THERMISTOR HEATING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE

Abstract

A thermistor heating device for a vehicle comprises a thermally conductive flat tube (100) and a PTC thermistor component (200) corresponding to the thermally conductive flat tube (100). Two sides of the thermally conductive flat tube (100) are respectively arranged with a planar wall (110), and two side edges of the thermally conductive flat tube (100) are respectively arranged with an arcuate wall (120). The PTC thermistor component (200) is inserted into the thermally conductive flat tube (100), and is fixed to each respective planar wall (110) of the thermally conductive flat tube (100). Two respective sides of the thermally conductive flat tube (100) are arranged with a fin assembly (300), and each planar wall (110) is fixed to the adjacent fin assembly (300). Figure for abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: THERMISTOR HEATING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE

[0001] CONTEXT OF THE DISCLOSURE Technical field

[0002] The technical field relates to a heating device with a positive thermal coefficient (PTC in English), and more particularly relates to a thermistor heating device for a vehicle.

[0003] Description of the related prior art

[0004] In the related prior art, a PTC heater generally comprises a plurality of thermally conductive rectangular tubes, each having a PTC thermistor and being connected to a plurality of respective fin assemblies, so that heat generated by the PTC thermistor in an electrical connection can be dissipated by means of the fin assemblies. The heat exchange area of ​​the fins of the PTC heater is related to the heat exchange efficiency and the volume of the PTC thermistor is also related to the heating power. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the overall volume and weight while maintaining a specific heating power, and the PTC heaters used in vehicles according to the related prior art occupy a considerable volume and weight of the vehicle body.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the inventor proposes the present disclosure based on his expert knowledge and elaborate research, with a view to overcoming the problems of the related prior art.

[0006] SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0007] The invention provides a thermistor heating device for a vehicle comprising a thermally conductive flat tube and a PTC thermistor component corresponding to the thermally conductive flat tube. Two sides of the thermally conductive flat tube are respectively arranged with a planar wall, and two side edges of the thermally conductive flat tube are respectively arranged with an arcuate wall. The PTC thermistor component is inserted into the thermally conductive flat tube, and is respectively fixed to two sides of each planar wall of the thermally conductive flat tube. Two sides of the thermally conductive flat tube are respectively arranged with a fin assembly, and each planar wall is fixed to the adjacent fin assembly.

[0008] Particularly, according to the invention, the thermistor heater for a vehicle comprises a thermally conductive flat tube, having a flat wall arranged on two of its sides respectively and an arcuate wall arranged on two side edges respectively; and a positive thermal coefficient (PTC) thermistor component, correspondingly inserted into the thermally conductive flat tube, attached to the planar wall of the thermally conductive flat tube, comprising a fin assembly attached to two sides of the thermally conductive flat tube respectively, and the planar wall being attached to an adjacent fin assembly.

[0009] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, each fin assembly projects from a side edge of the attached planar wall. An end edge of each planar wall projects from the attached fin assembly. The thickness of each planar wall is in a range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. The thickness of each planar wall is in a range of 0.35 mm to 0.45 mm. The thickness of each thermally conductive flat tube is substantially equal to 0.4 mm. Each PTC thermistor component is arranged to project from two ends of the corresponding thermally conductive flat tube.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each PTC thermistor component comprises a pair of electrode plates and at least one ceramic resistor, and the ceramic resistor is clamped between the electrode plates, and each electrode plate is arranged to protrude from one end of the corresponding thermally conductive flat tube. Each PTC thermistor component further comprises an insulating layer covering the electrode plate and the ceramic resistor. The insulating layer is a polyimide film or an aluminum oxide plate.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermistor heater for a vehicle comprises a plurality of thermally conductive flat tubes and a plurality of PTC thermistor components corresponding to the respective thermally conductive flat tubes, and each PTC thermistor component is inserted into the thermally conductive flat tube and is attached to each corresponding planar wall of the conductive flat tube.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the thermistor heating device for a vehicle comprises a plurality of fin assemblies, and the thermally conductive flat tubes and the fin assemblies are arranged side by side and alternately with each other, and each planar wall is fixed to the adjacent fin assembly.

[0013] In the present invention, two side edges of the thermally conductive flat tube are each arranged with an arcuate wall, and the structure of the thermally conductive flat tube is fabricated into a smaller rectangular tube having a minimal thickness, so that this invention can effectively reduce the overall volume and weight of the vehicle thermistor heater.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, each PTC thermistor component further comprises an insulating layer covering the pair of electrode plates and the ceramic resistor.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the insulating layer is a polyimide film or an aluminum oxide plate.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermistor heater further comprises a plurality of flat heat-conducting tubes and a plurality of PTC thermistor components respectively corresponding to the flat heat-conducting tubes, and each PTC thermistor component is inserted into each flat heat-conducting tube and fixed to the planar wall of each flat heat-conducting tube.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermistor heater for a vehicle further comprises a plurality of fin assemblies, and the thermally conductive flat tubes and the fin assemblies are arranged side by side and alternately with each other, and the planar wall is attached to an adjacent fin assembly.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, each fin assembly is arranged to project from a lateral edge of the flat wall being fixed.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, an edge of the flat wall projects from the fin assembly being fixed.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the thickness of each flat wall is between 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the thickness of each flat wall is between 0.35 mm and 0.45 mm.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the thickness of each thermally conductive flat tube is substantially equal to 0.4 mm.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, each PTC thermistor component protrudes from two ends of the flat thermally conductive tube in a corresponding manner.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, each PTC thermistor component comprises a pair of electrode plates and at least one ceramic resistor, the ceramic resistor is clamped between the electrode plates, and each electrode plate is arranged protruding from one end of the thermally conductive flat tube. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] [Fig.2] is a partial, enlarged view of [Fig.l];

[0027] [Fig. 3] is a cross-sectional view of a thermo-heating device distance for vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] [Fig.4] is an exploded view of a PTC thermistor component in a A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0029] [Fig.5], [Fig.6] and [Fig.7] are schematic views showing the mode assembling a thermally conductive flat tube and a PTC thermistor component into a thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 and 6 for a vehicle thermistor heater according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is apparent that the vehicle thermistor heater in the simplest embodiment comprises a thermally conductive flat tube 100 and a PTC thermistor component 200 corresponding to the thermally conductive flat tube 100, and two sides are respectively arranged with a fin assembly 300. In this embodiment, the vehicle thermistor heater comprises a plurality of thermally conductive flat tubes 100, a plurality of PTC thermistor components 200 corresponding respectively to the thermally conductive flat tubes 100 and a plurality of fin assemblies 300.

[0031] In this embodiment, the thermally conductive flat tube 100 is made of aluminum, but it can also be made of copper, and two sides of the thermally conductive flat tube 100 are respectively arranged with a planar wall 110, and two side edges of the thermally conductive flat tube 100 are respectively arranged with an arcuate wall 120.

[0032] The PTC thermistor components 200 are arranged in correspondence with the thermally conductive flat tubes 100 respectively. Specifically, each PTC thermistor component 200 is inserted into the corresponding thermally conductive flat tube 100. Each PTC thermistor component 200 is respectively fixed on the inner side of each planar wall 110 of the thermally conductive flat tube 100 and thermally coupled to the thermally conductive flat tube 100. Each PTC thermistor component 200 protrudes from two ends of the corresponding thermally conductive flat tube 100.

[0033] Each PTC 200 thermistor component comprises a pair of plates electrode plates 210a, 210b or 210a, 210c and at least one ceramic resistor 220, and at least one ceramic resistor 220 is clamped between the electrode plates 210a, 210b or 210a, 210c and is electrically connected to each electrode plate 210a / 210b / 210c, and each electrode plate 210a / 210b / 210c protrudes from one end of the corresponding thermally conductive flat tube 100 for connecting an external electric current source. In this embodiment, a plurality of ceramic resistors 220 is provided, but the invention is not limited thereto.In this embodiment, two sets of ceramic resistors 220 and three electrode plates 210a / 210b / 210c are included in a single PTC thermistor component 200, and each set of ceramic resistors 220 comprises three ceramic resistors 220, and one of the electrode plates 210a is electrically connected to two sets of ceramic resistors 220, and the other two electrode plates 210b / 210c are electrically connected to each set of ceramic resistors 220 to correspond to the above-mentioned configuration of having a single electrode plate 210a enclosing each set of ceramic resistors 220. Each PTC thermistor component 200 further comprises an insulating layer 230 covering the electrode plates 210a / 210b / 210c and the ceramic resistor 220.In this embodiment, each electrode plate 210a / 210b / 210c is made of aluminum, but it can also be made of copper, and the insulating layer 230 is a polyamide (Kapton) film or an aluminum oxide ceramic substrate.

[0034] In this embodiment, each fin assembly 300 is made of aluminum, but it can also be made of copper. The thermally conductive flat tubes 100 and the fin assemblies 300 are arranged side by side and alternating with each other, and an outer side of each planar wall 110 is attached to the adjacent fin assembly 300. Each fin assembly 300 protrudes from a side edge of the attached planar wall 110, and an end edge of each planar wall 110 protrudes from the attached fin assembly 300. The fin assembly 300 and the thermally conductive flat tube 100 can be connected by vacuum brazing. In this way, the fin assemblies 300 and the thermally conductive flat tubes 100 are connected as a group to form a plurality of modules. Each planar wall 110 has a thickness in a range from 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm.In this embodiment, each planar wall 110 has a thickness in a range of 0.35 mm to 0.45 mm. More specifically, the thermally conductive flat tube 100 of this embodiment has a thickness approximately equal to 0.4 mm.

[0035] In Figures 5 to 6, each of the PTC 200 thermistor components is coated with thermal paste and then placed in the thermally conductive flat tube. 100, and each planar wall 110 is attached to the PTC thermistor component 200, and then the planar wall 110 is pressed and electrically connected to adhere the thermal paste to each element and tightly clamp the thermally conductive flat tube 100 to the PTC thermistor component 200.

[0036] In [Fig.7], the vehicle thermistor heater is pressed the along the stacking direction of the thermally conductive flat tube 100 and the PTC thermistor 200 to intimately combine each element of the vehicle thermistor heater. The fins of the fin assembly 300 have a thickness of between 0.08 mm and 0.12 mm, and the structural strength of the fin assembly 300 is greater than the pressure limit of the thermally conductive flat tube 100 to avoid damage to the fin assembly 300 during the pressing process.

[0037] In a general rectangular tube produced by extrusion, the minimum wall thickness of the tube that can be manufactured is from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, but the two side edges of the thermally conductive flat tube 100 of the present disclosure are respectively arranged with the arcuate wall 120, so that its structure can have a smaller minimum tube wall thickness than that of the rectangular tube, so that the thickness of each plane wall 110 of the present disclosure is in a range of from 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, and the present invention can effectively reduce the overall volume and weight of the vehicle thermistor heater. In addition, the side edge of the thermally conductive flat tube 100 arranged with the arcuate wall 120 also has a larger heat exchange area than that of the rectangular tube, with the condition of having the same thickness.

[0038] Although the present disclosure has been made with reference to particular embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention set forth in the claims.

Claims

Claims

1. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a thermally conductive flat tube (100), having a planar wall (110) arranged on two of its sides respectively and an arcuate wall (120) arranged on two side edges respectively; and a positive thermal coefficient (PTC) thermistor component (200), correspondingly inserted into the thermally conductive flat tube (100), fixed to the planar wall (110) of the thermally conductive flat tube (100), comprising a fin assembly (300) fixed to two sides of the thermally conductive flat tube (100) respectively, and the planar wall (110) being fixed to an adjacent fin assembly (300).

2. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermally conductive flat tube (100) has a thickness substantially equal to 0.4 mm.

3. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that each PTC thermistor component (200) is arranged to protrude from two respective ends of the thermally conductive flat tube (100).

4. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the PTC thermistor component (200) comprises a pair of electrode plates (210a, 210b or 210a, 210c) and at least one ceramic resistor (220), and the ceramic resistor (220) is clamped between the electrode plates (210a, 210b or 210a, 210c), and each electrode plate (210a, 210b, 210c) is arranged to protrude from one end of the thermally conductive flat tube (100).

5. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the PTC thermistor component (200) further comprises an insulating layer (230) covering the pair of electrode plates (210a, 210b or 210a, 210c) and the ceramic resistor (220).

6. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the insulating layer (230) is a polyimide film or an aluminum oxide plate.

7. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of flat heat-conducting tubes (100) and a plurality of PTC thermistor components (200) corresponding to the respective flat heat-conducting tubes (100), and each PTC thermistor component (200) is inserted into each flat heat-conducting tube (100) and fixed to the flat wall (110) of each flat heat-conducting tube (100).

8. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of fin assemblies (300), and the thermally conductive flat tubes (100) and the fin assemblies (300) are arranged side by side and alternately with each other, and the flat wall (110) is fixed to an adjacent fin assembly (300).

9. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that each fin assembly (300) is arranged projecting from a side edge of the planar wall (110) which is fixed.

10. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that an edge of the flat wall (110) projects from the fin assembly (300) which is fixed.

11. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that the thickness of each flat wall (110) is between 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm.

12. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that the thickness of each flat wall (110) is between 0.35 mm and 0.45 mm.

13. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that the thickness of each thermally conductive flat tube (100) is substantially equal to 0.4 mm.

14. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that each PTC thermistor component (200) protrudes from two ends of the flat heat-conducting tube (100) correspondingly.

15. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that each PTC thermistor component (200) comprises a pair of electrode plates (210a, 210b or 210a, 210c) and at least one ceramic resistor (220), the ceramic resistor (220) is clamped between the electrode plates (210a, 210b or 210a, 210c), and each electrode plate electrode (210a, 210b, 210c) is arranged protruding from one end of the thermally conductive flat tube (100).

16. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 15, characterized in that each PTC thermistor component (200) further comprises an insulating layer (230) covering the pair of electrode plates (210a, 210b or 210a, 210c) and the ceramic resistor (220).

17. A thermistor heating device for a vehicle according to claim 15, characterized in that the insulating layer (230) is a polyimide film or an aluminum oxide plate.

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