Heating device

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of uniformly heating a heating medium in the longitudinal direction of a heater.SOLUTION: The heating device 2 includes the plurality of heaters 10 extending in the first direction and arranged in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the container 62 including the housing portion 65 that houses the plurality of heaters, the supply flow path 32 extending in the first direction above the housing portion and through which the heat medium to be supplied to the housing portion flows, and the elongated supply port 4 communicating the supply flow path and the housing portion and extending in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a heating device. [Background technology]

[0002] A heating device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The heating device of Patent Document 1 includes a PTC heater, a housing unit that houses the PTC heater, and a supply flow path through which a heat medium flows to be supplied to the housing unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-218117 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A heating device that heats a heat medium using heaters may use multiple heaters that extend in the same direction (first direction) and are arranged in a direction perpendicular to that direction (second direction). In this case, the heat medium may be supplied so that it flows in the direction in which the multiple heaters are arranged (second direction). In this case, if the flow rate of the heat medium is uneven in the longitudinal direction of the heaters (first direction), the heat medium may not be heated uniformly. This specification provides a technology that can heat the heat medium uniformly in the longitudinal direction of the heaters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In a first aspect of the present technology, a heating device includes a container having a plurality of heaters extending in a first direction, the plurality of heaters being aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a storage unit that stores the plurality of heaters, a supply flow path extending in the first direction above the storage unit, the supply flow path through which a heat medium to be supplied to the storage unit flows, and an elongated supply port that connects the supply flow path and the storage unit, the supply port extending in the first direction.

[0006] With this configuration, the heat medium can be supplied from the supply flow path extending in the first direction through the supply port extending in the first direction to the accommodation unit accommodating the plurality of heaters extending in the first direction, thereby uniformly supplying the heat medium in the longitudinal direction (first direction) of the heaters. The heat medium supplied to the accommodation unit flows in the second direction and is heated by the plurality of heaters arranged in the second direction. This allows the heat medium to be heated uniformly in the longitudinal direction of the heaters.

[0007] In a second aspect, the heating device according to the first aspect may further include a first plate-shaped member disposed above the heaters. The first plate-shaped member may extend in the first direction and the second direction. The supply port may be formed between an end of the first plate-shaped member in the second direction and a body of the container.

[0008] This configuration allows the supply port to be formed with a simple configuration, and also allows the flow rate of the heat medium flowing between the plurality of heaters and the first plate-shaped member to be increased.

[0009] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, the width of the supply port in the second direction may be set to be approximately the same as the width between the heaters and the first plate-shaped member. With this configuration, the heat medium can flow smoothly and the heat of the heaters can be efficiently transferred to the heat medium.

[0010] In a fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, the supply port may be formed in a rectangular shape with the first direction as a longitudinal direction. With this configuration, the heat medium can be supplied to the storage portion uniformly in the first direction.

[0011] In a fifth aspect, in the second aspect, the width of the supply port in the second direction may gradually increase along a direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the supply flow path. With this configuration, the heat medium can be sufficiently supplied to the deep side in the first direction, and the heat medium can be uniformly heated in the longitudinal direction (first direction) of the heater.

[0012] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the second to fourth aspects, the heating device may further include a second plate-shaped member disposed between an end of the first plate-shaped member in the first direction and the plurality of heaters, the second plate-shaped member narrowing a gap between the end of the first plate-shaped member in the first direction and the plurality of heaters. Also, the heating device may further include a third plate-shaped member disposed between an end of the bottom of the container in the first direction and the plurality of heaters, the third plate-shaped member narrowing a gap between the end of the bottom of the container in the first direction and the plurality of heaters.

[0013] With this configuration, the gap between the end of the heater in the first direction and the first plate-shaped member can be reduced. Also, the gap between the end of the heater in the first direction and the bottom of the container can be reduced. This reduces the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the end of the heater in the first direction. Because the end of the heater in the first direction is a portion that does not easily generate heat, reducing the flow rate of the heat medium passing through this portion allows the heat medium to be heated efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line III-III. [Figure 4]Enlarged view of part IV of Figure 1. [Figure 5] Enlarged view of part V in Figure 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a heating device according to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a heating device according to another modified example. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of VIII-VIII in Figure 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A heating device 2 of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the heating device 2 of the embodiment includes a lower member 60, an upper member 30, and a plurality of heaters 10. The heating device 2 is a device that heats a liquid or gaseous heat medium using the plurality of heaters 10. The heating device 2 heats a heat medium (e.g., water or coolant) in a heating device installed in an electric vehicle, for example.

[0016] The lower member 60 will now be described. The lower member 60 includes a container 62 and a flange 64. The container 62 includes a housing portion 65 that houses multiple heaters 10, a bottom portion 66, and a body portion 68. The housing portion 65 is configured to have a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0017] A bottom 66 of the container 62 faces the lower surfaces 10b of the multiple heaters 10. A lower surface-side flow path 70b is formed between the lower surfaces 10b of the multiple heaters 10 and the bottom 66 of the container 62. A portion of the heat medium introduced into the storage portion 65 of the container 62 flows through the lower surface-side flow path 70b.

[0018] The body 68 of the container 62 surrounds the multiple heaters 10. The body 68 of the container 62 faces a side surface 10c of the heater 10 located outermost among the multiple heaters 10 housed in the housing portion 65. A side surface side flow passage 70c is formed between the side surface 10c of the heater 10 located outermost among the multiple heaters 10 and the body 68 of the container 62. A portion of the heat medium introduced into the housing portion 65 of the container 62 flows through the side surface side flow passage 70c.

[0019] The flange 64 of the lower member 60 is provided so as to surround the body 68 of the container 62. The flange 64 protrudes from the upper end of the body 68 of the container 62 to the outside of the container 62.

[0020] Next, the heater 10 will be described. The heater 10 used in the heating device 2 is, for example, a sheathed heater. The sheathed heater includes, for example, a heating element made of nichrome wire, a cylindrical body that houses the heating element, and a powdered insulator filled between the heating element and the cylindrical body (all not shown). Note that the configuration of a sheathed heater is already known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0021] In this embodiment, multiple heaters 10 are housed in a housing portion 65 of a container 62 of a lower member 60. Each heater 10 is generally cylindrical. Each cylindrical heater 10 extends in a first direction D1. The multiple heaters 10 are also arranged at intervals along a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0022] The heater 10 has terminals 12, 12 at both ends in the longitudinal direction (first direction D1). Both ends in the longitudinal direction of the heater 10 are fixed to the body 68 of the container 62 of the lower member 60 in a state where they penetrate through the body 68. The terminals 12, 12 of the heater 10 are located outside the body 68. The terminals 12, 12 of the heater 10 are electrically connected to an external power source. Each heater 10 generates heat when electricity is applied via the terminals 12, 12.

[0023] The plurality of heaters 10 may be electrically connected in parallel. Alternatively, the plurality of heaters 10 may be electrically connected in series. In this embodiment, some (e.g., four) of the plurality of heaters 10 are electrically connected in series. Alternatively, a group of a plurality of (e.g., four) heaters 10 connected in series is electrically connected in parallel.

[0024] Next, the upper member 30 will be described. The upper member 30 includes a cover 36 and a flange 38. The upper member 30 also includes a supply flow path 32 for supplying the heat medium to the storage portion 65 of the container 62 of the lower member 60, and a discharge flow path 34 for discharging the heat medium from the storage portion 65.

[0025] The cover 36 is disposed above the container 62 of the lower member 60 and covers the storage portion 65 of the container 62. The flange 38 is provided to surround the cover 36 and protrudes around the periphery of the cover 36. The flange 38 of the upper member 30 is fixed to the flange 64 of the lower member 60. In this way, the upper member 30 is fixed to the lower member 60.

[0026] The supply flow path 32 and the discharge flow path 34 are arranged to face each other in the direction in which the heaters 10 are arranged (second direction D2). The supply flow path 32 includes a first portion 321 on the upstream side and a second portion 322 on the downstream side. The first portion 321 is connected to, for example, a heat medium supply source (not shown). The heat medium is supplied to the first portion 321 from the heat medium supply source.

[0027] The second portion 322 is connected to the first portion 321. The second portion 322 is provided above the accommodation portion 65 of the container 62 of the lower member 60. The second portion 322 is provided above the side surface side flow path 70c on one side (the supply flow path 32 side) in the second direction D2. The second portion 322 communicates with the side surface side flow path 70c through the supply port 4 described below.

[0028] The cross-sectional area of ​​the second portion 322 of the supply flow path 32 gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the supply flow path 32. For example, the vertical width of the second portion 322 gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the supply flow path 32.

[0029] The discharge flow path 34 includes a first portion 341 on the upstream side and a second portion 342 on the downstream side. The second portion 342 is connected to, for example, a heat medium discharge destination (not shown). The heat medium is discharged from the second portion 342 to the heat medium discharge destination.

[0030] The first portion 341 is connected to the second portion 342. The first portion 341 is provided above the accommodation portion 65 of the container 62 of the lower member 60. The first portion 341 is provided above the side surface side flow path 70c on the other side (the discharge flow path 34 side) in the second direction D2. The first portion 341 is in communication with the side surface side flow path 70c through the discharge port 6, which will be described later.

[0031] The cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion 341 of the discharge flow path 34 gradually increases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the discharge flow path 34. For example, the vertical width of the first portion 341 gradually increases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the discharge flow path 34.

[0032] The heating device 2 of the embodiment further includes a plate-shaped spacer 50 disposed between the cover 36 of the upper member 30 and the plurality of heaters 10. The spacer 50 is fixed to the lower surface of the cover 36. The spacer 50 is a plate-shaped member extending in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The spacer 50 is disposed above the plurality of heaters 10 and covers the upper surfaces 10a of the plurality of heaters 10. The spacer 50 faces the upper surfaces 10a of the plurality of heaters 10. An upper surface side flow path 70a is formed between the spacer 50 and the upper surfaces 10a of the plurality of heaters 10. A portion of the heat medium introduced into the accommodation portion 65 of the container 62 of the lower member 60 flows through the upper surface side flow path 70a.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 4, an elongated slit-shaped supply port 4 is formed between an end 50c on one side (supply flow path 32 side) of the spacer 50 in the second direction D2 and a body 68 of the container 62 of the lower member 60. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, an elongated slit-shaped discharge port 6 is formed between an end 50d on the other side (discharge flow path 34 side) of the spacer 50 in the second direction D2 and the body 68 of the container 62 of the lower member 60. The slit-shaped supply port 4 and discharge port 6 each extend in the first direction D1. The supply port 4 and discharge port 6 are each formed in a rectangular shape with the first direction D1 as the longitudinal direction.

[0034] The width W4 of the supply port 4 in the second direction D2 is set to be approximately the same as the width W70 of the upper surface side flow path 70a in the vertical direction (the width between the upper surfaces 10a of the multiple heaters 10 and the lower surface of the spacer 50). Similarly, the width W6 of the discharge port 6 in the second direction D2 is set to be approximately the same as the width W70 of the upper surface side flow path 70a in the vertical direction (the width between the upper surfaces 10a of the multiple heaters 10 and the lower surface of the spacer 50).

[0035] In a modified example, the width W4 of the supply port 4 in the second direction D2 may gradually increase along the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the supply flow path 32. In another modified example, the width W4 of the supply port 4 in the second direction D2 may gradually decrease along the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the supply flow path 32.

[0036] In a modified example, the width W6 of the discharge port 6 in the second direction D2 may gradually decrease along the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the discharge flow path 34. In another modified example, the width W6 of the discharge port 6 in the second direction D2 may gradually increase along the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the discharge flow path 34.

[0037] In the heating device 2 having the above configuration, the heat medium is supplied from a heat medium supply source to the supply flow path 32. The heat medium supplied to the supply flow path 32 flows through the supply flow path 32 and is then introduced into the accommodation portion 65 of the container 62 through the elongated supply port 4. The heat medium introduced into the accommodation portion 65 flows along the direction in which the multiple heaters 10 are arranged (second direction D2), and is thereby heated by the multiple heaters 10. The heat medium heated by the multiple heaters 10 is discharged from the accommodation portion 65 to the discharge flow path 34 through the discharge port 6.

[0038] (effect) The heating device 2 of the embodiment has been described above. As is clear from the above description, the heating device 2 includes a plurality of heaters 10 extending in a first direction D1 and aligned in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The heating device 2 also includes a container 62 having an accommodation unit 65 that accommodates the plurality of heaters 10, and a supply flow path 32 extending in the first direction D1 above the accommodation unit 65, through which a heat medium flows to be supplied to the accommodation unit 65. The heating device 2 also includes an elongated supply port 4 that connects the supply flow path 32 and the accommodation unit 65, the supply port 4 extending in the first direction D1.

[0039] According to this configuration, the heat medium is supplied from the supply flow path 32 extending in the first direction D1 through the supply port 4 extending in the first direction D1 to the accommodation unit 65 accommodating the plurality of heaters 10 extending in the first direction D1, thereby making it possible to supply the heat medium uniformly in the longitudinal direction (first direction D1) of the heaters 10. The heat medium supplied to the accommodation unit 65 flows in the second direction D2 and is heated by the plurality of heaters 10 lined up in the second direction D2. This makes it possible to heat the heat medium uniformly in the longitudinal direction of the heaters 10.

[0040] The heating device 2 includes a spacer 50 (an example of a first plate-like member) disposed above the multiple heaters 10. The supply port 4 is formed between an end 50c of the spacer 50 in the second direction D2 and the body 68 of the container 62. This configuration allows the supply port 4 to be formed with a simple configuration. In addition, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing between the multiple heaters 10 and the spacer 50 can be increased.

[0041] The width W4 of the supply port 4 in the second direction D2 is set to, for example, approximately the same width as the width W70 between the heaters 10 and the spacer 50 (the width W70 in the vertical direction of the upper surface side flow path 70a). With this configuration, the heat medium can flow smoothly, and the heat of the heater 10 can be efficiently transferred to the heat medium.

[0042] The supply port 4 is formed in a rectangular shape with the first direction D1 as the longitudinal direction. With this configuration, the heat medium can be supplied uniformly to the storage portion 65 of the container 62 in the first direction D1.

[0043] The width W4 of the supply port 4 in the second direction D2 may gradually increase, for example, along the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the supply flow path 32. With this configuration, the heat medium can be sufficiently supplied to the deep side in the first direction D1, and the heat medium can be uniformly heated in the longitudinal direction of the heater 10 (first direction D1).

[0044] (Variation) In the above embodiment, the supply port 4 is formed between one end 50c of the spacer 50 and the body 68 of the container 62 of the lower member 60, but this configuration is not limiting. In a modified example, the supply port 4 may be formed between the end of the cover 36 of the upper member 30 and the body 68 of the container 62 of the lower member 60. In this case, the heating device 2 does not need to include the spacer 50.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the outlet 6 is formed between the other end 50d of the spacer 50 and the body 68 of the container 62 of the lower member 60, but this configuration is not limiting. In a modified example, the outlet 6 may be formed between the end of the cover 36 of the upper member 30 and the body 68 of the container 62 of the lower member 60. In this case, the heating device 2 does not need to include the spacer 50.

[0046] In a modified example, as shown in Fig. 6, the heating device 2 may include a plate-shaped lower spacer 80 fixed to the bottom 66 of the container 62 of the lower member 60. The lower spacer 80 is disposed between the plurality of heaters 10 and the bottom 66 of the container 62. The lower spacer 80 faces the lower surfaces 10b of the plurality of heaters 10. A lower surface-side flow path 70b is formed between the lower surfaces 10b of the plurality of heaters 10 and the lower spacer 80. A portion of the heat medium introduced into the storage portion 65 of the container 62 flows through the lower surface-side flow path 70b.

[0047] 7 and 8, the heating device 2 may include a plate-shaped upper end spacer 90a (an example of a second plate-shaped member) and a plate-shaped lower end spacer 90b (an example of a third plate-shaped member). The heating device 2 of the modified example includes a pair of upper end spacers 90a aligned in the first direction D1, and a pair of lower end spacers 90b aligned in the first direction D1 like the upper end spacers 90a.

[0048] The upper end spacer 90a is fixed to the lower surface 50b of the plate-shaped spacer 50. The pair of upper end spacers 90a are fixed to both ends of the spacer 50 in the first direction D1. One of the pair of upper end spacers 90a is fixed to one end of the spacer 50 in the first direction D1, and the other upper end spacer 90a is fixed to the other end of the spacer 50 in the first direction D1.

[0049] The upper end spacer 90a is disposed between the end of the spacer 50 in the first direction D1 and the plurality of heaters 10. The upper end spacer 90a reduces the gap between the end of the spacer 50 in the first direction D1 and the plurality of heaters 10. The upper end spacer 90a is fixed to the lower surface 50b of the end of the spacer 50 in the first direction D1. The upper end spacer 90a covers the upper surface 10a of each of the plurality of heaters 10 at the end in the first direction D1. The upper end spacer 90a faces the upper surface 10a of each of the plurality of heaters 10 at the end in the first direction D1.

[0050] The lower end spacer 90b is fixed to the upper surface 66a of the bottom 66 of the container 62. The pair of lower end spacers 90b are fixed to both ends in the first direction D1 of the bottom 66 of the container 62. One lower end spacer 90b of the pair of lower end spacers 90b is fixed to one end of the bottom 66 of the container 62 in the first direction D1, and the other lower end spacer 90b is fixed to the other end of the bottom 66 of the container 62 in the first direction D1.

[0051] The lower end spacer 90b is disposed between the end of the bottom 66 of the container 62 in the first direction D1 and the plurality of heaters 10. The lower end spacer 90b reduces the gap between the end of the bottom 66 of the container 62 in the first direction D1 and the plurality of heaters 10. The lower end spacer 90b is fixed to the upper surface 66a of the end of the bottom 66 of the container 62 in the first direction D1. The lower end spacer 90b covers the lower surface 10b of each of the plurality of heaters 10 at the end in the first direction D1. The lower end spacer 90b faces the lower surface 10b of each of the plurality of heaters 10 at the end in the first direction D1.

[0052] According to the above configuration, the gap between the end of the heater 10 in the first direction D1 and the spacer 50 can be reduced. Also, the gap between the end of the heater 10 in the first direction D1 and the bottom 66 of the container 62 can be reduced. This reduces the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the end of the heater 10 in the first direction D1. Because the end of the heater 10 in the first direction D1 is a portion that does not easily generate heat, the heat medium can be heated efficiently by reducing the flow rate of the heat medium passing through this portion.

[0053] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives itself has technical utility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 2: heating device, 4: supply port, 6: discharge port, 10: heater, 12: terminal, 30: upper member, 32: supply flow path, 34: discharge flow path, 36: cover, 38: flange, 50: spacer, 60: lower member, 62: container, 64: flange, 65: storage section, 66: bottom, 68: body, 70a: upper surface side flow path, 70b: lower surface side flow path, 70c: side surface side flow path, 80: lower spacer, 90a: upper end spacer, 90b: lower end spacer

Claims

1. a plurality of heaters extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a container having a housing portion that houses a plurality of the heaters; a supply flow path extending in the first direction above the storage unit, through which a heat medium to be supplied to the storage unit flows; a thin and long supply port that connects the supply flow path and the storage portion, the supply port extending in the first direction;

2. The heating device according to claim 1, a first plate-shaped member disposed above the plurality of heaters; the first plate-shaped member extends in the first direction and the second direction, The supply port is formed between the end of the first plate-shaped member in the second direction and a body portion of the container.

3. The heating device according to claim 2, a width of the supply port in the second direction set to be substantially the same as a width between the plurality of heaters and the first plate-shaped member;

4. The heating device according to claim 2 or 3, The heating device, wherein the supply port is formed in a rectangular shape with the first direction as a longitudinal direction.

5. The heating device according to claim 2, a width of the supply port in the second direction gradually increasing along a direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the supply flow path;

6. The heating device according to claim 2, a second plate-shaped member disposed between an end portion of the first plate-shaped member in the first direction and the plurality of heaters, the second plate-shaped member reducing a gap between the end portion of the first plate-shaped member in the first direction and the plurality of heaters; The heating device further comprises a third plate-shaped member arranged between the first direction end of the bottom of the container and the plurality of heaters, and reducing the gap between the first direction end of the bottom of the container and the plurality of heaters.

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