A PTC heater

Abstract

This utility model relates to a PTC heater, comprising a heater body and an IGBT module. A heat exchange channel is formed within the heater body, and the heater body has an inlet and an outlet connected through the heat exchange channel. The heat exchange channel includes a first flow section and a second flow section, allowing coolant input from the inlet to sequentially pass through the first and second flow sections and exit from the outlet. The heater body includes a heating element corresponding to the second flow section. A heat exchange tank is provided within the heater body for placing and exchanging heat with the IGBT module. The heat exchange tank is located on the first flow section, allowing heat dissipated by the IGBT module to be transferred to the coolant within the first flow section via the heat exchange tank. The PTC heater provided by this utility model solves the problems of excessively large area and complex structure of existing heaters with IGBT heat dissipation structures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heater technology, and in particular to a PTC heater. Background Technology

[0002] As the core power switching device of high-pressure liquid heaters, the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) generates heat during operation. If the heat cannot be dissipated in time, the module temperature will rise sharply, leading to a significant deterioration in performance. Therefore, a heat dissipation structure is needed to cool the IGBT module.

[0003] Existing IGBT heat dissipation structures are generally set independently on the heater, which results in the heater occupying too large an area and requires two flow channels for heat dissipation and heating respectively, leading to a complex heater structure and high production costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a PTC heater, which aims to solve the problems of existing heaters with IGBT heat dissipation structures having excessively large footprints and complex structures.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a PTC heater, comprising a heater body and an IGBT module. The heater body has a heat exchange channel formed within it, and an inlet and an outlet are provided on the heater body. The inlet and outlet are connected through the heat exchange channel, which includes a first flow path and a second flow path, allowing coolant input from the inlet to sequentially pass through the first and second flow paths and exit from the outlet. The heater body includes a heating element corresponding to the second flow path. A heat exchange tank is provided within the heater body for placing and exchanging heat with the IGBT module. The heat exchange tank is located on the first flow path, allowing heat dissipated by the IGBT module to be transferred to the coolant within the first flow path via the heat exchange tank.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a fixing component is also included. The fixing component is disposed in the heat exchange tank, and the fixing component abuts against the side of the IGBT module and presses the IGBT module against the tank wall of the heat exchange tank.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fixing component includes a fixing member and an elastic member. The fixing member is fixed to the wall of the heat exchange tank on the side away from the IGBT module. One end of the elastic member is connected to the fixing member, and the other end abuts against the IGBT module.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the elastic element is U-shaped and includes a first arm, a second arm, and an arch. The first arm and the second arm are connected by the arch. The first arm is embedded in the fixing element, and the second arm abuts against the IGBT module and is inclined away from the fixing element.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the middle part of the second arm protrudes outward to form a protrusion, and the protrusion abuts against the IGBT module.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, it also includes an insulating component, one side of which abuts against the IGBT module and the other side is connected to the wall of the heat exchange tank, and at least one of the fixing component and the elastic component is made of insulating material.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the fixing member is made of insulating material and is L-shaped. The fixing member and the insulating member cooperate to enclose the IGBT module.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the IGBT module is provided in multiple ways, and the fixing member is provided with multiple limiting members at intervals on the side facing the IGBT module, and each IGBT module is locked between two adjacent limiting members.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heater body further includes an upper shell and a lower shell, and a plurality of heating elements are provided. The plurality of heating elements are arranged at intervals on the upper shell and are located on the second flow path section. The upper shell is provided with the heat exchange groove, and the groove opening of the heat exchange groove is arranged facing upward. The lower shell is provided with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. The upper shell and the lower shell cooperate to define the heat exchange flow channel.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the lower housing is provided with a water-blocking part, the water-blocking part is located below the heat exchange tank, and the end of the water-blocking part extends upward to the vicinity of the heat exchange tank.

[0015] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0016] In this invention, a PTC heater is used to heat a liquid. Coolant is input through the inlet and heated by a heating element in the heater body as it flows through the second flow section of the heat exchange channel. The heated, high-temperature liquid is output through the outlet. Since the coolant flows sequentially through the first and second flow sections, and the heat exchange tank is located on the first flow section, the coolant is at a low temperature immediately upon input through the inlet, lower than the temperature of the IGBT module. By placing the IGBT module within the heat exchange tank, the heat emitted by the IGBT module is transferred through the tank wall to the coolant in the first flow section. This invention integrates the heat dissipation structure of the IGBT into the heat exchange channel of the PTC heater. This allows the PTC heater to not only heat the coolant but also dissipate heat from the IGBT module. Compared to a separate heat dissipation structure, this design improves the integration of the PTC heater, reduces its footprint, eliminates the need for additional heat dissipation channels, simplifies the structure, and lowers production costs. Furthermore, as the coolant at the inlet carries away heat from the IGBT module, its own temperature rises, resulting in a higher final output temperature of the high-temperature liquid, thus improving the heating efficiency of the PTC heater. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced 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 creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 A top view of a PTC heater provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view of AA;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Structural diagram of the fixed component in the middle;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of BB after removing the inlet and outlet of the PTC heater.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] 100-PTC heater; 1-Heater body; 11-Heat exchange channel; 111-First flow section; 112-Second flow section; 12-Upper shell; 121-Heat exchange tank; 13-Lower shell; 131-Liquid inlet; 132-Liquid outlet; 14-Heating element; 15-Water baffle; 2-IGBT module; 3-Fixing assembly; 31-Fixing component; 32-Elastic component; 321-First arm; 322-Second arm; 3221-Protrusion; 323-Arch; 33-Limiting component; 4-Insulating component. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model are described clearly and completely below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0025] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0026] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0027] This utility model provides a PTC heater. Figures 1 to 4 This invention provides a specific embodiment of a PTC heater.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a PTC heater 100, including a heater body 1 and an IGBT module 2. The heater body 1 has a heat exchange channel 11 formed inside it, and the heater body 1 has an inlet 131 and an outlet 132. The inlet 131 and the outlet 132 are connected through the heat exchange channel 11. The heat exchange channel 11 includes a first flow path 111 and a second flow path 112, so that the coolant input from the inlet 131 passes through the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 112 in sequence and is output from the outlet 132. The heater body 1 includes a heating element 14 corresponding to the second flow path 112. The heater body 1 has a heat exchange tank 121 for placing the IGBT module 2 and exchanging heat inside it. The heat exchange tank 121 is located on the first flow path 111, so that the heat dissipated by the IGBT module 2 is transferred to the coolant in the first flow path 111 through the heat exchange tank 121.

[0029] In this invention, the PTC heater 100 is used to heat the liquid. The coolant is input from the inlet 131 and heated by the heating element 14 in the heater body 1 as it flows through the second flow section 112 of the heat exchange channel 11. The heated high-temperature liquid is output from the outlet 132. Since the coolant flows through the first flow section 111 and the second flow section 112 in sequence, and the heat exchange tank 121 is located on the first flow section 111, the temperature of the coolant is low when it is first input from the inlet 131, and it is lower than the temperature of the IGBT module 2. By placing the IGBT module 2 in the heat exchange tank 121, the heat emitted by the IGBT module 2 is transferred to the coolant in the first flow section 111 through the tank wall of the heat exchange tank 121. This invention integrates the heat dissipation structure of the IGBT into the heat exchange channel 11 of the heater body 1, enabling the PTC heater 1 to not only heat the coolant but also dissipate heat from the IGBT module 2. Compared to a separately set heat dissipation structure, this invention improves the integration of the PTC heater 100, reduces its footprint, eliminates the need for additional heat dissipation channels within the heater, simplifies the structure, and reduces production costs. Furthermore, as the coolant at the inlet 131 carries away heat from the IGBT module 2, its own temperature rises, resulting in a higher temperature of the final output high-temperature liquid, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the PTC heater 100.

[0030] The specific method by which the IGBT module 2 is fixed within the heat exchange tank 121 is not limited; for example, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 2As shown, the PTC heater 100 also includes a fixing component 3, which is disposed within the heat exchange tank 121. The fixing component 3 abuts against the side of the IGBT module 2 and presses the IGBT module 2 against the tank wall of the heat exchange tank 121. With this configuration, the fixing component 3 fixes the IGBT module 2 within the heat exchange tank 121 by pressing, which is more efficient than using screws and makes disassembly and assembly easier when repairing or replacing the IGBT module 2.

[0031] The specific structure of the fixing component 3 is not limited, as long as it ensures that the fixing component 3 can press the IGBT module 2 against the wall of the heat exchange tank 121. For example, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the fixing component 3 includes a fixing member 31 and an elastic member 32. The fixing member 31 is fixed to the wall of the heat exchange tank 121 on the side away from the IGBT module 2. One end of the elastic member 32 is connected to the fixing member 31, and the other end abuts against the IGBT module 2. With this configuration, during the installation of the IGBT module 2, as the IGBT module 2 gradually extends into the heat exchange tank 121, the free end of the elastic member 32 is driven to approach the fixing member 31. After installation, the free end of the elastic member 32 tends to move away from the fixing member 31 under the action of elastic force, thereby applying force to the IGBT module 2 and pressing it against the wall of the heat exchange tank 121.

[0032] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the elastic element 32 is U-shaped and includes a first arm 321, a second arm 322, and an arch 323. The first arm 321 and the second arm 322 are connected by the arch 323. The first arm 321 is embedded in the fixing element 31, and the second arm 322 abuts against the IGBT module 2 and is inclined away from the fixing element 31. This configuration, because the second arm 322 is inclined away from the fixing element 31, causes the second arm 322 to be driven closer to the fixing element 31 by a greater amplitude when the IGBT module 2 extends into the heat exchange tank 121. This results in a greater force exerted by the second arm 322 on the IGBT module 2, thus making the installation of the IGBT module 2 more secure.

[0033] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the middle portion of the second arm 322 protrudes outward to form a protrusion 3221, which abuts against the IGBT module 2. This design, on the one hand, combines the elasticity of the arch 323 with the elasticity of the protrusion 3221, resulting in a greater force exerted by the protrusion 3221 on the IGBT module 2, thus making the installation of the IGBT module 2 more secure. On the other hand, the abutment between the protrusion 3221 and the IGBT module 2 is smooth, preventing scratches on the surface of the IGBT module 2.

[0034] Since the IGBT module 2 carries high voltage, and the outer casing of the PTC heater 100 is made of metal (i.e., the wall of the heat exchange tank 121 is made of metal), to prevent the IGBT module 2 from directly contacting the wall of the heat exchange tank 121 and causing a short circuit, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the PTC heater 100 also includes an insulating member 4. One side of the insulating member 4 abuts against the IGBT module 2, and the other side is connected to the wall of the heat exchange tank 121. At least one of the fixing member 31 and the elastic member 32 is made of insulating material. This arrangement separates the IGBT module 2 from the wall of the heat exchange tank 121 through the insulating member 4, and the fact that at least one of the fixing member 31 and the elastic member 32 is made of insulating material prevents current from the IGBT module 2 from being transferred to the other wall.

[0035] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the fixing member 31 is made of insulating material and is L-shaped. The fixing member 31 cooperates with the insulating member 4 to enclose the IGBT module 2. Since the PTC heater 100 is installed in the car, the car body may vibrate during driving, which may cause the IGBT module 2 to move slightly in the vertical direction. The L-shaped fixing member 31, which cooperates with the insulating member 4 to enclose the IGBT module 2, prevents the IGBT module 2 from contacting the bottom of the heat exchange tank 121 and causing a short circuit when it moves slightly.

[0036] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the IGBT module 2 is provided in multiple configurations. Multiple limiting members 33 are spaced apart on the side of the fixing member 31 facing the IGBT module 2, and each IGBT module 2 is secured between two adjacent limiting members 33. This configuration restricts the movement of the IGBT module 2 through the limiting members 33, making the installation of the IGBT module 2 more secure.

[0037] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, multiple elastic elements 32 are provided, each elastic element 32 is located between two adjacent limiting elements 33, and one end of each elastic element 32 abuts against the corresponding IGBT module 2. This arrangement, by using multiple smaller elastic elements 32 to press and fix the corresponding IGBT module 2 respectively, results in lower material costs and reduces the likelihood of interference with other components compared to fixing it with a single larger elastic element 32.

[0038] The specific structure of the heater body 1 is not limited; for example, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the heater body 1 also includes an upper housing 12 and a lower housing 13. Multiple heating elements 14 are provided, spaced apart on the upper housing 12 and located on the second flow path section 112. The upper housing 12 has a heat exchange groove 121 with its opening facing upwards. The lower housing 13 has a liquid inlet 131 and a liquid outlet 132. The upper housing 12 and the lower housing 13 cooperate to define the heat exchange flow channel 11. This configuration, by mounting the electrical components of the PTC heater 100 on the upper housing 12, prevents collisions and damage to the components during assembly of the upper housing 12 and the lower housing 13. Furthermore, having all electronic components on a single housing facilitates wiring.

[0039] Specifically, in some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the upper housing 12 has multiple receiving slots for placing and exchanging heat with each of the heating elements 14. The bottom of the lower housing 13 is wavy, and the inner wall of the bottom of the lower housing 13 contacts the receiving slots. This arrangement, through the cooperation of the upper housing 12 and the lower housing 13, defines a serpentine heat exchange channel 11, preventing the coolant from flowing directly under the heating elements 14, thus extending the heat exchange time between the coolant and the heating elements 14 and improving the heating efficiency of the PTC heater.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the lower housing 13 is provided with a water-blocking part 15, which is located below the heat exchange tank 121, and the end of the water-blocking part 15 extends upward to the vicinity of the heat exchange tank 121. This arrangement allows the water-blocking part 15 to intercept the coolant entering through the inlet 131 in the first flow path section 111, preventing the coolant from flowing directly from the inlet 131 into the second flow path section 112. This prolongs the heat exchange time between the coolant and the IGBT module 2, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0041] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A PTC heater, characterized in that, The device includes a heater body and an IGBT module. A heat exchange channel is formed within the heater body, and an inlet and an outlet are provided on the heater body. The inlet and outlet are connected through the heat exchange channel, which includes a first flow section and a second flow section, allowing coolant input from the inlet to sequentially pass through the first and second flow sections and exit from the outlet. The heater body includes a heating element corresponding to the second flow section. A heat exchange tank is provided within the heater body for placing and exchanging heat with the IGBT module. The heat exchange tank is located on the first flow section, allowing heat dissipated by the IGBT module to be transferred to the coolant within the first flow section via the heat exchange tank.

2. The PTC heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a fixing component, which is disposed in the heat exchange tank, abuts against the side of the IGBT module, and presses the IGBT module against the tank wall of the heat exchange tank.

3. The PTC heater as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing component includes a fixing member and an elastic member. The fixing member is fixed to the wall of the heat exchange tank on the side away from the IGBT module. One end of the elastic member is connected to the fixing member, and the other end abuts against the IGBT module.

4. The PTC heater as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic element is U-shaped and includes a first arm, a second arm, and an arch. The first arm and the second arm are connected by the arch. The first arm is embedded in the fixing element, and the second arm abuts against the IGBT module and is inclined away from the fixing element.

5. The PTC heater as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The middle part of the second arm protrudes outward to form a protrusion, which abuts against the IGBT module.

6. The PTC heater as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes an insulating component, one side of which abuts against the IGBT module and the other side is connected to the wall of the heat exchange tank. At least one of the fixing component and the elastic component is made of insulating material.

7. The PTC heater as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The fastener is made of insulating material and is L-shaped. The fastener and the insulating material work together to enclose the IGBT module.

8. The PTC heater as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The IGBT module is provided in multiple ways, and the fixing member is provided with multiple limiting members at intervals on the side facing the IGBT module, and each IGBT module is locked between two adjacent limiting members.

9. The PTC heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heater body further includes an upper shell and a lower shell. Multiple heating elements are provided, and the multiple heating elements are arranged at intervals on the upper shell and located on the second flow path section. The upper shell is provided with the heat exchange groove, and the groove opening of the heat exchange groove is arranged facing upward. The lower shell is provided with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. The upper shell and the lower shell cooperate to define the heat exchange flow channel.

10. The PTC heater as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The lower housing is provided with a water-blocking part, which is located below the heat exchange tank, and the end of the water-blocking part extends upward to the vicinity of the heat exchange tank.

Images