Thick film heating device capable of conducting heat in two directions

Abstract

The utility model discloses a thick film heating device capable of two-way heat transfer, which relates to the technical field of electric heating elements and comprises a thick film heater and a flow channel shell, a water pipe connector is arranged above the flow channel shell, a side connector is arranged on one side of the outer wall of the flow channel shell, a fixing disc is connected below the water pipe connector, and the thick film heater is limited by the fixing disc. According to the utility model, the closed inner and outer heating cavities are formed by combining the shell and the heater, and a heating medium can flow in from any one surface of a film surface or a steel plate surface, so that the heat exchange area is increased, the limitation of water pressure is eliminated, and bidirectional heat transfer is realized; the problems that an existing thick film heating device can only conduct single-face heating and is low in overall heating efficiency are effectively solved, and therefore the heating efficiency is remarkably improved.

Description

A thick film heating device with bidirectional heat transfer capability Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electric heating element technology, and in particular to a thick film heating device capable of bidirectional heat transfer. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of the thick film heater industry, leading thermal management companies both domestically and internationally are increasingly emphasizing and adopting thick film heaters. Thick film heaters offer advantages such as small footprint and fast heating response, but their low heat utilization rate due to structural limitations and reduced or even failed insulation due to water contact with the film surface remain significant drawbacks.

[0003] In the prior art, patent publication number CN220728518U discloses a partitioned thick-film water heating device comprising a water chamber, a heating element, and a circuit board. The water chamber has a heating cavity, within which flow channels for the flow of heat exchange medium are formed. The heating element is disposed within the heating cavity and configured to heat the heat exchange medium flowing within the flow channels. The circuit board is electrically connected to the heating element and is located outside the heating cavity. This patent's thick-film heater can only achieve heating on one side and cannot achieve heating on both sides. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem that existing thick film heating devices can only achieve heating on one side and have low overall heating efficiency. This invention combines the shell and the heater to form a sealed inner and outer heating cavity, and the heating medium can flow in from either the film surface or the steel plate surface. This not only increases the heat exchange area, but also eliminates the limitation of water pressure and realizes bidirectional heat transfer.

[0005] A further objective of this invention is to address the issue of insufficient stability in existing device structures. The thick film heater of this invention is fixed to the device via a slot, resulting in greater overall stability.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a thick film heating device capable of bidirectional heat transfer, comprising a thick film heater and a flow channel shell, a water pipe connector above the flow channel shell, a side connector on one side of the outer wall of the flow channel shell, a fixing plate connected below the water pipe connector, the thick film heater being limited by the fixing plate, and the inner and outer sides of the thick film heater being in contact with the heating liquid.

[0007] Preferably, the fixed plate is provided with several slots, and one end of the thick film heater is inserted into the slot for positioning.

[0008] Preferably, a limiting platform is provided on the upper inner edge of the flow channel shell, and the fixing plate is inserted into the limiting platform.

[0009] Preferably, the limiting platform has a stepped structure, and a sealing ring is provided between the fixed plate and the limiting platform.

[0010] Preferably, one side of the thick film heater is a stainless steel substrate, and the other side is a waterproof layer.

[0011] Preferably, both the stainless steel substrate and the waterproof layer are in contact with the heated liquid.

[0012] Preferably, a dielectric layer, an electrode layer, a resistor layer, and an isolation layer are sequentially disposed between the stainless steel substrate and the waterproof layer.

[0013] Preferably, the side connector is located on one side near the top of the flow channel housing.

[0014] Preferably, the bottom of the thick film heater has several hollow surfaces.

[0015] Preferably, the flow channel shell has a cylindrical structure.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: the addition of a waterproof material to the surface of the membrane layer allows it to directly contact the liquid and be heated, resulting in a lower membrane surface temperature and extending the service life of the heater.

[0017] Under the same power requirements, this invention can use a smaller thick-film heater to achieve the required heat.

[0018] This invention forms a sealed inner and outer heating cavity by combining the shell and the heater. The heating medium can flow in from either the film surface or the steel plate surface, which increases the heat exchange area, eliminates the water pressure limitation, and realizes bidirectional heat transfer. It effectively solves the problem that existing thick film heating devices can only heat one side and have low overall heating efficiency, thereby significantly improving the heating efficiency.

[0019] The thick film heater of this invention is fixed to the device by a slot, which makes the overall structure more stable, overcomes the defects of the existing device structure that is not stable enough, and improves the reliability and service life of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the main structure of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the structure of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the unfolded thick film heater of this utility model.

[0024] In the figure: 1. Thick film heater; 1-1. Stainless steel substrate; 1-2. Dielectric layer; 1-3. Electrode layer; 1-4. Resistance layer; 1-5. Isolation layer; 1-6. Waterproof layer; 2. Water pipe connector; 3. Sealing ring; 4. Flow channel shell; 5. Side connector; 6. Slot; 7. Limiting platform; 8. Fixing plate; 9. Hollow surface. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0026] Example 1: Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the device mainly includes a thick-film heater 1 and a flow channel housing 4. The thick-film heater 1 is the component that realizes the heating function; the flow channel housing 4 provides a channel for liquid flow and also protects and fixes the thick-film heater 1. A water pipe connector 2 is installed on the top of the flow channel housing 4 for connecting to an external liquid delivery pipe, facilitating the inflow and outflow of liquid. A side connector 5 is provided on one side of the outer wall of the flow channel housing 4, which also connects to an external liquid delivery pipe. A fixing plate 8 is connected below the water pipe connector 2. The function of the fixing plate 8 is to firmly fix the thick-film heater 1 inside the flow channel housing 4, ensuring its stable position during heating and preventing loosening or displacement due to liquid flow or other external forces, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the heating effect. The thick film heater 1 has both its inner and outer sides in contact with the heated liquid, allowing heat to be transferred to the liquid from both directions, achieving bidirectional heat transfer. This improves heating efficiency and heat utilization, and significantly shortens the time required for the liquid to reach the target temperature. It is especially suitable for applications requiring high heating speed, such as instantaneous water heaters, which can quickly provide users with hot water at the required temperature, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0027] To ensure accurate and stable positioning of the thick-film heater 1 within the flow channel housing 4, several slots 6 are designed on the fixing plate 8. One end of the thick-film heater 1 is inserted into the slot 6, and the limiting effect of the slot 6 ensures precise positioning of the thick-film heater 1 in both the axial and radial directions. This design not only guarantees the relative positional stability between the thick-film heater 1 and the flow channel housing 4, but also effectively prevents the thick-film heater 1 from shaking or shifting under the impact of liquid flow. Furthermore, the number and layout of the slots 6 can be flexibly adjusted according to the size and shape of the thick-film heater 1 to accommodate different specifications, enhancing the versatility and compatibility of the device. During assembly, aligning one end of the thick-film heater 1 with the slot 6 and inserting it is simple and quick, greatly improving assembly efficiency and reducing production costs. Moreover, the slot 6 design facilitates the replacement and maintenance of the thick-film heater 1. When the thick-film heater 1 malfunctions or needs replacement, simply pull the old thick-film heater 1 out of the slot 6 and insert the new one, eliminating the need for complex disassembly and installation procedures and saving maintenance time and labor costs.

[0028] A limiting platform 7 is provided on the upper inner edge of the flow channel housing 4, and the bottom edge of the fixed plate 8 is engaged in the limiting platform 7. The function of the limiting platform 7 is to provide a precise installation position for the fixed plate 8 and to support and limit the fixed plate 8 during the operation of the device. This structural design makes the connection between the fixed plate 8 and the flow channel housing 4 tighter and more stable, enhancing the overall strength and stability of the device. When the liquid flows in the flow channel housing 4, it will generate certain pressure and impact forces on the flow channel housing 4 and the fixed plate 8. The limiting platform 7 can effectively disperse these forces, preventing the fixed plate 8 from deforming or being damaged due to excessive local stress. At the same time, the structure and dimensions of the limiting platform 7 are also carefully designed to ensure that the fixed plate 8 can be smoothly engaged and tightly fitted, thereby ensuring the installation accuracy and stability of the thick film heater 1 in the flow channel housing 4. The limiting platform 7 has a stepped structure, and this special shape design further enhances its limiting and supporting functions. The stepped structure provides support points for the fixed plate 8, allowing for more flexible position adjustment during installation to accommodate fixed plates of varying thicknesses. Furthermore, the stepped shape of the limiting platform 7 increases the contact area between the limiting platform 7 and the fixed plate 8, thereby improving the connection strength and stability. During operation, even under significant external forces, the connection between the limiting platform 7 and the fixed plate 8 remains secure, effectively preventing loosening or displacement of the fixed plate 8. This ensures the normal operation and stable heating effect of the thick-film heater 1. A sealing ring 3 is provided between the fixed plate 8 and the limiting platform 7, further enhancing overall sealing.

[0029] One side of the thick film heater 1 is made of stainless steel substrate 1-1. Stainless steel substrate 1-1 possesses excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity, enabling it to withstand the high temperatures and pressures generated during heating. It also effectively prevents the heating liquid from corroding the thick film heater 1, extending the device's service life. The stainless steel substrate 1-1 is in direct contact with the heating liquid, transferring heat to the liquid through its own thermal conductivity. The other side of the thick film heater 1 is provided with a waterproof layer 1-6. The main function of the waterproof layer 1-6 is to prevent the heating liquid from seeping into the electronic components and circuits inside the thick film heater 1, thereby protecting the electrical safety of the thick film heater 1 and preventing dangerous situations such as short circuits and leakage caused by liquid leakage. The waterproof layer 1-6 is also in contact with the heating liquid, allowing heat to be transferred from the outside of the thick film heater 1 to the liquid, achieving bidirectional heat transfer. Between the stainless steel substrate 1-1 and the waterproof layer 1-6, from the inside out, are sequentially arranged a dielectric layer 1-2, an electrode layer 1-3, a resistance layer 1-4, and an isolation layer 1-5.

[0030] The dielectric layer 1-2 is a crucial component of the thick-film heater 1. It is an insulating material that isolates the electrode layer 1-3 and the resistance layer 1-4 from the stainless steel substrate 1-1, preventing current leakage through the substrate and ensuring the electrical insulation performance and safety of the thick-film heater 1. The electrode layer 1-3 directs current into the resistance layer 1-4 when the thick-film heater 1 is energized, causing it to generate heat. The resistance layer 1-4 is the core component for the heating function of the thick-film heater 1. When current passes through it, the resistance layer 1-4 generates heat according to its resistance value. By precisely controlling the resistance value and current of the resistance layer 1-4, the heating power can be precisely adjusted to meet different heating requirements. The insulating layer 1-5 is located between the resistive layer 1-4 and the waterproof layer 1-6. Its function is to effectively transfer the heat generated by the resistive layer 1-4 to the waterproof layer 1-6 and prevent thermal resistance from being generated when heat is directly transferred between the resistive layer 1-4 and the waterproof layer 1-6, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency and ensuring the heating performance and bidirectional heat transfer function of the thick film heater 1.

[0031] When the thick-film heating device is started, the external heating liquid flows into the flow channel housing 4 through the water pipe connector 2 and the side connector 5. When the current passes through the electrode layer 1-3 of the thick-film heater 1 and enters the resistance layer 1-4, the resistance layer 1-4 begins to generate heat. Part of this heat is directly transferred to the heating liquid inside the flow channel housing 4 through the stainless steel substrate 1-1, raising its temperature; the other part of the heat is transferred to the heating liquid outside the flow channel housing 4 through the isolation layer 1-5 and the waterproof layer 1-6, similarly raising the liquid temperature. In this way, the thick-film heater 1 achieves bidirectional heat transfer to the heating liquid from both the inside and outside, greatly improving heating efficiency. The heated liquid continues to flow inside the flow channel housing 4 and finally flows out of the device through the water pipe connector 2, meeting the user's needs.

[0032] Example 2: Referring to Figures 1 to 4, Example 2 is based on Example 1. This utility model patent relates to a thick film heating device with bidirectional heat transfer capability. Its structure mainly includes a thick film heater 1, a water pipe connector 2, a sealing ring 3, and a flow channel housing 4, wherein the thick film heater 1 is the heating element. The flow channel housing 4 provides a flow channel for the heated liquid and provides mechanical support and protection for the thick film heater 1. The flow channel housing 4 has a cylindrical structure.

[0033] This design offers several advantages: the cylindrical structure effectively reduces resistance during liquid flow, allowing for smooth flow within the channel and minimizing energy loss. Its regular, compact shape facilitates integration with other equipment, saving space and making it particularly suitable for installation in compact environments. Furthermore, the cylindrical structure provides a more uniform stress distribution under pressure, effectively improving the device's pressure resistance and extending its service life. In addition, a limiting platform 7 is provided along the upper inner edge of the channel housing 4 to secure the fixing plate 8 of the thick-film heater 1. This limiting design ensures that the thick-film heater 1 does not shift during operation, guaranteeing heating stability and uniformity.

[0034] The thick film heater 1 consists of a multi-layer structure. Starting from the stainless steel substrate 1-1, the dielectric layer 1-2, electrode layer 1-3, resistive layer 1-4, insulating layer 1-5, and waterproof layer 1-6 are printed sequentially. Each layer is carefully designed to serve both heating and protection functions.

[0035] The stainless steel substrate 1-1 serves as the supporting structure for the thick-film heater 1, providing mechanical strength and thermal conductivity to ensure rapid heat transfer to the liquid. Its shape can be flat or tubular to suit different applications. For example, a flat shape is suitable for large-area heating, while a tubular shape is more suitable for pipe-type heating systems. The dielectric layer 1-2 primarily functions as insulation, preventing current leakage and ensuring safe operation. The electrode layer 1-3 introduces current, enabling the resistance layer 1-4 to generate heat. Its design needs to consider the uniformity of current distribution to avoid localized overheating. The resistance layer 1-4 is the component that actually generates heat; by controlling the composition and thickness of the resistive material, the heating power can be adjusted to meet different heating requirements. The insulating layer 1-5 prevents the resistance layer 1-4 from directly contacting the liquid while ensuring efficient heat transfer. The waterproof layer 1-6, made of hydrophobic material, prevents liquid from seeping into the heater and also serves as a key part of heat conduction, allowing heat to be transferred to the liquid from both sides, significantly improving heating efficiency.

[0036] The bottom of the thick film heater 1 is provided with several hollow surfaces 9. These hollow surfaces 9 allow the inner and outer liquid phases to come into contact, optimize the heat conduction path, and further improve the heating efficiency.

[0037] This utility model patent is not only innovative in its structural design, but its manufacturing process has also been carefully optimized to ensure the product's performance and reliability. The detailed manufacturing process steps are as follows:

[0038] The first step is to process the stainless steel substrate to the corresponding dimensions according to actual needs. This step requires precise processing based on the specific application scenario and design requirements. For example, for a flat substrate, it needs to be cut according to the size of the heating surface; while for a cylindrical substrate, it needs to be processed according to the pipe diameter. This step is the foundation of the entire process, and the dimensional accuracy of the substrate will directly affect the printing of subsequent layers and the overall performance of the device.

[0039] Dielectric layer 1-2 is screen-printed onto substrate 1-1 and then sintered in an 850℃ sintering furnace. To ensure insulation performance and mechanical strength, multiple layers of dielectric layer 1-2 need to be printed repeatedly, with a total thickness of over 70 micrometers. This step requires strict control of printing accuracy and sintering temperature to ensure the uniformity and stability of dielectric layer 1-2. The quality of dielectric layer 1-2 directly affects the safety and reliability of the device; therefore, rigorous quality inspection is necessary during production.

[0040] Electrode layers 1-3 are printed on dielectric layer 1-2. The key to this step is ensuring the conductivity and uniformity of current distribution of electrode layer 1-3. The quality of electrode layer 1-3 directly affects the heating effect of resistor layer 1-4, therefore, high-quality conductive materials are required, and precise printing processes are needed to ensure its performance.

[0041] A resistive layer 1-4 is printed on the electrode layer 1-3. The resistive layer 1-4 is the component that actually generates heat, and the uniformity and stability of its resistance value are key factors determining the heating effect. By precisely controlling the composition of the resistive material and the printing process, the heating power can be precisely adjusted to meet different heating requirements.

[0042] Insulating layers 1-5 are printed on resistive layers 1-4, with a total thickness of over 20 micrometers. The function of insulating layers 1-5 is to prevent resistive layers 1-4 from directly contacting the liquid while ensuring efficient heat transfer. This step requires ensuring the uniformity and stability of insulating layers 1-5 to avoid uneven heat transfer or damage to resistive layers 1-4 due to direct contact with the liquid.

[0043] Waterproof layers 1-6 are printed or coated onto the isolation layers 1-5, with a total thickness of at least 20 micrometers. Waterproof layers 1-6 are made of hydrophobic materials, effectively preventing liquid penetration into the device and serving as a crucial component for heat conduction, enabling bidirectional heat transfer. This step requires ensuring the compatibility of waterproof layers 1-6 with the other layers to guarantee the stability of resistance changes.

[0044] The hydrophobic design and multi-layered structure of the waterproof layers 1-6 ensure the device's insulation performance. Even in direct contact with liquids, it effectively prevents current leakage, ensuring safe operation. This design is particularly suitable for applications with high safety requirements, such as liquid heating in food processing and medical equipment.

[0045] For those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thick-film heating device capable of bidirectional heat transfer, characterized in that, It includes a thick film heater and a flow channel housing. A water pipe connector is located above the flow channel housing, and a side connector is provided on one side of the outer wall of the flow channel housing. A fixing plate is connected below the water pipe connector. The thick film heater is limited by the fixing plate, and the inner and outer sides of the thick film heater are in contact with the heating liquid.

2. The thick film heating device with bidirectional heat transfer capability according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed plate is equipped with several slots, and one end of the thick film heater is inserted into the slot for positioning.

3. A thick film heating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein A limiting platform is provided on the upper inner edge of the flow channel shell, and the fixing plate is inserted into the limiting platform.

4. The thick film heating device with bidirectional heat transfer capability according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting platform has a stepped structure, and a sealing ring is provided between the fixed plate and the limiting platform.

5. A thick film heating device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein One side of the thick film heater is a stainless steel substrate, and the other side is a waterproof layer.

6. A thick-film heating device capable of bidirectional heat transfer according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the stainless steel substrate and the waterproof layer are in contact with the heated liquid.

7. A thick-film heating device capable of bidirectional heat transfer according to claim 5, characterized in that, Between the stainless steel substrate and the waterproof layer, there are sequentially arranged dielectric layer, electrode layer, resistor layer, and isolation layer.

8. A thick film heating device according to claim 1 or 6 or 7, wherein The side connector is located on one side near the top of the flow channel housing.

9. A thick film heating device capable of bidirectional heat transfer according to claim 8, wherein The bottom of the thick film heater has several hollow surfaces.

10. A thick film heating device capable of bidirectional heat transfer according to claim 9, wherein The flow channel shell has a cylindrical structure.

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