A double-protected heating device and a heatable litter box

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of pet products, in particular to a double-protection heating device and a heatable cat litter basin, wherein the double-protection heating device comprises a shell, a heating element, a temperature control assembly and a heat dissipation fan; the heating element and the temperature control assembly are installed in the shell and are connected in series; the temperature control assembly provides temperature loss control protection for the heating element; a heat dissipation grille communicating inside and outside the shell is formed on the surface of the shell; a containing groove for fixing the temperature control assembly is arranged in the shell; and the heat dissipation fan is installed on the shell and corresponds to the position of the heating element. The application effectively solves the technical problems of slow temperature control protection response, poor reliability and inconvenient maintenance of the heating device in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pet supplies technology, and in particular to a dual-protection heating device and a heatable cat litter box. Background Technology

[0002] The field of smart pet products, especially smart litter boxes, has seen widespread development in recent years. To improve pets' comfort while using the toilet, especially during cold seasons, some high-end litter boxes integrate heating devices. Positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heaters are widely used in such applications due to their self-limiting temperature characteristics. However, PTC heaters still pose an overheating risk under extreme abnormal conditions (such as failure of the PTC heater itself, becoming purely resistive, or failure of the fan used for cooling), which may lead to equipment damage or even fires and other safety accidents.

[0003] To address the aforementioned safety issues, existing technologies typically incorporate temperature protection devices into the external circuitry or structure of PTC heaters. A common practice is to use a one-time thermal fuse (thermal circuit breaker), which melts and cuts off the circuit when the temperature exceeds its rated value. While this solution provides final protection, it is a "one-time" protection; once triggered, the entire heating device will permanently fail, requiring a professional to replace the fuse to restore operation, causing inconvenience and increasing maintenance costs for users.

[0004] Another improvement is to introduce a resettable thermostat (such as a bimetallic thermostat) in series with the PTC circuit. When the temperature is too high, the thermostat disconnects; when the temperature drops, the thermostat automatically resets. This method avoids the inconvenience of "one-time" protection. However, in traditional designs, this thermostat is usually mounted on the surface of the PTC casing or on a bracket away from the PTC heat source. This external mounting method has obvious drawbacks: First, the thermostat's perception of the PTC core temperature is delayed and inaccurate, resulting in insufficient sensitivity and potentially delayed protection action; second, the external thermostat, its leads, and mounting components make the product structure less compact, affecting the overall aesthetics and increasing assembly complexity.

[0005] Furthermore, both using a thermal fuse and a resettable thermostat have limitations in terms of reliability. A single resettable thermostat will lose its protective function if it malfunctions, such as sticking together; while a single thermal fuse lacks the convenience of automatic reset in the event of slight overheating. Therefore, there is an urgent need in the field for a heating device safety protection solution that is more responsive, more reliable, and easier for users to operate. Utility Model Content

[0006] This application provides a dual-protection heating device and a heatable cat litter box to at least solve the technical problems of slow temperature control protection response, poor reliability and inconvenient maintenance of heating devices in related technologies.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a dual-protection heating device, including a housing, a heating element, a temperature control component, and a cooling fan. The heating element and the temperature control component are installed inside the housing and connected in series. The temperature control component provides temperature runaway protection for the heating element. A heat dissipation grid is formed on the surface of the housing, connecting the inside and outside of the housing. A receiving groove for fixing the temperature control component is provided inside the housing. The cooling fan is installed on the housing and corresponds to the position of the heating element.

[0008] In some embodiments, the housing has an opening on the side opposite to the heat dissipation grille for mounting the heat-generating component, and the cooling fan is fixedly mounted at the opening.

[0009] In some embodiments, a separator that allows airflow is provided between the cooling fan and the heat-generating component. The separator is installed inside the housing and separates the cooling fan from the heat-generating component.

[0010] In some embodiments, the separator is an annular structure that conforms to the shape of the inner wall of the housing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the receiving groove is disposed on the inner sidewall of the housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the temperature control assembly includes a self-resetting thermostat and a non-resetting thermal fuse, the self-resetting thermostat being connected in series with the non-resetting thermal fuse.

[0013] In some embodiments, the self-resetting thermostat disconnects the circuit when the disconnection temperature is reached and restores the circuit when the reset temperature is reached, and the non-resettable thermal fuse is made of a fusible material and melts when the melting temperature is reached.

[0014] In some embodiments, the disconnection temperature of the self-resetting thermostat is lower than the melting temperature of the non-resetting thermal fuse.

[0015] In some embodiments, the heating element is a semiconductor material or component that generates heat when an electric current passes through it.

[0016] This application also provides a heatable cat litter box, including a litter box body, the body being provided with a heating device with dual protection as described in any of the above.

[0017] Based on the above, the advantages of this application's technical solution compared to the prior art are:

[0018] 1. Fast response and precise temperature control: By directly embedding the dual-protected temperature control component into the receiving slot of the PTC shell, the temperature controller can directly and closely sense the temperature change of the PTC chip, greatly reducing the heat transfer path and thermal hysteresis effect, thereby achieving fast and precise response and control of the PTC core temperature.

[0019] 2. Dual Protection: By connecting a self-resetting thermostat and a non-resetting thermal fuse in series to form a temperature control component, and then connecting it in series with a PTC, a dual insurance mechanism of "one normal and one backup" is formed. Under normal abnormal conditions, the self-resetting thermostat will act first, cutting off the power supply and automatically restoring it after the temperature returns to normal, without affecting the normal use of the equipment. Only in the extreme case where the self-resetting thermostat also fails will the non-resetting thermal fuse act to perform a final and complete cut-off. This design greatly improves the safety level of the entire heating device and effectively prevents safety accidents caused by the failure of a single point of protection.

[0020] 3. Good user experience and maintenance convenience: The self-resetting thermostat can automatically reset in most overheating scenarios, avoiding frequent repairs or component replacements due to temporary abnormalities, reducing user operating costs and maintenance troubles. Only in the event of a serious fault does it need to replace the entire temperature control component or PTC unit, making the maintenance strategy clear.

[0021] 4. Compact structure and easy assembly: The temperature control components are integrated inside the PTC housing, eliminating the need for external fixing structures and long leads, making the overall structure more compact and simple, enhancing the product's aesthetics. At the same time, the modular design facilitates automated production and assembly, improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the housing and temperature control component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature control component structure in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Housing; 1.1. Receiving groove; 1.2. Heat dissipation grille; 2. Heating element; 3. Temperature control component; 3.1. Self-resetting temperature controller; 3.2. Non-resetting thermal fuse; 4. Cooling fan; 5. Separator. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application is described and illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, it is understood that although the efforts made in such a development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the content disclosed in this application, modifications to design, manufacturing, or production based on the technical content disclosed in this application are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as insufficient disclosure of the content of this application.

[0029] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments without conflict.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms “a,” “an,” “an,” “the,” and similar words used in this application do not indicate quantity limitation and may indicate singular or plural. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and any variations thereof used in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may also include steps or units not listed, or may include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. The terms “connected,” “linked,” “coupled,” and similar words used in this application are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. “Multiple” used in this application means two or more. “And / or” describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, “A and / or B” can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., used in this application are merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of the objects.

[0031] This application provides a dual-protection heating device, including a housing, a heating element, a temperature control component, and a cooling fan. The heating element and the temperature control component are installed inside the housing and connected in series. The temperature control component provides temperature runaway protection for the heating element. A heat dissipation grid is formed on the surface of the housing, connecting the inside and outside of the housing. A receiving groove for fixing the temperature control component is provided inside the housing. The cooling fan is installed on the housing and corresponds to the position of the heating element.

[0032] Implementation, for example Figures 1-4 As shown, a dual-protection heating device includes a housing 1, a heating element 2, a temperature control component 3, and a cooling fan 4. The heating element 2 and the temperature control component 3 are installed inside the housing 1 and connected in series. The temperature control component 3 provides temperature runaway protection for the heating element 2. A receiving groove 1.1 for fixing the temperature control component 3 is provided on the inner wall of the housing 1. Installing the temperature control component 3 inside the housing 1 allows for faster and more accurate sensing and response to temperature changes in the heating element 2. A heat dissipation grille 1.2 connecting the inside and outside of the housing 1 is formed on the surface of the housing 1. An opening for installing the heating element 2 is provided on the side of the housing 1 opposite to the heat dissipation grille 1.2. The cooling fan 4 is fixedly installed at the opening, corresponding to the position of the heating element 2. Activating the cooling fan 4 will blow the heat generated by the heating element 2 out through the heat dissipation grille 1.2.

[0033] Furthermore, a separator 5 is provided between the cooling fan 4 and the heat-generating component 2, allowing airflow. The separator 5 is installed inside the housing 1 and separates the cooling fan 4 from the heat-generating component 2, preventing direct contact between them. Specifically, in this embodiment, the separator 5 is an annular structure that fits the shape of the inner wall of the housing 1. In other embodiments, the separator 5 may also be a mesh or grid structure.

[0034] Furthermore, the temperature control component 3 includes a self-resetting thermostat 3.1 and a non-resetting thermal fuse 3.2. The self-resetting thermostat 3.1 and the non-resetting thermal fuse 3.2 are connected in series. The non-resetting thermal fuse 3.2 is made of a fusible material. The breaking temperature of the self-resetting thermostat 3.1 is lower than the melting temperature of the non-resetting thermal fuse 3.2. When the heating element 2 malfunctions or the cooling fan 4 stops, the temperature continues to rise. The temperature first reaches the breaking temperature of the self-resetting thermostat 3.1, which then disconnects, cutting off the circuit of the heating element 2 and providing protection. After the power is cut off, the temperature drops. When it reaches the reset temperature of the self-resetting thermostat 3.1, the circuit of the heating element 2 is reconnected, and the heating element 2 resumes operation and heating. This ensures that the heating element 2 always operates within a certain temperature range, preventing overheating. When an abnormal situation occurs and the self-resetting thermostat 3.1 fails, the temperature continues to rise and reaches the melting temperature. When this temperature reaches the melting point, the non-resettable thermal fuse 3.2 melts, completely cutting off the circuit of the heating element 2. This circuit is irreversible and provides protection.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating element 2 is a semiconductor material or component that generates heat when current flows through it, specifically a PTC thermistor.

[0036] This application also provides a heatable cat litter box, including a litter box body, and a heating device with dual protection as described above is provided inside the body.

[0037] Those skilled in the art should understand that the technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments have been described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0038] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heating device with dual protection, characterized in that: The device includes a housing, a heating element, a temperature control component, and a cooling fan. The heating element and the temperature control component are installed inside the housing and connected in series. The temperature control component provides temperature runaway protection for the heating element. A heat dissipation grille is formed on the surface of the housing, connecting the inside and outside of the housing. A receiving groove for fixing the temperature control component is provided inside the housing. The cooling fan is installed on the housing and corresponds to the position of the heating element.

2. The heating device with dual protection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing has an opening on the side opposite to the heat dissipation grille for installing the heat-generating component, and the cooling fan is fixedly installed at the opening.

3. The heating device with dual protection according to claim 2, characterized in that: A separator is provided between the cooling fan and the heat-generating component, allowing airflow to pass through. The separator is installed inside the housing and separates the cooling fan from the heat-generating component.

4. The heating device with dual protection according to claim 3, characterized in that: The separator has an annular structure that fits the shape of the inner wall of the housing.

5. The heating device with dual protection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The receiving groove is disposed on the inner side wall of the housing.

6. The heating device with dual protection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature control component includes a self-resetting thermostat and a non-resetting thermal fuse, wherein the self-resetting thermostat and the non-resetting thermal fuse are connected in series.

7. A heating device with dual protection according to claim 6, characterized in that: The self-resetting temperature controller disconnects the circuit when the disconnection temperature is reached and restores the circuit when the reset temperature is reached. The non-resettable thermal fuse is made of a fusible material and melts when the melting temperature is reached.

8. The heating device with dual protection according to claim 7, characterized in that: The disconnection temperature of the self-resetting thermostat is lower than the melting temperature of the non-resetting thermal fuse.

9. A heating device with dual protection according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The heating element is a semiconductor material or component that generates heat when an electric current passes through it.

10. A heatable cat litter box, characterized in that: It includes a litter box body, wherein the body is provided with a heating device with dual protection as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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