Electrical heating device with a plate element comprising conductive paths and method for the manufacture of a plate element of this nature

Abstract

An electrical heating includes a plurality of electrical heating elements which are held by a housing and which abut heat conducting surfaces over which a medium to be heated flows. The electrical heating elements comprise contact lugs, arranged essentially at the same height, that are connected through a plate element. The plate element includes conductive paths and contact lug receptacles for the contact lugs. The plate element may include a carrier plate of non-conducting material and a stamped out metal plate that are joined together to form one unit. A method of manufacturing a plate element of this nature includes manufacturing the carrier plate by injection moulding and subjecting a metal plate to stamping operations to form area elements which are joined together by connecting ridges and in which the contact lug receptacles are located. The carrier plate and the metal plate are then joined, and the connecting ridges are then parted.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Application[0001]This application is a divisional of co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 433,513, filed Mar. 29, 2012, entitled “Electrical Heating Device with a Plate Element Comprising Conductive Paths and Method for the Manufacture of a Plate Element of This Nature”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to an electrical heating device with a plurality of electrical heating elements, which are held by a housing and abut heat conducting surfaces over which the medium to be heated can flow. The heating elements of the electrical heating device are provided with contact lugs for their electrical connection. All or some of the contact lugs are arranged essentially at the same height and are connected by a plate element which is provided with conductive paths and comprises contact lug receptacles ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention describes a new way to make a plate element with conductive paths that are easier and less expensive to manufacture. The plate element is made by stamping and bending a metal plate that is joined to a carrier plate made of economical plastic. The metal plate has conductive paths and receptacles for contact lugs and flat plugs that enable electrical contact. The plate element can be easily connected to electrical heating elements or power supplies. The flat plug is securely locked to the flat plug holder using a locking protrusion. The metal plate can be easily locked to the carrier plate using retaining elements. The metal plate also has area elements that are connected together by connecting ridges and are assigned to a heating circuit. The carrier plate has stamped openings that leave the connecting ridges free and facilitate insulation of the area elements. The invention offers an easy and cost-effective way to make electrical contact with plate elements.

Problems solved by technology

The component providing the structural integrity of the plate element, i.e. the carrier plate, can be formed as required and is only limited by the possibilities of manufacture by injection moulding.

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