electric heating device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric heating device having a housing (2) and a PTC heating assembly (34), the housing forming a heating element receiving portion (8) for holding at least one PTC element (32) and at least one fluid channel (10), a press-fit profile (24) being inserted into the heating element receiving portion (8), the press-fit profile forming a PTC receiving portion (30), in which at least one PTC element (32), a strip conductor (28), and, if appropriate, an insulator (36) are disposed, the strip conductor being electrically adjacent to at least one PTC element, and the insulator insulatingly supporting the strip conductor (28) against the PTC receiving portion. In order to provide an electric heating device designed to achieve good heat extraction from PTC elements with reduced manufacturing and assembly workload, according to the present invention, a housing (2) is formed of an extruded profile, wherein deformable protrusions (42, 46) are formed between the housing (2) and the press-fit profile (24) by means of the housing (2) and / or the press-fit profile (24), the press-fit profile (24) being held in a pre-tensioned state in the heating element receiving portion (8) by means of the deformable protrusions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electric heating device having a housing that forms a heating element housing and at least one fluid channel, the heating element housing typically holding at least one PTC element in a preloaded state. The PTC heating assembly has a press-fit profile adapted to be inserted into the heating element housing and form the PTC housing. At least one PTC element, a conductive strip conductor abutting the at least one PTC element, and optionally an insulator are disposed in the PTC housing to insulatingly support the strip conductor against the heating element housing. This optionally disposed insulator may be provided if the press-fit profile itself is formed of metal and therefore of a conductive material (which may be more common).

[0002] According to the present invention, the housing component is without potential, that is, it is not used to conduct current. Background Technology

[0003] Electrically heated devices having the features of the preamble of claim 1 are known, for example, from EP 2 637 474A1 or EP 2 337 425 A1. In this prior art, the housing has a U-shaped receiving pouch that forms a heating element receiving portion, and a profile is disposed within the U-shaped receiving pouch, which is pressed into the receiving pouch and receives at least one PTC element within the profile. In this context, the solution described in EP 2 337 425 A1 discloses a strip conductor that abuts the main side surface of the PTC element, which is a sheet metal, and has contact protrusions bent from the plane of the sheet metal. These are only for improving electrical contact but do not provide pretension. In the prior art, a wedge-shaped element is used for pre-tensioning, which is forced into the receiving bag-shaped portion so that the heat-generating layer is pressed against the inner surface of the heating element receiving portion in the best possible thermal conduction manner. If necessary, an insulator is inserted, thereby ensuring good heat dissipation on the one hand, but also forming a reliable electrical contact between the strip conductor and the PTC element on the other hand.

[0004] A PTC element is a semiconductor ceramic component with self-regulating properties. As it continues to heat up, its resistance increases. Therefore, the PTC element's ability to absorb electrical power and convert it into heat decreases. Thus, good thermal contact within the PTC element is crucial for dissipating the heat generated within it, ensuring good efficiency.

[0005] In the past, there have been various solutions that meet different requirements for electric heating devices. The electric heating device according to the invention is specifically used in motor vehicles. Here, the electric heating device must meet the specific conditions of the application. On the one hand, the electric heating device must be constructed to save weight as much as possible. On the other hand, the conditions in the motor vehicle must be taken into account. Therefore, the electric heating device must be able to permanently withstand the vibrations in the motor vehicle and maintain operation for many years. Finally, scalability of the structural configuration is also required so that the electric heating device can be easily adapted to different models and equipment variations. The electric heating device according to the invention can be configured as a separate heater, for example, in an electric vehicle. The electric heating device heats at least the interior of the electrically operated vehicle, and optionally the drive components. However, the electric heating device can also be provided as an auxiliary heater in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, whose cooling water is discharged through a heat exchanger and used for air conditioning of the vehicle interior. It is understood that the electric heating device is not permanently operational. Therefore, the electric heating device is also exposed to thermal fluctuations, which cause different expansion and tension states within the electric heating device. These dimensional variations accompanying the structural configuration of the electric heating device must, under no circumstances, cause the PTC element to lose good electrical and thermal contact during the service life of the electric heating device, in the electric heating device according to the invention. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of this invention is to provide an electric heating device of the previously mentioned type that meets the above requirements in an improved manner. The electric heating device according to the invention aims to provide good heat extraction from the PTC element with reduced manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0007] To address this problem, the present invention provides an electric heating device having the features of claim 1. This electric heating device has at least one PTC element and a conductive strip conductor, typically in the form of a sheet of metal, in a manner known per se. The heating unit thus formed is disposed in a press-fit profile, which is optionally surrounded by an insulator. The press-fit profile is typically a cylindrical, integral component. The press-fit profile can be formed of ceramic. In this case, the insulator can be omitted. However, the press-fit profile is typically formed of metal. The press-fit profile is preferably manufactured as an extruded profile and cut to length.

[0008] Similarly, the housing of the electric heating device according to the invention is formed as an extruded profile and cut to length. Multiple such housings can be combined in the electric heating device, thereby allowing easy adaptation to desired heating power and thus to different vehicle types and equipment.

[0009] The press-fit profile and / or housing has a deformable protrusion disposed within the heating element housing and thus between the housing and the press-fit profile. The deformable protrusion holds the press-fit profile in the heating element housing under pre-tension. This pre-tensioning holds the PTC element and the strip conductor within the PTC housing, and, if possible, the insulator within the PTC housing, such that these layers abut against each other in a manner with good thermal conductivity, at least relative to the primary side surface of the PTC element, and that these layers abut against each other regularly under pre-tension. The primary side surface of the PTC element is the largest surface of the PTC element. This is typically cubic in shape. The primary side surfaces are parallel to each other. Other surfaces typically form circumferential edges connecting the two primary side surfaces.

[0010] Therefore, the electric heating device according to the invention preferably has two extruded profiles. One extruded profile forms a housing. The other extruded profile forms a press-fit profile. Deformable protrusions are disposed between the two extruded profiles. These deformable protrusions generally also extend along the extension direction of the profiles. When the press-fit profile is inserted into the heating element receiving portion of the housing, the deformable protrusions deform. The deformation can be plastic deformation and / or elastic deformation. The deformation results in solid thermal and electrical contact between the PTC element, the strip conductor adjacent to the main side surface, and the opposing inner surfaces of the PTC receiving portion, with an insulator inserted if necessary.

[0011] Depending on the length of the extruded profile, multiple PTC elements can be arranged one after another. The length of the extruded profile can be cut to any desired length. Thus, the electric heating device can also be adapted to the desired heating power by changing the length of the housing. The PTC elements are arranged uniformly one after another along the longitudinal direction of the press-fit profile. As is generally known from the prior art, the PTC elements can be received in a positioning frame that extends substantially between two strip conductors and forms corresponding receiving portions for the PTC elements, which are offset one after another along the longitudinal direction of the press-fit profile.

[0012] To uniformly extract the heat generated by the at least one PTC element, the housing forms a plurality of fluid channels extending parallel to each other. The at least one heating element housing is disposed between at least two fluid channels. It has proven preferable to have at least two fluid channels on each side of the heating element housing, preferably four fluid channels. An even number of fluid channels is preferred because fluid is typically introduced at one end face of the housing and is only diverted on the opposite side, where flow guidance is easier if fluid is conveyed beyond the heating element housing and transverse to the side where the fluid is introduced. Therefore, a cover for the housing can be formed relatively easily on the opposite side.

[0013] In contrast to a typical cover that diverts flow from one fluid channel to another in the housing, a connecting housing is preferably provided that connects one fluid channel to an inlet opening for the fluid to be heated and another fluid channel to an outlet opening for the fluid to be heated. It should be understood that the housing can form multiple fluid channels, each connected in series by diverting flow at the end face of the extruded profile, and connected to the inlet and outlet openings only at their beginning and end, respectively. However, the fluid channels can also be connected in parallel, which has the advantages of a higher temperature difference between the heating temperature of the PTC element and the temperature of the fluid, and therefore more efficient heat transfer, and the disadvantage that the final temperature of the fluid heated in the electric heating device may be relatively low.

[0014] Parallel fluid channels that communicate with each other at the end faces of the housing are preferably surrounded by channel seals that seal adjacent fluid channels against the cover or connecting housing. Such channel seals typically surround only two fluid channels that are directly communicating with each other. These fluid channels are preferably connected by grooves that are recessed into the end faces of the housing. This allows the cover or connecting housing to fit tightly against the housing without requiring sufficient flow passage between adjacent fluid channels.

[0015] Preferably, a power transistor / IGBT is disposed on one side of the connecting housing opposite to the slot, the power transistor / IGBT being thermally conductively close to the connecting housing. Therefore, in the region of the slot, the fluid flow that deflects there can cool the power transistor. If the connecting housing is made of metal, an insulator, for example in the form of a Kapton membrane, is positioned between the power transistor and the inner surface of the connecting housing. The power transistor is typically directly connected to a printed circuit board, as illustrated in embodiments of the control device in the sense of the invention.

[0016] Preferably, a heating element seal is disposed between the housing and the connecting housing, the heating element seal sealingly closing the heating element receiving portion. Therefore, the heating element receiving portion preferably has a separate seal. It should be understood that the heating element seal and the channel seal disposed adjacent to it may be identical in cross-section. Preferably, a uniform sealing element is located on the end face between the housing and the cover of the housing or on the end face between the housing and the connecting housing. Within the area surrounded by the heating element seal, the connecting housing has at least one conductive opening. At least one contact tongue passes through this conductive opening and is electrically connected to one of the strip conductors of the associated PTC heating assembly. A corresponding contact tongue protrudes into the connecting housing and is electrically connected there. Preferably, this connection is achieved via a printed circuit board, which can group various different PTC heating assemblies into heating circuits(multiple), and / or is additionally equipped with a printed circuit board such that it can form a control device in the sense of the present invention. However, the equipped printed circuit board may also be disposed at a different level from a printed circuit board electrically connected to the contact tongue and not equipped with electronic components.

[0017] Other sealing options are conceivable. For example, the housing can be connected to the connecting housing via material encapsulation, particularly by fusion welding, brazing, or gluing.

[0018] According to a preferred further improvement of the invention, the electric heating device is disposed in a structural unit having a control device. This control device is typically integrated into a connecting housing. The control device is used to control the at least one PTC heating element. PTC elements disposed in a single press-fit profile are typically assigned to a heating circuit. However, multiple PTC heating elements laid in parallel can be assigned to different heating ranges and switched via a control unit. In this preferred configuration, a strip conductor protrudes beyond the end of the housing and extends into the connecting housing. The strip conductor is electrically connected to the control unit. The connecting housing is typically subdivided into a flow line region carrying fluid and an electrical connection region for the strip conductor housing the control device. The connection region is typically located on the side of the flow line region away from the housing and is closed with a cover. Therefore, the strip conductor protrudes through the flow line region. The connecting housing typically forms a channel in which the strip conductor is guided separately from the fluid through the flow line region and into the connection region.

[0019] Regarding the desired pretension along the direction of the main side surface of the PTC element, the deformable protrusions are at least (usually specifically) regularly disposed between the main side surface of the PTC element and the opposing inner side of the heating element housing. Regarding uniform bilateral tension, corresponding deformable protrusions are disposed between each main side surface of the PTC element and the opposing inner side of the heating element housing. The deformable protrusions are typically disposed across the entire width of the press-fit profile and the PTC element or heating element housing. The width extends transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the housing as an extruded profile, i.e., transversely to the extrusion or pressing direction in the manufacture of the extruded profile. The height extends in a third Cartesian direction in the width plane. The main side surface of the PTC element lies in a plane encompassing both the width and the longitudinal extension direction.

[0020] Regarding the most symmetrical heat extraction and uniform tolerance compensation, a preferred further improvement according to the invention proposes that a plurality of deformable protrusions be provided between one of the main side surfaces of the PTC element and the opposite inner side of the heating element receiving portion.

[0021] Regarding good heat transfer between the press-fit profile and the inner side of the heating element housing, a preferred further improvement according to the invention proposes that the deformable protrusion is constructed as an interlocking groove and elastic element, wherein the groove defining the groove defines the protrusion and / or at least one elastic protrusion that at least partially forms the elastic element can pivot about an axis extending in the insertion direction or longitudinal extension direction. According to this further improvement, the groove and elastic element overlap considerably with each other in the height direction and are adjacent to each other in the height direction. This creates a reliable, large-area heat transfer path between the housing and the press-fit profile. At least one groove defining the protrusion and / or at least one elastic protrusion that at least partially forms the elastic element is preferably wedge-shaped toward the free end. The wedge shape facilitates the elastic pivoting movement of at least one of the deformable protrusions during engagement. In this case, the invention assumes that the heating element housing extends in the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the deformable protrusion (i.e., the groove and elastic element) extends in that direction. Therefore, the engagement movement is achieved by inserting the press-fit profile in the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0022] According to a preferred further improvement of the invention, at least one compression element is provided between the press-fit profile portion and the main side surface of the PTC element. The compression portion is typically located within the press-fit profile portion and provides additional pretension to the components within the PTC housing, and, if necessary, also serves to balance the pretension force, ensuring that the pretension force is uniformly transmitted to the insulator and / or the PTC element. This prevents localized overstressing of, for example, ceramic insulation and / or ceramic PTC elements. The compression element may be formed from a metal elastic member. In this case, the elastic member typically extends across the entire surface of the main side surface in the width direction. The compression element is preferably disposed between the inner surface of the PTC housing and the insulating layer covering the PTC element on the outer side.

[0023] According to a preferred further improvement of the invention, a curable adhesive is introduced into the heating element receiving portion. This fills the remaining free space between the deformable protrusions, thereby improving thermal conductivity. The adhesive can be a plastic adhesive with good thermal conductivity. For example, the adhesive can be a silicone adhesive mixed with particles with good thermal conductivity, such as alumina particles. In addition to the pre-tensioning caused by the deformable protrusions, the adhesive also fixes the position of the press-fit profile within the heating element receiving portion. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Other details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 1a It shows according to Figure 1 The flow path in the embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 A perspective side view of the press-fit profile portion of an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 2 When the press-fit profile is installed according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the electric heating device;

[0029] Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the variant used for press-fit profiles;

[0030] Figure 5 This is the front view of the casing;

[0031] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5The cross-sectional view taken by line VI-VI shown; and

[0032] Figure 7 It shows along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken by line VII-VII shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 An electric heating device with a housing 2 is shown, which is disposed between a cover 4 and a connecting housing 6.

[0034] In the current configuration, the housing 2 has three heating element housings 8 with a substantially rectangular cross-section and fluid channels 10. The three heating element housings 8 are arranged parallel to each other, and the fluid channels 10 are arranged adjacent to the three heating element housings 8. Four fluid channels are laterally arranged to each of the respective heating element housings 8. Fluid channel 10a guides the flow from the cover 4 in the direction connecting the housing 6. Fluid channel 10b guides the fluid in the opposite direction.

[0035] The housing 2 has a plurality of fastening channels 12 distributed around its periphery, in which screws or self-tapping screws (not shown) are provided, and the cover 4 is connected to the connecting housing 6 via the screws or self-tapping screws, thereby sealing the housing 2. Alternatively, self-tapping screws may also be used in the housing 2 itself so that the cover 4 or the connecting housing 6 abuts against the housing 2 in a sealed manner.

[0036] The solution according to the invention has the advantage that the corresponding heating element receiving portion 8 is sealed against the same housing 2.

[0037] Figure 1 The upper and lower fluid channels 10 are connected to the pipeline section of the cover 4, which is configured as an inlet nozzle 14, an outlet nozzle 18, and a diverting nozzle 20, respectively. Through the diverting nozzle, the fluid conducted in the fluid channel 10 is further conducted beyond one of the heating element housings 8 and transverse to that heating element housing. An inlet opening 16 is formed at the free end of the inlet nozzle 14. An outlet opening 19 is formed at the free end of the outlet nozzle 18.

[0038] according to Figure 1a The circulation of the medium can be observed in detail. This circulation also results in the conduction of fluid on the sides of the connecting housing 6. The deflection of the heating element housing 8 on the plane typically occurs within the housing 2, such that the cover 4 or the connecting housing 6 in this area acts only as a flat plate that seals at the end face against the housing 2. For this purpose, the free end of the fluid passage 10 terminates in a groove 22 recessed in the housing 2.

[0039] The housing 2 is manufactured as an extruded profile and cut to length. A press-fit profile, indicated by reference numeral 24, is formed having a corresponding length. A press-fit profile 24 is provided in each heating element housing 8.

[0040] As from Figure 1 As can be seen, the press-fit profile is exceeded by the contact tongue 26, which is integrally formed on the contact plate. The contact plate forms a strip conductor 28, which is accommodated in the PTC housing 30 and makes conductive contact with the PTC element 32 of the PTC heating assembly 34. Figure 3 This detail can be seen in the text.

[0041] Reference numeral 36 indicates the insulating layer covering the outer side of the strip conductor 28. The compression element 38 is located between the insulating layer 36 (which is formed of a ceramic plate) and the main side surface of the PTC accommodating portion 30.

[0042] To insert the aforementioned components into the PTC receiving portion 30, the press-fit profile 24 is formed from two profile portions 40 joined together. The profile portions 40 are typically formed uniformly and can therefore be obtained from a single extruded profile. For example, the profile portions 40 and the housing 2 can be formed of aluminum.

[0043] The deformed protrusions, in the form of grooves defining protrusions 42, protrude from opposite main side surfaces of the press-fit profile 24.

[0044] For example in Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of uniformly formed grooves 44 are recessed on the outer side of the profile portion 40 between paired grooves defining protrusions 42. The grooves 44 extend along the insertion direction of the heating element receiving portion 8. Figure 1 The symbol E represents the direction of extrusion during the manufacturing of the extruded profile.

[0045] Spring protrusions 46 protrude from the inside of the heating element housing 8. These spring protrusions 46 are integrally formed on the housing 2, which is constructed as an extruded profile. As per [reference to...] Figure 3 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the elastic protrusion 46 tapers in a wedge shape towards its free end. Correspondingly, the groove-defined protrusion 42 also tapers in a wedge shape towards its free end. It should be understood that only the surface of the corresponding defining groove 44 of the groove-defined protrusion 42 has this structure. To illustrate this, in... Figure 3 The elastic protrusion 46 is omitted on the right side.

[0046] exist Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the press-fit profile 24 first mates with the PTC heating assembly 34 and the compression element 38 during assembly. Then, the pre-assembled assembly is inserted into the heating element receiving portion 8. During this process, the resilient protrusion 46 engages in the groove 44 assigned to the resilient protrusion. Deformation exists in the area where the groove defines the protrusion 42, which can be achieved from the... Figure 3 This can be seen from the comparison between the right and left sides. This deformation results in a certain tolerance compensation. In addition, the compression element 38 is deformed for tolerance compensation. Ideally, after assembly, the compression element 38 is substantially adjacent to the entire surface, abutting against the inner surface of the PTC receiving portion 30 on one hand and against the outer surface of the insulating layer 36 on the other.

[0047] The compression element 38 may be made of aluminum, copper, copper beryllium, or other materials that have good thermal conductivity and apply a permanent elastic pretension.

[0048] The remaining cavity in the heating element housing 8 can be filled with a thermally conductive compound, such as a cured plastic compound filled with thermally conductive particles.

[0049] exist Figure 4 In the variant shown, the recess-defined protrusion 42 is connected to the remaining profile portion 40 via a relatively thin web 48. This web 48 creates a pivot axis extending substantially along the insertion direction E. In this embodiment, the compression element can be omitted. The recess-defined protrusions 42 adjacent to different recesses 44 are spaced sufficiently far apart that when the wedge-shaped resilient protrusion 46 is inserted, the recess-defined protrusions 42 can each pivot about their respective pivot axes without coming into contact with each other. This allows for considerable tolerance compensation. Thus, the layers of the PTC heating assembly 34 within the press-fit profile 24 are abutted against the inner surface of the PTC receiving portion 30 by good elastic tension, which improves heat extraction.

[0050] Figure 4 The diagram also illustrates a protrusion on the inner surface of the PTC housing 30, which forms a contact surface that is substantially point-like in the cross-sectional view and is in linear contact with the insulating layer 36 in the longitudinal direction. This deformation of the press-fit profile 24 also causes additional elastic pretension of the PTC element 32 in the PTC housing 30.

[0051] As specifically described, the deformable protrusions, existing in the form of groove-defined protrusions 42 and elastic protrusions 46, result in elastic pretension between the housing 2 and the press-fit profile 24. As a result, the PTC element is applied to the layer of the PTC heating assembly 34 with good thermal conductivity. Good electrical contact is also achieved between the strip conductor 28 and the PTC element 32.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the contact tongues 26 protrude beyond the press-fit profile 24 at their ends. These contact tongues 26 are electrically connected within the connecting housing 6.

[0053] according to Figure 5 The end view of the housing 2 illustrates the sealing element 50. This sealing element 50 forms a channel seal 50a and a heating element seal 50b. The channel seal 50a closes two adjacent fluid channels 10a on its end face, and the heating element seal 50b closes the heating element receiving portion 8. The channel seal 50a and the heating element seal 50b share a wall section. Figure 5 The wall section extends along the height between the various sections. The sealing element 50 abuts against the flat end face of the housing 2. On the opposite side, the cover 4 or connecting housing 6 is in contact. Figure 5 In the middle, the sealing element 50 is shown with respect to the connecting housing 6.

[0054] according to Figure 6 The cross-sectional view illustrates the thermally conductive contact portion of the power transistor 52, which is shown as part of a control device 54, which also includes a printed circuit board 56. The power transistor 52 has thermally conductive contact with a wall section of a connecting housing 6, which is currently made of aluminum. A Kapton membrane is disposed between the connecting housing 6 and the power transistor 52 as an electrical insulator between them.

[0055] Reference numeral 60 indicates a self-tapping screw that passes through the connecting housing 6 and is screwed into the corresponding fastening channel 12. These screws 60 clamp the sealing element 50 between the end face of the housing 2 and the connecting housing 6.

[0056] exist Figure 7 In the connection housing 6, a recessed conductive opening 62 is shown, through which a contact tongue 26 protrudes, making electrical contact with the printed circuit board 56 and protruding through the printed circuit board 56.

[0057] List of reference numerals

[0058] 2. Shell

[0059] 4. Cover

[0060] 6 Connecting housing

[0061] 8 Heating element housing

[0062] 10 Fluid Channels

[0063] 10a Fluid Channel

[0064] 10b Fluid Channel

[0065] 12 Fastening Channels

[0066] 14. Entrance Mouth

[0067] 16 entrance openings

[0068] 18. Exit nozzle

[0069] 19. Exit opening

[0070] 20 Steering nozzle

[0071] 22 slots

[0072] 24 Press-fit profiles

[0073] 26 Contact tongue-shaped component

[0074] 28. Strip conductor

[0075] 30 PTC containment section

[0076] 32 PTC components

[0077] 34 PTC heating components

[0078] 36 Insulation layer

[0079] 38 Compression elements

[0080] 40 Profile Section

[0081] 42. Groove defines the protrusion.

[0082] 44 Grooves

[0083] 46. ​​Elastic protrusion

[0084] 48. Web

[0085] 50 Sealing elements

[0086] 50a Channel Seal

[0087] 50b Heating element seal

[0088] 52 power transistors

[0089] 54 Control Device

[0090] 56 Printed Circuit Boards

[0091] 58 Kapton membrane

[0092] 60 screws

[0093] 62 Conductive opening

[0094] E Insertion direction

Claims

1. An electric heating device having a housing (2) and a PTC heating assembly (34), the housing (2) forming a heating element accommodation (8) and at least one fluid channel (10), the heating element accommodation (8) holding at least one PTC element (32) in a pre-tension, wherein a press-fit profile (24) is inserted into the heating element accommodation (8), the press-fit profile (24) forming a PTC accommodation (30), the at least one PTC element (32), a strip conductor (28) and an insulator (36) being arranged in the PTC accommodation (30), the strip conductor (28) being electrically conductively adjoined on the at least one PTC element (32), the insulator (36) supporting the strip conductor (28) in an insulating manner against the PTC accommodation, characterized in that, The housing (2) is formed from an extruded profile and a deformation protrusion (42, 46) is formed between the housing (2) and the press-fit profile (24) by the housing (2) and / or the press-fit profile (24), by means of which the press-fit profile (24) is held in the heating element accommodation (8) in pre-tension, wherein the deformation protrusion (42, 46) is provided between each main lateral surface of the PTC element (32) and the opposite inner side of the PTC accommodation (30).

2. The electric heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing (2) forms a plurality of fluid channels (10) which extend parallel to one another and at least one heating element accommodation (8) which extends parallel to the at least two fluid channels between the at least two fluid channels.

3. The electric heating device according to claim 2, characterized in that The housing (2) is provided at an end face with a cover (4) via which fluid is diverted from one of the fluid channels (10) to another of the fluid channels (10) and is provided at the opposite side with a connection housing (6) which connects one of the fluid channels (10) to an inlet opening (16) for the fluid to be heated and another of the fluid channels (10) to an outlet opening (19) for the fluid to be heated.

4. The electric heating device according to claim 3, characterized in that Adjacent fluid channels (10a) are connected in series and are surrounded at the end face by a channel seal (50a) which seals the fluid channels (10a) off from the cover (4) or the connection housing (6).

5. The electric heating device according to claim 4, characterized in that The adjacent fluid channels (10a) are in communication with one another by means of a slot (22) which is recessed on the end face of the housing (2).

6. The electric heating device according to claim 3, wherein A heating element seal (50b) is provided between the housing (2) and the connection housing (6) and sealingly closes the heating element accommodation (8).

7. The electric heating device according to claim 6, characterized in that The connection housing (6) forms a lead-through opening (62) which is surrounded by the heating element seal (50b), a contact tongue (26) which is electrically connected to the strip conductor (28) protruding into the connection housing (6) through the lead-through opening (62).

8. The electric heating device according to claim 3, wherein The connection housing (6) surrounds a control device (52) for controlling the at least one PTC heating assembly (34) and the strip conductor (28) protrudes beyond the end of the housing (2), the strip conductor (28) extending into the connection housing (6) and being electrically connected to the control device (52).

9. The electric heating device of claim 1, wherein, A plurality of deformation protrusions (42, 46) are provided between one of the main lateral surfaces of the PTC element (30) and the opposite inner surface of the heating element accommodation (8).

10. The electric heating device according to claim 8, characterized in that Said deformation protrusions are configured as interlocking recesses and resilient elements (42, 46), and at least one recess limiting protrusion (42) limiting said recesses (44) and / or at least one resilient protrusion (46) at least partially forming said resilient elements are pivotable about an axis extending in the insertion direction (E).

11. The electric heating device according to claim 9, characterized in that Said deformation protrusions are configured as interlocking recesses and resilient elements (42, 46), and at least one recess limiting protrusion (42) limiting said recesses (44) and / or at least one resilient protrusion (46) at least partially forming said resilient elements are pivotable about an axis extending in the insertion direction (E).

12. An electric heating device according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that At least one recess limiting protrusion (42) limiting said recesses (44) and / or at least one resilient protrusion (46) at least partially forming said resilient elements are configured in a wedge shape tapering towards their free end.

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