WO2019198413A1 - Heater device - Google Patents

Abstract

A heater device (1) that comprises an insulating substrate (10), a heat generation part (20), a transmission electrode (30), a reception electrode (40), a detection circuit (71), and a control device (70). The insulating substrate (10) is tabular. The heat generation part (20) is provided on one surface of the insulating substrate (10) and generates heat as a result of being energized. The transmission electrode (30) and the reception electrode (40) are provided on the insulating substrate (10) on the surface on which the heat generation part (20) is provided. On the basis of changes in the electrostatic capacity between the transmission electrode (30) and the reception electrode (40), the detection circuit (71) detects the approach of or contact by objects. When the detection circuit (71) has detected the approach of or contact by an object, the control device (70) reduces the energization of the heat generation part (20) to below a normal state or suspends the energization. The transmission electrode (30) and the reception electrode (40) are arranged so as to have a heat-dissipation function that causes heat that has been generated by the heat generation part (20) to be diffused in the planar direction.

Description

Heater device Cross-reference to related applications

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-76326 filed on Apr. 11, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to a heater device that radiates radiant heat to warm an object.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a heater device is known that is mounted on a vehicle and warms the occupant by radiating radiant heat to the occupant.
The heater device described in Patent Document 1 has a function of generating heat when the heat generating portion disposed on the surface of the insulating substrate opposite to the occupant is energized to emit radiant heat to the occupant. Have. In addition, this heater device detects that an object including an occupant is in contact with or close to the occupant side surface due to a change in capacitance between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode disposed on the occupant side surface of the insulating substrate. It has a function to do. Then, when it is detected that an object is in contact with or close to the occupant-side surface, the heater device touches the occupant-side surface by lowering the energization amount to the heat generating part from the normal state or stopping the energization. This prevents the temperature of the object from rising and prevents the passengers from experiencing thermal discomfort.

Also, the heater device described in Patent Document 2 is one in which a heat generating portion and a heat radiating portion are alternately connected in series in an intermediate layer of a multilayer substrate. The heat generating part has a function of generating heat when energized. The heat radiating section has a function of diffusing heat generated by the heat generating section in the surface direction. Thereby, this heater device makes the in-plane temperature distribution favorable.

JP 2014-190674 A JP 2014-3000 A

However, the heater device described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which the heat generating portion is disposed on one surface of the insulating substrate and the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are disposed on the other surface of the insulating substrate. Thus, when each wiring is arranged on both surfaces of the insulating substrate, there is a concern that the following problems may occur.

First, in this heater device, an insulating substrate or the like is disposed between the heat generating portion and the passenger side surface, so that the layer structure of the heater main body (that is, the number of insulating layers) increases, and the total heater main body is increased. The thickness will be large. Therefore, in this heater device, heat loss when heat generated in the heat generating part is transferred to the passenger-side surface increases, and there is a concern that heating efficiency may be reduced.

Next, since the heater device has a configuration in which each wiring is arranged on both sides of the insulating substrate, the heater main body layer structure increases, so the total thickness of the heater main body portion is large, and the amount of metal wiring is also large. Become. For this reason, the heat capacity of the heater main body is increased, and the function of rapidly lowering the temperature when an object touches the passenger-side surface is hindered. Therefore, in this heater device, the temperature of an object touching the occupant-side surface increases greatly, and there is a risk that the occupant may experience thermal discomfort.

Furthermore, since the heater device has a configuration in which each wiring is arranged on both surfaces of the insulating base material, the manufacturing process becomes complicated and the amount of wiring also increases. For this reason, this heater device may have a high manufacturing cost and component cost.

In addition, the heater device described in Patent Document 2 does not describe the transmission electrode and the reception electrode. However, the heater device described in Patent Document 2 also has the above-described problem if the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are provided in a layer different from the layer in which the heat generating part and the heat radiating part are arranged in the intermediate layer of the multilayer substrate. There are concerns that similar problems may arise.

This disclosure aims to provide a heater device that can improve heating efficiency, improve the function of lowering the temperature when touched by an object, and reduce the manufacturing cost.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, in a heater device,
An insulating substrate formed in a plate shape;
A heat generating part that is provided on one side of the insulating base and generates heat when energized;
A transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode provided on a surface on the side where the heat generating portion is provided with respect to the insulating base;
A detection circuit for detecting contact or proximity of an object by a change in capacitance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode;
When it is detected by the detection circuit that an object is in contact with or in close proximity, a control device that lowers the energization amount to the heat generating part from a normal state or stops energization, and
The transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are arranged so as to have a heat radiation function for diffusing heat generated by the heat generating portion in the surface direction.

According to this, this heater device has a heat radiation function for diffusing the heat generated by the heat generating portion in the surface direction, so that the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode have a good temperature distribution in the surface, and the wiring to the insulating base material. Can be realized on one side. The wiring includes a heat generating part, a transmission electrode, and a reception electrode. As a result, the heater device has a smaller layer structure (that is, the number of insulating layers) of the heater main body than the heater device in which the respective wirings are arranged on both sides of the insulating base material. It becomes smaller and the amount of wiring metal decreases. Therefore, this heater device can reduce heat loss when heat generated in the heat generating part is transferred to the passenger side surface. Therefore, this heater apparatus can reduce the power consumption for obtaining the same heating performance, and can improve heating efficiency.

In addition, the heater device has a single layer of wiring with respect to the insulating base material, so that the number of layers constituting the heater main body portion is reduced compared to a heater in which each wiring is arranged on both surfaces of the insulating base material. The thickness is reduced and the amount of wiring metal is also reduced. Therefore, since this heater device has a smaller heat capacity of the heater body, it can improve the function of rapidly lowering the temperature when touched by an object. Moreover, since this heater device has a smaller heat capacity of the heater main body, it is possible to increase the temperature rise rate and the temperature fall rate.

Furthermore, the single-sided wiring with respect to the insulating base material simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the amount of wiring. Therefore, this heater device can reduce manufacturing costs and component costs.

According to another aspect, in the heater device,
An insulating substrate formed in a plate shape;
A first electrode that is provided on one surface with respect to the insulating substrate, has a function of generating heat when energized, and is used to detect contact or proximity of an object;
A second electrode provided on the surface on which the first electrode is provided with respect to the insulating substrate, and arranged to be used for detecting contact or proximity of an object;
A detection circuit that detects contact or proximity of an object by a change in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode;
The heat generation operation using the first electrode and the contact or proximity detection of the object by the detection circuit using the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately performed, and the contact or proximity of the object is detected by the detection circuit. And a control device that lowers the energization amount to the first electrode for heat generation or stops energization when detected.

According to this, the disclosure from another viewpoint can exhibit the same operational effects as the disclosure from one aspect described above. Further, according to another aspect of the disclosure, since the first electrode functions as one of the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode and the function of the heat generating portion, the configuration of the wiring mounted on the insulating substrate can be simplified.

Note that reference numerals with parentheses attached to each component and the like indicate an example of a correspondence relationship between the component and the like and specific components described in the embodiments described later.

It is a figure which shows a mode that the heater apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment was mounted in the vehicle. It is sectional drawing which shows a part of heater apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows a part of heater apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a circuit diagram of the heater device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart of the control process which the control apparatus with which the heater apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment is provided performs. It is a top view which shows a part of heater apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows a part of heater apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows a part of heater apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a top view which shows a part of heater apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a circuit diagram of the heater apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a timing chart of the control processing which the control device with which the heater device concerning a 6th embodiment is provided performs. It is a circuit diagram of the heater device concerning a 7th embodiment. It is a top view which shows a part of heater apparatus which concerns on 7th Embodiment. It is a circuit diagram of the heater apparatus which concerns on 8th Embodiment. It is a circuit diagram of the heater apparatus which concerns on 8th Embodiment. It is a circuit diagram of the heater device concerning a 9th embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts that are the same or equivalent to each other are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

(First embodiment)
The heater device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the heater device 1 is installed in a room of a moving body such as a vehicle. The heater device 1 constitutes a part of the heating device in the passenger compartment. The heater device 1 is an electric heater that generates heat when power is supplied from a power supply device such as a battery or a generator mounted on a moving body. The heater device 1 is formed in a thin plate shape. The heater device 1 is mainly used to radiate radiant heat in a direction perpendicular to the surface thereof and to warm an object located in the direction perpendicular to the surface.

The heater device 1 can be used as a device for immediately providing warmth to the occupant 2 immediately after the start of the vehicle running engine, for example. The heater device 1 is installed so as to radiate radiant heat to the feet of an occupant 2 seated in a seat 3 in the passenger compartment. For example, the heater device 1 is installed on the lower surface of a steering column cover 6 provided so as to cover a steering column 5 for supporting the steering 4. The heater device 1 may be installed on a dashboard 7 positioned below the steering column cover 6.

2 and 3, the heater device 1 extends along the XY plane defined by the axis X and the axis Y. The heater device 1 has a thickness in the direction of the axis Z. The heater device 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular thin plate shape. The heater device 1 can also be referred to as a planar heater that emits radiant heat mainly in a direction perpendicular to the surface.

The heater device 1 includes an insulating base material 10, a heat generating portion 20, a transmitting electrode 30, a receiving electrode 40, an insulating layer 50, and the like. These constitute the heater body 60.

The insulating substrate 10 is formed in a plate shape from a resin material that has excellent electrical insulation and can withstand high temperatures. Specifically, the insulating base material 10 is formed of a resin film.

The heat generating portion 20 is formed of a metal material that generates heat when energized. The heat generating part 20 is provided on the surface on one side with respect to the insulating base material 10. Specifically, the heat generating portion 20 is provided on the surface on the passenger side with respect to the insulating base material 10. The heat generating part 20 is arranged on the surface of the insulating base material 10 so as to be folded at a predetermined interval.

As shown in FIG. 4, energization of the heat generating unit 20 is controlled by the control device 70. The control device 70 includes a processor that performs control processing and arithmetic processing, a microcomputer that includes a storage unit such as a ROM and RAM that stores programs and data, and peripheral circuits thereof. The storage unit is composed of a non-transitional and substantial storage medium.

The control device 70 controls energization to the heat generating unit 20 based on a signal transmitted from the detection circuit 71 and a signal transmitted from a temperature sensor (not shown) provided in the heater body 60. In order to control the heater body 60 to a predetermined target temperature, the control device 70 performs on / off control or duty control of energization of the heat generating unit 20. For example, the control device 70 controls the operation of the switch 80 provided in the middle of the wiring connecting the power source 21, the heat generating unit 20, and the ground 22, and adjusts the heater body 60 to a predetermined target temperature.

2 and 3, the transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 are also provided on the surface on one side with respect to the insulating base material 10. That is, the transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 are provided on the surface on the side where the heat generating portion 20 is provided with respect to the insulating base material 10. In this embodiment, the heat generating part 20, the transmission electrode 30, and the reception electrode 40 are provided in the same layer. The heating electrode 20 and the receiving electrode 40 are arranged such that a pair of portions are adjacent to each other so as to detect that an object including an occupant has contacted or approached the occupant-side surface 61 of the heater body 60. It is provided between each other.

As shown in FIG. 4, the transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 are electrically connected to a detection circuit 71. When a pulsed voltage is applied from the detection circuit 71 to the transmission electrode 30, an electric field is formed between the transmission electrode 30 and the reception electrode 40, and a predetermined charge is accumulated.

As shown in FIG. 2, when an object such as an occupant's finger contacts or approaches the occupant-side surface 61 of the heater main body 60, a part of the electric force lines E that indicate charges as virtual lines are blocked by the object. . Then, the electric field detected by the receiving electrode 40 is reduced by the amount blocked by the object, and the capacitance between the transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 is also reduced. Therefore, the detection circuit 71 can detect a contact or proximity of an object by capturing a change in capacitance between the transmission electrode 30 and the reception electrode 40.

Note that when a predetermined voltage is applied from the detection circuit 71 to the transmission electrode 30, electric lines of force appear concentrically from the transmission electrode 30. Among the lines of electric force, those that are not suitable for the receiving electrode 40 become electric lines of force unnecessary for detection. In FIG. 3, the lines of electric force directed to the receiving electrode 40 are indicated by solid arrows with a reference E <b> 1, and the electric lines of force unnecessary for detection are indicated by broken arrows with a reference E <b> 2. In the present embodiment, the heat generating portion 20 disposed outside the pair of portions of the transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 functions as a wiring for absorbing lines of electric force that are unnecessary for the detection. Thereby, the ground potential of the heat generating part 20 and the ground potential for detection become the same. Therefore, the detection circuit 71 can stably detect contact or proximity of an object. Information detected by the detection circuit 71 is transmitted to the control device 70. The control device 70 controls energization to the heat generating unit 20 based on the information. The control processing executed by the control device 70 will be described later.

The transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 are formed of a metal material having a higher thermal conductivity than the insulating base material 10 and the insulating layer 50. Thereby, the transmission electrode 30 and the reception electrode 40 have a heat radiation function for diffusing the heat generated by the heat generating portion 20 in the surface direction. The transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 are formed in a thin film shape or a linear shape, and have a low heat capacity. Therefore, when the transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 are in contact with an object, the temperature of the contacted portion rapidly decreases.

As shown in FIG. 3, at least one of the transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 has a wide portion 41 that is the same as or wider than the width of the wire of the heat generating portion 20. That is, when the line width of the heat generating portion 20 is t1, and the line width of the wide portion 41 is t2, the relationship of t1 ≦ t2 is established. Since at least one of the transmission electrode 30 and the reception electrode 40 has the wide portion 41, it is possible to improve the function of diffusing the heat generated by the heat generating portion 20 in the surface direction. In the present embodiment, since the receiving electrode 40 has the wide portion 41, the detection of the contact or proximity of the object by the detection circuit 71 becomes stable.

On the other hand, the transmitting electrode 30 is composed of a wire rod thinner than the wire rod of the heat generating portion 20. Thereby, since the heat capacity of the transmitting electrode 30 becomes small, the temperature increase rate and the temperature decrease rate are improved. Therefore, the heater device 1 can improve the function of rapidly lowering the temperature when touched by an object. The transmitting electrode 30 is disposed so as to surround at least two or three sides of the wide portion 41 of the receiving electrode 40. As a result, the lines of electric force from the transmitting electrode 30 toward the receiving electrode 40 increase, and the detection of the contact or proximity of the object by the detection circuit 71 becomes stable.

As shown in FIG. 2, the insulating layer 50 is provided so as to cover the heat generating portion 20, the transmitting electrode 30, and the receiving electrode 40 on one surface of the insulating base material 10. The insulating layer 50 is formed of a highly insulating material such as a polyimide film or an insulating resin, for example.

Next, control processing executed by the control device 70 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

This process starts as soon as the heater device 1 is turned on. When the power of the heater device 1 is turned on, the control device 70 energizes the heat generating unit 20. The detection circuit 71 applies a predetermined voltage to the transmission electrode 30.

In step S10, the control device 70 determines whether the proximity or contact of the object has been detected by the detection circuit 71. In the present specification, the object includes an occupant. When the proximity or contact of an object including an occupant is not detected by the detection circuit 71, the control device 70 once ends the process. Then, the process shown in FIG. 5 is executed again from the beginning.

On the other hand, when the proximity or contact of an object including an occupant is detected by the detection circuit 71 in step S10, the control device 70 proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the control device 70 lowers the energization amount to the heat generating unit 20 from the normal state or stops the energization. Thereby, when an object contacts the heater main body 60, the temperature of the contacted portion rapidly decreases. Specifically, the temperature of the part in contact with the object falls below the temperature at which no human reflection reaction occurs due to heat. Therefore, this heater device 1 has high safety. Thereafter, the control device 70 once ends the process. And the control apparatus 70 performs the process shown in FIG. 5 from the beginning again.

The heater device 1 according to the first embodiment described above has the following operational effects.
(1) In the first embodiment, the transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 have a heat dissipation function for diffusing heat generated by the heat generating portion 20 in the surface direction. Thereby, it is possible to realize the single side of the heat generating part 20, the transmitting electrode 30, and the receiving electrode 40 with respect to the insulating base material 10 while improving the in-plane temperature distribution of the heater body 60. Therefore, compared with the heater device in which the heat generating portion is disposed on one surface of the insulating base material as described in Patent Document 1 described above, and the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are disposed on the other surface of the insulating base material, In the heater device 1 according to one embodiment, the layer structure (that is, the number of insulating layers) of the heater body 60 is reduced. As a result, the heater device 1 according to the first embodiment reduces the total thickness of the heater body 60 and reduces the amount of wiring metal, so that the heat generated in the heat generating part 20 is transferred to the passenger-side surface 61. The heat loss can be reduced. Therefore, this heater apparatus 1 can reduce the power consumption for obtaining the same heating performance, and can raise heating efficiency.

(2) Further, in the heater device 1 of the first embodiment, since the layer structure of the heater main body 60 is reduced due to the single-sided wiring with respect to the insulating base material 10, the total thickness of the heater main body 60 is reduced, and the wiring metal The amount is also reduced. Note that the wiring includes the heat generating portion 20, the transmission electrode 30, and the reception electrode 40. Therefore, since the heat capacity of the heater main body 60 is reduced, the heater device 1 can improve the function of rapidly reducing the temperature when touched by an object. In addition, since the heat capacity of the heater main body 60 is reduced, the heater device 1 can increase the temperature increase and decrease rates of the surface temperature.

(3) Furthermore, in 1st Embodiment, while the wiring (namely, the heat-emitting part 20, the transmission electrode 30, and the receiving electrode 40) with respect to the insulating base material 10 is single-sided, the manufacturing process of the heater main-body part 60 is simplified. The amount of wiring provided in the heater body 60 is also reduced. Therefore, this heater device 1 can reduce manufacturing costs and component costs.

(4) In 1st Embodiment, the transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 are arrange | positioned between the heat generating parts 20 arrange | positioned so that a pair of site | part may be adjacent, in order to detect the contact or proximity | contact of an object Is done. Thereby, this heater device 1 can improve the heat radiation function of diffusing the heat generated by the heat generating portion 20 in the surface direction by the transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40, and can improve the in-plane temperature distribution. In addition, it is possible to cause the heat generating part 20 to absorb unnecessary electric lines of force that emerge from the transmitting electrode 30. For this reason, in the heater device 1, since the heat generating portion 20 also serves as a ground wiring for absorbing unnecessary electric lines of force that are emitted from the transmitting electrode 30, the wiring can be simplified. Furthermore, since the ground potential of the heat generating part 20 and the ground potential for detection become the same, the contact or proximity of the object by the detection circuit 71 becomes stable.

(5) In the first embodiment, at least one of the transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 has a wide portion 41 that is the same as or wider than the width of the wire of the heat generating portion 20. According to this, this heater device 1 can improve the in-plane temperature distribution by improving the heat dissipation function of diffusing the heat generated by the heat generating portion 20 in the surface direction by the wide portion 41.

(6) In the first embodiment, the receiving electrode 40 has a wide portion 41. Thereby, the contact or proximity of the object by the detection circuit 71 becomes stable.

(7) In the first embodiment, the transmitting electrode 30 is made of a wire having the same width as the wire of the heat generating portion 20 or a narrower width. Thereby, since the heat capacity of the transmitting electrode 30 is reduced, the temperature increase rate and the temperature decrease rate are improved. Therefore, the heater device 1 can improve the function of rapidly lowering the temperature when touched by an object.

(8) In the first embodiment, the transmission electrode 30 is disposed so as to surround at least two or three sides of the reception electrode 40. As a result, the lines of electric force from the transmitting electrode 30 toward the receiving electrode 40 increase, and the detection of the contact or proximity of the object by the detection circuit 71 becomes stable.

(Second to fifth embodiments)
Second to fifth embodiments will be described. The second to fifth embodiments show examples in which part of the arrangement or shape of the transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 is changed with respect to the first embodiment, and others are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

(Second Embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 6, in 2nd Embodiment, the transmission electrode 30 is comprised by the mesh shape with the wire material which is the same as the width | variety of the wire material of the heat generating part 20, or is smaller than it. That is, when the line width of the heat generating portion 20 is t1, and the line width of the transmitting electrode 30 is t3, the relationship is t1 ≧ t3. The transmitting electrode 30 is disposed so as to surround at least two or three sides of the corresponding receiving electrode 40. Also in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the receiving electrode 40 has a wide portion 41 that is the same as or wider than the width of the wire of the heat generating portion 20. That is, when the line width of the heat generating portion 20 is t1, and the line width of the wide portion 41 is t2, the relationship of t1 ≦ t2 is established.

As described above, since the transmission electrode 30 is configured in a mesh shape with fine lines, and the reception electrode 40 includes the wide portion 41, it is possible to secure an area of wiring necessary for detecting the capacitance. Therefore, the detection circuit 71 can stably detect contact or proximity of an object. In addition, since the transmitting electrode 30 is configured by a fine mesh and the receiving electrode 40 includes the wide portion 41, the function of diffusing the heat generated by the heat generating portion 20 in the surface direction can be improved.

By the way, if the entire surface of the transmitting electrode 30 is made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, when the occupant's finger or the like comes into contact, the surrounding heat gathers on the finger and the temperature drop is inhibited. In contrast, in the second embodiment, by forming the transmitting electrode 30 in a mesh pattern with thin lines, when a passenger's finger or the like comes into contact, heat transfer flowing into the finger is suppressed, so the temperature rapidly increases. The function of lowering is not disturbed. That is, in 2nd Embodiment, when a passenger | crew's finger | toe etc. contact, temperature falls rapidly, Therefore It can prevent that a passenger | crew's thermal discomfort arises.

(Third embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 7, in 3rd Embodiment, the transmission electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 are simple comb-tooth shape. The comb-like portions of the transmitting electrode 30 and the comb-like portions of the receiving electrode 40 are alternately arranged at a predetermined interval. In the third embodiment, the transmitting electrode 30, the receiving electrode 40, and the heat generating unit 20 are provided in the same layer. The transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 are made of a metal material having a higher thermal conductivity than the insulating base material 10 and the insulating layer 50, and have a function of diffusing the heat generated by the heat generating portion 20 in the surface direction. Have. Therefore, the third embodiment can also exhibit the same operational effects as the first embodiment.

(Fourth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 8, in the fourth embodiment, the transmission electrode 30 is disposed so as to surround at least three sides of the wide portion 41 of the reception electrode 40. In the fourth embodiment, the transmitting electrode 30, the receiving electrode 40, and the heat generating unit 20 are provided in the same layer. The transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 have a function of diffusing heat generated by the heat generating unit 20 in the surface direction. Therefore, the fourth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

(Fifth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 9, in the fifth embodiment, both the transmission electrode 30 and the reception electrode 40 have wide portions 31 and 41. In the fifth embodiment, the transmitting electrode 30, the receiving electrode 40, and the heat generating unit 20 are provided in the same layer. The transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 and the wide portions 31 and 41 included therein have a function of diffusing the heat generated by the heat generating unit 20 in the surface direction. Therefore, the fifth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

(Sixth embodiment)
A sixth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the sixth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above. In such a configuration, the sixth embodiment is obtained by changing the control method executed by the control device 70 with respect to the first embodiment and the like.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the sixth embodiment, the control device 70 controls the energization timing to the heat generating unit 20 and the detection timing by the detection circuit 71 to be alternately performed. That is, the control device 70 alternately performs energization to the heat generating unit 20 and application of voltage to the transmission electrode 30. Therefore, the voltage applied to the heat generating part 20 and the voltage applied to the transmitting electrode 30 are in opposite phases. The control device 70 performs on / off control or duty control of energization of the heat generating unit 20 in order to control the heater body 60 to a predetermined target temperature.

In the sixth embodiment described above, detection by the detection circuit 71 is performed when the heating unit 20 is not energized. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence of the voltage applied to the heat generating unit 20 on the detection of the contact or proximity of the object by the detection circuit 71. Therefore, the heater device 1 can further stabilize the detection of contact or proximity of an object by the detection circuit 71.

(Seventh embodiment)
A seventh embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in the seventh embodiment, a ground circuit 23 is installed in the configuration of the first embodiment described above. The ground circuit 23 is disposed between a pair of the transmitting electrode 30 and the receiving electrode 40 and the heat generating unit 20. The ground circuit 23 is provided on one side of the insulating base material 10. Specifically, the ground circuit 23, the transmission electrode 30, the reception electrode 40, and the heat generating part 20 are provided in the same layer. The ground circuit 23 has a function of absorbing electric lines of force that are unnecessary for detecting contact or proximity of an object.

In the seventh embodiment described above, by arranging the ground circuit 23 in addition to the heat generating unit 20, the influence of the voltage applied to the heat generating unit 20 on the detection of contact or proximity of an object by the detection circuit 71 is affected. It is possible to suppress. Therefore, the heater device 1 can further stabilize the detection of contact or proximity of an object by the detection circuit 71.

(Eighth embodiment)
An eighth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 14, in the eighth embodiment, the heater body 60 of the heater device 1 includes a first electrode 91, a second electrode 92, and the like.

Although not shown, the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are provided on the surface on one side with respect to the insulating base material 10 as in the first embodiment. Specifically, the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are provided in the same layer. Further, as in the first embodiment, the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are covered with an insulating layer 50.

The first electrode 91 has a function of generating heat when energized. Further, the first electrode 91 is disposed so as to be used for detecting contact or proximity of an object. That is, the first electrode 91 has both the function of the heat generating unit 20 described in the first to seventh embodiments and the function of the receiving electrode 40. On the other hand, the second electrode 92 is arranged to be used for detecting contact or proximity of an object. That is, the second electrode 92 has the function of the transmission electrode 30 described in the first to seventh embodiments.

In the eighth embodiment, the first switch 81 is provided between the first electrode 91 and the power source 21 and between the first electrode 91 and the detection circuit 71. The first switch 81 has a first state in which the first electrode 91 and the power supply 21 are connected and the first electrode 91 and the detection circuit 71 are cut off, and the first electrode 91 and the power supply 21 are cut off. In addition, the second state in which the first electrode 91 and the detection circuit 71 are connected is switched. The operation of the first switch 81 is controlled by the control device 70. In FIG. 14, the second state of the first switch 81 is shown.

Further, a second switch 82 is provided between the first electrode 91 and the ground 22. The second switch 82 switches between an on state in which the first electrode 91 and the ground 22 are connected and an off state in which the first electrode 91 and the ground 22 are blocked. The operation of the second switch 82 is also controlled by the control device 70. FIG. 14 shows the off state of the second switch 82.

The control device 70 controls the operation of the first switch 81 and the operation of the second switch 82, thereby generating a heat generation operation using the first electrode 91 and a detection circuit 71 using the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92. The detection of contact or proximity of an object is alternately performed.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 15, when performing the heat generation operation using the first electrode 91, the control device 70 sets the first switch 81 to the first state and the second switch 82 to the on state. . Accordingly, the power source 21 and the first electrode 91 are connected by the first switch 81, and the first electrode 91 and the detection circuit 71 are shut off. Further, the first electrode 91 and the ground 22 are connected by the second switch 82. Therefore, a current flows from the power source 21 to the ground 22 through the first electrode 91, and energization of the first electrode 91 for heat generation is performed. Thereby, the first electrode 91 generates heat.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14, the control device 70 sets the first switch 81 to the second state when detecting the contact or proximity of the object by the detection circuit 71 using the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92. And the second switch 82 is turned off. Accordingly, the first switch 81 connects the first electrode 91 and the detection circuit 71, and the power supply 21 and the first electrode 91 are disconnected. Further, the first switch 91 is disconnected from the ground 22 by the second switch 82. At this time, when a predetermined voltage is applied from the detection circuit 71 to the second electrode 92, an electric field is formed between the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92, and a predetermined charge is accumulated. Therefore, the detection circuit 71 can detect contact or proximity of an object by capturing a change in capacitance between the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92. When the detection circuit 71 detects the proximity or contact of an object including an occupant, the control device 70 reduces the energization amount to the first electrode 91 in the heat generation operation from the normal state or applies to the first electrode 91. Stop energization to stop heat generation. As a result, when an object comes into contact with the heater body 60, the heater device 1 can rapidly lower the temperature of the contacted portion.

The eighth embodiment described above can also exhibit the same operational effects as the first embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, since the first electrode 91 serves both as the function of the heat generating part 20 and the function of the receiving electrode 40, the configuration of the wiring mounted on the insulating base material 10 can be simplified. it can. Furthermore, in the eighth embodiment, the control of the first switch 81 and the second switch 82 causes the heat generation operation using the first electrode 91 and the detection of the object by the detection circuit 71 using the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92. Detection of contact or proximity is performed alternately. Thereby, the detection function of the contact or proximity of the object by the detection circuit 71 can be stabilized.

(Ninth embodiment)
A ninth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, in the ninth embodiment, a ground circuit 23 is provided in the configuration of the above-described eighth embodiment. The ground circuit 23 is provided on one surface of the insulating base material 10. Specifically, the ground circuit 23, the first electrode 91, the second electrode 92, and the heat generating part 20 are provided in the same layer. The ground circuit 23 has a function of absorbing lines of electric force that are unnecessary for detecting contact or proximity of an object. The heater device 1 according to the ninth embodiment can further stabilize the detection function of the contact or proximity of an object by the detection circuit 71 by arranging the ground circuit 23.

(Other embodiments)
The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate. Further, the above embodiments are not irrelevant to each other, and can be combined as appropriate unless the combination is clearly impossible. In each of the above-described embodiments, it is needless to say that elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential unless explicitly stated as essential and clearly considered essential in principle. Yes. Further, in each of the above embodiments, when numerical values such as the number, numerical value, quantity, range, etc. of the constituent elements of the embodiment are mentioned, it is clearly limited to a specific number when clearly indicated as essential and in principle. The number is not limited to the specific number except for the case. Further, in each of the above embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of the component, etc., the shape, unless otherwise specified and in principle limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. It is not limited to the positional relationship or the like.

The control device and the method described in the present disclosure are realized by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions embodied by a computer program. May be. Alternatively, the control device and the method thereof described in the present disclosure may be realized by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control device and method described in the present disclosure may be a combination of a processor and a memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. It may be realized by one or more configured dedicated computers. The computer program may be stored in a computer-readable non-transition tangible recording medium as instructions executed by the computer.

(1) In each of the embodiments described above, the heating unit 20 is arranged on the surface of the insulating base 10 so as to be folded back at a predetermined interval. However, the arrangement method of the heating unit 20 is not limited thereto. Various arrangement methods can be employed for the heat generating unit 20.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the heat generating unit 20 also serves as a ground line and the configuration in which the ground circuit 23 is provided in the same layer as the heat generating unit 20 have been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a ground wiring may be added to the surface of the insulating base 10 opposite to the heat generating portion 20, the transmitting electrode 30, and the receiving electrode 40.

(3) In the eighth and ninth embodiments, the first electrode 91 has the function of the heat generating part 20 and the function of the receiving electrode 40, and the second electrode 92 has the function of the transmitting electrode 30. Not limited to this. In another embodiment, the first electrode 91 may have the function of the heat generating unit 20 and the function of the transmission electrode 30, and the second electrode 92 may have the function of the reception electrode 40.

(4) In the first to seventh embodiments, the configuration in which the heat generating portion 20, the transmitting electrode 30, and the receiving electrode 40 are provided on the surface on the passenger side of the insulating base material 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, it is good also as a structure which provides the heat-emitting part 20, the transmission electrode 30, and the receiving electrode 40 in the surface on the opposite side to a passenger | crew among the insulating base materials 10. FIG. In that case, the surface of the insulating base 10 opposite to the surface on which the heat generating portion 20, the transmitting electrode 30, and the receiving electrode 40 are provided is the passenger-side surface.

(5) In the eighth and ninth embodiments, the configuration in which the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 are provided on the occupant-side surface of the insulating base material 10 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, it is good also as a structure which provides the 1st electrode 91 and the 2nd electrode 92 in the surface on the opposite side to a passenger | crew among the insulating base materials 10. FIG. In that case, the surface on the opposite side to the surface in which the 1st electrode 91 and the 2nd electrode 92 were provided among the insulation base materials 10 becomes a passenger | crew side surface.

(Summary)
According to the 1st viewpoint shown by one part or all part of said each embodiment, a heater apparatus is provided with an insulation base material, a heat-emitting part, a transmission electrode, a receiving electrode, a detection circuit, and a control apparatus. The insulating base is formed in a plate shape. The heat generating portion is provided on the surface on one side with respect to the insulating base, and generates heat when energized. The transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are provided on the surface on the side where the heat generating portion is provided with respect to the insulating base material. The detection circuit detects contact or proximity of an object based on a change in capacitance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode. When it is detected by the detection circuit that the object is in contact with or close to the control device, the control device lowers the energization amount to the heat generating portion from the normal state or stops the energization. The transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are disposed so as to have a heat dissipation function for diffusing heat generated by the heat generating portion in the surface direction.

According to the second aspect, the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are arranged between the heat generating parts arranged so that a pair of parts is adjacent to each other in order to detect contact or proximity of an object. According to this, this heater device can improve the heat radiation function of diffusing the heat generated by the heat generating portion in the surface direction by the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode, and can improve the in-plane temperature distribution. Moreover, it becomes possible to make the heat generating part absorb unnecessary electric lines of force coming out of the transmitting electrode. Therefore, this heater device can simplify the wiring because the heat generating portion also serves as a ground wiring for absorbing unnecessary electric lines of force that emerge from the transmitting electrode. Furthermore, since the ground potential of the heat generating portion and the ground potential for detection are the same, the detection circuit can stably detect contact or proximity of an object.

According to the third aspect, at least one of the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode has a wide portion that is the same as or wider than the width of the wire of the heat generating portion. According to this, this heater device can improve the in-plane temperature distribution by improving the heat dissipating function of diffusing the heat generated by the heat generating portion in the surface direction by the wide portion.

According to the fourth aspect, the receiving electrode has a wide portion. According to this, since the lines of electric force from the transmitting electrode to the receiving electrode increase, the detection circuit can stably detect contact or proximity of an object.

According to the fifth aspect, the transmission electrode is formed of a wire material having the same width as that of the heat generating portion or a narrower width. According to this, since the heat capacity of the transmitting electrode is lowered, the temperature increase rate and the temperature decrease rate are improved. Therefore, this heater device can improve the function of rapidly lowering the temperature when touched by an object.

According to the sixth aspect, the transmitting electrode is disposed so as to surround at least two or three sides of the receiving electrode. According to this, since the lines of electric force from the transmitting electrode to the receiving electrode increase, the detection circuit can stably detect contact or proximity of an object.

According to the seventh aspect, the control device performs control so that the timing of energizing the heat generating portion and the timing of applying the voltage to the transmission electrode are alternately performed. According to this, it is possible to suppress the influence of the voltage applied to the heat generating unit on the detection of contact or proximity of an object by the detection circuit. Therefore, this heater device can stabilize the detection function of the contact or proximity of the object by the detection circuit.

According to an eighth aspect, the heater device includes an insulating base, a first electrode, a second electrode, a detection circuit, and a control device. The insulating base is formed in a plate shape. The first electrode is provided on one surface with respect to the insulating substrate, has a function of generating heat when energized, and is arranged to be used for detecting contact or proximity of an object. The second electrode is provided on the surface of the insulating base on the side where the first electrode is provided, and is disposed so as to be used for detecting contact or proximity of an object. The detection circuit detects contact or proximity of an object based on a change in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode. The control device alternately performs a heat generation operation using the first electrode and detection of contact or proximity of an object by a detection circuit using the first electrode and the second electrode. Then, when contact or proximity of an object is detected by the detection circuit, the energization amount to the first electrode for heat generation is made lower than the normal state or energization is stopped.

According to this, since the first electrode functions as one of the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode and the function of the heat generating portion, the configuration of the wiring mounted on the insulating substrate can be simplified. In addition, this heater device alternately performs the heat generation operation using the first electrode and the detection of contact or proximity of the object by the detection circuit using the first electrode and the second electrode. The contact or proximity detection function can be stabilized.

According to a ninth aspect, the heater device further includes a first switch and a second switch. The first switch has a first state in which the first electrode and the power source are connected and the first electrode and the detection circuit are cut off, and the first electrode and the power source are cut off and the first electrode and the detection circuit are connected. Switch to the second state. The second switch switches between an on state in which the first electrode and the ground are connected and an off state in which the first electrode and the ground are blocked. When the first electrode generates heat, the control device controls the first switch to be in the first state and controls the second switch to be in the on state. In addition, when detecting contact or proximity of an object by a detection circuit using the first electrode and the second electrode, the control device controls the first switch to be in the second state and turns off the second switch. Control to be According to this, the control device can alternately perform the heat generation operation using the first electrode and the detection of contact or proximity of the object by the detection circuit using the first electrode and the second electrode.

Claims (9)

In the heater device,
An insulating substrate (10) formed in a plate shape;
A heating part (20) provided on one side of the insulating base material and generating heat by energization;
A transmitting electrode (30) and a receiving electrode (40) provided on a surface of the insulating base on the side where the heat generating portion is provided;
A detection circuit (71) for detecting contact or proximity of an object by a change in capacitance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode;
A control device (70) for lowering the energization amount to the heat generating portion or stopping energization when it is detected by the detection circuit that an object is in contact with or close to the object,
The transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are arranged to have a heat radiation function for diffusing heat generated by the heat generating portion in a surface direction. The transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are arranged between the heat generating parts arranged so that a pair of parts for detecting contact or proximity of an object are adjacent to each other. Heater device. The heater device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode has a wide portion (31, 41) that is the same as or wider than a width of the wire of the heat generating portion. The heater device according to claim 3, wherein the receiving electrode has the wide portion (41). The heater device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transmission electrode is formed of a wire material having a width equal to or narrower than a width of the wire material of the heat generating portion. The heater device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transmitting electrode is disposed so as to surround at least two or three sides of the receiving electrode. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control device controls the timing of energizing the heat generating portion and the timing of applying a voltage to the transmitting electrode alternately. apparatus. In the heater device,
An insulating substrate (10) formed in a plate shape;
A first electrode (91) provided on one surface of the insulating base material, having a function of generating heat by energization, and arranged to be used for detecting contact or proximity of an object;
A second electrode (92) provided on the surface on which the first electrode is provided with respect to the insulating base material and arranged to be used for detecting contact or proximity of an object;
A detection circuit (71) for detecting contact or proximity of an object by a change in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode;
The heat generation operation using the first electrode and the contact or proximity detection of the object by the detection circuit using the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately performed, and the contact or proximity of the object is detected by the detection circuit. When detected, a heater device comprising: a control device (70) for lowering an energization amount to the first electrode for heat generation from a normal state or stopping energization. A first state in which the first electrode and the power source (21) are connected and the first electrode and the detection circuit are cut off; a first state in which the first electrode and the power source are cut off; and the first electrode and the power source A first switch (81) for switching between a second state connected to the detection circuit;
A second switch (82) for switching between an on state in which the first electrode and the ground (22) are connected and an off state in which the first electrode and the ground are blocked;
The control device includes:
When the first electrode generates heat, the first switch is controlled to be in the first state, the second switch is controlled to be in the on state,
When detecting contact or proximity of an object by the detection circuit using the first electrode and the second electrode, the first switch is controlled to be in the second state, and the second switch is turned off. The heater device according to claim 8, which is controlled so as to be in a state.

Images