ELECTRIC HEATING DEVICE AND EXHAUST PURIFICATION SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric heating device and an exhaust purification system for an internal combustion engine.

Background Art

[0002] Known in the art is an exhaust purification system, wherein an exhaust purification device such as a particulate filter which traps particulate matter in exhaust gas is arranged inside of an engine exhaust passage, wherein an electric heating device is arranged upstream of the exhaust purification device inside of the exhaust passage, and wherein the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine is heated by the electric heating device and the heated exhaust gas is used to heat the exhaust purification device.

[0003] Further, known in the art is an electric heating device, wherein a honeycomb-shaped support member is fastened inside a casing through in which exhaust gas flows, wherein a honeycomb-shaped electric type heat generating member is arranged upstream in the flow of exhaust gas of the support member, and wherein the heat generating member is supported by the support member through a supporter (see PTL 1).

Citations List

Patent Literature

[0004] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-500205A Furthermore DE102007025417 discloses an electrically heatable configuration of a first honeycomb body and a second honeycomb body connected by support pins.

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0005] It has been desired to shorten a time required for raising a temperature of the exhaust purification device to a target temperature. This shortening of time is achieved by strengthening a heating action of the electric heating device. Strengthening this heating action is, for example, achieved by increasing the number of heat generating members.

[0006] However, in the electric heating device of PTL 1, it is necessary to increase not only the number of heat generating members, but also increase the number of support members which support the heat generating members. As a result, a large space is required for arranging the electric heating device. If considering there is a limit to the space in which the electric heating device can be arranged, it may be said that there is also a limit to strengthening the heating action.

Solution to Problem

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric heating device, wherein a support member is fastened inside a casing, wherein a first electric type heat generating member is arranged at one side of the support member in a longitudinal axial direction of the casing and a second electric type heat generating member is arranged at the other side of the support member, wherein each heat generating member is provided with an outer tube and a strip-shaped heat generating element, wherein each outer tube is arranged in the casing so that its center axial line is parallel to a longitudinal axial line of the casing, wherein each heat generating element has two end parts which are fastened to an inner circumferential surface of the corresponding outer tube and an intermediate part which extends between the two end parts without being fastened to the corresponding outer tube, wherein each intermediate part is wound about a winding axial line which is parallel to the center axial line of the corresponding outer tube, wherein a supporter is provided which run from the first heat generating member through the support member to the second heat generating member, wherein the supporter is fastened to the intermediate part of the first heat generating member and the intermediate part of the second heat generating member to support the first heat generating member and the second heat generating member with the support member via the supporter, and wherein the support member and the first heat generating member and second heat generating member are designed so that fluid can flow therethrough in the longitudinal axis direction of the casing, whereby the fluid which flows through the inside of the casing is heated by the first heat generating member and the second heat generating member.

[0008] Preferably, the first heat generating member and the second heat generating member are supported by the support member in the state where a winding direction of the intermediate part of the first heat generating member and a winding direction of the intermediate part of the second heat generating member are opposite to each other.

[0009] Preferably, the first heat generating member and the second heat generating member have weak heat generating regions, respectively, and the first heat generating member and the second heat generating member are supported by the support member so that the weak heat generating region of the first heat generating member and the weak heat generating region of the second heat generating member substantially do not overlap when viewed along the longitudinal axial line of the casing.

[0010] Preferably, the electric heating device is further provided with a fastener which fastens at least part of the supporter to an inside wall surface of the casing.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exhaust purification system for an internal combustion engine, wherein an exhaust purification device is arranged in an engine exhaust passage, and wherein an electric heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is arranged upstream of the exhaust purification device inside the exhaust passage, whereby the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine is heated by the electric heating device and the heated exhaust gas is used to heat the exhaust purification device.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0012] It is possible to strengthen the heating action while reducing the size of the electric heating device.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0013] 

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electric heating device.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a heat generating member.

FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of a heat generating member.

FIG. 4 is a view which shows an unwound heat generating element.

FIG. 5 is a view which shows the layout of the first heat generating member and the second heat generating member.

FIG. 6 is a view which shows another embodiment of the layout of the first heat generating member and the second heat generating member.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an electric heating device which shows another embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an electric heating device which shows still another embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an electric heating device which shows still another embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an overview of an internal combustion engine.

Description of Embodiments

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, an electric heating device A is provided with a cylindrical casing 10. Inside the casing 10, a columnar support member 20 is fastened. In the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 1, a ring-shaped small diameter part 11 is formed at the casing 10. This small diameter part 11 presses against the support member 20 whereby the support member 20 is fastened to the casing 10. The support member 20 forms a honeycomb structure which is formed from, for example, a ceramic or metal. Therefore, the fluid which flows through the inside of the casing 10 can run through the support member 20 along a longitudinal axial line LC direction of the casing 10.

[0015] At one side of the support member 20 in the longitudinal axial line LC direction of the casing 10 or the upstream side in the flow of fluid, a first electric type heat generating member 30a is arranged, while at the other side of the support member 20 in the longitudinal axial line LC direction of the casing 10 or the downstream side in the flow of fluid, a second electric type heat generating member 30b is arranged. These heat generating members 30a, 30b are supported by the support member 20 through supporters 40. In this case, the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b are separated from the casing 10, that is, are supported by the support member 20 without being supported by the casing 10. Further, between the first heat generating member 30a and the support member 20 and between the second heat generating member 30b and the support member 20, slight clearances are provided.

[0016] Next, referring to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the first heat generating member 30a will be explained. The second heat generating member 30b is similar to the first heat generating member 30a, so the explanation will be omitted. Referring to FIG. 2, the first heat generating member 30a is provided with a cylindrical outer tube 31. Inside the outer tube 31, a strip-shaped heat generating element 32 is held in a state wound about a winding axial line LW. In the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 2, the winding axial line LW matches a center axial line LHC of the outer tube 31. In another embodiment which is not shown, the winding axial line LW does not match the center axial line LHC of the outer tube 31, however, extends in parallel with the center axial line LHC of the outer tube 31.

[0017] A heat generating element 32, as shown in FIG. 3, forms a honeycomb structure which is formed by alternately stacking flat plates 33 and corrugated plates 34. Between the flat plates 33 and the corrugated plates 34, flow paths 35 through which the fluid can flow are formed. The outer tube 31, flat plates 33, and corrugated plates 34 are formed from electroconductive materials, for example, metal plates.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows the state where the heat generating element 32 which is shown in FIG. 2 is unwound and rendered flat. Referring to FIG. 4, the heat generating element 32 has two end parts 32e, 32e in the length direction LH and an intermediate part 32i which extends between the two end parts 32e, 32e. As shown in FIG. 2, the heat generating element 32 is fastened and electrically connected to the outer tube 31 at the two end parts 32e, 32e. In this case, the intermediate part 32i is not fastened to the outer tube 31.

[0019] Further, the heat generating element 32, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, is wound so that a clearance 36 is formed between one part of the intermediate part 32i and another part of the intermediate part 32i. This clearance 36 acts as an electrical insulating member.

[0020] The first heat generating member 30a further has an electrode 37 which is electrically connected to the heat generating element 32. As will be understood from FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the electrode 37 is electrically insulated from the outer tube 31 while passing through the outer tube 31 and being electrically connected to the intermediate part 32i of the heat generating element 32. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrode 37 passes through the casing 10 and extends to the outside of the casing 10. Note that the outer tube 31 is grounded.

[0021] In the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 1, the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b are arranged inside the casing 10 so that the center axial lines LHC of the outer tubes 31 of the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b match with each other. In another embodiment which is not shown, the center axial lines LHC of the outer tubes 31 of the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b do not match with each other but extend in parallel with each other. Further, in the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 1, the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b are arranged in the casing 10 so that the center axial lines LHC of the outer tubes 31 of the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b match with the longitudinal axial line LC of the casing 10. In this case, the flow paths 35 of the above-mentioned heat generating elements 32 extend in parallel with the longitudinal axial line LC of the casing 10. In another embodiment which is not shown, the center axial lines LHC of the outer tubes 31 of the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b do not match with the longitudinal axial line LC of the casing 10, however, are parallel with the longitudinal axial line LC of the casing 10.

[0022] Referring again to FIG. 1, the above-mentioned supporters 40 run from the first heat generating member 30a through the support member 20 to the second heat generating member 30b. In the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 1, one ends of the supporters 40 are fastened to the first heat generating member 30a, the other ends of the supporters 40 are fastened to the second heat generating member 30b, and intermediate parts of the supporters 40 are fastened to the support member 20. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the supporters 40 are fastened to the intermediate parts 32i of the heat generating elements 32.

[0023] As explained above, the heat generating element 32 of the first heat generating member 30a and the heat generating element 32 of the second heat generating member 30b are held inside the outer tubes 31 in a state wound around the corresponding winding axial lines LW. In this case, due to the elasticity of the heat generating elements 32, a force acts on the heat generating elements 32 in an unwinding direction. The above-mentioned supporters 40 have the action of maintaining the positions of the heat generating elements 32 against such an unwinding force. As a result, the clearances 36 are reliably maintained and occurrence of short-circuits is obstructed.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows a layout of the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b in the electric heating device A which is shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 5, the winding direction of the heat generating element 32 of the first heat generating member 30a and the winding direction of the heat generating element 32 of the second heat generating member 30b are opposite to each other. In this case, the direction of the force unwinding the heat generating element 32 of the first heat generating member 30a and the direction of the force unwinding the heat generating element 32 of the second heat generating member 30b are opposite to each other. As a result, the force unwinding the heat generating element 32 of the first heat generating member 30a and the force unwinding the heat generating element 32 of the second heat generating member 30b are cancelled out through the supporters 40. Therefore, the positions of the heat generating elements 32 can be reliably maintained.

[0025] When the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b should be operated, the electrodes 37 are electrically connected to a power source (not shown). As a result, current flows through the heat generating elements 32 whereby the heat generating elements 32 generate heat and thereby the fluid which runs through the heat generating elements 32 is heated. In this case, the fluid is heated by both the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b, so the fluid can be quickly heated. That is, the heating action of the electric heating device A is enhanced. Further, the two heat generating members 30a, 30b are supported by a single support member 20, so the electric heating device A can be made smaller in size. Furthermore, the heat generating members 30a, 30b are fastened to the two ends of the support member 20, so the heat generating members 30a, 30b are stably supported.

[0026] In this regard, if winding a laminate of flat plates 33 and corrugated plates 34 to thereby form the heat generating element 32, as shown in FIG. 4, incomplete regions 38, 38 are formed around the two end parts 32e, 32e. A complete region 39 is formed between these incomplete regions 38, 38. That is, if the heat generating element 32 is formed by laminating predetermined numbers of flat plates 33 and corrugated plates 34, the numbers of the flat plates 33 and corrugated plates 34 which form the complete region 39 are equal to the predetermined numbers, but the numbers of the flat plates 33 and corrugated plates 34 which form the incomplete regions 38, 38 is smaller than the predetermined numbers. This is because in the incomplete regions 38, 38, the flat plates 33 and corrugated plates 34 are offset from each other in the length direction LH. On top of this, the above-mentioned electrode 37 is electrically connected to one end 39a in the length direction LH of one side surface of the complete region 39. As a result, current flows from the electrode 37 through the complete region 39, and then reaches the outer tube 31 through the other end 39b in the length direction LH of the other side surface of the complete region 39. Here, if making current flow substantially evenly inside the complete region 39, almost no current will flow to the incomplete regions 38, 38 and, therefore, the incomplete regions 38, 38 will not generate much heat at all. Therefore, the incomplete regions 38, 38 will be called the "weak heat generating regions". The fluid which passes through the weak heat generating regions 38, 38 is not heated much at all.

[0027] In this regard, in the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 5, the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b are supported by the support member 20 so that the weak heat generating regions 38 of the first heat generating member 30a and the weak heat generating regions 38 of the second heat generating member 30b substantially do not overlap when viewed along the longitudinal axial line LC of the casing 10. In other words, the angular positions of the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b about the longitudinal axial line LC of the casing 10 are set so that the weak heat generating regions 38 of the first heat generating member 30a and the weak heat generating regions 38 of the second heat generating member 30b substantially do not overlap. As a result, the fluid which passed through the weak heat generating regions 38 of the first heat generating member 30a and was not heated much at all is blocked from passing through the weak heat generating regions 38 of the second heat generating member 30b, that is, passes through a region which generates heat well. Therefore, a deviation in temperature of the fluid in the radial direction or circumferential direction of the casing 10 is reduced.

[0028] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the layout of the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b. In the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 6, the winding direction of the heat generating element 32 of the first heat generating member 30a and the winding direction of the heat generating element 32 of the second heat generating member 30b is the same directions as each other. Further, the angular positions of the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b about the longitudinal axial line LC of the casing 10 are set so that the weak heat generating regions 38 of the first heat generating member 30a and the weak heat generating regions 38 of the second heat generating member 30b substantially do not overlap each other when viewed along the longitudinal axial line LC of the casing 10. As a result, the variation in temperature of the fluid in the radial direction or circumferential direction of the casing 10 is reduced.

[0029] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment according to the present invention. In the example which is shown in FIG. 7, compared with the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 1, the thickness of the support member 20 is made smaller. That is, the plurality of heat generating members 30a, 30b are stably held through the supporters 40, so the support member 20 can be made smaller in size. Therefore, the electric heating device A is made further smaller in size.

[0030] FIG. 8 shows still another embodiment according to the present invention. In the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 8, fasteners 41 are provided which fasten at least part of the supporters 40 to an inside wall surface of the casing 10. That is, the supporters 40 which adjoin the casing 10 extend running through the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b. At the two ends of these supporters 40, the fasteners 41 which extend outward in the radial direction are connected. As a result, the supporters 40 are fastened through the fasteners 41 to the inside wall surface of the casing 10. As a result, the first heat generating member 30a and the second heat generating member 30b are more stably supported. In another embodiment which is not shown, the fasteners 41 are connected to only one of the upstream side end parts and the downstream side end part of the supporters 40. In a still other embodiment which is not shown, all of the supporters 40 are fastened by fasteners 41 to the inside wall surface of the casing 10.

[0031] FIG. 9 shows still another embodiment according to the present invention. In the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 9, inside the casing 10, a first support member 20a and a second support member 20b are arranged separated from each other in the long direction LC and are fastened to the casing 10 at a first small diameter part 11a and a second small diameter part 11b, respectively. Upstream of the first support member 20a, a first heat generating member 30a is arranged, between the first support member 20a and the second support member 20b, a second heat generating member 30b is arranged, while downstream of the second support member 20b, a third heat generating member 30c is arranged. These heat generating members 30a, 30b, and 30c are supported by the support members 20a, 20b via supporters 40 which run from the first heat generating member 30a through the first support member 20a and the second support member 20b and reach the third heat generating member 30c.

[0032] FIG. 10 shows the case of application of the above-mentioned electric heating device A to an exhaust purification system for an internal combustion engine. Referring to FIG. 10, an internal combustion engine body B is connected through an exhaust pipe C1 to the electric heating device A, while the electric heating device A is connected through an exhaust pipe C2 to the exhaust purification device D. The exhaust purification device D is formed from a particulate filter which traps particulate matter which is contained in the exhaust gas or an exhaust purification catalyst which oxidizes or reduces ingredients in the exhaust gas. When the temperature of the exhaust purification device D should be made to rise, the electric heating device A is operated. As a result, the exhaust gas is heated by the electric heating device A, and the heated exhaust gas is used to heat the exhaust purification device D. In another embodiment which is not shown, the casing 10 of the electric heating device A is formed from an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine.

Reference Signs List

[0033] 

A:

electric heating device

10:

casing

20:

support member

30a:

first heat generating member

30b:

second heat generating member

31:

outer tube

32:

heat generating element

32e:

two end parts

32i:

intermediate part

40:

supporter

Claims

1. An electric heating device (A), wherein a support member (20) is fastened inside a casing (10), wherein a first electric type heat generating member (30a) is arranged at one side of the support member (20) in a longitudinal axial direction (LC) of the casing (10) and a second electric type heat generating member (30b) is arranged at the other side of the support member (20), wherein each heat generating member (30a, 30b) is provided with an outer tube (31) and a strip-shaped heat generating element (32), wherein each outer tube (31) is arranged in the casing (10) so that its center axial line (LHC) is parallel to a longitudinal axial line (LC) of the casing, wherein each heat generating element (32) has two end parts (32e) which are fastened to an inner circumferential surface of the corresponding outer tube (31) and an intermediate part (32i) which extends between the two end parts (32e) without being fastened to the corresponding outer tube (31), wherein each intermediate part (32i) is wound about a winding axial line (LW) which is parallel to the center axial line (LHC) of the corresponding outer tube (31), wherein a supporter (40) is provided which runs from the first heat generating member (30a) through the support member (20) to the second heat generating member (30b), wherein the supporter (40) is fastened to the intermediate part (32i) of the first heat generating member (30a) and the intermediate part (32i) of the second heat generating member (30b) to support the first heat generating member (30a) and the second heat generating member (30b) with the support member (20) via the supporter (40), and wherein the support member (20) and the first heat generating member (30a) and second heat generating member (30b) are designed so that fluid can flow therethrough in the longitudinal axis direction (LC) of the casing (10), whereby the fluid which flows through the inside of the casing (10) is heated by the first heat generating member (30a) and the second heat generating member (30b).

2. The electric heating device (A) according to claim 1 wherein said first heat generating member (30a) and said second heat generating member (30b) are supported by said support member (20) in the state where a winding direction of said intermediate part (32i) of said first heat generating member (30a) and a winding direction of said intermediate part (32i) of said second heat generating member (30b) are opposite to each other.

3. The electric heating device (A) according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said first heat generating member (30a) and said second heat generating member (30b) have weak heat generating regions, respectively, and wherein said first heat generating member (30a) and said second heat generating member (30b) are supported by said support member so that the weak heat generating region of said first heat generating member (30a) and the weak heat generating region of said second heat generating member (30b) substantially do not overlap when viewed along the longitudinal axial line of said casing.

4. The electric heating device (A) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 which is further provided with a fastener which fastens at least part of said supporter (40) to an inside wall surface of said casing (10).

5. An exhaust purification system for an internal combustion engine, wherein an exhaust purification device (D) is arranged in an engine exhaust passage, and wherein an electric heating device (A) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is arranged upstream of the exhaust purification device (D) inside the exhaust passage, so as to heat the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine by said electric heating device (A) and the heated exhaust gas is used to heat said exhaust purification device (D).

Ansprüche

1. Elektrische Heizvorrichtung (A), bei der ein Stützteil (20) im Inneren eines Gehäuses (10) befestigt ist, wobei ein erstes elektrisches Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30a) an einer in Längsaxialrichtung (LC) des Gehäuses (10) einen Seite des Stützteils (20) angeordnet ist und ein zweites elektrisches Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30b) an der anderen Seite des Stützteils (20) angeordnet ist, wobei jedes Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30a, 30b) mit einer äußeren Röhre (31) und einem streifenförmigen Wärmeerzeugungselement (32) versehen ist, wobei jede äußere Röhre (31) in dem Gehäuse (10) so angeordnet ist, dass seine Axialmittellinie (LHC) parallel zu einer Längsaxiallinie (LC) des Gehäuses ist, wobei jedes Wärmeerzeugungselement (32) zwei Endteile (32e), welche an einer inneren Umfangsfläche der entsprechenden äußeren Röhre (31) befestigt sind, sowie ein Zwischenteil (32i) hat, welches sich zwischen den beiden Endteilen (32e) ohne Befestigung an der entsprechenden äußeren Röhre (31) erstreckt, wobei jedes Zwischenteil (32i) um eine Wicklungsaxiallinie (LW) gewickelt ist, die parallel zur Axialmittellinie (LHC) der entsprechenden äußeren Röhre (31) ist, wobei ein Träger (40) vorgesehen ist, der von dem ersten Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30a) durch das Stützteil (20) zu dem zweiten Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30b) verläuft, wobei der Träger (40) an dem Zwischenteil (32i) des ersten Wärmeerzeugungsteils (30a) und dem Zwischenteil (32i) des zweiten Wärmeerzeugungsteils (30b) befestigt ist, um das erste Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30a) und das zweite Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30b) über den Träger (40) mit dem Stützteil (20) zu stützen, und wobei das Stützteil (20) und das erste Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30a) und das zweite Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30b) so gestaltet sind, dass in der Längsaxialrichtung (LC) des Gehäuses (10) ein Fluid hierdurch fließen kann, wobei das Fluid, welches durch das Innere des Gehäuses (10) fließt, von dem ersten Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30a) und dem zweiten Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30b) erwärmt wird.

2. Elektrische Heizvorrichtung (A) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das erste Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30a) und das zweite Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30b) von dem Stützteil (20) in einem Zustand gestützt werden, in welchem eine Wicklungsrichtung des Zwischenteils (32i) des ersten Wärmeerzeugungsteils (30a) und eine Wicklungsrichtung des Zwischenteils (32i) des zweiten Wärmeerzeugungsteils (30b) einander entgegengesetzt sind.

3. Elektrische Heizvorrichtung (A) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das erste Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30a) und das zweite Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30b) jeweils Niedrigwärmeerzeugungsbereiche haben und wobei das erste Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30a) und das zweite Wärmeerzeugungsteil (30b) von dem Stützteil so gestützt werden, dass der Niedrigwärmeerzeugungsbereich des ersten Wärmeerzeugungsteils (30a) und der Niedrigwärmeerzeugungsbereich des zweiten Wärmeerzeugungsteils (30b) einander entlang der Längsaxiallinie des Gehäuses gesehen im Wesentlichen nicht überlappen.

4. Elektrische Heizvorrichtung (A) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, weiterhin ausgestattet mit einem Befestiger, der wenigstens einen Teil des Trägers (40) an einer Innenwandfläche des Gehäuses (10) befestigt.

5. Abgasreinigungssystem für einen Verbrennungsmotor, wobei eine Abgasreinigungsvorrichtung (D) in einer Motorabgasleitung angeordnet ist und wobei eine elektrische Heizvorrichtung (A) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4 stromaufwärts der Abgasreinigungsvorrichtung (D) innerhalb der Abgasleitung angeordnet ist, um das Abgas von dem Verbrennungsmotor mittels der elektrischen Heizvorrichtung (A) zu erhitzen und wobei das erhitzte Abgas verwendet wird, die Abgasreinigungsvorrichtung (D) zu erhitzen.

Revendications

1. Dispositif de chauffage électrique (A), dans lequel un organe de support (20) est fixé à l'intérieur d'un boîtier (10), dans lequel un premier organe de génération de chaleur de type électrique (30a) est disposé sur un côté de l'organe de support (20) dans une direction axiale longitudinale (LC) du boîtier (10) et un deuxième organe de génération de chaleur de type électrique (30b) est disposé sur l'autre côté de l'organe de support (20), dans lequel chaque organe de génération de chaleur (30a, 30b) est pourvu d'un tube extérieur (31) et d'un élément de génération de chaleur en forme de bande (32), dans lequel chaque tube extérieur (31) est disposé dans le boîtier (10) de telle sorte que sa ligne axiale centrale (LHC) est parallèle à une ligne axiale longitudinale (LC) du boîtier, dans lequel chaque élément de génération de chaleur (32) a deux parties d'extrémité (32e) qui sont fixées sur une surface circonférentielle intérieure du tube extérieur correspondant (31) et une partie intermédiaire (32i) qui s'étend entre les deux parties d'extrémité (32e) sans être fixée sur le tube extérieur correspondant (31), dans lequel chaque partie intermédiaire (32i) est enroulée autour d'une ligne axiale d'enroulement (LW) qui est parallèle à la ligne axiale centrale (LHC) du tube extérieur correspondant (31), dans lequel est prévu un dispositif de support (40) qui s'étend depuis le premier organe de génération de chaleur (30a) à travers l'organe de support (20) jusqu'au deuxième organe de génération de chaleur (30b), dans lequel le dispositif de support (40) est fixé sur la partie intermédiaire (32i) du premier organe de génération de chaleur (30a) et la partie intermédiaire (32i) du deuxième organe de génération de chaleur (30b) pour supporter le premier organe de génération de chaleur (30a) et le deuxième organe de génération de chaleur (30b) avec l'organe de support (20) par l'intermédiaire du dispositif de support (40), et dans lequel l'organe de support (20) et le premier organe de génération de chaleur (30a) et le deuxième organe de génération de chaleur (30b) sont conçus de telle sorte que du fluide peut s'écouler à travers dans la direction d'axe longitudinale (LC) du boîtier (10), de sorte que le fluide qui s'écoule à travers l'intérieur du boîtier (10) est chauffé par le premier organe de génération de chaleur (30a) et le deuxième organe de génération de chaleur (30b).

2. Dispositif de chauffage électrique (A) selon la revendication 1 dans lequel ledit premier organe de génération de chaleur (30a) et ledit deuxième organe de génération de chaleur (30b) sont supportés par ledit organe de support (20) dans l'état où une direction d'enroulement de ladite partie intermédiaire (32i) dudit premier organe de génération de chaleur (30a) et une direction d'enroulement de ladite partie intermédiaire (32i) dudit deuxième organe de génération de chaleur (30b) sont opposées l'une à l'autre.

3. Dispositif de chauffage électrique (A) selon la revendication 1 ou 2 dans lequel ledit premier organe de génération de chaleur et ledit deuxième organe de génération de chaleur (30b) ont des zones de faible génération chaleur, respectivement, et dans lequel ledit premier organe de génération de chaleur (30a) et ledit deuxième organe de génération de chaleur (30b) sont supportés par ledit organe de support de telle sorte que la zone de faible génération de chaleur dudit premier organe de génération de chaleur (30a) et la zone de faible génération de chaleur dudit deuxième organe de génération de chaleur ne se chevauchent sensiblement pas lorsqu'elles sont vues le long de la ligne axiale longitudinale dudit boîtier.

4. Dispositif de chauffage électrique (A) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3 qui est en outre pourvu d'un dispositif de fixation qui fixe au moins une partie dudit dispositif de support (40) sur une surface de paroi intérieure dudit boîtier (10).

5. Système de purification d'échappement pour un moteur à combustion interne, dans lequel un dispositif de purification d'échappement (D) est disposé dans un passage d'échappement de moteur, et dans lequel un dispositif de chauffage électrique (A) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4 est disposé en amont du dispositif de purification d'échappement (D) à l'intérieur du passage d'échappement, de façon à chauffer le gaz d'échappement provenant du moteur à combustion interne grâce audit dispositif de chauffage électrique (A) et le gaz d'échappement chauffé est utilisé pour chauffer ledit dispositif de purification d'échappement (D).

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