heater

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heater having a housing (8) and a plurality of heating elements (2). Each heating element (2) extends into an interior space (11) of the housing (8) by its longitudinal end (2a) and is electrically contacted within the interior space (11). The heater (1) further includes a conductive ground plane (17) disposed outside the housing (8). The ground plane (17) abuts against at least two of the heating elements (2) and is thereby electrically connected to these heating elements (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric heater having multiple heating elements for use in motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Electric heaters typically consist of a housing and multiple heating elements. The heating elements are arranged in sections within the housing and are electrically connected within it. The housing thus protects the contacts of the heating elements from contamination. If the housing is made of a conductive material, such as aluminum, the heating elements are typically grounded through the housing. The heating elements are electrically connected to the housing, and the housing is electrically connected to ground potential. Because aluminum housings are more expensive than plastic housings, the cost of the heater is increased. If the housing is made of plastic, the heating elements are typically individually electrically connected to a grounding bolt within the housing, and the grounding bolt is electrically connected to ground potential. This requires complex connections for the heating elements within the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to describe an improved or at least alternative embodiment for a general type of heater, which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0004] This task is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0005] The electric heater according to the invention is provided or designed for use in motor vehicles, particularly for heating air flowing in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The heater includes a plurality of heating elements, each having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, respectively, about the longitudinal direction of the heater. The heating elements are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction and arranged side-by-side perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the heater includes a housing having walls and an internal space. The walls are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and regionally define the internal space outwards. Each heating element extends axially into the internal space of the housing through an opening in the wall corresponding to that heating element at its first longitudinal end and is electrically contacted within the internal space. The heater also includes a conductive ground plane arranged adjacent to and parallel to the walls of the housing outside the internal space. The ground plane abuts against at least two of the plurality of heating elements and is electrically connected to these heating elements. In particular, the ground plane can abut against all heating elements and be electrically connected to all heating elements.

[0006] In the heater according to the invention, the heating elements can be grounded externally via a common grounding plate. Because the grounding plate is located outside the internal space or outside the housing, the openings surrounding the respective heating elements passing through the openings can be sealed in a simplified manner. Furthermore, the heating elements can be grounded regardless of the material of the housing. This generally reduces the effort required to assemble the heater and lowers the cost of the heater.

[0007] The grounding plate is configured to be conductive and may be made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The grounding plate may be constructed in a single piece or from a single blank. The grounding plate may be form-locked and / or force-locked to the housing. Therefore, the grounding plate may be fixed to the housing, for example, by means of hammer-on rivets.

[0008] In one extended design of the heater, each heating element may have a conductive tubular housing. The tubular housing extends from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinal end of the heating element and has a closed profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the tubular housing may be constructed in a tubular shape. The profile of the tubular housing may, for example, be approximately rectangular or rectangular. At the first longitudinal end of the heating element, the tubular housing may have an opening that opens outwards in the longitudinal direction. The opening of the tubular housing allows the conductive contacts or joints of the heating element to be guided outwards. In each heating element, the tubular housing may be arranged in sections within the interior space of the housing, and the opening may be completely located within the interior space of the housing. This allows the first longitudinal end of the heating element, open at the opening, to be arranged within the interior space and thus safely protected from contamination. The tubular housing may be made of a conductive material. The conductive material may be a metal such as aluminum or a metal alloy such as an aluminum alloy.

[0009] In one possible embodiment of the heater, the ground plane of each heating element, which is electrically connected to the ground plane, has a through opening. Each heating element electrically connected to the ground plane can then axially pass through the through opening of the ground plane corresponding to that heating element at its first longitudinal end. This simplifies the assembly of the heater on the one hand, and provides a secure electrical connection between the ground plane and the heating element on the other.

[0010] Each through-hole in the ground plane can have a closed, e.g., rectangular or approximately rectangular profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the heating element can be completely surrounded by the ground plane in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The profile of the through-hole can particularly match the profile of the heating element. Alternatively or additionally, in each heating element electrically connected to the ground plane, the through-hole of the ground plane corresponding to that heating element and the opening of the housing wall corresponding to that heating element can be axially stacked. The heating element can thus be simplified and axially introduced into the interior space of the housing through the through-hole and the opening. The opening and the through-hole can particularly have the same or similar profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the ground plane may have multiple, particularly at least two, contact protrusions for each heating element electrically connected to the ground plane. In each heating element electrically connected to the ground plane, the contact protrusion corresponding to that heating element may be constructed at a through opening corresponding to that heating element. The contact protrusion may be resiliently constructed and resiliently abut against the heating element perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The contact protrusion may, for example, be constructed as a pin and / or have a profile curved toward the heating element in a plane oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction. By resiliently abutting the contact protrusion against the heating element, a conductive contact can be established between the heating element and the ground plane. If the heating element includes the aforementioned tubular housing made of a conductive material, then the heating element can be simply and safely electrically connected to the ground plane. The tubular housing may be constructed of, for example, a metal such as aluminum or a metal alloy such as an aluminum alloy, as described above.

[0012] In each heating element electrically connected to a ground plane, contact protrusions belonging to that heating element may be distributed in a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at the through opening belonging to that heating element. The ground plane can thus be electrically connected to the heating element at multiple locations, thereby ensuring the grounding of the heating element. Alternatively or additionally, in each heating element electrically connected to a ground plane, the contact protrusions belonging to that heating element may be arranged in pairs opposite each other in a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with respect to the through opening belonging to that heating element. The heating element can thus be centered in the through opening and ensure the grounding of the heating element. Alternatively or additionally, in each heating element electrically connected to a ground plane, the contact protrusions belonging to that heating element may protrude axially toward the housing from the edge surrounding the through opening belonging to that heating element. This allows the heating element to be easily guided through the through opening to the housing or introduced into the interior space of the housing.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the heater may have a resilient sealing device. The sealing device can then be arranged and pressed between the ground plane and the wall of the housing, outside the internal space of the housing. In each heating element electrically connected to the ground plane, the sealing device can then surround and seal the opening of the housing wall corresponding to that heating element. In other words, in each heating element electrically connected to the ground plane, the sealing device can seal the gap formed between the edge of the housing wall surrounding the opening corresponding to that heating element and the heating element. Because the sealing device is arranged between the ground plane and the wall of the housing, this sealing device is not obstructed by the ground plane or by contact protrusions of the ground plane. This simplifies and securely seals the respective openings.

[0014] In one extended design of the sealing device, the sealing device may have a continuous plate and, for each heating element electrically connected to the ground plane, a notch and a sealing ring connected to the plate and surrounding the notch. For each heating element electrically connected to the ground plane, the sealing ring of the sealing device corresponding to that heating element can then be pressed between the heating element and the wall of the housing, sealing the opening of the housing wall corresponding to the heating element outwards. The sealing ring of the sealing device can thus seal outwardly the opening of the housing wall corresponding to the heating element or the gap formed between the edge of the housing wall surrounding the opening corresponding to the heating element and the heating element. The sealing device can be simply assembled between the ground plane and the wall of the housing in this way, and the respective openings are further simply and securely sealed.

[0015] Each notch of the sealing device can have a closed profile in a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In particular, the profile of the notch of the sealing device can match the profile of the heating element and / or the profile of the through opening of the ground plane and / or the profile of the opening in the wall of the housing. Alternatively or additionally, in each heating element electrically connected to the ground plane, the notch of the sealing device corresponding to that heating element and the opening in the wall of the housing corresponding to that heating element can be axially stacked. The heating element can thus be simplified and axially introduced into the interior space of the housing through the notch of the sealing device and the opening in the wall. In particular, the opening and notch can have consistent or similar profiles in a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each sealing ring of the sealing device can have a closed profile in a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In particular, the profile of the sealing ring can follow the profile of the notch.

[0016] To prevent the sealing device from moving at the ground plane in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the ground plane may have an edge formed on the edge side and projecting axially toward the housing. In a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the profile of the edge may match the profile of the sealing device plate. The sealing device or the plate of the sealing device may then be at least segmentally surrounded by this edge in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on the ground plane and thus arranged to prevent movement. The profile of the edge may not be closed, or the edge may have multiple discontinuous segments.

[0017] In one possible extended design of the sealing device, the sealing device can have multiple slits for each heating element electrically connected to the ground plane. These slits can be constructed between the sealing ring and the plate corresponding to the heating element. The contact protrusion of the ground plane corresponding to the heating element can then be guided to the heating element through the slits of the sealing device corresponding to the heating element. This ensures conductive contact between the contact protrusion of the ground plane and the heating element, and prevents damage to the sealing device or impairment of its sealing function.

[0018] In one possible embodiment of the heater, the grounding plate may have a plate-shaped base section and a connecting element for contacting the grounding plate with the ground potential. The connecting element can protrude from the base section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The thickness of the connecting element in the longitudinal direction of the grounding plate can be greater than the thickness of the base section in the longitudinal direction, particularly twice or more. A grounding bolt can be arranged or screwed onto the connecting element, and the grounding bolt can thus make conductive contact with the grounding plate. Due to the greater thickness of the connecting element, the grounding bolt can be securely fixed to the grounding plate, wherein the overall weight of the grounding plate is only slightly increased. The connecting element protrudes from the base section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and can extend, particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, into the housing. The connecting element can thus be easily accessed from the outside and can make simplified conductive contact with the ground potential.

[0019] For the purposes of this invention, the term "axial" always refers to the longitudinal direction of the heater.

[0020] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings, and the accompanying description with reference to the drawings.

[0021] It goes without saying that the features described above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations described, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical parts. In the drawings: Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic view and an exploded view of the electric heater according to the invention are shown respectively; Figure 3 and Figure 4 A view schematically showing the housing of the heater according to the invention, having a sealing device and a grounding plate; Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of the housing of the heater according to the invention, having a sealing device and a grounding plate, is shown schematically. Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of the heater according to the invention is schematically shown in the area of ​​the housing. Figure 7 and Figure 8 A view and a side view of the grounding plate and sealing device of the heater according to the invention are shown schematically, respectively; Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the grounding plate and sealing device of the heater according to the invention is shown; Figure 10 A schematic view of the grounding plate of the heater according to the invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 A view of an electrically operated heater 1 according to the invention for use in a motor vehicle to heat air flowing in the passenger compartment of the vehicle is shown. The heater 1 here comprises a plurality of, in this case, six heating elements 2, which are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction LR of the heater 1. The heating elements 2 are arranged side-by-side and parallel to each other, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR. Each heating element 2 here includes a first longitudinal end 2a and a second longitudinal end 2b, which are spaced apart from each other with respect to the longitudinal direction LR.

[0024] Figure 2 An exploded view of the electric heater 1 according to the present invention is shown. (Reference) Figure 2Each heating element 2 includes a tubular housing 3, which has a closed profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR and opens outward at the longitudinal ends 2a and 2b of the heating element through openings 3a and 3b. The tubular housing 3 is made of a conductive material, such as aluminum. The heating element 2, whose heating element (not shown), is arranged within the tubular housing 3, and the heating element is in conductive contact outward through two contacts 4a and 4b. The contacts 4a and 4b extend from the tubular housing 3 through the opening 3a at the first longitudinal end 2a of the heating element 2.

[0025] Each heating element 2 further includes two ribs 5a and 5b that allow air to pass through. These ribs are thermally arranged at two opposing surfaces 6a and 6b of the tubular shell 3, oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction LR. Ribs 5a and 5b are made of a thermally conductive material such as metal and are thermally connected to the tubular shell 3. In the heater 1, the heating element 2 is arranged face-to-face with surfaces 6a and 6b or with ribs 5a and 5b. In each heating element 2, ribs 5a and 5b are constructed to be shorter than the tubular shell 3 along the longitudinal direction LR, so that the tubular shell 3 has sections without ribs 5a and 5b at the longitudinal ends 2a and 2b of the heating element 2.

[0026] The heater 1 further includes a frame-like housing 7, and the heating elements 2 are arranged side-by-side in the housing 7, allowing air to pass through. The heating elements 2 extend from the housing 7 at their first longitudinal end 2a. The second longitudinal end 2b of the heating elements 2 is arranged inside the housing 7, wherein the opening 3b of the tubular housing 3 of the heating elements 2 is sealed against the housing 7, and the tubular housing 3 of the heating elements 2 is thus sealed outward at the second longitudinal end 2b.

[0027] Furthermore, the heater 1 also includes a housing 8 having a can-shaped receptacle 9 and a can-shaped lid 10. An internal space 11 is formed between the receptacle 9 and the lid 10, into which the heating element 2 extends with its first longitudinal end 2a. The opening 3a of the tubular housing 3 is located within the internal space 11. Additionally, the housing 8 includes a wall portion 12 oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR, having a plurality of, in this case, six openings 13 through which the tubular housing 3 of the heating element 2 is guided axially or parallel to the longitudinal direction LR. The wall portion 12 is here constructed at the receptacle 9.

[0028] The housing 8 also houses the guide plate 14 and the circuit board (PCB) 15 of the heater 1. The wall 12, guide plate 14, and circuit board 15 are stacked longitudinally (LR), with the guide plate 14 positioned between the circuit board 15 and the wall 12. The guide plate 14 and circuit board 15 are screwed onto the housing 9. The circuit board 15 or the heater 1 can then make external electrical contact via the connector 16.

[0029] Heating element 2 extends into internal space 11 through opening 13 with its first longitudinal end 2a. Tubular housing 3 is arranged in sections within internal space 11 of housing 8, and ribs 5a and 5b are arranged outside internal space 11 of housing 8. Within internal space 11, longitudinal end 2a of heating element 2 or tubular housing 3 is axially supported at guide plate 14, and contacts 4a and 4b are guided through guide plate 14 to circuit board 15 and make electrical contact with this circuit board.

[0030] In addition, the heater 1 also includes a ground plane 17, which is disposed outside the internal space 11 at the wall 12 of the housing 8. The ground plane 17 is made of a conductive material, such as aluminum. The ground plane 17 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR and includes a plurality of through openings 18, here six, corresponding to the openings 13 of the wall 12 along the axial or longitudinal direction LR. The heating element 2 or the tubular housing 3 of the heating element 2 is introduced into the internal space 11 of the housing 8 through the through openings 18. A plurality of contact protrusions 19 are constructed at the through openings 18, here eight, which elastically abut against the heating element 2 or the tubular housing 3 of the heating element 2. The ground plane 17 is thus electrically connected to the heating element 2 or the tubular housing 3 of the heating element 2.

[0031] The grounding plate 17 comprises a plate-like or flat base section 20 and a connecting element 21, which are integrally or integrally constructed together. A through opening 18 is provided in the base section 20, and the connecting element 21 protrudes from the base section 20 perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction LR. The grounding plate 17 can be electrically connected to ground potential via the connecting element 21 through a grounding bolt 22, thereby grounding the heating element 2. The structure of the grounding plate 17 is described below using... Figures 2 to 10 To explain in more detail.

[0032] Furthermore, the heater 1 includes a resilient sealing device 23 disposed outside the internal space 11. Here, the sealing device 23 includes a plate 24 and a plurality of, in this case, six notches 26. Additionally, the sealing device 23 includes a plurality of, in this case, six sealing rings 25, which surround the notches 26 and are constructed coherently with the plate 24. The notches 26 correspond along the longitudinal direction LR or axially to the opening 13 of the wall 12 and the through opening 18 of the ground plane 17. The sealing rings 25 correspondingly surround the heating element 2 or the tubular housing 3 of the heating element 2 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR.

[0033] The sealing device 23 is pressed between the wall portion 12 and the ground plate 17 in the longitudinal direction LR or axial direction, thus sealing the opening 13 of the wall portion 12 outwardly with the sealing ring 25. The contact protrusion 19 of the ground plate 17 is led to the heating element 2 through the plate 24 below the sealing ring 24, thereby establishing electrical contact between the heating element 2 and the ground plate 17. The structure of the sealing device 23 is described below using... Figures 5 to 7 To explain in more detail.

[0034] Figure 3 A view of the housing 8, including the receiving member 9 with the grounding plate 17 and sealing device 23, is shown from the side of the wall 12 opposite to the interior space 11. Figure 3 In particular, it can be clearly seen that the through opening 18 of the ground plane 17, the notch 26 of the sealing device 23, and the opening 13 of the wall portion 12 of the housing 8 are stacked along the longitudinal direction LR and are consistent or at least matched with each other in their contours perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR boundary. Each heating element 2 can then be introduced into the internal space 11 of the housing 8 through the corresponding through opening 18 of the ground plane 17, the corresponding notch 26 of the sealing device 23, and the corresponding opening 13 of the wall portion 12. Furthermore, in Figure 3 Three hammer rivets 29 can also be seen, which secure the grounding plate 17 and the sealing device 23 to the wall 12 of the housing 8.

[0035] Figure 4 The housing 9, with a grounding plate 17 and a sealing device 23, is shown from the side of the wall 12 facing the interior space 11. Figure 4 It can be seen particularly well that, at the wall portion 12, a surrounding edge 27 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction LR into the internal space 11 is constructed around each of the respective openings 13. The respective sealing rings 25 of the sealing devices 23, when viewed perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction LR, are segmented between their respective surrounding edges 27 and the heating element 2, thereby sealing the gap formed between the heating element 2 and the surrounding edges 27. Figure 4 It can also be seen that the grounding bolt 22 passes through the protruding section 28 of the wall 12.

[0036] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of a receiver 9 having a grounding plate 17 and a sealing device 23 is shown. Figure 5 The position of the sealing ring 25 at the wall 12 of the housing 8 can be seen particularly well. Furthermore, in Figure 5The gap 30 of the sealing device 23 can be seen, extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR and axially constructed between the corresponding sealing ring 25 and plate 24 of the sealing device 23. The contact protrusion 19 of the grounding plate 17 protrudes through the gap 30. Here, four gaps 30 are constructed at each sealing ring 25, and two contact protrusions 19 are assigned to each gap 30.

[0037] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of the heater 1 according to the invention in the region of the housing 9 is shown. The heating element 2 protrudes with its tubular housing 3 through the associated opening 13 of the wall 12 of the housing 8, wherein the through-hole 3a at the first longitudinal end 2a of the tubular housing 3 is completely arranged in the internal space 11. Furthermore, it can be seen particularly well here that the ribs 5a and 5b of the heating element 2 are arranged outside the internal space 11 of the housing 8.

[0038] Figure 7 A view of the ground plane 17 and the sealing device 23 of the heater 1 according to the invention is shown. Figure 7 It can be seen particularly well that the sealing ring 25 and the plate 24 are arranged at a distance of LR along the longitudinal direction and the gap 30 is constructed in the section of the plate 24 leading to the sealing ring 25.

[0039] Figure 8 A side view of the ground plane 17 and sealing device 23 of the heater 1 according to the invention is shown. Figure 8 As can be seen particularly well, the thickness D_21 of the connector element 21 of the ground plane 17 is greater than the thickness D_20 of the base section 20 of the ground plane 17, and is more than twice as great. The thicknesses D_20 and D_21 are defined here along or parallel to the longitudinal direction LR.

[0040] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the ground plane 17 and the sealing device 23 of the heater 1 according to the invention is shown. Figure 9 As can be seen particularly well, the grounding plate 17 has an edge 31. The edge 31 is formed on the edge side at the base section 20 of the grounding plate 17 and protrudes from the base section 20 along the longitudinal direction LR relative to the wall 12 of the housing 8 or relative to the sealing device 23. The sealing device 23 is here located at the base section 20 of the grounding plate 17 and is segmentally surrounded by the edge 31 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The edge 31 is not formed in the transition region between the joint element 21 and the base section 20.

[0041] Figure 10A view of the ground plane 17 of the heater 1 according to the invention is shown. It can be particularly seen here that the contact protrusions 19 protrude longitudinally (LR) from the base section 20 of the ground plane 17 and curve toward the heating element 2 or the through opening 18. The contact protrusions 19 thus elastically abut against the tubular housing 3 of the heating element 2 and ensure conductive contact between the heating element 2 and the ground plane 17. It can also be seen that four sets of contact protrusions, each consisting of two contact protrusions 19, are constructed at each through opening 18, forming a total of eight contact protrusions 19. (Refer to...) Figure 9 A slit 30 is constructed for each group of contact protrusions 19, and thus there are a total of four slits 30.

[0042] List of reference numerals

[0043] 1 heater

[0044] 2 Heating element

[0045] 2a / 2b Longitudinal ends

[0046] 3. Tubular shell

[0047] 3a / 3b port

[0048] 4a / 4b contacts

[0049] 5a / 5b Ribs

[0050] 6a / 6b side

[0051] 7. Frame Shell

[0052] 8. Housing

[0053] 9. Retaining components

[0054] 10 lids

[0055] 11. Interior Space

[0056] 12. Wall section

[0057] 13 Opening

[0058] 14 Guide Plate

[0059] 15 Circuit Boards

[0060] 16 connectors

[0061] 17. Flooring

[0062] 18 Through opening

[0063] 19 Contact protrusions

[0064] 20 Basic Sections

[0065] 21 Connector Components

[0066] 22 Grounding bolts

[0067] 23 Sealing device

[0068] 24 boards

[0069] 25 Sealing ring

[0070] 26 Gap

[0071] 27. Wrap-around edge

[0072] Section 28

[0073] 29. Impact rivets

[0074] 30 gaps

[0075] 31 Edge

[0076] D_20 / D_21 thickness

[0077] LR (Longitudinal Direction)

Claims

1. An electric heater (1) for use in motor vehicles, having multiple heating elements (2). - wherein, The heater (1) has a plurality of heating elements (2) and the heating elements (2) have a first longitudinal end (2a) and a second longitudinal end (2b) in the longitudinal direction (LR) of the heater (1). - Wherein, the heating elements (2) are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction (LR) and arranged side by side perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR), - The heater (1) has a housing (8) having a wall (12) oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR) and an internal space (11) defined outwardly by the wall (12). - In this embodiment, each heating element (2) extends axially through its first longitudinal end (2a) through an opening (13) in the wall portion (12) corresponding to the heating element into the internal space (11) of the housing (8) and is electrically contacted within the internal space (11). - Wherein, the heater (1) has a conductive ground plane (17) and the ground plane (17) is arranged adjacent to and parallel to the wall (12) of the housing (8) outside the internal space (11), and - wherein the ground plane (17) is attached to at least two of the plurality of heating elements (2) and is electrically connected to these heating elements.

2. The heater (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, - The ground plane (17) rests against all the heating elements (2) and is thus electrically connected to all the heating elements (2), and / or - The grounding plate (17) is fixed to the housing (8) by shape locking and / or force locking, and / or - The grounding plate (17) is a one-piece construction.

3. The heater (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, - Each heating element (2) has a conductive tubular housing (3) and the tubular housing (3) extends from a first longitudinal end (2a) of the heating element (2) to a second longitudinal end (2b). - In each heating element (2), the tubular housing (3) has a closed profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR) orientation and has an opening (3a) that opens outward in the longitudinal direction (LR) at the first longitudinal end (2a) of the heating element (2), and - In each heating element (2), the tubular housing (3) is arranged in sections within the internal space (11) of the housing (8) and the port (3a) is completely arranged within the internal space of the housing.

4. The heater (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, - The ground plane (17) has a through opening (18) for each of the heating elements (2) that are electrically connected to the ground plane (17), and - Each of the heating elements (2) electrically connected to the ground plane (17) passes axially through the through opening (18) of the ground plane (17) associated with the heating element at its first longitudinal end (2a).

5. The heater (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, - Each through opening (18) of the ground plane (17) has a closed profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR) orientation, and / or - In each heating element of the heating element (2) that is electrically connected to the ground plane (17), the through opening (18) of the ground plane (17) belonging to the heating element and the opening (13) of the wall portion (12) of the housing (8) belonging to the heating element are axially stacked.

6. The heater (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, - The ground plane (17) has a plurality of contact protrusions (19) for each of the heating elements (2) that are electrically connected to the ground plane (17). - In each heating element of the heating element (2) electrically connected to the ground plane (17), a contact protrusion (19) belonging to the heating element is constructed at a through opening (18) belonging to the heating element, and - In each heating element of the heating element (2) that is electrically connected to the ground plane (17), the contact protrusion (19) associated with the heating element is elastically constructed and elastically abuts against the heating element (2) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR).

7. The heater (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, - In each heating element of the heating element (2) electrically connected to the ground plane (17), contact protrusions (19) associated with the heating element are distributed around the through opening (18) associated with the heating element in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR), and / or - In each heating element of the heating element (2) electrically connected to the ground plane (17), the contact protrusions (19) belonging to the heating element are arranged opposite each other in pairs in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR) orientation with respect to the through opening (18) belonging to the heating element, and / or - In each of the heating elements (2) that is electrically connected to the ground plane (17), a contact protrusion (19) associated with the heating element protrudes axially toward the housing (8) from the edge surrounding the through opening (18) associated with the heating element.

8. The heater (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, - The heater (1) has a resilient sealing device (23) and the sealing device (23) is arranged outside the internal space (11) of the housing (8) and pressed between the grounding plate (17) and the wall (12) of the housing (8), and - In each heating element of the heating element (2) that is electrically connected to the ground plane (17), the sealing device (17) surrounds and seals the opening (13) of the wall (12) of the housing (8) belonging to the heating element perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR).

9. The heater (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, - The sealing device (23) has a continuous plate (24) and for each heating element (2) electrically connected to the ground plane (17), it has a notch (26) and a sealing ring (25) connected to the plate (24) and surrounding the notch (26), and - In each heating element of the heating element (2) which is electrically connected to the ground plane (17), the sealing ring (25) of the sealing device (23) associated with the heating element is pressed between the heating element (2) and the wall (12) of the housing (8) and seals outward the opening (13) of the wall (12) of the housing (8) associated with the heating element.

10. The heater (1) according to claims 6 and 9, characterized in that, - The sealing device (23) has multiple gaps (30) constructed between the sealing ring (25) and the plate (24) for each heating element in the heating element (2) that is electrically connected to the ground plane (17), and - In each heating element of the heating element (2) that is electrically connected to the ground plane (17), the contact protrusion (19) of the ground plane (17) associated with the heating element leads to the heating element (2) individually or in groups through the gap (30) of the sealing device (23) associated with the heating element.

11. The heater (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, - Each notch (26) of the sealing device (23) has a closed profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR) orientation, and / or - In each heating element of the heating element (2) electrically connected to the ground plane (17), the notch (26) of the sealing device (23) corresponding to the heating element and the opening (13) of the wall portion (12) of the housing (8) corresponding to the heating element are axially stacked, and / or - Each sealing ring (25) of the sealing device (23) has a closed profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR) orientation, and / or - Each sealing ring (25) and each notch (26) of the sealing device (23) has a closed profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR) orientation, and the profile of the sealing ring (25) follows the profile of the notch (26).

12. The heater (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, - The grounding plate (17) has a plate-shaped base section (20) and a connector element (21) protruding from the base section (20) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR) for contacting the grounding plate (17) with the ground potential, and - The thickness (D_21) of the joint element (21) of the ground plane (17) defined in the longitudinal direction (LR) is greater than the thickness (D_20) of the base section (20) of the ground plane (17) defined in the longitudinal direction (LR), especially twice or more.

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