WO2022218896A1

WO2022218896A1 - Heating body and corresponding electrical heating device

Info

Publication number: WO2022218896A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/059564
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sofia Bellarbi; Daisuke Araki; Thierry Barbier; Arnaud Faivre; Becem NAJJAR; Nicolas Siffrein-Blanc
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
Priority date: 2021-04-12
Filing date: 2022-04-11
Publication date: 2022-10-20
Also published as: EP4324294A1; CN117178629A

Abstract

The invention relates to a heating body (7) comprising at least one electrical heating element (9) configured to be arranged in a chamber for circulation of fluid, and at least one at least partially elastic and flexible support (13), the support (13) having a base (15) arranged opposite an end of said at least one electrical heating element (9), and a predefined number of brackets (17, 19) extending from the base (15) in the direction of said at least one electrical heating element (9). According to the invention, at least two brackets (17, 19) of the support (13) have at least one deformation (23) configured to maintain the support (13) in contact with said at least one electrical heating element (9). The invention also relates to an electrical heating device having such a heating body (7).

Description

HEATER BODY AND CORRESPONDING EEECTRICAL HEATING DEVICE

The field of the present invention is that of electrical devices for heating and circulating a fluid, in particular a liquid, in particular for a ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning installation for the passenger compartment of a vehicle. automobile, in particular electric or hybrid. The invention relates more particularly to a heating element for such an electric heating device.

The heating of the air intended for the heat treatment of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle with a heat engine is ensured by heat exchange between a flow of air and a heat transfer fluid such as a liquid, by means of a heat exchanger. In the case of hybrid or electric vehicles, electric heating devices are known which form a source of calories and in which an electric current circulates to raise the temperature of a heating body extending longitudinally in a casing of this heating device. The liquid to be heated thus passes through the electric heating device and is brought into contact with the heating body. There is then an exchange of calories between the heating element and the liquid intended to heat the passenger compartment, which then heats up in turn.

The heating body usually comprises at least one electrical heating element, for example one or more heating resistors. In order to obtain sufficient heating power for the desired operation, the electric heating elements can be multiple in the same electric heating device.

According to a known solution, the electric heating device comprises a casing delimiting at least in part a fluid circulation chamber, such as liquid, within the casing. The electric heating element or elements, generally carried by a base, are arranged in this chamber.

In addition, the casing can accommodate an electrical circuit carrying electrical components and making it possible in particular to connect electrical terminals of each electrical heating element to an electrical power supply system, for example at high voltage.

When there are several electric heating elements, it is advantageous to fix all the electric heating elements on the same base so as to concentrate the sealing measures at this wall. The electric heating elements are therefore mounted cantilevered in the casing. In use, the electric heating device, mounted on a motor vehicle, or even for example at the level of the engine, is caused to move, vibrate, and the various parts of the electric heating device can collide, in particular the electric heating elements such only heating resistors of the heating body between them and with the interior of the case. This generates noise, and moreover can accelerate the deterioration of the parts which come into contact.

In order to reduce this cantilever assembly, it has been proposed to arrange in the fluid circulation chamber, an additional part or spacer forming a mechanical connection between the electrical heating elements and the internal wall of the housing delimiting the circulation chamber. fluid. This spacer is held on the electrical heating elements by the internal wall of the casing. Thus, before assembly of the electric heating device, G spacer is not held in position on the electric heating elements, it can turn and be removed easily. The arrangement of this spacer on the electric heating elements in the position and according to the desired orientation, can only be carried out during the final assembly of the electric heating device, which requires transporting the separate parts before assembly.

Furthermore, the materials of the various organs or elements of the heating body and of the corresponding electric heating device are quite varied. In particular, the electric heating elements of the heating body and the additional part forming a spacer can be made of different metal materials or metal alloys. Also, the internal wall of the casing delimiting the circulation chamber is generally made of another material or metal alloy. A temperature sensor can also be placed in the circulation chamber to monitor the temperature of the electric heating element(s), it too can be made of a still different material or metal alloy.

When the fluid circulating in the chamber is a liquid such as glycol water, the various organs or metal elements present in the chamber are potentially subject to a risk of galvanic corrosion. In particular, there may be a risk of one material drifting onto another material by means of the electric current flowing in the electric heating elements. It is in particular possible that the additional part forming a spacer between the electric heating elements and the internal wall of the casing is damaged by galvanic corrosion. The object of the invention is to at least partially overcome one or more of the problems of the prior art by proposing a heating body whose maintenance is improved while making it possible to limit the noise due to the vibrations likely to be generated in use in a motor vehicle in particular.

Another objective may be to limit the risk of galvanic corrosion of at least one element or component of the heating body.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a heating body, in particular for an electric fluid heating device for a motor vehicle, the heating body comprising at least one electric heating element configured to be arranged in a circulation chamber of the fluid defined at least in part by a housing of said device, and at least one support at least in part elastic and flexible, the support comprising: a base arranged facing one end of said at least one electric heating element, and a predefined number legs extending from the base towards said at least one electric heating element.

According to the invention, at least two legs of the support have at least one deformation configured to keep the support in contact with said at least one electric heating element.

Thus, the support is mounted and held in a fixed manner on said at least one electric heating element. This assembly of the heating body is stable and remains so, for example during transport of the heating body, before insertion into the fluid circulation chamber defined by the housing of the corresponding electric heating device.

The heating body may also comprise one or more of the following characteristics described below, taken separately or in combination.

Said at least one deformation can be arranged at a different length on said at least two legs of the support.

Said at least one electric heating element defines, for example, at least in part, a helical shape. In this case, said at least one deformation can be arranged so as to be clipped, to be retained, between two windings of the helical shape.

According to one aspect, said at least one electrical heating element defines a hollow shape and the support comprises at least one external tab extending outward from the shape hollow and having at least one deformation configured to keep the support in contact with the outside of said at least one electric heating element. It may be a first deformation on said at least one outer tab.

The support may comprise at least one internal tab extending towards the interior of the hollow shape, and having at least one deformation configured to keep the support in contact with the interior of said at least one electric heating element. It may be a second deformation on said at least one internal tab. The first deformation and the second deformation may be similar or different.

The external lugs may be intended to come into contact with the internal wall of the casing when the heating body is arranged in the fluid circulation chamber.

According to a first embodiment, the heating body comprises an electric heating element and an associated support.

According to a second embodiment, the heating body comprises at least two concentric electric heating elements, including an external electric heating element placed around an internal electric heating element. A support can be associated with the two electric heating elements.

The support may include at least a first leg extending outward from the external electric heating element, and having at least one deformation configured to keep the support in contact with the outside of the external electric heating element.

The support may include at least one second leg extending between the concentric electric heating elements and having at least one deformation configured to keep the support in contact with the internal electric heating element.

According to one aspect, said at least two tabs having at least one deformation comprise at least two portions, a first portion and a second portion in the extension of one another.

Said at least one electric heating element extends for example mainly along a longitudinal axis. In this case, the first portion may extend from the base of the support, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said at least one electric heating element. The second portion can extend for example parallel to the longitudinal axis of said at least one electric heating element. Said at least one deformation may be provided on the second portion of the tab.

The first portion of at least one lug having a deformation can be part of a circle with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of said at least one electric heating element.

According to the second embodiment with two concentric electrical heating elements, the first portion of said at least one first leg can be part of a circle with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the external electrical heating element. The first portion of said at least one second leg can be part of a circle with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the internal electrical heating element.

According to the first embodiment with a single electric heating element, the first portion of said at least one outer tab may optionally be part of a circle with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of this electric heating element.

According to another aspect, said at least one deformation can be produced by bending.

Said at least one deformation can be chosen from an undulation, a wave shape, a rounded shape, a curved shape, a hook shape.

According to one example, at least one deformation is produced by an undulation whose apex is oriented towards the interior of the hollow shape defined by the heating body.

The corrugation can be clipped, retained, between two windings of the helical shape.

Alternatively, the undulation can come to be maintained under a winding of the helical shape, depending on the orientation of the heating body when it is arranged in the fluid circulation chamber of said device.

According to another example, at least one deformation is produced by bending one end of the tab towards a winding of the electrical heating element with which the tab is intended to cooperate to ensure the maintenance.

The support may comprise at least one lug having at least one contact element, for example of generally spherical shape, configured to be arranged in mechanical contact with an internal wall of the casing delimiting at least in part the fluid circulation chamber. The spherical contact element is for example made in the form of a convex bubble or bump, with convexity oriented towards the outside of the heating body, that is to say intended to be oriented towards the internal wall of the housing. The spherical contact element allows point contact with the internal wall of the casing, which makes it possible to avoid possible scratches by these tabs of the support on the internal wall of the casing.

Furthermore, the tab having said at least one contact element of generally spherical shape can be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of said at least one electric heating element, that is to say along a direction forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis, so as to come into contact with the internal wall of the casing when the heating body is arranged in the fluid circulation chamber.

According to another aspect, the support comprises a galvanic anti-corrosion coating. For example, the support is made of spring steel, for example stainless steel such as SUS 304. The coating may be tetra-fluoroethylene more commonly known by the abbreviation Teflon. Such a coating promotes the maintenance of the support on the heating element by increasing the coefficient of friction, while making it possible to limit the risk of galvanic corrosion.

The invention also relates to a device for electric heating of a fluid, such as a liquid, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one heating body as defined above, and a box delimiting, at least in part, at least a fluid circulation chamber in which said at least one heating body extends.

The invention also relates to an installation for heating and/or ventilation and/or air conditioning of an air flow comprising an electric heating device as defined above.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

Figure 1 shows a device for electric heating of a liquid.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an electric heating device comprising a heating body according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an electric heating device comprising a heating body according to a second embodiment.

Figure 4 is a representation of the heating body according to the first embodiment.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a support for the heating body according to the first embodiment.

Figure 6 is a top view of the support according to the first embodiment of Figures 4 and 5.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view partially showing the heating body according to the first embodiment arranged in a fluid circulation chamber of the electric heating device.

FIG. 8 is a representation of the heating body according to the second embodiment comprising two electric heating elements.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a support for the heating body according to the second embodiment.

Figure 10 is a top view of the support according to the second embodiment of Figures 8 and 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view partially showing the heating body according to the second embodiment arranged in a fluid circulation chamber of the electric heating device.

In these figures, identical elements bear the same reference numbers.

The following achievements are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

In the description, certain elements can be indexed, for example first element or second element. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name close but not identical elements. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element relative to another and it is easy to interchange such denominations without departing from the scope of the present description. Nor does this indexing imply an order in time.

Figure 1 shows an electric heating device 1, in particular for a motor vehicle such as an electric or hybrid vehicle. This electric heating device 1 is intended in particular to cooperate with an installation for heating and/or ventilation and/or air conditioning of an air flow for such a motor vehicle. This is an electric heating device 1 for heating a fluid, in particular a liquid such as glycol water.

The electric heating device 1 comprises a casing 3. The casing 3 can have a generally cylindrical or conical shape or even a generally parallelepipedic shape.

The electric heating device 1 comprises at least one fluid circulation chamber 31, such as liquid, hidden by the casing 3 in FIG. 1. This chamber 31 is delimited at least in part by the casing 3. The chamber 31 can be defined with a generally cylindrical or conical shape or even a parallelepipedal shape.

The electric heating device 1 may comprise a partition 5, on which the casing 3 is fixed, and making it possible to close the casing 3.

The electric heating device 1 further comprises at least one heating body 7, 107, two embodiments of which are shown in Figures 2 and 3, which is arranged in the chamber 31.

In general, the heating body 7, 107 may have a generally hollow shape.

It comprises one or more electric heating elements 9, 9a, 9b. This is in particular one or more electric heating resistors. The electric heating element(s) 9, 9a, 9b are for example metallic, in particular stainless steel.

According to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the heating body 7 comprises a single electrical heating element 9 such as an electrical heating resistor. According to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the heating body 107 comprises two electrical heating elements 9a, 9b such as two electrical heating resistors. According to one or other of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, the heating body 7, 107, and more precisely the electric heating element or elements 9, 9a, 9b, extend into the chamber 31 The heating body 7, 107, and more precisely the element 9 or the electric heating elements 9a, 9b, extend mainly along a longitudinal axis A.

In operation, the fluid, for example the liquid to be heated, can circulate within the chamber 31 and rise in temperature on contact with the electrical heating element(s) 9, 9a, 9b by heat exchange. The heated liquid can then be evacuated from the electric heating device 1, so as to be directed to other components of the motor vehicle.

The electrical heating elements 9, 9a, 9b are provided with electrical terminals 91. The electrical terminals 91 extend for example in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

The heating body 7, 107 may also comprise a base 11. The electrical heating element or elements 9 may be fixed in a sealed manner on this base 11. A first mechanical connection is thus formed between the electrical heating element or elements 9 and the base 11. When the heating body 7, 107 is arranged in the chamber 31, the base 11 is held, fixed in the housing 3. It thus makes it possible to mechanically connect the electric heating element or elements 9 and a internal wall of the casing 3 delimiting the chamber 31 and extending opposite the heating body 7, 107.

The base 11 extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

The electrical terminals 91 of the electrical heating element(s) 9, 9a, 9b extend from the side of the base 11 opposite the chamber 31, so as to be able to be connected to an electrical power supply, for example via an electrical or electronic circuit.

The base 11 can in particular achieve a separation between the chamber 31 and a cavity 33 of the electric heating device 1, for example of the housing 3, within which can be mounted for example the electric or electronic circuit (not shown) or at least an element for connecting the electrical terminals 91 to the electrical or electronic circuit for example.

In the examples illustrated, the arrangement of the base 11 and the element 9 or the electric heating elements 9a, 9b defines a generally cylindrical shape of the heating body 7, 107. The latter thus has a first longitudinal end formed by the base 11 and a second longitudinal end opposite the base 11.

More specifically, the element 9 or each electrical heating element 9a, 9b can be shaped so as to define a cylindrical shape or at least partly helical, for example by being at least partly rolled up.

In particular, according to the second embodiment represented in FIG. 3, the two electric heating elements 9a, 9b, each at least partly wound, are concentric, one being arranged around the other. The electric heating elements 9a, 9b are wound around the same winding axis, here coincident with the longitudinal axis A. Of course, other configurations can be envisaged.

The heating body 7, 107 (Figure 2 or 3) is advantageously arranged in the chamber 31, so that, in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A, all the points on a wound portion or winding 93, of a electric heating element 9, 9a, 9b are equidistant, or substantially equidistant, from the internal wall of the casing 3 delimiting the chamber 31.

The heating body 7, respectively 107, further comprises at least one support 13, respectively 113. The support 13, 113 can be arranged at one end, in particular a longitudinal end, of the heating body 7, 107, and more specifically at least one electric heating element 9, 9a, 9b. In particular, the support 13, 113 can be provided opposite the base 11.

Such a support 13, 113 can be associated with a single electric heating element 9 as shown in the example of Figure 2, or alternatively with two electric heating elements 9a, 9b as shown in the example of Figure 3.

A second mechanical connection is thus formed between the element 9 or the electrical heating elements 9a, 9b and the support 13, 113. This second mechanical connection is separate from the first mechanical connection at the level of the base 11. When the heating body 7 , 107 is arranged in the chamber 31, the support 13, 113 can mechanically connect the element 9 or the electric heating elements 9a, 9b and the internal wall of the casing 3 extending opposite the heating body 7, 107.

The support 13, 113 can be made of a thermally conductive material. The material is chosen so as to withstand a large number of cycles. It is in particular a metallic material, configured to withstand the operating temperatures of electric heating elements 9, 9a, 9b, with which the support 13, 113 is in mechanical contact. The support 13, 113 can be made of a metallic material or a different metallic alloy from the electrical heating element(s) 9, 9a, 9b. In particular, the support 13, 113 can be made of spring steel in particular.

Such a support 13, 113 is at least partly elastic and flexible, which makes it possible to compensate for the tolerance intervals of the electric heating device 1. More generally, the support 13, 113 is shaped according to a balance between rigidity and flexibility to guarantee mechanical contact with the element 9 or the electric heating elements, 9a, 9b in the chamber 31. The support 13, 113 can be configured to resist a holding force which can vary for example in a non-limiting way between ION and 5 WE.

A first embodiment of support 13 is best seen in Figures 4 through 7, and a second embodiment of support 113 is best seen in Figures 8 through 11.

According to one or the other of the modes, the support 13, respectively 113, comprises a base 15, respectively 115, and a predefined number of legs 17, 19, respectively 117, 119, 121. Preferably, at least three legs 17, 19, respectively 117, 119, 121 or a multiple of three are provided.

The arrangement of the lugs 17, 19, respectively 117, 119, 121, is linked to the general shape of the heating body 7, respectively 107, and in particular to the longitudinal end of the electrical heating element(s) 9, 9a, 9b with which the support 13, respectively 113, cooperates. According to the examples illustrated, the tabs 17, 19, respectively 117, 119, 121, are arranged in a circular fashion. They are advantageously regularly distributed over 360°.

In addition, at least two of the legs of the support 13, 113 have at least one deformation 23, 25, 27 allowing the support 13 or 113 to be kept in contact with at least one electric heating element 9, 9a, 9b. The deformation 23, 25, 27 can be chosen in a non-limiting manner from an undulation, a wave shape, a rounded shape, a curved shape, a hook shape. The position of the deformation 23, 25, 27 is provided to adapt to the geometry of the associated electric heating element 9, 9a, 9b.

First embodiment The first embodiment of the support 13 is described below in more detail, with reference to Figures 4 to 7.

A support 13 is associated with a single electric heating element 9. The support 13 is configured to be held on the electric heating element 9 before assembly of the heating body 7 in the chamber 31.

The base 15 is arranged transversely opposite one end, in particular a longitudinal end, of the electrical heating element 9. This base 15 is advantageously centered on the longitudinal axis A. In the example illustrated, the base 15 has a general circular or disc shape.

The tabs 17, 19 extend from the base 15 in the direction of the electric heating element 9. The tabs 17, 19 can all extend from the same circumference of the base 15. The tabs 17, 19 are extend for example from the peripheral edge of the base 15.

According to this first embodiment, all the tabs 17 and 19 can come into contact with the electrical heating element 9, either inside or outside the latter.

To do this, the support 13 may comprise at least one tab called the external tab 17 and at least one tab called the internal tab 19. In particular, the support 13 comprises at least three external tabs 17 and at least three internal tabs 19. The tabs 17 extend from the base 15 towards the outside of the generally hollow shape of the heating body 7, in particular towards the outside of the electric heating element 9. The internal tabs 19 extend from the base 15 towards inside the generally hollow shape of the heating body 7, in particular towards the inside of the electric heating element 9.

It is possible, for example, to provide an alternation of external tabs 17 and internal tabs 19 around the base 15.

The tabs 17, 19 can be of any suitable shape to ensure contact with the electric heating element 9.

The lugs 17, 19 extend for example first radially from the base 15 then in the direction of the electrical heating element 9. The outer lugs 17, respectively inner 19, thus have at least two portions 17a, 17b, respectively 19a , 19b, in the extension of one another. A first portion 17a, 19a respectively, extends radially from the base 15, that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. This first portion 17a, 19a is also called the radial portion.

A second portion 17b, 19b respectively, extends towards the electric heating element 9. In addition, the second portions 17b, 19b of the tabs 17, 19 can extend along the same orientation with respect to the central axis of the base 15, which coincides with the longitudinal axis A. The second portions 17b, 19b here extend parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A longitudinal, and are called longitudinal portions.

The terms “radially”, “radial”, “longitudinally”, “longitudinal” are defined above with respect to the central axis of the base 15, which coincides with the longitudinal axis

HAS.

The change of direction can be obtained by bending. According to the example illustrated, the legs 17, 19 are not all bent to the same length. They are alternately bent to two different lengths. In particular, the outer lugs 17 have radial portions 17a that are longer than the radial portions 19a of the inner lugs 19.

In the example illustrated, the electrical heating element 9 wound in the helical shape, defines an internal diameter D9i inside the electrical heating element 9 and an external diameter D9e outside the electrical heating element 9 which is greater than the inner diameter D9i. The radial portions 19a of the internal tabs 19 can be part of a circle Cl of first diameter DI. The first diameter DI can be equal or substantially equal to the inner diameter D9i of the electrical heating element 9. The radial portions 17a of the outer tabs 17 are for example part of another circle C2 of second diameter D2 greater than the first diameter DI.

The second diameter D2 may be less than the external diameter D9e of the electrical heating element 9. When the support 13 is assembled on the electrical heating element 9, this difference in diameters may lead to deformation of the external tabs 17 which become extend outside the electric heating element 9, which contributes to the mechanical contact and the maintenance of the support 13 on the electric heating element 9.

In addition, the tabs 17, 19 may have different lengths calculated so as to ensure contact points with different rolled portions 93 of the element. electric heater 9. Thus, the outer legs 17 and / or inner 19 may have longitudinal portions 17b, respectively 19b, of different lengths.

The outer tabs 17 respectively have at least a first deformation 23. This first deformation 23 is configured to keep the support 13 in contact with the outside of the electric heating element 9. In particular, the first deformation 23 is provided at the level of the longitudinal portion 17b of an outer leg 17.

The first deformation 23 can be made by bending.

The external tabs 17 can be globally straight before being deformed, so that the first deformation 23 protrudes with respect to the general plane defined by the external tab 17, in particular its longitudinal portion 17b.

This first deformation 23 can be produced in the form of an undulation or even a wave or rounded shape. The top of the corrugation is oriented towards the inside of the hollow shape of the heating body 7.

The deformation 23 such as an undulation can come to bear under a wound portion 93 of the electric heating element 9, defining a general helical shape, depending on the orientation of the heating body 7 when it is arranged in the chamber 31. In particular, as in the example illustrated, the deformation 23 is positioned between two wound portions 93 of the electric heating element 9.

Advantageously, this deformation 23 such as a corrugation is clipped, or in other words retained, between the two rolled portions 93. Once the corrugation is clipped, the support 13 remains in position in a stable manner. The corrugation does not move towards another wound portion 93 of the electric heating element 9. In this way, the support 13 is fixed on the electric heating element 9 before the assembly of the heating body 7 in the chamber 31 .

The first deformations 23 can be provided at different lengths on the outer legs 17.

In addition, the internal tabs 19 may have at least a second deformation 25. This second deformation 25 may be provided to maintain the support 13 in contact with the interior of the electric heating element 9. The second deformation 25 may be provided on the longitudinal portion 19b of the inner tab 19. The second deformation 25 provided on the internal tabs 19 can be similar to or different from the first deformation 23 provided on the external tabs 17. In the example illustrated, the second deformation 25 can be achieved by bending a free end of an internal tab 19. This is in particular the end of the second portion 19b of an internal leg 19.

The curved end can be oriented in the direction of the electric heating element 9. In particular, the curved end of the internal leg 19 can come to rest under a rolled up portion 93 of the electric heating element 9, according to the orientation of the heating body 7 when it is arranged in the chamber 31.

Furthermore, in addition to the mechanical contact with the exterior of the electric heating element 9, the external tabs 17 or at least some external tabs 17, can be shaped so as to also ensure mechanical contact with the internal wall of the housing 3 , it is in particular a side surface of the housing 3, when the heating body 7 is arranged in the fluid circulation chamber.

Second embodiment

The second embodiment of the support 113 is described below in more detail, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. Only the differences with respect to the first embodiment are detailed below.

A single support 113 can be associated with the two electric heating elements 9a, 9b. It is configured to be held on the electric heating elements 9a, 9b, before assembly of the heating body 107 in the chamber 31.

The support 113 can be arranged at least in part between the two separate concentric electric heating elements 9a, 9b. The support 113 makes it possible to maintain a distance between the electric heating elements 9a, 9b so that they do not come into contact with each other and that there is no overlap. More precisely, the support 113 is arranged in such a way as to limit or even avoid any direct contact between the electrical heating elements 9a, 9b, whether at the level of their terminal sections connected to the base 11 or of their respective wound portions 93.

The base 115 of the support 113 is arranged transversely facing one end, in particular a longitudinal end, of the two electric heating elements 9a. 9b. The base 115 can be made similar to the first embodiment and is not described again below. In the example illustrated with an external electric heating element 9b placed around an internal electric heating element 9a, the support 113 comprises at least a first tab 117 extending towards the outside of the external electric heating element 9b. The first leg 117 has at least one deformation 27 configured to keep the support 113 in contact with the outside of the external electric heating element 9b. In particular, the support 113 comprises at least three first tabs 117. The first tabs 117 form can be considered as external tabs.

The support 113 also includes at least a second leg 119 extending between the two concentric electric heating elements 9a, 9b. The second leg 119 may also have at least one deformation 27 configured to keep the support in contact with the internal electrical heating element 9a. In particular, the support 113 comprises at least three second legs 119. The second legs 119 can be considered as internal legs.

The deformations 27 can be similar on the first legs 117 and on the second legs 119, as in the example illustrated. Alternatively, the deformations provided on the first tabs 117 may be different from the deformations provided on the second tabs 119.

The deformations 27 can be provided at different lengths on the legs 117, 119.

According to this second embodiment, the support 113 further comprises at least one third lug 121 shaped to ensure mechanical contact with the internal wall of the casing 3, when the heating body 107 is arranged in the chamber 31. According to the example particular shown, the support 113 comprises at least three third legs 121.

The three series of legs 117, 119, 121 are advantageously arranged alternately around the base 115.

The legs 117, respectively 119, respectively 121, have at least a first portion also called radial portion 117a, respectively 119a, respectively 121a, extending for example radially from the base 115, and a second portion 117b, respectively 119b, respectively 121b, in the extension of the first portion 117a, or 119a, or 121a.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the second portion of a first or second leg 117, 119 is also called the longitudinal portion, and extends towards the electrical heating elements 9a, 9b, parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

The tabs 117, 119, 121 are not bent to the same length and thus have radial portions of different lengths. In particular, the first tabs 117 have radial portions 117a that are longer than the radial portions 119a of the second tabs 119. The third tabs 121 have, for example, radial portions 121a that are longer than those of the other two tabs 117, 119.

In the example illustrated, the first electrical heating element 9a, called internal, wound in a helical shape, has a first external diameter D9a on the exterior side of the internal electrical heating element 9a. The second electrical heating element 9b, called external, wound in a helical shape, has a second external diameter D9b on the external side of the external electrical heating element 9b. The second diameter D9b is greater than the first diameter D9a.

The radial portions 119a of the second tabs 119 can fit into a circle Cl' of first diameter Dl'. The radial portions 117a of the first lugs 117 fit for example in another circle C2' of second diameter D2'. The second diameter D2′ is in particular greater than the first diameter D1′.

Advantageously, the first diameter D1′ is less than the outer diameter D9a of the internal electrical heating element 9a, and the second diameter D2′ is smaller than the outer diameter D9b of the external electrical heating element 9b. When the support 113 is assembled on the electric heating elements 9a, 9b, these differences in diameters can lead to a deformation of the tabs 117, 119. Indeed, the first tabs 117 deform to come to extend outside the external electric heating element 9b, and in particular coming to rest against the external electric heating element 9b. Also, the second legs 119 deform to extend between the two electric heating elements 9a, 9b, and in particular come to rest against the internal electric heating element 9a. This deformation of the lugs 117, 119 makes it possible to guarantee the mechanical contact and the maintenance of the support 113 on the electric heating elements 9a, 9b.

In addition, the legs 117, respectively 119, may have longitudinal portions 117b, respectively 119b, of different lengths. The deformations 27 are provided on the longitudinal portions 117b, 119b of the first and second legs 117, 119. They may be undulations or waves. The corrugations formed on the first and second tabs 117 and 119 can all be oriented in the same way as in the example shown. The top of an undulation is here oriented towards the inside of the hollow shape of the heating body 107. The undulations can be maintained under the respective wound parts 93 of the electrical heating elements 9a, 9b, depending on the orientation of the heating body. heater 107 when arranged in chamber 31.

Furthermore, according to this second embodiment, at least one of the lugs is intended to come into mechanical contact with the internal wall of the casing 3 when the heating body 107 is arranged in the chamber 31. This is for example third legs 121.

The third legs 121 extend outside the external electric heating element 9b. They extend in the direction of the internal wall of the casing 3 when the heating body 107 is arranged in the chamber 31. To do this, the third tabs 121 are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A. They extend along a direction forming a non-zero angle a with the longitudinal axis A.

The third tabs 121 have at least one contact element 29 configured to be arranged in mechanical contact with an internal wall of the casing delimiting at least in part the fluid circulation chamber. Such a contact element 29 is provided on the second portion 121b of a third leg 121. More specifically, the contact element 29 is provided at the free end of the second portion 121b of the third leg 121.

This contact element 29 is shaped to prevent damage to the internal wall of the casing 3, against which it is intended to bear. It can also be a deformation of the tab 121, but in this case the deformation does not have the function of maintaining the support on an electric heating element 9a, 9b but the mechanical contact with the internal wall of the box 3 .

The contact element 29 is advantageously of generally spherical, curved or even convex shape, as in the example illustrated. The spherical contact element 29 is for example made in the form of a bubble or a domed or convex bump, with its convexity oriented towards the internal wall of the casing 3. The spherical contact element 29 allows point contact with the internal wall of the casing, which avoids damaging the wall internal housing 3 during mechanical contact, in particular to avoid possible scratches by these tabs of the support on the internal wall of the housing.

It is possible that a leg of the support 13, 113 according to one or other of the embodiments, comprises both a deformation configured to hold the support 13,

113 in contact with at least one electric heating element 9, 9a, 9b, and a contact element, for example of generally spherical shape, configured to be arranged in mechanical contact with the internal wall of the housing 3, when the heating body 7 , 107 is arranged in room 31.

Furthermore, according to one or other of the previously described embodiments, the support 13, 113 may include a galvanic anti-corrosion coating. Such a coating promotes the maintenance of the support 13, 113 on the electric heating element 9, 9a, 9b by increasing the coefficient of friction, while making it possible to avoid a problem of galvanic corrosion. For example, the support 13, 113 is made of spring steel, in particular stainless steel such as SUS 304. The coating may be tetrafluoroethylene more commonly known by the abbreviation Teflon. Of course, other materials than Teflon can be used for the anti-corrosion coating. Non-exhaustively, mention may be made, for example, of a fluoropolymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (also known by the acronym PTFE) or copper or any other steel making it possible to ensure the galvanic anti-corrosion function.

Thus, the support 13, 113 according to one or other of the embodiments described above is held, and advantageously clipped, on the element 9 or the electric heating elements 9a, 9b during assembly of the heating body 7, 107, so as to form a unitary assembly which is maintained. In other words, the maintenance of the support 13, 113 on the element 9 or the electric heating elements 9a, 9b is not dependent on the arrangement of the heating body 7, 107 in the chamber 31 defined by the housing 3 of the device electric heater 1 matching. Indeed, the support 13, 113 once positioned on the element 9 or the electric heating elements 9a, 9b, remains maintained, clipped, in the intended orientation. The parts forming the heating body 7, 107 are not offset relative to each other, for example during transport, before being assembled in the corresponding electric heating device 1.

Furthermore, when the heating body 7, 107 is arranged in the chamber 31 defined by the housing 3, the support 13, 113 complements the fixing of the electrical element heater 9 or electric heating elements 9a, 9b, on the base 11, to limit the movement of the electric heating element or elements 9, 9a, 9b within the housing 3.

In addition, the support 13, 113 makes it possible to maintain a distance between the element 9 or the electric heating elements 9a, 9b of the heating body 7, 107 with the internal wall of the casing 3.

Finally, according to the second embodiment described above of a heating body 107 with several electric heating elements 9a, 9b, the support 113 also makes it possible to maintain the electric heating elements 9a, 9b, at the same distance from one of the other, to prevent them from colliding inside the casing 3 when used in a motor vehicle, and thus to limit the generation of noise.

Claims

1. Heating body (7; 107) in particular for a device (1) for electric heating of a fluid for a motor vehicle, the heating body (7; 107) comprising at least one electric heating element (9; 9a, 9b ) configured to be arranged in a fluid circulation chamber (31) defined at least in part by a housing (3) of said device (1), and at least one support (13; 113) at least in part elastic and flexible, the support (13; 113) comprising: a base (15; 115) arranged facing one end of said at least one electric heating element (9; 9a, 9b), and a predefined number of tabs (17, 19; 117 , 119, 121) extending from the base (15) in the direction of said at least one electric heating element (9; 9a, 9b), characterized in that at least two tabs (17, 19; 117, 119 ) of the support (13; 113) have at least one deformation (23, 25; 27) configured to keep the support (13; 113) in contact with said at least one electric heating element (9; 9a, 9b).

2. Heating body (7; 107) according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one deformation (23, 25; 27) is arranged at a different length on said at least two legs (17, 19; 117, 119) of the support (13; 113).

3. Heating body (7) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one electric heating element (9) at least partly defines a helical shape, and wherein said at least one deformation (23) is arranged to so as to be clipped between two windings (93) of the helical shape.

4. Heating body (7) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one electric heating element (9) defines a hollow shape, and wherein the support (13) comprises: at least one outer tab (17) extending outward from the hollow shape, and having at least one first deformation (23) configured to maintain the support (13) in contact with the exterior of said at least one electrical element heater (9), and at least one inner tab (19) extending inwardly of the hollow shape, and having at least one second deformation (25) configured to maintain the support (13) in contact with the interior said at least one electric heating element (9).

5. Heating body (107) according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least two concentric electrical heating elements (9a, 9b), including an external electrical heating element (9b) arranged around an internal electrical heating element (9a), and wherein the support (113) comprises: at least a first tab (117) extending outward from the external electric heating element, and having at least one deformation (27) configured to hold the support (113) in contact with the exterior of the external electric heating element (9b), and at least one second tab (119) extending between the concentric electric heating elements (9a, 9b) and having at least one deformation (27) configured to maintain the support (113) in contact with the internal electrical heating element (9a).

6. Heating body (7; 107) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one deformation (23, 25; 27) is chosen from an undulation, a wave shape, a rounded shape, a curved shape , a form of hook.

7. Heating body (107) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (113) comprises at least one lug (121) having at least one contact element (29) of generally spherical shape configured to be arranged in mechanical contact with an internal wall of the casing (3) at least partially delimiting the fluid circulation chamber (31).

8. Heating body (107) according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one electrical heating element (9a, 9b) extends mainly along a longitudinal axis (A), and wherein the tab (121) having said at at least one contact element (29) of generally spherical shape extends in a direction forming a non-zero angle (a) with the longitudinal axis (A), so as to come into contact with the internal wall of the casing (3) when the heating element (107) is arranged in the fluid circulation chamber (31).

9. Heating body (7; 107) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (13; 113) comprises a galvanic anti-corrosion coating.

10. Device (1) for electric heating of a fluid, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one heating body (7; 107) according to one of the preceding claims, and a housing (3) delimiting, at least in part, at least one fluid circulation chamber (31) in which said at least one heating body (7; 107) extends.