electric heating device

Abstract

This utility model relates to the technical field of electric heating devices, specifically, to an electric heating device. The electric heating device includes a housing, a heating core, a control circuit board, and a sealing medium. A partition plate is provided in the housing, configured to divide the inner cavity of the housing into two independent chambers: a first chamber and a second chamber. The partition plate has an opening. The heating core is disposed in the first chamber, and the control circuit board is disposed in the second chamber. The conductive electrodes and temperature sensor of the heating core both pass through the opening in the first chamber and extend into the second chamber, where they connect to the control circuit board. The sealing medium seals the opening, ensuring that the first and second chambers remain independently sealed. This achieves complete isolation and sealing between the heating core and the control circuit board, reducing the risk of component failure due to contact with coolant and improving product reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electric heating device technology, and more specifically, to an electric heating device. Background Technology Traditional automobiles have always used the waste heat from the engine as a heating source. This method relies on the car's engine, meaning that heating can only be provided when the engine is running. Furthermore, this heating system is inefficient, requiring 6-10 minutes to provide warmth after starting the engine in winter. However, electric vehicles do not have engines, and even hybrid vehicles require heating when the engine is off. Electric vehicle heating typically uses a hydroelectric heating device, with a heating element as the core, made into a heating tube, which is then inserted into a special aluminum alloy heat conductor. By heating the antifreeze, warm air is delivered to the interior through the evaporator. The warm air is gentle and comfortable, with a stable and moderate temperature, and is safe, energy-efficient, and highly effective. Additionally, hydroelectric heating devices can also be used in the thermal management system of electric vehicle power batteries, heating the battery by heating the antifreeze. Specifically, the heating components include heating elements and electrodes.

[0002] However, the existing heating devices have poor sealing between the controller and the heating core, which can easily lead to the failure of electrical components due to contact with the coolant. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention includes, for example, providing an electric heating device that can completely isolate and seal the heating core and the control circuit board, reducing the risk of electrical components failing due to contact with coolant and improving product reliability.

[0004] The embodiments of this utility model can be implemented as follows: In a first aspect, this utility model provides an electric heating device, comprising: Housing, heating core, control circuit board, and sealing medium; The housing is provided with a partition plate, which is configured to divide the inner cavity of the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber that are independent of each other; the partition plate has an opening; the heating core is disposed in the first chamber, and the control circuit board is disposed in the second chamber; The conductive electrodes and temperature sensors of the heating core both pass through the opening in the first chamber and extend into the second chamber before connecting to the control circuit board; The sealing medium seals the opening so that the first chamber and the second chamber remain independently sealed.

[0005] In an optional embodiment, a first water chamber is also included; the conductive electrode and the temperature sensor are disposed at one end of the heating core, and the first water chamber is disposed at the other end of the heating core; The housing has an installation port on the side away from the second chamber; after the heating core passes through the installation port and is inserted into the first chamber, the first water chamber is sealed to the installation port to maintain the airtightness of the first chamber.

[0006] In an optional embodiment, the heating core includes a heating unit and a heat exchange unit; the heat exchange unit is provided with an installation channel, and the installation channel has flow channels on both sides; the heating unit is disposed within the installation channel; A second water chamber is provided on the side of the heat exchange unit near the partition; The second water chamber is an independent water chamber, and each independent water chamber is connected to the corresponding flow channel; the heating unit extends along the length of the flow channel; Alternatively, the second water chamber may be a confluence water chamber, with multiple flow channels connected to the confluence water chamber; the extending direction of the heating unit forms an angle with the extending direction of the installation channel.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, each heating unit is encapsulated with a monolithic potting compound and / or a vulcanized encapsulation compound to achieve a wrap-around, waterproof seal. And / or, the connection between the conductive electrode and the sealing medium is made by potting compound and / or vulcanized rubber.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the temperature sensor includes a connection terminal, a lead wire, and a probe connected in sequence; the connection terminal is disposed at one end of the heating core near the conductive electrode, the probe is disposed in the first water chamber, and the probe is respectively located at the inlet and outlet of the first water chamber; And / or, the connection between the connection terminal and the lead wire is sealed and insulated with epoxy resin; the connection between the probe and the lead wire is sealed and insulated with epoxy resin. And / or, the connecting terminal is fixed to the flow channel by insulating resin.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the sealing medium is a sealant, which seals and fills the gap between the conductive electrode, the temperature sensor and the opening to seal the opening.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the sealing medium is a sealant; it also includes a fixing plate; the fixing plate has a through first fixing hole and a second fixing hole; the conductive electrode is inserted into the corresponding first fixing hole, and the sealant is provided in the gap between the first fixing hole and the conductive electrode to seal the first fixing hole; The temperature sensor is inserted into the second fixing hole, and the gap between the second fixing hole and the temperature sensor is filled with the sealant to seal the second fixing hole; The fixing plate is connected to the housing to seal the opening.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, an IGBT module is also included, which is disposed on the fixing plate; a thermally conductive medium is filled between the fixing plate and the heating core so that the heat generated by the IGBT module is carried away by the cooling medium in the heating core.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the sealing medium includes a sealing structure; the sealing structure has a through third fixing hole and a fourth fixing hole; the third fixing hole is tightly fitted with the conductive electrode, and the fourth fixing hole is tightly fitted with the temperature sensor; the sealing structure is tightly held against the inner wall of the opening.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the periphery of the sealing structure is provided with a plurality of sealing rings, each sealing ring including a plurality of sealing teeth that are connected end to end along the periphery of the sealing structure; the plurality of sealing rings are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction of the sealing structure. The sealing ring is located between the sealing structure and the inner wall of the opening, and the sealing ring is configured to fill the gap between the sealing structure and the inner wall of the opening by material deformation, so that the sealing structure and the opening maintain a sealed connection.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model embodiment include, for example: The electric heating device of this solution includes a housing, a heating core, a control circuit board, and a sealing medium. A partition divides the housing into two independent chambers, with the heating core and control circuit board housed in the two chambers respectively. The conductive electrodes and temperature sensor of the heating core can extend from the first chamber into the second chamber and connect to the control circuit board through an opening. The sealing medium seals the opening, generally ensuring that the first and second chambers remain independently sealed. In other words, this solution, while ensuring electrical connection between the heating core and the control circuit board, allows the heating core and control circuit board to be sealed in separate chambers, thereby achieving complete isolation and sealing of the heating core and controller. This reduces the risk of component failure due to contact with coolant and improves product reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electric heating device according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating core of the electric heating device according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the sealing structure of the electric heating device according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing structure of the electric heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Icons: 100-Housing; 101-First chamber; 101a-Mounting port; 102-Second chamber; 102a-Matching port; 103-Partition plate; 103a-Opening; 110-First water chamber; 111-Liquid inlet; 112-Liquid outlet; 120-First sealing ring; 130-Rear cover; 200-Heating core; 210-Heating unit; 220-Heat exchange unit; 222-Flow channel; 230-Second water chamber; 240-Conductive electrode; 250- Temperature sensor; 251-Connection terminal; 252-Lead wire; 300-Control circuit board; 400-Sealing medium; 500-Fixing plate; 510-First fixing hole; 520-Second fixing hole; 530-Second sealing ring; 600-IGBT module; 610-Thermal conductive insulating adhesive film; 410-Sealing structure; 413-Third fixing hole; 414-Fourth fixing hole; 420-Sealing ring; 422-Sealing tooth; 21-Inlet pipe; 22-Outlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0019] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed during use, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides an electric heating device, including: Housing 100, heating core 200, control circuit board 300, and sealing medium 400; A partition plate 103 is provided in the housing 100. The partition plate 103 is configured to divide the inner cavity of the housing 100 into a first chamber 101 and a second chamber 102 that are independent of each other. The partition plate 103 has an opening 103a. The heating core 200 is disposed in the first chamber 101 and the control circuit board 300 is disposed in the second chamber 102. The conductive electrode 240 and temperature sensor 250 of the heating core 200 both pass through the opening 103a from the first chamber 101 and extend to the second chamber 102 and are connected to the control circuit board 300. The sealing medium 400 seals the opening 103a so that the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 remain independently sealed.

[0025] In this design, the partition of the electric heating device divides the housing 100 into two independent chambers: a first chamber 101 and a second chamber 102. The heating core 200 and the control circuit board 300 are housed in the two chambers respectively. The conductive electrode 240 and temperature sensor 250 of the heating core 200 can extend from the first chamber 101 into the second chamber 102 through the opening 103a and connect to the control circuit board 300. The sealing medium 400 can seal the opening 103a, generally ensuring that the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 remain independently sealed. In other words, this design, while ensuring the electrical connection between the heating core 200 and the control circuit board 300, allows the heating core 200 and the control circuit board 300 to be sealed in different chambers, thereby achieving complete isolation and sealing of the heating core 200 and the controller. This reduces the risk of electrical components failing due to contact with coolant and improves product reliability.

[0026] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the partition plate 103 and the housing 100 are integrally formed.

[0027] Please continue reading. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, in an optional embodiment, the electric heating device further includes a first water chamber 110; a conductive electrode 240 and a temperature sensor 250 are disposed at one end of the heating core 200, and the first water chamber 110 is disposed at the other end of the heating core 200; the housing 100 has an installation port 101a on the side away from the second chamber 102; after the heating core 200 passes through the installation port 101a and is inserted into the first chamber 101, the first water chamber 110 is sealed to the installation port 101a to maintain the airtightness of the first chamber 101. The first water chamber 110 is provided with an inlet 111 for connecting to the inlet pipe 21 and an outlet 112 for connecting to the outlet pipe 22. The manifold structure ensures that the heating core 200 has a better heat exchange effect.

[0028] Furthermore, along the length direction of the heating core 200, the heating core 200 has a first end and a second section opposite to each other; the conductive electrode 240 and the temperature sensor 250 are disposed at the second end; the first water chamber 110 is disposed at the first end; the side of the first chamber 101 away from the partition has an installation port 101a; the second end passes through the installation port 101a, and after the heating core 200 is inserted into the first chamber 101, the first water chamber 110 is sealed to the installation port 101a.

[0029] Optionally, the first water chamber 110 and the housing 100 can be fixed by riveting. The mounting port 101a and the first water chamber 110 are sealed by a first sealing ring 120.

[0030] As can also be seen from the figure, in this embodiment, the electric heating device also includes a rear cover 130; the housing 100 has a mating port 102a on the side away from the first chamber 101, and the rear cover 130 is sealed to the mating port 102a to maintain the sealing of the second chamber 102.

[0031] Optionally, the rear cover 130 and the housing 100 can be fastened together by a snap-fit. A sealing groove is provided around the mating port 102a, and a sealing strip integrally formed with the housing 100 is provided in the sealing groove. The sealing strip is used to seal the gap between the rear cover 130 and the housing 100.

[0032] As can also be seen from the figure, in an optional embodiment, the heating core 200 includes a heating unit 210 and a heat exchange unit 220; the heat exchange unit 220 is provided with an installation channel, and flow channels 222 are provided on both sides of the installation channel; the heating unit 210 is disposed in the installation channel; a second water chamber 230 is provided on the side of the heat exchange unit 220 near the partition. The cooperation of the first water chamber 110 and the second water chamber 230 can ensure that both ends of the heating core 200 can obtain better heat exchange effect, thereby ensuring the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0033] Each heating unit 210 employs an integral potting compound and / or vulcanized encapsulation to achieve a sealed and waterproof finish. And / or, the connection between the conductive electrode 240 and the sealing medium 400 is achieved using potting compound and / or vulcanized encapsulation. This ensures the sealing performance of the heating unit 210, as well as the sealing between the conductive electrode 240 and the sealing medium 400.

[0034] In an optional embodiment, the second water chamber 230 is an independent water chamber, and each independent water chamber is connected to a corresponding flow channel 222; the heating unit 210 extends along the length of the flow channel 222. Further, the conductive electrode 240 extends directly from the gap between adjacent independent water chambers along the length of the flow channel 222, passes through the opening 103a of the partition plate 103, and enters the second chamber 102. It should be noted that the independent water chamber 230 described here is merely an example and is not intended to be limiting.

[0035] It is easy to understand that in other embodiments of this utility model, the second water chamber 230 is a confluence water chamber, and multiple flow channels 222 are connected to the confluence water chamber; the extending direction of the heating unit 210 forms an angle with the extending direction of the installation channel. This arrangement facilitates the easy installation and removal of the heating unit 210 from the installation channel, while avoiding interference between the heating unit 210 and other components during installation and removal. Optionally, the length direction of the conductive electrode 240 is perpendicular to the direction of the flow channel 222; the conductive electrode 240 extends from the flow channel 222, bends, and passes through the opening 103a of the partition plate 103 into the second chamber 102.

[0036] In an optional embodiment, the temperature sensor 250 includes a connection terminal 251, a lead wire 252 and a probe connected in sequence; the connection terminal 251 is disposed at one end of the heating core 200 near the conductive electrode 240, the probe is disposed in the first water chamber 110, and the probe is located at the liquid inlet 111 and the liquid outlet 112 of the first water chamber 110 respectively.

[0037] Optionally, the connection between the connecting terminal 251 and the lead wire 252 is sealed and insulated with epoxy resin; the connection between the probe and the lead wire 252 is also sealed and insulated with epoxy resin. This ensures the sealing performance between both ends of the lead wire 252 and the connecting terminal 251 and the probe, respectively.

[0038] Optionally, the connection terminal 251 is fixed to the flow channel 222 with insulating resin. This ensures compactness within the first chamber 101.

[0039] In an optional embodiment, the sealing medium 400 is a sealant, which seals and fills the gap between the conductive electrode 240, the temperature sensor 250, and the opening 103a to seal the opening 103a. This sealant achieves good adhesion and sealing with the housing 100. In use, the sealant can be directly applied to the gap between the conductive electrode 240, the temperature sensor 250, and the opening 103a without dripping.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the sealing medium 400 is a sealant; the electric heating device further includes a fixing plate 500; the fixing plate 500 has a through first fixing hole 510 and a second fixing hole 520; a conductive electrode 240 is inserted into the corresponding first fixing hole 510, and the gap between the first fixing hole 510 and the conductive electrode 240 is filled with sealant to seal the first fixing hole 510; a temperature sensor 250 is inserted into the second fixing hole 520, and the gap between the second fixing hole 520 and the temperature sensor 250 is filled with sealant to seal the second fixing hole 520; the fixing plate 500 is connected to the housing 100 to seal the opening 103a. Here, the sealant adheres well to the fixing plate 500 for a good seal.

[0041] Optionally, the fixing plate 500 is made of metal. Furthermore, the fixing plate 500 is fixed and sealed to the housing 100 using screws and a second sealing ring 530, or the metal plate is embedded in the partition plate 103 of the housing 100.

[0042] from Figure 1 and Figure 2It can also be seen that, in an optional embodiment, the electric heating device further includes an IGBT module 600, which is mounted on a fixing plate 500. A thermally conductive medium is filled between the fixing plate 500 and the heating core 200, so that the heat generated by the IGBT module 600 is carried away by the cooling medium in the heating core 200. This improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the IGBT module 600, thereby ensuring the overall performance of the heating device.

[0043] Optionally, a thermally conductive and insulating adhesive film 610 is provided between the IGBT module 600 and the mounting plate 500.

[0044] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In an optional embodiment, the sealing medium 400 includes a sealing structure 410; the sealing structure 410 has a through third fixing hole 413 and a fourth fixing hole 414; the third fixing hole 413 is hermetically fitted with the conductive electrode 240, and the fourth fixing hole 414 is hermetically fitted with the temperature sensor 250; the sealing structure 410 is hermetically held in place by the inner wall of the opening 103a. Optionally, the sealing structure 410 is a sealing ring.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, the periphery of the sealing structure 410 is provided with a plurality of sealing rings 420, each sealing ring 420 including a plurality of sealing teeth 422 connected end-to-end along the periphery of the sealing structure 410; the plurality of sealing rings 420 are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction of the sealing structure 410; the sealing rings 420 are located between the sealing structure 410 and the inner wall of the opening 103a, and the sealing rings 420 are configured to fill the gap between the sealing structure 410 and the inner wall of the opening 103a by material deformation, so that the sealing structure 410 and the opening 103a maintain a sealed connection. Such toothed sealing rings 420 can ensure the sealing effect at the opening 103a, thereby ensuring the sealing and waterproof effect between the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102.

[0046] In summary, the present invention provides an electric heating device that has at least the following advantages: The heating core 200 has a completely isolated and sealed structure from the controller circuit board; The heating core 200 uses an independent water chamber, reducing the need for a manifold. Heating unit 210 has a completely waterproof and sealed structure 410; The IGBT module 600 has better heat dissipation.

[0047] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electric heating device, characterized in that include: Housing (100), heating core (200), control circuit board (300) and sealing medium (400); A partition plate (103) is provided in the housing (100), the partition plate (103) being configured to divide the inner cavity of the housing (100) into a first chamber (101) and a second chamber (102) that are independent of each other; the partition plate (103) has an opening (103a); the heating core (200) is disposed in the first chamber (101), and the control circuit board (300) is disposed in the second chamber (102); The conductive electrode (240) and temperature sensor (250) of the heating core (200) both pass through the opening (103a) from the first chamber (101) and extend to the second chamber (102) and are connected to the control circuit board (300). The sealing medium (400) seals the opening (103a) so that the first chamber (101) and the second chamber (102) remain independently sealed to each other.

2. The electric heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first water chamber (110); the conductive electrode (240) and the temperature sensor (250) are disposed at one end of the heating core (200), and the first water chamber (110) is disposed at the other end of the heating core (200); The housing (100) has an installation port (101a) on the side away from the second chamber (102); after the heating core (200) passes through the installation port (101a) and is inserted into the first chamber (101), the first water chamber (110) is sealed to the installation port (101a) to maintain the airtightness of the first chamber (101).

3. The electric heating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heating core (200) includes a heating unit (210) and a heat exchange unit (220); the heat exchange unit (220) is provided with an installation channel, and the two sides of the installation channel have flow channels (222); the heating unit (210) is disposed in the installation channel; A second water chamber (230) is provided on the side of the heat exchange unit (220) near the partition. The second water chamber (230) is an independent water chamber, and each independent water chamber is connected to the corresponding flow channel (222); the heating unit (210) extends along the length of the flow channel (222); Alternatively, the second water chamber (230) may be a confluence water chamber, and all of the multiple flow channels (222) may be connected to the confluence water chamber; the extension direction of the heating unit (210) may have an angle with the extension direction of the installation channel.

4. The electric heating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the heating units (210) is encapsulated with a single potting compound and / or a vulcanized encapsulation compound to achieve a sealed and waterproof finish. And / or, the connection between the conductive electrode (240) and the sealing medium (400) is made by potting compound and / or vulcanized rubber.

5. The electric heating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The temperature sensor (250) includes a connection terminal (251), a lead wire (252), and a probe connected in sequence; the connection terminal (251) is located at one end of the heating core (200) near the conductive electrode (240), and the probe is located in the first water chamber (110), and the probe is located at the inlet (111) and outlet (112) of the first water chamber (110). And / or, the connection between the connecting terminal (251) and the lead wire (252) is sealed and insulated with epoxy resin; the connection between the probe and the lead wire (252) is sealed and insulated with epoxy resin. And / or, the connection terminal (251) is fixed to the flow channel (222) by insulating resin.

6. The electric heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing medium (400) is a sealant, which seals and fills the gap between the conductive electrode (240), the temperature sensor (250) and the opening (103a) to seal the opening (103a).

7. The electric heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing medium (400) is a sealant; it also includes a fixing plate (500); the fixing plate (500) has a through first fixing hole (510) and a second fixing hole (520); the conductive electrode (240) is inserted into the corresponding first fixing hole (510), and the gap between the first fixing hole (510) and the conductive electrode (240) is filled with the sealant to seal the first fixing hole (510). The temperature sensor (250) is inserted into the second fixing hole (520), and the gap between the second fixing hole (520) and the temperature sensor (250) is provided with the sealant to seal the second fixing hole (520). The fixing plate (500) is connected to the housing (100) to seal the opening (103a).

8. The electric heating device according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes an IGBT module (600), which is disposed on the fixing plate (500); the fixing plate (500) and the heating core (200) are filled with a heat-conducting medium so that the heat generated by the IGBT module (600) is carried away by the cooling medium in the heating core (200).

9. The electric heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing medium (400) includes a sealing structure (410); the sealing structure (410) has a through third fixing hole (413) and a fourth fixing hole (414); the third fixing hole (413) is tightly fitted with the conductive electrode (240), and the fourth fixing hole (414) is tightly fitted with the temperature sensor (250); the sealing structure (410) is tightly held in place by the inner wall of the opening (103a).

10. The electric heating device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The sealing structure (410) is provided with a plurality of sealing rings (420) around its periphery. Each sealing ring (420) includes a plurality of sealing teeth (422) that are connected end to end along the periphery of the sealing structure (410). The plurality of sealing rings (420) are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction of the sealing structure (410). The sealing ring (420) is located between the sealing structure (410) and the inner wall of the opening (103a), and the sealing ring (420) is configured to fill the gap between the sealing structure (410) and the inner wall of the opening (103a) by material deformation, so that the sealing structure (410) and the opening (103a) maintain a sealed connection.

Images