EP3631317A1

EP3631317A1 - Electric heating device, method for producing, operating and using said type of device

Info

Publication number: EP3631317A1
Application number: EP18728814.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Zoske; Bengt Meier; Christoph J RG; Harald Bachmann; Peter Neidenberger
Original assignee: Webasto SE
Current assignee: Webasto SE
Priority date: 2017-05-24
Filing date: 2018-05-23
Publication date: 2020-04-08
Also published as: US20200094655A1; DE102017121064A1; CN110662927A; CN110691949B; KR20190131117A; EP3631318A1; EP3631312A1; DE102017121039A1; WO2018215196A1; US20200166242A1; EP3630513A1; EP3631314A1; JP2022023890A; JP2020521272A; CN110678703A; DE102017121040A1; JP2020520846A; DE102017121038A1; EP3631315A1; WO2018215536A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric air heating device, in particular a liquid or air heating device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a first heating element (10a) comprising a corresponding main body (11) and at least one second heating element (10b) with a corresponding main body (11). An intermediate space (18), through which the fluid can flow for heating, is formed between the heating elements (10a, 10b). The heating elements (10a, 10b) are interconnected by means of at least one, in particular conductive spacer (12a, 12b) which is arranged therebetween. The spacer (12a, 12b) is a solid component of the first heating element (10a).

Description

ELECTRIC HEATER, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AND OPERATING THE SAME, AND USE OF SUCH A HEATER

description

The invention relates to an electric heater, in particular for a

Motor vehicle, a method for producing an electric heater, a method for operating a heater and a use of a

Heater.

From EP 1 912 028 AI it is known to stack a plurality of (electric) heating elements of a heating arrangement, wherein the heating elements are spaced apart by additional spacers and the individual heating elements are threaded over corresponding tie rods. The spacers should particularly preferably be made of the same material as the tie rods. Overall, the design of EP 1 912 028 AI is perceived as consuming.

It is an object of the invention to provide a heater, in particular liquid and / or air heater, preferably for en vehicle, especially motor vehicle to propose, which is relatively easy to manufacture and

in particular also enables effective heating of the fluid. It is another object of the invention, a corresponding method for producing a heater, in particular liquid and / or air heater, a

corresponding method for operating a heater, in particular

Liquid and / or air heater, and to propose a corresponding use of a heater.

This task is in particular by an electric heater after

Claim 1 solved.

In particular, the object is achieved by an electric heater, preferably a fluid heater, in particular a liquid and / or air heater, preferably for a vehicle, more preferably for a motor vehicle, in particular for a passenger and / or truck (and / or for a watercraft and / or aircraft ), comprising a first (electric) heating element with a corresponding main body and at least a second (electric) Heating element with a corresponding main body, wherein between the

(Electric) heating elements, a gap is formed, can be flowed through the fluid (ie, a liquid and / or a gas, such as air) to its heating, wherein the heating elements arranged on at least one between them, in particular (electrically) conductive, spacers together are connected, wherein the spacer is an integral part of the first heating element.

It is an essential idea of the invention to provide at least one spacer which makes it possible to stack a plurality of heating elements in a simple manner, this spacer not being formed as a separate part (as in EP 1 912 028 A1) but as an integral part of one of the spacers

Heating elements (specifically, the first heating element, which does not preclude that a further spacer is associated with a further heating element) is formed. As a result, an efficiently operating (electric) heater can be realized with a comparatively simple production.

Basically, the heating element can have exactly one or more than one

Spacer as an integral part of the same. The second

Heating element may (exactly) have one or more spacers, which may be constructed and formed as described with respect to the spacer or the first heating element. Furthermore, a third, fourth or further heating element may also be provided. These further heating elements may also have spacers, which are formed and constructed, as described in connection with the one or more spacers of the first heating element. Insofar as in the

In the following, the one or more spacers of the first heating element are described and defined with further details, corresponding features (optional) also apply to optionally provided spacers

in particular solid constituents of the further heating elements (in each case with respect to one of the further heating elements, a plurality of the further heating elements or all further heating elements and / or, based on a single heating element or on several or all heating elements, in each case with respect to a spacer, several - if provided - spacers or all spacers).

In particular, this applies to the structural design, arrangement,

Orientation and / or number of the respective spacers. The (respective) main body of the (respective) heating element is a portion of the (respective) heating element, which in particular structurally delimits from one or more optionally provided spacers (s). Inasmuch as (for example, for a second or further heating element) no spacer is provided as an integral part, the

corresponding main body also define the complete heating element.

Preferably, the main body of the respective heating element forms

(by weight) at least 50%, more preferably at least 80% (possibly 100%, for example, if no corresponding spacer is provided) of the corresponding heating element. According to the embodiment, the main body may be a plate-shaped body (a plate). The respective plate is preferably at least substantially planar (variations in thickness, if any, are particularly such that a maximum thickness is not greater than a minimum thickness plus 20% of the minimum thickness). The spacer (s) is preferably protruded at an angle from a main plane defined by the main body. Specifically, the spacer may, for example, at an angle of at least 30 °, preferably at least 60 °, possibly at least about 90 ° relative to this main plane extend (at least over the majority, ie more than 50% of its total extent, possibly also can go crooked).

A "solid" constituent of the first heating element is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a constituent which is connected to the corresponding main body such that it does not come loose or only lie loosely when the heating element is present separately only in that the electric heater in the assembled state comprises a plurality of heating elements, which in turn hold the spacer between them .. Such a spacer should in particular not be understood as an integral part of the first (or any) heating element.

Preferably, the spacer is permanently connected to the main body of the first heating element. Under an insoluble compound is in particular a compound to understand, which can not be solved without destruction (that is, by destroying the structure of the heating element) or at a break-up the (solid) connection can not be reversed again (without the addition of new fasteners).

The spacer may be material, force and / or form-fitting with the

Main body of the first heating element to be connected. The cohesive connection is preferably carried out by welding, in particular laser welding. However, gluing (alternatively or additionally) is also possible.

The spacer is particularly preferably designed as an integral, in particular monolithic, component of the first heating element. An integral component is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a component in which there is no (unambiguous) material boundary between the spacer and the main body. A transition from main body to spacers is so

especially continuously. A monolithic constituent is in particular a constituent in which the heating element as a whole is present as a uniform block. Preferably, the spacer (at least in sections) and the main body (at least in sections) from

built up the same material. If spacers and / or main body are constructed of several materials, this is preferably true for at least one of the respective materials, possibly for several or all of the materials.

If, for example, the heating element comprises a substrate and an (electrical) heating structure (eg heating layer), the spacer can at least be made

be constructed the same material as the substrate of the heating element, possibly also a corresponding heating structure (then preferably made of the same material), for. B. heating layer include.

In specific embodiments, a material of the spacer from which the spacer is formed to at least 50 wt .-%, be a material from which the main body to at least 50%, preferably 80%, is formed.

(The respective or the respective) spacers of a heating element may constitute (in terms of weight) less than 20%, preferably less than 10% of the total weight of the heating element. If several spacers are provided, this can be for each individual and / or all

Spacers apply in their entirety. The respective heating element (possibly several or all heating elements) may comprise a polymer structure which contains a polymer component and a conductive component, in particular carbon component. In concrete embodiments, the respective heating element (or all heating elements) may each comprise one, in particular insulating, substrate and / or as polymer structure a polymer layer. Such a heater is particularly easy to manufacture and effective in operation.

The first and / or second (electric) heating element can be electrically contacted via the one (or more) spacers, possibly only via the (or the plurality of) spacers. As a result, a comparatively simple construction can be provided, which simplifies manufacture and operation.

The spacer can be formed from the respective (in particular first) heating element by cutting (or at least partial separation) and / or punching and / or bending. In general, the spacer is

preferably formed from the respective (eg first) heating element that a connection to the other parts of the heating element (ie in particular to the main body) is not interrupted (in particular not in sections) (at least not completely, which may be in the case of Cutting and / or punching is possible). This simplifies manufacturability and enables effective operation.

Preferably, the (respective) spacer in (direct) electrical and / or mechanical contact with a first and the second heating element electrically and / or mechanically connecting carrier and / or bridge element. Under a support member is in particular an element to understand that at least partially (possibly completely) carries the first and / or second heating element, ie in particular holds (possibly in cooperation with at least one or just another support member). Under a bridge element is in particular an element to understand the first and second heating element electrically (possibly also mechanically) bridged or connects. Carrier and / or bridge element can also with other components of the heating element (ie not only with the spacer) in electrical and / or mechanical

be (direct) contact. A connection between spacers, on the one hand, and Carrier and / or bridge element, on the other hand, is preferably non-positive and / or material fit, for example by pressing and / or soldering and / or

Welding, in particular laser welding. Overall, the spacer can be formed double-functional, which further simplifies the production.

In embodiments, the respective (eg first) heating element may comprise at least one opening for receiving a, in particular rod-shaped, preferably conductive, carrier element, wherein the at least one spacer preferably at least partially around the opening (in particular

annular) is arranged.

In general, the spacer can be rod-shaped (for example, fully cylindrical, with possibly circular diameter) or ring-shaped (or hollow-cylindrical, with possibly

circular diameter) or be strip or strip-shaped. In a strip or strip-shaped training is a width of the

Spacer preferably at least 2 times, preferably at least 5 times as large as a distance between the heating elements, between which the spacer is arranged. The spacer may, for example, extend over the entire length of one side of the first and / or second heating element (or over only a part thereof).

In further embodiments, the spacer is formed on one (possibly the complete) (side) edge of the first heating element, preferably by a curling and / or flanging (or flanging). Under a flanging is in particular a bending of an edge of the (respective)

Heating element (eg with a crimping machine or by hand) to understand. Under a roll is a curling or rolling bending of the

Heating element (at its edge) to understand. The respective "edge" may be an outer edge (where the heating element ends) or an inner edge defining, for example, an (inner) opening or recess.

First and / or second heating elements may extend at least substantially along a fluid flow direction. Alternatively, first and / or second heating elements may extend at a (certain) angle to the fluid flow direction, e.g. B. an angle <90 ° and> 0 °, in particular> 10 °. The particular polymer structure, in particular the polymer layer, can be printed (in particular on the substrate) (for example by screen printing) or applied by another coating method (such as, for example, doctoring). The (respective) heating element can also contain several films from one (corresponding)

Having polymer structure and / or (at least partially) by lamination and / or (at least partially) produced by extrusion. Alternatively or additionally, electrical connection structures (electrodes) may be printed on the substrate or the polymer layer or by another

Be applied coating method. If necessary, a

Curing step at elevated temperature (of eg over 120 ° C) in an oven.

The conductive component, in particular carbon component, may be present in particle form and / or as a framework, in particular a carbon skeleton. The carbon component may be in the form of carbon black and / or graphite and / or graphene and / or carbon fibers and / or carbon nanotubes.

In embodiments, the polymer component may be a first polymer subcomponent based on ethylene acetate (copolymer) and / or

Ethylene acrylate (copolymer) and / or comprise a second polymer component based on polyolefin, in particular polyethylene and / or polypropylene, and / or polyester and / or polyamide and / or fluoropolymer. The term "subcomponent" is intended here in particular for

Distinction between first and second polymer subcomponent can be used. The respective subcomponent can form either partially or completely the polymer component. The ethylene acrylate may be ethyl methyl acrylate or ethylene ethyl acrylate. In which

Ethylene acetate may be ethylene vinyl acetate. The polyethylene may be high density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, low density polyethylene. The fluoropolymer may be PFA (copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoropropyl vinyl ester) MFA (copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluorovinyl ester), FEP (copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene), ETFE (copolymer of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene) or PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) act. The heater preferably comprises at least three or at least four or at least five or at least eight heating elements (with corresponding

Gaps and spacers if necessary)

Several (possibly all) heating elements may be electrically connected in parallel in embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, several (possibly all)

Heating elements embodiments be electrically connected in series.

The above object is further achieved by a method for producing an electric heater, preferably liquid or air heater, in particular of the type described above, comprising a first heating element with a corresponding main body and at least a second heating element with a corresponding main body, wherein between the heating elements Interspace is formed, through which fluid (in particular a liquid or a gas, in particular air) can be flowed to its heating, wherein at least one spacer is formed as an integral part of the first heating element such that the spacer, the first and the second

Heating element spaced from each other.

Although the spacer is preferably an integral part of a respective (eg first) heating element, it is not a constituent part of another heating element. Preferably, therefore, the (respective) spacer is not or only loosely in contact with all the heating elements (except the one, in particular the first heating element). By a loose contact is meant in particular a contact in which the spacer without (essential)

Force can be solved or removed from the corresponding heating element, if further holding or connecting structures (such as bridge elements) are not provided (or at least mentally removed). In particular, the spacer is therefore not an integral part of another heating element and / or cohesively with another

Heating element connected (except the one whose integral part is the respective spacer).

The spacer can be permanently connected to the main body of the first heating element and / or material, force and / or form-fitting with the

Main body of the first heating element are connected or as an integral, in particular monolithically molded, formed part of the first heating element.

The heating elements can each have a polymer structure, the one

Polymer component and a conductive component, in particular

Carbon component containing. Preferably, the

Heating elements (each), in particular insulating, substrate and / or as a polymer structure, a polymer layer.

The spacer is preferably made from the first heating element

Cutting and / or punching and / or bending shaped.

The spacer is preferably placed in (direct) electrical and / or mechanical contact with a carrier and / or bridge element electrically and / or mechanically connecting the first and second heating elements, wherein a connection between spacers and carrier and / or

Bridge element is preferably non-positive and / or cohesive,

for example, by pressing and / or soldering and / or welding,

in particular laser welding.

Preferably, the spacer is formed on an edge of the first heating element, in particular by a curling and / or flanging.

The above object is further achieved by a method for operating the above heater or prepared by the above method, wherein fluid, in particular air or a liquid, for. As water flows through the at least one space and is heated.

The above object is further achieved by the use of a heater of the above type or prepared by a method of the above type for heating fluid, in particular air or a liquid, for. B. of water, especially in a motor vehicle, preferably for a motor vehicle interior.

The above object is further achieved by a vehicle,

in particular motor vehicle, preferably passenger or truck (Alternatively, ship or aircraft, such as aircraft), comprising a heater of the above type or a heater, which has been prepared by the above method.

The (respective) spacer may possibly both the power supply

ensure as well as ensure a distance between the heating elements. In this respect, the spacer may have a dual function, which allows a total of a simple construction of the electric heater.

To protect against mechanical damage, moisture and / or

Short circuits may be a painting or sealing of the polymer structure, in particular polymer layer, (or parts thereof) may be present.

Preferably, the heating elements (one above the other) are stackable. Furthermore, the heating elements can be designed as a (total) resistor connected in parallel (which in particular allows stacking).

A diameter of the gap between the first and second heating elements may be smaller than, equal to or greater than a thickness of the first and / or second heating element.

In a specific embodiment, the polymer layer forms a PTC resistor.

The substrate - if provided - preferably serves as a heat exchanger.

Due to the polymer structure, in particular polymer layer, a total of a large (active) heatable surface can be realized, whereby a necessary surface temperature at a constant total heat output and

Consistent overall space can be lowered. At (maximum) surface temperatures of, for example, below 200 ° C still comparatively high total heat outputs are still possible.

The (respective) substrate may at least partially, preferably

completely, be made of plastic, in particular a polymer such as polyether ketone and / or polyamide. Particularly preferred is a Manufacture from polyethylene (PE) and / or polypropylene (PP) and / or

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and / or (short) fiber-reinforced polyamide (eg PA-GF).

The substrate may be made of an electrically insulating material. An electrically insulating material is to be understood as meaning in particular a material which has an electrical conductivity of less than 10-1 S ¹ m-1 (possibly less than 10-8 S ¹ m-1) at room temperature (25 ° C.). Accordingly, under an electrical conductor or a material (or coating) with

electrical conductivity to understand a material that is an electrical

Conductivity of preferably at least 10 S ¹ m-1, more preferably at least 103 S ¹ m-1 (at room temperature, in particular 25 ° C).

The (optionally carbon-containing) polymer structure, in particular the polymer layer, or the (optionally carbon-containing) polymer structures, in particular polymer layers, and / or a corresponding paste for the production thereof may comprise (as in particular crystalline binder) at least one polymer, preferably based on at least one olefin; and / or at least one copolymer of at least one olefin and at least one monomer which can be copolymerized therewith, e.g. As ethylene / acrylic acid and / or

Ethylene / ethyl acrylate and / or ethylene / vinyl acetate; and / or at least one polyalkenamer (polyacetylene or polyalkenylene), such as. For example, polyoctenamer;

and / or at least one, in particular melt-deformable, fluoropolymer, such as. As polyvinylidene fluoride and / or copolymers thereof.

In general, the (respective) polymer structure, in particular

Polymer layer, have a continuous surface (without interruptions) or be structured, for example, have gaps (openings) or recesses.

A floor plan of the respective heating element (preferably several or all heating elements) may be polygonal, in particular quadrangular, preferably rectangular or oval, in particular elliptical, preferably (circular) circular.

At least one intermediate space (possibly several or all intermediate spaces) can be limited by (exactly) two or more heating elements. A cross section of the intermediate space (generally fluid channel) may be polygonal, in particular quadrangular, preferably rectangular or oval, in particular elliptical, preferably (circular) circular.

A cross section within a space (fluid channel) may vary or be constant (over its length). Also cross sections of different

Gaps or fluid passages (ie, gaps or fluid passages that are not formed by the same pair or group of heating elements) may differ or be the same. For example, cross-sections of the intermediate spaces or fluid channels may be slit-shaped (in particular as rectangular slits).

In principle, the term "conductive" with regard to the conductive components of the heater is to be understood as an abbreviation for "electrically conductive".

The fluid heater is preferably for low-voltage operation (e.g.

<100 volts or <60 volts). Alternatively, the fluid heater may be designed for the high-voltage range (eg> 100 volts, preferably> 400 volts, possibly greater than 800 volts).

The heater may be designed for operation with DC and / or AC voltage and / or PWM.

The substrate or the substrates may be formed as a plate, in particular a plastic plate, and / or have a thickness of at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm, more preferably at least 1.0 mm and / or at most 5.0 mm, more preferably at most 3.0 mm. In particular, the respective thickness is an average thickness or a thickness of the largest area of constant thickness.

A (layer) thickness of the respective polymer layer may be <1 mm, preferably

<0.5 mm, even more preferably <0.2 mm.

The polymer layer (at least one of the heating elements, preferably several or all of the heating elements) may be thinner (at least on average) than the corresponding substrate, for example by a factor of 1.1; further

preferably by a factor of 1.5.

The (respective) polymer layer is preferably in contact with the (respective) substrate via at least 20%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 80%, of a surface of the substrate facing the polymer layer. This can effectively heat over the substrate (which then serves as another heat exchanger) are transferred.

The (respective) polymer structure (polymer layer) and / or the (respective)

Substrate may be formed at least substantially planar. For improved heat transfer surveys (depressions) may be provided. The proportion of the conductive component or the carbon fraction in the polymer layer of at least one heating element (preferably several or all heating elements) may be designed such that it allows a current flow (eg in particle form, with the particles correspondingly touching or lying close to one another) ,

Overall, the invention allows heating elements (in particular in

electric Heizlamellen) with a defined distance stack and energize, the heating elements (fins) preferably with a non-cutting

Manufacturing process (such as a punching and / or bending process) may have a final contour, which can set and maintain a defined distance when joining the heating elements (slats) and possibly

simultaneously represents a contact surface for the electrode (s) of the respective heating element (the respective Heizlamelle) as a current-carrying bridge. The heating elements (slats) may have different contours, such as an opening (passage) with a collar (possibly for threading on a

(rod-shaped) carrier, wherein the collar preferably serves as a spacer between the heating elements (lamellae) or a curling or beading at one end of the heating element (the lamella), preferably by their diameter or their height a distance between the heating elements

(Slats) defined.

An electrical connection is preferably made by a contact surface between the above-mentioned collar and a carrier or the above-mentioned rolling or flanging and a (flat) bridge created. An electrical connection can either by a positive and / or non-positive

Manufacturing process (eg pressing, soldering and / or welding) done.

Overall, can be done in a cost effective manner stacking of heating elements (heating fins) with a defined distance. Optionally, a functional integration can be achieved by a simultaneous electrical contacting of the heating elements (heating fins) on the spacer.

In particular, additional parts for the spacers and / or electrical connection of the heating elements to the bridge may possibly be avoided.

Further embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

The invention will be described with reference to embodiments, which are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Hereby show:

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a heater according to the invention in a view from above (schematically);

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 2 in a schematic view from the side; FIG.

3 shows a further embodiment of the heater according to the invention in a schematic view from above. and

Fig. 4 shows the embodiment of FIG. 3 in a schematic

Sectional view.

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for identical and equivalent parts.

Figs. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the invention

Heater. The heater includes a plurality (eg four) of heating elements 10a-10d. The heating elements are constructed identically according to FIG. 2 (which does not have to be the case). Each of the heating elements 10a-10d comprises a (plate-shaped) main body 11 and (respectively) two (edge-side) spacers 12a, 12b.

The spacers 12a, 12b are by a (re) flanging of the corresponding heating element (integrally) and define a distance of the heating elements 10a-10d and their main body 11 against each other. The

Spacers 12a of the heating elements 10a-10d are in (mechanical and electrical) contact with a bridge element 13a, which may be formed of metal (or other conductive material), for example. The bridge element 13a is connected here to a negative pole. Correspondingly, the spacers 12b of the heating elements 10a-10d are connected to a bridge element 13b, which in turn is connected to a plus pole. The

Bridge element 13b may be constructed identically to the bridge element 13a.

The bridge elements 13a, 13b may be formed (in each case) as a plate and / or strip and / or bar and / or bar and / or grid.

The heating elements 10a-10d may each be constructed of or include a conductive polymer structure. In the latter case, the

Heating elements 10a-10d (each) have a substrate (which may be electrically non-conductive) on which a conductive polymer coating (dashed lines

indicated) is provided as a polymer structure 14. The respective polymer structure 14 is shown in FIG. 2 only on one side of the respective main body 11th

However, for example, on both sides and / or

(at least partially) may be provided on the spacers 12a and / or 12b.

Figs. 3 and 4 show a further embodiment of the heater according to the invention. Again, several (for example three) heating elements 10a, 10b and 10c are provided (preferably stacked one above the other). Each of the heating elements 10a, 10b and 10c comprises two openings 15a, 15b which are bordered by corresponding spacers 12a, 12b. The spacers 12a, 12b are formed here as a collar, which defines a distance to the next slat. Through the opening 15a, a bridge element 16a is guided. Through the openings 12b, a bridge element 16b is guided. The bridge elements 16a, 16b preferably (mechanically and electrically) contact the spacers 12a and 12b, respectively.

The bridge elements 16a, 16b may at their (respective) ends 17 a (not shown) fixing means, such as a nut or Like, to hold together the stack of the heating elements 10a, 10b and 10c. Possibly. can also (respectively) an end of

Bridge elements 16a, 16b be provided with a widening which holds this stack on one side of the stack of heating elements 10a-10c. On the other hand, for example, a (screw) nut can be screwed on to hold the said stack together. Other holding devices are conceivable.

In Fig. 3 is schematically (dashed) a polymer coating as

Polymer structure 14 indicated. The polymer coating can also extend over less or more (for example, the respective entire) heating element 10a, 10b or 10c (on one side or on both sides). Again, optionally, the spacers 12a, 12b as such may (at least in part) comprise or be constructed from a polymer structure. Basically, the heating elements 10a, 10b and 10c also (completely) of a conductive

Be constructed polymer structure (alternatively: a substrate and a polymer structure applied thereto, in particular comprise polymer coating).

Between the individual heating elements 10a-10d (according to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2) and 10a-10c (according to the embodiments according to FIGS. 3 and 4), intermediate spaces 18 are respectively provided, through which fluid to the latter

Heating is flowable. The fluid may be a liquid or a gas, in particular water or air.

It should be noted at this point that all parts described above, taken alone and in any combination, especially in the

Drawings shown details are claimed as essential to the invention. Variations thereof are familiar to the person skilled in the art. reference numeral

10a, 10b, 10c, 10d heating element

11 main body

12a spacers

12b spacers

13a bridge element

13b bridge element

14 polymer structure

15a, 15b opening

16a, 16b bridge element

17 end

18 gap

Claims

claims

An electric heater, in particular a liquid or air heater, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a first heating element (10a) with a corresponding main body (11) and at least a second heating element (10b) with a corresponding main body (11), wherein between the heating elements (10a, 10b) an intermediate space (18) is formed, through which fluid can be flowed for heating thereof, wherein the heating elements (10a, 10b) are interconnected by at least one, in particular conductive, spacers (12a, 12b) arranged between them, wherein the spacer (12a, 12b) is an integral part of the first heating element (10a).

2. Heater according to claim 1,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze i ch n et that,

the spacer (12a, 12b) is permanently connected to the main body (11) of the first heating element (10a) and / or

Connected to the main body (11) of the first heating element (10a) and / or material, force and / or positively connected

integral, in particular monolithic molded, part of the first

Heating element (10 a) is.

3. Heater according to claim 1 or 2,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze i ch n et that,

the heating elements (10a, 10b) each comprise a polymer structure (14) which contains a polymer component and a conductive component, in particular carbon component, and / or

preferably in each case one, in particular insulating, substrate and / or as polymer structure, a polymer layer comprise.

4. Heater according to one of the preceding claims,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze ze ch n et that

the first (10a) and / or second (10b) heating element via the

Spacer (12a, 12b), possibly only via the spacer (12a, 12b), are electrically contacted.

5. Heater according to one of the preceding claims,

dadu rc hge ke nn ze i ch n et that the spacer (12a, 12b) is formed from the first heating element (10a) by cutting and / or punching and / or bending.

6. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze ze ch n et that

the spacer (12a, 12b) in electrical and / or mechanical contact with a carrier and / or the electrically and / or mechanically connecting the first (10a) and the second (10a) heating element

Bridge element (13a, 13b, 16a, 16b), wherein a connection between spacers (12a, 12b) and carrier and / or

Bridge element (13a, 13b, 16a, 16b) is preferably non-positive and / or cohesive, for example, by pressing and / or soldering and / or welding, in particular laser welding, is provided.

7. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze ze ch n et that

the first heating element (10a) has at least one opening (15a, 15b) for receiving a, in particular rod-shaped, preferably conductive, carrier and / or bridge element (16a, 16b), the at least one spacer (12a, 12b) preferably at least partially is arranged around the opening (15a, 15b).

8. Heater according to one of the preceding claims,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze ze ch n et that

the spacer (12a, 12b) is formed on an edge of the first heating element (10a), in particular by a curling and / or flanging.

9. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze ze ch n et that

at least three heating elements (10a, 10b, 10c) or at least four heating elements (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) with corresponding intermediate spaces (18) and possibly spacers (12a, 12b) are provided.

10. A method for producing an electric heater, preferably liquid or air heater, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a first heating element (10a) with a corresponding main body (11) and at least a second Heating element (10b) having a corresponding main body (11), wherein between the heating elements (10a, 10b) an intermediate space (18) is formed through which fluid is flowable for its heating, wherein at least one spacer (12a, 12b) as an integral part of the first heating element (10a) is formed such that the

Spacer (12a, 12b) the first (10a) and the second (10b)

Heating element spaced from each other.

11. The method according to claim 10,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze i ch n et that,

Material, force and / or positively connected to the main body (11) of the first heating element (10a) is connected and / or

is formed as an integral, in particular monolithically molded, part of the first heating element (10a).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze i ch n et that,

wherein the heating elements (10a, 10b) each comprise a polymer structure (14) containing a polymer component and a conductive component, in particular carbon component, and / or

preferably in each case one, in particular insulating, substrate and / or as polymer structure (14) a polymer layer comprise.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze ze ch n et that

the spacer (12a, 12b) is formed from the first heating element (10a) by cutting and / or punching and / or bending.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13,

d a d u rc h e ke n ze ze ch n et that

the spacer (12a, 12b) in electrical and / or mechanical contact with one of the first (10a) and the second (10b) heating element electrically and / or mechanically connecting carrier and / or

Bridge element (13a, 13b, 16a, 16b) is brought, wherein a

Connection between spacers (12a, 12b) and carrier and / or Bridge element (13a, 13b, 16a, 16b) preferably non-positively and / or materially, for example, by pressing and / or soldering and / or welding, in particular laser welding.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

16. A method for operating a heater according to any one of claims

1 to 9 or prepared according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein fluid, in particular air or a liquid, for. As water flows through the at least one intermediate space (18) and is heated.

17. Use of a heater according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or prepared by a method of claims 10 to 15 for heating fluid, in particular air or a liquid, for. As water, especially in a motor vehicle, preferably for a

Motor vehicle interior.