Heating element having an integrated electrode

A heating element for insertion into an exhaust pipe, comprising a heating resistor and two electrodes,

• wherein the heating resistor comprises two contact zones,
• wherein the respective electrode comprises an electrode connection element having a contact surface and is electrically connected to the respective contact zone of the heating resistor,
• wherein the heating resistor comprises a basic shape having a central axis,
• wherein one or more heating loops arranged next to one another are being formed, wherein the respective heating loop is formed from two adjacent sections,
• wherein
• spacer elements are provided which can be positioned between adjacent sections, wherein the respective spacer element and the respective heating loop are electrically insulated from one another, wherein
• a) the spacer elements are an integral or one-piece component of the respective electrode connection element, the respective electrode connection element comprising at least two spacer elements, or
• b) the spacer elements form several separate components, wherein the electrode connection element can be placed against the spacer elements without short-circuiting, or
• c) at least a part of the spacer elements is designed in the form of a one-piece spacer element bridge, wherein the electrode connection element can be placed against the spacer element bridge without short-circuiting.