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(11) | EP 3 300 451 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC |
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| (54) | STAMPED RESISTIVE ELEMENT FOR USE IN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A STAMPED RESISTIVE ELEMENT AND APPLIANCE PROVIDED WITH A STAMPED RESISTIVE ELEMENT |
| (57) The stamped resistive element (1) produced by stamping is designed to replace conventional
helical electrical resistors in hair dryers and similar devices or in other types
of heating devices, the stamped resistive element (1) being produced as a blank from
a metal sheet having a known coefficient of resistance. |
FIELD AND APPLICATION
[0001] This invention patent application proposes a new type of stamped resistive element for use in electrical equipment, which can include hair dryers and other similar equipment, as well as other types of equipment that somehow operate by heating a fluid, whether gaseous or liquid. This invention patent application also addresses the manufacturing process whereby the stamped resistive element is produced.
PREAMBLE
[0002] This invention patent application proposes a new type of resistive element for use in electrical equipment, and can be used in place of conventionally used electrical resistances. The stamped resistive element herein described differs from the conventional electrical resistances because it is produced by the stamping process. This invention patent application also deals with the process through which the resistive element described herein is obtained. This invention patent application also deals with an apparatus that uses the new stamped resistive element, which is defined as a hair dryer. It should be noted that this patent application claims as internal priority the application BR 10 2016 003027 7, filed on 12/02/2016.
STATE OF THE ART
[0003] Hair dryers and other equipment that operate by heating principle are normally provided with electrical resistances that, when heated, promote by thermal exchange effect the heating of the airflow which is forced to circulate through them.
[0004] In the case of hair dryers and similar equipment, the electrical resistance is normally mounted in a support structure, around which the helical body defining the resistance needs to be suitably arranged and secured.
PROBLEMS OF THE STATE OF THE ART
[0005] Conventional electrical resistances present a series of problems that arise largely from their physical presentation, which is an extremely malleable helical body, which to be produced in scale requires the use of complex equipment.
[0006] From the point of view of the equipment in which this type of resistance is used, there is also a major problem resulting from the fact that the assembly thereof need to be obligatorily manual, thus increasing the final product.
[0007] The conventional electrical resistances can be based on the use of wires as well as of metal strips produced with resistive material, which are rolled thus to assume a helical shape.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the state of the art described above, it is one of the objects of this invention patent application to provide a stamped resistive element for use in electrical equipment, which is stamped in a blank.
[0009] Other object of this invention patent application refers to the manufacturing process of the stamped resistive, which process is used to enable the production of the resistive element described herein. Said process is a stamping process generating a blank, which configures the resistive element itself.
[0010] Yet another object of this invention patent application is to propose an apparatus provided with stamped resistive element, which is defined as a hair dryer presenting a series of innovative technical aspects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] This invention patent application proposes a stamped resistive element for use in electrical equipment, manufacturing process of stamped resistive element and apparatus provided with stamped resistive element, wherein the stamped resistive element itself shows a blank shaped configuration obtained by stamping process by using a metal with known resistive coefficient.
[0012] The blank thus produced has a shape pattern that maximizes the area of contact with the fluid medium to be heated (air in the case of hair dryers and similar equipment).
[0013] The stamping process stems from a metal laminate that has been subjected to a stamping tool and generates the stamped resistive element in its final form ready to be mounted.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] This invention patent application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings listed below, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isolated view of an exemplary embodiment of the resistive element proposed herein.
Figure 1A schematically illustrates the heating and heat transfer area defined by resistive element herein described;
Figure 2 illustrates a cut taken from the figure 1 as indicated by the cut line "A"-"A".
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example of practical use of the stamped resistive element at hand, where a certain number of units thereof (four units) is mounted in a support structure that can be used, as component, in a hair dryer model, said support structure receiving, in addition to resistive element units, the connection terminals thereof and also a thermostat, as well as electrical conductive wires needed to power the resistive elements.
Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the structure depicted in Figure 3;
Figure 5 illustrates a side view opposed to the structure depicted in Figures 3 and 4;
Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view, which depicts the manufacturing process of the resistive element now proposed; and
Figure 7 schematically illustrates a general diagram of a generic model of hair dryers incorporating the stamped resistive elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] This invention patent application proposes a stamped resistive element for use in electrical equipment and manufacturing process of stamped resistive element, wherein the stamped resistive element itself is indicated by the numerical reference 1 and consists of a laminar body 2, which is defined as a strip 3 of the flat surface defining parallel portions 4, each of which having continuity with the next through curved portions 5. The two ends 2A of the laminar body 2 have an enlarged surface 2B, which allows the incorporation of a hole 2C that can be crossed by rivets 15 attaching to the electrical connection.
[0016] The laminar body 2 defines a heating and heat transfer area 6, schematically depicted in figure 1A and which is established by the cover produced by the parallel 4 and curved 5 portions of the strip 3.
[0017] The stamped resistive element 1 shows two flat faces 7 and a perimeter contour face 8, which are particularly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The flat faces 7 and the perimeter contour face 8 are designed to have together an area A, which maximizes heat transfer in relation to the stream to be heated, which in the case of hair dryers and other similar equipment, is composed by air.
[0018] Therefore, the stamped resistive element 1 shows a substantially greater efficiency in relation to conventional resistances.
[0019] Practically, the stamped resistive element 1, when used in a hair dryer and when being fed with the standard voltage (110-220volts), generates power around 40 to 700 watts, which can be considered extremely low compared to the power of other devices, which often need to generate between 1,500 and 2,000 watts or more to be acceptably efficient.
[0020] It happens that the low power produced by the stamped resistive element 1 is used more efficiently in the face of its larger thermal transfer area.
[0021] Therefore, the low power of about 40 to 700 watts, when transferred to the entire area of the stamped resistive element 1 (its two flat faces 7 and its perimeter contour face 8), allows the airflow to be properly heated at a compatible level and even higher to that verified with the conventional electric resistances that operate in the aforementioned values of 1,500 and 2,000 watts, preferably 1,200 watts.
[0022] By being able to operate at such low power without jeopardizing the efficiency, the apparatuses that use the stamped resistive element 1 show extremely low power consumption, a positive characteristic from which arises a number of advantages, such as: a) possibility to operate bi-volt effectively; b) possibility of using digital systems with regard to their on-off keys and selecting the temperature levels; c) possibility of being able to operate with rechargeable battery power and d) possibility to operate with USB connection.
[0023] The fact that the stamped resistive element 1 is obtained from a metal blank also facilitates that other formats could be developed, providing greater freedom in developing the general format of the hair dryers, which normally show the distinctive "bottle" contour.
[0024] In the embodiment example of practical use illustrated in figure 3, a given number of stamped resistive elements 1 is mounted in a support structure 9, produced in insulating material (micanite) and which is dimensioned to be mounted on the body of a hair dryer of S manual type (depicted in Figure 7).
[0025] It should be emphasized that the example of figure 3 does not limit this invention patent application, since the stamped resistive element 1 can be configured to be mounted in other models of equipment operating by heating principle.
[0026] Still regarding the example depicted in figure 3, an airflow F is indicated, which passes along the support structure 7, thus contacting the stamped resistive element 1.
[0027] In the case of a typical hair dryer, the airflow F is driven by a rotor or turbine T connected to an electric motor M, which sucks the external air into the body of the apparatus, forcing it to exit by its opposite end and forcing this airflow to pass through the heating element (conventional resistances). In the present case the same occurs, wherein the airflow F contacts the stamped resistive element 1.
[0028] The support structure 9, such as depicted in Figure 5, receives the mounting of a thermostat 10, which is electrically connected to the stamped resistive elements 1, thus regulating its working temperature range.
[0029] Figure 4 depicts the fact that the stamped resistive elements 1 are electrically connected by terminals 11, 12 and 13, defined as laminar electrical conductors mounted in order to stay in close proximity with the faces 14 of the support structure 9.
[0030] Rivets 15 promote fixation of the terminals 11, 12 and 13 next to the already mentioned faces 14 of the support structure 9, wherein one of these rivets are used to promote fixation of the connecting cables 16, such connecting cables 16, together with a cable 17, being responsible for the electrical connection of the set of stamped resistive elements 1.
[0031] As seen in figures 3, 4 and 5, the stamped resistive element 1 is mounted in a simple form in the support structure 9 and, differently from that seen with respect to conventional electrical resistances, it shows a contact area with the substantially higher airflow F.
[0032] The stamped resistive element 1, when incorporated to a hair dryer or other similar equipment, allows this equipment to be lighter, more economical and more efficient.
[0033] Differently from the hair dryers belonging to the state of the art and using helical electrical resistances, in the present case, the stamped resistive element 1 shows an essentially laminar structure, which simplifies greatly its mounting in the support structure 9.
[0034] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a general diagram of a generic model of hair dryer S incorporating the stamped resistive elements 1.
[0035] In said Figure 7, the stamped resistive elements 1, the support structure 9, the electrical motor M, the turbine or rotor T driven by the electrical motor M, a circuit board P operating the functions of the hair dryer S, a power supply FA, which is on one side connected to the external power cable CAE and, on the other side, to the mentioned circuit board P are schematically depicted.
[0036] In the same Figure 7, it can be also noted that to the circuit board P is connected to a set of digital drive keys indicated by the reference TAD [teclas de acionamento digital].
[0037] Still regarding Figure 7, the model of hair dryer S illustrated as a non-limitative example incorporates other two technical and functional characteristics enabled by low power with which it operates the stamped resistive element 1, one of them being the fact that said hair dryer S can be fed by battery B, or even by means of a USB connection.
[0038] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view intended to depict the stamping process from which the stamped resistive element 1 is obtained.
[0039] In said figure 6, a laminar piece L, which can be presented in plates or in a continuous blade, in a first step, is subjected to a stamping tool FE, which, when activated, promotes the lowering of a stamping block BE against a fixed stamping block BF, which results, in a second step, the laminar body 2 configuring the stamped resistive element 1 herein proposed.
[0040] In the same Figure 8, the arrows "A" are indicated, representing the advancement of the laminar piece L toward the stamping tool FE and the arrows "B" and "C", representing the up and down movement of the stamping block BE.
[0041] Once again, it should be noted that the stamped resistive element 1, although intended for the branch of hair dryers, might have other applications replacing conventional helical resistances, reason why this patent application is not limited to the given example.
[0042] The stamped resistive element 1 herein proposed can be used including as a means of heating liquids and other substances.
[0043] Regardless of the use that may be made, the stamped resistive element 1 object of this invention patent application will represent a gain in efficiency, economy, weight reduction and also in the use of manpower necessary for its assembly.
[0044] More than this, in face of its simplicity of form, the stamped resistive element 1 can provide the introduction of automated assembly lines, also differing in this respect when compared to the helical electrical resistances belonging to the state of the art.
[0045] The stamped resistive element 1 herein proposed is produced from a metal sheet manufactured so as to have a previously known resistive coefficient.
[0046] As must have remained clear and evident, the stamped resistive element 1 herein proposed presents a series of advantages when compared to the conventional electrical resistances.
[0047] It should be emphasized that the stamped resistive element 1, as depicted in the figures illustrating this patent application, is not limited to the format in which it is displayed, since the configuration depicted herein has been specifically developed for use in hair dryers that does not limit the use of element 1 to other types of application, which may require other format configurations.
1. Stamped resistive element for use in electrical equipment, wherein the stamped resistive
element (1) is constituted by a laminar body (2) obtained as a metal blank.
2. Stamped resistive element for use in electrical equipment, according to claim 1, wherein
the stamped resistive element (1) is defined as a strip (3) of flat surface defining
the parallel portions (4), each of which having continuity with the next one through
curved portions (5); the two ends (2A) of the laminar body (2) having an enlarged
surface (2B), which allows the incorporation of a hole (2C); wherein the laminar body
(2) defines a heating and heat transfer area (6) established by parallel (4) and curved
(5) portions of the strip (3); the stamped resistive element (1) has two flat faces
(7) and a perimeter contour face (8), which define, together, a heat transfer area
(A).
3. Stamped resistive element for use in electrical equipment, according to claims 1 and
2, wherein the area (6) is configured to maximize the contact with the flow (F) to
be heated.
4. Stamped resistive element for use in electrical equipment, according to claims 1 and
2, wherein the stamped resistive element (1) is mounted in a support structure (7)
produced in insulating material.
5. Manufacturing process of stamped resistive element, wherein the process consists of
a step where a laminar piece (L) is subjected to a stamping tool (FE), which, when
activated, promotes lowering of a stamping block (BE) against a fixed block (BF),
originating in the next step the laminar body (2) configuring the stamped resistive
element (1).
6. Manufacturing process of stamped resistive element, according to claim 5, wherein
the stamped resistive element (1) is produced from a metal sheet with previously known
resistive coefficient.
7. Apparatus provided with stamped resistive element, wherein the apparatus provided
with the stamped resistive element (1) is a hair dryer (S).
8. Apparatus provided with stamped resistive element, according to claim 7, wherein the
hair dryer (S) incorporates the digital drive keys (TAD).
9. Apparatus provided with stamped resistive element, according to claim 7, wherein the
hair dryer (S) is fed by a battery (B);
10. Apparatus provided with stamped resistive element, according to claim 7, wherein the
hair dryer (S) incorporates a USB connection.
Amended claims under Art. 19.1 PCT
1. Stamped resistive element for use in electrical equipment, wherein the stamped resistive
element (1) is constituted by a laminar body (2) obtained as a metal blank.
2. Stamped resistive element for use in electrical equipment, according to claim 1,
wherein the stamped resistive element (1) is defined as a strip (3) of flat surface
defining the parallel portions (4), each of which having continuity with the next
one through curved portions (5); the two ends (2A) of the laminar body (2) having
an enlarged surface (2B), which allows the incorporation of a hole (2C); wherein the
laminar body (2) defines a heating and heat transfer area (6) established by parallel
(4) and curved (5) portions of the strip (3); the stamped resistive element (1) has
two flat faces (7) and a perimeter contour face (8), which define, together, a heat
transfer area (A).
3. Stamped resistive element for use in electrical equipment, according to claims 1
and 2, wherein the area (6) is configured to maximize the contact with the flow (F)
to be heated.
4. Stamped resistive element for use in electrical equipment, according to claims 1
and 2, wherein the stamped resistive element (1) is mounted in a support structure
(9) produced in insulating material.
5. Manufacturing process of stamped resistive element, wherein the process consists
of a step where a laminar piece (L) is subjected to a stamping tool (FE), which, when
activated, promotes lowering of a stamping block (BE) against a fixed block (BF),
originating in the next step the laminar body (2) configuring the stamped resistive
element (1).
6. Manufacturing process of stamped resistive element, according to claim 5, wherein
the stamped resistive element (1) is produced from a metal sheet with previously known
resistive coefficient.
7. Apparatus provided with stamped resistive element, wherein the apparatus provided
with the stamped resistive element (1) is a hair dryer (S).
8. Apparatus provided with stamped resistive element, according to claim 7, wherein
the hair dryer (S) incorporates the digital drive keys (TAD).
9. Apparatus provided with stamped resistive element, according to claim 7, wherein
the hair dryer (S) is fed by a battery (B);
10. Apparatus provided with stamped resistive element, according to claim 7, wherein
the hair dryer (S) incorporates a USB connection.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description