A clamping device for a PTC heater assembly

CN224927843UActive Publication Date: 2026-11-03SUZHOU XINYE ELECTRONICS
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522625872.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-11
Publication Date
2026-11-03
Estimated Expiration
2035-12-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional fixtures for existing PTC heater assemblies are prone to loosening during oven heating and curing, resulting in reduced clamping force, which affects the yield of finished products. They are also labor-intensive, have poor tooling versatility, rely heavily on skilled workers, and cause large fluctuations in product quality.

Method used

The system employs a combination of elastic clamping and locking components, utilizing the elastic force of a compression spring to replace traditional screw locking, achieving rapid clamping and uniform force distribution. Through cylinder pressure application and the design of the U-shaped locking component, it ensures stable clamping force and convenient operation.

Benefits of technology

It improves the assembly efficiency and product quality consistency of PTC components, reduces labor intensity, and enhances production safety and tooling compatibility.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of clamping devices of PTC heater assembly, comprising: clamp body, clamp body has the clamping space for accommodating and positioning PTC heating core and heat-dissipating aluminium strip;Bottom bracket, it is set in the bottom of clamp body, for bearing clamp body;Elastic compression assembly, it is set on clamp body, elastic compression assembly includes pressing plate, guide portion and compression spring, and compression spring is by guide portion to pressing plate exert elastic force towards the direction of clamp body;Lock catch assembly, it is set on clamp body, for locking pressing plate in compression position, so that compression spring keeps compressed state.The utility model realizes the uniform distribution and quick locking of compression force by the cooperation of elastic compression assembly and lock catch assembly, replaces traditional screw locking mode, significantly improves assembly efficiency and product consistency, reduces labor intensity, and guarantees production safety.
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Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] PTC heaters are semiconductor ceramic heating elements with a positive temperature coefficient, widely used in air conditioning auxiliary heating, automotive defrosting, and household appliances. PTC heater assemblies are typically assembled from layers of PTC heating cores, heat dissipation aluminum strips, electrode plates, and insulating materials. The tightness of the fit between the heat dissipation aluminum strips and the heating core directly affects heat transfer efficiency and product quality.

[0003] Currently, the industry generally uses traditional tooling fixtures for the pre-assembly of PTC heater components. The typical process is as follows: the heating core and heat dissipation aluminum strips are arranged in sequence on a horizontal pad. After being manually flattened and aligned using a rubber mallet or pressure plate, the arranged components are pressed and compacted from the side using a cylinder. Then, the opening of the U-shaped sheet metal clamp is aligned with the side wall of the component and inserted. The sheet metal clamp is then locked and fixed by manual screws. Finally, the cylinder pressure is released and the assembled parts are transferred to an oven for curing.

[0004] The aforementioned traditional processes mainly suffer from the following technical defects: U-shaped sheet metal clamps rely on screws for locking. During the heating and curing process in the oven, the screws are prone to loosening due to thermal expansion and contraction, resulting in a decrease in clamping force, loosening or displacement of components, and affecting the yield of finished products.

[0005] The process is labor-intensive and relies heavily on skill: processes such as flattening, sheet metal insertion, and screw tightening require high skill levels from operators, resulting in high labor intensity and significant fluctuations in product quality due to human factors.

[0006] Poor tooling versatility: Traditional U-shaped sheet metal fixtures have fixed dimensions, making it difficult to adapt to the production of PTC heater components of different specifications (length, width, thickness), resulting in frequent tooling changes and adjustments.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an aluminum strip clamping structure that can achieve rapid clamping, uniform force distribution, stable and reliable structure, and strong compatibility, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art. Utility Model Content

[0008] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a clamping device for PTC heater assembly. Through the cooperation of elastic clamping component and locking component, the uniform distribution of clamping force and rapid locking are achieved, replacing the traditional screw locking method, significantly improving assembly efficiency and product consistency, reducing labor intensity, and ensuring production safety.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a clamping device for a PTC heater assembly, comprising: The clamp body has a clamping space for accommodating and positioning the PTC heating core and the heat dissipation aluminum strip; A bottom bracket is provided at the bottom of the clamp body to support the clamp body; An elastic clamping assembly is disposed on the clamp body. The elastic clamping assembly includes a pressure plate, a guide portion and a compression spring. The compression spring applies an elastic force to the pressure plate in the direction of the clamp body through the guide portion. A locking assembly is provided on the clamp body to lock the pressure plate in the pressing position and keep the compression spring in a compressed state.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide portion includes at least two guide posts, one end of which is fixed to the pressing side of the clamp body, and the other end passes through the pressure plate. The compression spring is sleeved on the guide post and located between the pressure plate and the clamp body.

[0011] In one embodiment of this utility model, a limiting block is provided at one end of the guide post that protrudes from the pressure plate.

[0012] In one embodiment of this utility model, the pressure plate is provided with a guide hole for the guide post to pass through, the inner diameter of the guide hole is slidably engaged with the guide post, and the inner diameter of the guide hole is smaller than the outer diameter of the compression spring.

[0013] In one embodiment of this utility model, a pressure-applying device is further included. The pressure-applying device is disposed on the bottom bracket. The pressure-applying device acts on the pressure plate to compress the compression spring, and the locking assembly completes locking in the compressed state.

[0014] In one embodiment of this utility model, the pressure-applying device includes a plurality of cylinders, the telescopic ends of which are arranged perpendicularly to the pressure plate.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom bracket includes a horizontal support plate, a support frame, and a clamp baffle. The horizontal support plate is used to support the clamp body, the support frame is used to fix the cylinder, and the clamp baffle is used to limit the clamp body in the horizontal direction.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking assembly is a U-shaped structure, which includes a first hook, a second hook, and a connecting frame connecting the two.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting frame includes a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm, the two ends of the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are respectively connected to the first hook and the second hook, and a gap is provided between the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the clamp body includes a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm, which together form a clamping space.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model has the following beneficial effects: The clamping device for a PTC heater assembly described in this utility model, through the cooperation of an elastic clamping component and a locking component, utilizes the elastic force of a compression spring to replace the traditional screw tightening force, solving the problems of low efficiency and uneven clamping force caused by repeated manual screw tightening. It achieves the technical effects of rapid clamping, uniform force distribution, and convenient operation, significantly improving the assembly efficiency and product quality consistency of PTC assemblies. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To make the content of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping device for the PTC heater assembly in a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic clamping component of the clamping device for the PTC heater assembly when it is not compressed; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic clamping component of the clamping device for the PTC heater assembly when it is compressed; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom bracket and cylinder of this utility model; Explanation of reference numerals in the accompanying drawings: 1. Fixture body; 11. First clamping arm; 12. Second clamping arm; 2. Bottom bracket; 21. Horizontal support plate; 22. Support frame; 23. Fixture baffle; 3. Elastic clamping assembly; 31. Pressure plate; 32. Guide part; 321. Limiting block; 33. Compression spring; 4. Locking assembly; 41. First hook; 42. Second hook; 43. Connecting frame; 431. First connecting arm; 432. Second connecting arm; 5. Pressure applying fixture; 51. Cylinder; 100. PTC heating core; 101. Heat dissipation aluminum strip. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] Reference Figure 1-3 As shown, a clamping device for a PTC heater assembly according to the present invention includes: a clamping body 1, which has a clamping space for accommodating and positioning the PTC heating core 100 and the heat dissipation aluminum strip 101; a bottom bracket 2, which is disposed at the bottom of the clamping body 1 and is used to support the clamping body 1; an elastic pressing assembly 3, which is disposed on the clamping body 1 and includes a pressure plate 31, a guide portion 32 and a compression spring 33, wherein the compression spring 33 applies an elastic force to the pressure plate 31 in the direction of the clamping body 1 through the guide portion 32; and a locking assembly 4, which is disposed on the clamping body 1 and is used to lock the pressure plate 31 in the pressing position and keep the compression spring 33 in a compressed state.

[0023] The guide section 32 includes at least two guide posts. One end of each guide post is fixed to the clamping side of the clamp body 1, and the other end passes through the pressure plate 31. A compression spring 33 is sleeved on the guide post and located between the pressure plate 31 and the clamp body 1. By using at least two guide posts to guide and position the compression spring 33, it is prevented from skewing or twisting during compression, ensuring that the pressure plate 31 is subjected to stable force and moves in a precise direction, making the clamping force distribution more uniform, and preventing excessive or insufficient local pressure caused by spring misalignment.

[0024] A limiting block 321 is provided at one end of the guide post that protrudes from the pressure plate 31. The limiting block 321 can prevent the pressure plate 31 from dislodging from the guide post when the compression spring 33 is reset, and at the same time avoid the compression spring 33 flying off and causing safety hazards, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the device, making it easier for operators to quickly remove the product after unlocking, and reducing the risk of tooling damage.

[0025] The pressure plate 31 is provided with a guide hole for the guide post to pass through. The inner diameter of the guide hole is in sliding fit with the guide post, and the inner diameter of the guide hole is smaller than the outer diameter of the compression spring 33. The sliding fit between the guide hole and the guide post, and the fact that the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the compression spring 33, ensures the movement accuracy of the pressure plate 31 and effectively limits the compression spring 33. The structure is compact, the fit is highly accurate, and the compression process of the compression spring 33 is stable and controllable, thus extending the service life of the spring.

[0026] It also includes a pressure-applying fixture 5, which is mounted on the bottom bracket 2. The pressure-applying fixture 5 acts on the pressure plate 31 to compress the compression spring 33, and the locking assembly 4 locks in the compressed state. The pressure-applying fixture 5 can quickly compress the spring 33, solving the problems of laborious and incomplete manual compression, greatly reducing labor intensity, ensuring consistent compression stroke, and improving assembly cycle time and yield.

[0027] The pressure-applying fixture 5 includes several cylinders 51, with the telescopic ends of the cylinders 51 perpendicularly positioned to the pressure plate 31. By using the cylinders 51 as the power source for applying pressure, and with the telescopic ends acting perpendicularly to the pressure plate 31, the compression process is automated, the compression force is stable and controllable, and multiple stations can operate synchronously. This makes it suitable for batch production lines and avoids the instability of manual pressure application.

[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, the bottom bracket 2 includes a horizontal support plate 21, a support frame 22, and a clamping baffle 23. The support plate 21 supports the clamp body 1, the support frame 22 fixes the cylinder 51, and the clamping baffle 23 limits the horizontal movement of the clamp body 1. The horizontal support of the bottom support plate 21, the vertical fixation of the support frame 22, and the horizontal limitation of the clamping baffle 23 form a three-dimensional positioning system, ensuring the stability of the clamp body 1 during pressure application, preventing lateral slippage or misalignment, and ensuring that the force of the cylinder 51 is accurately transmitted to the pressure plate 31.

[0029] The locking assembly 4 has a U-shaped structure, which includes a first hook 41, a second hook 42, and a connecting bracket 43 connecting the two. The U-shaped locking assembly 4 integrates the two hooks and the connecting bracket 43 into one unit, allowing for one-handed operation when unlocking or locking, simplifying the locking action. Compared with traditional split buckles, it reduces the number of parts, lowers manufacturing costs, and reduces assembly difficulty.

[0030] The connecting frame 43 includes a first connecting arm 431 and a second connecting arm 432. The two ends of the first connecting arm 431 and the second connecting arm 432 are respectively connected to a first hook 41 and a second hook 42, and a gap is provided between the first connecting arm 431 and the second connecting arm 432. This gap design not only avoids visual obstruction of the product within the clamping space by the locking assembly 4, facilitating observation of the alignment status during assembly, but more importantly, during the heat curing process, this gap ensures effective circulation of hot air around the assembly, preventing obstruction of the product within the clamping space and ensuring smooth hot air circulation during heat curing.

[0031] The clamp body 1 includes a first clamping arm 11 and a second clamping arm 12, which together form a clamping space.

[0032] The clamping device for the PTC heater assembly based on the above structure operates as follows: Initial state: The clamp body 1 is placed on the bottom bracket 2, the clamp body 1 is in the open state, the pressure plate 31 maintains the maximum distance from the supporting side of the clamp body 1 under the action of the compression spring 33, and the locking assembly 4 is in the unlocked state. Figure 2 As shown, Component placement: Place the arranged PTC heating core 100 and heat dissipation aluminum strip 101 into the clamping space of the fixture body 1. The partition 13 separates and positions the multiple components to ensure that each component is accurately positioned and neatly arranged.

[0033] Pressure compression: Start cylinder 51, the telescopic end of cylinder 51 extends vertically and acts on pressure plate 31, pushing pressure plate 31 to slide smoothly along guide post 32, compression spring 33 is gradually compressed, pressure plate 31 applies uniform clamping force to partition 13 until each partition 13 is tightly attached to heating core.

[0034] Quick locking: When the compression spring 33 reaches the predetermined compression amount, align the hook of the locking assembly 4 with the side wall of the clamp body 1 and engage it. The locking assembly 4 locks the position of the pressure plate 31. At this time, the compression spring 33 remains compressed and continuously provides a stable clamping force. Figure 3 As shown; Pressure Removal: When cylinder 51 is closed, the telescopic end of cylinder 51 retracts, and the pressure fixture 5 separates from the fixture body 1. Due to the locking effect of the locking assembly 4, the elastic clamping assembly 3 still maintains the clamping state on the PTC assembly after the external pressure is removed, replacing the traditional screw locking method.

[0035] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A clamping device for a PTC heater assembly, characterized in that, include: The clamp body has a clamping space for accommodating and positioning the PTC heating core and the heat dissipation aluminum strip; A bottom bracket is provided at the bottom of the clamp body to support the clamp body; An elastic clamping assembly is disposed on the clamp body. The elastic clamping assembly includes a pressure plate, a guide portion and a compression spring. The compression spring applies an elastic force to the pressure plate in the direction of the clamp body through the guide portion. A locking assembly is provided on the clamp body to lock the pressure plate in the pressing position and keep the compression spring in a compressed state.

2. The clamping device for the PTC heater assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide portion includes at least two guide posts. One end of each guide post is fixed to the pressing side of the clamp body, and the other end passes through the pressure plate. The compression spring is sleeved on the guide post and located between the pressure plate and the clamp body.

3. The clamping device for the PTC heater assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, A limiting block is provided at one end of the guide post that protrudes from the pressure plate.

4. The clamping device for the PTC heater assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure plate is provided with a guide hole for the guide post to pass through. The inner diameter of the guide hole is slidably fitted with the guide post, and the inner diameter of the guide hole is smaller than the outer diameter of the compression spring.

5. The clamping device for the PTC heater assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pressure-applying device, which is disposed on the bottom bracket. The pressure-applying device acts on the pressure plate to compress the compression spring, and the locking assembly locks in the compressed state.

6. The clamping device for the PTC heater assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pressure-applying device includes several cylinders, and the telescopic ends of the cylinders are arranged perpendicularly to the pressure plate.

7. The clamping device for the PTC heater assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom bracket includes a horizontal support plate, a support frame, and a clamp baffle. The horizontal support plate is used to support the clamp body, the support frame is used to fix the cylinder, and the clamp baffle is used to limit the clamp body in the horizontal direction.

8. The clamping device for the PTC heater assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking assembly has a U-shaped structure, which includes a first hook, a second hook, and a connecting bracket connecting the two.

9. The clamping device for the PTC heater assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connecting frame includes a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm. The two ends of the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are respectively connected to the first hook and the second hook, and a gap is provided between the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm.

10. The clamping device for the PTC heater assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp body includes a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm, which together form a clamping space.