EP1503153B1 - Device for heat exchange - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for exchanging heat, and more particularly to an electric heater. Such devices for exchanging heat are used, for example, for heating air in motor vehicles. US-A-6 055 360 shows a device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

The present invention will be described below using the example of an electric heater for heating the interior of a motor vehicle. It should be noted, however, that the device according to the invention is also suitable for other applications.

Such an electric heating device for heating the air conducted into the interior of a vehicle has electrical heating elements and heat conductors to which the air to be heated flows. Preferably, but not exclusively, ceramic heating elements having positive temperature coefficients (PTC heating elements) are used as electrical heating elements. However, other heating elements such as resistance heating elements, plasma heating elements and / or the like may also be used.

The heat emitted by the heating elements is dissipated by means of heat conduction, which are embodied for example in the form of corrugated fins or fins, to the air to be heated.

Furthermore, it is known to achieve the electrical connection of the PTC elements with the respective power source by using contact plates.

The heating elements are preferably held in a receiving device.

From the prior art furthermore devices are known in which the supply of electrical energy to the heating element is carried out using an electrically conductive frame. This electrically conductive frame represents an increased construction cost.

The object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanging device which is designed so that both the connection of the electric heating elements to the power source and the heat conduction between the PTC element and the air can be easily provided.

The above object is achieved by a device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The heat exchange device according to the invention has a multiplicity of heat exchanger assemblies, these heat exchanger assemblies having at least one first component which is connected to an electric current source and whose temperature changes as a function of a current flowing through the component. In addition, at least one second component is provided, with at least one first and at least one second subunit, which are connected to the poles of a current source in order to generate a current flow through the first component. Finally, at least one connecting device is provided, which is in mechanically detachable and electrical connection with first or second subunits of at least one heat exchanger assembly. According to the invention, the connecting device is in a mechanically detachable and electrical connection with a plurality, particularly preferably with all, first or second subunits of the individual heat exchanger subassemblies.

At least one subunit has a first connecting member and the connecting device has a plurality of second connecting members, wherein at least a first and / or a second connecting member has a clamping element which engages at least in a second and / or a first connecting member.

This means that at least one of the two connecting members has the clamping device and the respective other element at least partially engages in this clamping device.

A connecting link is understood to mean a device which is suitable for entering into a mechanical, not necessarily permanent, connection with a further connecting link. Such links could be, for example, clamps that pinch a projection or a tab. However, it is also possible to use mutually interlocking or interlocking elements instead of clamps.

A connection device is understood to be a device which is suitable for producing or effecting a particularly electrical connection between individual, but preferably not exclusively, several components and a current source.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting device extends at a predetermined angle α with respect to the longitudinal direction of the subunits. The subunits may, for example, be contact plates which have a predetermined length and a width that is significantly reduced compared to this length and significantly reduced thickness. The subunits lie in a preferred embodiment substantially parallel to each other. Between the subunits each of the first components are arranged. Preferably, the predetermined angle α is between 60 ° and 120 °, preferably between 75 ° and 105 ° and particularly preferably at about 90 °.

In a further preferred embodiment, a plurality of heat transfer devices are arranged between the first component and at least one subunit of the second component, which promote heat exchange with a medium flowing around. It is in the flowing medium preferably to be heated air. The heat transfer device may be corrugated fins with or without fins and the like.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first component has at least one heating element with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC element).

Preferably, the plurality of first subunits and the plurality of second subunits are alternating, i. H. arranged alternately. This is to be understood as meaning that in each case a first subunit is followed by a second subunit, and on this again a first subunit, etc. The different subunits are connected to the poles of a voltage source, so that in each case a current flow can occur between a predetermined number of subunits ,

In a further preferred embodiment, at least the first and / or the second connecting member has a plug-in auxiliary device, which engages in the clamping element of the second and / or the first connecting member. It may be a projection or a tab, which are inserted into the clamping element. In the preferred embodiment, this tab may have rounded corners or edges or inclined corners or edges which cause the connecting member to be inserted more easily into a clamping element (introduction aid).

In a further preferred embodiment, the clamping element has at least one flexible contact element. A flexible contact element is understood to be an element which can be elastically bent or displaced from its starting position. Preferably, the flexible contact element will exert a force on the second connecting member in the direction of its initial position.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one connecting member or a clamping element has a recess. This may be, for example, a slot or the like.

In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting device has at least one opening. This opening can have any geometric cross sections, such as circular, polygonal or rectangular cross-sections. Preferably, the invention has a cross section whose longer side exceeds the shorter side.

In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting device has at least one recess. The recess may also have any geometric cross sections of the type mentioned above.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one first subunit or at least one second subunit has an insulating device with which the first or the second subunit is electrically insulated from the connecting device. This may preferably be a non-electrically conductive plastic or the like. Preferably, the first or the second subunit is surrounded by the insulating device such that an electrical contact with the connecting device is substantially prevented. In this case, for example, the plastic can be molded onto the relevant subunit.

In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting device has a power supply device. In this case, the connection between the connection device and the power supply device is selected from a group of non-positive, form-fitting, material-locking connections, which are e.g. Screwing, welding, gluing and the like contains.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one first or at least one second subunit is connected to a control and / or regulating device. In this case, for example, the current flowing through the heating device can be controlled and / or regulated with the device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device is arranged in a receiving device. In this case, this receiving device may comprise, for example, frame elements, which stabilize the device serve. Preferably, the receiving device consists at least partially of an electrically insulating material, in particular of an electrically insulating plastic, composite plastic or a ceramic.

In a further preferred embodiment, means are provided which mechanically clamp the first component and the devices lying between a subunit of the second component and the first component. In general, these are clamping devices such as a spring, which cause a tension between individual or all components.

In a further preferred embodiment, current-conducting components are provided, between which the first component is arranged. In a preferred embodiment, these may be contact plates which themselves are not connected directly to a current or voltage source and between which the first component is sandwiched. It is also possible to arrange the PTC element or elements between a current-conducting component and a subunit of the second component. On the one hand, these current-conducting components serve to enable the flow of current between the subunits and through the PTC elements, on the other hand they are also suitable for the transmission of the heat generated by the PTC elements.

In a further preferred embodiment, a second connecting device is provided which is in mechanically detachable and electrical connection with at least one second subunit of at least one heat exchanger subassembly. This second connecting device is preferably in a mechanically detachable and electrical connection with several, particularly preferred, with a predetermined number of second subunits of the heat exchanger modules.

The invention is further directed to a device for exchanging heat, in particular an air conditioning system for a motor vehicle, in which in at least one flow channel of this air conditioning system at least one Heat exchange device of the type described above is arranged.

Further advantages and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1

eine Explosionsansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Austausch von Wärme;

Fig. 2

eine Teilansicht aus Fig. 1;

Fig.3

erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum Austausch von Wärme aus Fig. 1 im zusammengebauten Zustand;

Fig. 4

eine Teilansicht aus Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum Austausch von Wärme in einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Fig. 6

eine Detailansicht aus Fig. 5;

Fig. 7

eine Explosionsansicht der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 5,

Fig. 8

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum Austausch von Wärme in einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Fig. 9

eine Explosionsdarstellung der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 8;

Fig. 10

ein weitere Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Austausch von Wärme; und

Fig. 11

eine Explosionsansicht der Darstellung aus Fig. 10.

Show:

Fig. 1

an exploded view of a device according to the invention for the exchange of heat;

Fig. 2

a partial view Fig. 1 ;

Figure 3

inventive device for the exchange of heat Fig. 1 in the assembled state;

Fig. 4

a partial view Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5

an inventive device for exchanging heat in a further embodiment;

Fig. 6

a detailed view Fig. 5 ;

Fig. 7

an exploded view of the device Fig. 5 .

Fig. 8

an inventive device for exchanging heat in a further embodiment;

Fig. 9

an exploded view of the device Fig. 8 ;

Fig. 10

a further embodiment of the device according to the invention for the exchange of heat; and

Fig. 11

an exploded view of the representation Fig. 10 ,

In Fig. 1 a device according to the invention for the exchange of heat is shown in an exploded view. The reference numeral 1 refers to a heating block, which has inter alia corrugated fins 8, contact plates 7 and 9, and Stromleitkomponenten and arranged between the contact plates PTC elements. In this case, the contact plates 7 lugs or connecting members 3, which ultimately serve to connect to an electrical power source. The contact sheets or Stromleitkomponenten 9, however, have no such tabs. The reference numeral 15 refers to a frame means in which the heating block is arranged. Preferably, the frame means is made of non-electrically conductive material.

The reference numeral 2 denotes a connecting device which can be assembled together with the heating block 1 during assembly. In this case, this reference numeral 5 refers to a second link, which engages with the first link 3 in one another. The reference numeral 13 denotes a holding element, with which the connecting device 2 and thus the complete device can be screwed for example to the body of a vehicle. The reference numeral 17 refers to an outer frame member, which serves the further stiffening.

In Fig. 2 is a detail view Fig. 1 shown. Therein, the reference numeral 5 again refers to the second connecting member attached to the connecting device. In this case, the reference numeral 5a denotes a chamfered area, which facilitates insertion of the member into the first link 3. The first link 3 has a flexible portion 3a which is suitable for clamping the second link 5. However, instead of that, two flexible members 3a and 3b could be provided, as well as other plug-in mechanisms known from the prior art.

The reference numeral 19 denotes a recess into which the flexible portion 3a can be inserted.

In Fig. 3 is the device for exchanging heat Fig. 1 shown in assembled condition.

Fig. 4 shows a partial view Fig. 3 , It can be seen in which way the section 3a is inserted into the recess 19 and how, on the other hand, the first link 5a is latched or pushed into the second link 3.

Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention for the exchange of heat. In this case, the reference numeral 1 again refers to the heating block and the reference numeral 2 to the connecting device. It can be seen that the individual connecting links 3, 3 'engage in the corresponding connecting links 5, 5', 5 ", etc. In this way, all the first connecting links 3, 3 ', etc. are at the same electrical potential, and are for example connected to the The reference numeral 16 refers to a bolt or a power supply device that makes contact with a voltage source, which may be, for example, a bolt that is screwed in via the connecting device 2. However, it is It is also conceivable to use other force, form and material connection mechanisms, such as soldering, welding and the like, The cross section of the connection means can be adapted to the current flowing through the connection means, that is to say, wider or less wide, thicker or thicker depending on a current less thick, to be chosen Connectors 4 can be connected to the poles of the voltage source either together, but preferably separately. It is possible to control the individual links 4 separately or to regulate separately. Also, a (not shown) power electronics can be applied to these links.

Fig. 6 shows a detail of the in Fig. 5 shown device. In particular, it is shown how the first connecting links 3 engage in the second connecting links 5. However, it is also possible, conversely, to replace the connecting links 3 and 5, that is, to provide the clamping elements with the flexible elements on the connecting device 2 and conversely, the individual tabs which are inserted into these clamping elements to provide the heating block 1.

The reference numeral 9 refers to a component, that is, a contact plate, which has no electrical connection member. Preferably, a PTC heating element is arranged between two such contact elements. In this way, the current flowing between the connecting member 4 and 5 'can lead to a heating of the (not shown) between the contact plates 9 and 9' arranged PTC element and thus cause heating of the corrugated fins 8 and 8 '. How out Fig. 6 can be seen, the connecting members 3 and 4 are rotated against each other by 90 °. However, it is also possible to provide an arbitrarily different from this twist angle.

The reference numeral 17 refers to an angled within the connecting device 2 by a predetermined angle range. On the one hand, this angling can serve to guide the connecting links 4 outwards, and on the other hand serves to increase the stiffening of the connecting device 2. The connecting link 4 preferably has an area or a sheathing 11 of electrically insulating material. In this way, it is prevented that a short circuit can occur between the connecting device 2 and the connecting member 4. Alternatively, it is. possible, instead of controlling the individual links 4 separately, to control them together and to use a further connection device in the manner of the first connection means 2 for this purpose.

Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of in Fig. 6 shown device for exchanging heat. In this figure, it is clear that the individual first links 3 ', 3 ", 3"', etc. are respectively connected to the connector 2, whereas the links 4 ', 4 ", 4'", etc. are not in electrical contact with the connector Connecting device 2 are. For example, the current that flows via the connecting device 2 and the connecting member 3 'in the component 7 would be forwarded via the corrugated fins 8 to the contactless component 9 and from there via the (not shown) PTC element to the contact component 7', which in turn is connected to the connecting member 4. The second connecting members 5 preferably have at least one, preferably a predetermined number of fixing aids 5b.

Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the invention for the exchange of heat in a detailed representation. In this embodiment, in contrast to the previous embodiment, the connecting members 5 clamping elements 20 and 20 'on. These clamping elements are preferably designed to be flexible and serve to at least partially fix the first connecting member 3. In addition, the connecting device 2 has an opening or recess 19, through which the connecting member 4 is passed. In this case, an insulating device 11 is provided, by means of which the connecting member 4 with respect to the connecting device 2 can be electrically isolated.

In Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the device Fig. 8 shown. Reference numeral 19 refers again to recesses through which the connecting members 4 are passed. The reference numeral 21 designates a PTC element which is arranged between two components or contact plates 7 and 9. Connecting links 4, 4 ', etc. are in turn connected by means of plug-in elements and cables for electrical contacting. Alternatively, a circuit board may be provided. The individual PTC elements 21 can be arranged essentially over the entire region of the contact plates, that is to say the entire surface of the contact plates, but it is also possible to provide the PTC elements only in sections. The frame means 15 is preferably made of electrically non-conductive material.

Claims (21)

1. A device for heat exchange, in particular for a motor vehicle comprising a large number of heat exchanger assemblies, wherein these heat exchanger assemblies include at least one first component (21) which is connected to an electric current source and the temperature of which changes as a function of a current flowing through the components, and at least one second component having at least a first (7) and at least a second (6) subunit, which are connected via opposite poles to a current source to induce a current flow through the first component,
   characterized in that the device comprises a connection device (2) which establishes an electrical connection between a plurality of components and a current source, wherein it is connected in a mechanically detachable and electrically conductive manner to a plurality of first (7) or second (6) subunits of the individual heat exchanger assemblies, wherein at least one subunit (6, 7) has a first connection element (3, 4), and the connection device (2) has a large number of second connection elements (5), wherein at least one first (3, 4) and/ or one second (5) connection element comprises a clamp element (3a, 20) into which at least one second (5) and/or one first (3, 4) connection element engages.
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection device (2) extends at a specified angle α relative to the longitudinal direction of the subunits.
3. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the specified angle α is between 60 and 120°, preferably between 75 and 105°, and particularly preferably is approximately 90°.
4. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a large number of turbulence devices which promote heat exchange with an adjacently flowing medium is disposed between the first component (21) and at least one subunit of the second component.
5. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first component (21) comprises at least one heat element having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC element).
6. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the large number of first (7) subunits and the large number of second (6) subunits are disposed in alternation.
7. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the first and/or the second connection element (5) comprises a projection (5a) that engages in the clamp element of the second and/or the first connection element.
8. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamp element comprises at least one flexible contact element (3a).
9. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection device comprises at least one opening.
10. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection device comprises at least one recess.
11. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first (7) or at least one second (6) component is slid through the opening and/or the recess.
12. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first (7) subunit or at least one second (6) subunit comprises an insulating device (11) which electrically insulates the first or the second subunit against the connection device.
13. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection device comprises a flow supply device (16).
14. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection between the connection device (2) and the flow supply device (16) is selected from a group of bonded, non-positive, or forumfit connections which comprise threaded connections, welding, bonding, or the like.
15. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first (7) or at least one second (6) subunit is connected to an openloop and/or closed-loop controlling system.
16. A device for heat exchange according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection is disposed in a receiving device (15).
17. The device for heat exchange according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving device (15) is composed at least partially of an electrically insulating material, in particular an electrically insulating plastic, ceramic, or composite plastic.
18. The device for heat exchange according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that devices are provided which brace the first component (21) and devices disposed between a subunit (6, 7) of the second component and the first component with each other.
19. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that flow guidance components (9) are provided, between which the first component is disposed.
20. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second connection device is provided that is electrically connected in a mechanically detachable manner to at least one second subunit of at least one heat exchanger assembly.
21. A device for heat exchange, in particular an air conditioning system for a motor vehicle, characterized in that at least one device for heat exchange according to at least one of the preceding claims is disposed on at least one flow channel of the air conditioning system.

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