical stress. In this embodiment, a pressure plate is provided above the support member 45, and the pressure plate is fixed to the support member 45 by screws. The pressure plate provides clamping force, compressing the sealing ring and achieving a sealed installation.

[0065] In such Figure 13 In the thirteenth embodiment shown, the diameter of the middle part of the heat-conducting column 44 is larger than the diameter of the top and bottom parts. The heat-conducting column 44 penetrates the support member 45. A groove is provided on the support member 45, and the height of the groove is slightly greater than the thickness of the middle part of the heat-conducting column 44. The heat-conducting column 44 is installed in the groove. It should be noted that the heat-conducting column 44 and the support member 45 should be sealed together. It is preferable to use a sealing ring to prevent fluid leakage from the flow channel cavity 10. In this embodiment, the material of the support member 45 is preferably the same as that of the cover plate 50 to increase weldability. A heat-insulating ring with high thermal resistance is provided between the heat-conducting column 44 and the support member 45 to limit and prevent the heat-conducting column from touching the support member 45, so as to avoid the heat of the support member 45 being transferred to the heat-conducting column 44, thereby ensuring that the heat-conducting column 44 accurately reflects the temperature inside the flow channel cavity 10. In this embodiment, a pressure plate is provided above the support member 45, and the pressure plate is fixed to the support member 45 by screws. The pressure plate provides clamping force to compress the sealing ring, thereby achieving a sealed installation. In this embodiment, the support member 45 is preferably fixed to the cover 50 by brazing.

[0066] In such Figure 14In the fourteenth embodiment shown, the upper diameter of the heat-conducting column 44 is larger than the lower diameter, and the lower outer cylindrical surface is provided with external threads. The support member 45 is provided with corresponding internal threaded holes. In this embodiment, the material of the support member 45 is preferably a material with low thermal conductivity and high temperature resistance to provide heat insulation and ensure that the heat-conducting column 44 accurately reflects the temperature inside the flow channel cavity 10. The support member 45 is fixed to the cover plate 50 by adhesive bonding. It is preferable to use epoxy structural adhesive to bond the support member 45 to the cover plate 50, and the epoxy structural adhesive can also play a sealing role. The heat-conducting column 44 can be bonded to the support member 45 using epoxy structural adhesive, or a sealing ring can be provided between the lower side of the upper part of the heat-conducting column 44 and the heat-conducting column 44. When screwing the heat-conducting column 44 into the support member 45, sufficient clamping force should be ensured to press the sealing ring to achieve a sealed installation.

[0067] In such Figure 15 In the fifteenth embodiment shown, the heat-conducting column 44 is configured as a three-section or two-section structure, with the diameter of the upper or middle section being larger than that of the lower section. The lower part of the heat-conducting column 44 extends into the flow channel cavity 10 and is in direct contact with the fluid. A low thermal conductivity insulating gasket is provided between the lower side of the upper or middle section of the heat-conducting column 44 and the upper side of the cover 50 for isolation. In this embodiment, epoxy structural adhesive is used to fix and encapsulate the heat-conducting column 44 onto the cover 50, which is also a type of sealed installation. Epoxy resin has good chemical corrosion resistance and moisture-proof properties, which can prevent moisture, dust, and other harmful environmental factors from damaging the heat-conducting column.

[0068] It should be noted that in embodiments 12, 13, 14, and 15, a thermally conductive insulating material can be provided between the measuring part of the temperature sensor and the heat-conducting column to achieve heat transfer. Simultaneously, the insulating thermally conductive material also possesses good thermal conductivity, further ensuring the sensitivity and accuracy of temperature measurement.

[0069] In such Figure 16 In the sixteenth embodiment shown, in order to monitor the temperature of the heating element 20, the temperature sensor 40 can also be directly arranged on one side of the heating element 20. Preferably, the assembly of the temperature sensor 40 and the temperature sensor housing is tightly attached to the heating element 20 by welding, bonding or pressing with a pressing structure, or is tightly installed on a structure or position that has a heat conduction channel with the heating element 20, for measuring the temperature of the heating element 20.

[0070] In this application, based on the temperature sensor mounting structure described above, an electric heater is also provided, which is equipped with the temperature sensor mounting structure of any of the above embodiments. A temperature sensor mounted in this manner can obtain highly accurate temperature measurement data, allowing the user to precisely control the power output of the electric heater based on the data, thus reducing the overall operating cost of the electric heater.

[0071] The preferred embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. However, this application is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this application, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of this application, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0072] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this application will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0073] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this application can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this application, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A temperature sensor mounting structure for an electric heater, the electric heater comprising a housing defining a flow channel cavity (10) having a fluid inlet (101) and a fluid outlet (102), a heating assembly (20) adjacent to the flow channel cavity (10) for heating fluid flowing through the flow channel cavity (10), and an electrical cavity (30) provided with a control unit, wherein: The temperature sensor mounting structure includes a temperature sensor (40) for measuring the temperature of the object to be tested by the electric heater. The temperature sensor (40) is electrically connected to the control unit and the measuring part of the temperature sensor (40) is close to the housing. Its characteristic is that: A heat-conducting structure is provided between the measuring part of the temperature sensor (40) and the object to be measured; and / or The object under test and / or the thermally conductive structure are protected by a thermal insulation structure.

2. The temperature sensor mounting structure for the electric heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The object to be tested is at least one of the following: The fluid temperature of the inflow region adjacent to the fluid inlet (101); The fluid temperature in the outflow region adjacent to the fluid outlet (102); The fluid temperature in the middle part of the flow channel cavity (10); The heating temperature of the heating component (20).

3. The temperature sensor mounting structure for the electric heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes a cover plate (50) located in the flow channel cavity (10) facing away from the heating assembly (20) and towards the electrical cavity (30), and the temperature sensor (40) is electrically connected to a PCB assembly located in the electrical cavity (30).

4. The temperature sensor mounting structure for the electric heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat-conducting structure includes a flexible heat-conducting material (46), which is disposed between the cover plate (50) and the measuring part of the temperature sensor (40) to achieve heat transfer.

5. The temperature sensor mounting structure for the electric heater according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat-conducting structure further includes a protruding structure (41) disposed on the cover plate (50) and extending toward the measuring part of the temperature sensor (40). The protruding structure (41) is made of a heat-conducting material, and the flexible heat-conducting material (46) is disposed between the protruding structure (41) and the measuring part of the temperature sensor (40) to achieve heat transfer.

6. The temperature sensor mounting structure for the electric heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heat-conducting structure includes a groove structure (43), which is formed on the surface of the cover plate (50) facing the measuring part of the temperature sensor (40) or on the protrusion structure (41), wherein: The measuring part of the temperature sensor (40) is inserted into the groove structure (43), and the flexible thermally conductive material (46) is filled in the groove structure (43) to achieve heat transfer between the material and the measuring part of the temperature sensor (40); or The measuring part of the temperature sensor (40) is detachably installed in the groove structure (43) to achieve heat transfer.

7. The temperature sensor mounting structure for the electric heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The temperature sensor (40) is mounted on the PCB assembly. The heat-conducting structure includes a heat-conducting shell (42) and a flexible heat-conducting material (46). The measuring part of the temperature sensor (40) is located in the heat-conducting shell (42). The flexible heat-conducting material (46) is arranged between the heat-conducting shell (42) and the measuring part of the temperature sensor (40) to achieve heat transfer. The heat-conducting shell (42) is in direct contact with the cover plate (50) or heat transfer is achieved through the flexible heat-conducting material (46).

8. The temperature sensor mounting structure for the electric heater according to claim 7, characterized in that, The temperature sensor (40) and the heat-conducting shell (42) are integrated on the PCB assembly.

9. The temperature sensor mounting structure for the electric heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The measuring part of the temperature sensor (40) is electrically connected to the PCB assembly via a flexible connecting wire.

10. The temperature sensor mounting structure for the electric heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat-conducting structure includes a heat-conducting column (44) that penetrates the cover plate (50) and extends into the flow channel cavity (10). The heat insulation structure is disposed between the heat-conducting column (44) and the cover plate (50) to prevent the temperature of the cover plate (50) from affecting the measurement of the temperature sensor (40).

11. The temperature sensor mounting structure for the electric heater according to claim 10, characterized in that, The heat-conducting column (44) is detachably and sealedly installed on the cover plate (50) via the support member (45). The heat-conducting column (44) and the support member (45) are thermally isolated by the heat insulation structure, or the support member (45) itself is a heat insulation member. The heat-conducting column (44) directly contacts the measuring part of the temperature sensor (40) or achieves heat transfer through the flexible heat-conducting material (46).

12. The temperature sensor mounting structure for the electric heater according to claim 10, characterized in that, A thermally conductive insulating material is provided between the measuring part of the temperature sensor (40) and the thermally conductive column (44).

13. The temperature sensor mounting structure for the electric heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The temperature sensor (40) is mounted on the heating assembly (20).

14. The temperature sensor mounting structure for the electric heater according to claim 13, characterized in that, The temperature sensor (40) is provided with a protective housing; And / or the temperature sensor (40) is pressed against the heating assembly (20) by the clamping mechanism.

15. The temperature sensor mounting structure for the electric heater according to claim 13, characterized in that, The temperature sensor (40) is electrically connected to the PCB assembly inside the electrical cavity (30) via a flexible connecting wire.

16. An electric heater, characterized in that, The electric heater is provided with a temperature sensor mounting structure as described in any one of claims 1-15.

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