EP1649725B1 - Method for electrically insulating an electrical functional element and device with functional elements, insulated in such a way - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for the electrical insulation of an arrangement with an electrical functional element, such as a PTC element or a thermoelectric functional element is proposed, which is placed on a fastening part or in an electrically conductive casing. The inventive method is characterized in that the functional element together with the at least one connection, accompanied by the hollowing out of at least one contact surface to the fastening part, is so surrounded with an electrically insulating material that the latter engages on the fastening part or in the casing all around the contact surface. Thus, in a design and manufacturing simple manner, e.g. by extrusion, a comprehensive sealing of the electrical functional element can be achieved, so that during a subsequent covering with a material having a certain electrical conductivity, no shorting links are formed between the electrical connections of the functional element and the reference potential.

Description

The invention relates to a method for electrically insulating an arrangement having at least one electrical functional element, such as a PTC heating element or a thermoelectric functional element, which is arranged on an electrically conductive fastening part or in an electrically conductive housing and provided with at least one electrical connection isolated from the fastening part becomes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a tempering device with an arrangement with a thermoelectric functional element and this contacting electrical connection and contact means and a device with such a tempering device and a fastening part for arranging the tempering in operative connection with an object to be tempered. Finally, the invention is directed to uses of such a device.

In the automotive sector, there have been increased efforts in the past to increase the ride comfort of a user by selectively influencing the climatic conditions in the vehicle interior, for example by providing air conditioning systems, seat heaters, auxiliary heaters for heating the interior even at low ambient temperatures, etc.

Due to a raised by direct body contact temperature sensation comes in particular a temperature of objects that are more or less directly touched by the user, a special meaning. For this reason, there have been efforts in the past, directly touched by the user objects in the vehicle interior, such as a steering wheel, in a tactile pleasant way to temper, for example, in winter conditions. The steering wheel is encapsulated with a suitable material (plastic), which has at least a certain electrical conductivity, whereby, for example, electrostatic charges can be avoided. Most importantly, the material has good thermal conductivity to distribute heat evenly across the steering wheel surface.

In previously known from practice applications of this type, therefore, an electrically conductive foil or a fabric was wound around a steering wheel body, which was then provided with a touched by the user coating and their electrical power loss was used for steering wheel heating. It is to be regarded as disadvantageous in particular that a PTC effect which is regularly desired in such applications and which is a self-regulating heating behavior allows, only in a very limited way is given. In addition, said film or the fabric is easily damaged, especially since steering wheels are often followed by sewing with leather by hand.

• ein Temperaturfühler und ein Regelelement benötigt wird, da die Heizfolie (das Heizgewebe) nicht selbstregelnd ist. Diese Elemente müssen am Lenkrad angebracht werden und stören somit die Haptik;
• die Anbringung durch Kleben aufwändig ist;
• beim Bekleben des Lenkrades (in form eines kreisförmigen Rohres) mit der ebenen Folie (Gewebe) oft Blasen oder Falten entstehen, die zu hohen Ausschussraten führen;
• aufgrund der konstanten Heizleistung eine schlechte Aufheizdynamik gegeben ist.

A disadvantage of the use of film or fabric heating is also to be considered that

• a temperature sensor and a control element is needed because the heating foil (the heating fabric) is not self-regulating. These elements must be attached to the steering wheel and thus disturb the feel;
• the attachment by gluing is expensive;
• when gluing the steering wheel (in the form of a circular tube) with the flat film (tissue) often blisters or wrinkles occur that lead to high reject rates;
• due to the constant heating power is given a poor Aufheizdynamik.

As a heat-conducting coating, which should also have pleasant tactile properties for the user, come here regularly graphite or metal powder-containing plastics are used, with which the steering wheel and said heating elements are integrally molded together with their electrical connections.

It is to be regarded in particular as a disadvantage that the well-conducting cladding material usually also has a relatively good electrical conductivity, so that it is when changing the electrical heating elements and their connections to conductive connections between components located at different potentials (short circuit) can come, whereby the usability of such devices is at risk.

The EP 1 298 028 A2 shows a steering wheel with integrated heating element in the steering ring, which has a rectangular cross section and is arranged around a stabilizing core surrounding an elastomeric layer and inside or below a cover. The heating element itself has a PTC material layer arranged on a carrier layer, which is provided on the side facing away from the carrier layer with contact or connection layers having a finite spacing from one another. Although this embodiment may ensure a uniform heating of the steering wheel rim, but is associated with a considerable design and financial expense.

The invention is in view of the above-mentioned prior art, the object to further develop a method of the type mentioned in that so that a secure electrical insulation of the electrical functional element is possible. Furthermore, the object of the invention to provide a temperature control device and a device having such a tempering, which avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages of prior art devices.

The object is achieved in a method of the type mentioned by the characterizing features of claim 1.

The object is also achieved by a method having the characterizing features of claim 2.

The contacting of the functional element to the fastening part or housing can be direct or indirect: Accordingly, it can be provided in an alternative embodiment that the contact surface is part of the surface of the functional element or that the contact surface on the side facing away from the functional element of a portion of the arrangement forming contact plate is arranged ,

By the electrically insulating material from which the contact surface of the electrical functional element is surrounded over its entire circumference, a kind of sealing lip is provided, which effectively prevents, after a mounting of the functional element to the fastening part in an encapsulation or the like with material, the has at least a certain electrical conductivity, this between the fastening part, which is at a reference potential, typically at ground potential, and the electrical connection of the functional element can penetrate and leads there to a short circuit.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method it is provided that the functional element is arranged in a hollow receiving space of the fastening element or of the housing or is preferably formed in a housing formed with the fastening part.

In order to ensure the sealing effect described above in the most efficient manner possible, a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the contact surface is surmounted by the electrically insulating material over its entire circumference prior to assembly of the functional element, in particular on the fastening part or the housing , Wherein further preferably, the contact surface is surmounted by the electrically insulating material in the direction of a surface normal thereof. In particular, according to the invention, a contact element connected to the electrical connection for the functional element for forming the sealing lip is overmolded with the electrically insulating material, whereby also the electrical connection of the functional element may be in one piece, ie in particular in one operation together with the contact element for the functional element with the electrically insulating material can be encapsulated.

In order for the sealing effect of the insulating material, which projects beyond the functional surface, to develop optimally, an extremely preferred development of the method according to the invention provides that the functional element is introduced into the arrangement of contact element and / or the at least one connection and the injected insulating material. It is furthermore advantageous if the functional element is then introduced together with the surrounding insulating material and optionally the contact element into a receiving space in the fastening part or the housing, after which pressing of the functional element together with the surrounding insulating material and optionally the contact element and the fastening part or of the housing takes place with one another, wherein the material projecting beyond the contact surface can be elastically deformed at least partially so that the contact surface comes into contact with the fastening part or the housing.

Furthermore, the above object is achieved by a tempering device having an arrangement with a thermal functional element and this contacting electrical connection and contact means, in which the thermal functional element and the connection and contact means are surrounded by a contact surface of the arrangement of an electrically insulating material which surrounds the contact surface in a plane parallel thereto as at least one sealing lip over the entire circumference of the contact surface.

According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that the contact surface is part of the surface of the functional element, wherein in particular the sealing lip on a radio tion element overlapping contact plate sealingly. It can also be provided that the contact surface is arranged on the side facing away from the functional element of a contact plate forming part of the arrangement.

In a development of the tempering device according to the invention, provision can be made for the electrically insulating material to project beyond the contact surface over its entire circumference before being pressed into a fastening part or a housing, the sealing lip preferably projecting beyond the contact surface substantially in the direction of a surface normal thereof. In this way, an efficient sealing effect of the sealing lip can be achieved, in particular given regularly given planar contact surfaces. For the same reason, the material which projects beyond the contact surface is preferably at least partially elastically deformable.

According to a preferred embodiment, a plurality of sealing lips, preferably two, are arranged parallel to one another in order to reinforce the sealing effect according to the invention.

In order to ensure a comprehensive sealing of both the thermal functional element and the connection and contact means, provides as a preferred embodiment of the temperature control device according to the invention that the thermal functional element and the connection and contact means are integrally surrounded by the electrically insulating material. In this case, at least the sealing lip to achieve an electrical insulating effect is preferably formed in a plastic, which may be in particular a liquid crystal polymer (LCP). However, it is also possible to use other injection-moldable polymers, such as polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or polymer ceramics.

To achieve a heating effect by means of the temperature control device according to the invention, it is provided that it has at least one PTC heating element as a thermal functional element.

Furthermore, the invention provides a device with a tempering device according to the invention and a fastening part or a housing for arranging the tempering in operative connection with an object to be tempered to achieve the above object. In this case, a preferred embodiment provides that the functional element is arranged in a receiving space of a fastening part or of the housing.

Such a device may further be characterized in that the fastening part or the housing is formed in a good heat-conducting material, such as aluminum, copper or their alloys, so that a heating or cooling effect of the thermal functional element in an efficient manner via the fastening part or the housing can act on the object to be tempered. For this purpose, the device according to the invention preferably has a receiving space for the tempering device in the fastening part or the housing. In this case, the receiving space is preferably designed in the manner of a cavity such that the temperature control device is surrounded after receiving in the fastening part or the housing with the exception of a receiving opening substantially on all sides of the fastening part or the housing. Most preferably, the fastening part or the housing is formed as an extruded profile, so that therefore in particular next to the receiving opening, a further opening of the receiving space remains. In order to achieve the most intimate possible contact between tempering device and mounting part or housing for the purpose of efficient heat transfer, according to a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, these can be connected to one another, in particular can be pressed. In this way, it is possible in the course of the present invention to provide a device which is characterized in that the connection of the tempering and fastening part or housing against a pressure at a pressure increased to an ambient pressure is tight. This is particularly important if the tempering device and fastening part or the housing are then to be provided with an at least electrically conductive casing.

For ease of connection of the device according to the invention with an object to be tempered the fastening part or the housing is preferably designed as a clip and has, according to an extremely preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention first and second leg for at least partially embracing an object to be connected to the device. In particular, if this object is a possibly fluid-filled tube, the legs may be substantially part-circular in shape and optionally tapering towards their free ends. In this way it is possible to arrange the fastening part or the housing in a clamping fit on an object to be connected to the device.

Further, alternative embodiments of the device according to the invention provide that either the fastening part or the housing can be fixed by pressing the legs with the object on this, wherein, for example, parts of the object can embrace the legs, so that the fastening part or the housing can be fixed by holding means provided on the object, or that the legs have at their respective free end a holding means for a clamping means for fixing the fastening part or the housing to an object to be connected to the device. According to the invention, the holding means may in particular be a thickening for holding a spring acting as a tensioning means.

The connection with a reference potential (earthing) necessary for safety reasons preferably takes place in a device according to the invention such that the fastening part or the housing has a connection means for a further electrical connection means for connection to a reference potential.

A device according to the invention is suitable in particular for heating a fluid conducted in a pipeline or for heating a fluid, for example for steering wheel heating in motor vehicles, at a pressure increased at an ambient pressure with a pipeline to be provided with at least electrically conductive coating.

Fig. 1a

ein Lenkrad eines Kraftfahrzeugs als Beispiel eines durch eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zu temperierenden Gegenstandes;

Fig. 1b

einen Schnitt durch ein Lenkrad eines Kraftfahrzeugs entlang der Linie B-B der Fig. 1a mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Lenkradbeizung;

Fig.2

eine bevorzugte Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäßen Temperiereinrichtung für eine Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1b in einem Zustand vor Montage;

Fig.3a

die Temperiereinrichtung der Fig. 2 vor Aufnahme in einem erfindungsgemäßen Befestigungsteil bzw. einem Gehäuse;

Fig.3b

Befestigungsteil bzw. Gehäuse und Temperiereinrichtung in zusammengesetztem Zustand;

Fig.4a-c

perspektivische Darstellungen eines Aufnahmeteils für das PTC-Element vor (Fig. 4a, 4b) und nach (Fig. 4c) Einlegen desselben;

Fig. 5

eine Explosionsdarstellung von Gehäuse bzw. gehäuseartigem Ansatz eines Befestigungsteils, einer zusätzlichen Kontaktplatte sowie dem Aufnahmeteil mit eingelegtem PTC-Element; und

Fig. 6

einen Schnitt durch die Kontaktanordnung mit Aufnahmeteil, unterer und oberer Kontaktplatte sowie PTC-Element vor Verpressen.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. It shows or shows:

Fig. 1a

a steering wheel of a motor vehicle as an example of an object to be tempered by a device according to the invention;

Fig. 1b

a section through a steering wheel of a motor vehicle along the line BB of Fig. 1a with a steering wheel dressing device according to the invention;

Fig.2

a preferred embodiment of a temperature control device according to the invention for a device according to Fig. 1b in a condition before assembly;

3a

the tempering of the Fig. 2 before receiving in a fastening part according to the invention or a housing;

3b

Fixing part or housing and tempering device in the assembled state;

4a-c

perspective views of a receiving part for the PTC element before ( Fig. 4a . 4b ) and after ( Fig. 4c ) Inserting it;

Fig. 5

an exploded view of housing or housing-like approach of a fastening part, an additional contact plate and the receiving part with inserted PTC element; and

Fig. 6

a section through the contact arrangement with receiving part, lower and upper contact plate and PTC element before pressing.

The Fig. 1a shows by way of example schematically a steering wheel 1 of a motor vehicle with rim 1.1 and a number of spokes 1.2. In the wreath 1.1 is in accordance with the Fig. 1b a circulating tube 2 integrated, which may contain for purposes of steering wheel heating, a suitable fluid, such as water or refrigerant. In addition, in the spokes 1.2 of the steering wheel 1, such a tube 2 may be integrated, which in the Fig. 1 but not shown.

Like in the Fig. 1b 2, a device 3 according to the invention with a fastening part 3.1 or a housing 3.1d and a tempering device in the form of a PTC heating device 3.2 is arranged on the tube 2. The PTC heating device 3.2 is accommodated in the fastening part 3.1 or the housing 3.1d, more precisely a hollow receiving part 3.1e of a housing 3.1d formed with the fastening part; Pipe 2, fixing part 3.1 or housing 3.1d and PTC heater 3.2 are clad with a material 1.1 '. The material 1.1 'has good heat-conducting properties, for example, it is an elastic plastic with graphite or metal powder additive that dissipates the heat generated at the PTC heater 3.2 quickly to the steering wheel outside. Due to the aforementioned properties, the material 1.1 also has a non-negligible electrical conductivity.

The fastening part 3.1 or the housing 3.1d according to the invention is preferably formed in a good heat-conducting material, such as a metal. Preferably, it is an extruded aluminum.

The fastening part 3.1 or the housing 3.1d is according to the Fig. 1b formed embodiment in the form of a clip and has two part-circular curved legs 3.1a, 3.1b. By means of the legs 3.1a, 3.1b, the fastening part 3.1 or the housing 3.1d is held in a press fit on the pipe 2. The legs 3.1a, 3.1b have at their free end in each case a thickening 3.1c; Furthermore, the legs 3.1a, 3.1b taper in cross-section towards their free end, whereby a uniform heat transfer and contact pressure between the fastening part 3.1 or 3.1d housing and tube 2 is effected. In the case of the preferred embodiment of the fastening part 3.1 or of the housing 3.1d which is shown, due to a more than semicircular design of the legs 3.1a, 3.1b (compare the horizontal dash-dotted line in FIG Fig. 1b ) an elastically resilient arrangement of the fastening part 3.1 and the housing 3.1d achieved on the tube 2, so that the fastening part or the housing in a simple manner manufacturing technology on the tube 2 can be "clipped". In addition, for clamping the fastening part 3.1 or the housing 3.1d, a spring clip (not shown) between the acting as a retaining means thickenings 3.1c of the leg ends are braced to increase the contact pressure of the fastening part 3.1 and the housing 3.1d to the tube 2 ,

Between the legs 3.1a and 3.1b and facing away from their free ends, the fastening part 3.1 or the housing 3.1d has a substantially rectangular cross-section structure in which a likewise rectangular in cross-section receiving space 3.1e (see Fig. 3a ) is formed for receiving the tempering 3.2. Furthermore, the structure 3.1d still has a lateral, channel-like approach 3.1f (cf. Fig. 3a, b ), in the embodiment shown as an electrical connection means for a Ground cable 4, ie for connecting the attachment part 3.1 and the housing 3.1d with a reference potential (ground potential) is used.

The tempering 3.2 of the device 3 according to the invention has according to the Fig. 1b First, a PTC element 3.2a as an electrical functional element and a contacting this, located on a different potential from ground contact plate 3.2b as a contact element or contact means. The PTC element 3. 2 a contacts the fastening part 3. 1 or the housing 3. 1 d on its side facing the tube 2 via an upper contact surface 3. 2 in the assembled, specially pressed state of the fastening part 3. 1 or the housing 3 c.

Around the PTC element 3.2a and the contact plate 3.2b is around the recess 3.2c a U-shaped frame 3.2d of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic, preferably a liquid crystal polymer (LCP), PPS or polyamide , intended. The insulating frame 3.2d in particular isolates the contact plate 3.2b from the fixing element 3.1 or housing 3.1d which is at ground potential.

The Fig. 1b shows the device 3 according to the invention in its assembled state, ie after the tempering 3.2 has been used in the attachment part 3.1 and the housing 3.1d and connected to this at least non-positively, for example by pressing. It is particularly to ensure that even with subsequent changing with the ring material 1.1 ', for example by encapsulation (foaming) at a relative to a normal ambient pressure increased pressure of a few bar, no conductive material 1.1' of the steering wheel rim with the creation of a short circuit connection penetrates into the device 3 according to the invention, in particular in a space between the contact plate 3.2b and the mounting element located at ground potential 3.1 or 3.1d housing. For this purpose, the inventive, special embodiment of the insulating frame 3.2d, which is described below with reference to the Fig. 2 and 3a will be explained in more detail and also in a state before assembling the device 3 according to the invention.

In an inventive arrangement with a PTC element 3.2a, this can be arranged on an overmolded contact plate 3.2b within an insulating frame 3.2d. The above-described arrangement according to the invention is introduced into the receiving space of the fastening part 3.1 or of the housing 3.1d (cf. Fig. 1b ). In this case, the fastening part 3.1 or the housing 3.1d has a shoulder in its area that comes into contact with the contact surface 3.2c of the PTC element 3.2a and the insulating frame 3.2d, so that a clear height of the receiving space below the shoulder opposite a height in the remaining area of the receiving space is reduced. In order nevertheless to enable a secure assembly and subsequent compression of the device according to the invention, this fact is taken into account that the insulating frame has 3.2d a height of the receiving space in the region below the shoulder corresponding dimension, so that the electrically insulating material of the insulating Frame 3.2d on all sides around the contact surface 3.2c in a plane parallel to the plane of the contact surface 3.2c on the mounting part 3.1 or the housing 3.1d comes to rest.

In the above-described arrangement of insulating frame 3.2d, contact plate 3.2b and PTC element 3.2a, can the insulating frame 3.2d on its upper side especially two mutually parallel sealing lips 3.2d 'have, as is provided according to an extremely preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the fastening part 3.1 or the housing 3.1d is defined by means provided on the tube 2 holding means especially in the form of wing-like approaches in section. The holding means of the tube 2 engage over the free ends 3.1a ', 3.1b' of the legs 3.1a, 3.1b of the fastening part 3.1 or of the housing 3.1d and hold them positively and non-positively against the outer wall of the tube 2, so that a secure Connection to the attachment part 3.1 or to the housing 3.1d and tube 2 can be reached.

The Fig. 2 shows in detail the structure of the tempering 3.2 of Fig. 1b in unassembled condition: in the upper part of the Fig. 2 First, the PTC element 3.2a is shown in a flat, cuboid configuration. The PTC element 3.2a initially has an upper contact surface 3.2c for emitting thermal energy and a lower surface 3.2e (not visible) for an electrical connection to an electrical potential different from ground. By contrast, the contact surface 3.2c of the PTC element 3.2a is used to operate the PTC element 3.2a via the fastening part 3.1 or the housing 3.1d (cf. FIG. 1b ) connected to ground, so that over the PTC element 3.2a is applied an operating voltage.

Below the PTC element 3.2a, the contact plate 3.2b without insulating frame 3.2d is initially shown, which rests in the assembled state of the tempering 3.2 according to the invention on the bottom 3.2e of the PTC element 3.2a. The contact plate 3.2b is connected via a cable 5 as a potential leading supply line, which forms an electrical connection for the functional element 3.2a, with a different potential from ground; according to the Fig. 2 the contact plate 3.2b further comprises a connecting means 3.2f, with which together they form according to the invention assembled connection and contact means, and a strain relief 3.2g for crimping the cable 5 on. For the potential connection therefore a two-piece (connecting means 3.2f and 3.2g strain relief) Aderendhülse integrally formed on the contact plate 3.2b, by means of which - in an advantageous manner in one step - first a stripped part 5.1 of the cable 5 to the contact plate 3.2b electrically conductive crimped (clamped) and an insulated part 5.2 of the cable 5 is also crimped with the contact plate 3.2b.

In the lower part of the Fig. 2 is the contact plate 3.2b in the already from the Fig. 1b known insulating frame 3.2d shown. This is formed in the embodiment shown by one piece encapsulation of the connection and contact means according to the invention 3.2b, 3.2f in the form of the contact plate 3.2b together with their connection means 3.2f and the strain relief 3.2g with an electrically insulating material and in particular the contact plate 3.2b against the Mounting part 3.1 or the housing 3.1d. In this case, the insulating frame 3.2d has a kind of "drawer shape" for positioning the subsequently inserted PTC element 3.2a with bottom 3.2h and side walls 3.2i-3.2i '''on, wherein the side wall 3.2i lying at the connection means 3.2f in the manner of a panel in width and height over the remaining side walls 3.2i'-3.2i''' protrudes. In integral connection with the front side wall 3.2i, the insulating frame 3.2d in the exemplary embodiment shown has a sleeve-shaped projection 3.2j which according to the invention surrounds the contact means 3.2f and the strain relief 3.2g for the cable 5. In particular, a height H of the side walls 3.2i'-3.2i '''is greater than a corresponding dimension h of the PTC element 3.2a, so that they project beyond the PTC element in the manner of a circumferential sealing lip 3.2d'. It is also possible, however, several, preferably two, mutually parallel sealing lips.

Alternatively, it is also possible to provide only individual projections (not shown) on the end face (side wall 3.2i) of the insulating frame 3.2d, instead of the diaphragm-like side wall 3.2i, which upon insertion of the tempering device 3.2 into the fastening part 3.1 or the housing 3.1 d (cf. Fig. 1b . 3b ) define an end position.

The Fig. 3a shows a perspective view of the attachment part 3.1 and the housing 3.1d and the composite tempering 3.2 before inserting the latter in a receiving space 3.1e in the attachment part 3.1 and the housing 3.1d, which has a clear height H '. Like from the Fig. 3a recognizable the side walls 3.2i-3.2i '''- as already mentioned - the contact surface 3.2c of the arranged in the insulating frame 3.2d PTC element 3.2a over its entire circumference in the manner of a sealing lip in the direction of a surface normal N of Contact surface 3.2c.

After the drawer-like insertion of the tempering 3.2 in the attachment part 3.1 or the housing 3.1d is a pressing, for example by pressurizing a bottom 3.1g of the structure 3.1d of the attachment part 3.1 and the housing 3.1d ( Fig. 3b ). In this case, the tempering device 3.2 according to the invention is used in the direction of the arrow P in the attachment part 3.1 and the housing 3.1d. By the compression associated with a decrease in the clear height H 'of the receiving space 3.1e ( Fig. 3a ) the sealing lip 3.2d 'of the insulating frame 3.2d is preferably elastically deformed until the contact surface 3.2c on the fastening part 3.1 or on the housing 3.1d (and the inside of the bottom 3.1g at the bottom 3.2h ( Fig. 2 ) of the insulating frame 3.2d) is applied. In this way, the functional element 3.2a with its connection and contact means 3.2b, 3.2f in conjunction with the connecting cable 5 over the entire circumference of the contact surface 3.2c against the penetration of conductive material 1.1 'in a subsequent changing the device 3 according to the invention by the Material 1.1 'of the steering wheel rim 1.1 ( Fig. 1a, b ) protected. A further protective function is due to the front side wall 3.2i of the insulating frame 3.2d, which protrudes all over the opening of the receiving space 3.1e and additionally prevents material from penetrating into the receiving space 3.1e of the fastening part 3.1 or the housing 3.1d is, in particular when the receiving space is formed closed on all sides apart from said opening.

The fixing of the ground cable 4 on the fastening part 3.1 or on the housing 3.1d is carried out according to the Fig. 3b by partial bending (curling) of a part 3.1f 'defined by a slot 3.1f''of the projection 3.1f of the fastening part 3.1 or of the housing 3.1d. Alternatively, the Fixing the ground cable 4 also take place in a central region of the neck 3.1f, which has correspondingly two slots 3.1f '.

The Fig. 4a to 6 show a further inventive embodiment of a tempering device or a device with such and parts thereof. As far as they show the same parts, they are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the previously discussed figures, to which reference is also made.

The Fig. 4a shows a perspective view in rear view of the rear wall 3.2i "forth a frame or receiving part 3.2d, rests on the bottom of a contact and terminal plate 3.2b, which has a tab 3.2b ', which comparable by a in the sleeve 3.2j Approach 3.2k is led to the outside ( Fig. 4b . 4c ). The receiving part 3.2d is in the Fig. 4b and 4c in a perspective front view of the front wall 3.2i or seen from this outgoing approach 3.2k seen from. It shows the Fig. 4b likewise the receiving part 3.2d with merely inserted contact plate 3.2b, while in the illustration of Fig. 4c Furthermore, the PTC element (not visible) is inserted and placed on this another contact plate 3.2m, which is held by angle projections 3.2n at the top of the receiving part in place. A cross section through the design of the Fig. 4c show the Fig. 6 ,

The connection plate 3.2b with its tab 3.2b 'can be encapsulated by the receiving part 3.2d or later in this existing breakthrough 3.k' in approach 3.2k subsequently inserted from the top of the back wall 3.2i 'forth such that the tab 3.2b 'is pushed through the breakthrough 3.k'.

In the illustrated embodiment of the Fig. 4a to 4c the side walls 3.2i-3.2i '''at its upper edge on a circumferential lip 3.2d', which is tapered in cross section to its free end. After inserting the PTC element 3.2a, the lip 3.2d 'projects beyond the upper side 3.2c of the PTC element 3.2a by a dimension m that is in the Fig. 6 is shown enlarged.

There are two possibilities for producing the assembled device 3: Either the housing 3.1d has a receiving space 3.1e whose light cross-section, in particular its height, is such that the in the Fig. 4c . 6 shown arrangement can be easily inserted into the receiving space and then there is a pressing perpendicular to the surface 3.2c of the PTC element, ie the arrows P of Fig. 5 , The in the Fig. 4c and 6 shown tempering is pressed in advance so that they can be inserted into a cavity 3.1e with a lower height.

In any case, is in the installed state, a compression of the tempering in such a way that the lips are deformed 3.1 and the upper contact plate 3.2m firmly and under pressure on the upper side 3.2c of the PTC element 3.2a is applied, so that on the upper contact plate 3.2 m gives both a good electrical contact and a good thermal contact.

According to the invention, electrical functional elements, such as the PTC heating element shown, can thus be protected against the occurrence of short circuits in a subsequent encasing with an electrically conductive material. Furthermore, it is possible by means of the device 3 according to the invention ( Fig. 1b ) achieve a steering wheel heating when using the same in a steering wheel 1 of a motor vehicle. Due to the constructive and manufacturing technology simple embodiment of the present invention, the steering wheel heating according to the invention is characterized in particular by their low production costs, so that a use not only in vehicles of the upper class seems possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

steering wheel

1.1

wreath

1.2

spoke

1.1 '

gear material

2

pipe

2.1.2.2

holding means

3

composite device

3.k '

breakthrough

3.1

lip

3.1a, 3.1b

leg

3.1a ', 3.1b'

free end

3.1c

thickening

3.1d

casing

3.1e

accommodation space

3.1f

approach

3.1f '

slot

3.1f "

subregion

3.1g

ground

3.1h

paragraph

3.2

Tempering device, PTC heating device

3.2a

PTC element

3.2b

connecting plate

3.2b '

flap

3.2c

contact area

3.2d

Insulating frame

3.2d '

sealing lip

3.2e

bottom

3.2f

connection means

3.2g

Strain relief

3.2H

ground

3.2i-3.2i '' '

Side wall

3.2J

shell

3.2k

approach

3.2m

contact plate

3.2n

angle projections

4

Ground cable

5

electric wire

5.1

stripped area

5.2

isolated area

e

level

H

height

H, H '

height

P

movement direction

Claims (44)

1. Method for the electrical insulation of an arrangement having at least one electrical functional element, such as a PTC heating element (3.2a), or a thermoelectric functional element which is located on an electrically conductive fastening part (3.1) or in an electrically conductive casing (3.1d) and provided with at least one electrical connection (3.2b) insulated against the fastening part (3.1), characterized in that the functional element together with the at least one connection (5) and accompanied by the hollowing out of at least one contact surface (3.2c) to the fastening part (3.1) is so surrounded by an electrically insulating material (3.2d) that the latter engages (3.2d) all around the contact surface (3.2c) on the fastening part (3.1) or in the casing (3.1d).
2. Method for the electrical insulation of an arrangement having at least one electrical functional element, such as a PTC heating element (3.2a) or a thermoelectric functional element, which is placed on an electrically conductive fastening part (3.1) or in an electrically conductive casing (3.1d) and is provided with at least one electrical connection (5) insulated against the fastening part (3.1), characterized in that the functional element together with the at least one connection (3.2b) and accompanied by the hollowing out of at least one contact surface (3.2c) to the fastening part, is so surrounded with an electrically insulating material (3.2d) that the latter sealingly engages all round the functional element on the contact plate (3.2m) placed over the functional element (3.2a) and engaging on the fastening part (3.1) or in the casing.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact surface (3.2c) is part of the functional element surface.
4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact surface (3.2c) is placed on the functional element-remote side of a contact plate forming part of the arrangement.
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement or functional element is placed in a hollow reception area of the fastening element (3.1) or casing (3.1d).
6. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, prior to an assembly of the functional element, particularly on the fastening part (3.1) or in the casing (3.1d, respectively), the electrically insulating material (3.2d) projects over the entire circumference of the contact surface or functional element.
7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the electrically insulating material (3.2d) projects over the contact surface (3.2c) or functional element in the direction of a surface normal thereof.
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrically insulating material is moulded round the contact element for the functional element connected to the electrical connection (5).
9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrically insulating material (3.2d) is moulded round the electrical connection (5).
10. Method according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the contact element and electrical connection (5) are integrally moulded round with the electrically insulating material (3.2d).
11. Method according to one of the claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the functional element is introduced into the arrangement of contact element and/or the at least one connection (5) and the moulded insulating material (3.2d).
12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional element together with at least the surrounding insulating material (3.2d) is introduced into a reception area (3.1e) in the fastening part (3,1) or casing (3.1d).
13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional element together with at least the surrounding insulating material (3.2d) and fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1d) are extruded together.
14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrically insulating material (3.2d) engaging on the fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1) is at least partly elastically deformed on assembly of the functional element, particularly on the fastening part (3.1).
15. Temperature control device (3.2) with an arrangement having a thermal functional element (3.2a) and electrical connection and contact means (3.2b, 3.2f), characterized in that the thermal functional element (3.2a) and connection and contact means (3.2b, 3.2f) are surrounded by an electrically insulating material (3.2d) having open to a contact surface (3.2c) of the arrangement, the insulating material (3.2d) surrounding the contact surface (3.2c) in a plane (E) parallel thereto in the form of at least one sealing lip (3.2d') and extending over the entire circumference of the contact surface (3.2c).
16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the contact surface is part (3.2c) of the functional element surface.
17. Device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the sealing lip (3.2d') bsealingly engages on a contact plate (3.2m) covering the functional element.
18. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the contact surface (3.2c) is placed on the functional element-remote side of a contact plate (3.2m) forming part of the arrangement.
19. Device according to one of the claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the electrically insulating material (3.2d) projects over the entire circumference of contact surface (3.2c) or the functional element.
20. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the sealing lip (3.2d') projects over the contact surface (3.2c) or the functional element substantially in the direction of a surface normal (N) thereof.
21. Device according to one of the claims 15 to 20, characterized in that the sealing lip (3.2d') is at least partly elastically deformable.
22. Device according to one of the claims 15 to 21, characterized in that the thermal functional element (3.2a) and the connection and contact means (3.2b, 3.2f) are integrally surrounded by the electrically insulating material (3.2d).
23. Device according to one of the claims 15 to 22, characterized in that at least the sealing lip (3.2d') is made from a plastics material.
24. Device according to claim 23, characterized in that the plastics material is a liquid crystal polymer.
25. Device according to one of the claims 15 to 24, characterized in that the thermal functional element (3.2a) is a PTC heating element.
26. Apparatus (3) with a temperature control device (3.2) according to one of the claims 15 to 25 and a fastening part (3.1) or a casing (3.2d) for bringing the temperature control device (3.2) into operative connection with an object (2) to be temperature controlled.
27. Apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that the functional element (3.2a) is placed in a reception area of a fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1d).
28. Apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that the fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1d) is made from a good heat conducting material.
29. Apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that the fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1d) has a reception area (3.1e) for the temperature control device (3.2).
30. Apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that after reception in the fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1d) the temperature control device (3.2) is substantially completely surrounded by the fastening part (3.1), with the exception of a reception opening.
31. Apparatus according to one of the claims 26 to 30, characterized in that the temperature control device (3.2) and fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1d) are connectable, particularly extrudable with one another.
32. Apparatus according to claim 31, characterized in that the connection of the temperature control device (3.2) and fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1d) is tight against a pressure action at a pressure raised compared with ambient pressure.
33. Apparatus according to one of the claims 26 to 32, characterized in that the fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1d) is constructed as a clip.
34. Apparatus according to one of the claims 26 to 33, characterized in that the fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1d) has first and second legs (3.1a, 3.1b) for the at least partial embracing of an object (2) to be connected to the apparatus (3).
35. Apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that the legs (3.1a, 3.1b) are constructed in a substantially pitch circular curved manner.
36. Apparatus according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that the legs (3.1a, 3.1b) taper towards their free ends (3.1a', 3.1b').
37. Apparatus according to one of the claims 26 to 36, characterized in that the fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1d) can be placed in force fit on an object (2) to be connected to the apparatus (3).
38. Apparatus according to one of the claims 34 to 37, characterized in that at the free end of each of the legs (3.1a, 3.1b) is provided a holding means (3.1c) for a clamping means for fixing the fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1d) on an object (2) to be connected to the apparatus (3).
39. Apparatus according to one of the claims 34 to 36, characterized in that the fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1d) can be fixed to the object (2) by extruding the legs (3.1a, 3.1b) therewith.
40. Apparatus according to one of the claims 26 to 39, characterized in that the fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1d) can be fixed to the object (2) by holding means (2.1, 2.2) provided on the latter.
41. Apparatus according to one of the claims 26 to 40, characterized in that the fastening part (3.1) or casing (3.1d) has a connection means (3.1f) for a further electrical connecting means (4) for connection to a reference potential.
42. Use of an apparatus according to one of the claims 26 to 41 for heating a fluid carried in a pipeline (2).
43. Use of an apparatus according to one of the claims 26 to 42 for heating a fluid carried in a pipeline (2) to be provided with an electrically conductive covering (1.1') at a pressure higher than ambient pressure.
44. Use of an apparatus according to one of the claims 26 to 43 for heating the steering wheel in motor vehicles.

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