Film heater

Abstract

A film heater comprises: a transparent conductive film that transmits electromagnetic waves from an object and that has conductivity; a first electrode connected to the transparent conductive film; a first terminal part connected to the first electrode and also connected to a power source; a second electrode connected to the transparent conductive film; a second terminal part connected to the second electrode and also connected to the power source; an adhesive layer (70) attached to a windshield that transmits electromagnetic waves; and a protective layer that covers the transparent conductive film and that protects the transparent conductive film. The adhesive layer (70) has a plurality of adhesive layer muscles (700), the protective layer has a plurality of protective layer muscles, and the adhesive layer muscles (700) and the protective layer muscles extend in a direction (Df) from the first electrode and the second electrode toward the first terminal part and the second terminal part if the first electrode, the first terminal part, the second electrode, and the second terminal part are positioned on the same plane.

Description

Film Heater CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-37328, filed on March 11, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a film heater.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, a film heater is known that is attached to the surface of a glass windshield of a vehicle facing the passenger compartment.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-86712

[0005] In a film heater such as that described in Patent Document 1, the refraction of electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves and light, can vary depending on the direction within the film heater. As a result, the shape of the intensity distribution of electromagnetic waves irradiated from a circular object and transmitted through the film heater can become elliptical rather than circular. When the shape of the intensity distribution of electromagnetic waves irradiated from a circular object and transmitted through the film heater is elliptical, there is a large difference between the shape of the object and the shape of the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the object and transmitted through the film heater. For this reason, when devices such as cameras, millimeter-wave radar devices, and lidar devices detect the shape of an object using electromagnetic waves transmitted through the film heater, the detection accuracy of the object shape decreases. Lidar stands for Light Detection and Ranging / Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a film heater that suppresses the difference between the shape of an object and the shape of the intensity distribution of electromagnetic waves irradiated from and transmitted through the object.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a film heater comprising: a transparent conductive film that transmits electromagnetic waves from an object and is conductive; a first electrode connected to the transparent conductive film; a first terminal connected to the first electrode and connected to a power source; a second electrode connected to the transparent conductive film; a second terminal connected to the second electrode and connected to a power source; and an adhesive portion attached to a transparent body that transmits electromagnetic waves, wherein the transparent conductive film generates heat when a current flows through the transparent conductive film between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the adhesive portion has a plurality of stripes that extend in a direction from the first electrode and the second electrode toward the first terminal and the second terminal when the first electrode, the first terminal, the second electrode, and the second terminal are located on the same plane.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a film heater comprising: a transparent conductive film that is transparent to electromagnetic waves and is conductive; a first electrode connected to the transparent conductive film; a first terminal connected to the first electrode and connected to a power source; a second electrode connected to the transparent conductive film; a second terminal connected to the second electrode and connected to a power source; and a protective portion that covers the transparent conductive film and protects it, wherein the transparent conductive film generates heat when a current flows through the transparent conductive film between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the protective portion has a plurality of stripes that extend in a direction from the first electrode and the second electrode toward the first terminal and the second terminal when the first electrode, the first terminal, the second electrode, and the second terminal are located on the same plane.

[0009] Here, the direction from the first electrode and the second electrode toward the first terminal and the second terminal when the first electrode, the first terminal, the second electrode, and the second terminal are located on the same plane is defined as one direction. With the above configuration, electromagnetic waves irradiated from a circular object and transmitted through the film heater are more likely to be refracted in a direction perpendicular to the one direction and less likely to be refracted in one direction. This prevents the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic wave transmitted through the film heater from spreading in one direction. This prevents the shape of the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic wave transmitted through the film heater from becoming elliptical. Therefore, the shape of the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic wave transmitted through the film heater becomes closer to a circle, and therefore closer to the shape of the object. This prevents the difference between the shape of the object and the shape of the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic wave irradiated from the object and transmitted through it.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle in which a film heater according to a first embodiment is used; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a film heater and a vehicle windshield; FIG. 3 is a view taken along an arrow III in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of section IV in FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of section V in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an adhesive layer of a film heater; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a protective layer of a film heater; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an adhesive layer and a protective layer of a film heater according to a comparative example; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the intensity distribution of electromagnetic waves transmitted through a film heater according to a comparative example; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the intensity distribution of electromagnetic waves transmitted through a film heater according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a film heater attached in a bent state; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an adhesive layer and a protective layer of a film heater according to a second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an adhesive layer and a protective layer of a film heater according to a third embodiment; FIG. 13 is a front view of a film heater according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a film heater and a windshield according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a film heater and a windshield according to a sixth embodiment; FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a film heater and a windshield according to a seventh embodiment; FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a film heater and a windshield according to an eighth embodiment. 13. A cross-sectional view of a film heater and a windshield according to a ninth embodiment. 14. A cross-sectional view of a film heater and a windshield according to a tenth embodiment. 15. A cross-sectional view of a film heater and a windshield according to an eleventh embodiment. 16. A cross-sectional view of a film heater and a windshield according to a twelfth embodiment. 17. A cross-sectional view of a film heater and a windshield according to a thirteenth embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, identical or equivalent parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0012] (First Embodiment) In a film heater of this embodiment, the difference between the shape of an object and the shape of the intensity distribution of electromagnetic waves irradiated from and transmitted through the object is suppressed. Specifically, the film heater is used in, for example, a vehicle. First, this vehicle will be described.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 1 includes a windshield 3, a camera 5, and a film heater 10.

[0014] The windshield 3 corresponds to a transparent body that transmits electromagnetic waves and ensures forward visibility for the driver of the vehicle 1. The windshield 3 extends at an angle with respect to the ground G. As shown in FIG. 2 , the windshield 3 further includes a first transparent portion 11, a second transparent portion 12, an intermediate portion 13, and a shielding portion 15.

[0015] The first transparent portion 11 is formed in a plate shape using glass or the like, and is therefore transparent to electromagnetic waves. The first transparent portion 11 is located on the outer side of the windshield 3 outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1.

[0016] The second transparent portion 12 transmits electromagnetic waves because it is formed into a plate shape from glass or the like, similar to the first transparent portion 11. Furthermore, the second transparent portion 12 is located on the interior side of the windshield 3 of the vehicle 1.

[0017] The intermediate portion 13 is an adhesive such as hot melt, and is bonded to the first transparent portion 11 , the second transparent portion 12 , and the shielding portion 15 between the first transparent portion 11 and the second transparent portion 12 .

[0018] The shielding portion 15 is made of black ceramics or the like, and thus blocks electromagnetic waves. The shielding portion 15 is formed on the surface of the second transparent portion 12 that faces the first transparent portion 11. In Fig. 2, the shielding portion 15 is shown with a dot pattern to make the location of the shielding portion 15 easier to understand.

[0019] 1 , the camera 5 is disposed in the upper part of the vehicle 1 within the cabin of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the camera 5 captures an image of the area ahead of the vehicle 1.

[0020] The film heater 10 is attached to the windshield 3 on the passenger compartment side along the slope of the windshield 3, and faces the camera 5 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The film heater 10 generates heat to melt ice, snow, and defog the portion of the windshield 3 facing the camera 5 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, thereby providing a clear field of view for the camera 5. Details of the film heater 10 will be described later.

[0021] The vehicle 1 is configured as described above. Next, the film heater 10 will be described in detail.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the film heater 10 includes a transparent substrate 20, a transparent conductive film 30, a first electrode 41, a first lead portion 51, a first terminal portion 61, a second electrode 42, a second lead portion 52, a second terminal portion 62, an adhesive layer 70, and a protective layer 80. To facilitate easier understanding of the configuration of the film heater 10, the upper side of the paper in Figure 3 will be referred to simply as the upper side. The lower side of the paper in Figure 3 will be referred to simply as the lower side. The left side of the paper in Figure 3 will be referred to simply as the left side. The right side of the paper in Figure 3 will be referred to simply as the right side.

[0023] 2 and 3, the transparent substrate 20 is made of a resin such as polycarbonate and therefore has electrical insulation properties. The transparent substrate 20 also transmits electromagnetic waves from an object. Furthermore, the transparent substrate 20 has isotropy in terms of refraction of electromagnetic waves.

[0024] The transparent conductive film 30 is made of ITO or carbon nanotubes, etc., and is therefore transparent to electromagnetic waves and conductive. ITO is an abbreviation for indium tin oxide.

[0025] The transparent conductive film 30 is formed on the transparent substrate 20. The transparent conductive film 30 is formed in a planar shape. The transparent conductive film 30 is formed, for example, in a hexagonal shape. The transparent conductive film 30 has a plurality of stripes (not shown) depending on the manufacturing method using wet coating such as slot die coating, the direction in which the carbon nanotubes extend, and the like. These stripes of the transparent conductive film 30 extend, for example, in the vertical direction and are aligned in the horizontal direction. Note that the stripes of the transparent conductive film 30 are not limited to extending in the vertical direction and aligned in the horizontal direction, but may extend in the horizontal direction and be aligned in the vertical direction.

[0026] The first electrode 41 is formed of a metal such as gold, platinum, silver, copper, or aluminum. Here, the first electrode 41 is a positive electrode. The first electrode 41 is connected to, for example, the upper portion of the transparent conductive film 30. When the shielding portion 15 is projected in the thickness direction DT of the transparent conductive film 30, the first electrode 41 overlaps the projected shielding portion 15. As shown in FIG. 4 , the first electrode 41 has a plurality of first wavy portions 441. The first wavy portions 441 are connected to each other and arranged side by side. The first wavy portions 441 include a first extension portion 451, a second extension portion 452, a third extension portion 453, and a fourth extension portion 454.

[0027] The first extension 451 extends in the direction in which the surface of the transparent conductive film 30 extends, in this case, a lower-left direction. The second extension 452 is connected to the first extension 451. Furthermore, the second extension 452 extends from the boundary with the first extension 451 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first extension 451 extends, in this case, an upper-left direction. The third extension 453 is connected to the second extension 452. Furthermore, the third extension 453 extends from the boundary with the second extension 452 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the second extension 452 extends, in this case, a lower-left direction. The fourth extension 454 is connected to the third extension 453. Furthermore, the fourth extension 454 extends from the boundary with the third extension 453 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the third extension 453 extends, in this case, a lower-right direction. As a result, the second extension portion 452 faces the fourth extension portion 454 in the extending direction of the first extension portion 451, which is the lower left direction in this case. Note that although the first extension portion 451, the second extension portion 452, the third extension portion 453, and the fourth extension portion 454 extend linearly, this is not a limitation. The first extension portion 451, the second extension portion 452, the third extension portion 453, and the fourth extension portion 454 may extend in a curved line.

[0028] Furthermore, an end 4540 of the fourth extension 454 opposite the third extension 453 is connected to an end 4510 of the adjacent first wavy portion 441 opposite the second extension 452 of the first extension 451. This allows adjacent first wavy portions 441 to be connected and aligned side by side. Therefore, the first electrode 41 has a serpentine shape. Note that, although the first electrode 41 has a serpentine shape here, it is not limited to being formed in a serpentine shape. For example, the first electrode 41 may be formed in a uniform flat shape or the like. Furthermore, the corners of the first wavy portion 441 may be chamfered or rounded.

[0029] Returning to FIG. 3, the first lead portion 51 is connected to the first electrode 41 and extends toward a first terminal portion 61, which will be described later.

[0030] The first terminal 61 is connected to the first electrode 41 via the first lead 51. Furthermore, the first terminal 61 is connected to a power source (not shown).

[0031] The second electrode 42 is formed of a metal such as gold, platinum, silver, copper, or aluminum. Here, the second electrode 42 is a negative electrode. The second electrode 42 is connected to, for example, the lower portion of the transparent conductive film 30. When the shielding portion 15 is projected in the thickness direction DT of the transparent conductive film 30, the second electrode 42 overlaps the projected shielding portion 15. As shown in FIG. 5 , the second electrode 42 has a plurality of second wavy portions 442. The second wavy portions 442 are connected to each other and arranged side by side. The second wavy portions 442 include a fifth extension portion 455, a sixth extension portion 456, a seventh extension portion 457, and an eighth extension portion 458.

[0032] The fifth extension 455 extends in the direction in which the surface of the transparent conductive film 30 extends, in this case, to the right. The sixth extension 456 is connected to the fifth extension 455. Furthermore, the sixth extension 456 extends from the boundary with the fifth extension 455 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the fifth extension 455 extends, in this case, downward. The seventh extension 457 is connected to the sixth extension 456. Furthermore, the seventh extension 457 extends from the boundary with the sixth extension 456 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the sixth extension 456 extends, in this case, rightward. The eighth extension 458 is connected to the seventh extension 457. Furthermore, the eighth extension 458 extends from the boundary with the seventh extension 457 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the seventh extension 457 extends, in this case, upward. As a result, the sixth extension portion 456 faces the eighth extension portion 458 in the extending direction of the fifth extension portion 455, which is the rightward direction in this case. Note that although the fifth extension portion 455, the sixth extension portion 456, the seventh extension portion 457, and the eighth extension portion 458 extend linearly, this is not a limitation. The fifth extension portion 455, the sixth extension portion 456, the seventh extension portion 457, and the eighth extension portion 458 may extend in a curved line.

[0033] Furthermore, an end 4580 of the eighth extension 458 opposite the seventh extension 457 is connected to an end 4550 of the fifth extension 455 of the adjacent second wavy portion 442 opposite the sixth extension 456. This allows adjacent second wavy portions 442 to be connected and aligned side by side. Therefore, the second electrode 42 has a serpentine shape. While the second electrode 42 is serpentine-shaped here, this is not a limitation. For example, the second electrode 42 may be formed in a uniform, flat shape. Furthermore, the corners of the second wavy portion 442 may be chamfered or rounded.

[0034] Returning to FIG. 3, the second lead portion 52 is connected to the second electrode 42 and extends toward a second terminal portion 62, which will be described later.

[0035] The second terminal 62 is connected to the second electrode 42 via the second lead 52. Furthermore, the second terminal 62 is connected to a power source (not shown).

[0036] The adhesive layer 70 corresponds to an adhesive portion and is formed of, for example, OCA. As shown in FIG. 2 , the adhesive layer 70 is attached to the transparent substrate 20 on the side opposite the transparent conductive film 30. The adhesive layer 70 on the side opposite the transparent substrate 20 is attached to the second transparent portion 12. OCA stands for Optically Clear Adhesive. In FIG. 2 , the adhesive layer 70 is shown with a dot pattern to make the location of the adhesive layer 70 easier to understand.

[0037] Furthermore, the adhesive layer 70 is formed by wet coating such as slot die coating, and thus has a plurality of adhesive layer streaks 700 as shown in Fig. 6. This gives the film heater 10 anisotropy in the refraction of electromagnetic waves. The adhesive layer streaks 700 can be seen visually or by a three-dimensional measuring device.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3 , the first electrode 41, the first terminal 61, the second electrode 42, and the second terminal 62 are assumed to be located on the same plane. The direction from the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 toward the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 62, or the direction from the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 62 toward the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42, is defined as a direction Df. The direction Df is parallel to the up-down direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 , the direction in which the windshield 3 extends at an angle is defined as a tilt direction Dc. As shown in FIG. 3 , the tilt direction Dc is parallel to the direction Df and the up-down direction.

[0039] 6 , the adhesive layer streaks 700 extend in one direction Df and are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the one direction Df. Therefore, the adhesive layer streaks 700 extend in the up-down direction and are aligned in the left-right direction. The extending direction of the adhesive layer streaks 700 is parallel to the inclination direction Dc. Furthermore, the entire film heater 10 is formed in a plane parallel to the extending direction of the adhesive layer streaks 700.

[0040] 2 and 3 , the protective layer 80 corresponds to the protective portion and is formed of a resin such as polycarbonate, thereby providing electrical insulation. The protective layer 80 also transmits electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, the protective layer 80, together with the transparent substrate 20, covers the transparent conductive film 30, the first lead portion 51, and the second lead portion 52. Thus, the protective layer 80 protects the transparent conductive film 30, the first lead portion 51, and the second lead portion 52.

[0041] Furthermore, the protective layer 80 is formed by wet coating such as slot die coating, and thus has a plurality of protective layer streaks 800, as shown in Fig. 7. This gives the film heater 10 anisotropy in the refraction of electromagnetic waves. Note that the protective layer streaks 800, like the adhesive layer streaks 700, can be seen visually or by a three-dimensional measuring device.

[0042] The protective layer ribs 800 extend in one direction Df and are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the one direction Df. Therefore, the protective layer ribs 800 extend in the up-down direction and are aligned in the left-right direction. The extending direction of the protective layer ribs 800 is parallel to the inclination direction Dc. Furthermore, the entire film heater 10 is formed in a plane parallel to the extending direction of the protective layer ribs 800.

[0043] The film heater 10 of the first embodiment is configured as described above. Next, heat generation by the film heater 10 will be described.

[0044] Here, the first electrode 41 is a positive electrode, and the second electrode 42 is a negative electrode. Therefore, when a power supply (not shown) supplies power to the film heater 10, a current flows from the power supply (not shown) to the first electrode 41 via the first terminal portion 61 and the first lead portion 51. A current also flows from the first electrode 41 to the second electrode 42 via the transparent conductive film 30. At this time, the current flows downward within the transparent conductive film 30. This causes the transparent conductive film 30 to generate heat.

[0045] As described above, heat is generated by the film heater 10. Next, the suppression of the difference between the shape of an object and the shape of the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic wave irradiated from and transmitted through the object will be described.

[0046] As a comparative example, as shown in Figure 8, the adhesive layer streaks 700 extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction Df. In this case, the adhesive layer streaks 700 extend in a direction perpendicular to the inclination direction Dc. Also, the protective layer streaks 800 extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction Df. In this case, the protective layer streaks 800 extend in a direction perpendicular to the inclination direction Dc.

[0047] In this case, the electromagnetic waves emitted from a circular object and transmitted through the film heater 10 are less likely to be refracted in a direction perpendicular to the direction Df due to the adhesive layer ribs 700 and protective layer ribs 800 extending perpendicular to the direction Df, and more likely to be refracted in the direction Df. As a result, the shape of the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the film heater 10 becomes an ellipse, as shown in FIG. 9 , with the major axis extending vertically and the minor axis extending horizontally. Therefore, in this case, there is a large difference between the shape of the object and the shape of the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the object and transmitted through the film heater 10. For example, if the camera 5 detects the object shape using the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the film heater 10, the detection accuracy of the object shape will be reduced. Note that in FIG. 9 , the magnitude of the electromagnetic wave intensity is indicated by white and dotted patterns. In white areas, for example, the electromagnetic wave intensity is zero. Furthermore, the electromagnetic wave intensity in areas with a relatively large number of dots is higher than the electromagnetic wave intensity in areas with a relatively small number of dots.

[0048] In contrast, in the film heater 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the adhesive layer streaks 700 and the protective layer streaks 800 extend in one direction Df. Note that the one direction Df is preferably parallel to the inclination direction Dc. Therefore, it is preferable that the extending direction of the adhesive layer streaks 700 and the protective layer streaks 800 be parallel to the inclination direction Dc.

[0049] As a result, electromagnetic waves irradiated from a circular object and transmitted through the film heater 10 are more likely to refract in a direction perpendicular to the direction Df and less likely to refract in the direction Df. This prevents the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the film heater 10 from spreading in the direction Df. Therefore, the shape of the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the film heater 10 is prevented from becoming elliptical. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10 , the shape of the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the film heater 10 becomes close to a circle, thereby becoming closer to the shape of the object. Therefore, the difference between the shape of the object and the shape of the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the object and transmitted through it is reduced. Note that in FIG. 10 , the magnitude of the electromagnetic wave intensity is indicated by white and a dot pattern. In white areas, for example, the electromagnetic wave intensity is zero. Furthermore, the electromagnetic wave intensity in areas with a relatively large number of dots is higher than the electromagnetic wave intensity in areas with a relatively small number of dots.

[0050] The film heater 10 of the first embodiment also provides the following effects.

[0051] [1] Here, as shown in Figure 11, instead of being formed on the surface of the second transparent portion 12 facing the first transparent portion 11, the shielding portion 15 may be formed on the surface of the second transparent portion 12 opposite the first transparent portion 11. In this case, when the film heater 10 is attached to the surface of the second transparent portion 12 facing the shielding portion 15 and to the shielding portion 15, a part of the film heater 10 is bent by the shielding portion 15, forming a step portion in part of the film heater 10. Because the refraction of the electromagnetic wave passing through this step portion differs from the refraction of the electromagnetic wave passing through the portion of the film heater 10 that is not the step portion, the difference between the shape of the object and the shape of the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic wave irradiated from the object and transmitted through the film heater 10 becomes large.

[0052] In contrast, in the film heater 10 of the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 3, 6 and 7, the entire film heater 10 is formed into a plane parallel to the direction in which the adhesive layer ribs 700 and the protective layer ribs 800 extend.

[0053] This reduces the difference in refraction caused by the step, since no step is formed in part of the film heater 10. This reduces the difference between the shape of the object and the shape of the intensity distribution of the electromagnetic wave irradiated from the object and transmitted through the film heater 10.

[0054] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, the shape of the adhesive layer ribs 700 is different from that in the first embodiment. The rest is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0055] Specifically, instead of extending in one direction Df, the adhesive layer ribs 700 extend in a direction perpendicular to the one direction Df. The adhesive layer ribs 700 also extend in a direction perpendicular to the inclined direction Dc and in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the adhesive layer ribs 700 are aligned in the one direction Df, the inclined direction Dc, and the up-down direction. The protective layer ribs 800 extend in the one direction Df, the inclined direction Dc, and the up-down direction, as in the first embodiment.

[0056] The film heater 10 of the second embodiment is configured as described above. The second embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0057] Third Embodiment In the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 13, the shape of the protective layer 800 is different from that of the first embodiment. Other than this, the third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

[0058] Specifically, instead of extending in one direction Df, the protective layer ribs 800 extend in a direction perpendicular to the one direction Df. The protective layer ribs 800 also extend in a direction perpendicular to the inclined direction Dc and in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the protective layer ribs 800 are aligned in the one direction Df, the inclined direction Dc, and the up-down direction. The adhesive layer ribs 700 extend in the one direction Df, the inclined direction Dc, and the up-down direction, as in the first embodiment.

[0059] The film heater 10 of the third embodiment is configured as described above. The third embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0060] 14, the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shapes of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. The rest of the fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

[0061] Specifically, instead of being connected to the top of the transparent conductive film 30, the first electrode 41 is connected to the right part of the transparent conductive film 30. Instead of being connected to the bottom of the transparent conductive film 30, the second electrode 42 is connected to the left part of the transparent conductive film 30. In this case, when a power supply (not shown) supplies power to the film heater 10, the direction of the current flowing in the transparent conductive film 30 changes from downward to leftward.

[0062] The film heater 10 of the fourth embodiment is configured as described above. The fourth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0063] Fifth Embodiment In the fifth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 15, the arrangement of the film heater 10 is different from that in the first embodiment. The rest of the fifth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0064] Specifically, instead of being attached to the second transparent portion 12, the adhesive layer 70 is attached to the first transparent portion 11 on the side opposite to the intermediate portion 13. In this case, the film heater 10 is attached to the windshield 3 on the outside of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1. The transparent substrate 20 is located further outward from the adhesive layer 70. The transparent conductive film 30 is located further outward from the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 than the transparent substrate 20. The protective layer 80 is located further outward from the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 than the transparent conductive film 30.

[0065] The film heater 10 of the fifth embodiment is configured as described above. The fifth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0066] Sixth Embodiment In the sixth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 16, the shape of the film heater 10 is different from that of the first embodiment. Other than this, the sixth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

[0067] Specifically, the adhesive layer 70 is attached to the protective layer 80 instead of being attached to the transparent substrate 20. In this case, the transparent conductive film 30 is located closer to the interior of the vehicle 1 than the protective layer 80. In addition, the transparent substrate 20 is located closer to the interior of the vehicle 1 than the transparent conductive film 30.

[0068] The film heater 10 of the sixth embodiment is configured as described above. The sixth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0069] Seventh Embodiment In the seventh embodiment, as shown in Fig. 17, the arrangement of the film heater 10 is different from that in the sixth embodiment, but other than this, it is the same as the sixth embodiment.

[0070] Specifically, instead of being attached to the second transparent portion 12, the adhesive layer 70 is attached to the first transparent portion 11 on the side opposite to the intermediate portion 13. In this case, the film heater 10 is attached to the windshield 3 on the outside of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1. The transparent conductive film 30 is located further outward from the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 than the protective layer 80. Furthermore, the transparent substrate 20 is located further outward from the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 than the transparent conductive film 30.

[0071] The film heater 10 of the seventh embodiment is configured as described above. The seventh embodiment also provides the same effects as the sixth embodiment.

[0072] Eighth Embodiment In the eighth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 18, the arrangement of the film heater 10 is different from that of the first embodiment. Other than this, the eighth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

[0073] Specifically, instead of being attached to the second transparent portion 12, the adhesive layer 70 is attached to the first transparent portion 11 between the first transparent portion 11 and the intermediate portion 13. In this case, the film heater 10 is located between the first transparent portion 11 and the intermediate portion 13 in the thickness direction DT. Moreover, the intermediate portion 13 is adhered to the protective layer 80 instead of the first transparent portion 11.

[0074] The film heater 10 of the eighth embodiment is configured as described above. The eighth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0075] 19, the ninth embodiment differs from the eighth embodiment in the arrangement of the film heater 10 and the shape of the shielding portion 15. The rest is the same as the eighth embodiment.

[0076] Specifically, instead of being attached to the first transparent portion 11, the adhesive layer 70 is attached to the second transparent portion 12 between the second transparent portion 12 and the intermediate portion 13. In this case, the intermediate portion 13 is adhered to the first transparent portion 11 instead of the second transparent portion 12. Furthermore, the transparent substrate 20 is located closer to the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 than the adhesive layer 70. Furthermore, the transparent conductive film 30 is located closer to the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 than the transparent substrate 20. Furthermore, the protective layer 80 is located closer to the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 than the transparent conductive film 30. Furthermore, instead of being formed on the surface of the second transparent portion 12 facing the first transparent portion 11, the shielding portion 15 is formed on the surface of the second transparent portion 12 opposite to the first transparent portion 11.

[0077] The film heater 10 of the ninth embodiment is configured as described above. The ninth embodiment also provides the same effects as the eighth embodiment.

[0078] Tenth Embodiment In the tenth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 20, the configuration of the windshield 3 and the film heater 10 differs from that of the first embodiment. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0079] Specifically, the windshield 3 includes a first intermediate portion 131 and a second intermediate portion 132 instead of the intermediate portion 13 .

[0080] The first intermediate portion 131 and the second intermediate portion 132 are made of an adhesive such as hot melt. The first intermediate portion 131 is bonded to the first transparent portion 11 between the first transparent portion 11 and the second transparent portion 12. The second intermediate portion 132 is bonded to the second transparent portion 12 and the shielding portion 15 between the first transparent portion 11 and the second transparent portion 12.

[0081] The film heater 10 does not include an adhesive layer 70. The film heater 10 is located between a first intermediate portion 131 and a second intermediate portion 132 in the thickness direction DT. The transparent substrate 20 is bonded to the first intermediate portion 131 between the first intermediate portion 131 and the second intermediate portion 132. The protective layer 80 is bonded to the second intermediate portion 132 between the first intermediate portion 131 and the second intermediate portion 132.

[0082] The film heater 10 of the tenth embodiment is configured as described above. The tenth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0083] 21, the eleventh embodiment differs from the tenth embodiment in the configuration of the film heater 10. Other than this, the eleventh embodiment is similar to the tenth embodiment.

[0084] Specifically, the transparent base material 20 is bonded to the second intermediate portion 132 instead of being bonded to the first intermediate portion 131. The protective layer 80 is bonded to the first intermediate portion 131 instead of being bonded to the second intermediate portion 132.

[0085] The film heater 10 of the eleventh embodiment is configured as described above. The eleventh embodiment also provides the same effects as the tenth embodiment.

[0086] 22, the twelfth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the windshield 3 and the film heater 10. The rest of the configuration is the same as the first embodiment.

[0087] Specifically, the windshield 3 includes a first intermediate portion 131 and a second intermediate portion 132 instead of the intermediate portion 13 .

[0088] The first intermediate portion 131 and the second intermediate portion 132 are made of an adhesive such as hot melt. The first intermediate portion 131 and the second intermediate portion 132 are arranged with a gap between them in the left-right direction. The first intermediate portion 131 is bonded to the first transparent portion 11, the second transparent portion 12, and the shielding portion 15 between the first transparent portion 11 and the second transparent portion 12. The second intermediate portion 132 is bonded to the first transparent portion 11, the second transparent portion 12, and the shielding portion 15 between the first transparent portion 11 and the second transparent portion 12.

[0089] The film heater 10 is located between the first transparent portion 11 and the second transparent portion 12 in the thickness direction DT, and between the first intermediate portion 131 and the second intermediate portion 132 in the left-right direction. This surrounds the film heater 10 among the first transparent portion 11, the second transparent portion 12, the first intermediate portion 131, and the second intermediate portion 132. The adhesive layer 70 is attached to the first transparent portion 11 between the first transparent portion 11 and the second transparent portion 12. The protective layer 80 faces the second transparent portion 12 in the thickness direction DT. One ends of the transparent substrate 20, the adhesive layer 70, and the protective layer 80 in the left-right direction are bonded to the first intermediate portion 131. The other ends of the transparent substrate 20, the adhesive layer 70, and the protective layer 80 in the left-right direction are bonded to the second intermediate portion 132.

[0090] The film heater 10 of the twelfth embodiment is configured as described above. The twelfth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0091] 23, the thirteenth embodiment differs from the twelfth embodiment in the shape of the film heater 10. Other than this, the thirteenth embodiment is similar to the twelfth embodiment.

[0092] Specifically, instead of being attached to the first transparent portion 11, the adhesive layer 70 is attached to the second transparent portion 12. Instead of facing the second transparent portion 12 in the thickness direction DT, the protective layer 80 faces the first transparent portion 11 in the thickness direction DT. In this case, the transparent substrate 20 is located closer to the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 than the adhesive layer 70. Furthermore, the transparent conductive film 30 is located closer to the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 than the portion of the transparent substrate 20 to which the adhesive layer 70 is attached. Furthermore, the protective layer 80 is located closer to the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 than the transparent conductive film 30.

[0093] The film heater 10 of the thirteenth embodiment is configured as described above. The thirteenth embodiment also provides the same effects as the twelfth embodiment.

[0094] (Other Embodiments) The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, it goes without saying that in each of the above-described embodiments, elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential, except when expressly stated as essential or when considered to be clearly essential in principle.

[0095] In each of the above embodiments, the film heater 10 melts ice, snow, and defogs the windshield 3, but is not limited to this. The film heater 10 may also melt ice, snow, and defog a millimeter-wave radar device, Lidar, headlights, and the like (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 1.

[0096] Furthermore, the film heater 10 is not limited to being used in the vehicle 1, but may also be used in, for example, equipment (not shown).

[0097] In each of the above embodiments, the first electrode 41 is a positive electrode and the second electrode 42 is a negative electrode. Alternatively, the first electrode 41 may be a negative electrode and the second electrode 42 may be a positive electrode.

[0098] The above embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

Claims

1. It is a film heater, A transparent conductive film (30) that transmits electromagnetic waves from an object and is conductive, The first electrode (41) connected to the transparent conductive film, A first terminal portion (61) is connected to the first electrode and is also connected to a power supply, A second electrode (42) connected to the transparent conductive film, A second terminal portion (62) is connected to the second electrode and is also connected to the power supply, An adhesive part (70) that is attached to a transparent body (3) that transmits electromagnetic waves, Equipped with, The transparent conductive film generates heat when an electric current flows through it between the first electrode and the second electrode. The adhesive portion has multiple grooves (700), The aforementioned groove is a film heater that extends in the direction (Df) from the first electrode and the second electrode toward the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion when the first electrode, the first terminal portion, the second electrode, and the second terminal portion are located on the same plane.

2. The transparent body is inclined with respect to the ground (G), The film heater according to claim 1, wherein the direction in which the ridges extend (Df) is parallel to the direction in which the transparent body extends at an angle (Dc).

3. It is a film heater, A transparent conductive film (30) that transmits electromagnetic waves and is conductive, The first electrode (41) connected to the transparent conductive film, A first terminal portion (61) is connected to the first electrode and is also connected to a power supply, A second electrode (42) connected to the transparent conductive film, A second terminal portion (62) is connected to the second electrode and is also connected to the power supply, A protective part (80) that covers and protects the transparent conductive film, Equipped with, The transparent conductive film generates heat when an electric current flows through it between the first electrode and the second electrode. The protective part has a plurality of grooves (800), The aforementioned muscle extends in the direction (Df) from the first electrode and the second electrode toward the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion when the first electrode, the first terminal portion, the second electrode, and the second terminal portion are located on the same plane. A film heater in which the transparent conductive film does not have the aforementioned streaks formed on it.

4. The aforementioned film heater is attached to a transparent body (3) that transmits electromagnetic waves, The transparent body is inclined with respect to the ground (G), The film heater according to claim 3, wherein the direction in which the ridges extend (Df) is parallel to the direction in which the transparent body extends at an angle (Dc).

5. The film heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the entire film heater is planar in the direction (Df) in which the grooves extend.