connection unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection unit for connecting an electrical supply line to an exhaust gas heater of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, comprising: an electrically conductive connection element extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis, which has an exhaust gas heater connection region in a first axial end region and a supply line connection region in a second axial end region; a connection element carrier with a connection element accommodation opening, through which the connection element penetrates in a bearing region between the first axial end region and the second axial end region; a first insulation element arranged therein, which surrounds the bearing region; a second insulation element arranged on a first end side of the connection element carrier, via which the connection element is supported axially with respect to the first end side of the connection element carrier; and a third insulation element arranged on a second end side of the connection element carrier, via which the connection element is supported axially with respect to the second end side of the connection element carrier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection unit that can be used to electrically connect an exhaust heater installed in the exhaust equipment of an internal combustion engine to an electrical supply line that leads to a power source. Background Technology

[0002] Such a connection unit is known from US10941688B2. In this known connection unit, the conductive connecting element extending along the longitudinal axis is surrounded by a sleeve-shaped support made of metallic material. For electrical insulation, a sleeve-shaped insulating element is provided between the sleeve-shaped support and the connecting element, the axial extension dimension of which is larger than the axial extension dimension of the sleeve-shaped support, such that the insulating element protrudes axially from the sleeve-shaped support in a manner that surrounds the connecting element along its entire axial length. By axially and uninterruptedly covering the connecting element beyond the axial extension dimension of the sleeve-shaped support, leakage current should be avoided, while simultaneously achieving a stable, torque-receiving connection between the connecting element and the sleeve-shaped support. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide a connection unit for connecting an electrical supply line to the exhaust heater of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, which, in a simple structural design, allows for the provision of electrical insulation against thermal loads occurring in the exhaust system on the different components of the connection unit.

[0004] According to the present invention, the task is solved by a connection unit for connecting an electrical supply line to the exhaust heater of the exhaust equipment of an internal combustion engine, the connection unit comprising:

[0005] A conductive connecting element extending along a longitudinal axis, the connecting element having an exhaust heater connection area in a first axial end region and a supply line connection area in a second axial end region.

[0006] A connector support having a connector receiving opening, wherein the connector extends through the connector receiving opening with a support region located between a first axial end region and a second axial end region.

[0007] A first insulating element, which surrounds the support region, is disposed in the opening of the connecting element receiving chamber.

[0008] A second insulating element is disposed on a first end side of the first axial end region of the connecting element bracket facing the connecting element, and the connecting element is supported axially about the first end side of the connecting element bracket by the second insulating element.

[0009] A third insulating element is disposed on the second end side of the second axial end region of the connecting element bracket facing the connecting element, and the connecting element is supported axially about the second end side of the connecting element bracket by the third insulating element.

[0010] In the connection unit constructed according to the invention, a multi-piece or sandwich structure is provided for electrical insulation between the connecting element and the connecting element support, wherein the fixed connection between the connecting element and the connecting element support is substantially achieved by axial clamping between two insulating elements supported on the end sides of the connecting element support. This results in a connection that allows for different thermal expansions, making, for example, the material locking connection between the various components of the connection unit unnecessary.

[0011] To allow for thermally determined relative motion, the first insulating element, the second insulating element, and the third insulating element are constructed as separate components.

[0012] To achieve effective electrical insulation between the connecting element and the connecting element support, the first insulating element can be constructed as an insulating sleeve, and / or the second insulating element can be constructed as an insulating disc, and / or the third insulating element can be constructed as an insulating disc. It should be noted that in this annular design of the connecting unit and the component through which the connecting element passes, if the radial wall thickness of the observed component is less than the axial extension length of these components, a sleeve-like structure can be used; while if the radial wall thickness of the observed component is within or less than the radial wall thickness, a disc-like structure can be used.

[0013] To avoid axial jamming of the first insulating element, it is proposed that: the axial extension length of the first insulating element is less than the axial distance between the second insulating element and the third insulating element, or / and an axial gap is formed between the first insulating element and at least one of the second and third insulating elements, or / and the axial extension length of the first insulating element is less than the axial extension length of the opening accommodating the connecting element.

[0014] In order to axially support the connecting element on its axial end side with respect to the connecting element bracket, the connecting element may be axially supported on the second insulating element via a first support arrangement and on the third insulating element via a second support arrangement.

[0015] To enable the assembly of the connecting unit according to the invention in a simple structural configuration, the following is proposed: a support arrangement structure, preferably the first support arrangement structure, includes a support protrusion fixedly disposed on the connecting element and projecting radially outward; or / and a support arrangement structure, preferably the second support arrangement structure, includes a support element axially displaceable from the connecting element.

[0016] Here, in order to generate a defined axial clamping force, the support element can be coupled to the connecting element via threaded engagement.

[0017] In order to achieve different thermal expansion, at least one of the first support arrangement structure and the second support arrangement structure, preferably the second support arrangement structure, may include at least one axially elastic support element in the support path between the connecting element and the connecting element bracket.

[0018] The at least one axially elastic support element can be configured as, for example, a disc spring or a wave spring.

[0019] To ensure the defined positioning of the connecting unit on the outer wall of the exhaust guide component to which it is to be connected, a centering protrusion is provided on the first axial end side of the connecting element support, surrounding the receiving opening of the connecting element. Such a centering protrusion can be fitted into the opening in the wall through which the connecting unit passes, and thereby positioned to center the connecting unit.

[0020] The second insulating element can be axially supported on the centering protrusion because the centering protrusion constitutes the axially furthest protruding area of ​​the connecting element support.

[0021] In order to establish a connection with the power supply line, the connection unit may include a power supply line connection element that is coupled to or can be coupled to the connection element in its power supply line connection area.

[0022] In order to define the relative positioning between such a supply line and a connecting unit, the supply line connecting element can be held in a predetermined position about the longitudinal axis by a form-locking positioning part with respect to the supply line connecting area.

[0023] To further define the positioning of the connecting element with respect to the connecting element support, it is proposed that the connecting element be held in place without relative rotation with respect to the connecting element support by friction locking and / or kinetic locking. It is particularly advantageous that such friction locking and / or kinetic locking is provided only, or substantially only, in the region of, for example, a disc-shaped second and third insulating element, while the first insulating element is primarily used to center the connecting element in the connecting element receiving opening and to electrically insulate the connecting element, without transmitting significant forces, particularly forces acting in the circumferential direction, between the connecting element and the connecting element support.

[0024] The present invention also relates to an exhaust device for an internal combustion engine, the device comprising an exhaust guiding element, an exhaust heater, and at least one connecting unit having a construction according to the present invention, the exhaust guiding element having an outer wall and an exhaust flow space surrounded by the outer wall, the exhaust heater being disposed in the exhaust flow space, the connecting unit being fixed in the outer wall, and the exhaust heater connection area of ​​the at least one connecting unit being electrically connected to the exhaust heater. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The invention will then be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 A connecting unit is shown installed on the outer wall of the exhaust guide element of the exhaust device;

[0027] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The connection unit along Figure 1 Longitudinal section view cut along line II-II;

[0028] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 The connection unit along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view cut by line III-III in the middle;

[0029] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 A perspective view of the connecting elements of the connecting unit;

[0030] Figure 5 Show Figure 1 A perspective view of the supply line connecting elements of the connection unit;

[0031] Figure 6 The diagram shows alternative design schemes for the connection unit, particularly its supply line connection elements. Figure 2 Longitudinal sectional view;

[0032] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 The connection unit along Figure 6A cross-sectional view of line VII-VII;

[0033] Figure 8 Show Figure 6 A perspective view of the connecting elements of the connecting unit;

[0034] Figure 9 Show Figure 6 A perspective view of the supply line connecting elements of the connection unit;

[0035] Figure 10 A longitudinal sectional view showing the schematic diagram of the connecting element support and the insulating element disposed thereon. Detailed Implementation

[0036] exist Figure 1 The diagram, denoted by 10, shows a partial view of an exhaust system illustrating the principle of an internal combustion engine for a vehicle. An exhaust guide element, typically indicated by 14, with an outer wall 12 in the shape of a tube, surrounds an exhaust flow space 16 in which exhaust gas ejected from the internal combustion engine flows, for example, toward an exhaust treatment unit, a catalytic converter arrangement, or the like. An exhaust heater 18 is disposed within the exhaust flow space 16. This exhaust heater may include one or more heat conductors that can be heated by electrical excitation to transfer heat to the exhaust gas circulating within the heat conductors. This heat can be received in a downstream exhaust treatment unit and thereby used to accelerate the heating of that unit.

[0037] The connection unit, generally designated 22, is disposed in the area of ​​the opening 20 provided in the outer wall 12 and is hermetically fixed to the outer wall 12, for example, by welding, to the exhaust flow space 16. The connection unit 22 provides an electrical guide passage through the outer wall 12, via which a power source provided in the vehicle can be electrically connected to the exhaust heater 18. For example, two such connection units 22 can be provided to connect the two poles of such a power source to the exhaust heater 18. If multiple exhaust heaters 18 are provided in the exhaust system 10, for example, at different axial positions, two such connection units 22 can be provided in conjunction with each exhaust heater 18.

[0038] exist Figures 2 to 5 The connecting unit 22, shown in more detail, includes a connecting element support 24 constructed of metal and having a sleeve-like or bushing-like structure. The connecting element support 24 has a connecting element receiving opening 26 extending between a first axial end side 28 and a second axial end side 30 of the connecting element support 24. The connecting unit 22 is fixed to the outer wall 12... Figure 1 In the state shown, the first end side 28 is positioned facing the exhaust flow space 16 or the exhaust guide element 14.

[0039] To ensure the defined positioning of the connecting unit 22 in the opening 20 of the outer wall 12, a centering protrusion 32 can be formed on the first end side 28. This centering protrusion can be sized radially such that it can be positioned radially about the longitudinal axis L of the conductive connecting element 34 or the entire connecting unit 22 with a small radial movement gap into the opening 20.

[0040] Using the flange-shaped edge region 36 that protrudes radially outward from the centering protrusion 32, the connecting element bracket 24 abuts against the outer side of the outer wall 12 and can be fixedly and airtightly connected to the outer wall, for example, by a weld around the outside.

[0041] The connecting element 34, which passes through the connecting element support 24 and has a connecting element receiving opening 26, has an exhaust heater connecting region 40 in a first axial end region 38 positioned in such a way as to be fitted into the exhaust flow space 16. Figure 1 The connecting wire 42, which establishes an electrical connection with the exhaust heater 18 as shown in the schematic diagram, can be electrically connected to the connecting element 34, for example, by material locking, such as brazing or welding. In an alternative design, the exhaust heater connection area 40 can also be positioned such that it is embedded in the exhaust flow space 16, such that the exhaust heater connection area is pre-tightened against the contact area of ​​the exhaust heater 18, thereby achieving electrical contact connection.

[0042] A supply line connection region 46 is formed on the second axial end region 44 of the connecting element 34. This supply line connection region has, for example, a conical contact region 48 that tapers away from the first end region 38 and an externally threaded region 50 thereon that is axially connected. The supply line connecting element 52, having a sleeve-shaped mating contact region 54, is pushed onto the contact region 48. If this is achieved, a nut element (not shown) is screwed onto the externally threaded region 50 to preload the supply line connecting element 52 onto the contact region 48 and secure it to the connecting element 34.

[0043] For the predetermined connection position of the supply line to be fixedly connected to the supply line connection element 52 in the vehicle, for example by clamping, a form-locking positioning forming part 56 is provided. This form-locking positioning forming part includes a radially outwardly projecting form-locking protrusion 58 on the connecting element 34, particularly in the contact area 48 of the connecting element in the circumferential position, and an axially open form-locking recess 60 on the sleeve-shaped mating contact area 54 of the supply line connection element 52. When the supply line connection element 52 is axially pushed onto the supply line connection area 46 of the connecting element 34, the form-locking recess 60 and the form-locking protrusion 58 are oriented relative to each other in the circumferential direction, such that the form-locking protrusion 58 can enter the form-locking recess 60 when the supply line connection element 52 is axially pushed onto the contact area 48. In this way and method, the circumferential positioning of the supply line connection element 52 with respect to the definition of the connecting element 34 about its longitudinal axis L is predetermined.

[0044] To electrically insulate the connecting element 34 in its defined position relative to the connecting element support 24, the support region 62 of the connecting element 34, positioned between its two axial end regions 38, 44 and penetrating the connecting element receiving opening 26, is surrounded by a sleeve-shaped first insulating element 64. The first insulating element 64, constructed of an electrically insulating material, such as sintered ceramic or the like, surrounds the support region 62 substantially without gaps, yet without significant frictional interaction. The first insulating element 64 is positioned within the connecting element receiving opening 26 and abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the connecting element support 24 surrounding the connecting element receiving opening 26, without generating significant frictional forces. Thus, through the first insulating element 64, the connecting element 34 is electrically insulated and centrally supported within the support region 62 penetrating the connecting element receiving opening 26, where no significant torque is transmitted between the connecting element 34 and the connecting element support 24.

[0045] A second insulating element 66, made of an electrically insulating material, such as sintered ceramic material or the like, is disposed on the first end side 28 of the connecting element support 24 facing the exhaust flow space 16 and has a disc-shaped or washer-shaped structure. The second insulating element 66 is axially supported on the connecting element support 24 in the region of the centering protrusion 32.

[0046] In conjunction with the second insulating element 66, a first support arrangement, generally indicated by 68, is provided for axial support of the connecting element 34. This first support arrangement includes a radially outwardly projecting, flange-shaped support protrusion 70, which is provided on the connecting element 34, for example as an integral part thereof, and preferably substantially completely surrounds it in the circumferential direction. By means of the support protrusion 70, the connecting element 34 is supported on the connecting element support 24 via the second insulating element 66 in a first axial direction, particularly in a direction opposite to the exhaust flow space 16.

[0047] For axial support about the second end 30, a third insulating element 72, constructed of an electrically insulating material such as sintered ceramic or the like, in a disc or washer shape, is provided. For axial support of the connecting element 34 in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction toward the exhaust flow space 16, a second support arrangement structure, generally indicated by 73, is provided. The second support arrangement structure 73 includes, for example, a nut element with internal threads, constructed of a metallic material, which functions as a support element 74. These internal threads are screwed onto external threads 76 located in the support region 62 of the connecting element 34, such that rotation of the nut element about the connecting element 34 causes axial displacement of the nut element about the connecting element 34.

[0048] An axially resilient support element 78, for example configured as a disc spring or wave spring, and a gasket 80, for example made of a metallic material, are provided between the support element 74 of the second support arrangement structure 73 and the second insulating element 72. The gasket 80 ensures uniform loading of the second insulating element 72 with respect to the axial load generated or transmitted by the axially resilient support element 78, even if the axially resilient support element is designed as a disc spring or wave spring and is supported on the gasket 80 only in a limited radial or circumferential region.

[0049] The axial clamping of the connecting element 34 is ensured by the cooperation of two support structures 68 and 73, with a sandwich-like insulating section consisting of three insulating elements 64, 66, and 72 placed in the middle. An axially elastic support element 78, located in the axial support path or force transmission path between the connecting element 34 and the connecting element bracket 24, allows for different thermal expansions of components of the connecting unit 22, which may be made of different materials and subjected to varying degrees of thermal loading, without causing localized clamping or overload. The axial clamping force can be adjusted by screwing the support element 74 onto the external thread 76. The rotational positioning of the connecting element 34 with respect to the connecting element bracket 36 is achieved here by the successive and frictionally abutting components in different axial directions. To further define the rotational positioning of the connecting element 34 with respect to the connecting element support 24, a form-locking positioning forming part that cooperates with the second insulating element 66 can be provided on the first end side 28 of the connecting element support 24. This form-locking positioning forming part defines the rotational position of the second insulating element 66 with respect to the connecting element support 24, for example, through one or more form-locking protrusions that are axially engaged in the provided form-locking gaps. Correspondingly, the form-locking positioning forming part can function between the second insulating element 66 and the support protrusion 70 of the connecting element 34 to define the rotational positioning of the connecting element 34 with respect to the second insulating element 66 and via the second insulating element with respect to the connecting element support 24.

[0050] To avoid jamming or localized overload, especially during thermally determined dimensional changes, such as in Figure 10The schematic diagram illustrates that the sleeve-shaped first insulating element 64 is sized such that its axial extension is not greater than, and preferably less than, the axial extension of the connecting element receiving opening 26 that houses the first insulating element, or the axial distance between the two end sides 28, 30 of the receiving element support 24, particularly in the area where the disc-shaped sealing elements 66, 72 are supported on the receiving element support, or the axial distance between the two disc-shaped sealing elements 66, 72. The first insulating element 64 can be sized and positioned in the connecting element receiving opening 26 such that a gap-like axial gap 82, 84 is formed between the first insulating element and each of the two disc-shaped sealing elements 66, 72, having an axial extension in the range of one-tenth or a tenth of a millimeter to one or more millimeters. Thus, axial forces can be applied to the end sides 28, 30 of the connecting element support 24 via the disc-shaped insulating elements 66, 72 through the two support arrangements 68, 73, without loading the sleeve-shaped first insulating element 64. Thus, the first insulating element can substantially fulfill its function of radial centering and electrical insulation of the connecting element 34 with respect to the connecting element support 24, as has been implemented previously, without transmitting significant forces between them, particularly significant forces acting in the circumferential and radial directions.

[0051] The first insulating element 64 can also be positioned in the connecting element receiving opening 26 such that it comes into contact with the radially inner region of one of the two disc-shaped insulating elements 66, 72, but has an axial gap or greater than that with the other of the two disc-shaped insulating elements 66, 72. Figure 10 The large axial clearance is shown in the figure. Although in such a design having axial clearances 82, 84 formed on one or two axial sides of the first insulating element 64, the connecting element 34 is not covered by the insulating elements over the entire axial extension of the electrically insulating portion including the three insulating elements 64, 66, 72, effective electrical insulation between the connecting element 34 and the connecting element support 24 is still ensured.

[0052] One design form of the connection unit 22 is as follows: Figures 6 to 9 As shown in the figure. In this design, the construction of the connecting unit 22, particularly the design of the connecting element support 24, and the support or electrical insulation of the connecting element 34 with respect to the connecting element support via an electrical insulation portion including three insulating elements 64, 66, and 72 and a support arrangement structure 68, 73, correspond to the previous reference. Figures 1 to 5 The described structure allows for reference to the implementation scheme.

[0053] However, the structural difference lies in the design of the form-locking positioning forming part 56 that functions between the connecting element 34 and the supply line connecting element 52. This form-locking positioning forming part... Figures 6 to 9 The configuration shown includes an axially open, form-locking recess 60 provided on a sleeve-shaped mating contact area 54, which in this design extends further axially. Similarly, the contact area 48 includes a form-locking recess 86 that extends longitudinally, for example, along the longitudinal axis L of the connecting element 34. The form-locking interaction between the two form-locking recesses 60 and 86 is generated by a form-locking element 88, for example, of a pin-like or spherical construction, which is inserted into the form-locking recess 86 before the supply line connecting element 52 is axially pushed onto the supply line connection area 46 of the connecting element 34, and protrudes radially outward from the form-locking recess. The supply line connecting element 52 is then pushed onto the second axial end region 44 or the supply line connection area 46 such that the form-locking element 88, protruding radially outward from the contact area 48, enters the form-locking recess 60, thereby defining the positioning of the supply line connecting element 52 with respect to the circumferential direction of the connecting element 34 about the longitudinal axis L.

[0054] In the construction of the connecting unit according to the invention, a structurally simple, easily manufactured, and mechanically stable design is provided, which also avoids localized overload areas due to different thermal expansions under intense thermal loads. A defined mounting position can be achieved by predetermining the rotational positioning between the connecting element and the supply line connecting element or connecting element support, thereby achieving a defined fit with the routing of the cable bundle in the vehicle or the defined supply line disposed therein, which avoids unnecessary bending or deformation in the area of ​​the supply line to be connected to such a connecting unit. Because the force with which the connecting element is pre-tightly held with respect to the connecting element support, particularly pre-tightly held in the axial direction, is freely adjustable, it is possible to achieve fit with different geometric tolerances and, due to the prescribed manner and method of force transmission, avoid excessive load on the insulating element constructed of electrically insulating material and providing axial support.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that while the use of a combined exhaust system and an exhaust heater that is powered by a power supply voltage is particularly advantageous, such a connection unit can certainly be used in other applications where electrical contacts can be provided through the wall to connect the two system areas.

Claims

1. A connection unit for connecting an electrical supply line to an exhaust heater of an internal combustion engine's exhaust system, the connection unit comprising: A conductive connecting element (34) extending along the longitudinal axis (L) has an exhaust heater connecting region (40) in a first axial end region (38) and a supply line connecting region (46) in a second axial end region (44). A connecting element support (24) has a connecting element receiving opening (26), wherein the connecting element (34) extends through the connecting element receiving opening (26) with a support region (62) located between the first axial end region (38) and the second axial end region (44). A first insulating element (64), configured as an insulating sleeve, is disposed in the connecting element receiving opening (26) and surrounds the support region (62). A second insulating element (66) is disposed on a first end side (28) of the first axial end region (38) of the connecting element bracket (24) facing the connecting element (34), and the connecting element (34) is supported axially about the first end side (28) of the connecting element bracket (24) via the second insulating element (66). A third insulating element (72) is disposed on the second end side (30) of the second axial end region (44) of the connecting element bracket (24) facing the connecting element (34), and the connecting element (34) is supported axially about the second end side of the connecting element bracket via the third insulating element (72). The axial extension length of the first insulating element (64) is less than the axial extension length of the connecting element receiving opening (26), such that an axial gap (82, 84) is formed between the first insulating element (64) and at least one of the second insulating element (66) and the third insulating element (72).

2. The connecting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first insulating element (64), the second insulating element (66), and the third insulating element (72) are constructed as separate components.

3. The connecting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second insulating element (66) is constructed as an insulating disk, and / or the third insulating element (72) is constructed as an insulating disk.

4. The connecting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The axial extension length of the first insulating element (64) is less than the axial distance between the second insulating element (66) and the third insulating element (72).

5. The connecting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connecting element (34) is axially supported on the second insulating element (66) via a first support arrangement structure (68) and on the third insulating element (72) via a second support arrangement structure (73).

6. The connecting unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, One of the first support arrangement structures (68) and the second support arrangement structure (73) includes a support protrusion (70) fixedly disposed on the connecting element (34) and projecting radially outward, or / and one of the first support arrangement structures (68) and the second support arrangement structure (73) includes a support element (74) axially displaceable from the connecting element.

7. The connecting unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first support arrangement structure (68) includes a support protrusion (70) fixedly disposed on the connecting element (34) and projecting radially outward, and / or the second support arrangement structure (73) includes a support element (74) axially displaceable with respect to the connecting element.

8. The connecting unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support element (74) and the connecting element (34) are coupled by thread engagement.

9. The connecting unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one of the first support arrangement structure (68) and the second support arrangement structure (73) includes at least one axially elastic support element (78) in the support path between the connecting element (34) and the connecting element bracket (24).

10. The connecting unit according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second support arrangement structure (73) includes at least one axially elastic support element (78) in the support path between the connecting element (34) and the connecting element bracket (24).

11. The connecting unit according to claim 9, characterized in that, The at least one axially elastic support element (78) is configured as a disc spring or a wave spring.

12. The connecting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A centering protrusion (32) surrounding the connecting element receiving opening (26) is provided on the first end side (28) of the connecting element bracket (24) in the axial direction.

13. The connecting unit according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second insulating element (66) is axially supported on the centering protrusion (32).

14. The connecting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... Supply line connection element (52) coupled to or capable of being coupled to the connection element (34) in its supply line connection area (46).

15. The connecting unit according to claim 14, characterized in that, The supply line connecting element (52) is held in a predetermined position about the longitudinal axis (L) by the form-locking positioning forming part (56) about the supply line connecting area (46).

16. The connecting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connecting element (34) is held in place without relative rotation about the connecting element support (24) by friction locking and / or form locking.

17. An exhaust device for an internal combustion engine, the exhaust device comprising an exhaust guiding element (14), an exhaust heater (18), and at least one connecting unit (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the exhaust guiding element having an outer wall (12) and an exhaust flow space (16) surrounded by the outer wall (12), the exhaust heater being disposed in the exhaust flow space (16), the connecting unit (22) being fixed to the outer wall (12), and the exhaust heater connection area (40) of the at least one connecting unit (22) being electrically connected to the exhaust heater (18).

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