阅读说明：本技术 Ptc加热模块 (PTC heating module ) 是由 迈克尔·科尔 斯蒂芬·佩措尔德 蒂姆·泰希曼 福克·菲里格 于 2019-05-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及用于加热流体的PTC加热模块。该模块包括具有彼此相对的两个主侧的至少一个PTC热敏电阻,这两个主侧间隔开并限定PTC热敏电阻的热敏电阻厚度。该模块还包括两个接触板,在两个接触板之间布置有与两个接触板电接触的相应PTC热敏电阻。PTC加热模块包括具有接触侧的至少一个接触座,接触座在一侧以其接触侧导电地抵靠相应PTC热敏电阻的一个主侧,在另一侧导电地抵靠一个接触板。由于至少一个接触座的厚度,一个接触板和另一接触板之间的距离增大。相应PTC热敏电阻的主侧和至少一个接触座的接触侧之间的几何接触表面也小于相应PTC热敏电阻的主侧的几何表面。因此,PTC加热模块中的爬电和/或间隙距离大于PTC热敏电阻的热敏电阻厚度。(The present invention relates to a PTC heating module for heating a fluid. The module includes at least one PTC thermistor having two major sides opposite each other, the two major sides being spaced apart and defining a thermistor thickness of the PTC thermistor. The module also comprises two contact plates between which respective PTC thermistors are arranged in electrical contact with the two contact plates. The PTC heating module comprises at least one contact base having a contact side, which contact base bears with its contact side electrically conductively against one main side of the respective PTC thermistor on one side and against one contact plate on the other side. Due to the thickness of at least one contact base, the distance between one contact plate and the other contact plate increases. The geometric contact surface between the main side of the respective PTC thermistor and the contact side of the at least one contact receptacle is also smaller than the geometric surface of the main side of the respective PTC thermistor. Thus, the creepage and/or clearance distance in the PTC heating module is greater than the thermistor thickness of the PTC thermistor.)

1. A PTC heating module (1) for heating a fluid,

-wherein the PTC heating module (1) comprises at least one rectangular parallelepiped PTC thermistor (2), the rectangular parallelepiped PTC thermistor (2) having two main sides (3a, 3b) opposite to each other, the main sides (3a, 3b) being spaced apart and defining a thermistor thickness (D) of the PTC thermistor (2)_PTC)；

-wherein the PTC heating module (1) comprises two contact plates (4a, 4b) between which a respective PTC thermistor (2) is arranged in electrical contact with the contact plates;

the method is characterized in that:

-the PTC heating module (1) comprises at least one contact seat (5a, 5b) having a contact side (6a, 6b), which contact seat (5a, 5b) bears with its contact side (6a, 6b) conductively against one main side (3a, 3b) of the respective PTC thermistor (2) on one side and against one contact plate (4a, 4b) conductively on the other side;

-due to the thickness (D) of the at least one contact socket (5a, 5b)_S) The distance between one contact plate (4a, 4b) and the other contact plate (4a, 4b) increases, and the geometric contact surface (F) between the main side (3a, 3b) of the respective PTC thermistor (2) and the contact side (6a, 6b) of the at least one contact base (5a, 5b) is increased_K,A、F_K,B) A geometric surface (F) smaller than the main side (3a, 3b) of the corresponding PTC thermistor (2)_PTC) Such that the gap distance (7a) from the one contact plate (4a, 4b) to the other contact plate (4a, 4b) and the creepage distance (7b) from the at least one contact socket (5a, 5b) to the other contact plate (4a, 4b) are greater than the thermistor thickness (D) of the PTC thermistor (2)_PTC)。

2. PTC heating module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that

-the PTC heating module (1) comprises two contact seats (5a, 5b) having contact sides (6a, 6b), the respective contact seat (5a, 5b) being conductively abutted with its contact side (6a, 6b) against the respective main side (3a, 3b) of the PTC thermistor (2) on one side and against the respective contact plate (4a, 4b) on the other side, and

-the creepage distance (7c) between the two contact sockets (5a, 5b) is greater than the thermistor thickness (D) of the PTC thermistor (2)_PTC)。

3. PTC heating module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

-defining said geometric surface (F)_PTC) Of the main side (3a, 3B) of the respective PTC thermistor (2)_PTC) Greater than a defined geometric surface (F)_S,A、F_S,B) Of the contact side (6a, 6B) of the at least one contact socket (5a, 5B)_S,A、B_S,B) And an

-the respective PTC thermistor (2) protrudes in the width direction (BR) from both sides of the at least one contact base (5a, 5b) such that the creepage distance (7) between the at least one contact base (5a, 5b) and the further contact plate (4a, 4b) is larger than the PTC thermistorThickness (D) of thermistor of resistor (2)_PTC)。

4. PTC heating module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

-defining a geometric surface (F)_PTC) Of the main side (3a, 3b) of the respective PTC thermistor (2)_PTC) Greater than a defined geometric surface (F)_S,A、F_S,B) Of the at least one contact socket (5a, 5b) has a length (L) of the contact side (6a, 6b)_S,A、L_S,B) And an

-the respective PTC thermistor (2) protrudes in the longitudinal direction (LR) from both sides of the at least one contact seat (5a, 5b) such that a creepage distance (7) between the at least one contact seat (5a, 5b) and the further contact plate (4a, 4b) is greater than a thermistor thickness (D) of the PTC thermistor (2)_PTC)。

5. PTC heating module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

-an electrically conductive coating (8a, 8b) is fixed on a main side (3a, 3b) of the PTC thermistor (2) and arranged between the contact side (6a, 6b) of the at least one contact seat (5a, 5b) and the main side (3a, 3b) of the respective PTC thermistor (2), and

-the geometric surface (F) of the coating (8a, 8b)_B,A、F_B,B) Corresponding to said geometric contact surface (F)_K,A、F_K,B)。

6. PTC heating module according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the at least one contact base (5a, 5b) is formed integrally with one contact plate (4a, 4 b).

7. PTC heating module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

The geometric cross-sectional area of the at least one contact receptacle (5a, 5b) increases continuously or in stages from the contact side (6a, 6b) in the direction of one contact plate (4a, 4 b).

8. PTC heating module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

-the first contact plate (4a) forms a first housing part (9a) and the further contact plate (4b) forms a second housing part (9b) which is electrically insulated from the first housing part (9a), and

-the first housing part (9a) and the second housing part (9b) form a housing (9), the housing (9) enclosing the respective PTC thermistor (2).

9. The PTC heating module according to claim 8,

the housing (9) is electrically insulated from the outside at least in part by an insulating layer (10).

10. PTC heating module according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that,

the housing (9) is at least partially filled with a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material.

11. PTC heating module according to one of the preceding claims,

two contact sockets (5a, 5b) are arranged on the respective PTC thermistor (2) and bear with respective contact surfaces (6a, 6b) against the main surfaces (3a, 3b) of the respective PTC thermistor (2).

12. PTC heating module according to one of the preceding claims,

the PTC heating module (1) comprises a plurality of PTC thermistors (2), wherein the plurality of PTC thermistors (2) are arranged between contact plates (4a, 4b) and are in electrical contact with the contact plates, and are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction (LR).

13. PTC heating module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

The creepage and/or clearance distance corresponds to 110 to 500%, in particular 120 to 300%, of the thermistor thickness of the respective thermistor.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a PTC heating module for heating a fluid according to the preamble of claim 1.

Background

An electric heater for a hybrid or electric vehicle generally includes a plurality of PTC heating modules (PTC: positive temperature coefficient) having PTC thermistors composed of ceramic resistors. The resistor has a temperature dependent resistance that increases with increasing temperature. Therefore, the temperature change of the PTC thermistor is very small regardless of the edge conditions such as voltage and rated resistance. Therefore, it is advantageous to prevent the PTC thermistor from overheating. The electric heater may be used at cold ambient temperatures, for example during start-up and while driving, to maintain the temperature in the passenger compartment or battery. The air, fresh air and/or recirculation air is heated directly by an electric heater or indirectly by a heat exchanger, to which another fluid, for example a cooling liquid, is supplied, which fluid is heated by the electric heater. Subsequently, the heated air is directed into the passenger cabin. Within the passenger cabin, the heated air can dissipate the stored heat, thereby heating the passenger cabin. For electric vehicles, an electric heater is generally the only heating means.

In a hybrid or electric vehicle, the PTC heating module is powered by a drive battery, which currently provides a voltage of 150 to 500 volts. Future voltage demands are as high as 800 volts. Therefore, contact protection is important for protecting passengers. In particular all conductive elements and elements that can be contacted from the outside must be at zero potential. For this purpose, the PTC thermistor is electrically insulated from the outside by an electrical insulation member, wherein the electrical insulation member is thermally conductive so as to directly dissipate heat through the insulation member. In addition, the contact electrodes in a PTC thermistor must be sufficiently spaced to maintain creepage and clearance distances, with the distance between two contact electrodes increasing with increasing voltage. In the conventional PTC heating module, two contact electrodes are in contact with the entire surface of the PTC thermistor such that the distance between the contact electrodes corresponds to the thickness of the PTC thermistor.

As the voltage increases, the thickness of the PTC thermistor must be increased to maintain creepage and clearance distances in the PTC heating module. Thus, for a voltage of 400V in the PTC heating module, the necessary distance between the contact electrodes is about 2 mm. For a voltage of 800V, the distance between the two contact electrodes should be increased to about 4 mm. However, since the ceramic resistor has low thermal conductivity, it is difficult for a thicker ceramic resistor to dissipate heat from the inner region of the PTC thermistor. As a result, the temperature in the inner region of the PTC thermistor increases, with a consequent increase in resistance. This disadvantageously reduces the output of the PTC heating module.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose an improved or at least alternative embodiment for a universal PTC heating module, in order to overcome said drawbacks. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to maintain creepage and clearance distances in compliance with distance standards without affecting the output of the PTC heating modules.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The PTC heating module for heating a fluid of the present invention comprises at least one rectangular parallelepiped PTC thermistor having two main sides opposed to each other, the main sides being arranged at a spacing and defining a thermistor thickness of the PTC thermistor. The PTC heating module further comprises two contact plates between which the PTC thermistor is arranged and which are in electrical contact with the respective PTC thermistor. According to the invention, the PTC heating module comprises at least one contact socket having a contact side, which contact socket bears with its contact side conductively against one main side of the respective PTC thermistor on one side and against one contact plate on the other side. Due to the thickness of at least one contact base, the distance between one contact plate and the other contact plate increases. Furthermore, the geometric contact surface between the main side of the respective PTC thermistor and the contact side of the at least one contact receptacle is smaller than the geometric surface of the main side of the respective PTC thermistor. The creepage and/or clearance distance from one contact plate and/or from at least one contact socket to another contact plate and/or to at least one contact socket is therefore greater than the thermistor thickness of the PTC thermistor.

Conveniently, the contact plate and the at least one contact base in the PTC heating module according to the present invention have both thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity, so that a prescribed voltage can be applied to the corresponding PTC thermistor through the contact plate and the at least one contact base, and heat generated in the corresponding PTC thermistor can be effectively dissipated to the outside. The distance between the two contact plates can advantageously be adapted to the specified voltage by the thickness of the contact base, not by the thickness of the thermistor. The gap distance between one contact plate and the other contact plate (corresponding to the distance therebetween) is greater than the thermistor thickness of the corresponding PTC thermistor. The creepage distance from at least one contact base to the other contact plate can also be adapted to the specified voltage by the contact surface, not by the thickness of the thermistor. The thermistor thickness of the respective PTC thermistor is therefore independent of the specified voltage, enabling adaptation to the desired output of the PTC heating module compared to conventional solutions. Thus, for a randomly specified voltage independent of the thickness of the thermistor, short circuits in the PTC heating module can be avoided.

In this context, the term "larger" means that the creepage and/or clearance distance between one contact plate and the other contact plate exceeds 100% of the thermistor thickness of the respective thermistor. The creepage and/or clearance distance is set to exceed 110% to 500%, in particular 120% to 300%, of the thermistor thickness of the respective PTC thermistor. The contact surface is a geometric surface on which the contact side of the at least one contact receptacle abuts against and is in electrically conductive contact with a main side of the PTC thermistor. Thus, the geometric surface of the contact side of the at least one contact socket can correspond to the geometric contact surface or be larger than the contact surface. The geometric surface of the respective contact plate can be larger than the geometric surface of the main side of the respective PTC thermistor and larger than the contact surface. In particular, the heat generated in the PTC thermistor can be dissipated directly or via contact sockets on a large surface to the corresponding contact plate, which is then transferred to the outside. Therefore, the output of the PTC heating module can be significantly increased.

By means of one advantageous configuration of the PTC heating module, it can be provided that two contact sockets are arranged on the respective PTC thermistor, which contact sockets bear with respective contact surfaces against the main surfaces of the respective PTC thermistor. By means of this design of the PTC heating module, the creepage and/or clearance distance between the two contact sockets and/or the two contact plates is expediently greater than the thermistor thickness of the respective PTC thermistor. Advantageously, the PTC heating module may comprise a plurality of PTC thermistors which are arranged adjacent to one another in the longitudinal direction between the contact plates and are in electrical contact with the contact plates.

According to the invention, with further development of the PTC heating module, it is provided that the width of the main side of the respective PTC thermistor which defines the geometric surface is greater than the width of the contact side of the at least one contact socket which defines the geometric surface. In addition, respective PTC thermistors protrude from both sides of at least one contact base in the width direction. The contact surface between the contact side of the at least one contact receptacle and one main side of the respective PTC thermistor is therefore smaller than the geometric surface of the one main side of the respective PTC thermistor. The creepage distance between at least one contact socket and the other contact plate is therefore greater than the thermistor thickness of the respective PTC thermistor.

Advantageously, the length of the main side of the PTC thermistor defining the geometric surface can be set to be greater than the length of the contact side of the at least one contact socket defining the geometric surface. Then, the respective PTC thermistors protrude from both sides of the at least one contact holder in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the contact surface between the contact side of the at least one contact receptacle and one main side of the respective PTC thermistor is smaller than the geometrical surface of the one main side of the respective PTC thermistor. The creepage distance between at least one contact socket and the further contact plate is therefore greater than the thermistor thickness of the respective PTC thermistor.

According to the invention, with the further development of the PTC heating module, a conductive coating is provided which is fixed to one main side of the PTC thermistor and is arranged between the contact side of the at least one contact socket and the respective one main side of the PTC thermistor. In addition, the geometric surface of the coating corresponds (i.e. deviates by up to 15%) to the geometric contact surface between the contact side of the at least one contact socket and one main side of the PTC thermistor. The coating can consist of silver, for example, and can reduce the contact resistance between the main side of the respective PTC thermistor and the contact side of the at least one contact socket. The geometric surface of the coating dimensioned in this way also prevents a shorter creepage distance between the electrically conductive coating and the further contact plate than between the further contact plate and the at least one contact socket, i.e. a distance deviation of more than 15%.

Advantageously, the geometric cross-sectional area of the at least one contact socket can increase continuously or in stages from the contact side in the direction of one of the contact plates. Thus, for example, the geometric cross-sectional area of at least one contact socket can increase by up to 150% from the contact side towards one contact plate. In particular, the heat generated by the corresponding PTC thermistor can be dissipated more rapidly and can be transferred to a contact plate via a larger geometric cross-sectional area. Therefore, the output of the PTC heating module can be increased completely. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that at least one contact socket is formed integrally with one contact plate. In particular, the contact resistance between the one contact plate and the at least one contact base can be reduced.

According to the invention, with further development of the PTC heating module, it is provided that one contact plate forms a first housing part and the other contact plate forms a second housing part which is electrically insulated from the first housing part. Thus, the first housing portion and the second housing portion form a housing that encloses the respective PTC thermistor. Therefore, an additional housing in which the contact plate is anchored is not required, so that production can be simplified. In addition, this allows heat generated in the respective PTC thermistors to be dissipated to the outside through fewer layers, thereby increasing the output of the respective PTC heating modules.

The housing can be electrically insulated from the outside at least in part by an insulating layer to ensure safe contact protection of the PTC heating module. Conveniently, the insulating layer is thermally conductive so that heat generated in the respective PTC thermistors can be efficiently transferred to the outside. Together with the two-part housing consisting of the contact plates surrounding the respective PTC thermistor, the insulating layer forms an outer layer with the largest heat-dissipating surface of the PTC heating module. Since the insulating layer generally has a lower thermal conductivity than the contact plate, the lower thermal conductivity of the insulating layer can be compensated by the largest heat dissipation surface and can together increase the output of the PTC heating module.

Alternatively or additionally, the housing may be at least partially filled with a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material. Conveniently, the thermally conductive and electrically insulating material has a higher thermal conductivity than air, so that heat generated in the respective PTC thermistors can be effectively dissipated to the outside.

In summary, in the PTC heating module according to the invention, the distance between the two contact plates can be easily adapted to the specified voltage by the thickness of the contact base, not by the thickness of the thermistor. The gap distance defined by the distance between one contact plate and the other contact plate is greater than the thermistor thickness of the corresponding PTC thermistor. The creepage distance between at least one contact base and the other contact plate can likewise be adapted to the specified voltage by the contact surface, not by the thickness of the thermistor. The thermistor thickness of the respective PTC thermistor is therefore independent of the specified voltage, enabling adaptation to the desired output of the PTC heating module compared to conventional solutions.

Further important features and advantages of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, in the drawings and in the related description with reference to the drawings.

It is to be understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations stated but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Drawings

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail in the following description, wherein like reference numerals indicate identical or similar or functionally identical elements, and wherein, schematically,

fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a PTC heating module according to a first embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2 to 5 show other cross-sectional views of a PTC heating module according to a first embodiment of the invention;

fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a PTC heating module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 7 to 10 show other cross-sectional views of a PTC heating module according to a second embodiment of the invention;

fig. 11 shows a sectional view of a PTC heating module according to a third embodiment of the invention;

fig. 12 to 15 show other sectional views of a PTC heating module according to a third embodiment of the invention;

fig. 16 shows a view of a contact plate in a third embodiment of a PTC heating module;

fig. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a PTC heating module with a two-part housing.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 5 show sectional views of a PTC heating module 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The PTC heating module 1 according to the present invention defines a longitudinal direction LR and a width direction BR perpendicular to each other. Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the PTC heating module 1 perpendicular to the width direction BR. Fig. 2 and 3 are sectional views of the PTC heating module 1 through planes defined by the longitudinal direction LR and the width direction BR, respectively. Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the PTC heating module 1 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR of the PTC heating module 1. Fig. 5 shows an enlarged cut-out of the PTC heating module 1 of fig. 4. The thickness of each element in the PTC heating module 1 in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the longitudinal direction LR and the width direction BR is substantially determined. Further, the length of each element in the PTC heating module 1 is determined in the longitudinal direction LR, and the width of each element in the PTC heating module 1 is determined in the width direction BR.

The PTC heating module 1 according to the present invention is used for heating a fluid, such as air or a coolant in a hybrid or electric vehicle. The PTC heating module 1 includes a plurality of PTC thermistors 2, the PTC thermistors 2 having two main sides 3a and 3b opposite to each other, spaced apart from each other and defining a thermistor thickness D of the respective PTC thermistors 2_PTC. The PTC heating module 1 further comprises two contact plates 4a and 4b, with a respective PTC thermistor 2 arranged between the two contact plates 4a and 4 b. The respective PTC thermistors 2 are mounted in the longitudinal direction LR immediately adjacent to each other between two contact plates 4a and 4 b.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the PTC heating module 1 comprises a contact socket 5a having a contact side 6a, the contact socket 5a being electrically conductively connected with its contact side 6a on one side to the main side 3a of the respective PTC thermistor 2 and being electrically conductively connected with its other side to one contact plate 4 a. The contact base 5a has a thickness D_S,AThis thickness increases the distance between the contact plates 4a and 4 b. The contact socket 5a rests with its contact side 6a completely against the main side 3a of the respective PTC thermistor 2, so that a geometric contact surface F between the main side 3a of the respective PTC thermistor 2 and the contact side 6a of the contact socket_K,AA geometrical surface F corresponding to the contact side 6a_S,A. Geometric contact surface F of the contact side 6a of the contact socket 5a_K,AAnd a geometric surface F_S,ASmaller than the geometric surface F of the main side 3a of the corresponding PTC thermistor 2_PTC. Defining a geometric surface F_PTCWidth B of the main side 3a of the corresponding PTC thermistor 2_PTCGreater than the defined geometric surface F_S,AWidth B of contact side 6a of contact base 5a_S,A. Furthermore, a geometric surface F is defined_PTCLength L of the main side 3a of the PTC thermistor 2_PTCGreater than the defined geometric surface F_S,ALength L of the contact side 6a of the contact socket 5a_S,A. Accordingly, the respective PTC thermistors 2 protrude from the contact base 5a in the longitudinal direction LR and the width direction BR. This results in the clearance distance 7a between the contact plates 4a and 4b and the creepage distance 7b between the contact base 5a and the contact plate 4b being greater than the thermistor thickness D of the PTC thermistor 2_PTC. The gap distance 7a between the two contact plates 4a and 4b is defined by the shortest distance and thus by the distance of the two contact plates 4a and 4b from each other. The creepage distance 7b between the contact base 5a and the contact plate 4b is defined by the shortest distance between the contact base 5a and the contact plate 4b along the surface of the PTC thermistor 2. In the present embodiment, the creepage distance 7b in the longitudinal direction LR shown in fig. 1 and the width direction BR shown in fig. 4 is the same, but may be different. The creepage and/or clearance distances 7a and 7b are set to exceed the thermistor thickness D of the respective PTC thermistor 2_PTC100%, in particular 110% to 500%, in particular 120% to 300%.

The contact base 5a and the contact plates 4a and 4b are advantageously electrically conductive, so that the respective PTC thermistor 2 can be electrically connected to the positive pole via the contact base 5a and the contact plate 4a and to the negative pole via the contact plate 4b, and vice versa. More conveniently, the contact plates 4a and 4b and the contact base 5a are thermally conductive, so that heat generated in the respective PTC thermistors 2 can be effectively dissipated to the outside through the contact plates 4a and 4b and the contact base 5 a. The PTC heating module 1 comprises a conductive coating 8a, which conductive coating 8a is arranged between the main side 3a of the PTC thermistor 2 and the contact side 6a of the contact socket 5a to reduce the contact resistance between the contact socket 5a and the respective PTC thermistor 2. For example, the coating 8a may be composed of silver or other metals. The coating 8a can be arranged on the main side 3a of the PTC thermistor 2, and the PTC thermistor 2 with the coating 8a can be fixed to the contact socket 5a by welding or adhesive bonding or mechanical pressing. Basically, the thickness of the coating 8a is so thin that the contact plate 4a and the PTC thermistor 2 are at a distance from each other approximately equal to the thickness D of the contact base 5a_S,A. Geometric surface F of coating 8a_B,AA geometrical surface F corresponding to the contact side 6a of the contact base 5a_S,A(deviation up to 15%) so that the creepage distance 7b between the contact socket 5a and the contact plate 4b is not shortened. The PTC heating module 1 further comprises an electrically conductive coating 12b, which is arranged on the main side 3b of the PTC thermistor 2. The PTC thermistor 2 with the coating 12b can be fixed to the contact plate 4b as fixed to the contact base 5 a. For example, the coating 12b may be composed of silver or other metals. The thickness of the base coating 12b is thin, so that the distance between the contact plate 4b and the PTC thermistor 2 can be very thin.

In the PTC heating module 1, the thickness D of the contact base 5a is reduced_S,ANot through the thermistor thickness D_PTCThe distance between the two contact plates 4a and 4b and thus the gap distance 7a can be adapted to the specified voltage. Creepage distance 7b can also pass through contact surface F_K,ATo accommodate. Thus, the thermistor thickness D of the corresponding PTC thermistor 2 is comparable to conventional solutions_PTCIndependent of the specified voltage and can advantageously be reduced.

Fig. 6 to 10 show sectional views of a PTC heating module 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the PTC heating module 1 perpendicular to the width direction BR. In fig. 7 and 8, a cross-sectional view of the PTC heating module 1 through a plane defined by the longitudinal direction LR and the width direction BR is shown. Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of the PTC heating module 1 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR of the PTC heating module 1. Fig. 10 shows an enlarged cutout of the PTC heating module 1 according to fig. 9. Here too, the thickness of each element in the PTC heating module 1 in the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction LR and the width direction BR is determined. The length of each element in the PTC heating module 1 and its width are defined in the longitudinal LR/width direction BR, respectively. Next, the differences between the two embodiments of the PTC heating module 1 will be discussed separately. Otherwise, the PTC heating modules 1 in the two embodiments are identical in structure.

In the second embodiment of the PTC heating module, a contact base 5b is arranged between the PTC thermistor 2 and the contact plate 4 b. The contact socket 5b bears with one contact side 6b against the main side 3b of the respective PTC thermistor 2. Furthermore, an electrically conductive coating 8b is arranged between the main side 3b of the PTC thermistor 2 and the contact side 6b of the contact socket 5 b. The structure and arrangement of the contact socket 5b correspond to those of the contact socket 5a provided on the PTC thermistor 2. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment of the PTC heating module 1, the distance between the two contact plates 4a and 4b and the gap distance 7a is determined by the thermistor thickness D of the PTC thermistor 2_PTCAnd the respective thicknesses D of the contact bases 5a and 5b_S,AAnd D_S,BAnd (4) forming. Here, the thickness of the coating 8b is also very thin. In this exemplary embodiment, the thickness D of the two contact bases 5a and 5b_S,AAnd D_S,BAre identical, but they may be different from each other. In this embodiment of the PTC heating module 1, the respective geometric contact surface F of the PTC heating module 1_K,AAnd F_K,BCorresponding also to the respective geometrical surfaces F of the contact bases 5a and 5b_S,AAnd F_S,BAnd are smaller than the geometrical surfaces F of the respective main sides 3a and 3b of the respective PTC thermistors 2_PTCSo that the creepage distance 7c between the two contact bases 5a and 5b is greater than the thermistor thickness D_PTC. Is connected withThe creepage distance 7c between the contact seats 5a and 5b is defined by the shortest distance between the contact seats 5a and 5b along the surface of the PTC thermistor 2. In the present embodiment, the creepage distances 7c in the longitudinal direction LR according to fig. 1 and the width direction BR according to fig. 4 are the same, but may be different.

Fig. 11 to 15 show sectional views of a PTC heating module 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the PTC heating module 1 perpendicular to the width direction BR. In fig. 12 and 13, cross-sectional views of the PTC heating module 1 through planes respectively defined by the longitudinal direction LR and the width direction BR are shown. Fig. 14 shows a sectional view of the PTC heating module 1 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR of the PTC heating module 1. Fig. 15 shows an enlarged cut-out of the PTC heating module 1 shown in fig. 14. Fig. 16 shows a view of the contact plates 4a and 4b of the PTC heating module 1. In correspondence with the above definition, the thickness of each element in the PTC heating module 1 in the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction LR and the width direction BR is determined. The length and width of each element in the PTC heating module 1 are defined in the longitudinal direction LR and the width direction BR. Next, the differences between the two embodiments of the PTC heating module 1 will be discussed separately. Otherwise, the PTC heating modules 1 in the two embodiments are identical in structure.

In a third exemplary embodiment of the PTC heating module 1, the respective PTC thermistor 2 is in electrical contact with the contact plate 4a via a common contact socket 5 a. The contact base 5a is formed integrally with the contact plate 4 a. The common contact plate 5a extends longitudinally, the contact side 6a of the contact seat 5a abutting against the main side 3a of the PTC thermistor 2. Corresponding geometric contact surface F_K,ASmaller than the geometric surface F of the contact side 6a of the contact socket 5a_S,AAnd respectively by the width B of the contact side 6a of the contact base 5a_S,AAnd correspondingly the length L of the main side 3a of the PTC thermistor 2_PTCAnd (4) limiting. Width B of contact side 6a of contact base 5a_S,AIs smaller than the width B of the main side 3a of the corresponding PTC thermistor 2_PTC. Therefore, the respective PTC thermistors 2 protrude from both sides of the contact base 5a in the width direction BR, not in the longitudinal direction LR. Thus, the contact surface F_K,AA geometrical surface F smaller than the main side 3a_PTCThe creepage distance 7c between the contact bases 5a and 5b is larger than the thermistor thickness of the PTC thermistor 2D_PTC。

The PTC heating module 1 likewise comprises a plurality of contact bases 5b, the geometric surface F of which differs from the second embodiment of the PTC heating module 1_S,BGreater than the contact surface F_K,B. Contact surface F_K,BBy the length L of the contact side 6b of the contact socket 5b_S,BAnd the width B of the main side 3B of the PTC thermistor 2_PTCAnd (4) limiting. Length L of contact side 6b of contact base 5b_S,BIs less than the length L of the main side 3b of the corresponding PTC thermistor 2_PTCSo that the respective PTC thermistors 2 protrude from the contact base 5b on both sides in the longitudinal direction LR, not in the width direction BR. Thus, the contact surface F_K,BSmaller than the geometric surface F_PTCThe creepage distance 7c between the contact bases 5a and 5b is larger than the thermistor thickness D of the PTC thermistor 2_PTC. The respective contact socket 5b is formed integrally with the contact plate 4 b.

Therefore, on the respective PTC thermistors 2, the creepage distance 7c between the contact bases 5a and 5b is defined by the contact base 5a (viewed in the width direction BR) and the contact base 5b (viewed in the longitudinal direction LR). In this embodiment, the seat 5a and the seat 5b are different. In this case, the contact surface F_K,AAnd F_K,BLength L of the contact sides 6a and 6b_S,AAnd L_S,BWidth B of the contact sides 6a and 6B_S,AAnd B_S,BIs different. The creepage distance 7c in the longitudinal direction LR is different from the creepage distance 7c in the width direction BR, but may be the same.

Fig. 17 shows a sectional view of a PTC heating module 1 according to the invention. Here, the contact plate 4a forms a first housing part 9a and the contact plate 4b forms a second housing part 9 b. The first housing part 9a and the second housing part 9b thus form a housing 9, which housing 9 surrounds the respective PTC thermistor 2. The first housing part 9a and the second housing part 9b are electrically insulated from the outside and relative to each other by an insulating layer 10. The insulating layer 10 is conveniently thermally conductive so that heat generated in the respective PTC thermistors 2 can be dissipated to the outside. Advantageously, the PTC heating module 1 comprises only a few layers, so that heat can be dissipated effectively to the outside. Further, the insulating layer 10 forms the outermost layer having the maximum heat radiating surface 11 of the PTC heating module 1. Since the insulating layer 10 generally has a lower thermal conductivity than the contact plates 4a and 4b, the larger heat dissipation surface 11 can compensate for the lower thermal conductivity of the insulating layer 10. It is therefore possible to increase the output of the PTC heating module 1 at all. In fig. 17, the structure of the contact bases 5a and 5b corresponds to the second embodiment of the PTC heating module 1 in fig. 6 to 10. The difference is that the contact bases 5a and 5b are designed in one piece with the contact plates 4a and 4 b.

In summary, by adjusting the thickness D of the contact base_S,AAnd/or D_S,BNot through the thermistor thickness D_PTCThe distance between the two contact plates 4a and 4b in the PTC heating module 1 according to the invention can be easily adapted to a specified voltage. The gap distance 7a, defined by the distance of the contact plates 4a and 4b, is greater than the thermistor thickness D of the respective PTC thermistor 2_PTC. Furthermore, by contacting surface F_KNot through the thermistor thickness D_PTCThe creepage distances 7b and 7c can be adapted to the specified voltages. Thus, the thermistor thickness D of the corresponding PTC thermistor 2_PTCIndependent of the specified voltage and able to adapt to the desired output of the PTC heating module 1 compared to conventional solutions.