EP3416456B1 - Electric heating device and ptc heating element for same - Google Patents

Electric heating device and ptc heating element for same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3416456B1
EP3416456B1 EP18177252.6A EP18177252A EP3416456B1 EP 3416456 B1 EP3416456 B1 EP 3416456B1 EP 18177252 A EP18177252 A EP 18177252A EP 3416456 B1 EP3416456 B1 EP 3416456B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
ptc
heating element
elements
contact
Prior art date
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EP18177252.6A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3416456A1 (en
Inventor
Patrick Kachelhoffer
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Eberspaecher Catem GmbH and Co KG
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Eberspaecher Catem GmbH and Co KG
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Publication of EP3416456A1 publication Critical patent/EP3416456A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
    • H05B3/22—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible
    • H05B3/24—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible heating conductor being self-supporting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/016—Heaters using particular connecting means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/02—Heaters using heating elements having a positive temperature coefficient
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/022—Heaters specially adapted for heating gaseous material
    • H05B2203/023—Heaters of the type used for electrically heating the air blown in a vehicle compartment by the vehicle heating system

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electrical heating device with at least one PTC heating element arranged in a circulation chamber with a heating element housing which adds at least one PTC element and contact sheets that energize the PTC element as a structural unit and is surmounted by contact tongues electrically connected to the contact sheets, and with a partition that separates the circulation chamber from a connection chamber in which the contact tongues of the PTC heating element protruding through the partition are exposed and are electrically connected.
  • Such an electrical heating device is for example from EP 2 607 121 A1 known.
  • a plurality of PTC elements are accommodated in a positioning frame forming the heating element housing, which PTC elements are in contact on opposite main side surfaces with a contact sheet which is latched to the positioning frame.
  • the heating element housing is surmounted by connecting pieces which are integrally formed on the heating element housing and over which sealing sleeves made of Teflon with a labyrinth seal provided on the outer peripheral surface are pulled.
  • insulating layers are applied, which are formed from a plastic film.
  • EP 1 253 808 A1 or. EP 1 395 098 A1 similar PTC heating elements are known.
  • at least one side of the contact sheet and the insulating layer is overmolded during the manufacture of the heating element housing, so that only the PTC elements are inserted into the opening of the frame-shaped heating element housing and covered on the opposite side with the contact sheet and insulation.
  • the present invention aims to provide a PTC element, in particular for the motor vehicle industry.
  • PTC heating elements are increasingly being used. These must be inexpensive to manufacture and as light as possible.
  • a good heat extraction of the heat generated by the PTC element is desired, since the PTC elements have self-regulating properties and are only operated with poor efficiency can, if the heat generated by the PTC element is only insufficiently dissipated.
  • EP 2 440 004 A1 discloses an electrical heating device for heating a liquid medium.
  • a heating element housing is also disclosed, which as such consists of EP 1 921 896 A1 is known and in the electric heater according to EP 2 440 004 A1 is installed.
  • JP H09 82503 A known heating device viewed, which has a two-part outer housing with a ceramic housing shell element and a ceramic housing cover, in which housing a holding part is received, which is positioned at the end of a contact plate and is U-shaped for receiving an elastic foam that positions the other contact plate on the edge and biased against the PTC element.
  • the housing cover is locked to the housing shell element. In another exemplary embodiment, the housing cover is screwed to the housing shell element.
  • the CN 2,867,540 Y discloses a PTC heating element with a rectangular housing made of porcelain with receiving compartments for PTC elements, which rest between contact plates, one of which is formed with spring tongues.
  • the contact plates each form extended contact tongues for electrical connection beyond the actual contact areas, which are passed through slots in a cover 4.
  • the present invention relates in particular to an electrical heating device for a motor vehicle and a PTC heating element of such an electrical heating device.
  • Such components have always been designed to be weight-optimized. Furthermore, due to the high number of units in the motor vehicle industry, it must be ensured that it can be manufactured economically.
  • configurations are also preferred which enable the heat generated in the PTC element to be dissipated as effectively and symmetrically as possible.
  • the present invention is based on the problem of specifying a PTC heating element and an electrical heating device with at least one PTC heating element which allow good heat extraction and are reduced in weight.
  • the first aspect of the present invention proposes a PTC heating element having the features of claim 1.
  • This PTC heating element has a heating element housing which is formed from a housing element and a housing counter element.
  • the heating element housing is formed from these two housing elements alone.
  • the two housing elements usually lie directly against one another. They enclose the PTC element in a sealed manner between them. This means that the two housing elements preferably lie directly against one another and form a sealed interior in which at least the PTC element and the conductor tracks electrically connected to the PTC element are accommodated.
  • the tightness is such that no moisture and also no ambient air gets into the interior of the heating element housing.
  • the heating element housing adds the housing element and the housing counter-element in a structural unit.
  • the heating element housing is usually formed exclusively from the housing element and the housing mating element, which form and enclose the sealed interior.
  • Other structural elements are usually not part of the heating element housing. In particular, there is usually no elastic seal between the both housing elements. Rather, these are joined directly to one another, for example welded or glued. When gluing, the two housing elements are joined with the interposition of an adhesive film which is only applied slightly in the joining area between the two housing elements. So the heating element housing not only encloses the components, but also connects the conductor tracks and the at least one PTC element directly or indirectly to one another.
  • the heating element also inserts the contact tongues, which are connected to the conductor tracks in an electrically conductive manner, so that the conductor tracks can be energized with different polarity via the externally exposed contact tongues.
  • the housing is usually only penetrated by the contact tongues, which penetrate the housing in a sealed manner.
  • the PTC element is sealed in with the conductor tracks solely by the two ceramic housing elements.
  • at least one of the housing elements is preferably designed in the shape of a shell, i.e. forms a recess over which the edges of the housing element protrude and is designed to accommodate the at least one PTC element.
  • the other housing element can be plate-shaped and sealingly connected to the shell-shaped housing element. Both housing elements can equally well be designed in the shape of a shell. For manufacturing reasons, a solution is preferred in which the two housing elements are designed identically and are connected to one another.
  • the two housing elements can be connected by gluing.
  • the adhesive has a relatively poor thermal conductivity compared to ceramic, the adhesive connection for sealing and sealing the two housing elements with one another should lie outside the heat conduction path, which is formed by opposing main side surfaces of the PTC element and penetrates the ceramic housing elements adjacent to it.
  • the main side surfaces of the PTC element are to be understood as those side surfaces which have the largest areal extension. It is assumed that the PTC element has two mutually parallel and opposite main side surfaces that are connected to one another by an annular peripheral surface or polygonal, ie triangular, square or polygonal side edges. The side edges usually extend at right angles to the main side surfaces.
  • the main side surfaces can be provided with a metallization against which the contact tongues rest.
  • the metallization is on the ceramic PTC element vapor-deposited or sputtered.
  • the housing elements form the outer surface, regularly the sole outer surface of the housing element.
  • the medium can be air.
  • the PTC heating element is used in an air heater.
  • the medium can also be a liquid that flows around the heating element housing.
  • the housing element and / or the housing mating element preferably rests at least partially directly on the PTC element.
  • the main side surfaces of the PTC elements are preferably placed solely against the contacting ends of the contact tongues.
  • This connection is preferably an elastic connection in which the current is introduced against the PTC element with a contact spring which is formed as a spring tongue in one piece on a sheet metal strip forming the contact tongue and is applied against the PTC element with elastic pretension.
  • the remaining surface portion of the main side surfaces of the PTC elements is covered directly by the housing element or housing mating element.
  • any configuration in which the ceramic material of the housing element is in contact with the PTC element without any other structural component is understood as a direct contact.
  • This can be provided with a metallization by vapor deposition or the like. This metallization on the surface of the PTC element is assigned to the PTC element itself.
  • An adhesive layer is preferably provided between the housing element and the PTC element.
  • This adhesive layer serves, for example, to compensate for roughness of the PTC element and prevents air inclusions between the surface of the PTC element and the mating surface of the housing element, which can also be due to a certain roughness of the ceramic housing elements.
  • the glue has at least better heat conduction than air. Even though the adhesive layer fills any roughness, it also applies that in such a configuration the housing element or housing mating element rests directly on the PTC element.
  • the housing element or housing mating element and / or the PTC element can have a roughness, the tips of which penetrate the adhesive layer and bear directly on the respective other element.
  • the adhesive is usually supplied volumetrically between a main side surface and the assigned housing element or housing counter element, so that only an amount of adhesive that fills the roughness is supplied, which is dimensioned in such a way that, despite the given roughness, any free spaces between the ceramic housing element and the PTC element are evened out, while the peaks of the roughness continue directly against the ceramic housing element or housing counter-element issue.
  • Epoxy adhesive for example from Polytec with the product name EP 655, is preferably used as the adhesive.
  • the preferred gluing of the PTC element and / or conductor track to the housing element or the housing mating element has the further advantage that during the manufacture of the PTC element according to the invention, the adhesive ensures prepositioning and preassembly.
  • the adhesive can be a highly thermally conductive adhesive. It can be provided with a filler that conducts heat well. It does not necessarily have to be electrically insulating. Pre-positioned in this way, the housing element and the housing counter-element are usually then sealed at the edge, as will be described below.
  • the housing elements are usually produced by means of sintering. Accordingly, the housing elements are contoured with mutually associated joining surfaces.
  • one of the housing elements can be designed in the shape of a shell.
  • Such a housing element can, for example, form a groove or the like that runs around partially or completely and accommodates an edge of the other housing element protruding beyond the contact surface for the PTC element.
  • This groove can be filled with an adhesive, into which the edge is immersed, in order to join the housing element and the housing counter-element and to seal them against one another.
  • the adhesive should be a permanently elastic adhesive so that the desired sealing effect is not lost even if the PTC heating element is used for a long time.
  • the housing element is joined to the housing counter element by means of laser welding.
  • This can be between the housing element and the Counter-housing element a welding aid can be provided, which is melted in the course of the laser welding in order to connect and seal both parts with one another.
  • the housing elements are, however, preferably connected to one another by ceramic laser welding.
  • the weld seam is produced by local melting or partial melting of the ceramic material of at least one of the two housing elements.
  • the weld seam brings about at least one joining and permanent opposing of the two housing elements.
  • the weld seam formed from the ceramic material also preferably seals the two housing elements against one another, so that the receiving space for the PTC element and the conductor tracks are sealed by the ceramic weld seam.
  • a glass paste can also be introduced between the ceramic housing elements, which is melted during laser welding.
  • Such a configuration can be welded tightly at reduced welding temperatures of approximately 600 Ā°.
  • the ceramic material forming the housing element is melted, much higher temperatures of at least 1000 Ā° C. are required at the phase boundary between the housing element and the housing mating element.
  • the product ESL 4026 or the product ESL 4031-B from ESL Electroscience, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA, for example, can be used as the glass paste.
  • At least one of the housing elements is provided with a flange through which the contact tongues protrude.
  • At least one contact tongue is produced as a contact tongue element separate from the conductor track and inserted into an opening recessed on the flange.
  • the contact tongue element is electrically connected to the associated conductor track, preferably via an elastic spring tongue, which is formed from the material forming the contact tongue element by punching and bending and is in electrically conductive contact with the conductor track.
  • the contact tongues or contact tongue elements can be glued into the flange. If the flange is made from a material other than ceramic, the two housing elements are in sealing contact with the flange. For this purpose, the flange can have a sealing collar over which the housing element or elements overlap.
  • one of the housing elements has a flange which is penetrated by the contact tongues or contact tongue elements and rests in a sealed manner against the other housing element.
  • the aforementioned flange is through one of the housing elements formed itself and is then molded from ceramic.
  • the electrical heating device proposed with the independent aspect of the present invention is defined in claim 8. It has the PTC heating element according to the invention as the PTC heating element. This protrudes through the partition wall at least with the contact tongues and is otherwise preferably inserted in a sealing manner into the partition wall so that fluid contained in the circulation chamber and to be heated cannot get into the connection chamber.
  • the heating device can otherwise according to EP 2 440 004 A1 , EP 1 872 986 A1 or EP 2 607 121 A1 be trained.
  • a printed circuit board with which the preferably several PTC heating elements are grouped into heating circuits, if necessary, and electrically connected to a power supply, possibly with the interposition of a controller for the power current.
  • the solution according to the invention offers the advantage that the heating element housing is formed by ceramic housing elements. These have good thermal conductivity. Incidentally, ceramic material has a relatively low density. The heat conduction path between the PTC element and the outside of the heating element housing is shortened and usually goes solely from the PTC element, possibly through the conductor track and through the associated housing element. With the good thermal conductivity of ceramic, a good heat extraction of the heat generated by the PTC element is guaranteed.
  • the conductor track does not necessarily have to rest in an electrically conductive manner on a main side surface of the PTC element in whole or in part. Rather, electrical contact via the end face of the PTC element is also conceivable. In this case, the heat can be extracted directly via the main side surface, bypassing the conductor track.
  • the PTC heating element 2 shown in the figures has a single PTC element 4, which is received in a shell-shaped housing element 6, which forms a flange 8 which can be inserted sealingly in a recess of a partition (not shown) of an electrical heating device.
  • the flange 8 forms two holding openings 9 extending parallel to the main side surface of the PTC element 4.
  • the flange 8 projects beyond a shell of the housing element 6, identified by reference numeral 10, on both sides and delimits this shell 10 on the front side.
  • the PTC element 4 is inserted into the shell 10.
  • the PTC element 4 has a somewhat greater height than the shell 10. The shell 10 is thus slightly protruded by the PTC element.
  • the housing element 6 can be covered with a counter housing element 12, which is in the Figures 1 and 2 is shown separately from the housing element 6 and the PTC element 4.
  • the housing element 6 as well as the housing element 12 each form a contact tongue receiving chamber 14 in which one of the contact tongues identified by reference numeral 16 can be introduced (cf. Fig. 3 ).
  • the contour of an outer edge of the mating housing element 12 is followed by a contact surface 17 formed by the housing element 6 for the outer edge. This contact surface 17 is partially formed by the flange 8 (cf. Fig. 1 ).
  • the current is introduced into the PTC element 4 via a metallization provided on the outer surface of the PTC element 4, applied to the ceramic material of the PTC element 4 by means of PVC or CVD, which forms a conductor track 18.
  • the conductor track 18 is accordingly provided in one piece with the PTC element 4.
  • an adhesive for example an epoxy adhesive, is usually provided, the roughness on the surface of the PTC element 4 and / or on the inner surface of the housing element 6 or the housing mating element 12 so that the housing elements 6, 12 bear directly on the PTC element 4 over their entire surface.
  • each contact tongue 16 is formed from a separate contact tongue element 20.
  • the contact tongue element 20 has the long sides of the contact tongue 16 protruding cams 22, which are formed by cutting free the sheet metal material of the contact tongue elements 20 and as stops for the contact of the contact tongue element 20 serve against the outer surface of the flange 8.
  • a contact spring 24 is formed by cutting and bending. This contact spring 24 projects beyond the plane of the sheet metal material forming the contact tongue element 20 in the direction of the PTC element 4 (cf. Fig. 3 ).
  • the housing elements 6, 12 are first produced from a ceramic material by pressing and sintering.
  • the flange 8 is formed in one piece on the housing element 6.
  • the housing element 6 is then equipped with the PTC element 4, which for this purpose is inserted into the shell 10, the adhesive having previously been applied to the PTC element 4 and / or the housing element 6.
  • the housing counter element 12 is placed on the housing element 6.
  • adhesive is first applied between the PTC element 4 and the housing counter element 12.
  • the glue first hardens.
  • the housing elements 6, 12 are pressed from the outside against the PTC element 4 in order to fill the given cavities with adhesive due to the roughness at the phase boundary between the PTC element and the housing elements 6, 12 and thus the thermal conductivity of the PTC element 4 in the direction of the housing elements 6, 12 at least over the main side surfaces of the PTC element 4.
  • the adhesive hardens when the pressure is maintained.
  • the housing elements 6, 12 are then connected to one another at the edges by means of ceramic laser welding. Before this, the joining area between the two housing elements 6, 12 can be coated all around with a paste, for example a glass paste. Ceramic laser welding can either be used to melt the material forming the housing elements 6, 12 at the phase boundary between the two housing elements 6, 12 in order to connect the two housing elements 6, 12 to one another in a sealing manner. As an alternative or in addition, the glass paste can also be melted on by laser welding in order to seal the housing elements around the edges.
  • the housing mating element 12 has a web 26 on its edge, which is continuously formed around the circumference of the housing mating element 12.
  • the web 26 engages in a U-shaped groove 28 which is formed on the edge of the housing element 6.
  • the glass paste can be filled in in order to achieve the best possible sealing of the PTC element 4 between the housing elements 6, 12.
  • the PTC element 4 is sealed in between the housing element 6 and the housing counter element 12 with respect to the environment. Only holding openings 9 formed on the flange 8 communicate with the interior of the heating element housing 30 formed by the housing element 6 and the counter-housing element 12.
  • the two contact tongue elements 20 are now inserted through these holding openings 9 and fitted until the respective contact springs 24 are electrically conductive with the metallized outside of the PTC element 6 are connected in that the contact springs 24 rest elastically against the main side surfaces of the PTC element 6.
  • the flange 8 When this PTC heating element is arranged in an electrical heating device, the flange 8 is usually inserted in a sealing manner in a recess in a partition wall which has a circulation chamber into which the PTC element with the corresponding housing elements 6, 12 protrudes from a connection chamber for the electrical connection the contact tongue elements 20 separates.
  • the housing elements 6, 12 can be exposed in the circulation chamber and a liquid medium to be heated flows against them, as is the case, for example, from EP 2 440 004 A1 is known.
  • corrugated rib elements as heat-emitting elements on both sides against the main side surfaces of the housing elements 6, 12 and to insert a heating rod formed in this way into a usually frame-shaped housing for heating the air.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine elektrische Heizvorrichtung mit zumindest einem in einer Zirkulationskammer angeordneten PTC-Heizelement mit einem HeizelementgehƤuse, das zumindest ein PTC-Element und das PTC-Element bestromende Kontaktbleche als bauliche Einheit fĆ¼gt und von elektrisch mit den Kontaktblechen verbundenen Kontaktzungen Ć¼berragt ist, und mit einer Trennwand, die die Zirkulationskammer von einer Anschlusskammer trennt, in der die die Trennwand durchragenden Kontaktzungen des PTC-Heizelementes freiliegen und elektrisch angeschlossen sind. Eine solche elektrische Heizvorrichtung ist beispielsweise aus der EP 2 607 121 A1 bekannt.The present invention relates to an electrical heating device with at least one PTC heating element arranged in a circulation chamber with a heating element housing which adds at least one PTC element and contact sheets that energize the PTC element as a structural unit and is surmounted by contact tongues electrically connected to the contact sheets, and with a partition that separates the circulation chamber from a connection chamber in which the contact tongues of the PTC heating element protruding through the partition are exposed and are electrically connected. Such an electrical heating device is for example from EP 2 607 121 A1 known.

Bei der elektrischen Heizvorrichtung nach EP 2 607 121 A1 sind in einem das HeizelementgehƤuse ausbildenden Positionsrahmen mehrere PTC-Elemente aufgenommen, die an gegenĆ¼berliegenden HauptseitenflƤchen mit einem Kontaktblech kontaktiert sind, welche mit dem Positionsrahmen verrastet sind. An einer Stirnseite wird das HeizelementgehƤuse von Anschlussstutzen Ć¼berragt, die einteilig an dem HeizelementgehƤuse angeformt sind und Ć¼ber welche DichtungshĆ¼lsen aus Teflon mit einer an der AuƟenumfangsflƤche vorgesehenen Labyrinthdichtung gezogen sind. An der den PTC-Elementen abgewandten AuƟenseite der Kontaktbleche sind jeweils Isolierlagen aufgebracht, die aus einer Kunststofffolie gebildet sind.At the electric heater after EP 2 607 121 A1 A plurality of PTC elements are accommodated in a positioning frame forming the heating element housing, which PTC elements are in contact on opposite main side surfaces with a contact sheet which is latched to the positioning frame. On one end face, the heating element housing is surmounted by connecting pieces which are integrally formed on the heating element housing and over which sealing sleeves made of Teflon with a labyrinth seal provided on the outer peripheral surface are pulled. On the outside of the contact plates facing away from the PTC elements, insulating layers are applied, which are formed from a plastic film.

Aus der EP 1 253 808 A1 bzw. EP 1 395 098 A1 sind Ƥhnliche PTC-Heizelemente bekannt. Bei diesem Stand der Technik wird zumindest einseitig das Kontaktblech zusammen mit der Isolierlage bei der Herstellung des HeizelementgehƤuses umspritzt, so dass lediglich die PTC-Elemente in die Ɩffnung des rahmenfƶrmigen HeizelementgehƤuses eingelegt und an der gegenĆ¼berliegenden Seite mit dem Kontaktblech und der Isolierung zu Ć¼berdecken sind.From the EP 1 253 808 A1 or. EP 1 395 098 A1 similar PTC heating elements are known. In this prior art, at least one side of the contact sheet and the insulating layer is overmolded during the manufacture of the heating element housing, so that only the PTC elements are inserted into the opening of the frame-shaped heating element housing and covered on the opposite side with the contact sheet and insulation.

Eine solche Ausgestaltung stellt zwar gegenĆ¼ber dem zuvor beschriebenen Stand der Technik eine fertigungstechnische Vereinfachung dar. Der Aufbau ist aber weiterhin relativ raumgreifend und aufwƤndig. Die vorliegende Erfindung will ein PTC-Element insbesondere fĆ¼r die Kraftfahrzeugindustrie angeben. In Kraftfahrzeugen, insbesondere im Bereich der ElektromobilitƤt, kommen verstƤrkt PTC-Heizelemente zum Einsatz. Diese mĆ¼ssen sich kostengĆ¼nstig herstellen lassen und mƶglichst leicht sein. Des Weiteren ist eine gute WƤrmeauskopplung der von dem PTC-Element erzeugten WƤrme gewĆ¼nscht, da die PTC-Elemente selbstregelnde Eigenschaften haben und nur mit schlechtem Wirkungsgrad betrieben werden kƶnnen, wenn die von dem PTC-Element erzeugte WƤrme nur unzureichend abgefĆ¼hrt wird.Such a configuration represents a simplification in terms of manufacturing technology compared to the prior art described above. However, the structure is still relatively extensive and complex. The present invention aims to provide a PTC element, in particular for the motor vehicle industry. In motor vehicles, especially in the field of electromobility, PTC heating elements are increasingly being used. These must be inexpensive to manufacture and as light as possible. Furthermore, a good heat extraction of the heat generated by the PTC element is desired, since the PTC elements have self-regulating properties and are only operated with poor efficiency can, if the heat generated by the PTC element is only insufficiently dissipated.

Die auf die Anmelderin zurĆ¼ckgehende EP 2 440 004 A1 offenbart eine elektrische Heizvorrichtung zur ErwƤrmung eines flĆ¼ssigen Mediums offenbart. In der speziellen Beschreibung wird auch ein HeizelementgehƤuse offenbart, welches als solches aus EP 1 921 896 A1 bekannt ist und in der elektrischen Heizvorrichtung gemƤƟ EP 2 440 004 A1 verbaut ist.The one going back to the applicant EP 2 440 004 A1 discloses an electrical heating device for heating a liquid medium. In the specific description, a heating element housing is also disclosed, which as such consists of EP 1 921 896 A1 is known and in the electric heater according to EP 2 440 004 A1 is installed.

Als gattungsgemƤƟ wird die aus der JP H09 82503 A bekannte Heizvorrichtung angesehen, die ein zweiteiliges ƤuƟeres GehƤuse mit einem keramischen GehƤuseschalenelement und einem keramischen GehƤusedeckel hat, in welchem GehƤuse ein Halteteil aufgenommen ist, welches endseitig ein Kontaktblech positioniert und U-fƶrmig zur Aufnahme eines elastischen Schaums ausgebildet ist, der das andere Kontaktblech randseitig positioniert und unter Vorspannung gegen das PTC-Element anlegt.As a generic from the JP H09 82503 A known heating device viewed, which has a two-part outer housing with a ceramic housing shell element and a ceramic housing cover, in which housing a holding part is received, which is positioned at the end of a contact plate and is U-shaped for receiving an elastic foam that positions the other contact plate on the edge and biased against the PTC element.

Bei einem AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel der JP H09 82503 A ist der GehƤusedeckel mit dem GehƤuseschalenelement verrastet. Bei einem anderen AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel ist der GehƤusedeckel mit dem GehƤuseschalenelement verschraubt.In one embodiment of the JP H09 82503 A the housing cover is locked to the housing shell element. In another exemplary embodiment, the housing cover is screwed to the housing shell element.

Die CN 2 867 540 Y offenbart ein PTC-Heizelement mit einem rechteckigen GehƤuse aus Porzellan mit AufnahmefƤchern fĆ¼r PTC-Elemente, die zwischen Kontaktblechen anliegen, von denen jeweils eines mit Federzungen ausgebildet ist. Die Kontaktbleche bilden jeweils Ć¼ber die eigentlichen Anlagebereiche hinaus verlƤngerte Kontaktzungen zum elektrischen Anschluss aus, die durch Schlitze einer Abdeckung 4 hindurchgefĆ¼hrt sind.The CN 2,867,540 Y discloses a PTC heating element with a rectangular housing made of porcelain with receiving compartments for PTC elements, which rest between contact plates, one of which is formed with spring tongues. The contact plates each form extended contact tongues for electrical connection beyond the actual contact areas, which are passed through slots in a cover 4.

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft insbesondere eine elektrische Heizvorrichtung fĆ¼r ein Kraftfahrzeug sowie ein PTC-Heizelement einer solchen elektrischen Heizvorrichtung. Solche Komponenten werden seit jeher gewichtsoptimiert ausgebildet. Des Weiteren muss aufgrund der hohen StĆ¼ckzahlen in der Kfz-Industrie auf eine wirtschaftliche Herstellbarkeit geachtet werden. Bei elektrischen Heizvorrichtungen mit PTC-Heizelementen sind des Weiteren Ausgestaltungen zu bevorzugen, die zu einer mƶglichst guten und symmetrischen WƤrmeableitung der in dem PTC-Element erzeugten WƤrme ermƶglichen.The present invention relates in particular to an electrical heating device for a motor vehicle and a PTC heating element of such an electrical heating device. Such components have always been designed to be weight-optimized. Furthermore, due to the high number of units in the motor vehicle industry, it must be ensured that it can be manufactured economically. In the case of electrical heating devices with PTC heating elements, configurations are also preferred which enable the heat generated in the PTC element to be dissipated as effectively and symmetrically as possible.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt das Problem zugrunde, ein PTC-Heizelement und eine elektrische Heizvorrichtung mit zumindest einem PTC-Heizelement anzugeben, die eine gute WƤrmeauskopplung erlauben und gewichtsreduziert sind.The present invention is based on the problem of specifying a PTC heating element and an electrical heating device with at least one PTC heating element which allow good heat extraction and are reduced in weight.

Zur Lƶsung dieses Problems wird mit dem ersten Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung ein PTC-Heizelement mit den Merkmalen von Anspruch 1 vorgeschlagen. Dieses PTC-Heizelement hat ein HeizelementgehƤuse, welches aus einem GehƤuseelement und einem GehƤusegegenelement gebildet ist. Ɯblicherweise wird das HeizelementgehƤuse allein aus diesen beiden GehƤuseelementen geformt. Die beiden GehƤuseelemente liegen Ć¼blicherweise unmittelbar gegeneinander an. Sie schlieƟen das PTC-Element abgedichtet zwischen sich ein. Dies bedeutet, dass die beiden GehƤuseelemente bevorzugt unmittelbar aneinander anliegen und einen abgedichteten Innenraum ausformen, in dem zumindest das PTC-Element und die elektrisch mit dem PTC-Element verbundenen Leiterbahnen aufgenommen sind. Die Dichtigkeit ist dabei derart, dass keine Feuchtigkeit und auch keine Umgebungsluft in den Innenraum des HeizelementgehƤuses gelangt. Das HeizelementgehƤuse fĆ¼gt das GehƤuseelement und das GehƤusegegenelement in baulicher Einheit. Das HeizelementgehƤuse ist dabei Ć¼blicherweise ausschlieƟlich aus dem GehƤuseelement und dem GehƤusegegenelement gebildet, die den abgedichteten Innenraum ausbilden und umschlieƟen. Weitere konstruktive Elemente sind Ć¼blicherweise nicht Bestandteil des HeizelementgehƤuses. Insbesondere fehlt es Ć¼blicherweise an einer elastischen Dichtung zwischen den beiden GehƤuseelementen. Diese sind vielmehr unmittelbar aneinander anliegend gefĆ¼gt, beispielsweise geschweiƟt oder geklebt. Beim Kleben erfolgt dabei das FĆ¼gen der beiden GehƤuseelemente unter Zwischenlage eines Klebefilms, der nur geringfĆ¼gig im FĆ¼gebereich zwischen den beiden GehƤuseelementen auftrƤgt. So schlieƟt das HeizelementgehƤuse die Bauteile nicht nur ein, sondern verbindet die Leiterbahnen und das zumindest eine PTC-Element mittelbar oder unmittelbar miteinander. Ɯblicherweise fĆ¼gt das Heizelement auch die Kontaktzungen, die elektrisch leitend mit den Leiterbahnen verbunden sind, so dass die Leiterbahnen Ć¼ber die auƟen freiliegenden Kontaktzungen mit unterschiedlicher PolaritƤt bestromt werden kƶnnen. Das GehƤuse wird regelmƤƟig allein von den Kontaktzungen durchragt, die das GehƤuse in diesem abgedichtet durchsetzen.To solve this problem, the first aspect of the present invention proposes a PTC heating element having the features of claim 1. This PTC heating element has a heating element housing which is formed from a housing element and a housing counter element. Usually the heating element housing is formed from these two housing elements alone. The two housing elements usually lie directly against one another. They enclose the PTC element in a sealed manner between them. This means that the two housing elements preferably lie directly against one another and form a sealed interior in which at least the PTC element and the conductor tracks electrically connected to the PTC element are accommodated. The tightness is such that no moisture and also no ambient air gets into the interior of the heating element housing. The heating element housing adds the housing element and the housing counter-element in a structural unit. The heating element housing is usually formed exclusively from the housing element and the housing mating element, which form and enclose the sealed interior. Other structural elements are usually not part of the heating element housing. In particular, there is usually no elastic seal between the both housing elements. Rather, these are joined directly to one another, for example welded or glued. When gluing, the two housing elements are joined with the interposition of an adhesive film which is only applied slightly in the joining area between the two housing elements. So the heating element housing not only encloses the components, but also connects the conductor tracks and the at least one PTC element directly or indirectly to one another. Usually, the heating element also inserts the contact tongues, which are connected to the conductor tracks in an electrically conductive manner, so that the conductor tracks can be energized with different polarity via the externally exposed contact tongues. The housing is usually only penetrated by the contact tongues, which penetrate the housing in a sealed manner.

Mit der zuvor diskutierten bevorzugten Ausgestaltung, bei welcher das HeizelementgehƤuse allein aus den beiden GehƤuseelementen gebildet ist, ergibt sich eine Einsiegelung des PTC-Elementes mit den Leiterbahnen allein durch die beiden keramischen GehƤuseelemente. Dabei ist bevorzugt zumindest eines der GehƤuseelemente schalenfƶrmig ausgebildet, d.h. bildet eine Vertiefung aus, die von RƤndern des GehƤuseelementes Ć¼berragt ist und zur Aufnahme des wenigstens einen PTC-Elementes angepasst ausgebildet ist. Das andere GehƤuseelement kann plattenfƶrmig ausgebildet und dichtend mit dem schalenfƶrmigen GehƤuseelement verbunden sein. Ebenso gut kƶnnen beide GehƤuseelemente schalenfƶrmig ausgebildet sein. Aus fertigungstechnischen GrĆ¼nden ist eine Lƶsung zu bevorzugen, bei welcher die beiden GehƤuseelemente identisch ausgebildet und miteinander verbunden sind.With the preferred embodiment discussed above, in which the heating element housing is formed solely from the two housing elements, the PTC element is sealed in with the conductor tracks solely by the two ceramic housing elements. In this case, at least one of the housing elements is preferably designed in the shape of a shell, i.e. forms a recess over which the edges of the housing element protrude and is designed to accommodate the at least one PTC element. The other housing element can be plate-shaped and sealingly connected to the shell-shaped housing element. Both housing elements can equally well be designed in the shape of a shell. For manufacturing reasons, a solution is preferred in which the two housing elements are designed identically and are connected to one another.

Die Verbindung der beiden GehƤuseelemente kann durch Kleben erfolgen. Das Kleber gegenĆ¼ber Keramik eine relativ schlechte WƤrmeleitfƤhigkeit hat, sollte die Klebeverbindung zur Abdichtung und Versiegelung der beiden GehƤuseelemente miteinander auƟerhalb des WƤrmeleitweges liegen, der durch einander gegenĆ¼berliegende HauptseitenflƤchen des PTC-Elementes gebildet ist und die daran anliegenden keramischen GehƤuseelemente durchsetzt. Als HauptseitenflƤchen des PTC-Elementes sind diejenigen SeitenflƤchen zu verstehen, die die grĆ¶ĆŸte flƤchenmƤƟige Erstreckung haben. Dabei wird davon ausgegangen, dass das PTC-Element zwei sich parallel zueinander erstreckende und einander gegenĆ¼berliegende HauptseitenflƤchen hat, die durch eine ringfƶrmige UmfangsflƤche oder polygonale, d.h. drei-, vier- oder mehreckig ausgebildete SeitenrƤnder miteinander verbunden sind. Die SeitenrƤnder erstrecken sich dabei Ć¼blicherweise rechtwinklig zu den HauptseitenflƤchen. Die HauptseitenflƤchen kƶnnen mit einer Metallisierung versehen sein, gegen welche die Kontaktzungen anliegen. Die Metallisierung ist dabei auf das keramische PTC-Element aufgedampft oder aufgesputtert. Die GehƤuseelemente bilden die AuƟenflƤche, regelmƤƟig die alleinige AuƟenflƤche des GehƤuseelementes. So erfolgt die WƤrmeabfuhr der durch das PTC-Element erzeugten WƤrme unmittelbar und allein durch WƤrmeleitung von dem PTC-Element durch die GehƤuseelemente zur Abgabe an das zu erwƤrmende Medium. Das Medium kann Luft sein. Bei dieser Ausgestaltung wird das PTC-Heizelement in einem Luftheizer verwendet. Alternativ kann das Medium auch eine FlĆ¼ssigkeit sein, die das HeizelementgehƤuse umflieƟt.The two housing elements can be connected by gluing. The adhesive has a relatively poor thermal conductivity compared to ceramic, the adhesive connection for sealing and sealing the two housing elements with one another should lie outside the heat conduction path, which is formed by opposing main side surfaces of the PTC element and penetrates the ceramic housing elements adjacent to it. The main side surfaces of the PTC element are to be understood as those side surfaces which have the largest areal extension. It is assumed that the PTC element has two mutually parallel and opposite main side surfaces that are connected to one another by an annular peripheral surface or polygonal, ie triangular, square or polygonal side edges. The side edges usually extend at right angles to the main side surfaces. The main side surfaces can be provided with a metallization against which the contact tongues rest. The metallization is on the ceramic PTC element vapor-deposited or sputtered. The housing elements form the outer surface, regularly the sole outer surface of the housing element. Thus, the heat generated by the PTC element is dissipated directly and solely by conduction of heat from the PTC element through the housing elements for transfer to the medium to be heated. The medium can be air. In this embodiment, the PTC heating element is used in an air heater. Alternatively, the medium can also be a liquid that flows around the heating element housing.

Vorzugsweise liegt das GehƤuseelement und/oder das GehƤusegegenelement zumindest teilweise unmittelbar an dem PTC-Element an. Ɯblicherweise wird auf separate Leiterbahnenelemente aus Blechstreifen verzichtet, die die HauptseitenflƤchen des PTC-Elementes ganz oder teilweise abdecken. Vielmehr werden bevorzugt die HauptseitenflƤchen der PTC-Elemente allein gegen Kontaktierungsenden der Kontaktzungen gelegt. Diese Verbindung ist bevorzugt eine elastische Verbindung, bei welcher die Stromeinleitung gegen das PTC-Element mit einer Kontaktfeder erfolgt, die als Federzunge einteilig an einem die Kontaktzunge ausbildenden Blechstreifen ausgeformt und unter elastischer Vorspannung gegen das PTC-Element angelegt ist. Der Ć¼brige FlƤchenanteil der HauptseitenflƤchen der PTC-Elemente wird bei dieser Ausgestaltung unmittelbar von dem GehƤuseelement bzw. GehƤusegegenelement abgedeckt. Als unmittelbare Anlage wird jede Ausgestaltung verstanden, bei welcher das keramische Material des GehƤuseelementes ohne ein anderes strukturelles Bauteil an dem PTC-Element anliegt. Dieses kann durch Bedampfen oder dergleichen mit einer Metallisierung versehen sein. Diese Metallisierung auf der OberflƤche des PTC-Elementes ist dem PTC-Element selbst zugeordnet.The housing element and / or the housing mating element preferably rests at least partially directly on the PTC element. Usually there is no need for separate conductor track elements made of sheet metal strips, which completely or partially cover the main side surfaces of the PTC element. Rather, the main side surfaces of the PTC elements are preferably placed solely against the contacting ends of the contact tongues. This connection is preferably an elastic connection in which the current is introduced against the PTC element with a contact spring which is formed as a spring tongue in one piece on a sheet metal strip forming the contact tongue and is applied against the PTC element with elastic pretension. In this embodiment, the remaining surface portion of the main side surfaces of the PTC elements is covered directly by the housing element or housing mating element. Any configuration in which the ceramic material of the housing element is in contact with the PTC element without any other structural component is understood as a direct contact. This can be provided with a metallization by vapor deposition or the like. This metallization on the surface of the PTC element is assigned to the PTC element itself.

Bevorzugt ist zwischen dem GehƤuseelement und dem PTC-Element eine Klebeschicht vorgesehen. Diese Klebeschicht dient beispielsweise dem Ausgleich von Rauigkeiten des PTC-Elementes und verhindert LufteinschlĆ¼sse zwischen der OberflƤche des PTC-Elementes und der GegenflƤche des GehƤuseelementes, die auch durch eine gewisse Rauigkeit der keramischen GehƤuseelemente begrĆ¼ndet sein kann. Der Kleber hat zumindest eine bessere WƤrmeleitung als Luft. Wenngleich die Klebeschicht etwaige Rauigkeiten ausfĆ¼llt, gilt weiterhin, dass bei einer solchen Ausgestaltung das GehƤuseelement bzw. GehƤusegegenelement unmittelbar an dem PTC-Element anliegt. Das GehƤuseelement bzw. GehƤusegegenelement und/oder das PTC-Element kƶnnen eine Rauigkeit aufweisen, deren Spitzen die Klebeschicht durchsetzen und unmittelbar an dem jeweils anderen Element anliegen. Der Kleber wird zwischen einer HauptseitenflƤche und das zugeordnete GehƤuseelement bzw. GehƤusegegenelement Ć¼blicherweise volumetrisch zugefƶrdert, sodass lediglich eine die Rauigkeiten ausfĆ¼llende Menge an Klebemasse zugefĆ¼hrt wird, die derart bemessen ist, dass zwar trotz der gegebenen Rauigkeiten jegliche FreirƤume zwischen dem keramischen GehƤuseelement und dem PTC-Element ausgeglichen sind, indes die Spitzen der Rauigkeit weiter unmittelbar gegen das keramische GehƤuseelement bzw. GehƤusegegenelement anliegen. Als Kleber wird dabei bevorzugt Epoxid-Kleber, beispielsweise der Firma Polytec mit der Produktbezeichnung EP 655 verwendet.An adhesive layer is preferably provided between the housing element and the PTC element. This adhesive layer serves, for example, to compensate for roughness of the PTC element and prevents air inclusions between the surface of the PTC element and the mating surface of the housing element, which can also be due to a certain roughness of the ceramic housing elements. The glue has at least better heat conduction than air. Even though the adhesive layer fills any roughness, it also applies that in such a configuration the housing element or housing mating element rests directly on the PTC element. The housing element or housing mating element and / or the PTC element can have a roughness, the tips of which penetrate the adhesive layer and bear directly on the respective other element. The adhesive is usually supplied volumetrically between a main side surface and the assigned housing element or housing counter element, so that only an amount of adhesive that fills the roughness is supplied, which is dimensioned in such a way that, despite the given roughness, any free spaces between the ceramic housing element and the PTC element are evened out, while the peaks of the roughness continue directly against the ceramic housing element or housing counter-element issue. Epoxy adhesive, for example from Polytec with the product name EP 655, is preferably used as the adhesive.

Das bevorzugte Verkleben von PTC-Element und/oder Leiterbahn mit dem GehƤuseelement bzw. dem GehƤusegegenelement hat den weiteren Vorteil, dass bei der Herstellung des erfindungsgemƤƟen PTC-Elementes durch den Kleber eine Vorpositionierung und Vormontage gesichert wird. Der Kleber kann ein gut wƤrmeleitfƤhiger Kleber sein. Er kann mit gut wƤrmeleitendem FĆ¼llstoff versehen sein. Er muss nicht notwendigerweise elektrisch isolierend sein. In dieser Weise vorpositioniert werden Ć¼blicherweise danach das GehƤuseelement und das GehƤusegegenelement randseitig versiegelt, wie dies nachstehend beschrieben werden wird.The preferred gluing of the PTC element and / or conductor track to the housing element or the housing mating element has the further advantage that during the manufacture of the PTC element according to the invention, the adhesive ensures prepositioning and preassembly. The adhesive can be a highly thermally conductive adhesive. It can be provided with a filler that conducts heat well. It does not necessarily have to be electrically insulating. Pre-positioned in this way, the housing element and the housing counter-element are usually then sealed at the edge, as will be described below.

Die GehƤuseelemente sind Ć¼blicherweise mittels Sintern hergestellt. Dementsprechend sind die GehƤuseelemente konturiert ausgebildet mit einander zugeordneten FĆ¼geflƤchen. Wie bereits zuvor erwƤhnt, kann eines der GehƤuseelemente schalenfƶrmig ausgebildet sein. Ein solches GehƤuseelement kann beispielsweise eine Nut oder dergleichen ausbilden, die teilweise oder vollumfƤnglich umlƤuft und einen die AnlageflƤche fĆ¼r das PTC-Element Ć¼berragenden Rand des anderen GehƤuseelementes in sich aufnimmt. Diese Nut kann mit einem Kleber gefĆ¼llt sein, in welchen der Rand eintaucht, um das GehƤuseelement und das GehƤusegegenelement zu fĆ¼gen und gegeneinander abzudichten. Der Kleber sollte ein dauerhaft elastischer Kleber sein, so dass auch bei lƤngerem Einsatz des PTC-Heizelementes die gewĆ¼nschte Dichtwirkung nicht verloren geht. Praktische Versuche haben indes gezeigt, dass die thermischen Wechselbelastungen des PTC-Heizelementes Ć¼bliche Kleber dauerhaft ermĆ¼den. Jedenfalls sind Kleber weniger gut geeignet fĆ¼r PTC-Elemente, die in einem Kraftfahrzeug Ć¼ber beispielsweise 15 Jahre stƶrungsfrei zum Einsatz kommen sollen. Dabei ist zu beachten, dass die vorliegende Erfindung insbesondere in der Hochvolttechnik Anwendung finden wird. Undichtigkeiten des PTC-Heizelementes, durch welche das zu erwƤrmende Medium unmittelbar zu dem PTC-Element und den stromfĆ¼hrenden Bahnen innerhalb des HeizelementgehƤuses gelangen kann, sind unbedingt zu vermeiden.The housing elements are usually produced by means of sintering. Accordingly, the housing elements are contoured with mutually associated joining surfaces. As already mentioned above, one of the housing elements can be designed in the shape of a shell. Such a housing element can, for example, form a groove or the like that runs around partially or completely and accommodates an edge of the other housing element protruding beyond the contact surface for the PTC element. This groove can be filled with an adhesive, into which the edge is immersed, in order to join the housing element and the housing counter-element and to seal them against one another. The adhesive should be a permanently elastic adhesive so that the desired sealing effect is not lost even if the PTC heating element is used for a long time. Practical tests have shown, however, that the alternating thermal loads on the PTC heating element permanently fatigue conventional adhesives. In any case, adhesives are less suitable for PTC elements that are to be used in a motor vehicle without problems for 15 years, for example. It should be noted that the present invention will be used in particular in high-voltage technology. Leaks in the PTC heating element, through which the medium to be heated can reach the PTC element and the current-carrying paths within the heating element housing, must be avoided.

So ist es zu bevorzugen, das GehƤuseelement mit dem GehƤusegegenelement mittels LaserschweiƟen zu fĆ¼gen. Dazu kann zwischen dem GehƤuseelement und dem GehƤusegegenelement ein SchweiƟhilfsmittel vorgesehen sein, welches im Zuge des LaserschweiƟens aufgeschmolzen wird, um beide Teile miteinander zu verbinden und abzudichten. Bevorzugt sind indes die GehƤuseelemente durch Keramik-LaserschweiƟen miteinander verbunden. In diesem Fall wird die SchweiƟnaht durch lokales Aufschmelzen bzw. Anschmelzen des Keramikmaterials zumindest eines der beiden GehƤuseelemente erzeugt. Die SchweiƟnaht bewirkt dabei zumindest ein FĆ¼gen und dauerhaftes Gegeneinanderlegen der beiden GehƤuseelemente. Bevorzugt dichtet die aus dem Keramikmaterial gebildete SchweiƟnaht auch die beiden GehƤuseelemente gegeneinander ab, so dass der Aufnahmeraum fĆ¼r das PTC-Element und die Leiterbahnen durch die Keramik-SchweiƟnaht abgedichtet sind.It is therefore preferable to join the housing element to the housing counter element by means of laser welding. This can be between the housing element and the Counter-housing element a welding aid can be provided, which is melted in the course of the laser welding in order to connect and seal both parts with one another. The housing elements are, however, preferably connected to one another by ceramic laser welding. In this case, the weld seam is produced by local melting or partial melting of the ceramic material of at least one of the two housing elements. The weld seam brings about at least one joining and permanent opposing of the two housing elements. The weld seam formed from the ceramic material also preferably seals the two housing elements against one another, so that the receiving space for the PTC element and the conductor tracks are sealed by the ceramic weld seam.

Mit Blick auf die erforderliche Dichtigkeit kann zwischen den GehƤuseelementen aus Keramik auch eine Glaspaste eingebracht sein, die beim LaserschweiƟen aufgeschmolzen wird. Eine solche Ausgestaltung lƤsst sich bei verminderten SchweiƟtemperaturen von etwa 600Ā° dicht schweiƟen. Beim Anschmelzen des das GehƤuseelement bildenden Keramikmaterials sind weitaus hƶhere Temperaturen an der Phasengrenze zwischen dem GehƤuseelement und dem GehƤusegegenelement von zumindest 1000Ā°C notwendig. Als Glaspaste kann beispielsweise das Produkt ESL 4026 bzw. das Produkt ESL 4031-B der ESL Electroscience, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA zum Einsatz kommen.With a view to the required tightness, a glass paste can also be introduced between the ceramic housing elements, which is melted during laser welding. Such a configuration can be welded tightly at reduced welding temperatures of approximately 600 Ā°. When the ceramic material forming the housing element is melted, much higher temperatures of at least 1000 Ā° C. are required at the phase boundary between the housing element and the housing mating element. The product ESL 4026 or the product ESL 4031-B from ESL Electroscience, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA, for example, can be used as the glass paste.

GemƤƟ einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung der vorliegenden Erfindung ist zumindest eines der GehƤuseelemente mit einem von den Kontaktzungen durchragten Flansch versehen. Zumindest eine Kontaktzunge ist als von der Leiterbahn separates Kontaktzungenelement hergestellt und in eine an dem Flansch ausgesparte Ɩffnung eingesetzt. Das Kontaktzungenelement ist bei dieser bevorzugten Ausgestaltung elektrisch mit der zugeordneten Leiterbahn verbunden, bevorzugt Ć¼ber eine elastische Federzunge, die durch Stanzen und Biegen aus dem das Kontaktzungenelement bildenden Material herausgebildet ist und elektrisch leitend an der Leiterbahn anliegt. Die Kontaktzungen bzw. Kontaktzungenelemente kƶnnen in den Flansch eingeklebt sein. Sofern der Flansch aus einem anderen Material als Keramik ausgebildet ist, liegen die beiden GehƤuseelemente dichtend gegen den Flansch an. Hierzu kann der Flansch einen Dichtkragen haben, der von dem oder den GehƤuseelementen Ć¼bergriffen ist.According to a preferred development of the present invention, at least one of the housing elements is provided with a flange through which the contact tongues protrude. At least one contact tongue is produced as a contact tongue element separate from the conductor track and inserted into an opening recessed on the flange. In this preferred embodiment, the contact tongue element is electrically connected to the associated conductor track, preferably via an elastic spring tongue, which is formed from the material forming the contact tongue element by punching and bending and is in electrically conductive contact with the conductor track. The contact tongues or contact tongue elements can be glued into the flange. If the flange is made from a material other than ceramic, the two housing elements are in sealing contact with the flange. For this purpose, the flange can have a sealing collar over which the housing element or elements overlap.

Bevorzugt weist eines der GehƤuseelemente einen Flansch auf, der von den Kontaktzungen bzw. Kontaktzungenelementen durchragt ist und gegen das andere GehƤuseelement abgedichtet anliegt. Bei dieser bevorzugten Ausgestaltung wird der zuvor erwƤhnte Flansch durch eines der GehƤuseelemente selbst ausgebildet und ist danach aus Keramik geformt. Die Ausgestaltung ermƶglicht eine vereinfachte Herstellung des erfindungsgemƤƟen PTC-Heizelementes, da das HeizelementgehƤuse dieses PTC-Heizelementes allein durch die beiden keramischen GehƤuseelemente gebildet ist, die allein von den beiden Kontaktzungen bzw. Kontaktzungenelementen Ć¼berragt sind.Preferably, one of the housing elements has a flange which is penetrated by the contact tongues or contact tongue elements and rests in a sealed manner against the other housing element. In this preferred embodiment, the aforementioned flange is through one of the housing elements formed itself and is then molded from ceramic. The design enables a simplified production of the PTC heating element according to the invention, since the heating element housing of this PTC heating element is formed solely by the two ceramic housing elements over which the two contact tongues or contact tongue elements alone protrude.

Die mit dem nebengeordneten Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung vorgeschlagene elektrische Heizvorrichtung ist in Anspruch 8 definiert. Sie hat als PTC-Heizelement das erfindungsgemƤƟe PTC-Heizelement. Dieses durchragt zumindest mit den Kontaktzungen die Trennwand und ist ansonsten bevorzugt dichtend in die Trennwand eingesetzt, so dass in der Zirkulationskammer enthaltenes und zu erwƤrmendes Fluid nicht in die Anschlusskammer gelangen kann. Die Heizvorrichtung kann ansonsten gemƤƟ EP 2 440 004 A1 , EP 1 872 986 A1 oder EP 2 607 121 A1 ausgebildet sein.The electrical heating device proposed with the independent aspect of the present invention is defined in claim 8. It has the PTC heating element according to the invention as the PTC heating element. This protrudes through the partition wall at least with the contact tongues and is otherwise preferably inserted in a sealing manner into the partition wall so that fluid contained in the circulation chamber and to be heated cannot get into the connection chamber. The heating device can otherwise according to EP 2 440 004 A1 , EP 1 872 986 A1 or EP 2 607 121 A1 be trained.

Dort befindet sich Ć¼blicherweise eine Leiterplatte, mit welcher die bevorzugt mehreren PTC-Heizelemente ggf. zu Heizkreisen gruppiert und elektrische an eine Stromversorgung ggf. unter Zwischenlage einer Steuerung fĆ¼r den Leistungsstrom elektrisch angeschlossen sind.There is usually a printed circuit board with which the preferably several PTC heating elements are grouped into heating circuits, if necessary, and electrically connected to a power supply, possibly with the interposition of a controller for the power current.

Die erfindungsgemƤƟe Lƶsung bietet den Vorteil, dass das HeizelementgehƤuse durch keramische GehƤuseelemente gebildet ist. Diese haben eine gute WƤrmeleitfƤhigkeit. Im Ɯbrigen hat keramisches Material eine relativ geringe Dichte. Der WƤrmeleitweg zwischen dem PTC-Element und der AuƟenseite des HeizelementgehƤuses ist verkĆ¼rzt und geht Ć¼blicherweise allein von dem PTC-Element ggf. durch die Leiterbahn und durch das zugeordnete GehƤuseelement. Mit der guten WƤrmeleitfƤhigkeit von Keramik ist somit eine gute WƤrmeauskopplung der von dem PTC-Element erzeugten WƤrme gewƤhrleistet. Die Leiterbahn muss nicht notwendigerweise ganz oder teilweise an einer HauptseitenflƤche des PTC-Elementes elektrisch leitend daran anliegen. Vielmehr ist auch eine elektrische Kontaktierung Ć¼ber die Stirnseite des PTC-Elementes denkbar. In diesem Fall kann die WƤrmeauskopplung direkt Ć¼ber die HauptseitenflƤche unter Umgehung der Leiterbahn erfolgen.The solution according to the invention offers the advantage that the heating element housing is formed by ceramic housing elements. These have good thermal conductivity. Incidentally, ceramic material has a relatively low density. The heat conduction path between the PTC element and the outside of the heating element housing is shortened and usually goes solely from the PTC element, possibly through the conductor track and through the associated housing element. With the good thermal conductivity of ceramic, a good heat extraction of the heat generated by the PTC element is guaranteed. The conductor track does not necessarily have to rest in an electrically conductive manner on a main side surface of the PTC element in whole or in part. Rather, electrical contact via the end face of the PTC element is also conceivable. In this case, the heat can be extracted directly via the main side surface, bypassing the conductor track.

Weitere Vorteile und Einzelheiten der vorliegenden Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung eines AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiels in Verbindung mit der Zeichnung. In dieser zeigen:

Figur 1
eine perspektivische Explosionszeichnung eines AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiels;
Figur 2
das in Fig. 1 gezeigte AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel in einer anderen perspektivischen Explosionszeichnung; und
Figur 3
eine LƤngsschnittansicht des in Fig. 1 und 2 gezeigten AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiels.
Further advantages and details of the present invention emerge from the following description of an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the drawing. In this show:
Figure 1
a perspective exploded drawing of an embodiment;
Figure 2
this in Fig. 1 Shown embodiment in another perspective exploded drawing; and
Figure 3
a longitudinal sectional view of the in Figs. 1 and 2 embodiment shown.

Das in den Figuren gezeigte PTC-Heizelement 2 hat vorliegend ein einziges PTC-Element 4, welches in einem schalenfƶrmigen GehƤuseelement 6 aufgenommen ist, das einen Flansch 8 ausbildet, der in einer Ausnehmung einer nicht gezeigten Trennwand einer elektrischen Heizvorrichtung dichtend einsetzbar ist. Der Flansch 8 bildet zwei sich parallel zu der HauptseitenflƤche des PTC-Elementes 4 erstreckende Halteƶffnungen 9 aus. Der Flansch 8 Ć¼berragt beidseitig eine mit Bezugszeichen 10 gekennzeichnete Schale des GehƤuseelementes 6 und begrenzt diese Schale 10 stirnseitig. In die Schale 10 ist das PTC-Element 4 eingelegt. Das PTC-Element 4 hat eine etwas grĆ¶ĆŸere Hƶhe als die Schale 10. So wird die Schale 10 geringfĆ¼gig von dem PTC-Element Ć¼berragt. Das GehƤuseelement 6 ist mit einem GehƤusegegenelement 12 abdeckbar, welches in den Figuren 1 und 2 getrennt von dem GehƤuseelement 6 und dem PTC-Element 4 dargestellt ist. Das GehƤuseelement 6 wie auch das GehƤuseelement 12 bilden jeweils eine Kontaktzungenaufnahmekammer 14 aus, in welcher jeweils eine der mit Bezugszeichen 16 gekennzeichneten Kontaktzungen einbringbar ist (vgl. Fig. 3). Der Kontur eines ƤuƟeren Randes des GehƤusegegenelementes 12 folgt eine durch das GehƤuseelement 6 gebildete AnlageflƤche 17 fĆ¼r den ƤuƟeren Rand. Diese AnlageflƤche 17 wird teilweise durch den Flansch 8 ausgebildet (vgl. Fig. 1).The PTC heating element 2 shown in the figures has a single PTC element 4, which is received in a shell-shaped housing element 6, which forms a flange 8 which can be inserted sealingly in a recess of a partition (not shown) of an electrical heating device. The flange 8 forms two holding openings 9 extending parallel to the main side surface of the PTC element 4. The flange 8 projects beyond a shell of the housing element 6, identified by reference numeral 10, on both sides and delimits this shell 10 on the front side. The PTC element 4 is inserted into the shell 10. The PTC element 4 has a somewhat greater height than the shell 10. The shell 10 is thus slightly protruded by the PTC element. The housing element 6 can be covered with a counter housing element 12, which is in the Figures 1 and 2 is shown separately from the housing element 6 and the PTC element 4. The housing element 6 as well as the housing element 12 each form a contact tongue receiving chamber 14 in which one of the contact tongues identified by reference numeral 16 can be introduced (cf. Fig. 3 ). The contour of an outer edge of the mating housing element 12 is followed by a contact surface 17 formed by the housing element 6 for the outer edge. This contact surface 17 is partially formed by the flange 8 (cf. Fig. 1 ).

Bei dem gezeigten AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel erfolgt die Stromeinleitung in das PTC-Element 4 Ć¼ber eine an der AuƟenflƤche des PTC-Elementes 4 vorgesehene, mittels PVC oder CVD auf das Keramikmaterial des PTC-Elementes 4 aufgebrachte Metallsierung, die eine Leiterbahn 18 ausformt. Die Leiterbahn 18 ist dementsprechend einteilig mit dem PTC-Element 4 vorgesehen. Zwischen der durch die Metallisierung 18 ausgebildeten OberflƤche des PTC-Elementes 4 und dem GehƤuseelement 6 bzw. dem GehƤusegegenelement 12 ist Ć¼blicherweise ein Kleber, beispielsweise ein Epoxy-Kleber vorgesehen, der Rauigkeiten auf der OberflƤche des PTC-Elementes 4 und/oder auf der InnenflƤche des GehƤuseelementes 6 bzw. des GehƤusegegenelementes 12 ausgleicht, sodass die GehƤuseelemente 6, 12 vollflƤchig unmittelbar an dem PTC-Element 4 anliegen.In the embodiment shown, the current is introduced into the PTC element 4 via a metallization provided on the outer surface of the PTC element 4, applied to the ceramic material of the PTC element 4 by means of PVC or CVD, which forms a conductor track 18. The conductor track 18 is accordingly provided in one piece with the PTC element 4. Between the surface of the PTC element 4 formed by the metallization 18 and the housing element 6 or the housing mating element 12, an adhesive, for example an epoxy adhesive, is usually provided, the roughness on the surface of the PTC element 4 and / or on the inner surface of the housing element 6 or the housing mating element 12 so that the housing elements 6, 12 bear directly on the PTC element 4 over their entire surface.

Wie Fig. 2 und Fig. 3 verdeutlichen, ist jede Kontaktzunge 16 aus einem separaten Kontaktzungenelement 20 ausgebildet. Das Kontaktzungenelement 20 hat die LƤngsseiten der Kontaktzunge 16 Ć¼berragende Nocken 22, die durch Freischneiden des Blechmaterials der Kontaktzungenelemente 20 ausgebildet sind und als AnschlƤge fĆ¼r die Anlage des Kontaktzungenelementes 20 gegen die AuƟenflƤche des Flansches 8 dienen. An dem die Nocken 22 in Richtung auf das PTC-Element 4 Ć¼berragenden Abschnitt des Kontaktzungenelementes 20 ist durch Freischneiden und Biegen eine Kontaktfeder 24 ausgeformt. Diese Kontaktfeder 24 Ć¼berragt die Ebene des das Kontaktzungenelement 20 ausformenden Blechmaterials in Richtung auf das PTC-Element 4 (vgl. Fig. 3).How Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 To illustrate, each contact tongue 16 is formed from a separate contact tongue element 20. The contact tongue element 20 has the long sides of the contact tongue 16 protruding cams 22, which are formed by cutting free the sheet metal material of the contact tongue elements 20 and as stops for the contact of the contact tongue element 20 serve against the outer surface of the flange 8. On the section of the contact tongue element 20 projecting beyond the cams 22 in the direction of the PTC element 4, a contact spring 24 is formed by cutting and bending. This contact spring 24 projects beyond the plane of the sheet metal material forming the contact tongue element 20 in the direction of the PTC element 4 (cf. Fig. 3 ).

Bei der Herstellung des gezeigten AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiels werden zunƤchst die GehƤuseelemente 6, 12 durch Pressen und Sintern aus einem Keramikmaterial hergestellt. Der Flansch 8 wird dabei einteilig an dem GehƤuseelement 6 ausgeformt. Danach wird das GehƤuseelement 6 mit dem PTC-Element 4 bestĆ¼ckt, welches hierzu in die Schale 10 eingelegt wird, wobei zuvor auf das PTC-Element 4 und/oder das GehƤuseelement 6 der Kleber aufgebracht wurde. Danach wird das GehƤusegegenelement 12 auf das GehƤuseelement 6 aufgelegt. Auch hier wird zunƤchst zwischen das PTC-Element 4 und das GehƤusegegenelement 12 Kleber aufgebracht. Der Kleber hƤrtet zunƤchst aus. Dabei werden die GehƤuseelemente 6, 12 von auƟen gegen das PTC-Element 4 gedrĆ¼ckt, um aufgrund der Rauigkeiten an der Phasengrenze zwischen dem PTC-Element und den GehƤuseelementen 6, 12 gegebene HohlrƤume mit Kleber auszufĆ¼llen und so die WƤrmeleitfƤhigkeit von dem PTC-Element 4 in Richtung auf die GehƤuseelemente 6, 12 zumindest Ć¼ber die HauptseitenflƤchen des PTC-Elementes 4 zu verbessern. Unter Aufrechterhaltung des Druckes hƤrtet der Kleber aus. Danach werden die GehƤuseelemente 6, 12 randseitig mittels Keramik-LaserschweiƟen miteinander verbunden. Zuvor kann der FĆ¼gebereich zwischen beiden GehƤuseelementen 6, 12 mit einer Paste, beispielsweise einer Glaspaste umlaufend belegt sein. Durch Keramik-LaserschweiƟen kann entweder das die GehƤuseelemente 6, 12 bildende Material an der Phasengrenze zwischen den beiden GehƤuseelemente 6, 12 aufgeschmolzen werden, um beide GehƤuseelemente 6, 12 dichtend miteinander zu verbinden. Alternativ oder ergƤnzend kann auch die Glaspaste durch das LaserschweiƟen angeschmolzen werden, um die GehƤuseelemente randseitig umlaufend abzudichten.In the production of the exemplary embodiment shown, the housing elements 6, 12 are first produced from a ceramic material by pressing and sintering. The flange 8 is formed in one piece on the housing element 6. The housing element 6 is then equipped with the PTC element 4, which for this purpose is inserted into the shell 10, the adhesive having previously been applied to the PTC element 4 and / or the housing element 6. Then the housing counter element 12 is placed on the housing element 6. Here, too, adhesive is first applied between the PTC element 4 and the housing counter element 12. The glue first hardens. The housing elements 6, 12 are pressed from the outside against the PTC element 4 in order to fill the given cavities with adhesive due to the roughness at the phase boundary between the PTC element and the housing elements 6, 12 and thus the thermal conductivity of the PTC element 4 in the direction of the housing elements 6, 12 at least over the main side surfaces of the PTC element 4. The adhesive hardens when the pressure is maintained. The housing elements 6, 12 are then connected to one another at the edges by means of ceramic laser welding. Before this, the joining area between the two housing elements 6, 12 can be coated all around with a paste, for example a glass paste. Ceramic laser welding can either be used to melt the material forming the housing elements 6, 12 at the phase boundary between the two housing elements 6, 12 in order to connect the two housing elements 6, 12 to one another in a sealing manner. As an alternative or in addition, the glass paste can also be melted on by laser welding in order to seal the housing elements around the edges.

Wie Fig. 3 verdeutlicht, hat das GehƤusegegenelement 12 an seinem Rand einen Steg 26, der an dem Umfang des GehƤusegegenelementes 12 kontinuierlich umlaufend ausgeformt ist. Der Steg 26 greift in eine U-fƶrmige Nut 28 ein, die randseitig an dem GehƤuseelement 6 ausgebildet ist. In diesem Bereich kann beispielsweise die Glaspaste eingefĆ¼llt werden, um eine mƶglichst gute Versiegelung des PTC-Elementes 4 zwischen den GehƤuseelementen 6, 12 zu erreichen.How Fig. 3 clarified, the housing mating element 12 has a web 26 on its edge, which is continuously formed around the circumference of the housing mating element 12. The web 26 engages in a U-shaped groove 28 which is formed on the edge of the housing element 6. In this area, for example, the glass paste can be filled in in order to achieve the best possible sealing of the PTC element 4 between the housing elements 6, 12.

Nach dem LaserscheiƟen ist das PTC-Element 4 zwischen dem GehƤuseelement 6 und dem GehƤusegegenelement 12 dichtend gegenĆ¼ber der Umgebung eingesiegelt. Lediglich an dem Flansch 8 ausgebildete Halteƶffnungen 9 kommunizieren mit dem Inneren des durch das GehƤuseelement 6 und das GehƤusegegenelement 12 gebildeten HeizelementgehƤuses 30. Durch diese Halteƶffnungen 9 werden nunmehr die beiden Kontaktzungenelemente 20 einschoben und eingepasst, bis die jeweiligen Kontaktfedern 24 elektrisch leitend mit der metallisierten AuƟenseite des PTC-Elementes 6 dadurch verbunden sind, dass die Kontaktfedern 24 elastisch gegen die HauptseitenflƤchen des PTC-Elementes 6 anliegen.After the laser welding, the PTC element 4 is sealed in between the housing element 6 and the housing counter element 12 with respect to the environment. Only holding openings 9 formed on the flange 8 communicate with the interior of the heating element housing 30 formed by the housing element 6 and the counter-housing element 12. The two contact tongue elements 20 are now inserted through these holding openings 9 and fitted until the respective contact springs 24 are electrically conductive with the metallized outside of the PTC element 6 are connected in that the contact springs 24 rest elastically against the main side surfaces of the PTC element 6.

Danach ist das AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel des PTC-Elementes fertig gestellt.Then the embodiment of the PTC element is completed.

Bei einer Anordnung dieses PTC-Heizelementes in einer elektrischen Heizvorrichtung wird Ć¼blicherweise der Flansch 8 dichtend in einer Ausnehmung einer Trennwand eingesetzt, die eine Zirkulationskammer, in welche das PTC-Element mit den entsprechenden GehƤuseelementen 6, 12 hineinragt, von einer Anschlusskammer fĆ¼r den elektrischen Anschluss der Kontaktzungenelemente 20 trennt. Dabei kƶnnen die GehƤuseelemente 6, 12 in der Zirkulationskammer freiliegen und von einem flĆ¼ssigen und zu erwƤrmenden Medium angestrƶmt werden, wie dies beispielsweise aus EP 2 440 004 A1 bekannt ist. Es ist aber auch denkbar, Wellrippenelemente als WƤrme abgebende Elemente beidseitig gegen die HauptseitenflƤchen der GehƤuseelemente 6, 12 anzulegen und einen so gebildeten Heizstab in ein Ć¼blicherweise rahmenfƶrmiges GehƤuse fĆ¼r die LufterwƤrmung einzusetzen.When this PTC heating element is arranged in an electrical heating device, the flange 8 is usually inserted in a sealing manner in a recess in a partition wall which has a circulation chamber into which the PTC element with the corresponding housing elements 6, 12 protrudes from a connection chamber for the electrical connection the contact tongue elements 20 separates. The housing elements 6, 12 can be exposed in the circulation chamber and a liquid medium to be heated flows against them, as is the case, for example, from EP 2 440 004 A1 is known. However, it is also conceivable to apply corrugated rib elements as heat-emitting elements on both sides against the main side surfaces of the housing elements 6, 12 and to insert a heating rod formed in this way into a usually frame-shaped housing for heating the air.

BezugszeichenlisteList of reference symbols

22
PTC-HeizelementPTC heating element
44th
PTC-ElementPTC element
66th
GehƤuseelementHousing element
88th
Flanschflange
99
HalteƶffnungenHolding openings
1010
SchaleBowl
1212
GehƤuseelementHousing element
1414th
KontaktzungenaufnahmekammerTongue receiving chamber
1616
KontaktzungeContact tongue
1717th
AnlageflƤcheContact surface
1818th
LeiterbahnTrack
2020th
KontaktzungenelementContact tongue element
2222nd
Nockencam
2424
KontaktfederContact spring
2626th
Stegweb
2828
U-NutU-groove
3030th
HeizelementgehƤuseHeating element housing

Claims (11)

  1. PTC heating element (2) for an electrical heating device, having a heating element housing (28) which integrates at least a PTC element (4) and contact blades (16) supplying current to the PTC element (4) for the electrical connection of conductor tracks (18) electrically connected to the PTC element (4) as a structural unit,
    and comprising a housing element (6) formed of a ceramic and a housing counter element (12) formed of a ceramic,
    characterized in that
    the two housing elements (6, 12) sealingly abut against each other and enclose the PTC element (4) sealingly therebetween and the contact blades (16) protrude from them.
  2. PCT heating element according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing element (6) and the housing counter element (12) directly abut against each other to form a sealed interior for receiving the PTC element (4).
  3. PTC heating element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the housing element (6) and the housing counter element (12) has a shell-like shape and the heating element housing (28) alone is formed as the housing sealingly enclosing the PTC element (4), and in that the housing element (6) and the housing counter element (12) directly abut against the opposite main side surfaces of the PTC element (4) which couple out the heat.
  4. PCT heating element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing element (6) and/or the housing counter element (12) at least partially directly abuts against the PTC element (4).
  5. PTC heating element according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that at least one of the housing elements (6, 12) is formed in a shell-like shape.
  6. PTC heating element according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the housing element (6) and/or the housing counter element (12) directly abuts against the PTC element (4) with the interposition of an adhesive layer.
  7. PTC heating element according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the housing elements (6, 12) are joined by ceramic laser welding.
  8. PTC heating element according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that one of the housing elements (6, 12) has a flange (8) penetrated by the contact blades(16) and in that at least one of the contact blades(16) is formed by a contact blade element (20) separate from the conductor tracks (18) and is inserted into a holding opening (9) recessed in the flange (8) and is electrically connected to the associated conductor track.
  9. PTC heating element according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that one of the housing elements (6) forms a flange (8) penetrated by the contact blades(16) against which the other housing element (12) abuts sealingly.
  10. Electrical heating device with at least one PTC heating element (2) arranged in a circulation chamber and having a heating element housing (28) which integrates at least a PTC element (4) and contact blades (16) supplying current to the PTC element (4) as a structural unit, and from which the contact blades(16) electrically connected to the PTC element (4) protrude and having a partition wall separating the circulation chamber from a connection chamber in which the contact blades(16) of the PTC heating element (2) penetrating the partition wall are exposed and electrically connected,
    characterized in that
    the PTC heating element (2) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 7.
  11. Electrical heating device according to claim 10, characterized in that the PTC heating element (2) is sealingly inserted into the partition wall
EP18177252.6A 2017-06-13 2018-06-12 Electric heating device and ptc heating element for same Active EP3416456B1 (en)

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