Flow heater

Abstract

Flow heater for heating liquid, provided with a heat-conducting element ( 1 ) with a channel ( 5 ) for accommodating and guiding a liquid to be heated and a heater element ( 2 ) which is thermally coupled to the heat-conducting element ( 1 ). The heat-conducting element ( 1 ) is composed of a heat distribution plate ( 3 ) and a retaining element ( 4 ). The retaining element is thermally connected to a first side ( 13 ) of the heat distribution plate ( 3 ) such that the heat distribution plate ( 3 ) and the retaining element ( 4 ) enclose the channel ( 5 ). The heater element ( 2 ) is situated at a second side ( 14 ) of the heat distribution plate ( 3 ) which faces away from the first side ( 13 ). The flow heater has a simple construction and allows of a large freedom of choice as regards the shape of the path followed by the channel ( 5 ).

1 . A flow heater for heating a liquid, comprising: 
 a heat-conducting element ( 1 ;  21 ;  41 ) with at least one channel ( 5 ;  25 ;  45 ) for accommodating and guiding liquid to be heated, and with a heater element ( 2 ;  22 ;  42 ) thermally coupled to said heat-conducting element ( 1 ;  21 ;  41 ) for heating said heat-conducting element ( 1 ;  21 ;  41 ), characterized in that    said heat-conducting element ( 1 ;  21 ;  41 ) comprises a heat distribution plate ( 3 ;  23 ;  43 ) and a closing element ( 4 ;  24 ;  44 ), in that    the closing element ( 4 ;  24 ;  44 ) is thermally connected to a first side ( 13 ) of said heat distribution plate ( 3 ;  23 ;  43 ) in at least a portion of regions situated adjacent said at least one channel ( 5 ;  25 ;  45 ) such that said heat distribution plate ( 3 ;  23 ;  43 ) and said closing element ( 4 ;  24 ;  44 ) enclose said at least one channel ( 5 ;  25 ;  45 ), and in that    said heater element ( 2 ;  22 ;  42 ) is situated at a second side ( 14 ) of said heat distribution plate ( 3 ;  23 ;  43 ) facing away from the first side ( 13 ).    
     
     
         2 . A flow heater as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the closing element ( 4 ;  24 ;  44 ) is constructed as a plate of substantially uniform thickness.  
     
     
         3 . A flow heater as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the closing element ( 4 ;  24 ;  44 ) is constructed as a metal plate pressed into shape.  
     
     
         4 . A flow heater as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one duct ( 27 ;  47 ) having a wall which bounds said at least one channel ( 5 ;  25 ;  45 ).  
     
     
         5 . A flow heater as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one channel ( 5 ;  25 ;  45 ) follows a meandering or labyrinth course in a plane substantially parallel to said heat distribution plate.  
     
     
         6 . A flow heater as claimed in any one of the  claims 1  to  4 , wherein said at least one channel ( 5 ;  25 ;  45 ) follows a spiraling course in a plane substantially parallel to said heat distribution plate.  
     
     
         7 . A flow heater as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a heating plate ( 48 ) in thermally conductive contact with the closing element ( 44 ) and situated at a side of the closing element ( 44 ) facing away from said heat distribution plate ( 43 ).  
     
     
         8 . A flow heater as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said heat distribution plate ( 3 ;  23 ;  43 ) is manufactured from aluminum or at least an aluminum alloy.  
     
     
         9 . A drinks preparation device with a flow heater as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and with a holder ( 59 ) for bringing substances into contact with water, which holder is provided with openings ( 60 ) downstream of said flow heater.  
     
     
         10 . An electric steam iron with a flow heater as claimed in any one of the preceding  claims 1  to  8 , further comprising a sole plate ( 48 ) to be heated, with steam outlet openings ( 69 ) which are connected downstream to the channel ( 45 ) of said flow heater.  
     
     
         11 . A food steamer with a flow heater as claimed in any one of the  claims 1  to  8 , further comprising a preparation space ( 75 ) which can be substantially closed and in which food ( 76 ) to be steamed can be accommodated, and a steam line ( 74 ) downstream of the flow heater, through which steam line ( 74 ) the flow heater is in communication with the preparation space ( 75 ).