PTC thermistor module

Abstract

PTC thermistor module (2) for a temperature control unit (1), in particular for a motor vehicle (6), - with at least two PTC thermistor elements (7) that are spaced apart from each other by separating sections (24), - with at least two spaced-apart electrical conductors (11) for the electrical supply of the PTC thermistor elements (7), which are in electrical contact with the PTC thermistor elements (7), - with an electrically insulating receiving body (9) in which the PTC thermistors (7) are received and which surrounds the PTC thermistors (7) in a circumferential direction (8), - characterized by, - that the receiving body (9) has a thermal conductivity of at least 5 W / mK.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a PTC thermistor module for a temperature control device, which has at least two PTC thermistor elements. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a PTC thermistor module and to a temperature control device with at least one such PTC thermistor module.

[0002] Temperature control devices are used to regulate the temperature of a fluid or an object. To generate heat and thus heat the temperature control device, it is known to use PTC thermistors, which exhibit an electrical resistance that increases with rising temperature. Such PTC thermistors are particularly advantageous due to their self-regulating properties. These thermistors are usually grouped into PTC modules, each module typically containing a number of PTC thermistors. During operation, an electrical voltage is applied to each PTC thermistor to generate heat within it. The heat generated in each PTC thermistor is usually dissipated via opposite sides of the module and used for heating the temperature control device.For this purpose, heat-conducting plates are usually used, which are in heat-exchanging contact with the opposite sides of the PTC thermistor elements, i.e., for example, with a top and a lower side of the respective PTC thermistor element, thus dissipating the generated heat and making it available to the temperature control device.

[0003] Particularly due to their electrical operation, a number of safety factors must be considered for such PTC thermistor modules. These include external electrical protection, which requires electrical insulation of the PTC thermistor module.

[0004] Protection against liquids, especially the ingress of liquids into the interior of the PTC thermistor module, must also be ensured. These requirements are typically met by equipping the PTC thermistor module with additional components, each of which at least partially fulfills a corresponding requirement. These components are attached or fastened to one another, in particular by gluing or crimping. For example, electrical leads and the PTC thermistor elements are usually glued together. Furthermore, the heat sinks are attached to the electrical leads, in particular by gluing. Similarly, in an associated temperature control unit, the respective PTC thermistor module is usually glued to other components of the unit, such as frame parts, fin structures, and the like.

[0005] This leads to reduced heat transfer from the PTC thermistors to the required locations within the temperature control system, negatively impacting the efficiency of the PTC module. Furthermore, attaching various components together carries the risk of them not forming a uniform or evenly spaced unit, thus reducing heat transfer between these components as well. In particular, air pockets and irregularities can form between these components, and these air pockets, in addition to poor thermal conductivity, provide opportunities for electrical short circuits and the ingress of liquids.

[0006] These disadvantages are exacerbated with increasing operating voltages of the PTC thermistor modules because more and / or larger components are used to meet the safety requirements. This applies, for example, to PTC thermistor modules used in electrically or at least partially electrically powered vehicles, where the respective PTC thermistor module is operated with increasingly high electrical voltages, especially with the vehicle's electrical system voltage, which can reach several hundred volts, for example, 800 volts.

[0007] US 4 072 848 A shows an electrical heating cable with cold conductor elements that are electrically connected in parallel and enclosed in a plastic body.

[0008] German patent DE 10 2018 106 296 A1 describes a PTC thermistor module with PTC thermistor elements arranged between and connected to electrical conductors. The electrical conductors are overmolded and thus surrounded by a frame.

[0009] The present invention therefore addresses the problem of providing improved or at least alternative embodiments for a PTC thermistor module with at least two PTC thermistor elements, for a method for manufacturing the PTC thermistor module, and for a temperature control device with such a PTC thermistor module, which are characterized in particular by increased safety and / or improved efficiency.

[0010] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0011] The present invention is based on the general concept of embedding the PTC thermistor elements of a PTC thermistor module in an electrically insulating, yet thermally conductive, housing that circumferentially encloses the PTC thermistor elements. Embedding the PTC thermistor elements in the housing particularly prevents or at least reduces air inclusions within the PTC thermistor module, thus improving heat transfer within the module and consequently from the PTC thermistor elements to the outer surfaces of the module, thereby increasing the efficiency of the module. Furthermore, in addition to improved electrical insulation, this also prevents or at least reduces the ingress of liquids into the PTC thermistor module, so that the improved efficiency also enhances the operational reliability of the PTC thermistor module, including the housing.According to the invention, the PTC thermistor module comprises at least two PTC thermistor elements, which are spaced apart from each other by separating sections, in particular along a row. The PTC thermistor module also comprises at least two spaced-apart electrical leads for supplying electrical power to the PTC thermistor elements, which are in electrical contact with the PTC thermistor elements. The PTC thermistor elements are received in the electrically insulating body, which completely surrounds or encloses the PTC thermistor elements in one circumferential direction. The body is therefore a closed enclosure for the PTC thermistor elements in the circumferential direction and can accordingly also be described as an electrically insulating enclosure.

[0012] The electrically insulating property of the receiving body is expediently designed such that it has a specific electrical resistance of at least 10 Ω. 8Ω·cm. Thus, electrical insulation of the PTC thermistor elements by the mounting body is ensured or at least improved even at high operating voltages of the PTC thermistor module, for example at voltages of at least 60 V, and especially at up to 800 V and more.

[0013] The mounting body is preferably solid, i.e., not hollow. This results in improved electrical insulation and improved heat transfer. Furthermore, this reduces air inclusions in the PTC thermistor module, particularly between the mounting body and the PTC thermistor element.

[0014] Preferred embodiments include the mounting body in contact with at least one circumferential side of the respective PTC thermistor, and preferably with at least two circumferential sides of the respective PTC thermistor, where the circumferential sides of the respective PTC thermistor are the outer surfaces of the PTC thermistor that follow each other in the circumferential direction. This creates a preferably planar contact between the mounting body and the PTC thermistor on said circumferential sides, which improves heat transfer between the PTC thermistors and the mounting body and at least reduces air inclusions between the mounting body and the PTC thermistors. Consequently, both efficiency and operational reliability are increased. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the mounting body in contact with two opposite circumferential sides of the respective PTC thermistor.The receiving body preferably rests flat against the respective circumferential side. The receiving body can be in direct contact with at least one of the circumferential sides.

[0015] The electrical contact between the respective conductor and the PTC thermistors is preferably achieved by contacting the conductor directly against the respective PTC thermistor. This contact is advantageously flat and / or air-free. Particularly preferred is a direct contact, meaning that the conductor is in direct contact with the respective PTC thermistor. This contact of the conductor against the PTC thermistors improves the flow of electrical current between the conductors and the PTC thermistors. Furthermore, it improves heat transfer between the PTC thermistors and the conductors. In addition, this direct contact prevents or at least reduces air inclusions between the PTC thermistors and the conductors.

[0016] Preferred embodiments are those in which the respective conductor with an associated conductor section is located on at least one circumferential side of the respective PTC thermistor element, wherein the conductors and the conductor sections of the different conductors are further spaced apart from each other.

[0017] Advantageous embodiments are those in which the receiving body surrounds, and in particular encloses, at least one of the electrical conductors circumferentially. This means that the receiving body not only surrounds the PTC thermistors but also at least one of the electrical conductors circumferentially, preferably completely. It is particularly advantageous that the receiving body rests against at least one side of the respective conductor that is not in contact with the PTC thermistor, in particular at least against the side of the respective conductor facing away from the PTC thermistors, with direct contact being preferred. This eliminates the need for additional fixing of the respective electrical conductor within the PTC thermistor module and / or to the PTC thermistors.Furthermore, the receiving body simultaneously provides electrical insulation for the electrical conductors, preferably without air inclusions, meaning that the receiving body is in direct contact with the respective electrical conductor. If both conductors are surrounded, and in particular enclosed, by the receiving body, interaction between the two conductors outside the PTC thermistor elements, i.e., short circuits and the like, is prevented or at least reduced, thus further improving operational reliability and / or allowing the PTC thermistor module to be operated at a higher voltage.

[0018] In advantageous embodiments, at least one of the separation sections between two adjacent PTC thermistors is at least partially, and particularly preferably completely, filled by the receiving body. The receiving body can thus have recesses for the respective PTC thermistors in the form of a matrix, with the recesses being spaced apart from one another. It is particularly preferred that the receiving body rests against at least one of the end faces of at least one PTC thermistor, preferably both PTC thermistors, in the separation sections, wherein the end face is an outer surface of the PTC thermistor. The arrangement is advantageously planar. Particularly preferably, the receiving body rests directly against at least one of the end faces, preferably both end faces.This creates electrical insulation between the spaced-apart PTC thermistors, which also prevents or at least reduces air inclusions, again using the same mounting body. Simultaneously, a positive-locking fixation of the PTC thermistors is achieved.

[0019] By attaching the receiving body, especially directly, to the PTC thermistor element or the respective conductor, heat transfer within the PTC thermistor module is improved, thus increasing the efficiency of the PTC thermistor module.

[0020] The receiving body advantageously has a thermal conductivity sufficient for the transfer of heat generated in the PTC thermistor elements during operation. According to the invention, the receiving body has a thermal conductivity of at least 5 W / mK, particularly preferably at least 20 W / mK, for example between 20 W / mK and 300 W / mK.

[0021] The receiving body can, in principle, be manufactured in any way, provided that it is electrically insulating and surrounds the PTC thermistor elements in the circumferential direction.

[0022] Particularly preferred are embodiments in which the PTC thermistor elements are embedded in the receiving body. Thus, in the assembled state of the PTC thermistor module, the PTC thermistor elements are firmly integrated into the receiving body, in particular by positive locking and / or friction locking. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to further prevent or at least reduce air inclusions, and on the other hand, to increase heat transfer within the PTC thermistor module.

[0023] It is conceivable to manufacture the mounting body as a single piece, using a uniform material, or monolithically. This would allow for a more precise fit of the mounting body to the PTC thermistors and / or the wiring. Furthermore, this would further reduce the risk of air inclusions and improve heat transfer.

[0024] Possible embodiments include a multi-part mounting body, with the parts of the mounting body being fixed to one another when the PTC thermistor module is mounted. This allows for more flexible mounting of the PTC thermistor module.

[0025] Consider embodiments in which the receiving body has two half-shells that follow one another circumferentially and extend along the PTC thermistor elements. This simplifies the assembly of the PTC thermistor module. For example, the PTC thermistor elements can be arranged in one of the half-shells and closed with the other half-shell in such a way that the half-shells enclose the PTC thermistor elements circumferentially. It is also conceivable to arrange at least one of the conductors in one of the half-shells before closing.

[0026] Advantageous embodiments include those in which the mounting body forms the outer surface of the PTC thermistor module, allowing heat exchange with separate components, such as an associated temperature control unit, or with which heat exchange with a fluid flowing around the PTC thermistor module. It is also advantageous if the mounting body secures the PTC thermistor elements and the wiring.

[0027] It is also conceivable that the PTC thermistor module has a tubular body that forms its outer surface. The tubular body is made, for example, of a metal or metal alloy and preferably rests directly and flatly against the receiving body. This means that the tubular body surrounds the receiving body in the circumferential direction and rests against it. The tubular body improves the mechanical stability of the PTC thermistor module. Furthermore, it provides protection for the receiving body.

[0028] Embodiments in which the receiving body is manufactured by a sintering process prove to be advantageous. The receiving body is advantageously sintered from a ceramic powder, which also includes ceramic grains, in particular a ceramic material. This enables simple manufacturing of the receiving body or the PTC thermistor module. Furthermore, precisely fitting designs of the receiving body are thus possible.

[0029] The production of the receiving body by the sintering process can include the production of several parts of the receiving body, for example the half-shells, or the production of the one-piece and monolithic receiving body.

[0030] For the latter variant, it proves advantageous if the PTC thermistor elements are arranged in a tool and the tool is then filled with the ceramic powder and sintered to produce the receiving body.

[0031] Preferably, after arranging the PTC thermistor elements in it, the tool is filled with the ceramic powder in such a way that after sintering the ceramic powder to produce the receiving body, there are no or at least reduced air inclusions.

[0032] It is conceivable that, prior to sintering the ceramic powder, and preferably also prior to filling the tool with the ceramic powder, at least one of the conductors, preferably both conductors, is / are arranged in the tool. This not only results in a compact design for the PTC thermistor module but also avoids or at least reduces air inclusions between the receiving body and the at least one conductor.

[0033] It is understood that, in addition to the PTC thermistor module, a temperature control device incorporating the PTC thermistor module is also part of the scope of this invention. The PTC thermistor module is used to heat an object or a fluid, for example, air.

[0034] It is conceivable to provide several spaced-apart PTC thermistor modules within a flow chamber of the temperature control device. During operation, these modules are surrounded by a fluid, thus heating the fluid. At least one finned structure can be arranged between adjacent PTC thermistor modules within the flow chamber. This finned structure allows the fluid to flow through it, thereby improving heat transfer between the PTC thermistor module and the fluid.

[0035] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0036] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0038] They show, each schematically Fig. 1 an isometric interior view of a temperature control unit with at least one PTC thermistor module, Fig. 2 a section through the PTC thermistor module of the temperature control unit, Fig. 3 a section through the PTC thermistor module in another embodiment, Fig. 4 an isometric, partially transparent view of the PTC thermistor module in a further embodiment, Fig. 5 an isometric exploded view of the PTC thermistor module in a further embodiment, Fig. 6 an isometric exploded view of the PTC thermistor module in another embodiment.

[0039] A temperature control device 1, as used in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the device has at least one PTC thermistor module 2, and the example shown has several PTC thermistor modules 2 arranged at intervals from each other. The PTC thermistor modules 2 are arranged in a flow chamber 3 of the temperature control unit 1, through which a fluid flows along a flow path 4 and thus flows around the PTC thermistor modules 2. Ribbed structures 5 are arranged between the PTC thermistor modules 2, bearing against the end faces of the PTC thermistor modules 2 and thus increasing the heat-transferring surface area within the temperature control unit 1. The temperature control unit 1 can, for example, be used in a motor vehicle 6 (not shown). Heat is generated by each PTC thermistor module 2, which is transferred to the fluid, thus heating it.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 shows a section through one of the PTC thermistor modules 2 in the temperature control unit 1, with the rib structure 5 shown on only one side of the PTC thermistor module 2. The PTC thermistor module 2 has several PTC thermistor elements 7, also called PTC elements 7, which are separated by partitions 24 (see Figure 2). Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6) are spaced apart from each other, with the one in Fig. The section shown in Figure 2 through one of the PTC thermistor elements 7 reveals a single element. Each PTC thermistor element 7 has a positive temperature coefficient, meaning its electrical resistance increases with increasing temperature. In the example shown, the PTC thermistor element 7 is cuboid in shape and has a rectangular cross-section. The PTC thermistor element 7 is enclosed by a receiving body 9 along a circumferential direction 8, which in this example extends around a longitudinal extension 14 of the PTC thermistor module 2. The PTC thermistor element 7 has successive circumferential sides 10 along its circumferential direction 8. Due to the elongated, cuboid shape of the PTC thermistor element 7, two large circumferential sides 10' and two small circumferential sides 10'' are arranged opposite each other. Each circumferential side 10 forms an outer surface of the PTC thermistor element 7.It can be seen that the receiving body 9 is in direct, surface contact with at least two of its circumferential sides 10, in the example shown, the large circumferential sides 10'. On the other circumferential sides 10, that is, in this case, the small circumferential sides 10'', an electrical conductor 11, for example, an electrode 12, is in direct, surface contact with each. The conductors 11 are spaced apart from each other and serve to supply the electrical power to the PTC thermistors 7. Accordingly, an electric current flows between the conductors 11 via the PTC thermistors 7, which, due to their positive temperature coefficient, generate heat in a regulated manner. This heat is used in the temperature control device 1 to heat the fluid. The electrical conductors 11 have a rectangular cross-section and are essentially aligned with the large circumferential sides 10' of the PTC thermistor 7.The conductors 11 are completely surrounded and thus enclosed by the receiving body 9 in the circumferential direction 8. With the exception of the contact surfaces between the respective conductor 11 and the PTC thermistor 7, the receiving body 9 rests directly and over its entire circumference against the conductors 11. Fig. It can be seen in particular from section 2 that the PTC thermistor module 2 is thus free of air inclusions and irregularities. The receiving body 9 is also electrically insulating, in particular exhibiting a specific electrical resistance of at least 10 Ω. 8The receiving body 9 has a thermal conductivity of at least 5 W / mK, particularly preferably at least 20 W / mK, and especially between 20 and 300 W / mK. Thus, the receiving body 9 also makes it possible to effectively dissipate the heat generated in the PTC thermistor 7 to the outside and make it available to the temperature control unit 1, in particular to transfer it to the finned structures 5. This occurs directly via the large circumferential sides 10' and via the small circumferential sides 10" through the lines 11. In the example shown, heat transfer to the fluid occurs via a pipe body 13 that completely surrounds and thus encloses the receiving body 9 in the circumferential direction 8 and lies flat against it directly.The tube body 13 is, for example, made of a metal or a metal alloy and, in addition to advantageous thermal conductivity, exhibits a stabilizing property which leads to the stabilization of the receiving body 9 in which the PTC thermistor elements 7 are received and also protects them mechanically. In the in . Fig. In the example shown, the rib structures 5 are attached to the tube body 13, for example via an adhesive layer 15.

[0041] At the in Fig. In the example shown, the receiving body 9 is manufactured in one piece and monolithically, in particular as a ceramic body 16. The PTC thermistors 7 and the conductors 11 are thus embedded in the receiving body 9. For this purpose, it is conceivable to arrange the PTC thermistors 7 and the conductors 10 in a tool (not shown) and to fill this tool with a (not shown) ceramic powder or ceramic grains, the powder being subsequently sintered to produce the receiving body 9.

[0042] In Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the PTC thermistor module 2, in which the same view as in Fig. Figure 2 shows the ribbed structure 5 and the adhesive layers 15, but these are not shown. Only the PTC thermistor module 2 is depicted. This embodiment differs from the one shown in Figure 2. Fig. In the example shown, the receiving body 9 is designed in multiple parts, specifically two parts. The receiving body 9 thus comprises two half-shells 17 and 18. The half-shells 17 and 18 follow one another in the circumferential direction 8 and extend along the spaced-apart PTC thermistor elements 7, i.e., along the longitudinal extent 14 in the example shown. The half-shells 17 and 18 are essentially identical in the example shown and together define an interior space 19 for the respective PTC thermistor element 7, in which the associated PTC thermistor element 7 and the two conductors 11 are accommodated. The half-shells 17 and 18 each have a U-shaped cross-section with a base 20 and legs 21 projecting from it, the legs 21 being abutting each other. It is conceivable to fix the respective PTC thermistor element 7 to at least one of the half-shells 17 and 18.In the example shown, an adhesive layer 22 is provided between the respective base 20 and the PTC thermistor element 7, in this case the large circumferential side 10' of the PTC thermistor element 7. The respective PTC thermistor element 7 can be positioned between the legs 21 of one of the half-shells 17, 18, for example the first half-shell 17, for mounting the PTC thermistor module 2, and the first half-shell 17 can then be closed with the help of the second half-shell 18 to form the receiving body 9, which receives the PTC thermistor elements 7 and encloses them in the circumferential direction 8.First, the conductor 11 is arranged between the respective leg 21 of the first half-shell 17 and the facing circumferential side 10 of the PTC thermistor 7, in this case the smaller circumferential side 10', wherein the conductors 11, the PTC thermistor 7, and the half-shells 17, 18 are dimensioned such that the PTC thermistor 7 and the conductors 11 completely fill the respective interior space 19, so that at least in the area of ​​the PTC thermistor 7, no air inclusions are present in the interior space 19. The two adhesive layers 22 also fasten the half-shells 17, 18 to one another, whereby it is also conceivable to provide an adhesive layer (not shown) between the overlapping legs 21. In the case of . Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, no tube body 13 is provided. In this embodiment, the rib structures 5 (not shown) are therefore attached directly to the receiving body 9. The half-shells 17, 18 can each be manufactured from any material, provided they are electrically insulating. Preferably, the respective half-shell 17, 18 is made of ceramic, in particular a ceramic shell 23, which can be produced by sintering a ceramic powder.

[0043] Another embodiment of the PTC thermistor module 2 is shown in Fig. 4 to see. That in Fig. The PTC thermistor module 2 shown in Figure 4 essentially corresponds to the one in Figure 4. Fig. Figure 2 shows the PTC thermistor module 2, where, for better understanding, the tube body 13 is transparent and the receiving body 9 is only partially shown. It is preferred that the receiving body 9 also fills the separation sections 24 and bears directly and over a flat surface against the end faces 25 of the PTC thermistor elements 7 that define the associated separation section 24. The in Fig. The embodiment shown in 4 differs from the one in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the difference is that the receiving body 9 has an oval cross-section instead of a cuboid one. The same applies to the tube body 13. In addition, the PTC thermistor elements 7 differ in the Fig. 4 shown example of the one in Fig. In the example shown in Figure 2, the circumferential sides 10, to which the conductors 11 rest (in this case, the small circumferential sides 10''), are not flat but concave, specifically complementary to an outer contour of the conductor 11. Furthermore, the conductors 11 or electrodes 12 are rod-shaped with a round cross-section, such that they rest directly and over a flat surface against the corresponding circumferential side 10 of the respective PTC thermistor element 7 (in this case, the small circumferential side 10'').

[0044] Fig. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the PTC thermistor module 2. This corresponds in design and shape of the PTC thermistor elements 7 and the conductors 11 to the embodiment of the Fig. 4. The receiving body 9 is not formed in one piece and of a single material, but rather has two half-shells 17, 18 with a U-shaped cross-section. Each half-shell has a base 20 and legs 21 projecting from it, with a shoulder 26 projecting from each leg 21. While one of the shoulders 26 is located at the outer edge of the corresponding leg 21, the other shoulder 26 is located at the inner edge of the corresponding leg 21. This creates an outer step 27 between the inner shoulder 26 and the corresponding leg 21, while an inner step 28 is formed between the outer shoulder 26 and the corresponding leg 21.The outer step 27 and the inner step 28 extend along the longitudinal dimension 14, wherein, in the assembled state of the PTC thermistor module 2, the inner shoulder 26 of one half-shell 17, 18 abuts the inner step 28 of the other half-shell 17, 18, while the outer shoulder 26 of each half-shell 17, 18 abuts the outer step 27 of the other half-shell 17, 18. Thus, the respective conductor 11 abuts the inner shoulder 26 of one of the half-shells 17, 18. In this example, the receiving body 9 is not arranged in the separation sections 24 between the PTC thermistor elements 7. However, an embodiment in which the receiving body 9 fills at least one of the separation sections 24 and abuts directly and over a flat surface against the end faces 25 that define the separation section 24 would also be conceivable.For this purpose, one of the half-shells 17, 18, in particular the first half-shell 17, has projections not shown, the respective projection filling one of the separating sections 24. Embodiments are also conceivable in which at least one of the separating sections 24 is at least partially filled by projections of both half-shells 17, 18. In the [reference to figure] Fig. In the example shown in Figure 5, a pipe body 13 can also be provided, as indicated by the dashed line.

[0045] Another embodiment of the PTC thermistor module 2 is shown in Fig. 6 shown. This embodiment differs from the one in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the design of the half-shells 17, 18 and the conductors 11, in particular the electrodes 12, is enhanced by the configuration of the half-shells 17, 18. Each half-shell 17, 18 has a U-shaped cross-section with a base 20 and two legs 21 projecting from it. One of the legs 21 is offset inwards in the cross-section and is hereinafter also referred to as the inner leg 21', while the other leg 21 projects outwards or at the edge of the base 20 and is hereinafter referred to as the outer leg 21''. The inner leg 21' and the outer leg 21'' project from the base 20 to different distances and thus have different heights. In the example shown, the inner leg 21' is shorter than the outer leg 21''. An internal shoulder 29 is formed on the end face of the outer leg 21''. The base side 20 has an external paragraph 30 at the end facing away from the long leg 21''.In the assembled state of the PTC thermistor module 2, the outer shoulder 30 of the respective half-shell 17, 18 rests against the inner shoulder 29 of the other half-shell 17, 18. Thus, the respective PTC thermistor element 7 is enclosed in circumferential direction 8 by the legs 21 and the base sides 20 of the half-shells 17, 18.

[0046] In Fig.In Figure 5, each conductor 11, 12 has a strip body 31 extending along the PTC thermistor elements 7, in this case along the longitudinal extent 14. The strip body 31 of each conductor 11 has a cuboid cross-section and is arranged between the outer leg 21'' of one of the half-shells 17, 18 and the inner leg 21' of the other half-shell 17, 18, and rests against them in a flat surface. Each conductor 11 also has a conductor section 32 for the respective PTC thermistor element 7, which spans the adjacent inner leg 21' and rests directly and flat against one of the circumferential sides 10 of the respective PTC thermistor element 7. In the example shown, the conductor sections 32 each rest against one of the large circumferential sides 10' of the associated PTC thermistor element 7.Furthermore, in the example shown, the conductor sections 32 of the respective conductor 11 are arranged on the same circumferential side 10 of the respective PTC thermistor element 7. In the example shown, a conductor section 32 of one of the conductors 11 is thus arranged between the base 20 of the respective half-shell 17, 18 and the facing circumferential side 10, in this case the facing large circumferential side 10'. Additionally, one of the strip bodies 31 is arranged between the respective outer leg 21' and the facing circumferential side 10, in this case the small circumferential side 10'', of the respective PTC thermistor element 7. In contrast, the respective half-shell 17, 18 with its inner leg 21' rests directly and over its entire surface against the facing circumferential side 10, in this case the small circumferential side 10'', of the respective PTC thermistor element 7.In this embodiment, a pipe body 13 (not shown) can also be provided, which surrounds the receiving body 9 in the circumferential direction 8 and rests against it.

Claims

[1] PTC thermistor module (2) for a temperature control device (1), in particular for a motor vehicle (6), - with at least two PTC thermistor elements (7) that are spaced apart from each other by separating sections (24), - with at least two spaced-apart electrical conductors (11) for the electrical supply of the PTC thermistor elements (7), which are in electrical contact with the PTC thermistor elements (7), - with an electrically insulating receiving body (9) in which the PTC thermistors (7) are received and which surrounds the PTC thermistors (7) in a circumferential direction (8), - characterized by , - that the receiving body (9) has a thermal conductivity of at least 5 W / mK. [2] PTC thermistor module according to claim 1, characterized by that the receiving body (9) is in contact with at least two circumferential sides (10) of the respective PTC thermistor element (7). [3] PTC thermistor module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the receiving body (9) surrounds at least one of the electrical conductors (11) in the circumferential direction (8), in particular on the side of the conductor (11) facing away from the thermistor elements (7). [4] PTC thermistor module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , - that the respective conductor (11) with a protruding conductor section (32) is in contact with at least one circumferential side (10) of the respective thermistor element (7), - that the receiving body (9) rests against the line sections (32) on the side facing away from the circumferential sides (10). [5] PTC thermistor module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the receiving body (9) fills at least one of the separation sections (24). [6] PTC thermistor module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the receiving body (9) has a thermal conductivity of at least 20 W / mK. [7] PTC thermistor module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the receiving body (9) is produced by a sintering process, in particular sintered from a ceramic powder. [8] PTC thermistor module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the PTC thermistor elements (7) are embedded in the receiving body (9). [9] PTC thermistor module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the receiving body (9) is manufactured in one piece and of uniform material. [10] PTC thermistor module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the receiving body (9) has two half-shells (17, 18) which follow each other in the circumferential direction (8) and extend along the thermistor elements (7). [11] PTC thermistor module according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the PTC thermistor module (2) has a tube body (13) which surrounds the receiving body (9) in the circumferential direction (8). [12] Method for producing a PTC thermistor module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the receiving body (9) is produced by sintering a ceramic powder. [13] Method according to claim 12, characterized by , - that the PTC thermistor elements (7) are arranged in a tool, - that the tool is filled with the ceramic powder, - that the ceramic powder is sintered to produce the receiving body (9). [14] Temperature control device (1) for temperature control of a fluid, comprising a flow chamber (3) through which the fluid flows during operation and comprising at least one PTC thermistor module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, which is in heat-exchanging contact with the fluid flowing through the flow chamber (3). [15] Temperature control device according to claim 14, characterized by , - that a flowable rib structure (5) is arranged in the flow space (3), - that the rib structure (5) is in heat-exchanging contact with at least one of the PTC thermistor modules (2) at its end face.

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