Heater assembly having clamp

Abstract

The present invention provides a heater assembly comprising: a heater; a heater cover which has a heater-accommodating part where the heater is interposed in the height direction and which includes an upper cover coming in contact with the upper surface of the heater and a lower cover coming in contact with the lower surface of the heater; and a clamp coupled to the front surface of the heater cover, wherein the heater-accommodating part comes into close contact with the heater as the heater-accommodating part is compressed in the height direction by the clamp.

Description

Heater assembly with clamp

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2023-0100426, dated August 1, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a heater assembly included in a heating ceramic of a massage device, the heater assembly comprising an upper cover and a lower cover for accommodating the heater, the upper cover and the lower cover being in close contact with the heater by a clamp.

[0003] Massage devices are devices that stimulate or massage the muscles or joints of the human body. They come in a variety of shapes and structures. Typically, massage devices comprise a drive source, such as an electric motor or air pump, and a massage element driven by the drive source. The massage element rotates, vibrates, compresses, or expands, exerting a massage effect on the human body.

[0004] Massage devices may have a heating function to supply heat to the human body to promote blood circulation or relieve muscle or joint pain. Massage devices with a heating function typically include a heating electrode. This heating electrode incorporates a heater assembly that heats the electrode. The heater assembly typically includes a heater element, such as a PTC heater, and a heater cover that houses the element. Since the heat generated by the heater is transferred to the user through the heater cover, the heater cover is made of a metal or ceramic material with high thermal conductivity.

[0005] Meanwhile, the heater cover is composed of multiple parts, such as an upper cover and a lower cover, for ease of assembly. Therefore, these parts must be joined together so that they do not become detached from each other. Furthermore, if the heater cover and the heater are not sufficiently sealed, an air gap may form between them, slowing heat transfer and potentially causing heat loss. Therefore, the connection structure between the parts of the heater cover must be such that these parts are sufficiently sealed against the heater.

[0006] As a combined structure of such heater covers, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0033634 and Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0616442 each disclose a structure in which a protrusion provided on an upper cover is compressed and deformed or swaged on a groove provided on a lower cover, thereby preventing the upper cover and the lower cover from being separated from each other.

[0007] However, this structure has the drawback that the heater cover material is limited to metals that are easily deformed. Furthermore, since the upper and lower covers are joined through deformation of metals with low elastic limits, the bond may loosen over time. Furthermore, processes that deform metal components, such as pressing or swaging, require significant man-hours and are therefore disadvantageous for mass production.

[0008] Therefore, a heater assembly joint structure that is convenient to assemble, has good heat transfer efficiency, and does not easily deform over time is required.

[0009] The present invention was created under the background of the above-described prior art, and its purpose is to provide a heater assembly structure that is easy to manufacture and simple to assemble, while maintaining a bonding strength for a long time.

[0010] The present invention also aims to provide a structure of a heater assembly having a high heat conduction rate by removing an air layer between a heater and a heater cover.

[0011] Another technical problem of the present invention is to provide a structure of a heater assembly in which a heat transfer path is secured so that heat generated from the heater can be conducted to the outer surface of the heater cover.

[0012] The technical objectives of the present invention are not limited to the aforementioned purposes. Other unmentioned objectives and advantages of the present invention can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0013] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a heater assembly structure including: a heater; a heater cover having a heater receiving portion that accommodates the heater in a height direction and includes an upper cover in contact with an upper surface of the heater and a lower cover in contact with a lower surface of the heater; and a clamp coupled to a front surface of the heater cover; wherein the clamp includes: a downward pressing surface that presses the upper cover downward; and an upward pressing surface that presses the lower cover upward; wherein the upper cover includes a downwardly pressed surface that is pressed downward by the downward pressing surface, and the lower cover includes an upwardly pressed surface that is pressed upward by the upward pressing surface; and wherein the heater receiving portion is in close contact with the heater as the upper cover and the lower cover are compressed in the height direction between the downward pressing surface and the upward pressing surface.

[0014] In this specification, the definitions of height direction (up-down direction), front-back direction, and left-right direction are relative, and each of them is sufficient as three directions that intersect each other, and is not related to the direction of gravity.

[0015] The above-mentioned downward pressure surface and the above-mentioned upward pressure surface are formed on the clamp, and it is sufficient if they are formed so that their normal directions have downward and upward components, respectively. For example, the above-mentioned downward pressure surface and the above-mentioned upward pressure surface may be defined by an area or a part of any one of the bottom surface, the top surface, the ceiling surface, and the floor surface of a predetermined portion that protrudes or is sunken in the front-back direction.

[0016] The above-mentioned downward pressure surface may be defined by at least a portion of the lower surface of the upper rear protrusion extending rearwardly, and the above-mentioned upward pressure surface may be defined by at least a portion of the upper surface of the lower rear protrusion extending rearwardly.

[0017] At this time, the lower pressure-sensitive surface may be defined by at least a portion of the bottom surface of the upper rear protrusion receiving portion that opens forward, and the upper pressure-sensitive surface may be defined by at least a portion of the ceiling surface of the lower rear protrusion receiving portion that opens forward. In this case, the upper rear protrusion and the lower rear protrusion may be inserted into the upper rear protrusion receiving portion and the lower rear protrusion receiving portion, respectively, to press the upper cover and the lower cover toward each other, thereby bringing them into close contact with the heater.

[0018] Alternatively, at this time, the lower pressure surface may be defined by at least a portion of the upper surface of the upper front protrusion extending forward, and the upper pressure surface may be defined by at least a portion of the lower surface of the lower front protrusion extending forward. At this time, the height distance between the upper front protrusion and the lower front protrusion may be smaller than the height distance between the upper rear protrusion and the lower rear protrusion. In this case, the upper rear protrusion and the lower rear protrusion may press inward in the height direction while interposing the upper front protrusion and the lower front protrusion in the height direction.

[0019] When the heater cover includes the upper front protrusion and the lower front protrusion, the clamp may be provided with a front protrusion receiving portion that opens rearward. At this time, the lower pressure surface may be defined by at least a portion of the ceiling surface of the front protrusion receiving portion, and the upper pressure surface may be defined by at least a portion of the ceiling surface of the front protrusion receiving portion. In this case, the upper front protrusion and the lower front protrusion may be inserted into the front protrusion receiving portion.

[0020] The above-mentioned front protrusion receiving portion may include: an upper front protrusion receiving portion provided with the lower pressure surface; and a lower front protrusion receiving portion provided with the upper pressure surface. Alternatively, the front protrusion receiving portion may be provided as a common space into which both the upper front protrusion and the lower front protrusion are inserted.

[0021] In a state before the above heater cover and the above clamp are coupled, the height distance between the lower pressurized surface and the upper pressurized surface may be equal to or less than the height distance between the lower pressurized surface and the upper pressurized surface.

[0022] Alternatively, in a state before the heater cover and the clamp are coupled, the value obtained by subtracting the height distance between the lower pressurized surface and the upper pressurized surface from the height distance between the lower pressurized surface and the heater receiving portion and the height distance between the upper pressurized surface and the heater receiving portion may be equal to or less than the thickness of the heater.

[0023] Accordingly, as the heater cover and the clamp are coupled, elastic deformation may occur in the heater, the heater cover, and / or the clamp, and the upper cover and the lower cover may be pressed toward each other by an elastic restoring force due to the elastic deformation and may be brought into close contact with the heater.

[0024] The upper cover may be provided with a first step portion protruding downward at both left and right ends, and the lower cover may be provided with a second step portion recessed downward at both left and right ends. The first step portion and the second step portion may have shapes that correspond to or are complementary to each other. The upper cover and the lower cover may be coupled to each other so that the first step portion and the second step portion correspond to each other, and accordingly, the upper cover and the lower cover may maintain a coupled state at the correct position by interfering with each other's left and right movements.

[0025] The first step portion and the second step portion may include an undercut shape. The undercut shape may interfere with the upper cover and the lower cover so that they do not move apart vertically, thereby preventing the upper cover and the lower cover from coming off. At this time, the upper cover and the lower cover may be coupled by sliding in the front-back direction.

[0026] The heater assembly may include a casing that is open at the front and rear and surrounds the heater cover. The casing may be configured to rotate about an axis parallel to the front and rear directions with respect to the heater cover, so as to evenly transfer heat from the heater cover. If the upper cover and the lower cover do not have a connecting means such as the first step portion and the second step portion, the casing may maintain the upper cover and the lower cover in a connected state.

[0027] The lower pressurized surface, the upper pressurized surface, the lower pressurized surface, and the upper pressurized surface may be formed symmetrically left-right and / or symmetrically up-down. Since the lower pressurized surface, the upper pressurized surface, the lower pressurized surface, and the upper pressurized surface are formed symmetrically left-right, a torsional load can be prevented from being applied to the heater cover. Since the lower pressurized surface, the upper pressurized surface, the lower pressurized surface, and the upper pressurized surface are formed symmetrically up-down, a bending load can be prevented from being applied to the heater cover.

[0028] The above-mentioned lower pressurized surface, the above-mentioned upper pressurized surface, the above-mentioned lower pressurized surface, and the above-mentioned upper pressurized surface can be formed to extend left and right, and accordingly, the upper cover and the below cover can be closely contacted with the heater extending left and right over a wider area.

[0029] The upper pressure surface may be positioned above the heater receiving portion, and the lower pressure surface may be positioned below the heater receiving portion. Preferably, the upper pressure surface may be positioned only above the heater receiving portion, and the lower pressure surface may be positioned only below the heater receiving portion. Accordingly, the pressure applied by the clamp to the heater cover may be concentrated on the portion where the heater receiving portion is provided, and may be mainly used to bring the heater cover into close contact with the heater.

[0030] The clamp may include a chamfered portion formed to face downwardly at the rear end of the lower pressurizing surface and / or a chamfered portion formed to face upwardly at the front end of the upper pressurizing surface. A height distance between the rear ends of the chamfered portions may be greater than a height distance between the lower pressurized surface and the upper pressurized surface. Accordingly, the upper rear protrusion and the lower rear protrusion may be easily inserted into the upper rear protrusion receiving portion and the lower rear protrusion receiving portion, thereby gradually pressing the upper cover and the lower cover toward each other.

[0031] The heater cover may include a chamfered portion formed to face upward at a rear end of the lower pressure-sensitive surface, and / or a chamfered portion formed to face downward at a front end of the upper pressure-sensitive surface. A height distance between the front ends of the chamfered portions may be smaller than a height distance between the lower pressure-sensitive surface and the upper pressure-sensitive surface. Accordingly, the upper rear protrusion and the lower rear protrusion may be easily inserted into the upper rear protrusion receiving portion and the lower rear protrusion receiving portion, thereby gradually pressing the upper cover and the lower cover toward each other.

[0032] The upper rear protrusion and the lower rear protrusion may extend in the height direction, and the upper rear protrusion, the lower rear protrusion, the upper front protrusion and / or the lower front protrusion may include a rigid reinforcement part that extends in the height direction and reinforces the height direction bending rigidity thereof.

[0033] The upper cover may include: a peripheral portion having a thickness; and a connecting portion radially connecting the heater receiving portion and the peripheral portion. Three or more connecting portions may be provided. Preferably, the connecting portion may include one extending in the height direction to connect the heater receiving portion and the upper end of the peripheral portion.

[0034] The lower cover may include: a peripheral portion having a thickness; and a connecting portion radially connecting the heater receiving portion and the peripheral portion. Three or more connecting portions may be provided. Preferably, the connecting portion may include one extending in the height direction to connect the heater receiving portion and the lower end of the peripheral portion.

[0035] The present invention has a structure in which a step portion having an undercut shape is formed on an upper cover and a lower cover, and the upper cover and the lower cover are slidably coupled to each other to prevent separation, thereby eliminating the need for additional deformation, thereby improving the convenience of assembly, and providing a structure of a heater assembly in which the heater cover can be made of a brittle material.

[0036] The present invention also provides a structure of a heater assembly having fast heat conductivity, in which a separately provided clamp presses the heater cover to close the heater cover to the heater, thereby removing the air layer between the heater and the heater cover.

[0037] Another advantage of the present invention is that the heater cover includes a peripheral portion having a thickness and a connecting portion connecting the peripheral portion with the heater receiving portion, thereby providing a structure of a heater assembly including a heater cover that can be easily heated to a high temperature due to its low heat capacity, while ensuring a uniform heat transfer path from the center portion to the outer peripheral surface.

[0038] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0039] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate how a heater cover according to one embodiment of the present invention is assembled to accommodate a heater.

[0040] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a heater cover being inserted into a casing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the structure of a clamp according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 shows the appearance of the heater cover and clamp before assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 shows a cross-section of Figure 7 as viewed from the side.

[0044] Figure 9 shows the appearance of the heater cover and clamp after assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 10 shows a cross-section of Figure 9 as viewed from the side.

[0046] Figure 11 shows a cross-section of Figure 9 as viewed from the front.

[0047] Figure 12 shows a heat transfer path of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 13 shows various modified examples of the structure of the heater cover and clamp according to the present invention.

[0049] [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1: Heater

[0051] 2: Heater cover

[0052] 20: Heater receiving section

[0053] 21: Top cover

[0054] 210: Lower pressure surface

[0055] 211: Upper rear protrusion receptacle

[0056] 212: Upper anterior projection

[0057] 22: Lower cover

[0058] 220: Upper pressure surface

[0059] 221: Lower rear protrusion receptacle

[0060] 222: Lower front projection

[0061] 231: First stage

[0062] 232: Second stage

[0063] 24: Perimeter

[0064] 25: Connection

[0065] 3: Casing

[0066] 31: Pin bearing

[0067] 32: Ring absence

[0068] 33: Silicone cover

[0069] 4: Clamp

[0070] 410: Downward pressure surface

[0071] 411: Upper posterior projection

[0072] 420: Upper pressure surface

[0073] 421: Lower rear projection

[0074] 403: Forward protrusion receptacle

[0075] 413: Upper front projection receptacle

[0076] 423: Lower front projection receptacle

[0077] R: Rigidity reinforcement

[0078] L1: 1st street

[0079] L2: Second Street

[0080] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0081] Although the terms "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0082] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0083] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0084] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0085] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0086] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0087] In this specification, the definitions of height direction (up-down direction), front-back direction, and left-right direction are relative, and each of them is sufficient as three directions that intersect each other, and is not related to the direction of gravity.

[0088] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0089] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a heater cover according to one embodiment of the present invention, which accommodates a heater, and is assembled. Referring to these drawings, a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a heater (1) and a heater cover (2) that accommodates the heater.

[0090] The above heater (1) may include a heating element that generates heat when voltage is applied. The heater (1) may include a heating wire or a surface heating element, and preferably may be a PTC heater.

[0091] The above heater cover (2) accommodates the heater (1) and can transmit heat generated from the heater (1) to the outside. For this purpose, the heater cover (2) may include a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal or ceramic.

[0092] The above heater cover (2) may include a heater receiving portion that receives the heater (1). The heater receiving portion (20) may be formed as a hollow portion that is open in the front-rear direction, and the heater (1) may be inserted into and received in the heater receiving portion (20).

[0093] The above heater cover (2) may include an upper cover (21) and a lower cover (22). The upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22) may include the upper and lower portions of the heater receiving portion (20), respectively, and may be in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the heater (1), respectively.

[0094] The upper cover (21) may include a first step portion (231) that protrudes downward from both left and right ends thereof. At this time, the lower cover (22) may include a second step portion (232) that is recessed downward from both left and right ends thereof. The protruding and recessed heights of the first step portion (231) and the second step portion (232) may correspond to each other. The first step portion (231) and the second step portion (232) may interlock with each other and interfere with each other in the left and right directions, and accordingly, the upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22) may be coupled to each other at the correct position.

[0095] The first step portion (231) and the second step portion (232) may include an undercut shape. The undercut shapes of the first step portion (231) and the second step portion (232) may have corresponding or complementary shapes. At this time, the upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22) may be coupled by sliding in the front-back direction so that the first step portion (231) and the second step portion (232) are engaged with each other, and after coupling, the undercut shape may prevent separation in the height direction.

[0096] Compared to a conventional structure for preventing separation between cover members through compression or swaging deformation of protrusions, this slide structure according to one embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that not only metal but also brittle materials such as ceramics can be used because it does not require deformation of the heater cover (2), and has the advantage that the bond does not easily loosen or become loose over time. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is also the advantage that assembly is easy and simple because a process of applying high heat or pressure is not necessary.

[0097] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a heater cover inserted into a casing according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a casing (3) that is open at the front and rear and surrounds the heater cover (2).

[0098] The above casing (3) may include a ring member (32) made of a rigid material, a pin bearing (31) interposed between the outer surface of the heater cover (2) and the inner surface of the ring member (32), and a silicone cover (33) made of a flexible material surrounding the ring member (32).

[0099] The above casing (3) can serve to fix the heater cover (2) so that it maintains the assembled state. In particular, when the heater cover (2) does not have its own connecting structure such as the first step portion (231) and the second step portion (232), the heater cover (2) can maintain its assembled state by the casing (3).

[0100] The above casing (3) may be arranged to rotate about an axis parallel to the front-back direction with respect to the heater cover (2). As the casing (3) is rotatable, heat can be evenly transferred from the heater cover (2) to the entire surface area of ​​the casing (3).

[0101] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the structure of a clamp according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a clamp (4).

[0102] The above clamp (4) is preferably made of synthetic resin injection, but its material and manufacturing method are not limited thereto.

[0103] The above clamp (4) may include an upper rear protrusion (411) and a lower rear protrusion (421) that protrude rearward.

[0104] The upper rear protrusion (411) and the lower rear protrusion (421) may include a rigidity reinforcing member (R) for reinforcing the height-direction bending rigidity thereof. The rigidity reinforcing member (R) has a shape extending in the height direction, thereby increasing the height-direction cross-sectional modulus of the upper rear protrusion (411) and the lower rear protrusion (421). The rigidity reinforcing member (R) may be formed, for example, to protrude upward from the upper rear protrusion (411) and to protrude downward from the lower rear protrusion (421).

[0105] Fig. 7 shows a view before assembly of a heater cover and a clamp according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8 shows a cross-section of Fig. 7 as seen from the side. Referring to these drawings, the clamp (4) is coupled to the front of the heater cover (2), and presses the upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22) toward each other, thereby allowing them to be tightly attached to the heater (1).

[0106] The above clamps (4) are preferably provided as a pair to be coupled to the heater cover (2) from both front and rear sides in order to prevent a forward-backward gradient in the bonding force of the heater cover (2), but it is acceptable to provide only one clamp (4).

[0107] The clamp (4) may include a downward pressure surface (410) whose normal direction has a downward component and an upward pressure surface (420) whose normal direction has an upward component. The downward pressure surface (410) and the upward pressure surface (420) may be defined by at least a portion of the lower surface of the upper rear protrusion (411) and at least a portion of the upper surface of the lower rear protrusion (421), respectively. However, the downward pressure surface (410) and the upward pressure surface (420) may be surfaces of predetermined regions whose normal directions have downward and upward components, respectively, and are not limited to specific shapes or positions.

[0108] At this time, the upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22) may each include a lower pressure surface (210) that is pressed downward by the lower pressure surface (410) and an upper pressure surface (220) that is pressed upward by the upper pressure surface (420). The lower pressure surface (210) and the upper pressure surface (220) may each be defined as at least a portion of the bottom surface of the upper rear protrusion receiving portion (211) that is provided to be open forwardly in the upper cover (21) and at least a portion of the ceiling surface of the lower rear protrusion receiving portion (221) that is provided to be open forwardly in the lower cover (22). However, the lower pressure surface (210) and the upper pressure surface (220) are pressurized by the lower pressure surface (410) and the upper pressure surface (420), and it is sufficient if they are provided on the upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22), respectively, and their positions and shapes are not specifically limited.

[0109] According to one embodiment of the present invention, before the clamp (4) and the heater cover (2) are coupled, the first distance (L1), which is the distance between the lower pressure surface (210) and the upper pressure surface (220), may be equal to or greater than the second distance (L2), which is the distance between the lower pressure surface (410) and the upper pressure surface (420).

[0110] Alternatively, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a value obtained by subtracting the height distance between the lower pressure surface (210) and the heater receiving portion (20) from the height distance between the upper pressure surface (220) and the heater receiving portion (20) from the second distance (L2) may be equal to or smaller than the thickness of the heater (1).

[0111] The clamp (4) may include a chamfer formed to face downward at the rear end of the lower pressurizing surface (410) and / or a chamfer formed to face upward at the front end of the upper pressurizing surface (420). The height distance between the rear ends of the chamfers may be greater than the first distance (L1). Accordingly, the upper rear protrusion (411) and the lower rear protrusion (421) can be easily inserted into the upper rear protrusion receiving portion (211) and the lower rear protrusion receiving portion (221), thereby gradually pressing the upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22) toward each other.

[0112] The heater cover (2) may include a chamfered portion formed to face upward at the rear end of the lower pressure-sensitive surface (210), and / or a chamfered portion formed to face downward at the front end of the upper pressure-sensitive surface (220). The height distance between the front ends of the chamfered portions may be smaller than the second distance. Accordingly, the upper rear protrusion (411) and the lower rear protrusion (421) can be easily inserted into the upper rear protrusion receiving portion (211) and the lower rear protrusion receiving portion (221), thereby gradually pressing the upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22) toward each other.

[0113] Fig. 9 shows the assembled appearance of the heater cover and the clamp according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 10 shows a cross-section of Fig. 9 as seen from the side, and Fig. 11 shows a cross-section of Fig. 9 as seen from the front. Referring to these drawings, the heater cover (2) and the clamp (4) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be combined by inserting the upper rear protrusion (411) and the lower rear protrusion (421) into the upper rear protrusion receiving portion (211) and the lower rear protrusion receiving portion (221).

[0114] The clamp (4) is preferably formed in a plate shape that covers the entire front surface of the heater cover (2). In this case, the clamp (4) includes a material with excellent insulation properties, thereby helping to ensure that the heat generated from the heater (1) is completely transferred to the heater cover (2) without being lost to the front and rear. However, the shape of the clamp (4) is not limited thereto.

[0115] The upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22) can be pressed against each other between the lower pressurizing surface (410) and the upper pressurizing surface (420), thereby being brought into close contact with the heater (1). Accordingly, the air layer between the heater (1) and the heater receiving portion (20) can be removed, and heat transfer from the heater (1) to the heater cover (2) can be made easier.

[0116] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the heater cover (2) is attached to the heater (1), a separate clamp (4) is attached without deforming the heater cover (2) itself, thereby providing a structure of a heater assembly that is easy to assemble, maintains a close state for a long time, and has excellent thermal conductivity.

[0117] The lower pressurized surface (410), the upper pressurized surface (420), the lower pressurized surface (210), and the upper pressurized surface (220) can be formed symmetrically left and right. Accordingly, the heater cover (2) can maintain its position without being twisted by the compressive force between the upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22).

[0118] The lower pressurized surface (410), the upper pressurized surface (420), the lower pressurized surface (210), and the upper pressurized surface (220) can be formed symmetrically in the upper and lower directions. Accordingly, the upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22) can be prevented from being deformed by receiving a bending moment in the left-right direction.

[0119] The lower pressure surface (410), the upper pressure surface (420), the lower pressure-bearing surface (210), and the upper pressure-bearing surface (220) can extend left and right. Accordingly, the clamp (4) can apply pressure to the widest possible area on the heater (1) in a shape extending left and right, thereby bringing the upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22) into close contact with the heater (1).

[0120] The upper pressurizing surface (420) may be positioned above the heater receiving portion (20), and the lower pressurizing surface (410) may be positioned below the heater receiving portion (20). Preferably, the upper pressurizing surface (420) may be positioned only above the heater receiving portion (20), and the lower pressurizing surface (410) may be positioned only below the heater receiving portion (20). Accordingly, the compressive force between the upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22) may be concentrated on the portion where the heater (1) is provided, and may be concentrated on bringing the heater cover (2) into close contact with the heater (1).

[0121] Fig. 12 illustrates a heat transfer path of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the heater cover (2) may include: a peripheral portion (24) having a thickness; and a connecting portion (25) connecting the heater receiving portion (20) and the peripheral portion (24).

[0122] The above-mentioned peripheral portion (24) may have a circular shell shape when viewed in the front-back direction. Since the peripheral portion (24) has a shell shape with thickness, the heat capacity of the peripheral portion (24) is reduced, and the peripheral portion (24) can be quickly heated to a high temperature by the heat generated from the heater (1).

[0123] The above connecting portion (25) can radially connect the heater receiving portion (20) and the circumference portion (24). It is preferable that three or more connecting portions (25) are provided on each of the upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22). It is preferable that the connecting portion (25) includes connecting the upper end of the upper cover (21) and the heater receiving portion (20) in the height direction, and connecting the lower end of the lower cover (22) and the heater receiving portion (20) in the height direction.

[0124] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portions (25) are provided three at 90-degree equiangular intervals on each of the upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22), so as to evenly transfer heat to the peripheral portion. By providing the connecting portions (25), heat can be quickly and evenly transferred from the heater receiving portion (20) to the peripheral portion (24), even though the heater cover (2) has a hollow portion due to the peripheral portion (24) having a shell shape.

[0125] Figure 13 illustrates various modifications of the structure of the heater cover and clamp according to the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the upper cover (21) and the lower cover (22) may each have an upper front protrusion (212) and a lower front protrusion (222) that protrude forward. At this time, the lower pressure surface (210) and the upper pressure surface (220) may be defined by at least a portion of the upper surface of the upper front protrusion (212) and at least a portion of the lower surface of the lower front protrusion (222), respectively.

[0126] The upper front protrusion (212) and the lower front protrusion (222) may be formed by a separate member that is fitted into both ends of a hole that penetrates the heater cover (2) in the front-to-back direction, or that passes through and is fitted thereto. In particular, when the heater cover (2) is manufactured by extrusion in the front-to-back direction, its cross-section cannot but be constant along the front-to-back direction, and thus the structure as described above may be adopted.

[0127] At this time, the clamp (4), as in one embodiment of the present invention, may include an upper rear protrusion (411) and a lower rear protrusion (421) that protrude rearwardly from the outer side in the height direction of the upper front protrusion (212) and the lower front protrusion (222). At this time, the lower pressure surface (410) and the upper pressure surface (420) may be defined by at least a portion of the lower surface of the upper rear protrusion (411) and at least a portion of the upper surface of the lower rear protrusion (421), respectively.

[0128] Alternatively, the clamp (4) may include a front projection receiving portion (403) into which the upper front projection (212) and the lower front projection (222) are inserted. At this time, the lower pressure surface (410) and the upper pressure surface (420) may be defined by at least a portion of the ceiling surface and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the front projection receiving portion (403), respectively.

[0129] The above-described front protrusion receiving portion (403) may include an upper front protrusion receiving portion (413) into which the upper front protrusion (212) is inserted, and a lower front protrusion receiving portion (423) into which the lower front protrusion (222) is inserted. At this time, the lower pressure surface (410) and the upper pressure surface (420) may be defined by at least a portion of the ceiling surface of the upper front protrusion receiving portion (413) and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the lower front protrusion receiving portion (423), respectively.

[0130] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention will be determined by the claims that follow, rather than by the detailed description set forth above. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims that follow, as well as all possible modifications and variations derived from their equivalent concepts, should be construed as encompassing the scope of the present invention.

[0131] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. Heater; A heater cover having a heater receiving portion that accommodates the heater in the height direction and includes an upper cover that contacts the upper surface of the heater and a lower cover that contacts the lower surface of the heater; and A clamp coupled to the front of the heater cover; The above clamps: A downward pressing surface for pressing the upper cover downward; and including an upward pressing surface for pressing the lower cover upward; The upper cover includes a lower pressure surface that is pressed downward by the lower pressure surface, The above lower cover includes an upper pressure surface that is pressed upward by the upper pressure surface, A heater assembly in which the heater receiving portion is in close contact with the heater as the upper cover and the lower cover are compressed in the height direction between the lower pressure surface and the upper pressure surface.

2. In claim 1, The above-mentioned downward pressure surface is defined by at least a portion of the lower surface of the upper rear protrusion extending rearward, A heater assembly, wherein the upper pressure surface is defined by at least a portion of the upper surface of the lower rear protrusion extending rearward.

3. In claim 2, The above-mentioned lower pressure surface is defined by at least a portion of the bottom surface of the upper rear protrusion receiving portion that opens forward, A heater assembly, wherein the upper pressure surface is defined by at least a portion of the ceiling surface of the lower rear protrusion receiving portion that opens forward.

4. In claim 2, The above-mentioned lower pressure surface is defined by at least a portion of the upper surface of the upper anterior protrusion extending forward, A heater assembly, wherein the upper pressure surface is defined by at least a portion of the lower surface of the lower front projection extending forward.

5. In claim 1, The above-mentioned lower pressure surface is defined by at least a portion of the upper surface of the upper anterior protrusion extending forward, A heater assembly, wherein the upper pressure surface is defined by at least a portion of the lower surface of the lower front projection extending forward.

6. In claim 5, The above clamp is provided with a forward projection receiving portion that opens to the rear, The above-mentioned downward pressure surface is defined by at least a portion of the ceiling surface of the above-mentioned forward protrusion receiving portion, A heater assembly, wherein the upper pressure surface is defined by at least a portion of the ceiling surface of the front projection receiving portion.

7. In claim 6, The above anterior projection receiving portion: An upper front protrusion receiving portion provided with the above-mentioned lower pressure surface; and A heater assembly comprising a lower front protrusion receiving portion in which the upper pressure surface is provided.

8. In claim 1, In the state before the above heater cover and the above clamp are combined, A heater assembly wherein the height distance between the lower pressurized surface and the upper pressurized surface is equal to or smaller than the height distance between the lower pressurized surface and the upper pressurized surface.

9. In claim 1, In the state before the above heater cover and the above clamp are combined, A heater assembly, wherein the value obtained by subtracting the height distance between the lower pressure surface and the upper pressure surface from the height distance between the lower pressure surface and the heater receiving portion and the height distance between the upper pressure surface and the heater receiving portion is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the heater.

10. In claim 1, A first step portion protruding downward is provided on both left and right ends of the upper cover, A heater assembly in which a second step that is sunken downward is provided on both left and right ends of the lower cover.

11. In claim 10, A heater assembly, wherein the first step portion and the second step portion include an undercut shape.

12. In claim 1, A heater assembly having front and rear openings and including a casing surrounding the heater cover.

13. In claim 1, A heater assembly wherein the lower pressure surface, the upper pressure surface, the lower pressured surface, and the upper pressured surface are formed symmetrically left and right.

14. In claim 1, A heater assembly wherein the lower pressurized surface, the upper pressurized surface, the lower pressurized surface, and the upper pressurized surface are formed symmetrically up and down.

15. In claim 1, A heater assembly wherein the lower pressure surface, the upper pressure surface, the lower pressured surface, and the upper pressured surface extend left and right.

16. In claim 1, The above upper pressure surface is located on the heater receiving portion, A heater assembly, wherein the lower pressure surface is located below the heater receiving portion.

17. In claim 16, The above upper pressure surface is located only on the heater receiving portion, A heater assembly wherein the lower pressure surface is located only below the heater receiving portion.

18. In claim 1, A chamfer formed in the rear end of the above-mentioned lower pressure surface so as to face downward; A chamfer portion formed so as to face upward at the rear end of the above-mentioned lower pressure surface; A chamfer formed in the front end of the upper pressure surface so as to face upward and rearward; and A heater assembly comprising at least one of: a chamfer formed in a front end of the upper pressure surface to face downward; 19. In claim 2, A heater assembly, wherein the upper rear protrusion and the lower rear protrusion include a rigid reinforcement member that extends in the height direction and reinforces the height direction bending rigidity of the upper rear protrusion and the lower rear protrusion.

20. In claim 5, A heater assembly, wherein the upper front protrusion and the lower front protrusion include a rigid reinforcement member that extends in the height direction and reinforces the height direction bending rigidity of the upper front protrusion and the lower front protrusion.

21. In claim 1, The above upper cover: a perimeter having a thickness; and A heater assembly, comprising a connecting portion radially connecting the heater receiving portion and the peripheral portion.

22. In claim 21, A heater assembly having three or more of the above connecting parts.

23. In claim 1, The above lower cover: a perimeter having a thickness; and A heater assembly, comprising a connecting portion radially connecting the heater receiving portion and the peripheral portion.

24. In claim 23, A heater assembly having three or more of the above connecting parts.

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