Technical field
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The present disclosure relates to the technical field of heaters and heating appliances, for instance for domestic purposes, and concerns more particularly heat generators for heaters.
Technical background
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Heaters are widely used appliances designed to provide warmth, particularly in colder seasons. Various heating technologies have been developed to enhance performance, efficiency, and durability. The primary function of a heater is to convert electrical or other forms of energy into heat and distribute it to its surrounding environment. This process typically involves a heating element, which serves as the medium through which electrical energy is transformed into thermal energy. The heating element is designed to generate and transfer heat in the surrounding environment.
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In conventional designs, electric heating wires can be employed as the heat-generating component. These wires are often encased in protective materials such as quartz tubes to improve longevity and provide insulation. One such design is disclosed in patent
CN201044518Y , which describes a heating device comprising a heating wire connected to an external power supply and enclosed within a U-shaped quartz tube. The U-shaped quartz tube is sheathed outside the heating wire. The quartz tube serves as a protective barrier, reducing the risk of direct contact with the heating wire and enhancing durability by mitigating oxidation and mechanical wear.
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While the service life of the aforementioned device can be extended by protecting the heating wire, this method of transferring heat to the external environment solely via the quartz tube generally results in a low heat transfer efficiency, this design being thus unable to fulfil the user's requirements.
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More particularly, conventional heater designs present several technical challenges, one of which is the lack of efficiency of heat transfer from the heating element to the surrounding environment. In designs where the heat is primarily conducted or radiated through a single protective medium, such as a quartz tube, the overall heat dissipation efficiency is limited. This limitation results in increased energy consumption and a longer time to achieve the desired heating effect, which may not fully meet user expectations for rapid and effective heat distribution.
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Further, the structural design of existing heaters does not always facilitate efficient heat distribution. In some cases, localized overheating may occur, leading to uneven heating performance, thereby degrading the user experience. This issue is particularly relevant in domestic heating applications, where uniform heat dispersion is critical for user comfort. The design of the heating element and its surrounding structure plays a crucial role in achieving an effective balance between heat concentration and dissipation.
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Overall, while existing heater technologies have made some advancements, there remain unresolved technical challenges related to heat transfer efficiency, heat distribution, and structural design.
Summary of the invention
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An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the disadvantages or deficiencies of the prior art, as discussed above and further below.
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Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat generator achieving high heat transfer efficiency.
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Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat generator suitable for a heater, allowing efficient heat transfer and uniform heat distribution.
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To this end, the present invention provides a heat generator to solve the above discussed problem, in particular of low heat transfer efficiency and lack of uniform heat distribution.
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To achieve this, the invention according to a first aspect provides a heat generator comprising at least one electric heating element for generating heat, said electric heating element comprising a heating end provided with at least one convective radiation structure, said convective radiation structure being configured to conduct and dissipate heat generated by said electric heating element,
- wherein said convection radiation structure comprises a radiation plate and a convection plate both being connected to said heating end,
- wherein said convection plate is located on one side of said radiation plate, said convection plate comprising a first lateral face facing said radiation plate and second, opposite, lateral face,
- said convection plate comprising a plurality of convection holes, wherein said convection holes are coupled with respective flaps extending outwardly from the second lateral face of the convection plate to direct air flow away from the radiating plate.
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In a particular embodiment, each flap extends outwardly from an edge of a respective convection hole to guide air flow, passing through said convection hole, away from convection plate.
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In a particular embodiment, the convection holes are arranged spaced apart at equal intervals from each other along the length of said convection plate.
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In a particular embodiment, said radiation plate and said convective plate extend from the heating end so as to form an angle A comprised in a range from 5 to 90 degrees.
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In a particular embodiment, the side cross-section of said radiation plate is wavy.
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In a particular embodiment, the heat generator comprises two convective radiation structures arranged in axial symmetry about said electric heating element.
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In a particular embodiment, the heat generator comprises at least two electric heating elements, each electric heating element being provided with a pair of convection radiation structures connected to said electric heating element,
wherein two adjacent radiating plates of two respective convection radiation structures of said two electric heating elements are connected which each other so as to form a connecting angle of 180 degrees.
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In a particular embodiment, said electric heating element and said convection radiation structure are a combination of a one-piece moulding structure or a combination structure which is fixedly connected together after split moulding.
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In a particular embodiment, each pair of said convective radiation structures is a combination structure with the said connected electric heating element as a one-piece moulded structure or a combination structure fixedly connected together after split moulding, and each pair of said connected convective radiation structures is a combination structure with a one-piece moulded structure or a combination structure fixedly connected together after split moulding.
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In a particular embodiment, said electric heating element comprises at least any one or more of a quartz tube, halogen, ceramic, stainless steel and at least one heating wire.
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The present invention may include the following technical effects:
Thanks to the invention, the heat generated by the electric heating element can be exported along the radiation plate and convection plate through the radiation plate and convection plate, thereby increasing the spatial area covered by heat. At the same time, air flows through the convection holes between the convection plate and the radiation plate to create a heat convection effect. This effect enables rapid transfer of heat from the radiation plate and convection plate to the external environment, thereby facilitating the rapid warming of the external environment.
Brief description of the drawings
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Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings which show embodiments having no limiting character. In the figures:
- Figure 1 presents a structural schematic representation of a heat generator, and a heater comprising such a heat generator, according to at least one particular embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 2 presents a structural schematic representation of the heat generator illustrated in figure 1, according to at least one particular embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 3 presents a lateral view of the heat generator illustrated in figures 1 and 2, according to at least one particular embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 4 presents a lateral view of a heat generator, according to at least one particular embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 5 presents a lateral view of a heat generator, according to at least one particular embodiment of the invention.
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In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, a number of references signs are used, among which the following:
- 100. A heat generator
- 102. A heater
- 1. An electric heating element
- 2. A convection radiation structure
- 21. A radiation plate
- 22. A convection plate
- 221. A convection hole
- 222. A flap
Description of particular embodiments of the invention
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Implementation examples of the present disclosure are described in detail below and will be shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar labels throughout denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The implementation examples described below by referential accompanying drawings are exemplary and used only for explaining the present utility model. They cannot be construed as a limitation of the present utility model.
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In the description of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner ", "outside" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on those shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are only for the purpose of facilitating the description of the present invention and simplifying the description. They are not indicative of or suggestive of the necessity for the device or element referred to be of a particular orientation, to be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore, it cannot be construed as a limitation of the present invention. These terms may generally indicate positions and/or orientations with reference to the normal or expected use, position and orientation that is intended for the corresponding feature.
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In addition, the features defined with "first" and "second" may include one or more such features, either explicitly or implicitly, for the purpose of distinguishing the descriptive features in no particular order and in no particular order of importance.
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In the description of the present disclosure, it is to be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", "connected" are to be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a removable connection, or a connection in one piece. It may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection, depending on the context. It may be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it may be a connection within the two elements. For a person with ordinary skill in this field, the specific meaning of the above terms in the context of the present invention can be understood in specific cases.
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The technical solution of the present invention is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying Figures 1 to 5 and by means of specific embodiments.
Particular embodiments according to Example 1
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As shown in figures 1-3, it is provided an heat generator 100 comprising at least one electric heating element 1. The electric heating element 1 is used to generate heat. It is considered by of an example in Example 1 that the heat generator 100 comprises only one electric heating element 1, although other examples are possible where the heat generator comprises a plurality of electric heating elements arranged in an analogous manner.
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The heat generator 100 may be comprised in (or part of) a heater or heating device 102, configured to generate heat by means of the heat generator 100.
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As shown in figures 1-3, the electric element 1 may comprise a body 10 and an end (or portion) 11, so-called heating end, extending laterally from the body 10. The heating end 11 of the electric element 1 is provided with at least one convective (or convection) radiating structure 2. In the present example, the convective radiating structure 2 extends outwardly (laterally) from the heating end 11. The convective radiating structure 2 is configured to conduct heat dissipation for the heat generated by the electric heating element 1.
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In the present example, the electric element 1 is considered to have a single convective radiating structure 2, although other example with multiple convective radiating structures are possible as further described below in particular embodiments.
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Still referring to figures 1-3, the convection radiation structure 2 comprises a radiation plate 21 and a convection (or convective) plate 22, both plates 21 and 22 being connected to (and extending laterally from) the heating end 11 of said electric heating element 1.
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Various configurations of the radiation plate 21 and convection plate 22 contemplated. These plates may be substantially flat, of various forms such as rectangle, with a finite thickness that is significantly smaller than its length and width. These plates may extend in two primary dimensions, forming for instance a planar profile, while its third dimension, the thickness, remains minimal relative to the other two.
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As illustrated in figure 3, the convection plate 22 is considered to form two opposite lateral faces (or sides), namely a first a lateral face 23 and a second lateral face 24, these faces 23 and 24 being on opposite sides of the convection plate 22. The convection plate 22 is situated (or arranged) on one side of said radiation plate 21 such that the lateral face (or side) 23 of the convection plate 22 faces the radiation plate 21. As a result, the radiation plate 21 and the convection plate 22 may substantially face each other, although various arrangements may be contemplated as further described below in particular examples.
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As shown in figures 1-3, the convection plate 22 is provided with a plurality of convection apertures (or convection holes) 221. As can be seen, these convection apertures 221 form holes extending through the entire thickness of the convection plate 22, forming open pathways between its two opposite faces 23 and 24. Various arrangements and formation techniques can be contemplated in the present disclosure.
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The convection apertures 221 may be uniformly or non-uniformly spaced and can vary in shape, including circular, elliptical, rectangular, or other geometries, depending on the needs and case at hand. In a particular example, the convection holes 221 are arranged spaced apart at equal intervals from each other along the length of the convection plate 22 (and so, of the electric heating element 1).
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When this solution is in use, the heat generated by the electric heating element 1 can be advantageously exported along, and through, the radiating plate 21 and convection plate 22, thereby increasing the spatial area covered by heat and thus allowing a significant gain of heat transfer efficiency. At the same time, air circulating between the convection plate 22 and the radiating plate 21 can advantageously flow through the convection holes 221, thus creating a heat convection effect. This convection effect advantageously enables rapid transfer of heat from the radiation plate 21 and the convection plate 22 to the external environment of the heat generator 2, thereby facilitating the rapid warming of the external environment and thus improving the thermal performances of the heat generator 2.
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As shown in a particular example in figures 1-3, the convection apertures 221 can be arranged (or distributed) at equal spacing from each other over the convection plate 22, thereby allowing a uniform air flow through the convection apertures 221. This particular arrangement advantageously allows unform heat distribution in the surroundings of the heat generator 2.
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The convection apertures 221 may for instance be arranged as a series of convection apertures 221 extending along a line, for instance a straight line. As shown in figures 1-3, the convection apertures 221 may be configured according to a linear configuration such that they are distributed longitudinally along the convection plate 21. The linear arrangement of these convection apertures 21 can further improve heat distribution by directing convective airflow through a controlled pathway.
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As shown in figure 2, said the convection plate 22 may comprise flaps (or fins) 222 coupled (or associated) with the convection apertures 221, these flaps 222 extending (or projecting) outwardly from the second lateral face 24 and thus away from the radiating plate 21 (figure 3). These flaps 222 serve as air guiding elements. This configuration allows the flaps 222 to direct air flow away from the radiating plate 21. In particular, the flaps 222 are configured to direct or deviate, away from the radiating plate 21, convection air flow (i.e. air flow due to heat convection effect) passing or circulating through the convection apertures 221. To this end, the flaps 222 are rigids elements (or protrusions) capable of directing or deviating the convection air flow. Each convection apertures 221 may be coupled (or associated) with a respective flap 222 to direct convection air flow away from the radiating plate 21.
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A flap 222 may extend outwardly from an edge of its respective (neighbour) convection aperture 221 to guide air flow, passing through said convection aperture 221, away from the radiation plate 21. By positioning each flap 222 at the direct vicinity of (or adjacent to) the corresponding convection hole 221, efficient guiding of air flow can be achieved.
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The flaps 222 may take various forms, such as protrusions, or fins, or the like, that project outwardly from the second lateral face 24 of the convection plate 22. These flaps 222 may have a substantially planar form.
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The way the flaps 222 are formed and structured can be adapted depending on each case. In a particular example, the connection between the convection plate 22 and the flaps 222 is integral, where convection plate 22 and the flaps 222 are formed from the same material. In a variant, the flaps 222 may be attached separately.
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The incorporation of the flaps 222 advantageously allows modifying the overall geometry of the convection plate 22, introducing additional surfaces that guide airflow and allows additional heat transfer. Specifically, the contact area between the convection plate 22 and the external environment can be increased by the provided flap 222. Heat can be rapidly and efficiently conducted to the external environment through the convection plate 22.
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As shown in Figure 2, the convection holes 221 and corresponding flaps 222 may be provided at equal spacing along the length of said electric heating element 1.
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Various configurations of the flaps 222 may be contemplated to achieve the desired effect. The flaps 222 may be oriented obliquely or perpendicularly relative to the second lateral face 24 (figure 3), so as to guide air flow along a direction which can be adapted depending on the requirements.
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Various configurations of the convection plate 22 relative to the radiating plate 21 can be contemplated. As shown in Figure 3 in a particular example, an angle A is provided between said radiant plate 21 and said convective plate 22, said angle A being from 5 to 90 degrees. The radiation plate 21 and said convective plate 22 thus extends from the heating end 11 so as to form an angle A comprised in a range from 5° to 90°, preferably from 5° to 60°, so as to maximise the synergic interactions between the radiation plate 21 and the convective plate 22 facing each other.
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In a particular example, it is possible to have the heat generator 100 mounted on electric heaters of different thicknesses to improve the scope of application of the device.
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As shown in Fig. 3, the radiating plate 21 may have a wavy side cross-section.
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In a particular example, said radiating plate 21 has a wavy side cross-section (the side cross-section presents a wavy configuration), thereby increasing the contact area between the radiating plate 21 and the external environment. Air contact can be increased, and air flow and heat transfer can be improved. In this way, heat can be rapidly conducted to the external environment through the radiating plate 21.
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In a particular example, the radiation plate 21 and the convective plate 22 are made of stainless steel material, which provides good thermal conductivity and longevity.
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As shown in figures 1-5, said electric heating element 1 and said convective radiation structure 2 may be either a one-piece moulded structure or a combined structure fixedly connected together after split moulding.
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In a particular example, the electric heating element 1 and the convection radiation structure 2 are integrally moulded structures, this facilitating the processing and production of the heat generator.
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In a particular example, the electric heating element 1 and the convection radiation structure 2 are combined structures that are fixedly connected together after split moulding. This advantageously allows replacing the electric heating element 1 and the convection radiation structure 2 when they are damaged, reducing the maintenance cost.
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As shown in Figs. 1-5, said electric heating element 1 is (or comprises) at least any one, or more, of a quartz tube, a halogen, a ceramic, a stainless steel and a heating wire (one or a plurality of heating wires).
Particular embodiments according to Example 2
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As already mentioned, the heat generator 100 as previously described may comprise a plurality of convective radiation structures 2. These convective radiation structure 2 may exhibit features analogous to those described earlier with respect to Example 1.
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As shown in Figure 4 according to a particular embodiment, the difference compared to Example 1 illustrated in figures 1-3 resides in that the heat generator 100 has two convective radiation structure 2. In other words, the number of said convective radiation structures 2 is two.
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The two said convective radiation structures 2, connected to the same heating element 1, are provided in axial symmetry (or as a mirror symmetry image) of each other about said electric heating element 1 (e.g. axial symmetry relative to a longitudinal axis of the body 10 of the heating element 1).
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As shown in figure 4 according to a particular example, the heat generator 100 may comprise first and second convective radiation structures, noted 2a and 2b respectively. The first convective radiation structure 2a comprises a first radiation plate 21a and a first convection plate 21a while the second convective radiation structure 2b comprises a second radiation plate 21b and a second convection plate 21b. The heating element 1 comprises a body 10 and two opposite ends (or portions) 11a and 11b, so-called first and second heating ends respectively, which extend laterally in opposite directions from the body 10. The first and second convective radiation structures 2a and 2b may extend outwardly from the first and second heating ends 11a and 11b, respectively.
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In particular, the first and second convective radiation structures 2a and 2b may be arranged such that the first radiation plate 21a and the second radiation plate 21b extend along a same common plane (figure 4).
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Arranging two convective radiation structures 2 advantageously allows the heat generator to have a large heat dissipation area, to effectively reduce the overall temperature, to avoid the phenomenon of excessive localised temperatures and to make the output heat more uniform, improving the comfort of the product when used.
Particular embodiments according to Example 3
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The heater the heat generator 100 as previously described may comprise a plurality of heating elements 1 and a plurality of associated convective radiation structures 2, as previously described.
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As shown in figure 5 according to a particular embodiment, the difference compared to Example 1 and Example 2 illustrated in figures 1-3 and 4 resides in that the heat generator, noted 200, comprises two electric heating elements 1. Other examples with more than two heating elements are also possible.
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In the particular example shown in figure 5, each of the two electric elements 1 is provided with (or connected to) a pair of a pair of convection radiation structures 2 connected to said electric heating element 1. More specifically, each heating element 1 may be coupled with a first convection radiation structure 2a and a second convection radiation structure 2b as previously described with reference to figure 4.
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two adjacent radiating plates 21 of two respective convection radiation structures of said pair of electric heating elements 1 are connected which each other (in position P1 as illustrated in figure 5) so as to form an angle of 180 degrees (or substantially 180°) between said two connected radiating plates 21.
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In a particular example, the number of electric heating elements 1 is at least two, which can increase the length of the heating body to adapt to heaters with higher heights, thus increasing the range of applicability of the device.
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As shown in Fig. 5, every pair of convective radiation structures 2 may be a one-piece moulded structure with the connected said electric heating element 1 or as a combination structure fixedly connected together after moulding them separately. Every pair of connected convective radiation structures 2 may be a one-piece moulded structure or a combination structure fixedly connected together after moulding them separately.
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In a particular example, the combination of the electric heating element 1 and the convection radiating structure 2 into a one-piece moulded structure, along with the integration of every two connected convection radiating structures into a one-piece moulded structure, significantly streamlines the processing and production of the heat-generating body. The combination of the electric heating element 1 and the convective radiation structure 2 into a one-piece structure following split moulding, along with the same process applied to every two connected convective radiation structures 2, allows for the replacement of damaged components, thereby reducing maintenance costs.
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The technical principles of the present invention are described above in connection with specific embodiments. These descriptions are only intended to explain the principles of the present invention. They are not to be construed in any way as a limitation of the scope of protection of the present invention. Based on the explanations herein, other specific embodiments of the present invention can be associated by skilled person in the relevant field without the necessity for creative labour. All these embodiments will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.