ELECTRIC FLUID HEATING DEVICE

Abstract

An electric fluid heating device (10) comprising a housing having a one-piece main body (12) extruded along an extrusion direction (X), the main body (12) defining a housing (14) suitable for receiving the fluid to be heated, said device (10) comprising at least one heating element (16) extending into said housing (14) so ​​as to allow circulation of the fluid in said housing (14) between said heating element (16) and the walls of said main body (12), said heating element (16) housing at least one electric heating element (18). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: ELECTRIC HEATING DEVICE FOR A FLUID Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an electric heating device for a fluid, in particular an electric heating device intended for a motor vehicle. Technical background

[0002] Electric fluid heating devices are used in the automotive industry to heat a fluid used, for example, for passenger compartment heating or other applications. Electric fluid heating devices comprising a housing with a body delimiting a chamber for circulating the fluid to be heated are known in this context. The fluid is, in particular, a heat transfer fluid, such as a mixture of water and glycol.

[0003] It is known to produce the body by assembling welded sheets, particularly stamped ones. This design has the advantage of being less material-intensive compared to previous designs with thick cast bodies. However, it is less resistant because the heat transfer fluid, when heated, is likely to exert high pressure on the body walls, which, in the case of a welded sheet assembly, may deform.

[0004] There is therefore a real need for a heating device whose housing has a rigid body, is simple to manufacture, can be obtained at a reduced cost, and is capable of easily housing the heating element with satisfactory sealing. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention satisfies this need by proposing an electric heating device for a fluid comprising a housing with a body having intrinsic characteristics of high rigidity, further stiffened by a suitable mounting of the heating element.

[0006] To this end, the invention proposes an electric heating device for a fluid comprising a housing having a monobloc main body defining a housing, the main body being in particular a section of profile extruded along an extrusion direction (X), said device comprising at least one heating element extending into said housing so as to allow circulation of the fluid in said housing between said heating element and walls of said main body, said heating element housing at least one electric heating element.

[0007] The configuration of the device in the form of an assembly of a main body of a one-piece housing and at least one heating element makes it possible to have a structure simple, economical and maintaining satisfactory robustness through the combined rigidity of the one-piece body and the heating element(s) compared to a stamped housing structure, while being lighter compared to a fully extruded structure.

[0008] According to various additional features of the invention, which may be taken together or separately and which constitute so many embodiments of the invention:

[0009] - the heating element is fixed to said main body,

[0010] - the main body comprises two chambers extending in the direction extrusion,

[0011] - the heating element is a heating tube,

[0012] - the electric heating element is arranged in the heating body to be in heat exchange relationship with said fluid through said tube,

[0013] - the accommodation may include several bedrooms, for example two, three, four, five or six bedrooms,

[0014] - the heating element(s) are welded or brazed to the main body,

[0015] - the heating element(s) pass through the housing between two opposite walls of the main body,

[0016] - the main body includes openings, called lateral openings, to allow the or the heating elements open through said main body via longitudinal ends of said heating element(s),

[0017] - said lateral openings are machined in said main body,

[0018] - the heating element(s) are configured to be inserted into the body main access via the aforementioned side openings,

[0019] - the main body is a section of profile extruded longitudinally along a extrusion direction,

[0020] - the main body has two open ends, depending on the extrusion direction,

[0021] - the main body is a section of profile with a substantially polygonal cross-section, particularly roughly rectangular

[0022] - the heating element(s) extend(s) along a first direction (Y) perpendicular to said extrusion direction (X),

[0023] - said main body has openings, called longitudinal, on both sides of said main body according to said extrusion direction,

[0024] - the heating element(s) are configured to be inserted into the body principally through said longitudinal openings,

[0025] - each heating element is arranged with clearance relative to the first two walls opposite longitudinal sections of the profile segment or main body, said clearance being arranged along a second direction which is perpendicular to the extrusion direction and to the first direction, to delimit two fluid circulation passages on either side of the said heating element(s),

[0026] - the heating element(s) have two large opposing flat faces,

[0027] - each passageway is delimited between one of the first walls longitudinal sections of the profile or main body and one of the large flat faces of the heating element(s),

[0028] - turbulators are arranged in each traffic passage,

[0029] - these turbulators can be fixed or integrated into the heating element,

[0030] - the profile section has a substantially polygonal cross-section, in particular roughly rectangular

[0031] - the tube(s) have a substantially polygonal cross-section, in particular substantially rectangular,

[0032] - each heating element extends between two second longitudinal walls of the main bodies which are opposite along the first direction Y,

[0033] - the two second longitudinal walls may in particular be two walls of edge of the extruded profile, the two ends of said at least one heating element coming into contact respectively with each second longitudinal wall,

[0034] - the two ends of said at least one heating element are fixed to each second longitudinal wall,

[0035] - the heating element(s) are fixed in a hermetic manner to the two second walls longitudinals of the main body which are opposite along the first direction,

[0036] - the second walls are two edge walls of the main body,

[0037] - the main body comprises several stages of fluid circulation extending each in the direction of extrusion, the main body comprising, between two consecutive stages, a separation wall integrated into the extruded main body, the separation wall being notably parallel to the first walls, and each stage being configured to receive at least one heating element, each separation wall separating two stages of fluid circulation.

[0038] - the two second walls are at least an edge wall of the main body and a transverse partition, in particular parallel to said edge wall, said transverse partition extending longitudinally along at least part of a length of the main body in the direction of extrusion and which delimits two chambers, in particular side by side, inside the main body,

[0039] - the tube(s) are welded or brazed to said second walls,

[0040] - the heating element(s) pass through at least one of said second walls,

[0041] - the heating element(s) are flush with at least one surface of said second walls,

[0042] - the main body includes elements for retaining said at least one body of heating, the retaining elements extending in the extrusion direction (X) so as to allow the installation of said at least heating element by sliding it along the retaining elements (48),

[0043] - the retaining elements extend along the second longitudinal walls,

[0044] the retaining elements are adjacent to the second longitudinal walls,

[0045] - in other words, support ribs for the heating elements protrude from the second walls, and extend along the direction of extrusion,

[0046] - these retaining elements thus form rails on which the heating elements they slide during their insertion into the main body

[0047] - at least one of the second walls is machined to be traversed by the body of heated,

[0048] - the main body further comprises a longitudinal partition, parallel to the first walls, the said longitudinal partition delimiting two rooms, said to be superimposed, inside the main body,

[0049] - the longitudinal partition is extruded,

[0050] - the electric heating device comprises at least one of said heating elements on each side of the longitudinal partition,

[0051] - the main body extends, in the extrusion direction X, between a first open ends and a second open end, said main body comprising at least two circulation chambers-

[0052] - the heating device comprises at least one first cover which is attached from in a watertight manner at the first open end of the main body, the first hood having a fluid inlet / outlet port

[0053] - the dwelling comprises at least two adjoining bedrooms,

[0054] - said electric heating device comprises at least one second cover which is attached in a sealed manner to the opposite open end of the main body,

[0055] - the second hood has a concave return wall putting in communication said at least two neighboring rooms.

[0056] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an electric heating device as described above, comprising the steps of:

[0057] i) extrude a profile along an extrusion direction, the profile having an extruded housing,

[0058] ii) cutting, along the extrusion direction, the profile into a plurality of main bodies, each main body extending in the extrusion direction between a first open end and a second open end, the main body comprising a housing extending from the first open end to the second open end,

[0059] iii) to have at least one heating element in each main body defining a housing,

[0060] According to one embodiment of this process:

[0061] - it includes a preliminary step during which the one or more are performed side openings,

[0062] - during step iii) the heating element(s) are fixed internally to a around said side opening(s).

[0063] According to one embodiment of this process:

[0064] The main body comprises two chambers extending in the extrusion direction, the process further comprising the step:

[0065] iiii) fix a first hood to the first open end of the main body, the first hood being provided with at least one inlet / outlet port, and fix a second hood to the second open end of the main body, the second hood being provided with at least one concave return wall connecting two adjacent chambers of the main body. Brief description of the figures

[0066] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent in the course of the detailed explanatory description that follows, of at least one embodiment of the invention given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, among which:

[0067] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of an electric heating device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0068] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is another perspective view of the heating device electric according to [Fig.1] from which electric heating elements have been removed;

[0069] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a main body, tubes and turbulators of the electric heating device of the [Fig.1];

[0070] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view taken from [Fig.3];

[0071] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a perspective view of the bare main body of the device electric heating of figures 1 and 2;

[0072] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view taken from [Fig.5];

[0073] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a heating element, made under the in the form of a tube, and a turbulator of the electric heating device of the [Fig.1];

[0074] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of an electric heating element and of a spacer of the electric heating device of the [Fig.l];

[0075] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the tubes and turbulators of the device electric heating of the [Fig.l];

[0076] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the tubes, turbulators, heating elements and spacers of the electric heating device of [Fig. 1];

[0077] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a cross-sectional view illustrating the mounting of the tubes in the main body according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0078] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a cross-sectional view illustrating the mounting of the tubes in the main body according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0079] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a cross-sectional view illustrating the mounting of the tubes in the main body according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0080] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0081] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view of the bare main body of the electric heating device of an embodiment variant of Figures 1 and 2;

[0082] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a block diagram of a method for assembling a device according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0083] In the description that follows, identical reference numerals designate identical parts or parts having similar functions.

[0084] Figure 1 shows an electric fluid heating device 10 made according to the invention. The device 10, and its components will be described with reference to the directions of the trihedral axis "X, Y, Z" where "X" designates a longitudinal direction, "Y" designates a first transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction "X", and "Z" designates a second transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction "X".

[0085] The electric heating device 10 comprises a housing 11 with a one-piece main body 12 in a generally longitudinal direction X defining a cavity 14. In Figures 5, 6, 11, and 12, which detail the main body 12 according to first and second embodiments of the invention, the cavity 14 is divided horizontally so that the main body 12 has two chambers 14a, 14b, referred to as superimposed or two-story chambers. In [Fig. 14], which details the main body 12 according to another embodiment of the invention, the cavity 14 is divided vertically so that the main body 12 has two chambers, not visible, referred to as side-by-side chambers. In [Fig. 13], which details the main body 12 according to a third embodiment of the invention, the cavity 14 is divided horizontally and vertically so that the main body 12 has four chambers 14a-14d.A first pair of chambers 14a, 14b is superimposed on a second pair of chambers 14c, 14d. In each pair, the chambers are side-by-side.

[0086] According to the invention, the device comprises at least one heating element, here made in the form of a tube 16 fixed to said main body 12 and located in said housing 14 so as to allow circulation of the fluid in said housing 14 between the tube 16 and the walls of the main body 12. Each tube 16 houses at least one electric heating element 18 in heat exchange relationship with the fluid circulating in the housing 14 through said tube 16.

[0087] The configuration of the device 10 according to a heating element structure, in particular tubes 16, and a one-piece main body 12 allows for a simple, economical structure that maintains satisfactory robustness due to the combined rigidity of the one-piece main body 12 and the heating element(s), in particular the tubes 16, compared to another structure, such as, for example, a stamped housing structure. This configuration is also lighter compared to a structure that would be entirely extruded.

[0088] For its watertight attachment to the main body 12, each tube 16 is welded or brazed to the main body 12, preferably at the longitudinal ends of each tube 16.

[0089] In the first embodiment of the invention which has been shown in figures 3, 4 and 6, each tube 16 is received inside the main body 12 and is welded or brazed to the walls 22 opposite transversely along the first direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, in particular to the inner faces 20 of these walls.

[0090] In the third and fourth embodiments of the invention which have been represented in figures 12 and 13, each tube 16 is introduced by passing through the main body 12 and in particular the walls 22 opposite transversely along the first direction Y, to which it is brazed, in particular so as to be flush with the outer surface of said main body 12, that is to say outside the walls 22.

[0091] In this case, in particular, as illustrated in figures 12 and 13, it will be understood that the main body 12 is machined to be traversed by the tube or tubes 16, each of the transversely opposed walls 22 of the main body 12 then having one or more openings 46, called lateral, machined and of a cross-section corresponding to that of the tube or tubes 16, in order to allow their passage.

[0092] In all illustrated embodiments of the invention, the one-piece main body 12 is a profile section that is extruded longitudinally along an extrusion direction corresponding to the general longitudinal direction X. This design is particularly advantageous because it allows the main body 12 to be manufactured using a simple and inexpensive process, and in particular to obtain a main body 12 whose walls are thick enough to withstand the significant pressure of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the housing 14. The profile section has two longitudinal ends 58 and 60 delimiting each an end opening 59, called longitudinal, for the passage of the fluid through the main body 12.

[0093] In all illustrated embodiments of the invention, the main body 12 includes one or more of said lateral openings 46, here machined, to allow the tube or tubes to open through said main body 12 by the longitudinal ends of said tube or tubes 16.

[0094] Without limiting the invention, the profile section 16 has a substantially polygonal cross-section, and in particular a substantially rectangular one. This configuration is not limiting of the invention, and the profile section may, alternatively, have any other cross-section that can be obtained by extrusion.

[0095] As can be seen in the figures, the tube(s) 16 are oriented along the first direction Y which is perpendicular to the extrusion direction X. Moreover, as illustrated more particularly in [Fig.4], the tube(s) 16 are arranged with a clearance J with respect to two first opposing longitudinal walls 24 of the profile section 12. This clearance J is arranged along a second direction Z which is perpendicular to the extrusion direction X and to the first direction Y, to delimit two fluid circulation passages 26 on either side of the said tube(s).

[0096] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each tube 16 has a substantially polygonal cross-section, and in particular a substantially rectangular cross-section. This configuration allows, in particular, the heating element 18, shown in Figures 1, 8, and 10, to be arranged in each tube 16. The heating element 18 is here shaped substantially like a plate and is received in each tube 16 by means of a spacer 28. Indeed, the heating element 18 is inserted into the spacer 28, and then the assembly formed by the spacer 28 and the heating element 18 is in turn inserted into the tube 16, as shown in Figures 1 and 10. As can be seen in Figures 7, 8, and 10, the spacer 28 advantageously has ribs 30, oriented along the first direction Y, which are received in complementary internal grooves 32 of the tube 16, in order to ensure the retention of the spacer 28 and the heating element 18.Advantageously, the spacer 28 is thermally conductive.

[0097] Advantageously, each tube 16 is also made by extrusion, which makes it possible to make the grooves 32 without special machining, directly during the extrusion of the tube(s) 16.

[0098] Preferably, the tube(s) 16 have two large opposing flat faces 38. This configuration has two advantages. Firstly, it gives the tube 16 a flattened rectangular cross-section suitable for housing the plate-shaped heating element 18. Secondly, it thus forms a large heat exchange surface with the fluid circulating in the passages 26 around the tube 16, since each circulation passage 26 is therefore delimited between one of the first longitudinal walls 24 of the profile section 12 and one of the large flat faces 38 of the tube(s) 16. Finally, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 3, 4, 7, 9 and 10, turbulators 40 are arranged in each passage 26 of circulation between one of the first longitudinal walls 24 of the profile section 12 and one of the large flat faces 38 of the tube(s) 16. These turbulators 40 are, for example, made in the form of a corrugated metal grid, shown in [Fig. 7], which is welded to each large flat face 38 of each tube 16 before the latter is mounted in the housing 14.The turbulators 40 both create disturbances in the heat transfer fluid at the level of the tubes 16 in order to promote mixing of the heat transfer fluid and increase heat exchange, and also increase the heat exchange surfaces of the large flat faces 38 of the tubes 16 in order to improve the transfer of heat from the electric heating elements 18 to the heat transfer fluid through the tube 16.

[0099] As we have seen, in all embodiments of the invention, each tube is welded or brazed to transversely opposed walls 22 along the first direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. With respect to the first walls 24, these transversely opposed walls 22 are second longitudinal walls of the profile section 12 which connect said first walls 24. Thus, each tube 16 is fixed in a watertight manner to these second longitudinal walls of the profile section which are opposed along the first direction Y.

[0100] There are several mounting configurations for the tubes 16 in the profile 12.

[0101] As already mentioned, in the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 3 and 4, each tube is fixed in a sealed manner to two second longitudinal walls of the profile section, which are two edge walls 22 of the profile section 12. Thus, it will be understood that the housing 14 extends along the Y direction over the entire width of the profile section 12, and that each tube 16 occupies the entire width of this housing 14.

[0102] In the second to third modes of regulation of the invention which have been represented in figures 11 to 13, the second walls are at least an edge wall 22 of the profile section and at least one partition 42, called transverse, internal to the profile section which extends longitudinally along at least a part of a length of the profile section 12, parallel to the edge wall 22, and which delimits side-by-side chambers, here two superimposed pairs of side-by-side chambers (14a, 14b; 14c, 14d), inside the main body 12. Each transverse partition 42 is formed from the material with the profile section 16 during its extrusion.

[0103] Depending on the embodiment, the tube 16 may or may not pass through the second edge walls 22 and at least one transverse partition 42. Preferably, as already stated, when it passes through the edge walls 22, each tube 16 is flush outside of these walls 22.

[0104] For example, in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, each tube 16 is inserted into the profile section 12 along the longitudinal direction X through one of the longitudinal openings 59. Thus, the tube 16 does not pass through the edge walls 22, but is nevertheless brazed or welded to them. The profile section 12 does not have a transverse partition.

[0105] In the second embodiment shown in [Fig. 11], the profile section 12 comprises at least two transverse partitions 42 having opposite edges 43, each allowing the passage of one of the tubes 16. As illustrated by the arrows in [Fig. 11], each tube is inserted into the profile section 12 along the longitudinal direction X through one of the longitudinal openings 59. Thus, the tube 16 does not pass through the edge walls 22, but is nevertheless brazed or welded to them. In this figure, the lateral openings formed in the second walls 22 are shown as dashed lines. Each tube 16 is received between two intermediate partitions 42 along its longitudinal direction X, and it is also brazed or welded to the edges 43 opposite these partitions 42.

[0106] In the third embodiment shown in [Fig. 12], the lateral openings 46 allow each tube 16 to be inserted through said lateral openings 46 along the Y direction, as shown by the arrows in [Fig. 12]. The profile section comprises a single transverse partition 42 associated with each tube 16, this partition having an opening 44 suitable for allowing the passage of the tube 16 along the Y direction. The tube 16 is brazed to the periphery of the openings 44, 46.

[0107] In the fourth embodiment shown in [Fig. 13], as before, the lateral openings 46 allow the insertion of each tube 16 through said lateral openings 46 along the Y direction, but the partition 42 is a single piece and does not have any openings. Therefore, a tube 16 is inserted on each side of the profile section 12 along the Y direction through the lateral openings 46 and is received against the partition 42. Each tube 16 is brazed to the periphery of the openings 46 and to the partition 42.

[0108] As soon as the tube or tubes pass through one of the second walls 22, the corresponding lateral openings 46 contribute to optimal support of the tube or tubes 16.

[0109] Since the tube(s) 16 do not pass through one of the second walls, it is advantageously provided that they are held in the profile section 12. To this end, the second walls 22 have ribs 48 to support the tubes 16, oriented along the extrusion direction X. Figures 3 to 6 relating to the first embodiment of the invention show such ribs 48 which here form overthicknesses of said second walls 22. It will be understood that the transverse wall 42 of the fifth embodiment could also include such a rib (not shown in [Fig. 14]).

[0110] These ribs serve both to support and to guide the heating element during its introduction into the main body.

[0111] Said lateral openings 46 of the edge walls 22 allow the heating elements and in particular electrical connection terminals of the latter to emerge from said main body 12.

[0112] The profile section 12 may include one or two tubes aligned along the Y direction. This is the case of the fifth embodiment shown in [Fig. 14], which represents a device in which the tube or tubes 16 are arranged on a single level.

[0113] However, preferably, as illustrated in Figures 3 to 6 and 11 to 13, the profile section further comprises a longitudinal partition 50, internal to the profile, parallel to the first walls 24, said longitudinal partition 50 delimiting the two levels, in other words, said superimposed chambers and / or said superimposed pairs of chambers side by side inside the profile section 12. Without limitation, the longitudinal partition 50 is extruded, like the rest of the profile section 12. This configuration is not, however, limiting to the invention, and it will be understood that this longitudinal partition 50 could be added. At least one of said tubes 16 is therefore arranged on each side of this longitudinal partition 50 (or separating wall).

[0114] In this configuration, the tubes 16 and the superimposed chambers are therefore located at two levels along the Z direction.

[0115] Fig. 9 illustrates the tubes 16 and turbulators 40 associated with the superimposed chambers of the main body 12, and Fig. 10 represents these same tubes 16 and turbulators 40 equipped with the electric heating elements 18.

[0116] To allow the introduction of the heat transfer fluid into the device 10, at least one first cover 52 is sealed to a first of the open ends 58 of the profile section 12 along the longitudinal direction X, for the passage of said fluid to and / or from said main body 12 through one of the longitudinal openings 59. Said first cover 52 has a fluid circulation orifice 54. In order to allow the circulation of the heat transfer fluid through the device 10, the device preferably comprises two first covers 52 and two associated fluid circulation orifices 54, each associated with one of the chambers, and these chambers are interconnected as will be detailed below.

[0117] The configuration of the electric heating device 10 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 is applicable to the second to fourth embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 11 to 13. In this configuration, the said first hoods 52 are two in number and are attached in a sealed manner to the first end 58 of the main body 12. Their orifice 54 is for example formed in an end 56 suitable for being connected to a circuit external to the device 10.

[0118] As can be seen in [Fig. 2], at least a second cover 62 is attached in a sealed manner to a second 60 of the longitudinal open ends of the profile section 12. This second cover 62 has internally a concave return wall (not shown) connecting the two adjacent superimposed fluid circulation chambers via the other of the longitudinal openings 59. Thus, the heat transfer fluid is introduced through an orifice 54, then heated in a first of the superimposed chambers, for example chamber 14a, then returned from the first of the superimposed chambers 14a to a second of the superimposed chambers, namely chamber 14b, through the cover 62, then heated again in the second of the superimposed chambers 14b, and finally discharged through the other orifice 54. The fluid circulation thus takes place in two passes in the heating device.

[0119] The same principle applies to the fifth embodiment of the invention, which represents a device 10 comprising two chambers side by side along the Y direction on the same level. In this case, the end 58 of the profile section 12 receives two first covers 52 side by side along the Y direction, each equipped with an orifice 54, while the opposite end 60 of the profile section 12 receives the second cover 62, allowing the heat transfer fluid to flow from one of the side-by-side chambers to the other. The fluid thus circulates in two layers within the heating device.

[0120] Regardless of the embodiment of the invention, as shown in [Fig. 16], the device 10 can be assembled according to a process comprising a series of steps. In a first step i) the tube(s) 12 are inserted into said housing 14 through one of said openings 46 or 59 of the main body 12. Then, in a step iii) the tube is fixed to the main body 12. Next, the main body is closed with all the covers, namely, the first cover(s) and the second cover(s).

[0121] In the first and second embodiments of the invention, the tube(s) 16 are inserted into the profiled section 12 along the X direction, the insertion opening for the tube(s) 16 being simply delimited by the end of the profiled section 12, i.e., the longitudinal openings 59. The opening 46 simply allows access of the tubes 16 to the interior of the main body and does not require particularly precise machining tolerances. The ribs mentioned above form a support on which the heating element slides.

[0122] Conversely, in the third and fourth embodiments of the invention, the tube(s) 16 are introduced into the profile section along the Y direction at through lateral openings 46. This design requires, for the supply of a monobloc main body 12 comprising the lateral opening(s) 46, the prior creation of this or these lateral opening(s) 46 with dimensions and tolerances allowing the passage of the tube(s) 16. Thus, in this case, the lateral opening(s) 46 are made beforehand with a cross-section corresponding to the exact cross-section of the tube(s) 16 in the second walls 22 of the main body 12.

[0123] Consequently, in this case, the tube(s) 16 being introduced through the lateral opening(s) 46, during step iii the tube(s) 16 are further fixed internally to the main body 12 at a periphery of said lateral opening(s) 46.

[0124] The fabrication of an extruded main body can also allow for the integration of means for fixing the main body within an external housing of the heating device. Such an external housing can also accommodate an electronic control board, electronic components, and communication cables.

[0125] For example, [Fig. 15] shows an embodiment in which these fastening means are side plates 100 adapted to be screwed onto the bottom of an external housing. These side plates therefore have holes 102 for receiving fastening elements such as screws. Such side plates could also be welded or brazed, if the external housing allows it.

[0126] The invention makes it possible to considerably simplify the design of an electric heating device 10 while increasing its reliability and resistance.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (10) for electrically heating a fluid comprising a housing having a monobloc main body (12), the main body (12) being a section of profile extruded along an extrusion direction (X), the main body (12) defining a housing (14) suitable for receiving the fluid to be heated, said device (10) comprising at least one heating element (16) extending in said housing (14) so ​​as to permit circulation of the fluid in said housing (14) between said heating element (16) and walls of said main body (12), said heating element (16) housing at least one electric heating element (18).

2. Electric heating device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one heating element (16) is welded or brazed to the main body (12).

3. Electric heating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one heating element (16) extends along a first direction (Y) perpendicular to said extrusion direction (X).

4. Electric heating device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one heating element (16) is a heating tube, in particular of polygonal cross-section, in particular substantially rectangular, each heating tube being arranged with clearance (J) with respect to two first opposing longitudinal walls (24) of the main body (12), said clearance being arranged along a second direction (Z) which is perpendicular to the extrusion direction (X) and to the first direction (Y), to delimit two fluid circulation passages (26) on either side of said tube or tubes (16).

5. A heating device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the main body comprises several fluid circulation stages each extending in the extrusion direction, the main body comprising, between two consecutive stages, a separation wall integrated into the extruded main body, the separation wall being in particular parallel to the first walls (24), and each stage being configured to receive at least one heating element, each separation wall separating two fluid circulation stages.

6. Electric heating device (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein each heating element (16) extends between two second longitudinal walls of the main body (12) which are opposed along the first direction (Y), the two second longitudinal walls being in particular two edge walls of the extruded profile, the two ends of said at least one heating element coming respectively into contact with each second longitudinal wall.

7. Heating device (10) according to claim 6, optionally in combination with claim 5, wherein the two second walls are at least an edge wall (22) of the main body and a transverse partition (42) integrated into the extruded main body (12) and parallel to said edge wall (22), the transverse partition extending longitudinally along at least a portion of a length of the main body (12) in the extrusion direction and delimiting two chambers inside the main body (12).

8. Electric heating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body comprises retaining elements (48) for said at least one heating element, the retaining elements (48) extending in the extrusion direction (X) so as to permit the at least heating element to be put in place by sliding it along the retaining elements (48).

9. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (12) extends, in the extrusion direction X, between a first open end (58) and a second open end (60), said main body (14) comprising at least two circulation chambers and the electric heating device (10) comprising: - at least one first hood (52) which is sealed to the first open end (58) of the main body (12), the first hood (52) having a fluid inlet / outlet port (54), - at least one second hood (62) which is attached in a sealed manner to the opposite second open end (60) of the main body (12), the second hood (62) comprising a concave return wall connecting said chambers, which are provided to be adjacent.

10. A method for manufacturing an electric heating device (10) according to claim 1 comprising the steps of: i) extrude a profile along an extrusion direction, the profile having an extruded housing, ii) cut, along the extrusion direction, the profile into a plurality of main bodies, each main body (12) extending in the extrusion direction between a first open end (58) and a second open end (60), the main body (12) comprising a housing extending from the first open end (58) to the second open end (60), iii) have at least one heating element in each main body (12) defining a housing (14).

11. A method according to claim 10 wherein each main body (12) comprises two chambers extending in the extrusion direction, the method further comprising the step: iiii) fix a first hood to the first open end (58) of each main body (12), the first hood being provided with at least one inlet / outlet port, and fix a second hood to the second open end (60) of each main body (12), the second hood being provided with at least one concave return wall connecting two adjacent chambers of the main body.

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