DE10143852B4 - radiator - Google Patents

Abstract

Radiator with a tubular element (16), by two heat-conducting Profile body (20, 22) is formed and in which several successive PTC heating elements (10) are arranged, characterized in that the two profile body (20, 22) have the same profile and non-positively engage, and that one over all PTC heating elements (10) extending, in cross-section U-shaped spring element (12) is provided, one of the U-legs (24) located on a profile body (20) is supported and whose other U-legs (26) slats (32), through the PTC heating elements (10) are pressed against a contact surface (14) of the other profile body.

Description

The The invention relates to a radiator with a tubular Element that is thermally conductive by two profile body is formed and in the several consecutive PTC heating elements are arranged.

A generic radiator according to the preamble of claim 1 is for example from the EP 0 876 080 A1 known.

Another belonging to the state of the art radiator is for example from the EP 0 707 434 31 known. It may in particular be a radiator with a ribbed tube block, which can be traversed by air to be heated, and which has at least one row of thermally conductive arranged between the ribs tubular elements. The ribs may be in particular corrugated ribs, wherein additionally or alternatively also corrugated fins may be provided. A plurality of PTC heating elements is typically arranged in a tubular element. This does not exclude that the radiator has additional tubes, which are intended to be flowed through by a liquid heat transfer medium. With regard to the PTC heating elements, it is important that a transition from a PTC heating element to a contact surface, to which heat is to be transferred from the PTC heating element, has the lowest possible thermal resistance. This is particularly problematic when PTC heating elements are used whose outer dimensions are subject to relatively large tolerances.

Furthermore, from the DE 39 07 665 C2 a PTC thermistor device is known which comprises a PTC thermistor unit and a heat radiator and having a thermally coupled to the PTC thermistor unit plate. In this case, a plurality of ribs is formed on the plate whose free ends form open areas. In particular, it is provided that an air guide plate covers the open areas and is arranged movably over the free ends of the ribs, whereby the degree of opening of the open areas and thus the amount of escaping over the open areas air and thus the temperature of the PTC thermistor unit adjustable is.

Furthermore, from the US 4,874,924 a PTC heating device which is designed to be used as a heat source for an electric evaporator. For example, in the PTC heater after 8th of the US 4,874,924 provided that two oppositely disposed PTC heating elements are pressed by a spring clip to two different contact surfaces, which are also arranged opposite one another.

In addition, the reveals US 5,239,163 A an electric heater for a passenger car, wherein a plurality of successively arranged PTC heating elements are glued to adjacent to these provided tubular elements. Between the one surface of the PTC heating elements and the one tubular element, a flexible adhesive is provided, while between the other surface of the PTC heating elements and the other tubular element, a non-flexible adhesive is provided.

Furthermore, in the DE 44 04 345 A1 an electric Heizradiator described which is provided in particular for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

From the US 4,954,692 A a thermistor device for a heating device is known. The thermistor device includes a thermistor element and first and second radiators disposed adjacent a front and a back surface of the thermistor element. Both the first and second radiators have a pair of terminal flanges, which are respectively disposed on a pair of opposite sides of the corresponding radiator. The connecting flanges are aligned with their longitudinal ends at right angles to an air flow direction. The respective connecting flanges of the first and second radiators are engaged with each other by a pair of pin members which are inserted between the respective pairs of opposed surfaces of the flanges to hold the flanges in a rigid relationship. The Ther mistorelement is contained in a space which is surrounded by the first and second radiator.

Furthermore, from the US 4,870,249 A an electric fuel heater is known which comprises an electrically conductive inner sleeve which forms a passage for a fuel to be heated. A heater having a PTC heating element is fixed to the side of the outer surface of this sleeve with an elastic electrode in contact with this heater from the outer surface side and a first electrically and thermally insulating sleeve around the entire circumference of the inner sleeve is provided to completely cover the heater for holding the electrode, which is pressed against the heater. A second electrically and thermally insulating outer sleeve is provided around the entire circumference of the first sleeve, the second sleeve comprising means for securing the device.

The invention is based on the object the generic radiator in such a way that in a particularly cost-effective manner, a reduced thermal resistance between PTC heating elements and a contact surface is achieved, is to be transferred to the heat from the PTC heating elements.

These Task is accompanied by a radiator the features of claim 1 solved.

advantageous Refinements and developments of the invention will become apparent the dependent Claims.

The Invention builds on the generic state of the art thereby on that the two profile bodies have the same profile and frictionally engage, and that one over all PTC heating elements extending, in cross-section U-shaped spring element is provided, one U-leg is supported on a profile body and whose other U-leg has fins through which the PTC heating elements to a contact surface of the other profile body be pressed. Through this solution becomes the thermal resistance between the PTC heating elements and the contact surface in a particularly cost-effective Minimized manner without requiring a gluing or the like is. Furthermore, an exchange of one or more PTC heating elements possible. Also separate disposal of PTC heating elements and other components of the radiator is facilitated in this way. In particular, it is provided that the PTC heating elements are arranged in the tubular element. In this case, the tubular Form element, for example, a tube on which directly ribs and / or Slats are attached. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the tubular element in a cladding tube is inserted, are attached to the ribs and / or fins. In the latter variant, in the manufacture of the radiator first several sheaths be connected with ribs and / or fins, for example by Soldering and / or Welding, preferably a plurality of tubular Elements in which preferably each have a plurality of PTC heating elements are arranged, only then in the ducts be inserted. In particular, it is further provided that the spring element has the first U-leg and the second U-leg, which are interconnected such that the spring element a essentially U-shaped cross-section having. The spring action is in this case between the first free leg and the second free leg of the spring element caused, for example, by the first free leg and the second free leg are compressed. In this context is further provided that the first U-leg on the tubular element supported, and that the second U-leg is supported on the PTC heating elements. The bracing closes in this Not related to that between the first U-leg and the tubular member and / or the second U-leg and the PTC heating element more Elements are arranged, for example, electrical insulation material. In particular, it is provided in the radiator according to the invention that the plurality PTC heating elements associated with the spring element. This is especially true if several PTC heating elements in a tubular element are arranged and the spring element has the substantially U-shaped cross-section having. In this context, it is then provided that the spring element Having lamellae. Since the spring element has a U-shaped cross section, may be provided in particular that a peripheral area of a free Leg of the spring element on the whole length is formed throughout while the remaining portion of this free leg and the other free leg incisions to the individual slats too form. By providing such fins, each PTC heating element becomes individually pressed against the contact surface, so that, for example, tolerance-related height differences of the individual PTC heating elements can be balanced or not affect negatively.

Preferably is provided that the tubular Element, based on its longitudinal axis, by the two profile bodies is formed, of which the one an upper profile body and the other a lower profile body is is. In particular, when multiple PTC heating elements in a tubular element be arranged to facilitate the two-part design of the tubular Elements arranging the PTC heating elements.

there can be provided in an advantageous manner that the upper profile body and / or the lower profile body be formed by an aluminum profile. Aluminum is preferred because it has good thermal conductivity having.

Preferably is further provided that the upper profile body and / or the lower profile body through the entire radiator extend. This is especially true when the tubular element directly connected with ribs and / or fins. In many cases It is sufficient that only one of the upper and lower profile body through the entire radiator extends. The other profile body may optionally be designed in several parts, if this is advantageous is.

A preferred embodiment of the radiator according to the invention provides that the upper profile body and the lower profile body engage positively and non-positively in one another. The This solution is advantageous, for example, if the upper element or the upper profile body and the lower element or the lower profile body are each formed by an aluminum profile. In this case, the tubular element can be formed by the two aluminum profiles are pushed together. Alternatively or in addition to telescoping, a snap-in connection can also be provided.

A advantageous development of the radiator according to the invention provides that the PTC heating elements each having a first power supply terminal, the in is in electrical contact with the tubular element. It will preferred that the first power supply connection provided is to be connected to the negative terminal of a voltage source. This is especially true when the negative pole through the vehicle ground is formed or in connection with this.

Additionally or Alternatively it can be provided that the PTC heating elements respectively have a second power supply terminal, in electrical Contact with the spring element stands. In this case, the electric conductive spring element, for example, with the positive pole of a voltage source be brought in to heat the radiator. In this context will preferred that a plurality of PTC heating elements in a row in a tubular Element is arranged, wherein the tubular element with all the first Power supply connections in electrical contact stands while also in the tubular Element arranged spring element, for example, by film-like Material is electrically isolated from the tubular element and with all the second power supply terminals in the tubular element arranged PTC heating elements is in electrical contact.

As already indicated, is in preferred embodiments provided that the spring element with respect to the tubular element is electrically isolated. However, they are also embodiments conceivable in which the region of the tubular element on which the Spring element is applied, made of an electrically non-conductive material is formed.

in the Connection with the embodiment of the spring element is preferably furthermore provided that the spring element formed of aluminum is. Aluminum, as mentioned, has a good thermal conductivity on, which is particularly advantageous in cases is where heat is not just on the contact surface, but about the spring elements also transferred to other areas of the radiator is to be, for example, on one of the contact surface opposite area a tubular one Element. Furthermore possible it the electrical conductivity of Aluminum, that the spring element form a power supply strip can.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the radiator according to the invention is provided that it comprises a plurality of tubular elements, in each of which a plurality of PTC heating elements is arranged, and that are arranged between the tubular elements corrugated fins and / or rib fins. For a more detailed description of a known, but typical structure of such a radiator is on the already mentioned EP 0 707 434 31 directed.

The The invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings based on a preferred embodiment exemplified in more detail.

It demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the radiator according to the invention, comprising three tubular elements;

2 a sectional view along the in 1 drawn section line AB of a tubular element of the radiator of 1 ;

3 a plan view of an embodiment of a spring element according to the invention provided; and

4 a front view of the spring element of 3 ,

1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the radiator according to the invention, the three tubular elements 16 having. Between the tubular elements 16 of the radiator are in a conventional manner ribs and / or fins 34 arranged, in particular corrugated fins and / or rib fins. The ribs and / or fins 34 be during operation of the radiator on the tubular elements 16 heated so that between the ribs and / or fins 34 flowing air can be heated. As already mentioned, the electrical heating of the radiator can optionally be combined with a heating caused by a liquid heat carrier.

2 shows a sectional view taken along in FIG 1 drawn section line AB of a tubular element of the radiator of 1 , The illustrated tubular element 16 has a substantially rectangular inside and outside starts and is made of an upper element or profile body 20 in the form of an aluminum profile and a lower element or profile body 22 formed, which is also realized in the illustrated case by an aluminum profile. In the illustrated embodiment, both the upper element extend 20 as well as the lower element 22 through the entire radiator. The upper element 20 or the upper aluminum profile 20 and the lower element 22 or the lower aluminum profile 22 are designed such that they, after they have been pushed into each other, form fit and at least with respect to a degree of freedom frictionally engage with each other. This is the tubular element 16 relative to its longitudinal axis 18 formed in two parts. The tubular element 16 can be either directly with slats and / or ribs 34 of the radiator or be provided to be inserted into a so-called cladding tube, then to the lamellae and / or ribs 34 are fastened. In the tubular element 16 are, from the drawing plane of 2 out, several PTC heating elements arranged one behind the other, of which in 2 only one PTC heating element 10 can be seen in section. The PTC heating element 10 has a first power supply connection 28 on, in electrical contact with the lower element 22 stands, which also has a contact surface 14 for the PTC heating element 10 forms. A spring element 12 with a substantially U-shaped cross section is based on the representation of 2 arranged above the PTC heating elements, of which only the PTC heating element 10 can be seen. The spring element 12 has a first leg 24 and a second leg 26 on, with the first leg 24 on the upper element 20 of the tubular element 16 supports, while the second leg 26 at the PTC heating element 10 supported. The spring element 12 is formed of aluminum and therefore electrically conductive. The second leg 26 of the spring element 12 is in electrical contact with a second power supply terminal 30 which related to the representation of 2 on top of the PTC heating element 10 is formed. The same applies to the other PTC heating elements in the tubular element 16 arranged, however, in 2 are not shown. To avoid an electrical short circuit is between the first leg 24 of the spring element 12 and the upper element 20 of the tubular element 16 insulation material 36 arranged, which is formed like a film. Thus, the lower element forms 22 a first electrical connection rail for in the tubular element 16 arranged PTC heating elements, while the spring element 12 forms a second te connecting rail. The first leg 24 and the second leg 26 of the spring element 12 are at the in 2 illustrated arrangement against the spring force of the spring element 12 compressed so that the second leg 26 of the spring element 12 the PTC heating element 10 (and the others in the tubular element 16 arranged PTC heating elements) to the contact surface 14 suppressed. This results in a low thermal resistance between the PTC heating elements and the contact surface 14 achieved. Furthermore, heat is transmitted via the spring element 12 from the top of the PTC heating elements 10 to the upper element 20 transfer. By the spring force of the spring element 12 become the upper element 20 and the lower element 22 pressed apart, leaving a game 38 between the upper element 20 and the lower element 22 results. Like this, the representation of 2 it is possible to see the upper element 20 and the lower element 22 against the spring force of the spring element 12 squeeze such a way that the game 38 becomes zero. This may be advantageous, for example, if the tubular element 16 should be inserted into ducts, as in this case, a concern of the upper element 20 and the lower element 22 of the tubular element 16 is ensured at a corresponding cladding tube, so that even at a transition from the tubular element 16 to an optionally provided cladding tube, a low thermal resistance is achieved. To height differences in the tubular element 16 arranged PTC heating elements 10 to be able to balance is the second leg 26 of the spring element 12 lamellar, like this 3 can be seen.

3 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a spring element provided according to the invention and 4 shows a front view of the spring element of

3 , It is 3 to see that the second leg 26 of the spring element 12 a plurality of cuts 40 has, so that slats 32 be formed. Preferably, the distance between two cuts 40 adapted to the dimensions of the PTC heating elements or chosen smaller. The arrow 36 illustrates the viewing direction through which the side view of the spring element 12 from 4 results. 4 shows the spring element 12 in the relaxed state, in which the first leg 24 and the second leg 26 or the slats 32 of the spring element 12 spaced apart from each other, as in the assembled state according to 2 the case is.

The in the above description, in the drawings and in the claims disclosed features of the invention can both individually and also in any combination for the realization of the invention be essential.

10

PTC heating element

12

spring element

14

contact surface

16

tubular element

18

longitudinal axis of the tubular Elements

20

upper Element (upper profile body)

22

lower Element (lower profile body)

24

first leg

26

second leg

28

first Power connector

30

second Power connector

32

Bungee slats

34

Well slats and / or ribbed fins

36

insulation material

38

game

40

slice

Claims (10)

Radiator with a tubular element ( 16 ), which by two thermally conductive profile body ( 20 . 22 ) is formed and in which several consecutive PTC heating elements ( 10 ) are arranged, characterized in that the two profile body ( 20 . 22 ) have the same profile and engage in one another in a force-locking manner, and in that all PTC heating elements ( 10 ) extending, in cross-section U-shaped spring element ( 12 ) is provided, one of whose U-legs ( 24 ) on a profile body ( 20 ) and whose other U-legs ( 26 ) Lamellae ( 32 ) through which the PTC heating elements ( 10 ) to a contact surface ( 14 ) of the other profile body are pressed. Radiator according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular element ( 16 ) with respect to its longitudinal axis ( 18 ) through the two profiled bodies ( 20 . 22 ), of which one is an upper profile body ( 20 ) and the other a lower profile body ( 22 ). Radiator according to claim 2, characterized in that the upper profile body ( 20 ) and / or the lower profile body ( 22 ) are formed by an aluminum profile. Radiator according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the upper profile body ( 20 ) and the lower profile body ( 22 ) through the entire radiator. Radiator according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the upper profile body ( 20 ) and the lower profile body ( 22 ) interlock positively and non-positively. Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the PTC heating elements ( 10 ) each have a first power supply connection ( 28 ) in electrical contact with the tubular element ( 16 ) stands. Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the PTC heating elements ( 10 ) each have a second power supply connection ( 30 ) in electrical contact with the spring element ( 12 ) stands. Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element ( 12 ) against the tubular element ( 16 ) is electrically isolated. Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element ( 12 ) is formed of aluminum. Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of tubular elements ( 16 ), in each of which a plurality of PTC heating elements ( 10 ), and that between the tubular elements ( 16 ) Corrugated fins and / or ribbed fins ( 34 ) are arranged.