Electric heater with radiation and convection sections

Abstract

The invention relates to electric heater (1) comprising a casing (9) forming a casing cavity (10), a plurality of heat generators (2) and a control assembly (3), wherein the casing comprises an air inlet (101) positioned at the bottom of said casing and an air outlet (102) positioned at the top of said casing, said air inlet (101) and air outlet (102) being connected to the casing cavity (10), wherein the heat generators (2) are arranged along a vertical direction within the casing cavity (10), said heat generators (2) each comprising a non-luminous heating element (21), a radiation section (22) and a convection section (23), said radiation section (22) and convection section (23) both extending upward and downward from the non-luminous heating element (21), and wherein the heat generators (2) are controlled by the control assembly (3).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of heaters and heating appliances, for instance for domestic purposes or industrial applications, and concerns more particularly electric heaters and heat generators used by electric heaters to produce heat.Technical background

[0002] Heaters are widely used appliances designed to provide warmth, particularly in colder seasons. Various heating technologies have been developed to enhance performance, efficiency, and durability. The primary function of a heater is to convert electrical or other forms of energy into heat and distribute it to its surrounding environment. This process typically involves a heating element, which serves as the medium through which electrical energy is transformed into thermal energy. The heating element is designed to generate and transfer heat in the surrounding environment.

[0003] Electric heater is a kind of heating equipment, which uses electricity as the main energy source. Various heat generation techniques can be used to generate heat, such as resistance heating, induction heating, electric arc heating, electron beam heating, infrared heating and dielectric heating and so on. They are able to heat the human body by direct contact, warm air convection or far-infrared radiation, etc. Electric heaters can be widely used in residential or industrial environments, for instance in offices, hotels, shopping malls, hospitals, schools, train carriages, simple activity rooms and other types of civil and public buildings.

[0004] At present, in the existing technology, it is known to provide an electric heater with a casing forming a cavity, as well as vents connected with the cavity. A non-luminous heating tube may be set in the casing cavity for heating. In some cases, a fan may be set in the casing cavity to accelerate the air circulation and to promote the diffusion of warm air.

[0005] However, conventional electric heaters equipped with such a non-luminous heating tube face several technical challenges which limit their performances and uses. A non-luminous heating tube is a type of heating element used in electric heaters, designed to generate heat with minimal visible light emission. Despite its name, many conventional non-luminous heating tubes still produce a more or less intense red glow at high temperatures, which can be an issue in dark environments. Unlike luminous heating elements such as halogen tubes or open-coil elements, non-luminous heating tubes are configured to generate infrared radiation and thermal energy without significant visible light.

[0006] Non-luminous heating tubes thus tend to glow red during their use. This light emission in the visible domain can negatively affect users when they rest in the dark. Despite their intended design, the light emitted at high temperatures can disturb users in dark environments, thereby degrading user experience.

[0007] Another issue is the noise generated when paired with a fan for air circulation, which can be disruptive. Loud noise can occur during fan operation, which will also negatively affect the user and limit user experience.

[0008] Additionally, such electric heaters pose safety risks, such as high surface temperatures that could cause burns, as well as the potential for electrical faults or overheating that could lead to fire hazards.

[0009] Another issue lies in the lack of efficiency of heat transfer from the heating element to the surrounding environment. This limitation results in increased energy consumption and a longer time to achieve the desired heating effect, which may not fully meet user expectations for rapid and effective heat distribution.Summary of the invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the disadvantages or deficiencies of the prior art, as discussed above and further below.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric heater using a non-luminous heating element which achieves high thermal performances while minimizing light emission and noise generating during use. In particular, an object is to allow efficient heat transfer and uniform heat distribution.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric heater comprising a non-luminous heating element which offers high thermal performances with minimum safety risks for users.

[0013] To this end, the present invention provides an electric heater using a heat generator, solving the above-discussed problems, in particular the problem that the existing electric heating equipment can glow red when it is heated by a lightless heating tube, and the problem that the fan generates noise in the process of use which can negatively affect the user's rest.

[0014] In order to achieve the above-discussed purposes, the invention according to a first aspect provides an electric heater comprising a casing forming a casing cavity, a plurality of heat generators and a control assembly, wherein the casing comprises an air inlet positioned at the bottom of said casing and an air outlet positioned at the top of said casing, said air inlet and air outlet being connected to the casing cavity, wherein the heat generators are arranged along a vertical direction within the casing cavity, said heat generators each comprising a non-luminous heating element, a radiation section and a convection section, said radiation section and convection section both extending upward and downward from the non-luminous heating element, and wherein the heat generators are controlled by the control assembly.

[0015] In a particular example, the casing comprises a front casing and a rear casing, the air inlet and air outlet being positioned respectively at the bottom and top of said rear casing, wherein the heat generators are each mounted on the rear casing by means of a respective mounting bracket, wherein the radiation section and the convection section are arranged relative to each other so that the radiation section faces the front casing while the convection section faces the rear casing.

[0016] In a particular example, the front casing comprises a plurality of heat dissipation holes connecting the holding cavity to the outside of said electric heater, said heat dissipation holes being positioned in correspondence with the radiation section of each heat generator.

[0017] In a particular example, the radiation section comprises an upper radiating fin and a lower radiating fin oppositely arranged relative to each other in the vertical direction so that the upper radiating fin extends substantially upward from the non-luminous heat generating element while the lower radiating fin extends substantially downward from the non-luminous heat generating element, wherein said upper and low radiating fins are each connected to the non-luminous heat generating element.

[0018] In a particular example, the upper and low radiating fins are covered with a graphite, or graphene, coating.

[0019] In a particular example, the upper and lower radiating fins are reinforced with reinforcing bars arranged on both sides of said radiating fins, said reinforcing bars extending, parallel to one another, along longitudinal directions of the respective radiating fins.

[0020] In a particular example, the convection section comprises an upper convecting fin and a lower convecting fin oppositely arranged relative to each other in the vertical direction so that the upper convecting fin extends substantially upward from the non-luminous heat generating element while the lower convecting fin extends substantially downward from the non-luminous heat generating element, said upper and lower convecting fins being each connected to the non-luminous heat generating element.

[0021] In a particular example, the upper and lower convecting fins each comprise a plurality of convecting holes distributed along respective longitudinal directions of said convecting fins, said convecting holes extending through the thickness of the convecting fins.

[0022] In a particular example, the convecting holes are spaced apart uniformly from each other along the respective longitudinal directions of the convecting fins.

[0023] In a particular example, each convecting hole is coupled with a convection flap extending from a side of said convecting hole, said convection flap extending away from the radiating fin, the convecting flaps of said convecting fins being arranged parallel to one another.

[0024] In a particular example, the vertical section of the heat generators is arranged in a X-shape configuration, so that the radiation section and convection section form the respective legs of the X-shape configuration while the non-luminous heating element corresponds to the intersecting centre of the X-shape configuration.

[0025] In a particular example, the electric heater comprises two, so-called upper and lower, heat generators arranged vertically relative to each other so that the upper heat generator is positioned above the lower heat generator.

[0026] In a particular example, two supporting feet are detachably arranged at the bottom of the casing, wherein each supporting foot comprises a foot bracket and a foot, said foot bracket comprising a vertical mounting part and a horizontal mounting part mounted perpendicular to each other, said vertical mounting part being mounted and connected at the back bottom of the casing while the horizontal mounting part is mounted and connected at the top of the respective foot.

[0027] In a particular example, the electric heater comprises a wall mounting bracket arranged at the back of the casing.

[0028] In a particular example, the electric heater comprises a thermal protection assembly to which the heat generators are connected.

[0029] Compared to the prior technique, one of the above technical solutions has the following beneficial effects: Thanks to the invention, the problem of the heating part glowing red during the use of the electric heater is effectively avoided and the user experience is significantly improved. Moreover, the noise generated during the use of the heater is significantly reduced due to the removal of the fan part.Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings which show embodiments having no limiting character. In the figures: Figure 1 is an exploded view which schematically illustrates an electric heater, according to at least one particular embodiment of the invention ; Figure 2 is a side sectional view which schematically illustrates an electric heater, according to at least one particular embodiment of the invention ; FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a heat generator comprised in an electric heater, according to at least one particular embodiment of the invention ; FIG. 4 is a schematic view of aspects of a heat generator comprised in an electric heater, according to at least one particular embodiment of the invention.

[0031] In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, a number of references signs are used for illustrative purpose only, among which the following: a casing cavity 10, a front case 11, a rear case 12, an air inlet 101, an air outlet 102, a heat dissipation holes 103, a heat generator 2, a non-luminous heat generating element 21, a radiation section 22, a radiating fins 221, a reinforcing rib 2211, a convection section 23, a convecting fins 231, a convection holes 2311, a convection flap 2312, a control assembly 3, a thermal protection assembly 4, a mounting bracket 5, a foot bracket 61, a foot 62, a vertical mounting part 611, a horizontal mounting part 612 and a wall mount 7.Description of particular embodiments of the invention

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar labels throughout denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below by reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are used only for explaining the present invention, and are not to be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of the invention, it is to be understood that the terms like "up", "down", "front", "rear ", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc, these indicated orientation or positional relationships are based on those shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the purpose of facilitating the description of the invention and simplifying the description. They are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or to be constructed or operated in a specific orientation. Therefore they cannot be construed as a limitation of the invention. These terms may generally indicate positions and / or orientations with reference to the normal or expected use, position and orientation that is intended for the corresponding feature.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature that is qualified by the terms "first", "second" and "third" may expressly or implicitly include one or more such features.

[0035] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified and qualified, the terms "mounting", "connected" and "connection" are to be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or a one-piece connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it may be a connection within the two elements. For a person of ordinary skill in the field, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in specific cases.

[0036] The technical solution of the invention is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying Figures 1 to 4 and by means of specific embodiments.

[0037] As shown in figures 1 to 4 according to particular embodiments, it is considered in the following an electric heater 1 comprising a casing (or shell) 9, a plurality of heat generators 2 and a control assembly 3. In a particular example, the electric heater 1 also comprises a thermal protection assembly 4.

[0038] The casing 9 forms a casing cavity (or holding cavity) 10. This cavity 10 can be an internal chamber delimited by the casing. This cavity is suitable for arranging therein internal components of the electric heater 1, including the heat generators 2 and the control assembly 3, and if applicable the thermal protection assembly 4.

[0039] As shown for instance in figure 2, the casing 9 comprise an air inlet 101 positioned at the bottom of the casing and an air outlet 102 positioned at the top of the casing. The air inlet 101 and the air outlet 102 are connected to the holding cavity 10. These connexions mean that air may enter into the casing cavity 10 through the air inlet 101 and flow out of the cavity 10 through the air outlet 102.

[0040] A number of the heat generators 2 are arranged along a vertical direction within the holding cavity 10. As shown in figure 2, it is considered in the following a case where the electric heater 1 has two heat generators 2 (it is a dual-heat-generator electric heater), although other examples are possible where more than two heat generators 2 are arranged within the casing cavity 9. As illustrated, the heat generators 2 are positioned (or aligned) along a same vertical axis within the holding cavity 10, thereby maximising compactness with efficient thermal performances.

[0041] As illustrated in the figures, each heat generator 2 comprises a non-luminous heating element 21, a radiation section 22 and a convection section 23.

[0042] The non-luminous heating element 21 is configured to generate thermal energy by infrared radiation, and this preferably with minimum visible light emission. As already discussed, despite its name, the non-luminous heating element 21 may produce for instance a faint visible glow at high temperatures. This element 21 operates by converting electrical energy into infrared radiation, which is then transferred to the surrounding environment, thereby causing heating of the airflow circulating within the casing cavity 10.

[0043] In the following, it is assumed that the non-luminous heating element 21 is (or comprises) a non-luminous heating tube, although other forms or configurations of this element may be contemplated. This non-luminous heating tube extends along a longitudinal axis AX1 (figure 4).

[0044] The non-luminous heating element 21 may be (or comprise), for instance, a resistive heating element enclosed within a protective casing 25 (figure 4). The heating element is for instance made of high-resistance metal alloys such as nichrome (Ni-Cr) or iron-chromium-aluminum (Fe-Cr-Al), which have stable electrical resistance and high-temperature durability. The protective casing may comprise heat-resistant ceramic or quartz materials, which serve to insulate the heating element and enhance heat transfer efficiency.

[0045] When electrical current passes through the resistive heating element, the material undergoes Joule heating, wherein electrical energy is dissipated as heat due to the material's resistance. This process causes the element to reach high temperatures and emit infrared radiation, thereby causing heating of the surrounding air. The emitted radiation primarily falls within the mid-to-far infrared spectrum, allowing heat to be absorbed by objects and air in the surrounding environment without producing significant visible light.

[0046] Each heat generator 2 may be configured in an analogous or identical manner. In particular, the radiation section 22 and the convection section 23 are connected to the respective non-luminous heating element 21 of the heat generator 2. The radiation section 22 and the convection section 23 are arranged such that they both extend upward and downward from the respective non-luminous heating element 21.

[0047] As further described below, each of the radiation section 22 and the convection section 23 comprises an upper portion extending upward from the non-luminous heating element 21 and a lower portion extending downward from the non-luminous heating element 21. In a particular example, the radiation section 22 and the convection section 23 both extend up and down relative to the longitudinal axis AX1 of the non-luminous heating element 21, respectively.

[0048] The heat generator 2 is controlled by the control assembly 3. This configuration allows the heat generator 2 to operate in response to a control carried out by the control assembly 3. The control assembly 3 may comprise a processor or controller (not shown) for controlling the heat generator 2 and a user interface for allowing user interactions with the control assembly 3.

[0049] As shown in figure 1, the electric heater 1 may comprise a thermal protection assembly 4. In a particular example, the thermal protection assembly 4 is (or comprises) a bimetallic butterfly thermostat (not shown). A bimetallic butterfly thermostat is a temperature-sensitive device configured to automatically regulate temperature of the electric heater. It operates using a thermal circuit breaker controlled by a bimetallic strip. The bimetallic strip is made of two different metals bonded together. Due to the difference of thermal expansion properties (different coefficients of thermal expansion) between the two metals of the bimetallic strip, these metals expand at different rates when exposed to heat, causing the strip to bend (or move) in a predictable direction. As the temperature increases, the bimetallic strip curves due to the unequal expansion of its metal layers.

[0050] When the temperature to which the bimetallic strip is exposed reaches a preset threshold, the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the two metals causes the metal strip to deform to varying degrees, thereby causing the thermal circuit breaker to break a circuit to prevent overheating in the electric heater. In case the temperature reaches the preset maximum threshold, the thermal circuit breaker thus switches to an open state that breaks the contact. In this manner, overheating can be advantageously prevented, thus improving security and reliability of the system.

[0051] As the temperature decreases, the bimetallic strip returns to its original shape, allowing the thermal circuit breaker to close and return to its normal state, thereby restoring normal operation of the heat generators. The bimetallic butterfly thermostat is particularly adapted to continuously operating devices such as the electric heater 1, as it restores functionality when the temperature drops.

[0052] As illustrated in particular in figures 1 to 2, when the electric heater 1 is in operation, air from outside enters into the casing cavity 10 through the air inlet 101 positioned at the bottom of the casing 9 and the resulting airflow circulates upward through and / or nearby the heat generators 2. By flowing from the bottom up, air can move successively through and / or nearby each heat generator 2 arranged along the vertical direction within the casing cavity 10. The heat generators 2 produce heat by infrared radiation, this heat being transferred to the surrounding environment within the cavity 10. In particular, heat produced by the non-luminous heating element 21 of a given heat generator 2 can be transferred to the radiation section 22 and convection section 23 of said heat generator 2. Heat is also transferred to the air while flowing through and nearby the heat generators 2. The heated air is then discharged (or evacuated) out of the cavity 10 through the air outlet 102 positioned at the top of the casing 9 and spreads out outside the electric heart 1, thereby conveying heat from the heat generators 2 to the outside environment of the electric heater 1.

[0053] The radiation section 22 of each heat generator 2 is configured to conduct the heat generated by the respective non-luminous heating element 21 in the direction along which extend the radiation section 22 of said heat generator 2. Likewise, the convection section 23 of each heat generator 2 is configured to conduct the heat generated by the respective non-luminous heating element 21 in the direction along which extend the convection section 23 of said heat generator 2. By combining these two modes of heat conduction into a heat generator 2, it is advantageously possible to make full use of the advantages of the two.

[0054] On the one hand, the far-infrared radiation heating is realised through the radiation part 22, which directly acts on the surface of the human body or objects, improving the pertinence and efficiency of the heating, allowing the whole surrounding (e.g. a room) to be heated uniformly and avoiding the problem of overheating or uneven heating at a single point. On the other hand, the design of the convection part 23 advantageously promotes the natural convection of the warm air in the holding cavity 10, so that the heat is more uniformly distributed in the whole surrounding (e.g. in a room) and the heating effect can be improved.

[0055] Further, as discussed earlier, each heat generator 2 comprises a non-luminous heating element 21, which preferably produces no (or little) visible light during the heating process. The non-luminous heating element 21 cooperates with the radiation section 22 and the convection section 23 of the heat generator 2 to transfer heat to the surrounding environment or object within the cavity 10, by thermal radiation, thermal conduction and thermal convection. The heat generated by the non-luminous heating element 21 of a given heat generator 2 can be transferred to the associated radiation section 22 and convection section 23.

[0056] The radiation section 22 is configured to transfer heat to the airflow circulating within the cavity 10 by thermal conduction while the convection section 23 is configured to transfer heat to the said airflow by air convection. In particular, the convection section 23 may use the natural convection of air for heat exchange.

[0057] By locating the air inlet 101 and air outlet 102 respectively at the bottom and top of the casing 12, the air flow path can be significantly improved. Cold air enters from the bottom, and after being heated by the heat generators 2, hot air naturally rises and is discharged from the top, forming a smoother and more efficient air convection cycle. This design not only improves heating efficiency, but also makes heat distribution more even.

[0058] The particular arrangement of the electric heater 1 advantageously facilitates air circulation within the holding cavity 10 and heat transfer, such that the need for a fan to make air circulate (like in traditional electric heaters) is reduced, or even eliminated. In a particular example, the electric heater 1 comprises no fan, unlike conventional electric heaters. In another example, the electric heater 1 may comprise a fan but configured according to a low-noise design (for instance a smaller or less powerful fan than in traditional heaters).

[0059] By reducing or even illuminating the need for a fan to promote airflow within the cavity 10, the noise during use of the electric heater 1 can be significantly reduced, thereby significantly improving user experience. For situations where the heater needs to be used in a quiet environment (e.g., bedrooms, libraries, etc.), this is particularly important, and the comfort level can be significantly improved. The convection section 23 uses the natural convection of air for heat exchange, without the problem of non-uniform heating, this phenomenon resulting in the air being warm near the instrument but cold when away from it.

[0060] The present invention is also advantageous in that it presents high safety performances. There is no noise in operation and there's no sense of wind, providing user with a quiet and comfortable experience. In conclusion, the invention has the advantages of limiting the sound generated in use, of limiting or eliminating visible light emission outside the electric heater, and good thermal performances, in particular fast heat conversion, rapid warming, good infrared emission, and far distance of heat radiation. The problems of reddish light emitting when used at night or hidden safety hazards can be advantageously solved.

[0061] The present invention thus significantly improves the safety, comfort, heating efficiency, energy saving and aesthetics of the electric heater, in particular thanks to the use of particular heat generators which provide users with a more high-quality and efficient heating experience.

[0062] In a particular example, the non-luminous heating element 21 may be a ceramic heating tube or a carbon fibre heating tube.

[0063] In a particular example shown in the figures, the casing 9 comprises a front casing (or front casing portion) 11 and a rear casing (or rear casing portion) 12. The front casing 11 and the rear casing 12 are connected or attached together to form the casing 9. The air inlet 101 and the air outlet 102 are positioned respectively at the bottom and top of the rear casing 12.

[0064] By locating the air inlet 101 and air outlet 102 at the bottom and top of the back shell 12, the air flow path can be significantly improved. Cold air enters from the bottom, and after being heated by the heat generators 2, hot air naturally rises and is discharged from the top, forming a smoother and more efficient air convection cycle. This design not only improves heating efficiency, but also makes heat distribution more even. By positioning the air inlet 101 and air outlet 102 directly below and above the heat generators 2 (and the heating elements 21), the thermal performances of the electric heater 1 can be improved. Since in the illustrated examples the heating elements are positioned inside the rear casing 12, the air inlet and outlet can be arranged respectively at the bottom and top of the rear casing 12, thereby improving the electric heater's performances.

[0065] The heat generators 2 may each be mounted (or attached) to the rear casing 12 by means of a respective mounting bracket 5 (figure 1). The mounting brackets 5 advantageously allow the heat generators to be efficiently attached to an internal surface of the rear casing 12 so that heat transfer and thermal performances can be maximised.

[0066] The radiation section 22 of each heat generator 2 may be proximate to the front casing 11 and the convective portion 23 may be proximate to the rear casing 12. In a particular example, the radiation section 22 and the convection section 23 are arranged relative to each other so that the radiation section 22 faces the front casing 11 while the convection section 23 faces the rear casing 12. As shown for instance in figure 2, this particular arrangement advantageously allows for increased thermal performances and use safety.

[0067] In particular, setting the radiating portion 22 close to the front casing 11 allows the far-infrared radiation to act more directly on the user or object in front of the electric heater, reducing heat dissipation or transfer paths, thereby increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of thermal radiation heating. This is particularly important for users who need to feel warmth quickly. Providing the convection part 23 close to the rear casing 12 allows for a better transfer of the heat generated by the heat generators 2 to the surrounding air and for a better discharge of this heated air outside the cavity 10 through the air outlet. At the same time, the back shell 12, as the back support structure of the electric heater 1, may advantageously provide additional protection for the convection section 23, preventing the user from directly contacting the high temperature parts, thus significantly increasing the safety of use.

[0068] In a particular example illustrated in figure 1, the heat generator 2 is mounted to the rear casing 12 by means of a mounting bracket 5. This specific design advantageously makes the installation and removal of the heat generator more convenient. When the heating body (heat generators 2) needs to be cleaned, repaired or replaced, the user can easily perform these operations without having to disassemble the entire electric heater.

[0069] In a particular example illustrated in the figures, the radiation section 22 of each heat generator 2 comprises two radiating fins 221 (or radiation fins, or tabulate radiating fins), namely an upper radiating fin 221a and a lower radiating fin 221b, which are oppositely arranged relative to each other in the vertical direction so that the upper radiating fin 221a extends upward (or substantially upward) from the non-luminous heat generating element 21 while the lower radiating fin 221b extends downward (or substantially downward) from the non-luminous heat generating element 21. In other words, the upper and lower radiating fins 221a and 221b both extending along the vertical direction but according to opposite orientations, where the upper fin radiating fin 221a points upward while the lower radiating fin 221b points downward. The upper and low radiating fins 221a and 221b are each connected to the non-luminous heat generating element 21.

[0070] The upper and lower parts 221a and 221b may for instance be symmetrically arranged relative to the longitudinal axis AX1 of the heating element 21. In other words, the radiation section 22 may comprise two tabulate radiating fins 221 symmetrically arranged as the upper and lower parts 221a and 221b.

[0071] In operation, the radiating fins 221 absorb thermal energy from the heating element 21 and redistributes it within the casing cavity 10.

[0072] The opposite arrangement of the upper and lower radiating fins 221 along the vertical direction advantageously promotes efficient thermal radiation and heat transfer within the cavity 10, thereby improving the thermal performances of the electric heater 1. The structure of the radiation section 22 of each heat generator 2 can advantageously increase the radiating area so that the far-infrared rays can be radiated more widely into the surrounding space. Heat dissipation and thermal efficiency can be significantly enhanced.

[0073] In particular, in the electric heater 1 where no forced air circulation is used (passive heating configuration), effective convection can be achieved by arranging the radiating fins 221 so that they extend in the vertical direction, thus parallel to the natural airflow from the air inlet 101 to the air outlet 102 within the cavity 10.

[0074] The radiating fins 221 of a heat generator 2 can have various configurations depending on the case. The radiating fins 221 may be structured according to a thin, elongated profile to allow efficient heat dissipation and thermal efficiency.

[0075] The radiating fins 221 may be made of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, which provides efficient heat transfer while maintaining a lightweight structure. In some examples, copper or steel may be used, depending on specific thermal and mechanical requirements.

[0076] In a particular example, the upper and lower radiating fins 221a and 221b are covered (totally or partially) with a graphite, or graphene, coating. This coating can attached to all, or only part thereof, of the surface of the radiating fins 221. The graphite or graphene coating, which is positioned on the surface of the radiating fins 221, can have excellent thermal conductivity and far-infrared radiation properties, in order to further improve the thermal radiation efficiency. As a result, the electric heater 1 is able to reach the set temperature in a shorter period of time and the heat is distributed more evenly, enhancing even further the heating effect and user experience.

[0077] It is worth stating that graphite and graphene, as highly efficient heat-conducting materials, are able to rapidly transfer the heat generated by the non-luminous heating element 21 to the radiating fins 221 and radiate it out through far-infrared rays. This highly efficient electrical heat conversion process reduces energy loss and improves the overall energy efficiency ratio of the electric heater. In the long run, it advantageously helps to reduce the user's heating costs and is consistent with the environmental concept of energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0078] In a particular example illustrated in figure 4, the radiating fins 221 (i.e. the upper and low radiating fins 221a and 221b) of each heat generator 2 are reinforced with reinforcing bars 2211 arranged on both sides of said radiating fins, said reinforcing bars 2211 extending, parallel to one another, along longitudinal directions (or the lengthwise direction) of the respective radiating fins 221. In other words, a plurality of reinforcement bars 2211 are provided so that they extend on both sides of the radiating fins 221, that is, parallel to the longitudinal axis AX1 of the heating element 21.

[0079] On the one hand, the reinforcement bars 2211 advantageously enhances the structural rigidity of the radiating fin 221, which, as a key component of heat generation and dissipation, can be subjected to a certain degree of thermal and mechanical stress. Therefore, the parallel and lengthwise extension of the reinforcement bars 2211 enables the radiating fin to resist deformation better and make it maintain a stable shape when subjected to stress. On the other hand, the presence of the reinforcing bars 2211 advantageously makes the overall structure of the radiating fin 221 more compact and orderly. Further, the particular arrangement of the reinforcing bars 2211 helps to guide the flow of air on the surface of the radiating fin 221, so that the heat can be more evenly radiated and distributed outwardly, which is equivalent to indirectly increasing the effective heat dissipation area of the radiating fin 221. In such way, the heat can be emitted to the surroundings more quickly.

[0080] In a particular example illustrated in the figures, the convection section 23 comprises two convecting fins (or convecting parts, or convection fins) 231, namely an upper convecting fin 231a and a lower convecting fin 231b oppositely arranged relative to each other in the vertical direction (or substantially along the vertical direction) so that the upper convecting fin 231a extends upward (or substantially upward) from the non-luminous heat generating element 21 while the lower convecting fin 231b extends downward (or substantially downward) from the non-luminous heat generating element 21 (figures 3-4). In other words, the upper and lower convecting fins 231a and 231b both extend along the vertical direction but according to opposite orientations, where the upper fin radiating fin 221a points upward while the lower radiating fin 221b points downward. The upper and lower convecting fins 231 are each connected to the non-luminous heat generating element 21.

[0081] The upper and lower convecting fins 231a and 231b may both extend along the vertical direction so that they are parallel to each other, or extend substantially along the vertical direction with some possible angle variations such that these fins 231a and 231a are not exactly parallel to each other but are nevertheless arranged according to substantially opposite orientations.

[0082] The upper and lower convecting fins 231a and 231b may for instance be symmetrically arranged relative to the longitudinal axis AX1 of the heating element 21. In other words, the radiation section 22 may comprise two tabulate radiating fins 221 symmetrically arranged as the upper and lower parts 221a and 221b. The convection section 23 may thus be designed as two convecting fins 231 symmetrically structured as upper and lower parts.

[0083] This particular arrangement of the convecting fins 231 advantageously increases the heat exchange area between the heat generators 2 and the air within the casing cavity 10, thereby allowing heat be transferred more efficiently to the surrounding environment. The vertical extension of the convecting fins 231 can also advantageously promote the rise of hot air and the replenishment of cold air within the cavity 10, thus forming a continuous thermal convection cycle which improved the thermal performances of the electric heater 1. This enhanced heat dissipation effect advantageously helps to reduce the temperature of the heat generators 2, to extend its service life and to reduce potential safety hazards that may be caused by overheating.

[0084] In a particular example shown in figures 3 and 4, the heat generators 2 are configured such that the convecting fins 231 are spaced apart from the radiating fins 221. These fins cooperate together to act on the air inside the holding cavity 10 to create a multi-dimensional heating effect. The radiating fin 221 directly heats objects and the human body in front of it through far-infrared radiation, while the convecting fin 231 evenly distributes heat throughout the room by promoting air convection. This combination heating method makes the heating effect of the electric heater more uniform and avoids localised overheating or overcooling.

[0085] In a particular example illustrated in figures, the convecting fins 231 (i.e. the upper and lower convecting fins 231a and 231b) each comprise a plurality of convecting holes 2311 distributed along respective longitudinal directions of said convecting fins, these convecting holes 2311 extending through the thickness of the convecting fins 231. The convecting holes 2311 thus form openings through the entire thickness of the convecting fins 231.

[0086] Various configurations of the convecting (or convection) holes 2311 can be contemplated. In a particular example, the convecting holes 2311 are spaced apart uniformly (or regularly) from each other along the respective longitudinal directions of the convecting fins 231. For instance, the convection holes 2311 may be equally spaced along the length of the convecting fins 231.

[0087] By arranging plural convection holes 2311 spaced equidistantly from each other along the length on the convecting fins 231, the circulation of air between the convecting fins 231 can be significantly improved. These convection holes 2311 enable the cold air to penetrate deeper into the interior of the convecting fins for a fuller heat exchange with the heat generated by the non-luminous heating element 21 of the given heat generator 2. Then the heated hot air subsequently rises rapidly through the convection holes 2311 and is discharged. This design not only improves the heat transfer efficiency, but also makes the air convection more uniform and rapid, thereby enhancing the heating effect of the electric heater.

[0088] In a particular example, each convecting hole 2311 is coupled (or combined) with a convection flap (or convection protrusion) 2312 extending from a side of said convecting hole 2311, said convection flap extending away from the radiating fin 221. The convecting flaps 2312 of the convecting fins 231 may be arranged parallel to one another.

[0089] Considering that each convecting fin 231 has a first face facing a radiating fin 221 and a second, opposite, face facing away from said radiating fin 221, the convection flaps 2312 can be arranged so that they extend from the second face of the convecting fin 231, away from the radiating fin 221 of the heat generator 2.

[0090] Such a design advantageously allows guiding the air flow more effectively. The convection flaps 2312, serving as a guiding structure for air flow, can efficiently guide the cold air entering the convecting fins 231 when passing through the convection holes 2311, so as to flow more smoothly along the length direction of the convecting fins and to exchange heat more fully with the heat generated by the non-luminous heat generating tube. This enhanced air guidance helps to improve heat transfer efficiency and heating effectiveness.

[0091] This particular design of the convection flaps 2312 not only enhances the convection effect of the air, but also further improves the uniformity of the heating. As the convection flap 2312 guides the air more evenly between the convecting fins 231, the heated air can also be discharged more evenly through the air outlet and spread throughout the room. This uniform heating avoids localised overheating or overcooling and improves user comfort level.

[0092] In a particular example, the convection flaps 2312 are parallel to one another which allows improving even further air guidance and thus heat transfer.

[0093] In a particular example, the vertical section of a heat generator 2 is in the shape of an X. In other words, the vertical section of a heat generator 2 may be arranged in a X-shape configuration, so that the radiation section 22 and convection section 23 form the respective legs of the X-shape configuration while the non-luminous heating element 21 corresponds to the intersecting centre of the X-shape configuration.

[0094] This particular X-shaped design advantageously allows the heat generators 2 to form more surface area in the vertical section, thus increasing the contact area with the air. This design facilitates faster heat transfer to the surrounding air and improves heat dissipation efficiency. The X-shaped structure may also form more convection channels inside, which promotes the natural convection of air and further enhances the heat dissipation effect.

[0095] In a particular example illustrated in the figures, the front case 11 comprises a plurality of heat dissipation holes 103 connecting the holding cavity 1 to the outside of the electric heater 1, these heat dissipation holes 103 being positioned in correspondence with (or in registration with) the radiation section 22 of each heat generator 2. Air may thus flow out of the cavity 10 through these holes 103.

[0096] The heat dissipation holes 103 advantageously allow the heat inside the cavity 10 to be dissipated more directly and quickly to the outside through the front casing 11, especially due to the positions of the heat dissipation holes 103 in correspondence with the respective positions of the radiating sections 22 of the heat generators 2. The heat generated by the radiating sections 22 can be directly discharged through the corresponding heat dissipation holes 103, thereby further improving the heat dissipation efficiency. This design helps to lower the temperature inside the electric heater, to extend the service life of the heat generator and to reduce the potential safety hazards that may be caused by overheating.

[0097] As illustrated in the figures, the far infrared rays generated by the radiating section 22 are able to irradiate the area around the heat dissipating holes 103 more directly by having the heat dissipating holes 103 corresponding to the respective positions of the radiating sections 22. This design helps to reduce the loss of heat in the transfer process, making the heating effect more even. The arrangement of the heat dissipation holes 103 can also be adjusted according to the actual layout of the room and the heating demand, so as to achieve the best heating effect.

[0098] As previously indicated, the number of heat generators 2 provided in the cavity 10 can be adapted depending on each case. In a particular example shown in figures 1 and 2, the electric heaters comprises (or has) two, so-called upper and lower, heat generators 2 arranged vertically relative to each other so that the upper heat generator is positioned above the lower heat generator.

[0099] In a particular example illustrated in figures 1 and 2, two support feet 62 are detachably arranged (or positioned) at the bottom of the casing 1.

[0100] Each support foot 62 may comprise a foot bracket 61 and a foot 62. The foot bracket 61 comprises a vertical mounting part 611 and a horizontal mounting part 612 mounted perpendicular to each other. For instance, the vertical mounting part 611 is mounted and connected to the back bottom of the casing 9 (e.g. on an outer side of the rear casing 12) while the horizontal mounting part 612 is mounted and connected at the top of the respective foot 62.

[0101] A solid support structure may be formed by means of a vertical mounting part 611 of the foot bracket 61 being mounted and connected to the outer side of the rear shell 12 while a horizontal mounting part 612 being mounted and connected to the top of the foot 62. This particular design advantageously makes the electric heater more stable and less likely to tip over when placed, thereby improving the safety of use. The bottom foot 62 can be designed as a component with an anti-slip function, such as a rubber mat, which further enhances the stability of the electric heater on the ground and prevents slipping or tipping due to slippery or uneven ground.

[0102] In a particular example, the back of the casing 9 is equipped with a wall mounting bracket 7. In other words, a wall mounting bracket 7 may be arranged at the back of the casing 1, to allow easy positioning of the electric heater 1 on a supporting surface such as a wall of a room.

[0103] A plurality of mounting holes may be arranged on the wall mounting bracket 7, through which the electric heater 1 can be mounted on a wall or other places where it needs to be fixed and installed. Specifically, the electric heater 1 can be mounted and secured to the wall by opening a suitable mounting hole in the wall and using an anchoring structure such as a nut and screw. By mounting the electric heater 1 on the wall instead of placing it on the floor, the occupied space can be reduced.

[0104] The present invention is described above in connection with specific embodiments for illustrative purpose only. These descriptions are only intended to explain the principles of the invention, and are not to be construed in any way as a limitation of the scope of protection of the invention. Based on the explanations herein, a person skilled in the field will not need to make creative efforts to associate other specific implementations of the invention, which will all fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An electric heater (1) comprising a casing (9) forming a casing cavity (10), a plurality of heat generators (2) and a control assembly (3), wherein the casing comprises an air inlet (101) positioned at the bottom of said casing and an air outlet (102) positioned at the top of said casing, said air inlet (101) and air outlet (102) being connected to the casing cavity (10), wherein the heat generators (2) are arranged along a vertical direction within the casing cavity (10), said heat generators (2) each comprising a non-luminous heating element (21), a radiation section (22) and a convection section (23), said radiation section (22) and convection section (23) both extending upward and downward from the non-luminous heating element (21), and wherein the heat generators (2) are controlled by the control assembly (3).

2. The electric heater according to claim 1, wherein the casing (9) comprises a front casing (11) and a rear casing (12), the air inlet (101) and air outlet (102) being positioned respectively at the bottom and top of said rear casing (12), wherein the heat generators (2) are each mounted on the rear casing (12) by means of a respective mounting bracket (5), wherein the radiation section (22) and the convection section (23) are arranged relative to each other so that the radiation section (22) faces the front casing (11) while the convection section (23) faces the rear casing (12).

3. The electric heater according to claim 2, wherein the front casing (11) comprises a plurality of heat dissipation holes (103) connecting the holding cavity (10) to the outside of said electric heater, said heat dissipation holes (103) being positioned in correspondence with the radiation section (22) of each heat generator (2).

4. The electric heater according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radiation section (22) comprises an upper radiating fin and a lower radiating fin (221a; 221b) oppositely arranged relative to each other in the vertical direction so that the upper radiating fin extends substantially upward from the non-luminous heat generating element (21) while the lower radiating fin extends substantially downward from the non-luminous heat generating element (21), wherein said upper and low radiating fins (221) are each connected to the non-luminous heat generating element (21).

5. The electric heater according to claim 4, wherein the upper and low radiating fins (221) are covered with a graphite, or graphene, coating.

6. The electric heater according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the upper and lower radiating fins (221) are reinforced with reinforcing bars (2211) arranged on both sides of said radiating fins, said reinforcing bars (2211) extending, parallel to one another, along longitudinal directions of the respective radiating fins (221).

7. The electric heater according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the convection section (23) comprises an upper convecting fin (231a) and a lower convecting fin (231b) oppositely arranged relative to each other in the vertical direction so that the upper convecting fin extends substantially upward from the non-luminous heat generating element while the lower convecting fin extends substantially downward from the non-luminous heat generating element, said upper and lower convecting fins (231) being each connected to the non-luminous heat generating element (21).

8. The electric heater according to claim 7, wherein the upper and lower convecting fins (231) each comprise a plurality of convecting holes (2311) distributed along respective longitudinal directions of said convecting fins, said convecting holes (2311) extending through the thickness of the convecting fins (231).

9. The electric heater according to claim 8, wherein the convecting holes (2311) are spaced apart uniformly from each other along the respective longitudinal directions of the convecting fins.

10. The electric heater according to claim 8 or 9, wherein each convecting hole (2311) is coupled with a convection flap (2312) extending from a side of said convecting hole, said convection flap extending away from the radiating fin (221), the convecting flaps (2312) of said convecting fins (231) being arranged parallel to one another.

11. The electric heater according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical section of the heat generators (2) is arranged in a X-shape configuration, so that the radiation section (22) and convection section (23) form the respective legs of the X-shape configuration while the non-luminous heating element (21) corresponds to the intersecting centre of the X-shape configuration.

12. The electric heater according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two, so-called upper and lower, heat generators (2) arranged vertically relative to each other so that the upper heat generator is positioned above the lower heat generator.

13. The electric heater according to claim 12, wherein two supporting feet (62) are detachably arranged at the bottom of the casing (9), wherein each supporting foot comprises a foot bracket (61) and a foot (62), said foot bracket (61) comprising a vertical mounting part (611) and a horizontal mounting part (612) mounted perpendicular to each other, said vertical mounting part (611) being mounted and connected at the back bottom of the casing (9) while the horizontal mounting part (612) is mounted and connected at the top of the respective foot (62).

14. The electric heater (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a wall mounting bracket (7) arranged at the back of the casing (1).

15. The electric heater (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a thermal protection assembly (4) to which the heat generators (2) are connected.

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