A liquid heater for a vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to a vehicle liquid heater which comprises a flow channel shell, a heating cavity is formed on the inner side wall of the flow channel shell, a plurality of heat conduction seats are arranged on the inner side wall of the heating cavity in sequence, an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe are arranged on the outer side wall of the flow channel shell and located at the two sides of the heating cavity respectively, a blocking plate is rotatably arranged on the inner side wall of the heating cavity and faces the outlet of the inlet pipe, a baffle for limiting the rotation of the blocking plate is further arranged on the inner side wall of the heating cavity and located on the path of the rotation of the blocking plate towards the outlet of the inlet pipe, an elastic reset member is arranged on the side wall of the blocking plate away from the baffle and used for pushing the blocking plate to rebound and reset towards the baffle, the application has the purpose of preventing backflow, improves the use safety and further prolongs the service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of liquid heaters, and more particularly to a liquid heater for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, PTC liquid heaters are electric heating devices that use positive temperature coefficient thermistor materials as heating elements, specifically designed for heating liquids such as water, oil, or other fluids. Due to their advantages such as self-limiting temperature, safety, reliability, energy efficiency, and high performance, they are widely used in home appliances, automobiles, industrial equipment, and other fields.

[0003] The automotive PTC liquid heater is a high-efficiency and safe electric heating device designed specifically for automotive thermal management systems. It is mainly used in new energy vehicles to heat the coolant to achieve functions such as cabin heating, battery preheating, or temperature control of the motor / electronic control system.

[0004] In related technologies, the outer shell of the liquid flow channel in liquid heaters is typically made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel through casting or stamping. Internally, a liquid channel guides the liquid flow through the heating area to ensure sufficient heat exchange. However, due to the internal structure of the liquid channel, liquid may flow back from the channel into the inlet pipe. This backflow can prevent the liquid from effectively covering the high-temperature area, and in some PTC elements, insufficient coolant flow can occur in the heating area, leading to a sharp increase in localized temperature and posing certain safety hazards. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a vehicle liquid heater that can suppress coolant backflow, thereby improving safety and extending service life.

[0006] The vehicle liquid heater provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A vehicle-mounted liquid heater includes a flow channel housing. A heating chamber is formed on the inner wall of the flow channel housing. A plurality of heat-conducting seats are arranged in sequence at intervals on the inner wall of the heating chamber. An inlet pipe and an outlet pipe are respectively provided on the outer wall of the flow channel housing on both sides of the heating chamber. A baffle plate is rotatably disposed on the inner wall of the heating chamber, facing the outlet of the inlet pipe. A baffle plate for restricting the rotation of the baffle plate is also provided on the inner wall of the heating chamber, located on the path of the baffle plate rotating towards the outlet of the inlet pipe. An elastic reset member is provided on the side wall of the baffle plate away from the baffle plate, which is used to push the baffle plate to spring back to its original position towards the baffle plate.

[0007] Preferably, the barrier plates are arranged at intervals along the forward flow direction of the liquid.

[0008] Preferably, the flow channel housing further includes a sealing cover plate for sealing the heating chamber, and the sealing cover plate is provided with a pressure plate opposite to the baffle, and the baffle and the pressure plate press against each other.

[0009] Preferably, a liquid channel is formed between adjacent heat-conducting seats, and the liquid channel is arranged in a serpentine pattern.

[0010] Preferably, a first guide plate is provided on the inner wall of the heating chamber, and the first guide plate is located at the corner of the liquid channel; a second guide plate is provided on the sealing cover, which is pressed against the first guide plate. The first guide plate and the second guide plate are used to guide the liquid to flow along the direction of the liquid channel.

[0011] Preferably, a heating element is placed inside the heat-conducting seat, and a limiting plate covering the outside of the heating element is provided on the side wall of the flow channel shell away from the heating cavity. The limiting plate has clearance holes that correspond one-to-one with the wiring terminals of the heating element, and the wiring terminals of the heating element are respectively inserted into their respective corresponding clearance holes.

[0012] Preferably, the flow channel housing further includes an outer cover plate for sealing the heating element. A positioning hole is provided on the side wall of the flow channel housing facing the outer cover plate. A through hole is provided on the limiting plate, which is directly opposite to the positioning hole. A positioning rod is provided on the outer cover plate, which is sequentially inserted into the through hole and the positioning hole. A fixing plate is provided on the positioning rod to press the limiting plate against the inner side wall of the flow channel housing.

[0013] Preferably, the flow channel housing is further provided with a receiving cavity located on one side of the heating element, and the receiving cavity is provided with a mounting bracket for mounting the circuit board.

[0014] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: When the barrier plate, baffle, and pressure plate are in contact with each other, the liquid inlet of the liquid channel will be sealed, and the liquid will not be able to flow back into the inlet pipe, thus achieving the purpose of preventing backflow, improving safety in use, and further extending service life. With the limiting plate in place, the heating elements are securely and stably placed in their respective heat-conducting seats, effectively preventing them from detaching from their respective heat-conducting seats. The mounting bracket not only facilitates the installation of the circuit board, but also reduces the heat transfer from the outlet tube to the circuit board, providing a more stable working environment for the circuit board. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1An exploded view of the internal structure of the heat-conducting base, showing the concealed sealing cover, outer cover, and some heating elements. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the partial structure from a rear view; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a partial structural explosion; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram highlighting the internal structure of the sealing cover.

[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Flow channel shell; 10. Sealing cover plate; 11. Pressure plate; 12. Second guide plate; 13. Limiting plate; 130. Displacement hole; 131. Perforation; 14. Outer cover plate; 15. Positioning insertion hole; 16. Positioning insertion rod; 17. Fixing plate; 18. Receiving cavity; 19. Mounting bracket; 2. Heating cavity; 20. Liquid channel; 21. First guide plate; 3. Heat-conducting seat; 30. Heating element; 4. Liquid inlet pipe; 5. Liquid outlet pipe; 6. Barrier plate; 7. Baffle; 8. Elastic reset component. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] This application discloses a liquid heater for vehicles.

[0019] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The automotive liquid heater includes a flow channel housing 1, with a heating chamber 2 formed on the inner wall of the flow channel housing 1. Multiple heat-conducting seats 3 are integrally formed on the inner wall of the heating chamber 2, arranged at intervals in sequence. Each heat-conducting seat 3 contains a heating element 30, which is made of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) ceramic material, typically barium titanate (BaTiO3) based semiconductor ceramic. It features self-limiting temperature characteristics—the resistance increases sharply when the temperature rises to the Curie point, such as 120–250°C, automatically reducing power to prevent overheating. A multi-layer stacked structure is used to improve power density and heat dissipation uniformity. The heating element 30 is a conventional design available on the market and will not be described in detail here.

[0020] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the outer wall of the flow channel shell 1 is also integrally formed with an inlet pipe 4 and an outlet pipe 5 located on both sides of the heating chamber 2. The liquid flows into the heating chamber 2 from the outlet of the inlet pipe 4, and after sufficient heat exchange with the heat-conducting seat 3, it is discharged from the outlet of the outlet pipe 5.

[0021] like Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, a serpentine liquid channel 20 is formed between adjacent heat-conducting bases 3. The liquid passes through the liquid channel 20 multiple times, which can significantly increase the residence time of the liquid in the heating area, so that the liquid has more sufficient contact with the outer surface of the heat-conducting base 3 and improves the overall heat exchange efficiency.

[0022] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, multiple first guide plates 21 are fixedly installed on the inner wall of the heating chamber 2, and the first guide plates 21 are located at the corners of the liquid channel 20. The outer shell 1 of the flow channel also includes a sealing cover plate 10 that seals the heating chamber 2. The sealing cover plate 10 is fixed by bolts and fits against the bottom outer wall of the heat-conducting seat 3. Second guide plates 12 are fixedly installed on the sealing cover plate 10, each corresponding to one of the first guide plates 21, and the second guide plates 12 press against their respective first guide plates 21. The interlocking first guide plates 21 and second guide plates 12 are used to guide the liquid to flow along the direction of the liquid channel 20, preventing the liquid from flowing away from the inner wall of the heat-conducting seat 3 and the heating chamber 2, thereby ensuring sufficient heat exchange between the liquid and the heat-conducting seat 3 and guaranteeing the heating effect of the liquid.

[0023] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, multiple baffles 6 are rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the heating chamber 2, with the baffles 6 facing the outlet of the liquid inlet pipe 4. The baffles 6 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the forward flow direction of the liquid. Multiple baffles 7 are also fixedly mounted on the inner wall of the heating chamber 2, one-to-one with the baffles 6. The baffles 7 are located on the path of the baffles 6 as they rotate towards the outlet of the liquid inlet pipe 4, and the baffles 7 restrict the rotation of the baffles 6 towards the outlet of the liquid inlet pipe 4. Multiple elastic reset members 8 are fixedly mounted on the side wall of the baffles 6 away from the baffles 7, arranged sequentially at intervals. The elastic reset members 8 can be made of spring steel with rebound force. The elastic reset members 8 are used to contact the outer wall of the opposite heat-conducting seat 3. When the elastic reset members 8 are in a compressed state, they will apply a restoring force to the baffles 6, causing them to rebound towards the adjacent baffles 7.

[0024] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of pressure plates 11 are fixedly installed on the sealing cover plate 10, which are respectively opposite to the baffle 7. The baffle 7 and the pressure plates 11 press against each other. When the baffle plate 6 rotates to fit against the baffle 7, the baffle plate 6 will also fit against the pressure plates 11. Under the obstruction of the baffle plate 6, the backflowing liquid will be blocked in the liquid channel 20.

[0025] When liquid flows forward from the outlet of inlet pipe 4, it sequentially pushes each baffle plate 6 to rotate away from the baffle 7. As the elastic reset member 8 abuts against the outer wall of the heat-conducting seat 3, the elastic reset member 8 remains in a compressed, energy-storing state. At this time, the inlet of liquid channel 20 is open, allowing the forward-flowing liquid to flow smoothly into liquid channel 20. Conversely, when liquid flows back into liquid channel 20, the baffle plate 6 will rotate towards the baffle 7 under the elastic force of the elastic reset member 8 and the push of the flowing liquid, until the baffle plate 6, baffle 7, and pressure plate 11 are in contact with each other. At this time, the inlet of liquid channel 20 will be closed, and the liquid will no longer be able to flow back into inlet pipe 4, thus achieving the purpose of preventing backflow, improving safety, and further extending service life.

[0026] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, a limiting plate 13 is detachably installed on the side wall of the flow channel housing 1 away from the heating chamber 2, covering the heating element 30. The limiting plate 13 has through-holes 130 corresponding to the terminals of the heating element 30, with each terminal of the heating element 30 passing through its respective through-hole 130. The flow channel housing 1 also includes an outer cover plate 14 that seals the heating element 30. A positioning insertion hole 15 is provided on the inner side wall of the flow channel housing 1 facing the outer cover plate 14. A through-hole 131 corresponding to the positioning insertion hole 15 is provided on the limiting plate 13, and the through-hole 131 communicates with the positioning insertion hole 15. A positioning rod 16 is fixedly installed on the outer cover plate 14, sequentially passing through the through-hole 131 and the positioning insertion hole 15. A fixing plate 17 is fixedly installed on the positioning rod 16 to press the limiting plate 13 against the inner side wall of the flow channel housing 1. With the limiting plate 13 limiting and fixing, the heating element 30 can be stably and securely placed in its respective heat-conducting seat 3, effectively preventing the heating element 30 from detaching from its respective heat-conducting seat 3.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the outer shell 1 of the flow channel also integrally forms a receiving cavity 18 located on one side of the heating element 30. A mounting bracket 19 for mounting the circuit board is provided inside the receiving cavity 18. The wiring terminals of the heating element 30 are connected to the wiring terminals of the circuit board via an external cable. The inlet pipe 4 and the outlet pipe 5 are located on both sides of the mounting bracket 19. The mounting bracket 19 not only facilitates the installation of the circuit board but also reduces the heat transfer from the outlet pipe 5 to the circuit board, providing a more stable working environment for the circuit board.

[0028] The operating principle is as follows: When liquid flows forward from the outlet of the inlet pipe 4, the liquid will sequentially push each baffle plate 6 to rotate away from the baffle plate 7. As the elastic reset member 8 abuts against the outer wall of the heat-conducting seat 3, the elastic reset member 8 will remain in a compressed and energy-storing state. At this time, the inlet of the liquid channel 20 will be open, and the forward-flowing liquid can smoothly flow into the liquid channel 20. Conversely, when liquid backflow occurs in the liquid channel 20, the baffle plate 6 will rotate towards the baffle plate 7 under the elastic force of the elastic reset member 8 and the push of the backflowing liquid until the baffle plate 6, baffle plate 7, and pressure plate 11 are in contact with each other. At this time, the inlet of the liquid channel 20 will be closed, and the liquid will no longer be able to flow back into the inlet pipe 4, thus achieving the purpose of preventing backflow, improving the safety of use, and further extending the service life.

[0029] With the limiting plate 13 limiting and fixing, the heating element 30 can be stably and securely placed in its respective heat-conducting seat 3, effectively preventing the heating element 30 from detaching from its respective heat-conducting seat 3.

[0030] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A vehicle liquid heater, comprising a flow channel housing (1), wherein a heating chamber (2) is formed on the inner wall of the flow channel housing (1), and a plurality of heat-conducting seats (3) arranged sequentially at intervals are disposed on the inner wall of the heating chamber (2), and an inlet pipe (4) and an outlet pipe (5) respectively located on both sides of the heating chamber (2) are disposed on the outer wall of the flow channel housing (1); characterized in that: A baffle plate (6) is rotatably provided on the inner wall of the heating chamber (2), and the baffle plate (6) faces the outlet of the liquid inlet pipe (4); a baffle plate (7) is also provided on the inner wall of the heating chamber (2) to restrict the rotation of the baffle plate (6), and the baffle plate (7) is located on the path of the baffle plate (6) rotating towards the outlet of the liquid inlet pipe (4); an elastic reset member (8) is provided on the side wall of the baffle plate (6) away from the baffle plate (7), and the elastic reset member (8) is used to push the baffle plate (6) to spring back and reset towards the baffle plate (7).

2. The vehicle liquid heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The barrier plates (6) are arranged at intervals along the positive flow direction of the liquid.

3. The vehicle liquid heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flow channel shell (1) also includes a sealing cover plate (10) for sealing the heating chamber (2), and a pressure plate (11) opposite to the baffle (7) is provided on the sealing cover plate (10), and the baffle (7) and the pressure plate (11) press against each other.

4. The vehicle liquid heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: A liquid channel (20) is formed between adjacent heat-conducting bases (3), and the liquid channel (20) is arranged in a serpentine shape.

5. The automotive liquid heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heating chamber (2) is provided with a first guide plate (21) on its inner sidewall. The first guide plate (21) is located at the corner of the liquid channel (20). The sealing cover plate (10) is provided with a second guide plate (12) that is pressed against the first guide plate (21). The first guide plate (21) and the second guide plate (12) are used to guide the liquid to flow along the direction of the liquid channel (20).

6. The vehicle liquid heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heating element (30) is placed inside the heat-conducting seat (3). A limiting plate (13) covering the outside of the heating element (30) is provided on the side wall of the flow channel shell (1) away from the heating cavity (2). A clearance hole (130) corresponding to the wiring terminals of the heating element (30) is provided on the limiting plate (13). The wiring terminals of the heating element (30) are respectively inserted into their respective clearance holes (130).

7. The vehicle liquid heater according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flow channel housing (1) also includes an outer cover plate (14) for sealing the heating element (30). The flow channel housing (1) has a positioning hole (15) on the side wall facing the outer cover plate (14). The limiting plate (13) has a through hole (131) that is directly opposite to the positioning hole (15). The outer cover plate (14) has a positioning rod (16) that passes through the through hole (131) and the positioning hole (15) in sequence. The positioning rod (16) has a fixing plate (17) that presses the limiting plate (13) against the inner side wall of the flow channel housing (1).

8. The automotive liquid heater according to claim 7, characterized in that: The flow channel housing (1) is also provided with a receiving cavity (18) located on one side of the heating element (30), and a mounting bracket (19) for mounting the circuit board is provided in the receiving cavity (18).

Images