Portable space heater

Abstract

The utility model provides a portable space heater. The portable space heater comprises a base, a horizontal swinging part and a vertical swinging part. The base supports the portable space heater relative to the support surface. The horizontal swing part is rotatably connected to the base and comprises a supporting structure, a vertical shaft and a horizontal swing mechanism. The vertical swing portion is rotatably connected to the horizontal swing portion and includes a housing defining an interior space, a heating element and an airflow generator located within the interior space, a horizontal shaft in which the vertical swing portion rotates relative to the horizontal swing portion, and a vertical swing mechanism. The airflow generator includes a motor and an impeller rotated by the motor. Wherein the heating airflow exiting the housing is directed in a plurality of directions relative to the support surface by rotation of the horizontal swing portion and / or rotation of the vertical swing portion. The portable space heater is compact in structure, has enhanced functions, and provides higher use flexibility and selection for terminal users.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a portable space heater. More specifically, this invention relates to a compact portable space heater with a dual-axis oscillating feature, which enhances the functionality and comfort of the end user. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional portable space heaters and portable fans are well-known heating and cooling devices. These traditional portable devices address energy issues, particularly energy savings when compared to heating an entire building rather than just a room or area.

[0003] Portable space heaters eliminate the need for ductwork and other permanent structures that are expensive and energy-intensive when using traditional heating and ventilation (HVAC) systems. Heat absorption and transfer into and through ductwork and other structures lead to system inefficiencies. The ability to improve room heating efficiency is one way to reduce energy use and costs for individual consumers.

[0004] While traditional portable space heaters have solved some of the energy problems, further improvements are needed to more effectively distribute the usable heat generated by them throughout a room. One drawback is the limited space that portable space heaters can heat. Traditional portable space heaters also lack multi-directional airflow capabilities. Utility Model Content

[0005] According to this utility model, a portable space heater is provided, comprising: a base supporting the portable space heater relative to a support surface; a horizontally swinging portion rotatably connected to the base; and a vertically swinging portion rotatably connected to the horizontally swinging portion. The horizontally swinging portion includes: a support structure; a vertical axis for rotation of the horizontally swinging portion relative to the base; and a horizontally swinging mechanism. The vertically swinging portion includes: a housing defining an internal space; a heating element located within the internal space; an airflow generator located within the internal space; a horizontal axis for rotation of the vertically swinging portion relative to the horizontally swinging portion; and a vertically swinging mechanism. The airflow generator includes: a motor; and an impeller rotated by the motor. Heated airflow exiting the housing is guided relative to the support surface in multiple directions by the rotation of the horizontally swinging portion and / or the vertically swinging portion.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vertical swing mechanism includes: an electric motor; a connecting rod; and a connecting arm.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal swing mechanism includes: an electric motor; a connecting rod; and a connecting arm.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the portable space heater further includes a controller, wherein the controller controls the rotational speed of the motor and / or the power level of the heating element.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the portable space heater further includes a controller, wherein the controller controls an oscillating motion rotating about the vertical axis and an oscillating motion rotating about the horizontal axis.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control of the oscillating motion rotating about the vertical axis is independent of the oscillating motion rotating about the horizontal axis.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the portable space heater further includes: a maximum height; a maximum width; a maximum depth; and a volume calculated based on the maximum height, the maximum width, and the maximum depth of less than 1500 inches. 3 (24600 cm) 3 ).

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the maximum height is less than 14 inches (35.5 cm).

[0013] As described herein, portable space heaters incorporate an innovative oscillation system that distributes heat more evenly throughout a room. Portable space heaters with multi-axis oscillation also allow end-users to provide additional functional options, thereby increasing the possible applications of the device. The disclosed portable space heaters are also compact in size, allowing them to be used as room heaters or as desk or desktop appliances. Their small size also helps to further maximize the advantage of minimized storage space requirements during off-seasons. Like other seasonal appliances, portable space heaters are typically stored away when not in use.

[0014] All these features and structures, described individually or in combination, offer significant advantages to end users compared to traditional portable space heaters. Attached Figure Description

[0015] This invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that, by convention, the various features in the drawings are not drawn to scale. Instead, for clarity, the dimensions of the various features have been arbitrarily enlarged or reduced. The drawings include the following figures:

[0016] Figure 1This is an embodiment of a fully assembled portable space heater utilizing the aforementioned structure and features;

[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the portable space heater of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 These are front and right views showing the dimensions of the portable space heater of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the portable space heater, showing the airflow through the portable space heater of this invention; and

[0020] Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 5c This invention demonstrates the heating air distribution options and advantages of the portable space heater. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Figure 1 This is an embodiment of a fully assembled portable space heater 100 utilizing a multi-axis oscillation system. The portable space heater 100 includes a base 110, a horizontal oscillation portion 130, and a vertical oscillation portion 150. The horizontal oscillation portion 130 is rotatably connected to the base 110, rotates about a vertical axis 101, and rotates along a horizontal oscillation path 102. The vertical oscillation portion 150 is rotatably connected to the horizontal oscillation portion 130 and rotates about a horizontal axis 103 along a vertical oscillation path 104. In this present embodiment, when the horizontal oscillation portion 130 rotates about the vertical axis 101 along the horizontal oscillation path 102, the vertical oscillation portion 150 also moves along the horizontal oscillation path 102.

[0022] Figure 2 An exploded view of the portable space heater 100 is shown. The base 110 includes: a thrust bearing 210, a radial bearing 211, a base plate 212, feet 213, a base cover 215, and a power cord 216. The horizontal swing section 130 includes: a yoke 230, a left side cover 231, a right side cover 232, a horizontal swing plate 234, a high-voltage PCB 235, a control PCB 236, and a control cover 233.

[0023] As shown in the figure, the horizontal swing plate 234 is rotatably connected to the base plate 212 and held in place by the retaining washer 214. When the horizontal swing mechanism 240 is energized, the thrust bearing 210 and the radial bearing 211 facilitate the smooth rotation of the horizontal swing plate 234 relative to the base plate 212 along the horizontal swing path 102 about the vertical axis 101.

[0024] The horizontal swing mechanism 240 may include a motor 241, a connecting rod 242, and a connecting arm 243. The motor 241 is connected to the horizontal swing plate 234, and one end of the connecting arm 243 is connected to the base plate 212. The motor 241 causes the connecting rod 242 to rotate, and the connecting rod 242 in turn acts on the connecting arm 243, which generates the horizontal swing motion of the horizontal swing plate 234 about the vertical axis 101.

[0025] The vertical swing portion 150 includes a housing 250 defining an internal space 250a. Bearings 251 and 252 provide a rotational interface between the vertical swing portion 150 and the horizontal swing portion 130. The vertical swing portion 150 is held on the horizontal swing portion 130 by a left retaining washer 253 and a right retaining washer 254. When the vertical swing portion 150 swings about the horizontal axis 103, both the left retaining washer 253 and the right retaining washer 254 remain stationary relative to the horizontal swing portion 130.

[0026] Located within the internal space 250a are the mounting structure 255, the airflow generator 256, the frame 257, the heating element 259, and the thermal cut-off (TCO) 258. As shown, the mounting structure 255 is fixed to the housing 250, and the frame 257 is fixed to the mounting structure 255. The heating element 259 is fixed to the frame 257 and aligned with the airflow generator 256.

[0027] The shield 263, air outlet grille 262, funnel 260 and protective screen 261 are assembled and connected to the front of the housing 250, that is, to enclose the internal space 250a and prevent the user from contacting the airflow generator 256, frame 257 and heating element 259.

[0028] The vertical swing mechanism 280 is also shown, which includes a motor 281, a connecting rod 282, and a connecting arm 283. The motor 281 is connected to the mounting structure 255, and one end of the connecting arm 283 is connected to the right retaining washer 254. The motor 281 causes the connecting rod 282 to rotate, and the connecting rod 282 in turn acts on the connecting arm 283, which produces a vertical swing motion of the vertical swing portion 150 about the horizontal axis 103.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the components are designed to minimize the number of components required to assemble the portable space heater 100. For example, the mounting structure 255 includes features that integrate multiple components, namely an airflow generator 256, a frame 257, a heating element 259, a thermal circuit breaker (TCO) 258, and a vertical swing mechanism 280. Therefore, the integrated components are then assembled as a single unit into the housing 250. This described component integration simplifies the manufacture of the portable space heater 100 and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0030] The control cover 233 facilitates end-user access to the functions of the control PCB 236. The functions of the portable space heater 100 controlled by the control PCB 236 may include movement along the horizontal swing path 102 and / or the vertical swing path 104, as well as the rotational speed of the airflow generator 256 and the power level of the heating element 259. It is also contemplated that the control PCB 236 may also include timers, ambient temperature sensing, etc.

[0031] Figure 3 These are front and right views showing the dimensions of the portable space heater 100. Dimension H is the maximum height of the portable space heater 100, measured from the supporting surface (not shown) to its highest point above the supporting surface. Dimension W is the maximum width of the portable space heater 100, measured perpendicular to dimension H. Dimension D is the maximum depth of the portable space heater 100, measured perpendicular to dimension H and in the same plane as dimension W.

[0032] Maximum measurement limits: Dimensions H, W, and D define the compact dimensions of the portable space heater 100. In one embodiment, dimension H is equal to or less than 14 inches (35.5 cm). In another embodiment, the volume of the portable space heater 100 calculated based on dimensions H, W, and D is less than 1,500 cubic inches (24,600 cubic cm).

[0033] Figure 4 This is a vertical cross-section of the portable space heater 100, showing the airflow 401 entering the portable space heater 100 and exiting as heated airflow 402. As shown, when the airflow generator 256 is energized, the airflow 401 is drawn into the housing 250 through the rear opening 410. The airflow 401 passes through the airflow generator 256 and is pushed past the heating element 259, exiting the portable space heater 100 as heated airflow 402 through the air outlet grille 262.

[0034] As shown in the figure, the airflow generator 256 uses an axial impeller. It is contemplated that other types of impellers can be used without departing from the spirit of this invention. It is also contemplated that various types of motors, including AC motors and DC motors, can be used as part of the airflow generator 256.

[0035] In the present embodiment, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating element is used, which has a heat output of approximately 1500 watts. Other types of heating elements, such as nickel-chromium (NiCr) resistance wire or quartz tube, can be used without departing from the design concept of the disclosed utility model.

[0036] exist Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 5cThe distribution of the heated airflow 402 entering the room is shown in the image (see [reference]). Figure 4 And the advantages of the portable space heater 100 of this utility model. For example... Figure 5a As shown, the portable space heater 100 is located on the table 500, and the size of the heating airflow 402 increases like a cone 510 as it moves away from the portable space heater 100. Figure 5a As shown, only along the horizontal swing path 102 (see...) Figure 1 The horizontal oscillation along the horizontal oscillation path 102 creates a horizontal thermal plane 520 in front of the portable space heater 100.

[0037] like Figure 5b As shown, similar Figure 5a The portable space heater 100 is located on the table 500, and the size of the heating airflow 402 increases like a cone 510 as it moves away from the portable space heater 100. However, only by utilizing the vertical swing path 104 (see...) Figure 1 The vertical oscillation along the vertical oscillation path 104 creates a vertical thermal plane 530 in front of the portable space heater 100.

[0038] Figure 5c This demonstrates the performance advantages of the heated airflow 402 oscillating along the horizontal oscillating path 102 and the vertical oscillating path 104. Similar. Figure 5a and Figure 5b The portable space heater 100 is located on the table 500, and the size of the heating airflow 402 increases like a cone 510 as it moves away from the portable space heater 100. However, in Figure 5c In this design, horizontal and vertical oscillations are combined. The oscillations along both the horizontal oscillation path 102 and the vertical oscillation path 104 create a thermal plane 540 in front of the portable space heater 100.

[0039] The thermal plane 540 offers several distinct advantages over the horizontal thermal plane 520 and the vertical thermal plane 530. The area of ​​the thermal plane 540 is designed to allow sensing of the heat generated by the portable space heater 100 over a larger area. The thermal plane 540 also allows for faster homogenization of the air temperature within a room, eliminating "cold spots." It is anticipated that control features can be built into the portable space heater 100, allowing control to operate only along the horizontal swing path 102 (…). Figure 5a ) or vertical swing path 104 ( Figure 5b It can perform oscillation motion alone, or the portable space heater 100 can move in combination along the horizontal oscillation path 102 and the vertical oscillation path 104.

[0040] It is conceivable that the specific speeds of motor 241, which controls the horizontal oscillation path 102, and motor 281, which controls the vertical oscillation path 104, can rotate at different speeds. The different rotational speeds of motors 241 and 281 will vary even if the pattern of movement of the heated airflow 402 within the hot plane 540 is randomized. It is anticipated that the rotational speeds of motors 241 and 281 can be adjusted and controlled via control PCB 236, allowing the end user to determine how the heated airflow 402 moves within the hot plane 540.

[0041] It can be anticipated that, compared to conventional portable space heaters, the ability to move the heated airflow 402 along multiple horizontal oscillation paths 102 and vertical oscillation paths 104 allows end users to better control room comfort. The combination of multiple horizontal oscillation paths 102 and vertical oscillation paths 104 with a compact size (see...) Figure 3 Another advantage is that the portable space heater 100 can be used on desks and tables without taking up too much space. All these described features of the portable space heater 100 bring high value to manufacturers, retailers, and end users compared to traditional portable space heaters.

[0042] It is anticipated that the components of the portable space heater 100 can be made of metals, polymers, and other conventional materials. Fastening and assembly devices and techniques such as screws, acoustic welding, adhesives, press-fit interference, and snap-fits can be used for the assembly of the portable space heater 100.

[0043] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the information should be interpreted as including other variations and embodiments of the present invention, which can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true design concept and scope of the present invention.

[0044] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 625,047 entitled “Portable Space Heater”, filed January 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A portable space heater, characterized by Comprising: a base supporting the portable space heater relative to a support surface; a horizontal swing portion rotatably connected to the base, comprising: a support structure; a vertical axis of rotation of the horizontal swing portion relative to the base; a horizontal swing mechanism; a vertical swing portion rotatably connected to the horizontal swing portion, comprising: a housing defining an interior space; a heating element within the interior space; an airflow generator within the interior space, comprising: a motor; an impeller rotated by the motor; a horizontal axis of rotation of the vertical swing portion relative to the horizontal swing portion; a vertical swing mechanism; a heated airflow exiting the housing; wherein the heated airflow is directed in multiple directions relative to the support surface by rotation of the horizontal swing portion and / or rotation of the vertical swing portion.

2. The portable space heater of claim 1, wherein, The vertical swing mechanism comprises: an electric motor; a link; and a link arm.

3. The portable space heater of claim 1, wherein, The horizontal swing mechanism comprises: an electric motor; a link; and a link arm.

4. The portable space heater of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a controller, wherein the controller controls a rotational speed of the motor and / or a power level of the heating element.

5. The portable space heater of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a controller, wherein the controller controls a swing motion of rotation about the vertical axis and a swing motion of rotation about the horizontal axis.

6. The portable space heater of claim 5, wherein, The control of the swing motion of rotation about the vertical axis is independent of the swing motion of rotation about the horizontal axis.

7. The portable space heater of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: a maximum height; a maximum width; a maximum depth; and the maximum height is less than 14 inches. a volume calculated from the maximum height, the maximum width, and the maximum depth is less than 1500 inches 3 .

8. The portable space heater of claim 7, wherein, ​

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