Heating element, electric heater and electric vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a heating element, an electric heater and an electric vehicle. The heating element comprises: a resistor layer, which comprises at least one regional resistor; and an electrode layer, which is in contact with the resistor layer, wherein the electrode layer divides each regional resistor into a plurality of resistor units, and the plurality of resistor units of each regional resistor are connected in parallel. In this way, even if one resistor unit or several resistor units are damaged, a regional resistor can still operate, and the heating element can still operate normally, without resulting in the loss of the heating function of the entire heating element. Therefore, the reliability of the heating element is improved.

Description

Heating elements, electric heaters and electric vehicles Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heating technology, and more specifically, to a heating element, an electric heater, and an electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] An electric heater is a device that converts electrical energy into heat energy to achieve electric heating. The principle of an electric heater is based on the Joule effect, relying on an electric current passing through a resistive heating material to generate heat as the heat source. When a liquid or gaseous medium flows through the heating chamber of the electric heater under pressure, it carries away the heat generated by the heater, bringing the temperature of the heated medium to the user's requirements and providing heating for electric vehicles.

[0003] Electric heaters can use thick-film heating elements. Thick-film heating elements typically employ multiple resistor units connected in series. If a single resistor unit fails (short circuit or open circuit), the entire thick-film heating element will lose its heating function, resulting in relatively poor reliability. Electric heaters can also use PTC ceramic heating elements. PTC ceramic heating elements are usually inserted vertically into the receiving cavity of the water channel to obtain a larger heat dissipation area. Therefore, electric heaters using PTC ceramic heating elements typically have greater thickness and weight.

[0004] Therefore, improving the reliability and weight reduction of heating elements has become a technical problem that needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, this application proposes a heating element, an electric heater, and an electric vehicle to improve the reliability of the heating element.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a heating element comprising: a resistive layer including at least one regional resistor; and an electrode layer in contact with the resistive layer, wherein the electrode layer divides each regional resistor into a plurality of resistive units, and the plurality of resistive units of each regional resistor are connected in parallel.

[0007] Optionally, the resistive layer is prepared from a paste having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC).

[0008] Optionally, the resistance values ​​of the plurality of resistor units are equal.

[0009] Optionally, the electrode layer includes a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure. The first electrode structure includes a first electrode track and a plurality of first electrode branch tracks. Each first electrode branch track is electrically connected to a first electrode via the first electrode track. The second electrode structure includes a second electrode track and a plurality of second electrode branch tracks. Each second electrode branch track is electrically connected to a second electrode via the second electrode track. Each region resistor is divided into a plurality of resistor units by the plurality of first electrode branch tracks and the plurality of second electrode branch tracks. Each of the plurality of resistor units is electrically connected to the first electrode track via the first electrode branch track and electrically connected to the second electrode track via the second electrode branch track.

[0010] Optionally, each of the region resistors includes a first side and a second side that are parallel to each other, and the plurality of first electrode branch tracks and the plurality of second electrode branch tracks are staggered along the first side or the second side, with each first electrode branch track and each second electrode branch track extending along the second side or the first side.

[0011] Optionally, for each of the resistor elements, the current flows along the shortest side of the resistor element.

[0012] Preferably, the value of the shortest side is greater than or equal to 3mm and less than or equal to 10mm.

[0013] Optionally, the resistive layer includes a plurality of regional resistors, which are configured as a series and / or parallel circuit via the first electrode track and the second electrode track.

[0014] Optionally, each of the region resistors includes a plurality of sub-region resistors, adjacent sub-region resistors are insulated from each other, and each sub-region resistor is divided into a plurality of resistor units by the plurality of first electrode branch rails and the plurality of second electrode branch rails.

[0015] Optionally, the electrode layer further includes: a first electrode connection terminal, wherein the first electrode track is electrically connected to the first electrode via the first electrode connection terminal; and a second electrode connection terminal, wherein the second electrode track is electrically connected to the second electrode via the second electrode connection terminal.

[0016] Optionally, the thickness of the resistive layer is greater than or equal to 8 μm and less than or equal to 20 μm.

[0017] Optionally, the heating element further includes: a substrate; an insulating layer located on one side of the substrate, wherein the resistive layer and the electrode layer are sequentially stacked on the insulating layer.

[0018] Preferably, the material used to prepare the substrate is stainless steel and / or aluminum alloy.

[0019] Preferably, the thickness of the substrate is greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm.

[0020] Preferably, the material used to prepare the insulating layer is glass and / or ceramic.

[0021] Preferably, the thickness of the insulating layer is greater than or equal to 60 μm and less than or equal to 400 μm.

[0022] Secondly, this application also provides an electric heater, which includes the heating element described above.

[0023] Thirdly, this application also provides an electric vehicle, which includes the aforementioned electric heater.

[0024] According to the technical solution of this application, the resistive layer includes at least one area resistor. Each area resistor is divided into multiple resistance units by the electrode layer. The multiple resistance units of each area resistor are connected in parallel. Thus, even if one or several resistance units are damaged, the area resistor can still operate, and the heating element can still function normally, preventing the entire heating element from losing its heating function. This improves the reliability of the heating element. Based on the improved reliability of the heating element, the electric heater using the technical solution of this application has a certain limp-out function. Furthermore, using the technical solution of this application, the resistive layer is arranged in a horizontal layered manner, thereby giving the heating element a large heat dissipation area. This alleviates the problem of the heating product using PTC ceramic heating elements having a large thickness and weight due to the need to insert the heating element into the receiving cavity extending into the water channel to increase the heat dissipation area.

[0025] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application, and the illustrative embodiments and descriptions thereof are used to explain this application. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the change in resistance value of a PTC resistor with temperature;

[0028] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heating element according to a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of the current flow direction in the resistor unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 2c is a schematic diagram of the current flow direction in the resistor unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 3a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heating element according to a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3b is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the heating element according to a preferred embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the regional resistors according to a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the regional resistors according to a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 4c is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the regional resistors according to a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 4d is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the regional resistors according to a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heating element according to a preferred embodiment of this application.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10, resistive layer; 101, regional resistor; 1011, resistive unit; 110, sub-regional resistor; 111, separation gap; 101A, first regional resistor; 101B, second regional resistor; 101C, third regional resistor; 101D, fourth regional resistor; 101a, first side; 101b, second side; 20, electrode layer; 201, first electrode structure; 202, second electrode structure; 2011, first electrode track; 2012, first electrode branch track; 2021, second electrode track; 2022, second electrode branch track; 203, first electrode connection end; 204, second electrode connection end; 30, substrate; 40, insulating layer. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0040] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a heating element. The heating element includes a resistive layer and an electrode layer. The resistive layer includes at least one regional resistor. The electrode layer is in contact with the resistive layer, and the electrode layer divides each regional resistor into multiple resistive units, with the multiple resistive units of each regional resistor connected in parallel.

[0041] In the embodiments of this application, there can be many materials for preparing the resistive layer, and there is no limitation on them, as long as they can meet the technical concept of the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0042] Optionally, in an embodiment of this application, the resistive layer is prepared from a paste having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC).

[0043] PTC resistors prepared from slurries with positive temperature characteristics (PTC) exhibit temperature sensitivity. When their temperature exceeds a certain temperature (Curie temperature, i.e., T in Figure 1), they become sensitive to temperature changes. c When the temperature rises, the resistance of a PTC resistor increases in a stepwise manner. As shown in Figure 1, the advantage of a PTC resistor is that its resistance increases from T... c To T p At this point, due to heat generation, the resistance of the PTC resistor increases rapidly, and the current flowing through the PTC resistor also decreases rapidly, causing the PTC resistor to enter a protection state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the resistive layer is prepared from a paste with PTC positive temperature characteristics. The resistive layer possesses the characteristics of a PTC resistor, enabling the heating element to have a self-protection function, eliminating the need for additional hardware protection circuits and / or software protection strategies, thus reducing the cost of the heating element to some extent. Furthermore, when the resistive layer is prepared from a paste with PTC positive temperature characteristics, for electric heaters using the heating element provided in this embodiment, when dry burning or low-flow operation occurs, the resistance value of the electric heater increases sharply, according to P=U 2 / R, the heating power of the electric heater is greatly reduced, which can prevent the heating element from overheating and burning out.

[0044] Optionally, in embodiments of this application, the resistive layer may be formed by screen printing and sintering a paste having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC).

[0045] In the embodiments of this application, the arrangement scheme of forming the resistance layer by simultaneously using screen printing and sintering processes can significantly reduce the interfacial thermal resistance between the heating element and the heated working medium, as well as the volume and / or weight of the heater using the heating element.

[0046] Optionally, in this embodiment, a paste with relatively high resistivity and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) can be used to ensure that the resistive layer has a suitable total resistance value. Preferably, the resistance value of the resistive layer 10 can be greater than or equal to 10Ω and less than or equal to 30Ω.

[0047] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of the heating element according to a preferred embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2a, the heating element includes a resistive layer 10 and an electrode layer 20. The resistive layer 10 includes two region resistors 101, labeled as a first region resistor 101A and a second region resistor 101B, respectively. It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the resistive layer may include one region resistor 101 or multiple region resistors 101, and there is no limitation on this.

[0048] The electrode layer 20 is in contact with the resistive layer 10. For example, the electrode layer 20 may cover the resistive layer 10. Alternatively, the resistive layer 10 may cover the electrode layer 20.

[0049] Electrode layer 20 includes a first electrode structure 201 and a second electrode structure 202. The first electrode structure includes a first electrode track 2011 and a plurality of first electrode branch tracks 2012. Each first electrode branch track 2012 is electrically connected to a first electrode via the first electrode track 2011. In other words, each first electrode branch track 2012 is electrically connected to the first electrode track 2011, and the first electrode track 2011 is electrically connected to the first electrode. The second electrode structure 202 includes a second electrode track 2021 and a plurality of second electrode branch tracks 2022. Each second electrode branch track 2022 is electrically connected to a second electrode via the second electrode track 2021. In other words, each second electrode branch track 2022 is electrically connected to the second electrode track 2021, and the second electrode track 2021 is electrically connected to the second electrode. Each region resistor 101 is divided into a plurality of resistor units 1011 by the plurality of first electrode branch tracks 2012 and the plurality of second electrode branch tracks 2022. Each of the plurality of resistive units 1011 is electrically connected to the first electrode track 2011 via the first electrode branch track 2012 and electrically connected to the second electrode track 2021 via the second electrode branch track 2022. Thus, each of the plurality of resistive units is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0050] In the embodiments of this application, the first electrode structure 201 can be a comb-shaped structure composed of a first electrode track 2011 and a plurality of first electrode branch tracks 2012; the second electrode structure 202 can be a comb-shaped structure composed of a second electrode track 2021 and a plurality of second electrode branch tracks 2022.

[0051] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the number of first electrode structures 201 and second electrode structures 202 included in the electrode layer 20 can be determined according to the number of region resistors 101 included in the resistor layer 10 and the connection method between the region resistors 101. As shown in FIG2a, the resistor layer includes two region resistors 101 connected in parallel, and the electrode layer 20 includes two first electrode structures 201 and one second electrode structure 202. Alternatively, as shown in FIG3, the resistor layer includes two region resistors 101 connected in series, and the electrode layer 20 includes one first electrode structure 201 and one second electrode structure 202.

[0052] In the embodiments of this application, there are many ways in which the electrode track can be electrically connected to the electrode. For example, an electrode connection end can be provided, the electrode track can be electrically connected to the electrode connection end, and the electrode connection end can be electrically connected to the electrode, thereby realizing that the electrode track is electrically connected to the electrode.

[0053] Optionally, in this embodiment, the electrode layer 10 may further include a first electrode connection terminal 203 and a second electrode connection terminal 204. The first electrode track 2011 is electrically connected to the first electrode via the first electrode connection terminal 203, and the second electrode track 2021 is electrically connected to the second electrode via the second electrode connection terminal 204.

[0054] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the first electrode connection end 203 corresponds one-to-one with the first electrode track 2011, and the second electrode connection end 204 corresponds one-to-one with the second electrode track 2021. The number of first electrode connection ends 203 can be determined according to the number of first electrode tracks 2011, and the number of second electrode connection ends 204 can be determined according to the number of second electrode tracks 2021.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2a, a first electrode connection terminal 203 and a second electrode connection terminal 204 are provided, each with a quantity of 1. A first electrode track 2011 is electrically connected to the first electrode connection terminal 203, and the first electrode connection terminal 203 is electrically connected to the first electrode. A second electrode track 2021 is electrically connected to the second electrode connection terminal 204, and the second electrode connection terminal 204 is electrically connected to the second electrode.

[0056] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the first electrode and the second electrode can be determined according to specific circumstances, and there is no limitation thereto. For example, the first electrode can be a positive electrode and the second electrode can be a negative electrode. Alternatively, the first electrode can be a negative electrode and the second electrode can be a positive electrode. In the example shown in FIG2a, the first electrode is a positive electrode, the second electrode is a negative electrode, the first electrode connection terminal 203 is connected to the positive electrode, and the second electrode connection terminal 204 is connected to the negative electrode.

[0057] In the embodiments of this application, the resistance values ​​of the plurality of resistance units 1011 obtained by dividing each region resistor 101 may be equal or unequal; or, some resistance units 1011 may have equal resistance values ​​and some resistance units 1011 may have unequal resistance values.

[0058] Optionally, in this embodiment, the resistance values ​​of the plurality of resistance units 1011 obtained by dividing each region resistor 101 are equal. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the equality of the resistance values ​​of the plurality of resistance units 1011 obtained by dividing each region resistor 101 refers to the equality of theoretical resistance values ​​or designed resistance values. However, in actual production, due to manufacturing deviations, it is difficult for the resistance values ​​of two resistance units 1011 to be absolutely equal. Therefore, when the difference in resistance values ​​of two resistance units 1011 is within a preset error accuracy range, the resistance values ​​of the two resistance units 1011 can be considered equal. The preset error accuracy range can be determined according to specific circumstances. For example, if the theoretical resistance value of resistance unit 1011 is RΩ, the preset error accuracy range can be less than or equal to 10%RΩ.

[0059] Optionally, in this embodiment, each region resistor 101 includes a first side 101a and a second side 101b that are parallel to each other, as shown in FIG2a. A plurality of first electrode branch tracks 2012 and a plurality of second electrode branch tracks 2022 are staggered perpendicular to the first side 101a. In other words, there is a second electrode branch track 2022 between two adjacent first electrode branch tracks 2012, and a first electrode branch track 2012 between two adjacent second electrode branch tracks 2022. Each first electrode branch track 2012 and each second electrode branch track 2022 extends along the second side 101b. The outermost second electrode branch track 2022, when projected onto the region resistor 101, has its outer edge coinciding with the second side 101b.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2a, the outermost electrode branch track 2022 is arranged. In this embodiment, the outermost electrode branch track 2012 can also be arranged. Based on Figure 2a, if the outermost electrode branch track 2012 is arranged, then the outer edge of the orthogonal projection of the outermost first electrode branch track 2012 on the region resistor 101 coincides with the second side 101b.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plurality of first electrode branch tracks 2012 and the plurality of second electrode branch tracks 2022 may also be staggered perpendicular to the second side 101b. Each first electrode branch track 2012 and each second electrode branch track 2022 extends along the first side 101a. The outermost edge of the orthogonal projection of the second electrode branch track 2022 or the first electrode branch track 2012 arranged on the region resistor 101 coincides with the first side 101a.

[0062] It should be noted that the first side 101a and the second side 101b shown in Figure 2a are merely examples. The plane parallel to the resistive layer 10 can be labeled as a two-dimensional plane including the x-axis and y-axis. Alternatively, the side along the x-axis can be labeled as the second side and the side along the y-axis can be labeled as the first side.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shape of the region resistor 101 is not limited, as long as it includes a first parallel side and a second parallel side. Preferably, the region resistor 101 is rectangular, as shown in Figure 2a. A rectangular shape for the region resistor 101 saves space.

[0064] Optionally, in this embodiment, when each region resistor 101 includes a first parallel side and a second parallel side, and multiple first electrode branch tracks 2012 and multiple second electrode branch tracks 2022 are staggered along the first or second side, the distribution can be equally spaced, unequally spaced, or partially equally spaced and partially unequally spaced. As shown in FIG2a, the first electrode branch tracks 2012 and multiple second electrode branch tracks 2022 are equally spaced along the first side 101a. When the multiple first electrode branch tracks 2012 and multiple second electrode branch tracks 2022 are equally spaced along the first or second side, the resistance values ​​of the multiple resistor units 1011 obtained are equal.

[0065] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of resistor units 1011 is electrically connected to the first electrode rail 2011 via the first electrode branch rail 2012 and electrically connected to the second electrode rail 2021 via the second electrode branch rail 2022. For each resistor unit 1011, current flows through the resistor unit 1011, causing the resistor unit to heat up. In this embodiment, the direction in which the current flows through the resistor unit 1011 can be designed according to specific circumstances. For example, if the resistor unit 1011 is rectangular, the current can be designed to flow in a direction parallel to one side of the resistor unit 1011.

[0066] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, for each resistor element 1011, the current flows in a direction parallel to the shortest side of the resistor element 1011.

[0067] As shown in Figure 2a, the shape of the resistor unit 1011 is rectangular. For each resistor unit 1011, the current flows along the direction parallel to the shortest side of the resistor unit 1011.

[0068] For resistor unit 1011, setting the current to flow parallel to the shortest side of resistor unit 1011 can minimize the avoidance of potential manufacturing defects in the resistive layer, thereby reducing the impact of manufacturing defects on the performance of the heating element and decreasing the possibility of heating element failure due to the influence of manufacturing defects in the resistive layer on the current flow. Figures 2b and 2c show two resistor units 1011 respectively, and illustrate the manufacturing defects in resistor unit 1011, as shown in the shaded areas. In resistor unit 1011 shown in Figure 2b, setting the current to flow along the short side of resistor unit 1011 allows for normal current generation, and the current flow direction is shown by the solid arrow in the figure, avoiding manufacturing defects. In resistor unit 1011 shown in Figure 2c, setting the current to flow along the long side of resistor unit 1011 does not avoid manufacturing defects, as shown by the dashed arrow in the figure, preventing normal current generation, as the manufacturing defects obstruct the current flow.

[0069] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the value of the shortest side is greater than or equal to 3mm and less than or equal to 10mm.

[0070] Optionally, in this embodiment, the thickness of the resistive layer 10 is greater than or equal to 8 μm and less than or equal to 20 μm. Within this thickness range, screen printing and sintering processes can essentially eliminate various manufacturing defects of the PTC ceramic heating element, such as pores and internal voids.

[0071] In this embodiment of the application, when the temperature of the resistive layer 10 is higher than the Curie point temperature T c At this point, its resistance increases exponentially. For example, the sheet resistance of resistive layer 10 can be greater than or equal to 0.8kΩ and less than or equal to 1kΩ, with a Curie point temperature T. c The value range can be greater than or equal to 200℃ and less than or equal to 250℃.

[0072] In this embodiment, the resistive layer 10 may include only one area resistor 101 or multiple area resistors 101. The number of area resistors 101 included in the resistive layer 10 can be set according to the power requirements and resistance characteristics of the heating element.

[0073] When the resistive layer 10 includes multiple region resistors 101, the number of region resistors 101 and their distribution can be determined according to specific circumstances. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the area of ​​the multiple region resistors 101 is not limited. The areas of the multiple region resistors 101 may be equal or unequal. Alternatively, some region resistors 101 may have equal areas, while others may have unequal areas. Additionally, in this embodiment, the resistance value of the multiple region resistors 101 is not limited. The resistance values ​​of the multiple region resistors 101 may be equal or unequal. Alternatively, some region resistors 101 may have equal resistance values, while others may have unequal resistance values. The number, area, and arrangement of the region resistors 101 included in the resistive layer 10 can be referenced to Figures 4a to 4d. It should be noted that Figures 4a to 4d are merely examples, and other examples are possible.

[0074] In this embodiment, when the resistive layer 10 includes multiple region resistors 101, the circuit connection relationship between the multiple region resistors 101 can be determined according to specific circumstances and is not limited thereto. For example, the multiple region resistors 101 may have no circuit connection relationship, and each region resistor 101 may have its own corresponding first electrode structure 201 and second electrode structure 202. Alternatively, the multiple region resistors 101 may be connected in parallel. Alternatively, the multiple region resistors 101 may be connected in series. Alternatively, some region resistors 101 may be connected in parallel, and some region resistors 101 may be connected in series.

[0075] In this embodiment, the area resistor 101 is divided into multiple parallel resistor units 1011, so that the resistance value of the area resistor 101 is relatively small. The circuit connection relationship between the area resistors 101 can be flexibly set according to the actual situation. In this way, the total resistance of the heating element can be flexibly adjusted so that the heating element obtains an ideal resistance value that is more suitable for the actual situation.

[0076] For example, the power of the high-voltage electric heaters used in new energy vehicles is generally 3-15 kW, and their supply voltage is generally 400 / 800V. According to P=U 2 / R, on high-voltage platforms, heating elements require higher resistance values. Based on the heating element provided in the embodiments of this application, by flexibly setting the circuit connection relationship of the area resistor 101, the heating element can obtain an ideal resistance value suitable for electric heaters in new energy vehicles.

[0077] Optionally, in an embodiment of this application, the resistive layer 10 includes a plurality of region resistors 101, which are configured as series and / or parallel circuits via a first electrode track 2011 and a second electrode track 2021.

[0078] Optionally, in this embodiment, when multiple region resistors 101 are connected in parallel, this can be achieved by sharing one of the first electrode track 2011 and the second electrode track 2021. Furthermore, the other of the first electrode track 2011 and the second electrode track 2021 may or may not be shared; alternatively, some region resistors 101 may share the other of the first electrode track 2011 and the second electrode track 2021 while others do not. In other words, in this embodiment, when multiple region resistors 101 are connected in parallel, this can be achieved by setting the multiple region resistors 101 to at least share one of the first electrode track 2011 and the second electrode track 2021.

[0079] As shown in Figure 2a, the resistive layer 10 includes a first region resistor 101A and a second region resistor 101B. The first region resistor 101A and the second region resistor 101B are connected in parallel and share the second electrode track 2021, but they do not share the first electrode track 2011.

[0080] Optionally, in this embodiment, the width of the shared electrode track can be set to be greater than the width of the non-shared electrode track. Specifically, the relationship between the widths of the shared electrode track and the non-shared electrode track can be set according to the fact that the shared electrode track is shared by several region resistors 101.

[0081] As shown in Figure 2a, the resistive layer 10 includes a first region resistor 101A and a second region resistor 101B. The two share the second electrode track 2021, but do not share the first electrode track 2011. Since the second electrode track 2021 collects the current from the first region resistor 101A and the second region resistor 101B, the width of the second electrode track 2021 can be set to twice that of the first electrode track 2011.

[0082] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, when multiple region resistors 101 are connected in series, this can be achieved by sharing the first electrode track 2011 and the second electrode track 2021.

[0083] As shown in Figure 3, the resistive layer 10 includes a third region resistor 101C and a fourth region resistor 101D. The third region resistor 101C and the fourth region resistor 101D are connected in series and share the first electrode track 2011 and the second electrode track 2021.

[0084] Optionally, in this embodiment, multiple region resistors 101 can be configured as a circuit including series and parallel connections by setting some region resistors 101 to share one of the first electrode track 2011 and the second electrode track 2021, and some region resistors 101 to share both the first electrode track 2011 and the second electrode track 2021. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the explanation of the series and parallel connections of some region resistors 101 can be understood by referring to the explanations of series and parallel circuits in the above embodiments.

[0085] As shown in Figure 5, the resistive layer 10 includes four regional resistors 101, two of which are connected in parallel and two of which are connected in series. Specifically, the two regional resistors 101 are connected in parallel through a shared second electrode track 2021, and the two regional resistors 101 are connected in series through a shared first electrode track 2011 and second electrode track 2021.

[0086] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, each region resistor 101 includes a plurality of sub-region resistors 110, adjacent sub-region resistors 110 are insulated from each other, and each sub-region resistor 110 is divided into a plurality of resistor units 1011 by a plurality of first electrode branch rails 2012 and a plurality of second electrode branch rails 2022.

[0087] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the resistor unit 1011 refers to the smallest unit in the heating element capable of generating heat. Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, regardless of how the region resistor 101 is divided, the smallest unit capable of generating heat is always the resistor unit 1011. The explanation of the resistor unit 1011 in the above embodiments can be applied to the resistor units 1011 obtained by dividing the sub-region resistor 110.

[0088] Meanwhile, by setting adjacent sub-region resistors 110 to be insulated from each other and having a gap between them, the amount of material used to prepare the region resistors 110 is reduced, and the resistance value of the region resistors 110 can be appropriately increased, which can help adjust the resistance value of the entire heating element. In addition, it is also possible to divide a single resistor unit 1101 into rectangles or squares with similar aspect ratios.

[0089] Furthermore, during the fabrication process, when the region resistor 101 includes multiple sub-region resistors 110 and each sub-region resistor 110 is divided into multiple resistor units 1011, the region resistor 101 can be first configured to include multiple mutually insulated sub-region resistors 110 (for example, the multiple sub-region resistors 110 are disposed mutually insulated on the insulating layer 40), and then the sub-region resistors 110 are divided by the first electrode branch track 2012 and the second electrode branch track 2022. When the resistor layer 10 is fabricated using screen printing and paste sintering processes, the above scheme is easy to implement in terms of fabrication process.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, the method of dividing each sub-region resistor 110 into multiple resistor units 1011 can be understood by referring to the relevant description of "dividing each region resistor 101 into multiple resistor units 1011" in the above embodiment.

[0091] Optionally, in this embodiment, the sub-region resistor 110 can be a long strip extending in a certain direction, and the specific direction of extension can be determined according to the shape of the region resistor 101. For example, if the region resistor 101 is rectangular, the sub-region resistor 110 can be set to extend in a direction parallel to one side of the region resistor 101.

[0092] As shown in Figure 3, the region resistor 101 includes a first side 101a and a second side 101b that are parallel to each other. The sub-region resistor 110 extends in a direction parallel to the first side 101a and has a rectangular shape. Alternatively, the sub-region resistor 110 may also extend in a direction parallel to the second side 101b.

[0093] Optionally, in this embodiment, there are many ways to insulate adjacent sub-region resistors 110. For example, insulation can be achieved by providing a gap between adjacent sub-region resistors 110. As shown in FIG3, a separating gap 111 is provided between adjacent sub-region resistors 110.

[0094] Optionally, in this embodiment, the value of the separation gap 111 between adjacent sub-region resistors 110 can be greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0095] Optionally, in this embodiment, the heating element may further include a substrate 30 and an insulating layer 40. The insulating layer 40 is located on one side of the substrate 30, and the resistive layer 10 and the electrode layer 20 are sequentially stacked on the insulating layer 40. Specifically, as shown in FIG3a, the resistive layer 10 (including resistive unit 1011) is located on the side of the insulating layer 40 away from the substrate 30, and the electrode layer 20 (including first electrode track 2011, first electrode branch track 2012 and second electrode branch track 2022) is located on the side of the resistive layer 10 away from the insulating layer 40. Alternatively, the electrode layer 20 may be located on the side of the insulating layer 40 away from the substrate 30, and the resistive layer 10 may be located on the side of the electrode layer 20 away from the insulating layer 40.

[0096] In this embodiment, the internal assembly of the heating element no longer employs a clamping fit, thus resolving the problem of high interfacial thermal resistance caused by gaps between certain structures that can be filled with gas molecules due to the clamping fit. Furthermore, it also solves the problem of additional interfacial thermal resistance caused by the need to add metal wedges to increase the tightness of the fit, mitigating the impact on heat transfer efficiency.

[0097] Optionally, in this embodiment, the material used to prepare the substrate 30 may be stainless steel and / or aluminum alloy.

[0098] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the thickness of the substrate 30 can be greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm.

[0099] Optionally, in this embodiment, the material used to prepare the insulating layer 40 may be glass and / or ceramic.

[0100] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the thickness of the insulating layer 40 can be greater than or equal to 60 μm and less than or equal to 400 μm.

[0101] Optionally, in this embodiment, the material used to prepare the electrode layer 20 can be silver-platinum, silver-palladium, or silver-rhodium based materials. For example, the electrode layer 20 can be prepared from silver powder, palladium powder, and ruthenium dioxide, with the weight percentages of the three components ranging from 80% to 95%, 0% to 5%, and 5% to 15%, respectively.

[0102] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an electric heater, which includes the heating element described in the above embodiments.

[0103] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide an electric vehicle that includes the electric heater described in the above embodiments.

[0104] The preferred embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. However, this application is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this application, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of this application, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0105] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable way without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this application will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0106] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this application can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this application, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed by this invention.

Claims

1. A heating element, characterized by, The heating element comprises: a resistance layer comprising at least one area resistance; an electrode layer in contact with the resistance layer, the electrode layer dividing each of the area resistances into a plurality of resistance units, the plurality of resistance units of each of the area resistances being in parallel.

2. The heating element of claim 1, wherein The resistance layer is prepared from a paste having PTC positive temperature characteristics.

3. The heating element of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of resistance units have equal resistance values.

4. The heating element according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The electrode layer comprises a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure, the first electrode structure comprising a first electrode track and a plurality of first electrode branch tracks, each of the first electrode branch tracks being electrically connected to a first electrode via the first electrode track, the second electrode structure comprising a second electrode track and a plurality of second electrode branch tracks, each of the second electrode branch tracks being electrically connected to a second electrode via the second electrode track, each of the area resistances being divided into a plurality of resistance units by the plurality of first electrode branch tracks and the plurality of second electrode branch tracks, each of the plurality of resistance units being electrically connected to the first electrode track via the first electrode branch track and to the second electrode track via the second electrode branch track.

5. The heating element of claim 4, wherein, Each of the area resistances comprises mutually parallel first edges and mutually parallel second edges, the plurality of first electrode branch tracks and the plurality of second electrode branch tracks being staggered perpendicularly to the first edges or the second edges, each of the first electrode branch tracks and each of the second electrode branch tracks extending along the second edges or the first edges.

6. The heating element of claim 5, wherein, For each of the resistance units, a current flows along a shortest edge of the resistance unit; Preferably, the shortest edge has a value ranging from greater than or equal to 3 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.

7. The heating element of claim 4, wherein The resistance layer comprises a plurality of area resistances, the plurality of area resistances being arranged in series and / or parallel circuits by the first electrode track and the second electrode track.

8. The heating element of claim 4, wherein, Each of the area resistances comprises a plurality of sub-area resistances, adjacent ones of the sub-area resistances being insulated, each of the sub-area resistances being divided into a plurality of resistance units by the plurality of first electrode branch tracks and the plurality of second electrode branch tracks.

9. The heating element of claim 4, wherein, The electrode layer further comprises: a first electrode connection end, the first electrode track being electrically connected to the first electrode via the first electrode connection end; a second electrode connection end, the second electrode track being electrically connected to the second electrode via the second electrode connection end.

10. The heating element of claim 1, wherein The resistance layer has a thickness ranging from greater than or equal to 8 μm and less than or equal to 20 μm.

11. The heating element of claim 1, wherein The heating element further comprises: a substrate; an insulating layer on one side of the substrate, the resistance layer and the electrode layer being successively stacked on the insulating layer; Preferably, the material for preparing the substrate is stainless steel and / or aluminum alloy; Preferably, the substrate has a thickness ranging from greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm; Preferably, the material for preparing the insulating layer is glass and / or ceramic; Preferably, the insulating layer has a thickness ranging from greater than or equal to 60 μm and less than or equal to 400 μm.

12. An electric heater, characterized by The electric heater comprises: the heating element according to any one of claims 1-11.

13. An electric vehicle characterized by comprising: The electric vehicle comprises: An electric heater as claimed in claim 12.

Images