Radiator having PTC electric resistance heating elements and spring-biased fin arrangement

US5057672A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Apparte und Heizwiderstande GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Franz Bohlender · Kandel, DE
• Josef David · Bad Bergzabern, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 29, 1989
• Grant date: Oct 15, 1991
• Expiry date: Jun 29, 2009

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H05B3/141
• WIPO field: Thermal processes and apparatus
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An improved radiator suitable for use with internal combustion engines in motor vehicles is provided. The invention converts conventional radiators, which ordinarilly provide heat to passenger compartments through exchange of heat built up in the coolant, into electrically operable radiators with electric resistance heating elements, commonly PTC resistors. The PTC resistors have self, temperature-regulating properties which prevent over heating. Additionally, sheet metal strips in heat-transmitting contact with the PTC resistors and spring elements acting on the sheet metal strips provide an efficient heat transfer mechanism whereby heat from the resistors is transferred without the self-regulating resistors constantly shutting off.