U.S. patent application number 12/769805 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-10 for electric heater.
This patent application is currently assigned to TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY. Invention is credited to SHOU-SHAN FAN, CHEN FENG, KAI-LI JIANG, LIANG LIU.
Application Number | 20110056929 12/769805 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43646894 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110056929 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FENG; CHEN ; et al. |
March 10, 2011 |
ELECTRIC HEATER
Abstract
An electric heater includes a base, a bracket, a working head
and a protecting structure. The bracket is disposed on the base.
The working head is disposed on the bracket. The working head
includes a supporter and a heating module. The heating module is
disposed on the supporter. The heating module includes a heating
element and at least two electrodes. The at least two electrodes
are electrically connected with the heating element. The heating
element includes a carbon nanotube layer structure. The protecting
structure covers the heating module.
Inventors: |
FENG; CHEN; (Beijing,
CN) ; JIANG; KAI-LI; (Beijing, CN) ; LIU;
LIANG; (Beijing, CN) ; FAN; SHOU-SHAN;
(Beijing, CN) |
Assignee: |
TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
Beijing
CN
HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
Taipei Hsien
TW
|
Family ID: |
43646894 |
Appl. No.: |
12/769805 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
219/546 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B82Y 99/00 20130101;
H05B 3/145 20130101; H05B 3/262 20130101; H05B 2214/04 20130101;
H05B 3/265 20130101; Y10S 977/95 20130101; H05B 3/26 20130101; H05B
3/22 20130101; H05B 3/267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
219/546 |
International
Class: |
H05B 3/06 20060101
H05B003/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 8, 2009 |
CN |
200910190175.2 |
Claims
1. An electric heater comprising: a base; a bracket disposed on the
base; and a working head disposed on the bracket and comprising a
supporter, a heating module disposed on the supporter, and a
protecting structure covering the heating module, wherein the
heating module comprises a heating element and at least two
electrodes electrically connected with the heating element, the
heating element comprising a carbon nanotube layer structure.
2. The electric heater of claim 1, wherein the heat capacity per
unit area of the carbon nanotube layer structure is less than or
equal to about 2.times.10.sup.-4 J/cm.sup.2*K.
3. The electric heater of claim 1, wherein the carbon nanotube
layer structure comprises at least one carbon nanotube film
comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes substantially parallel
with each other.
4. The electric heater of claim 3, wherein the carbon nanotubes in
the at least one carbon nanotube film form a plurality of carbon
nanotube segments joined end-to-end and each of the carbon nanotube
segments comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes disposed side by
side.
5. The electric heater of claim 3, wherein the carbon nanotubes in
the at least one carbon nanotube film are substantially
perpendicular to the at least two electrodes.
6. The electric heater of claim 1, further comprising a
heat-reflective layer disposed between the supporter and the
heating element, wherein the heat-reflective layer controls a
heating direction of the heating element.
7. The electric heater of claim 6, wherein material of the
heat-reflective layer is electrically conductive, and an insulated
layer is disposed between the heat-reflective layer and the heating
element.
8. The electric heater of claim 7, wherein a surface of the
insulated layer is geometrical and comprises a plurality of grooves
or protrusions, and at least a portion of the heating element hangs
in the air via the grooves or the protrusions.
9. The electric heater of claim 1, wherein the protecting structure
is a grid comprising a plurality of holes.
10. The electric heater of claim 1, wherein the protecting
structure is disposed above and apart from the heating module.
11. The electric heater of claim 1, wherein the supporter has a
non-planar surface comprising a plurality of holes or protrusions,
and the heating element is suspended on the supporter via the holes
or the protrusions.
12. The electric heater of claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises a
rotating element disposed on an end of the bracket, the supporter
comprises an extension portion, and the extension portion of the
supporter is connected to the bracket via the rotating element.
13. An electric heater comprising: a base; a bracket disposed on
the base; and a working head disposed on the bracket and comprising
a supporter having two opposite sides, two protecting structures
disposed on two opposite sides of the supporter separately, and a
heating module, wherein the two protecting structures and the
supporter cooperatively define an enclosure, the heating module is
disposed in the enclosure, the heating module comprises a heating
element and a plurality electrodes disposed in the supporter, the
heating element is disposed on surfaces of the plurality of
electrodes, and the heating element comprises a carbon nanotube
layer structure.
14. The electric heater of claim 13, wherein the supporter is a
frame having a first side sheet comprising a plurality of first
holes and a second side sheet comprising a plurality of second
holes, the first holes and the second holes being disposed in a one
to one manner.
15. The electric heater of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality
of electrodes has a wire structure, and two ends of each electrode
pass through one first hole and one second hole and are fixed on
the first hole and the second hole.
16. The electric heater of claim 15, wherein the plurality of
electrodes are substantially parallel with each other, and the
carbon nanotube layer structure comprises a plurality of carbon
nanotubes arranged in a same direction substantially perpendicular
with the electrodes.
17. The electric heater of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of
the heating element is hung in the air via the plurality of
electrodes.
18. The electric heater of claim 13, wherein the two protecting
structures are disposed apart from the heating module.
19. An electric heater comprising: a base; a bracket disposed on
the base; a working head disposed on the bracket and comprising a
supporter having two opposite surfaces, two heating modules
disposed on the two opposite surfaces of the supporter separately,
and two protecting structures, wherein each protecting structure
covers one heating module, each of the heating modules comprises a
heating element and at least two electrodes electrically connected
with the heating element, and the heating element comprises a
carbon nanotube layer structure.
20. The electric heater of claim 19, wherein the carbon nanotube
layer structure comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes, and a
portion of the carbon nanotubes is perpendicular with the at least
two electrodes.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims all benefits accruing under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119 from China Patent Application No. 200910190175.2,
filed on Sep. 8, 2009 in the China Intellectual Property Office.
The application is also related to copending application entitled,
"WALL MOUNTED ELECTRIC HEATER", filed **** (Atty. Docket No.
US25894).
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to an electric
heater incorporating carbon nanotubes.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Electric heaters are configured for generating heat from
electrical energy. A typical electric heater includes a heating
element and two electrodes. The heating element is located on the
two electrodes. The heating element generates heat when a voltage
is applied to it. The heating element is often made of metal such
as tungsten. However, since metals have a relative high density,
the heating element made of metal is heavy, which can damage the
wall easily.
[0006] What is needed, therefore, is an electric heater based on
carbon nanotubes that can overcome the above-described
shortcomings
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Many aspects of the embodiments can be better understood
with reference to the following drawings. The components in the
drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead
being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the
embodiments. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic and exploded view of one embodiment of
an electric heater.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic and exploded view of another
embodiment of an electric heater.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic and exploded view of yet another
embodiment of an electric heater.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic and exploded view of still yet another
embodiment of an electric heater.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic and exploded view of an embodiment of
an electric heater.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by
way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in
which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted
that references to "an" or "one" embodiment in this disclosure are
not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at
least one.
[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, an electric heater 10 of one embodiment
is shown. The electric heater 100 includes a base 12, a bracket 14,
and a working head 16. The working head 16 is connected with the
bracket 14.
[0015] The base 12 includes a source plug 122 and a switch 124. The
source plug 122 is configured for electrically connecting with an
electric source (not shown) of the electric heater 10. The switch
124 is configured for controlling working status and working time
of the electric heater 10. The switch 124 can further control a
heating direction of the working head 16.
[0016] The bracket 14 is configured for supporting the working head
16 and connecting the working head 16 to the base 12. The bracket
14 further includes a rotating element 142 disposed on one end of
the bracket 14. The rotating element 142 pivotally connects with
the end of the bracket 14 and can rotate around the bracket 14. The
working head 16 is fixed on the rotating element 142. Thus the
working head 16 can turn 360 degrees with the rotating element 142.
A circuit can be set in the bracket 14 (not shown). The circuit is
configured for controlling the working status of the electric
heater 10. In one embodiment, the bracket 14 has a tube structure
defining a hollow space, and the circuit is disposed in the hollow
space.
[0017] The working head 16 includes a supporter 160, a heating
module 162, and a protecting structure 164. The supporter 160
includes an extension portion 1602 connected with the rotating
element 142 of the bracket 14.
[0018] The supporter 160 is configured for supporting the heating
module 162.
[0019] The supporter 160 can be a porous substrate, a plane
substrate, or a frame. A material of the supporter 160 may be
ceramic, glass, wood, or quartz. The shape and size of the
supporter 160 can be determined according to the user's practical
needs. For example, the supporter 160 can be square, round or
triangular. In one embodiment according to FIG. 1, the supporter
160 is a square ceramic sheet about 1 centimeter (cm) thick. When
the thickness of the supporter 160 is in a range from about 1
micrometer to about 1 millimeter, the electric heater 10 can have a
super thin structure.
[0020] The heating module 162 is disposed on the supporter 160. The
heating module 162 includes a heating element 1620 and at least two
electrodes 1622. The heating element 1620 is positioned on a
surface of the supporter 160, such as via adhesive or mechanical
method. The two electrodes 1622 are electrically connected with the
heating element 1620. The two electrodes 1622 can be disposed on a
same surface or different surfaces of the heating element 1620. In
one embodiment according to FIG. 1, the two electrodes 1622 are
disposed on the same surface of the heating element 1620. The two
electrodes 1622 can be electrically connected with the circuit
system with at least two lead wires (not shown).
[0021] The heating element 1620 can be a carbon nanotube layer
structure. The carbon nanotube layer structure can be planar or
have a camber. The carbon nanotube layer structure can be a
freestanding structure, that is, the carbon nanotube layer
structure can be supported by itself without a substrate. When at
least one point of the carbon nanotube layer structure is held, the
entire carbon nanotube layer structure can be lifted without being
destroyed. The carbon nanotube layer structure includes a plurality
of carbon nanotubes joined by van der Waals attractive force
therebetween. The carbon nanotube layer structure can be a
substantially pure structure of the carbon nanotubes, with few
impurities. The carbon nanotubes can be used to form many different
structures and provide a large specific surface area. The heat
capacity per unit area of the carbon nanotube layer structure can
be less than 2.times.10.sup.-4 J/m.sup.2*K. In one embodiment, the
heat capacity per unit area of the carbon nanotube layer structure
is less than or equal to 1.7.times.10.sup.-6 J/m.sup.2*K. Because
the heat capacity of the carbon nanotube layer structure is very
low, the temperature of the heating element 1620 can rise and fall
quickly, and has a high response heating speed. Thus, the heating
element 1620 has a high heating efficiency and accuracy. In
addition, because the carbon nanotube layer structure can be
substantially pure, the carbon nanotubes are not easily oxidized
and the lifespan of the heating element 1620 will be relatively
long. Furthermore, because the carbon nanotubes have a low density,
about 1.35 g/cm.sup.3, thus the heating element 1620 is light. As
the heat capacity of the carbon nanotube layer structure is very
low, the heating element 1620. Because the carbon nanotube has a
large specific surface area, the carbon nanotube layer structure
with a plurality of carbon nanotubes has a larger specific surface
area. If the specific surface of the carbon nanotube layer
structure is large enough, the carbon nanotube layer structure is
adhesive and can be directly applied to a surface.
[0022] The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube layer structure
can be orderly or disorderly arranged. The term `disordered carbon
nanotube layer structure` refers to a structure where the carbon
nanotubes are arranged along different directions, and the aligning
directions of the carbon nanotubes are random. The number of the
carbon nanotubes arranged along each different direction can be
almost the same (e.g. uniformly disordered). The disordered carbon
nanotube layer structure can be isotropic, namely the carbon
nanotube layer structure has properties identical in all directions
of the carbon nanotube layer structure. The carbon nanotubes in the
disordered carbon nanotube layer structure can be entangled with
each other.
[0023] The carbon nanotube layer structure including ordered carbon
nanotubes is an ordered carbon nanotube layer structure. The term
`ordered carbon nanotube layer structure` refers to a structure
where the carbon nanotubes are arranged in a consistently
systematic manner, e.g., the carbon nanotubes are arranged
approximately along a same direction and/or have two or more
sections within each of which the carbon nanotubes are arranged
approximately along a same direction (different sections can have
different directions). The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube
layer structure 164 can be selected from single-walled,
double-walled, and/or multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
[0024] The carbon nanotube layer structure can be a film structure
with a thickness ranging from about 0.5 nanometers (nm) to about 1
mm. The carbon nanotube layer structure can include at least one
carbon nanotube film.
[0025] In one embodiment, the carbon nanotube film is a drawn
carbon nanotube film. A film can be drawn from a carbon nanotube
array, to obtain a drawn carbon nanotube film. The drawn carbon
nanotube film includes a plurality of successive and oriented
carbon nanotubes joined end-to-end by van der Waals attractive
force therebetween. The drawn carbon nanotube film is a
free-standing film. Each drawn carbon nanotube film includes a
plurality of successively oriented carbon nanotube segments joined
end-to-end by van der Waals attractive force therebetween. Each
carbon nanotube segment includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes
substantially parallel to each other, and joined by van der Waals
attractive force therebetween. Some variations can occur in the
drawn carbon nanotube film. The carbon nanotubes in the drawn
carbon nanotube film are oriented along a preferred orientation.
The carbon nanotube film can be treated with an organic solvent to
increase the mechanical strength and toughness of the carbon
nanotube film and reduce the coefficient of friction of the carbon
nanotube film. The thickness of the carbon nanotube film can range
from about 0.5 nm to about 100 .mu.m.
[0026] The carbon nanotube layer structure of the heating element
1620 can include at least two stacked carbon nanotube films. In
other embodiments, the carbon nanotube layer structure can include
two or more coplanar carbon nanotube films, and can include layers
of coplanar carbon nanotube films. Additionally, when the carbon
nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film are aligned along one
preferred orientation (e.g., the drawn carbon nanotube film) an
angle can exist between the orientations of carbon nanotubes in
adjacent films, whether stacked or adjacent. Adjacent carbon
nanotube films can be joined by only the van der Waals attractive
force therebetween. The number of the layers of the carbon nanotube
films is not limited. However, the thicker the carbon nanotube
layer structure, the specific surface area will decrease. An angle
between the aligned directions of the carbon nanotubes in two
adjacent carbon nanotube films can range from about 0 degrees to
about 90 degrees. When the angle between the aligned directions of
the carbon nanotubes in adjacent carbon nanotube films is larger
than 0 degrees, the carbon nanotubes in the heating element 1620
define a microporous structure. The carbon nanotube layer structure
in an embodiment employing these films will have a plurality of
micropores. Stacking the carbon nanotube films will also add to the
structural integrity of the carbon nanotube layer structure.
[0027] In other embodiments, the carbon nanotube film can be a
flocculated carbon nanotube film. The flocculated carbon nanotube
film can include a plurality of long, curved, disordered carbon
nanotubes entangled with each other. Furthermore, the flocculated
carbon nanotube film can be isotropic. The carbon nanotubes can be
substantially uniformly dispersed in the carbon nanotube film.
Adjacent carbon nanotubes are acted upon by van der Waals
attractive force to obtain an entangled structure with micropores
defined therein. It is noteworthy that the flocculated carbon
nanotube film is very porous. Sizes of the micropores can be less
than 10 .mu.m. The porous nature of the flocculated carbon nanotube
film will increase the specific surface area of the carbon nanotube
layer structure. Further, due to the carbon nanotubes in the carbon
nanotube layer structure being entangled with each other, the
carbon nanotube layer structure employing the flocculated carbon
nanotube film has excellent durability, and can be fashioned into
desired shapes with a low risk to the integrity of the carbon
nanotube layer structure. The thickness of the flocculated carbon
nanotube film can range from about 0.5 nm to about 1 mm.
[0028] In other embodiments, the carbon nanotube film can be a
pressed carbon nanotube film. The pressed carbon nanotube film can
be a free-standing carbon nanotube film. The carbon nanotubes in
the pressed carbon nanotube film are arranged along a same
direction or along different directions. The carbon nanotubes in
the pressed carbon nanotube film can rest upon each other. Adjacent
carbon nanotubes are attracted to each other and are joined by van
der Waals attractive force. An angle between a primary alignment
direction of the carbon nanotubes and a surface of the pressed
carbon nanotube film is about 0 degrees to approximately 15
degrees. The greater the pressure applied, the smaller the angle
obtained. When the carbon nanotubes in the pressed carbon nanotube
film are arranged along different directions, the carbon nanotube
layer structure can be isotropic. Here, "isotropic" means the
carbon nanotube film has properties identical in all directions
substantially parallel to a surface of the carbon nanotube film.
The thickness of the pressed carbon nanotube film ranges from about
0.5 nm to about 1 mm.
[0029] The at least two electrodes 1622 can be fixed on the surface
of the heating element 1620 by conductive adhesive (not shown). The
at least two electrodes 1622 are made of conductive material. The
shapes of the at least two electrodes 1622 are not limited and can
be lamellar-shaped, rod-shaped, wire-shaped, or block-shaped. The
cross sectional shape of the two electrodes 1622 can be round,
square, trapezium, triangular, or polygonal. The thickness of the
two electrodes 1622 can be any size, depending on the design, and
can be about 1 micrometer to about 1 centimeter. In the present
embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the two electrodes 1622 both have a
linear shape, and are disposed on the surface of the heating
element 1620. The two electrodes 1622 are substantially parallel
with each other. In one embodiment, when the heating element 1620
includes the carbon nanotube layer structure having a plurality of
carbon nanotubes arranged in a same direction, the axes of the
carbon nanotubes can be substantially perpendicular to the two
electrodes 1622.
[0030] The protecting structure 164 covers the heating module 162.
The protecting structure 164 is configured for keeping the heating
module 162 away from contamination from the surroundings, and can
also protect the user from getting an electric shock when touching
the electric heater 10. The material of protecting structure 164
can be conductive or insulated. The electrically conductive
material can be metal or alloy. The metal can be copper, aluminum
or titanium. The insulated material can be resin, ceramic, plastic,
or wood. The thickness of the protecting structure 164 can range
from about 0.5 pm to about 2 mm. When the material of the
protecting structure 164 is insulated, the protecting structure 164
can be directly disposed on a surface of the heating module 162.
When the protecting structure 164 is conductive, the protecting
structure 164 should be insulated with the heating module 162. The
protecting structure 164 can be disposed above the heating module
162 and apart from the heating module 162. The protecting structure
164 can include a plurality of holes, such as a grid. According to
one embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the protecting structure 164 is
a frame with a plurality of holes. The edges of the protecting
structure 164 are fixed on the edges of the supporter 160 via four
screws (not shown). The protecting structure 164 is at a distance
from the heating module 162.
[0031] In use, when a voltage is applied to the two electrodes 1622
of the electric heater 10, the carbon nanotube layer structure can
radiate heat at a certain wavelength. By controlling the specific
surface area of the carbon nanotube layer structure, and selecting
the voltage and the thickness of the carbon nanotube layer
structure, the carbon nanotube layer structure emits heat at
different wavelengths. If the voltage is determined at a certain
value, the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the
carbon nanotube layer structure is inversely proportional to the
thickness of the carbon nanotube layer structure. That is to say,
the greater the thickness of carbon nanotube layer structure is,
the shorter the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves.
Furthermore, if the thickness of the carbon nanotube layer
structure is determined at a certain value, the greater the voltage
applied to the electrodes 1622, the shorter the wavelength of the
electromagnetic waves. As such, the electric heater 10 can easily
be controlled for emitting a visible light and create general
thermal radiation or emit infrared radiation, the electric heater
10 can also be used as a light source.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, an electric heater 20 according to
another embodiment is provided. The electric heater 20 includes a
base 22, a bracket 24, and a working head 26. The base 22 includes
a source plug 222 and a switch 224. The bracket 24 further includes
a rotating element 242 disposed on one end of the bracket 24. The
working head 26 is fixed on the rotating element 242. The working
head 26 includes a supporter 260, a heating module 262 and a
protecting structure 264. The heating module 262 includes a heating
element 2620 and at least two electrodes 2622. The supporter 260
includes an extension portion 2602 connected with the rotating
element 242 of the bracket 24.
[0033] The working head 26 further includes a heat-reflective layer
212. The heat-reflective layer 212 is disposed between the
supporter 260 and the heating module 262. The heat-reflective layer
212 is disposed on a surface of the supporter 260.
[0034] The heat-reflective layer 212 is configured to reflect back
the heat emitted by the heating module 262, and control the
direction of the heat emitted by the heating module 262 for
single-side heating. The material of the heat-reflective layer 212
can be selected from conductive materials or insulated materials.
The insulated materials can be metal oxides, metal salts, or
ceramics. In one embodiment, the heat-reflective layer 212 is an
aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2O.sub.3) film. The thickness of the
heat-reflective layer 212 can be in a range from about 100
micrometers (.mu.m) to about 0.5 mm.
[0035] If the heat-reflective layer 212 is made of conductive
materials, such as silver, aluminum, gold or alloy, an insulated
layer 214 can be further provided and can be disposed between the
heat-reflective layer 212 and the heating module 262. The material
of the insulated layer 214 can be ceramic, glass or plastic. A
thickness of the insulated layer 214 can be in a range from about 1
micrometer to 1 millimeter. The insulated layer 214 can be omitted
when the material of the heat-reflective layer 212 is
insulated.
[0036] The electric heater 20 having the heat-reflective layer 212
can emit heat in one direction. The heat-reflective layer 212 can
reflect the heat produced by the heating module 262 away from the
supporter 260. The heat will not destroy the supporter 260. In
addition, the efficiency of the electric heater 20 is improved.
[0037] Other characteristics of the electric heater 20 are the same
as the electric heater 10 disclosed above.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, an electric heater 30 according to
another embodiment is provided. The electric heater 30 includes a
base 32, a bracket 34, and a working head 36. The base 32 includes
a source plug 322 and a switch 324. The bracket 34 further includes
a rotating element 342 that is disposed on one end of the bracket
34. The working head 36 is fixed on the rotating element 342.
[0039] The working head 36 includes a supporter 360, a first
heating module 362, a second heating module 366, a first protecting
structure 364, and a second protecting structure 368. The first
heating module 362 includes a first heating element 3620 and at
least two first electrodes 3622. The second heating module 366
includes a second heating element 3660 and at least two second
electrodes 3662. The supporter 360 includes an extension portion
3602 connected with the rotating element 342 of the bracket 34.
[0040] The supporter 360 includes a first surface 3604 and a second
surface 3606 opposite to the first surface 3604. The first heating
module 362 is disposed on the first surface 3604. The first
protecting structure 364 covers the first heating module 362. The
characteristics of the first heating module 362 and the first
protecting structure 364 are the same as the heating module 162 and
the protecting structure 164 disclosed above. The second heating
module 366 is disposed on the second surface 3606. The second
protecting structure 368 covers the second heating module 366. The
characteristics of the second heating module 366 and the second
protecting structure 368 are the same as the heating module 162 and
the protecting structure 164 disclosed above.
[0041] Other characteristics of the electric heater 30 are the same
as the electric heater 10 disclosed above.
[0042] The electric heater 30, including two heating modules 362
and 366 disposed on the opposite surfaces of the supporter 360, has
high heating efficiency and large heating scope. The electric
heater 30 can be used in a large space such as an office and hotel
hall.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, an electric heater 40 according to one
embodiment is provided. The electric heater 40 includes a base 42,
a bracket 44 and a working head 46. The base 42 includes a source
plug 422 and a switch 424. The bracket 44 further includes a
rotating element 442 disposed on one end of the bracket 44. The
working head 46 is fixed on the rotating element 442. The working
head 46 includes a supporter 460, a heating module 462, a first
protecting structure 464 and a second protecting structure 468. The
supporter 460 includes an extension portion 4602 connected with the
rotating element 442 of the bracket 24.
[0044] The supporter 460 has a frame structure. The supporter 460
includes a first side sheet 4604 and a second side sheet 4606
facing the first side sheet 4604. The first side sheet 4604
includes a plurality of first holes 4608. The second side sheet
4606 includes a plurality of second holes 4610. The numbers of the
first holes 4608 and the second holes 4610 are uniform. The first
holes 4608 and the second holes 4610 are disposed in a one to one
manner In one embodiment according to FIG. 4, the number of the
first holes 4608 is four, the number of the second holes 4610 is
four. The four first holes 4608 are disposed uniformly on the first
side sheet 4604. The four second holes 4610 are disposed uniformly
on the second side sheet 4606.
[0045] The heating module 462 includes a heating element 4620 and
four electrodes 4622. All of the four electrodes 4622 is a metal
wire. Two ends of each electrode 4622 pass through one first hole
4608 and one second hole 4610 separately. The four electrodes 4622
are fixed by the first holes 4608 and the second holes 4610. The
heating element 4620 are disposed on and supported by the four
electrodes 4622. The heating element 4620 is hung in the air via
the four electrodes 4622. The heating element 4620 includes a
carbon nanotube layer structure.
[0046] The first protecting structure 464 and the second protecting
structure 468 both cover the heating module 462. The peripheral of
the first protecting structure 464 are fixed on one side of the
supporter 460. The peripheral of the second protecting structure
468 is fixed on another side of the supporter 460. The first
protecting structure 464, the second protecting structure 468 and
the supporter 460 form a hollow enclosure, and the heating module
462 are disposed in the enclosure. The first protecting structure
464 and the second protecting structure 468 are both made of glass.
The heating element made of carbon nanotube layer structure can be
transparent. The electric heater 40 is transparent. In use, the
transparent electric heater 40 will not interfere with the line of
sight. Furthermore, as the carbon nanotube layer structure can emit
visible light, the electric heat can also be used as a light
source.
[0047] Other characters of the electric heater 40 are the same as
the electric heater 10 disclosed above.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 5, an electric heater 50 according to
still yet another embodiment is provided. The electric heater 50
includes a base 52, a bracket 54, and a working head 56. The base
52 includes a source plug 522 and a switch 524. The bracket 54
further includes a rotating element 542 disposed on one end of the
bracket 54.
[0049] The working head 56 is fixed on the rotating element 542.
The working head 56 includes a supporter 560, a heating module 562
and a protecting structure 564. The heating module 562 includes a
heating element 5620 and at least two electrodes 5622. The
supporter 560 includes an extension portion 5602 connected with the
rotating element 542 of the bracket 54.
[0050] The supporter 560 includes a surface 5604, and the heating
element 5620 that are disposed on the surface 5604. The surface
5604 can be a non-planar surface, and the supporter 560 can include
at least one groove or protrusion. The grooves can be blind holes
or through holes. Moreover, the cross sectional surface of the
groove or the protrusion can be round, square, triangle or other
irregular shapes. At least a portion of the heating element 5620
hangs in the air via the groove or the protrusion of the supporter
560. In addition, the contacting surface between the heating
element 5620 and the supporter 560 can be decreased via the groove
or the protrusion, the heat transfer between the heating element
5620 and the supporter 560 will be decreased. As such, the electric
heater 50 has a high efficiency.
[0051] It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments
are intended to illustrate rather than limit the present
disclosure. Variations may be made to the embodiments without
departing from the spirit of the disclosure as claimed. It is
understood that any element of any one embodiment is considered to
be disclosed to be incorporated with any other embodiment. The
above-described embodiments illustrate the scope of the disclosure
but do not restrict the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *