WO2012080417A1

WO2012080417A1 - Thermoelectric module and use of a thermoelectric module

Info

Publication number: WO2012080417A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/072949
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Ihle; Werner Kahr; Steffen Mehlig
Original assignee: Epcos Ag
Priority date: 2010-12-17
Filing date: 2011-12-15
Publication date: 2012-06-21
Also published as: DE102011017387A1

Abstract

The invention specifies a thermoelectric module (1) which has a sleeve (2), an at least partially wedge-shaped thermistor element (3) and an at least partially wedge-shaped attachment element (4). In this case, the thermistor element (3) is clamped to the attachment element (4) in the sleeve (2) in such a way that the thermistor element (3) is connected to the sleeve (2) in an interlocking manner. The invention also specifies using a thermoelectric module (1) as a heating cartridge for heating a medium which surrounds the thermoelectric module (1).

Description

description

Thermoelectric module and use of a

thermoelectric module

It is specified a thermoelectric module. Furthermore, a use of a thermoelectric module is specified as a heating cartridge for heating a medium.

In the automotive sector, usually simple wax or paraffin actuators are used in thermostats, which operate as a function of the coolant temperature. For example, if the coolant temperature exceeds 105 ° C, the wax melts and a valve opens so that the coolant reaches the radiator. This happens without an electrical control.

A recent requirement is to be able to electrically control the valve.

For some years, actuators have been manufactured with an integrated solid-state heating. For example, such actuators are produced, with the integrated

For example, fixed resistance heaters have a resistance of 9.5 ohm +/- 1 ohms and a maximum power of 9.5 W set by pulse width modulation (PWM). By supplying heat by means of the heating regulated by pulse width modulation, the temperature at which the valve opens can be set for a coolant temperature between 89 ° C and 105 ° C. The possibility of such

Regulation is increasingly required, inter alia, due to consumption and emission regulations. In various applications, for example, PTC heating elements are used for the heating of sleeve-shaped, annular or flange-like elements. The heating is usually done by flat PTC heating elements,

in particular disc or rectangular elements, mainly to metallic elements mechanically and to the thermal

Contact are appropriate. In order to realize a corresponding thermal contact, the contact point must be flattened. Disadvantage of the known applications is low efficiency due to the inappropriate constructive

Design in which the heat source, so for example, the PTC heating element, must be located far away from the point where the heat is needed. Due to this unfavorable thermal connection is only a small

Power consumption achievable. A sufficient electrical dimensioning can therefore only by a

parallel circuit of a larger number of PTC elements done. It is therefore not possible according to the prior art to realize very short heating or reaction times. Therefore, usually much higher

Heating services are provided and / or there are compromises in the structural design necessary. this leads to

turn to an increase in costs.

An object of at least some embodiments is to provide a thermoelectric module with high efficiency

specify. Another task at least some

Execution forms is a use of a

thermoelectric module as a heating cartridge for heating a medium surrounding the thermoelectric module specify.

These objects are achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and forms Further developments of the subject matter continue to be apparent from the following description and the drawings.

A thermoelectric module according to at least one

From an embodiment has an at least partially wedge-shaped thermistor element. For example, that can

Thermistor element have a contact surface, the

is wedge-shaped. The thermistor element may for example comprise or be a PTC element, that is a thermistor element with a positive

Temperature coefficient, which is also referred to as a PTC thermistor. Preferably, the PTC element may have a functional ceramic based on BaTiC> 3.

By using a thermistor element, ie

For example, a PTC element, it may compared with conventional actuators such as with

Fixed resistance heaters are possible to save costs and to increase the reliability and performance of the actuators

improve. This makes it possible in particular, due to the replacement of the previously used

Fixed resistance heating by a thermistor element,

For example, a PTC heating element to increase performance and shorten the reaction time.

Furthermore, in known applications with heating wire an electronic control is necessary, which can be omitted when using PTC elements.

According to another disclosed embodiment, the

thermoelectric module on an at least partially wedge-shaped fastening element. The fastening element can here and below also as a locking element or as Locking be designated. According to a preferred

From a guide shape, the fastening element has a wedge shape at least in one area, which allows the

Thermistor element and the fastener so

to arrange one another that a positive connection of the fastener is made to the thermistor element. For this purpose, the thermistor element and the fastening element can have wedge surfaces which, when arranged in the sleeve

are arranged as positively as possible on each other.

According to a further disclosed embodiment, the at least partially wedge-shaped thermistor element is arranged in a sleeve. The sleeve may for example comprise metal. According to a preferred embodiment, the sleeve comprises a stainless steel. The sleeve can be produced or manufactured, for example, by deep-drawing. Here and below, the sleeve may also be referred to as an outer sleeve or as a metal sleeve.

According to another embodiment, this is

Fastener at least partially in the sleeve

arranged. Preferably, the at least partially wedge-shaped thermistor element and the at least partially wedge-shaped fastening element can be arranged directed against one another in the sleeve. For example, that can

Fastener have a the thermistor element opposite wedge shape. Furthermore, the

Thermistor element and the fastening element particularly preferably be clamped together in the sleeve.

In particular, the wedge shape of the thermistor element may have a narrow end and a wide end, wherein the

Thermistor element in terms of its wedge shape so in the sleeve, which is preferably closed at one end, is inserted, that the wide end of the wedge shape is directed to the closed end of the sleeve or particularly preferably rests against the closed end of the sleeve. The

Fastening element has in this case, one of the wedge shape of the thermistor element opposing wedge shape and is provided with a narrow wedge end in the direction of

Thermistor element pushed onto the thermistor element until the fastener jammed between the sleeve wall and the thermistor. The clamping and the shapes of the thermistor element, the fastening element and the sleeve can advantageously be designed such that a positive connection of the thermistor element and / or the fastening element takes place on the sleeve. For this purpose, the thermistor element and the fastening element of their

respective wedge surface opposite lateral surfaces

have, which have a shape corresponding to the wall shape of the sleeve.

According to another disclosed embodiment, the

Fixing element electrically insulating or non-conductive properties. The fastening element may comprise, for example, a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic. According to one

In the preferred embodiment, the fastening element has at least one of the materials polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (PA) or liquid crystal polymer (LCP). According to a particularly preferred

Out of leadership form, the fastener

Polybutylene terephthalate PBT-GF30 on.

According to another disclosed embodiment, the

Fastening element electrical and / or thermoelectric properties. For example, that can Fixing element serve as an electrical supply or as an electrical contact of the thermistor element.

According to another embodiment, this is

Fastener as another thermistor element

executed. The thermoelectric module can thus have at least two at least partially wedge-shaped thermistor elements, which are arranged in the sleeve. Preferably, the thermistor elements are arranged in the sleeve directed against each other and in the sleeve together

jammed, a positive connection of the

Thermistor elements takes place on the sleeve. With such a thermoelectric module advantageously a particularly good heat transfer can be ensured.

According to a further embodiment, the

Fastener several items on. The

Fastener may be formed, for example, in two parts or more parts. In particular, that can

Fastener be constructed of two or more items in the form of a composite fastener. In the case of a two-part or multi-part design, all individual parts of the fastening element can at least partially have a wedge shape. But it can also be that

Fastening receives its at least partially wedge-shaped configuration after assembling the items.

According to another embodiment, a contact element is provided. Preferably, the contact element is at least partially disposed in the sleeve and contacts the

Thermistor. The contact element can be formed, for example, a metallic contact element and can in Also referred to below as contact strips or as inner contact strips. Preferably, the contact element on stainless steel and / or copper and / or aluminum. According to a preferred

From a guideform, the contact element between the

Thermistor element and the fastener arranged. In other words, the contact element between the

Wedge surfaces of the thermistor element and the

Fastener be arranged and jammed. In this case, the contact element preferably protrudes with one end out of the sleeve.

According to another disclosed embodiment, the

Thermistor element a wedge-shaped groove, hereinafter also referred to as contact groove, on. Preferably that is

Contact element at least partially in the contact groove

arranged. For example, the contact element may be fixed in the contact groove of the thermistor element.

According to another embodiment, the contact element of the fastening element is at least partially

enclosed and is clamped with the fastener. In particular, the contact element can be arranged between two or more individual parts which form the fastening element after assembly.

For example, the contact element may be at least partially enclosed by two individual parts.

According to one disclosed embodiment, the at least partially wedge-shaped thermistor element in the sleeve with the

Contact element clamped by the fastener so that a positive connection of the thermistor element is made to the sleeve. Preferably, the contact element in the

Fixing element, which can serve as a detent, be so embedded that when clamping the thermistor element in the sleeve, the contact element by or between the thermistor, in particular between the

Thermistor element and the lock, is pressed.

With regard to the embodiment in which the

Fastening element is designed as a further thermistor, the thermistor elements are preferably in their facing inner surface each with a contact groove

Mistake. For example, the groove each has a depth which is less than half the thickness of a therein

clamped contact element. This can ensure that when clamping the thermistor elements in the sleeve, the contact element is pressed between the thermistor elements.

According to another embodiment, the positive connection between the thermistor element and the sleeve is not rigid. This may mean, for example, that the connection is based on a clamping or pressing and preferably low movements of the individual elements to each other due to different

thermal expansion allows. A rigid connection, which is achieved for example by gluing or soldering, however, could lead to mechanical damage of the

Lead thermistor element.

By the positive, but not rigid connection between the thermistor and the sleeve good thermal contact and thus optimum heat transfer can be achieved. According to another disclosed embodiment, the

Thermistor element on its outside a metallized lateral surface. It is preferred that the

Having a thermistor element on one of the sleeve side facing a metallized lateral surface. Is this

Fastener as another thermistor element

executed, so the other thermistor element on its outside also a metallized lateral surface

exhibit .

According to a further

for example as

executed, wherein

thermistor

Preferably success

thermistor

Lateral surface, the

According to another embodiment, the shape is between

Metal sleeve and the thermistor element arranged on one side with metal, non-conductive film. The film is facing the thermistor element with its metal-coated side. This can, if so

required to be achieved with advantage that at the

Outer sleeve no potential is applied because the non-conductive Foli the thermistor element from the sleeve electrically isolated. Thus, on the one hand, the electrical contact to the

Thermistor element allows and on the other hand, the insulation to the outer sleeve are guaranteed at the same time good thermal connection. In another

Out of leadership form, the outer sleeve and non-metallic materials such as ceramic, glass or plastic have. In a further disclosed embodiment, between the sleeve and the jacket surface of the thermistor element facing the sleeve, an electrical external contact element, which may for example be designed as described above for the contact element, is arranged in electrical contact with the thermistor element. The outer contact element, like the contact element, can be fastened by clamping in the sleeve.

Prevention of mechanical damage by the

different thermal expansions of the materials as well as a very good thermal and electrical contact are realized by a permanent Klemmkontaktierung. The occurring clamping forces acting on the ceramic

Thermistor element act, only generate compressive stresses. Tensile stresses are avoided in the thermistor ceramic and thus damage can be excluded.

The thermistor element can also be designed such that it has a part of a cylindrical body.

Furthermore, the thermistor element can be designed such that it resembles a body which is formed by a diagonal section through the longitudinal axis of a cylindrical body. Furthermore, the thermistor element a

cylindrical body having a wedge-shaped

Has recess along the cylinder axis.

The cylindrical body may, for example, a round, about a circular or elliptical, cross-section

exhibit. However, it is also possible that the

Thermistor element a body, preferably a

cylindrical body or a part thereof, having a rectangular or polygonal cross-section. The cross section of the cylindrical body can in particular the inner cross section the sleeve correspond to a along the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve all-round thermal coupling of the

To reach the thermistor element to the sleeve.

According to another embodiment, the

Thermistor element via its wedge surface, for example via the formed in the wedge surface contact groove, the

Example can be metallized, and contacted via its lateral surface, which may also be metallized. The

Contacting the thermistor element via its wedge surface can also be used as an inner contact, the contacting of the

Thermistor element be referred to over its lateral surface as an external contact. The thermistor element is preferably shaped so that at a front side of the thermistor element, for example at the narrow end of the thermistor element, a minimum contact distance between inner and outer contact corresponds to a contact distance, which by the smallest contact distance between the longitudinal inner

Contact groove and the metallized lateral surface is formed.

According to another embodiment, the contact element outside the sleeve has one or more terminal lugs, which can serve as additional electrical contact. The terminal lugs can for example be designed so that commercially available tabs can be connected. For example, the terminal lugs can be designed as contact plates.

According to another embodiment, crimp connections are provided for making electrical contact with the terminal lugs, for example on the contact plates. According to another embodiment, between the

Thermistor element and the sleeve arranged a thermal conductive paste. As a result, an even better heat transfer between the thermistor element and the sleeve can be achieved.

According to another embodiment, this may be here

described thermoelectric module can be used for example as a heating cartridge for heating media that surround the sleeve. This is done at the here

described thermoelectric module, a combination of an electrical functional element, such as the thermistor element for heating, and a mechanical

Clamping, which by means of at least partial

wedge-shaped embodiments of the thermistor element and the fastening element can be realized in one

Component. Thus, such a heating arrangement in a deep-drawn, for example, metal sleeves without large

Heat transfer losses occur. As a result, such a heating cartridge, which is used for heating media that flow around the module, characterized by a high efficiency.

Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the thermoelectric module result from the embodiments described below in conjunction with FIGS. 1A to 7C

Execution forms.

Show it:

Figures 1A to 1D and 2A to 2D are schematic views of thermistor elements according to various

Embodiments, Figures 3A to 3C are schematic views of a

Fastener according to another

Embodiment,

Figures 4A to 4C are schematic views of a

thermoelectric module according to another

Embodiment,

Figures 5A to 5F are schematic views of individual

Process steps in the assembly of the thermoelectric

Module according to the embodiment of FIGS. 4A to 4C,

Figures 6A to 6C are schematic views of a

thermoelectric module according to another

Embodiment, and

FIGS. 7A to 7C are schematic sectional drawings of FIG

thermoelectric module according to the embodiment of Figures 6A to 6C.

A thermistor element 3 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown in a schematic representation in FIGS. 1A to 1D. The thermistor element 3, which in the shown

Embodiment is designed as a PTC element and has a functional ceramic based on BaTiC> 3, has a wedge shape with a narrow end 34 and a wide end 35. From the narrow end 34 to the wide end 35, a wedge surface 33 and a lateral surface 32 which connect the narrow and the wide end 34, 35 with each other extends. The basic shape of the thermistor element 3 may, for example, theoretically be given by a diagonal section through the longitudinal axis of a cylinder underlying the thermistor element form. In this case, the lateral surface 32 of the Thermistor element 3 from a portion of the lateral surface of the cylinder forth. The wedge surface 33 corresponds to the

Cutting surface when cutting through the cylinder.

For contacting the thermistor element 3, this may have a metallization on the lateral surface 32. Furthermore, the wedge surface 33 in the illustrated embodiment, a contact groove 31, which may also be metallized and extending groove-shaped from the wide end 35 to the narrow end 34. Alternatively, the thermistor element 3 can also be designed without groove-shaped contact groove 31 or with a contact groove of a different shape. The function of

Contact groove 31 will be explained in more detail below.

The arrows 14 to 16 each show different

Viewing directions of the thermistor element 3 in Figure 1A, the resulting views of the

Thermistor element 3 are shown in Figures 1B to 1D. In particular, in FIG. 1B a lateral view from the viewing direction 16 onto the lateral surface 32 of FIG

Thermistor element 3 shown. Figure IC shows from the

Viewing direction 15 is a view of the broad end 35 and Figure 1D from the viewing direction 14 is a view of the narrow end 34 of the wedge-shaped thermistor element. 3

Alternatively to the circular cross-section of the

Thermistor element underlying this cylinder, for example, this may also have an oval, elliptical or polygonal shape or a combination thereof.

FIGS. 2A to 2D show schematic views of a thermistor element 3 according to a further exemplary embodiment. The thermistor element 3 is as in the preceding Embodiment designed as a PTC element and in turn has a narrow end 34 and a wide end 35 and a narrow and the wide end 34, 35 connecting

Lateral surface 32.

Furthermore, the thermistor element 3 has a groove

or groove-shaped wedge surface 33, which extends from the wide end 35 to the narrow end 34. The

Channel-shaped wedge surface 33 may simultaneously form a contact groove 31, which may preferably be metallized and whose operation will be described below.

The basic shape of the thermistor element 3 corresponds to a cylindrical body which has a wedge-shaped recess for forming the channel-shaped wedge surface 33. The cylindrical shape on which the thermistor element 3 of FIGS. 2A to 2D is based may alternatively be circular

Cross section also have an oval, elliptical or polygonal shape or a combination thereof. The lateral surface 32 may also be metallized for better contacting.

Furthermore, the thermistor element 3 at the wide end 35 has a round outer shape or outer surface. The round outer shape can in particular be adapted to a corresponding round inner shape of a sleeve, as shown, for example, in connection with the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 4A to 5F and in particular in FIG. 4C. Thereby, the contact area between the thermistor element 3 and such a sleeve can be increased.

The arrows 14 and 15 represent viewing directions on the narrow end 34 and wide end 35 of the thermistor element 3, and the reference numeral 19 denotes a sectional plane through the thermistor element 3 across the

Main extension direction of the channel-shaped wedge surface 33rd

FIG. 2B shows a view from the viewing direction 14 on the wide end 35 of the thermistor element 3, FIG. 2D shows a view from the viewing direction 15 onto the narrow end 34 of the thermistor element 3, and FIG. 2C shows a sectional view along the sectional plane 19 through the thermistor element 3. FIG can be seen from Figures 2A to 2D, flattens the

Wedge surface 33 of the thermistor element 3 from the wide end 35 to the narrow end 34 down.

Figure 3A shows a schematic view of a

Fastener 4 according to another

Embodiment, wherein the fastening element 4 is designed purely by way of example electrically insulating and has a thermoplastic material. Alternatively, the fastener 4 also electrical and / or

have thermoelectric properties and to a corresponding electrically conductive and / or

have or be thermoelectric material.

The fastening element 4 is at least partially wedge-shaped. The fastening element 4 has, in particular, a wedge surface 43 and a lateral surface 42, which connect a narrow end 44 to a wide end 45 of the wedge-shaped region of the fastening element 4.

Preferably, the fastener is in terms of

outer shape designed so that it with his

Wedge surface 43 form-fitting manner to the wedge surface of a

Thermistor element 3 can be arranged. Reference numerals 17 and 18 represent a viewing direction of the narrow end 44 and a sectional plane through the

Fastener 4 at the wide end 45 of the wedge-shaped region. The corresponding views of

Fastener 4 are shown in Figures 3B and 3C.

FIGS. 4A to 4C show a thermoelectric module 1 according to a further exemplary embodiment. The

Thermoelectric module 1 can be referred to here and below as a heating module or as a heating lance module.

FIG. 4A shows the thermoelectric module 1 in one

Exploded view. The thermoelectric module 1 has a sleeve 2 which is designed as a metal sleeve and preferably comprises or is made of a stainless steel or a stainless steel. For example only, the metal sleeve 2 in the embodiment shown has a length of 60.2 mm.

Furthermore, the thermoelectric module 1 a

Thermistor element 3, which purely by way of example as described in connection with Figures 2A to 2D

Thermistor element is executed, as well as a

Fastener 4, at least partially as described in connection with Figures 3A to 3C

Fastening element can be executed. In contrast to the fastening element shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the fastening element 4 is here designed in two parts and thus comprises two individual parts 401, 402. The individual parts 401, 402 of the fastening element 4 each have one

wedge-shaped region, which is adapted to the shape of the groove-shaped wedge surface 33 of the thermistor element 3. The Trough-shaped wedge surface 33 of the thermistor element 3 is formed such that the thermistor element 3 and the individual parts 401, 402 of the fastening element 4 can jam with their wedge-shaped parts after insertion into the metal sleeve 2.

The individual parts 401, 402 of the fastening element 4 are in the illustrated embodiment of a thermoplastic material, for example made of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (PA) or of a liquid crystal polymer

(liquid crystal polymer, LCP).

Furthermore, the thermoelectric module 1

Contact element 5 made of a stainless steel, which is designed as a contact strip. Alternatively, the

Be contact element 5 also made of copper or aluminum or at least one of said materials. Trained as metallized contact groove 31 groove-shaped

Wedge surface 33 of the thermistor element 3 serves the

Contact with the contact element 5. To the external

Contacting outside the sleeve 2, the contact element 5 has a connection lug 51.

As described below in connection with FIGS. 5A to 5F, in assembling the

thermoelectric module 1, the fastening element 4 and the contact element 5 are joined together such that the

Contact element 5 is at least partially enclosed by the individual parts 401, 402 of the fastening element 4. After insertion of the thermistor element 3 and the fastener 4 enclosing the fastener 4 in the metal sleeve 2, the thermoelectric module 1 with a

Closure element 6, for example an adhesive or a an adhesive seal, sealed and

sealed. The closure element 6 can, as can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4C, have an opening in the form of a slot, through which the contact element 5

can protrude through. The opening in the closure element 6 may already be present before assembly or be formed by insertion into the sleeve 2.

FIGS. 4B and 4C show the thermoelectric module 1 from FIG. 4A in an assembled form, wherein FIG. 4C shows a sectional view of the thermoelectric module 1, so that the arrangement of the thermistor element 3, the

Fastener 4 and the contact element 5 can be seen in the sleeve 2.

The thermistor element 3 can be contacted on the wedge surface 33 by means of the contact element 5 projecting beyond the metal sleeve 2.

The external contact of the thermoelectric module 1 takes place in the illustrated embodiment via the metal sleeve 2 and the pressed against the inside of the metal sleeve 2 metallized outer surface 32 of the thermistor element. 3

Alternatively, for example, at least one

External contact element between the sleeve 2 and the

Be clamped thermistor element 3, over which the

Jacket surface 32 of the thermistor element 3 can be contacted. This can in particular in the case of an electrically insulating sleeve or a floating sleeve, as described above in the general part,

be beneficial. The contact element 5 enclosing, at least partially wedge-shaped fastening element 4 and the at least partially wedge-shaped thermistor element 3 are directed against each other in the sleeve 2 clamped together. It can thereby be achieved that the fastening element 4 and the

Thermistor element 3 are pressed in each case to parts of the inside of the sleeve 2.

By the positive connection of the thermistor element and the sleeve 2, for example, a heating arrangement can be realized in a deep-drawn metal sleeve, can be avoided in the heat transfer losses.

FIGS. 5A to 5F show an exemplary embodiment of methods for producing the thermoelectric module 1 in FIGS. 4A to 4C.

FIG. 5A shows a first method step in FIG

Assembly of the thermoelectric module 1. In this case, the thermistor element 3 in the provided sleeve. 2

used, wherein the wide end 35 of the thermistor element 3 is directed to the closed end of the sleeve 2. The arrow 10 represents the direction along which the

Thermistor element 3 is inserted into the sleeve 2. To the

Inserting the thermistor element 3 into the metal sleeve 2, for example, an alignment device can be used. After insertion into the sleeve 2, the thermistor element 3 is applied to the closed end of the sleeve.

FIG. 5B shows a further method step in which the individual parts 401, 402 of the fastening element 4 are preassembled. Here are the two plastic

having items 401 and 402, also known as left-side attachment part 401 and right-sided

Fastener 402 may be designated and form a composite fastener after assembly, connected together so that they at least partially enclose the contact element 5. The individual parts 401 and 402 each have a groove in which the contact element 5 to the wedge-shaped region of the individual parts 401 and 402

runs. In the wedge-shaped region of the individual parts 401 and 402, the contact element extends lying open along the

Wedge surface. The joining of the two individual parts 401, 402 is illustrated by means of the arrows 11. The the

Contact element 5 at least partially enclosing

Composite fastener 4 has the above-described wedge shape after assembly.

In a next method step, which is shown in Figure 5C, the fastener 4 is used together with the

Contact element 5 is inserted into the metal sleeve 2. In turn, an alignment device can be used for this purpose. The arrow 12 represents the insertion direction. The wedge shape of the contact element 5 at least partially enclosing

Fastener 4 is the wedge shape of

Thermistor element 3 counteracted by the

Fastener 4 with the narrow end 44 in the direction of the closed end of the sleeve 2 on the

Thermistor element 3 is pushed.

Subsequently, the fastening element 4 and the

Contact element 5, as shown in Figure 5D, for

Attachment and clamped with the thermistor element 3 against the thermistor element 3. The applied force or the applied pressure 13 provides for a

Clamping force, which makes an electrical and thermal contact both between the thermistor element 3 and the metal sleeve 2 and between the thermistor element 3 and the

Contact element 5 guaranteed.

FIG. 5E shows the thermoelectric module 1 after

Implementation of the method steps 5A to 5D with

Looking towards the opening of the sleeve. 2

For closing the thermoelectric module 1, as shown in Fig. 5F, a sealing member 6, for example, formed by an adhesive such as a thermosetting adhesive, is inserted into the annular opening of the metal shell 2 on the end of the fastening member 4 and between

Contact element 5 and the metal sleeve 2 introduced. This ensures that the thermoelectric module 1 is permanently closed and sealed.

FIGS. 6A to 6C show a thermoelectric module 1 according to a further exemplary embodiment, FIG. 6A showing the thermoelectric module 1 in one embodiment

Exploded view and Figure 6B shows the thermoelectric module 1 in a sectional view.

The fastening element 4 of the thermoelectric module 1 is embodied here as a further thermistor element in the form of a PTC element. The thermoelectric module 1 thus has two wedge-shaped thermistor elements 3, 4, each of which is designed like the thermistor element described in connection with FIGS. 1A to 1D. The

Thermistor elements 3, 4 are in a metal sleeve. 2

arranged. Between the two thermistor elements 3, 4, a contact element 5 is arranged, wherein the thermistor elements 3, 4 within the metal sleeve 2, the contact element. 5

lock in .

Furthermore, the contact element 5 has a connection lug 51, via which the contact element 5 and thus the

Thermistor elements 3, 4 can be contacted at the respective wedge surface.

The two wedge-shaped thermistor elements 3, 4 are arranged in the sleeve 2 against each other. you are

in particular directed against each other in the sleeve 2 so jammed together that they each with their

Jacket surface are pressed against the inside of the sleeve 2 and so a positive connection to the sleeve 2 takes place. By the positive connection of the thermistor elements 3, 4 to the sleeve 2, for example, a heating arrangement can be realized in, for example, a deep-drawn metal sleeve, in the heat transfer losses can be avoided, since an optimal heat transfer between the

Thermistor elements 3, 4 and the metal sleeve 2 can be achieved.

FIG. 6C shows a schematic view of FIG

thermoelectric module 1 of Figure 5 in a plan view of an upper side of the sleeve 2, which is provided for contacting the module 1. The contact element 5, which as

strip-shaped contact element is executed, projects beyond the sleeve 2 on this side of the metal sleeve 2. In the interior of the sleeve 2, the contact element 5, however, of the two wedge-shaped thermistor elements 3, 4th

locked in. The metallized contact groove 31 of

Thermistor elements 3, 4 each serve for contacting with the contact element 5. The contact groove 31 has one each Depth is less than half the thickness of the clamped therein contact element 5. This ensures that when clamping the PTC elements 3, 4 in the sleeve 2, the contact element 5 between the PTC elements 3, 4 is pressed.

The external contact over the lateral surfaces of the

Thermistor elements 3, 4 via the metal sleeve 2 and in particular via the respectively pressed onto the inside of the metal sleeve 2 metallized outer lateral surfaces of the thermistor elements 3, 4th

Alternatively, for example, at least one

External contact element between the sleeve 2 and at least one and preferably two thermistor elements 3, 4 be clamped over which the lateral surfaces of the thermistor elements 3, 4 can be contacted. This can be advantageous in particular in the case of an electrically insulating sleeve or a floating sleeve as described above in the general part.

FIGS. 7A to 7C show schematic sectional drawings and an external view of the thermoelectric module 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 6A to 6C

different directions. These are purely exemplary

Dimensions for a particularly preferred embodiment shown that has already been tested as a prototype.

The thermoelectric modules 1 shown in the figures can serve in particular as heating cartridges for heating, which surround the thermoelectric module 1. The invention is not limited by the description with reference to the embodiments. Rather, the includes

Invention every new feature as well as every combination of

Features, which includes in particular any combination of features in the claims, even if this feature or this combination itself is not explicitly in the

Claims or embodiments is given.

Reference sign list

1 thermoelectric module

2 sleeve

3 thermistor element

31 contact groove

32, 42 lateral surface

33, 43 wedge surface

34, 44 narrow end

35, 45 wide end

4 fastener 401, 402 item

5 contact element

51 connection lug

6 closure element

10 to 17 direction

18, 19 cutting plane

Claims

claims

1. Thermoelectric module (1), comprising

a sleeve (2),

- An at least partially wedge-shaped thermistor element (3) and

- An at least partially wedge-shaped fastener

(4),

wherein the thermistor element (3) with the fastening element (4) in the sleeve (2) is clamped such that a positive connection of the thermistor element (3) to the sleeve (2).

2. Thermoelectric module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element (4) is electrically insulating.

3. Thermoelectric module (1) according to claim 2, wherein the fastening element (4) comprises a thermoplastic material, such as polybutylene terephthalate, polyamide or liquid crystal polymer.

4. Thermoelectric module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element (4) has electrical and / or thermoelectric properties.

5. Thermoelectric module (1) according to claim 4, wherein the fastening element (4) as a further

Thermistor element is executed.

6. Thermoelectric module (1) according to one of

previous claims, wherein the

Fastening element (4) several individual parts (401, 402) and each of the individual parts (401, 402) at least partially has a wedge shape.

7. Thermoelectric module (1) according to one of

previous claims, wherein a contact element (5) between the thermistor element (3) and the

Fastener (4) is arranged and out of the sleeve

(2) stands out.

8. Thermoelectric module (1) according to claim 7, wherein the fastening element (4) a plurality of individual parts (401, 402) and the contact element (5) between two individual parts (401, 402) of the fastening element (4) is arranged.

9. Thermoelectric module (1) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the thermistor element (3) a

Contact groove (31), in which the contact element (5) is arranged at least partially.

10. Thermoelectric module (1) according to one of

preceding claims, wherein the thermistor element

(3) on a side facing the sleeve (2) has a metallized lateral surface (32).

11. Thermoelectric module (1) according to one of

preceding claim, wherein the sleeve (2)

is carried out electrically conductive and an electrical contacting of the thermistor element (3) by means of the sleeve (2).

12. A thermoelectric module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein between the thermistor element (3) and the sleeve (2) is arranged on one side coated with metal, non-conductive film, wherein the film with its metal-coated side of the

Thermistor element (3) faces.

13. Thermoelectric module (1) according to one of

preceding claims, wherein the thermistor element

(3) has a jacket surface (32) facing the sleeve (2) and between the sleeve (2) and the jacket surface

(32) an electrical contacting element is arranged, which protrudes partially from the sleeve (2).

14. Thermoelectric module (1) according to one of

preceding claims, wherein between the

Thermistor element (3) and the sleeve (2) is arranged a thermal conductive paste.

15. Use of the thermoelectric module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14 as a heating cartridge for heating a thermoelectric module (1) surrounding

Medium.