PTC heater

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of new energy automobile thermal management, and discloses a PTC liquid heater which comprises a shell and a plurality of heating pipes, the shell is provided with a containing cavity, a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are communicated with the containing cavity, and each heating pipe comprises a heating body and a flow channel integrally formed on the outer side of the heating body. The multiple heating pipes are arranged in the containing cavity side by side in the first direction, runners are arranged on the sides, facing the inner wall of the containing cavity, of the heating pipes located at the two ends of the first direction, and at least one runner is arranged between every two adjacent heating bodies; liquid flowing in from the liquid inlet can flow through the flow channels on the two sides of the heating bodies in sequence and then flow out from the liquid outlet. According to the utility model, the plurality of heating pipes are arranged in parallel, so that the heat exchange area in unit volume is increased, and as the liquid can sequentially flow through the runners on the two sides of each heating body, the stratosphere of the liquid is thinned, so that the heat taken away by the liquid is more sufficient, and the heat transfer effect and the heat transfer stability are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of thermal management technology for new energy vehicles, and in particular to a PTC heater. Background Technology

[0002] PTC is an abbreviation for Positive Temperature Coefficient, referring to semiconductor materials or components with a large positive temperature coefficient. Because PTC heaters offer constant temperature, reliability, and resistance to dry burning, they are widely used in heaters for new energy vehicles.

[0003] Existing PTC heaters include a housing and multiple heating tubes and a flow divider plate located inside the housing. The flow divider plate allows liquid to enter from the inlet and be simultaneously diverted into the channels of multiple heating tubes. The heat generated by the heating tubes is transferred to the liquid molecules in contact with them through thermal conduction. Finally, the heated liquid converges at the outlet and flows out, thus achieving the heating function.

[0004] However, uneven flow distribution is very likely to occur during the liquid splitting process. Some heating tube channels have excessively high liquid flow rates, while others have too low flow rates. In channels with excessively high flow rates, the liquid residence time is too short, making it unable to fully absorb the heat generated by the heating tube. Furthermore, the liquid advection layer is too thick, making it difficult to carry away the heat, resulting in poor heat transfer. In contrast, channels with excessively low flow rates are prone to liquid stagnation, causing localized overheating of the liquid within the channel, thereby reducing the stability of heat transfer. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a PTC heater to improve heat transfer efficiency and stability.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] PTC heaters include:

[0008] A housing having a receiving cavity and an inlet and an outlet communicating with the receiving cavity;

[0009] Multiple heating tubes, each heating tube including a heating body and a flow channel disposed on the outside of the heating body, the multiple heating tubes are arranged side by side in the accommodating cavity along a first direction, and each heating tube located at both ends of the first direction has a flow channel on the side facing the inner wall of the accommodating cavity, and there is at least one flow channel between adjacent heating bodies;

[0010] The liquid flowing in from the inlet can flow through the flow channels on both sides of each of the heating bodies in sequence and then flow out from the outlet.

[0011] Preferably, each heating tube includes two flow channels, and the two flow channels are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the heating body along the first direction, with two flow channels between adjacent heating bodies.

[0012] Preferably, a plurality of partition plates are provided at intervals along the second direction in the flow channel, and the plurality of partition plates divide the flow channel into a plurality of branch channels.

[0013] Preferably, the PTC heater further includes a flow guide plate, which is disposed in the accommodating cavity and located at one end of the heating tube. Liquid flowing in from the inlet can flow sequentially through the flow channels on both sides of each heating body under the guidance of the flow guide plate and then flow out from the outlet.

[0014] Preferably, the drainage plate is a corrugated plate with multiple peaks and multiple troughs. The multiple peaks abut against or connect to multiple alternating heating bodies in a one-to-one correspondence, and the multiple troughs abut against or connect to the inner wall of the accommodating cavity, and are oriented towards the heating bodies between adjacent peaks in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0015] Preferably, multiple drainage plates are provided, and the multiple drainage plates are spaced apart along the first direction and abut against or connect to the multiple heating bodies arranged alternately. The end of the drainage plate away from the heating body abuts against or connects to the inner wall of the accommodating cavity.

[0016] Preferably, the PTC heater further includes a baffle plate, the housing is provided with a first mounting port communicating with the accommodating cavity, the baffle plate can cover the first mounting port, and the end of each heating body away from the liquid inlet is connected to the baffle plate.

[0017] Preferably, the inner wall of the accommodating cavity is provided with multiple sets of confluence channels, and the multiple sets of confluence channels correspond one-to-one with multiple heating bodies arranged alternately. Each set of confluence channels is configured to guide the liquid flowing out of the flow channel on one side of the heating body corresponding to it into the flow channel on the other side.

[0018] Preferably, each group of the confluence channels is distributed on opposite sides of the heating body, and a confluence surface is provided on the outer surface of the heating body. The confluence surface is used to guide the liquid flowing out of the flow channel from the middle to the confluence channels on both sides.

[0019] Preferably, two adjacent heating tubes abut against each other, and the heating tubes at both ends abut against the inner wall of the accommodating cavity through their own flow channels.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] This invention provides a PTC heater in which multiple heating tubes are arranged side-by-side along a first direction within a cavity, increasing the heat exchange area per unit volume. Because the liquid flows sequentially through the channels on both sides of each heating element, it can absorb the heat emitted by each heating element, improving heat transfer efficiency. Furthermore, this orderly flow reduces the problems of liquid stagnation and accumulation caused by disordered flow, decreasing the number of molecules that might otherwise aggregate to form a thick advection layer. The thinner liquid advection layer allows the liquid to fully absorb and carry away heat, further improving heat transfer efficiency and preventing extreme situations of excessively high or low flow rates, thus ensuring the stability of the entire heat transfer process. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating tube described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the PTC heater according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the PTC heater described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the PTC heater described in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the third structure of the PTC heater described in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] In the picture:

[0028] 1. Shell; 10. Receptacle; 11. Liquid inlet; 12. Liquid outlet;

[0029] 2. Heating element; 20. Heating body; 201. Combustion surface; 202. Blocking block; 21. Flow channel; 210. Flow branch channel; 211. Partition plate;

[0030] 3. Drainage plate;

[0031] 4. Baffle. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar parts or parts having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include the feature and the second feature being in direct contact, or it can include the feature and the second feature not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the feature's liquid level is higher than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the feature's liquid level is lower than the second feature.

[0035] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] like Figures 1-5 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a PTC heater, including a housing 1 and a plurality of heating tubes 2. The housing 1 has a accommodating cavity 10 and an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 connected to the accommodating cavity 10. The heating tubes 2 include a heating body 20 and a flow channel 21 disposed on the outside of the heating body 20. The plurality of heating tubes 2 are arranged side by side in the accommodating cavity 10 along a first direction, and the heating tubes 2 at both ends are provided with a flow channel 21 on the side facing the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 10. There is at least one flow channel 21 between adjacent heating bodies 20. The liquid flowing in from the inlet 11 can flow through the flow channels 21 on both sides of each heating body 20 in sequence and then flow out from the outlet 12. Figure 2 The X direction is the first direction, and the Y direction is the second direction.

[0037] In this invention, multiple heating tubes 2 are arranged side-by-side along a first direction within the accommodating cavity 10, increasing the heat exchange area per unit volume. Furthermore, because the liquid can flow sequentially through the flow channels 21 on both sides of each heating element 20, it can absorb the heat emitted by each heating element 20, improving the heat transfer effect. This orderly flow reduces the problems of liquid stagnation and accumulation caused by disordered flow, decreasing the number of molecules that might otherwise aggregate to form a thick advection layer. The thinner liquid advection layer allows the liquid to fully absorb and carry away heat, further improving the heat transfer effect, and preventing extreme situations of excessively high or low local flow rates, thus ensuring the stability of the entire heat transfer process.

[0038] In this embodiment, nine heating tubes 2 are arranged side by side along the first direction inside the accommodating cavity 10.

[0039] In other embodiments, the number of heating tubes 2 is not limited to nine, and can be flexibly adjusted according to specific needs, without specific limitations here.

[0040] In this embodiment, the heating tube 2 is made of aluminum alloy profile, which has a high thermal conductivity. This allows heat to be transferred quickly within the heating tube. Furthermore, due to the excellent thermal conductivity of aluminum alloy, it can withstand and transfer a large amount of heat, supporting the heating tube 2 to achieve a high heating power output.

[0041] In this embodiment, the heating tube 2 is manufactured using an aluminum extrusion process, and the flow channel 21 is integrally formed into the heating body 20. This not only reduces mold development costs but also improves the density of the heating tube 2, ensuring its airtight performance. It should be noted that the aluminum extrusion process is a mature technology in this field and will not be described in detail here.

[0042] In other embodiments, the flow channel 21 can also be bonded to the heating body 20 by thermally conductive adhesive.

[0043] Two adjacent heating tubes 2 can be spaced apart or abutted against each other. There can be gaps or abutments between the heating tubes 2 at both ends and the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 10.

[0044] In this embodiment, two adjacent heating tubes 2 abut against each other, and the heating tubes 2 at both ends abut against the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 10 through their own flow channels 21, so that the liquid can only pass through the flow channels 21 of the heating tubes 2. Therefore, the liquid and the heating body 20 can achieve sufficient heat exchange, thereby improving the overall heat exchange effect.

[0045] A flow channel 21 can be provided on one side of the heating body 20, or a flow channel 21 can be provided on both sides of the heating body 20. As long as there is at least one flow channel 21 between two adjacent heating bodies 20, a flow channel 21 can be provided on the side of the heating tubes 2 at both ends facing the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 10.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, to further improve the heat transfer effect, each heating tube 2 includes two flow channels 21, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the heating body 20 along the first direction, with two flow channels 21 between adjacent heating bodies 20. The presence of flow channels 21 on opposite sides of each heating body 20 allows the heating body 20 to exchange heat with the flowing liquid from both sides, enabling more uniform heat transfer into the liquid, thereby improving the heat exchange uniformity of the entire heating system and enhancing the heat exchange effect. Furthermore, the presence of two flow channels 21 between adjacent heating bodies 20 further strengthens the heat transfer process. When the liquid flows between adjacent heating bodies 20, it can fully absorb the heat emitted by the heating bodies 20 on both sides, increasing the contact area and time between the liquid and the heating bodies 20, which helps to absorb heat more efficiently and improve the overall heat exchange efficiency.

[0047] More specifically, multiple partition plates 211 are spaced apart along the second direction within the flow channel 21, dividing the flow channel 21 into multiple branch channels 210. The multiple branch channels 210 increase the contact area between the liquid and the inner wall of the flow channel 21. Since the heat from the heating body 20 is transferred to the liquid through the inner wall of the flow channel 21, a larger contact area means more heat is transferred to the liquid in the same amount of time, thus significantly improving heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, after the partition plates 211 divide the flow channel 21, the liquid is distributed in each branch channel 210, further thinning the liquid's laminar flow layer. This thinning allows the liquid to carry away heat more effectively, further increasing the power density per unit volume. Additionally, the inner wall of each branch channel 210 can exchange heat with an appropriate amount of liquid, avoiding localized overheating or undercooling of the liquid, thereby improving power stability.

[0048] In this embodiment, five partition plates 211 are provided at intervals along the second direction inside the flow channel 21.

[0049] In other embodiments, the number of partitions 211 is not limited to five, and can be flexibly adjusted according to specific needs, without specific limitations here.

[0050] The liquid flowing in from the inlet 11 can flow through the flow channels 21 on both sides of each heating body 20 in sequence and then flow out from the outlet 12. At both ends of the heating body 20, the liquid flow can be guided by slotting or by setting baffles.

[0051] At the end of the heating body 20 near the liquid inlet 11, this embodiment guides the liquid flow by setting a baffle. Specifically, as shown... Figures 3-4As shown, the PTC heater also includes a flow guide plate 3, which is disposed within the accommodating cavity 10 and located at one end of the heating tube 2. Liquid flowing in from the inlet 11 is guided by the flow guide plate 3 to flow sequentially through the flow channels 21 on both sides of each heating body 20 before flowing out from the outlet 12. The flow guide plate 3 serves a guiding function, preventing disorderly flow of liquid within the accommodating cavity 10 and ensuring that the liquid absorbs the heat transferred by each heating body 20 sequentially along a preset path, achieving comprehensive and efficient heat exchange. By setting the flow guide plate 3 at one end of the heating body 20 near the inlet 11, no complex processing technology is required, allowing for rapid installation within a limited space.

[0052] Optionally, the guide plate 3 is a corrugated plate with multiple peaks and troughs. The peaks abut or connect to multiple alternating heating bodies 20, and the troughs abut or connect to the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 10, and face the heating bodies 20 between adjacent peaks. During the flow, the liquid can be more precisely guided into the flow channels 21 on both sides of each heating body 20 along the channels constructed by the peaks and troughs.

[0053] Optionally, multiple drainage plates 3 are provided, which are spaced apart along the first direction and abut against or connected to multiple heating bodies 20 arranged alternately. The end of the drainage plate 3 away from the heating body 20 abuts against or connects to the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 10. The multiple drainage plates 3 are spaced apart along the first direction, and the layout can be flexibly adjusted according to the number and spacing of the heating bodies 20.

[0054] At the end of the heating body 20 away from the liquid inlet 11, the liquid flow can be guided by either a groove or a baffle. In this embodiment, the liquid flow is guided by a groove.

[0055] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 10 is provided with multiple sets of manifolds 101, each set corresponding to a plurality of alternating heating bodies 20. Each set of manifolds 101 is configured to guide the liquid flowing out of the flow channel 21 on one side of its corresponding heating body 20 into the flow channel 21 on the other side. The manifolds 101 provide a smooth flow path for the liquid, reducing the flow resistance of the liquid during the transition process in the flow channel 21, allowing the liquid to flow more efficiently between the flow channels 21 on both sides of the heating body 20, thereby further improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0056] More specifically, each set of manifolds 101 is distributed on opposite sides of the heating body 20, and a manifold surface 201 is provided on the outer surface of the heating body 20. The manifold surface 201 is used to guide the liquid flowing out of the flow channel 21 from the middle to the manifolds 101 on both sides. This reduces the turning and abrupt changes in the liquid flow process, thereby effectively reducing the flow resistance, allowing the liquid to change direction more smoothly, reducing energy loss, and improving the efficiency of heat exchange and the heating effect.

[0057] To facilitate the installation and removal of heating element 2, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, the PTC heater also includes a baffle plate 4. The housing 1 is provided with a first mounting port communicating with the receiving cavity 10. The baffle plate 4 can cover the first mounting port. The end of each heating body 20 away from the liquid inlet 11 is connected to the baffle plate 4. During installation, the heating body 20 can be connected to the baffle plate 4 first, and then installed into the receiving cavity 10 through the first mounting port. When maintaining or replacing the tube 2, only the baffle plate 4 needs to be removed to take out the heating tube 2, which reduces maintenance costs and difficulty.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first mounting port and the manifold 101 are located on the same side of the housing 1. The liquid flowing out from the flow channel 21 can be blocked by the baffle plate 4, merge at the manifold 201, and then flow from the middle of the manifold 201 to both sides into the corresponding manifold 101.

[0059] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the heating body 20 has a cavity for accommodating the heating element, and a second mounting port connected to the cavity is provided at one end near the liquid inlet 11. After the heating element is placed into the cavity through the second mounting port, the sealing block 20 is welded to the heating body 20 to seal the second mounting port and prevent liquid from seeping into the cavity and damaging the heating element.

[0060] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A PTC heater, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) has a receiving cavity (10) and an inlet (11) and an outlet (12) communicating with the receiving cavity (10); Multiple heating tubes (2) are provided, each heating tube (2) including a heating body (20) and a flow channel (21) disposed on the outside of the heating body (20). The multiple heating tubes (2) are arranged side by side in the accommodating cavity (10) along a first direction, and each heating tube (2) at both ends is provided with a flow channel (21) on the side facing the inner wall of the accommodating cavity (10). There is at least one flow channel (21) between adjacent heating bodies (20). Liquid flowing in from the inlet (11) can flow through the flow channels (21) on both sides of each of the heating bodies (20) and then flow out from the outlet (12).

2. The PTC heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each heating tube (2) includes two flow channels (21), and the two flow channels (21) are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the heating body (20) along the first direction, with two flow channels (21) between adjacent heating bodies (20).

3. The PTC heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow channel (21) is provided with a plurality of partition plates (211) spaced apart along the second direction, and the plurality of partition plates (211) divide the flow channel (21) into a plurality of branch channels (210).

4. The PTC heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The PTC heater also includes a flow guide plate (3), which is disposed in the accommodating cavity (10) and located at one end of the heating tube (2). Liquid flowing in from the inlet (11) can flow through the flow channels (21) on both sides of each heating body (20) in sequence under the guidance of the flow guide plate (3) and then flow out from the outlet (12).

5. The PTC heater according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drainage plate (3) is a wave plate with multiple peaks and multiple troughs. The multiple peaks abut or connect to the multiple alternating heating bodies (20) in a corresponding manner. The multiple troughs abut or connect to the inner wall of the accommodating cavity (10) and face the heating bodies (20) between adjacent peaks in a corresponding manner.

6. The PTC heater according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drainage plate (3) is provided in multiple ways. The multiple drainage plates (3) are spaced apart along the first direction and abut against or connect to the multiple heating bodies (20) arranged in alternating directions. The end of the drainage plate (3) away from the heating body (20) abuts against or connects to the inner wall of the accommodating cavity (10).

7. The PTC heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The PTC heater also includes a baffle plate (4), the housing (1) is provided with a first mounting port communicating with the accommodating cavity (10), the baffle plate (4) can cover the first mounting port, and the end of each heating body (20) away from the liquid inlet (11) is connected to the baffle plate (4).

8. The PTC heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple sets of manifolds (101) are provided on the inner wall of the accommodating cavity (10). Each set of manifolds (101) corresponds to a plurality of alternating heating bodies (20). Each set of manifolds (101) is configured to guide the liquid flowing out of the flow channel (21) on one side of the corresponding heating body (20) into the flow channel (21) on the other side.

9. The PTC heater according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each set of the manifolds (101) is distributed on opposite sides of the heating body (20). A manifold surface (201) is provided on the outer side of the heating body (20). The manifold surface (201) is used to guide the liquid flowing out of the flow channel (21) from the middle to the manifolds (101) on both sides.

10. The PTC heater according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The two adjacent heating tubes (2) abut against each other, and the heating tubes (2) at both ends abut against the inner wall of the accommodating cavity (10) through their own flow channels (21).

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