WABENKOERPER MIT INHOMOGENER ELEKTRISCHER BEHEIZUNG

摘要

The invention relates to a honeycomb body (1) which can be electrically heated with a non-uniform heat distribution. The honeycomb body (1) is made up of at least one metal sheet (2, 3) wound in layers or stacked and twisted to form a plurality of channels (4) through which a fluid can flow, having apertures in two opposite front surfaces (5) of the honeycomb body (1), between which the latter is bounded by at least one covering surface (6). In the layers there is at least one path (7) having an electric element with a non-uniform distribution over its length and along which an electric current can be conducted to heat the honeycomb body (1). According to the invention, the electrical resistance of the path is always adapted to the requirements of the voltage source to which the honeycomb body (1) is to be connected for heating purposes; moreover, the shape and arrangement of the path (7) in the honeycomb body (1) is designed for special requirements which may be set for example by the geometry of the honeycomb body (1) and the use for which it is intended. Honeycomb bodies (1) of the invention are especially suitable as heatable bearers for catalysts for the conversion of harmful substances in the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, e.g. four-stroke engines, since the virtually immediate activation of the catalyst every time the internal combustion engine is started is possible.