Vehicle heater

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle heater, comprising: a housing, a heating film, a power supply unit, and a switching unit, wherein the housing is disposed within a vehicle; the heating film is normally housed within the housing and configured to unfold from the housing during use and generate heat when powered; the power supply unit supplies power to the heating film; and the switching unit is disposed between the power supply unit and the heating film to allow current to flow from the power supply unit to the heating film when the heating film unfolds from the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle heater that can be used inside or outside a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are provided only as background information in relation to the present invention and do not constitute prior art.

[0003] Besides air conditioning systems, existing vehicles are equipped with short-range, non-contact heating devices that utilize infrared radiation heating elements. Typically, such heating devices consist of a covering material, a heating element, insulation material, and a base material. This heating device is fixed to the vehicle's interior trim panel. When in use, the heating device is always exposed. Therefore, the design influences the choice of covering material, and the presence of parting lines detracts from the appearance of the heating device.

[0004] The performance of a heating device is determined by factors such as surface temperature, distance from the heated element, and heating area. We have found that existing heating devices, because they are fixed to the interior trim panels and are exposed, present drawbacks in maintaining the interior design. This drawback limits the distance from the heated element and the heating area (key factors for improving heating performance), making it difficult to provide effective heating.

[0005] The above statements are merely intended to help understand the background technology of the present invention, and are not intended to imply that the present invention falls within the scope of prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a vehicle heater, wherein a housing is provided in a predetermined part inside the vehicle, a heating film is housed within the housing and unfolds only during use to generate heat, and a reflective film located at a certain distance from the rear surface of the heating film reflects radiant heat. This vehicle heater can prevent heat loss and allows adjustment of the distance from the heating element and the heating area, thereby effectively providing heat.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle heater includes: a housing, a heating film, a power supply unit, and a switching unit, wherein the housing is disposed inside a vehicle; the heating film is normally housed within the housing and configured to unfold from the housing during use and generate heat when power is supplied to the heating film; the power supply unit supplies power to the heating film; and the switching unit is disposed between the power supply unit and the heating film and configured to operate when the heating film unfolds from the housing to allow current to flow from the power supply unit to the heating film.

[0008] In a vehicle heater, a shaft can be provided inside the housing. The first end of the heating film is connected to the shaft. Normally, the heating film can be contained in the housing in a rolled-up state on the shaft. When the shaft rotates, the second end of the heating film slides out of the housing to unfold the heating film.

[0009] In a vehicle heater, a return spring can be provided at the first end of the shaft. When the heating film is unfolded from the housing, the shaft can rotate in a first direction. When the heating film is contained in the housing, the shaft can rotate in a direction opposite to the first direction by the elastic force of the return spring.

[0010] In a vehicle heater, a reflective film can be provided on the first side surface of the heating film. When the heating film is housed in a housing, the reflective film can be housed in the housing in close contact with the heating film. When the heating film is unfolded, the reflective film can be located at a certain distance from the heating film and reflect the heat generated from the heating film.

[0011] In a vehicle heater, a tensioner can be installed inside the housing. When the heating film unfolds, the tensioner can separate the reflective film, which is in close contact with the heating film, from the heating film.

[0012] In the vehicle heater, the power supply unit can be connected to the heating film via multiple wires, which are disposed within the internal space of the shaft and include positive and negative wires. The power supply wires can be connected to a first end and a second end of the heating film, respectively.

[0013] In a vehicle heater, an insulating part can be provided in the internal space of the shaft along the length of the shaft. Multiple wires can be arranged inside and outside the insulating part, and the insulating part can prevent short circuits between the wires.

[0014] In a vehicle heater, the switching unit may include a fixing part and a spring unit connected to the fixing part. When the heating film is unfolded from the housing, the fixing part may engage with a predetermined part inside the vehicle, so that the heating film can remain unfolded. When the fixing part is engaged with the predetermined part inside the vehicle, the spring unit may connect the power supply unit and the heating film to each other.

[0015] In a vehicle heater, a switching unit can be disposed at the first end of a shaft at a position spaced apart from the power supply unit. When the shaft rotates and the heating film unfolds, the switching unit can move forward and contact the power supply unit, thereby connecting the power supply unit and the heating film to each other.

[0016] In a vehicle heater, a temperature controller can be installed at the first end of the heating film. When power is supplied to the heating film, the temperature controller can measure the temperature value of the heating film. When the temperature value of the heating film rises above a predetermined reference value, the temperature controller can control the switching unit to disconnect the power supply unit and the heating film from each other.

[0017] In a vehicle heater, a connecting part can be provided adjacent to the first side surface of the heating film, and the heating film can be unfolded from the housing or contained within the housing by operating the connecting part.

[0018] In a vehicle heater, the housing can be installed on the vehicle floor, roof, door, or seat, and the heating film can be deployed toward a predetermined part of the vehicle to generate heat.

[0019] In a vehicle heater, the power supply unit can be a battery housed within a housing, which can be configured to be separate from the vehicle’s floor, roof, doors, or seats. Power is supplied from the battery to the heating film when the housing is separated from the vehicle’s floor, roof, doors, or seats.

[0020] In a vehicle heater according to one embodiment of the present invention, a housing is disposed at a predetermined location within the vehicle, a heating film is housed within the housing and unfolds only during use to generate heat, and a reflective film located at a certain distance from the rear surface of the heating film reflects radiant heat. Therefore, the vehicle heater can prevent heat loss and allows adjustment of the distance to the heating element and the heating area, thereby effectively providing heat.

[0021] Further applications will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that this specification and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To better understand the present invention, various embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a contained heating film deployed in a vehicle heater according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the opposite inner end of the housing in a vehicle heater according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of wires in the internal space of the shaft in a vehicle heater according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing a switching unit disposed at the second end of a heating film in a vehicle heater according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing that in a vehicle heater according to another embodiment of the present invention, the heating film is connected to a power supply unit via a temperature controller and wires;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a switching unit disposed at the first end of a shaft in a vehicle heater according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the heating film and reflective film are deployed from the housing in a vehicle heater according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, application, or use. It should be understood that in all the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a contained heating film deployed in a vehicle heater according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the opposite inner end of the housing in a vehicle heater according to another embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 This is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the heating film and reflective film of a vehicle heater deployed from the housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle heater according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing 100, a heating film 200, a power supply unit, and a switching unit. The housing 100 is disposed inside a vehicle. The heating film 200 is normally housed within the housing 100, deploys from the housing 100 during use, and generates heat when power is supplied to the heating film 200. The power supply unit supplies power to the heating film 200. The switching unit is disposed between the power supply unit and the heating film 200. When the heating film 200 is deployed from the housing 100, the switching unit operates to allow current to flow from the power supply unit to the heating film 200.

[0033] Specifically, the housing 100 extends laterally in the form of a parallelepiped, and the heating film 200 is rolled up to be housed within the housing 100. The heating film 200 unfolds through a longitudinal hole formed on a first side of the housing 100. A hook-shaped fixing part 310 and a handle 320 are provided at the second end of the heating film 200. Occupants in the vehicle unfold the heating film 200 by pulling the handle 320. The heating film 200 unfolds, and then the hook-shaped fixing part 310 engages with a predetermined part inside the vehicle. Therefore, the heating film 200 is prevented from returning to its initial position for being housed within the housing 100.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, a shaft 130 is disposed within a housing 100 of a vehicle heater. A first end of a heating film 200 is connected to the shaft 130. The heating film 200 is normally housed within the housing 100 in a rolled-up state on the shaft 130. The shaft 130 is rotated, causing a second end of the heating film 200 to slide out of the housing 100, thereby unfolding the heating film 200. The first end of the heating film 200 is connected to the shaft 130 and covered by a shaft cover 140. The shaft 130 is then rotated, thereby winding the heating film 200 onto the shaft cover 140 for housing within the housing 100. Subsequently, as the shaft 130 rotates in the opposite direction, the heating film 200 is unwound. That is, the heating film 200 unfolds from the housing 100 through a longitudinal hole formed on a first side of the housing 100.

[0035] In another embodiment, a return spring is provided at the first end of the shaft 130 in the vehicle heater. When the heating film 200 is unfolded, the shaft 130 rotates in a first direction. When the heating film 200 is housed within the housing 100, the shaft 130 rotates in the opposite direction to the first direction due to the elastic force of the return spring 150. An occupant pulls the handle 320 to rotate the heating film 200 in the first direction. Thus, the heating film 200 unfolds, and the fixing part 310 is fixedly engaged with a predetermined portion within the vehicle. Thereafter, when the fixing part 310 is no longer engaged, the shaft 130 rotates in the opposite direction to the first direction due to the elastic force of the return spring 150. Thus, the heating film 200 is normally housed within the housing 100 in a rolled-up state on the shaft 130 without any operation.

[0036] In another embodiment, in the vehicle heater, a reflective film 210 is provided on the first side surface of the heating film 200. When the heating film 200 is housed within the housing 100, the reflective film 210 is housed in close contact with the heating film 200. When the heating film 200 is deployed, the reflective film 210 is located at a certain distance from the heating film 200, thereby reflecting the heat generated from the heating film 200. According to one embodiment of the invention, tensioners 205 and 215 are provided within the housing 100 of the vehicle heater. When the heating film 200 is deployed, tensioners 205 and 215 separate the reflective film 210, which is in close contact with the heating film 200, from the heating film 200.

[0037] refer to Figure 7The reflective film 210 is housed in close contact with the first side of the heating film 200. When the heating film 200 is unfolded, the reflective film 210 separates from the heating film 200 via tensioners 205 and 215. The first side of the housing 100 has a longitudinal aperture. The heating film 200 and the reflective film 210 pass through the longitudinal aperture, respectively. Thus, the reflective film 210 unfolds from the housing 100 together with the heating film 200. Here, the reflective film 210 and the heating film unfold separately from the housing 100. The separate unfolding of the reflective film 210 and the heating film 200 prevents heat generated by the heating film 200 from being transferred to the reflective film 210 through conduction. The reflective film 210 reflects radiant heat transferred in the opposite direction to the desired heating direction. This improves the heating efficiency of the heating film 200.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of wires in the internal space of shaft 130 in a vehicle heater according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection of a heating film to a power supply unit via a temperature controller and wires in a vehicle heater according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In a vehicle heater according to another embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit is connected to the heating film 200 via wires (including positive and negative wires) arranged in the internal space of the shaft 130. The power supply wires are respectively connected to a first end and a second end of the heating film 200. Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 One of the wires (including a positive wire and a negative wire) arranged in the internal space of the shaft 130 is connected to the first end of the heating film 200. The other wire extends along the edge of the heating film 200, passes through the fixing part 310, and then connects to the second end of the heating film 200.

[0039] The vehicle heater has an insulating portion 120 within the internal space of the shaft 130. The insulating portion 120 extends along the length of the shaft 130. Multiple wires are arranged both inside and outside the insulating portion 120, respectively. That is, the multiple wires are arranged at a certain distance from each other. Thus, the insulating portion 120 prevents short circuits between the wires. The cylindrical shaft 130 extends along the length of the housing 100. The insulating portion 120 within the internal space of the cylindrical shaft 130 also extends along the length of the housing 100. Therefore, wires including positive and negative terminals are located inside and outside the cylindrical insulating portion 120 within the cylindrical shaft 130, respectively, and vice versa. This prevents short circuits between the wires including positive and negative terminals.

[0040] In other embodiments, a temperature controller 220 is disposed at the first end of the heating film 200 in the vehicle heater. When power is supplied to the heating film 200, the temperature controller 220 measures the temperature value of the heating film 200. When the temperature value of the heating film 200 rises above a predetermined reference value, the temperature controller 220 controls the switching unit to disconnect the power supply unit and the heating film 200 from each other. The temperature controller uses a temperature sensor disposed on the heating film 200 to measure the temperature value of the heating film 200. When the heating film 200 maintains a temperature value equal to or higher than the predetermined reference value for a fixed period of time (e.g., when the heating film 200 maintains a temperature of 50°C or higher for more than 3 minutes), the temperature controller controls the switching unit to disconnect the power supply unit and the heating film 200 from each other. This prevents accidents caused by overheating of the heating film 200.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing a switching unit disposed at the second end of a heating film in a vehicle heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. The switching unit in the vehicle heater may include a fixing portion 310 and a spring unit 314 connected to the fixing portion 310. When the heating film 200 is unfolded, the fixing portion 310 engages with a predetermined portion inside the vehicle. Thus, the heating film 200 remains unfolded. When the fixing unit 310 engages with the predetermined portion inside the vehicle, the spring unit 314 connects the power supply unit to the heating film 200.

[0042] Specifically, after the heating film 200 is unfolded and before the fixing part 310 engages with a predetermined portion inside the vehicle, the switching unit does not connect the circuit, and the power supply unit is not connected to the heating film 200. After the heating film 200 is unfolded, when the fixing part 310 engages with the predetermined portion inside the vehicle and the heating film 200 remains unfolded, the spring force of the return spring 150 provided at the first end of the shaft 130 is applied to the heating film 200. When the fixing part 310 engages with the predetermined portion inside the vehicle, the spring force of the return spring 150 is applied to the spring unit 314 connected to the fixing part 310. Under the action of the spring force of the spring unit 314 connected to the fixing part 310, the switching unit moves downward, thereby connecting the circuit and connecting the power supply unit to the heating film 200. Thus, power is supplied to the heating film. Thereafter, when the fixing part 310 is no longer engaged, the circuit is disconnected. Power is no longer supplied to the heating film 200. The shaft 130 rotates via the return spring 150, so the heating film 200 is normally housed in the housing 100 in a rolled-up state on the shaft 130.

[0043] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram showing a switching unit disposed at the first end of a shaft 130 in a vehicle heater according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the vehicle heater according to another embodiment of the present invention, the switching unit 316 may be configured to be located at the first end of the shaft 130 at a position spaced apart from the power supply unit. When the shaft 130 rotates and the heating film 200 unfolds, the switching unit 316 moves forward and contacts the power supply unit, thereby connecting the power supply unit and the heating film 200 to each other. Specifically, refer to... Figure 6 The housing 100 has a groove on its first side. The switching unit 316 slides along the groove in the front-rear direction. An externally threaded shaft 130 is disposed on the side of the switching unit 316 opposite to the housing 100. When the externally threaded shaft 130 rotates, the switching unit 316 moves in the rearward direction via a worm gear mechanism. Rotation of the shaft 130 in the first direction unfolds the heating film 200. When the switching unit 316 moves forward and comes into contact with the power supply, the power supply unit connects to the heating film 200, thereby supplying power to the heating film 200. When the vehicle heater is not in use, the shaft 130 rotates in the opposite direction to the first direction, thereby retracting the heating film 200 back into the housing 100. When the switching unit 316 moves rearward and disconnects from the power supply unit, power is not supplied to the heating film 200.

[0044] In a vehicle heater according to one embodiment of the present invention, a connecting unit is provided on a first side surface of the heating film 200. The heating film 200 can be deployed from the housing 100 or accommodated within the housing 100 by operation of the connecting unit. The connecting unit is located on the outer surface of the housing 100. A longitudinal hole is formed on the outer surface of the housing, through which the heating film 200 and the reflective film 210 are deployed. The connecting unit uses an actuator to extend and shorten a connecting rod in the space between the heating film 200 and the reflective film 210. Thus, it can be controlled in a motor-operated manner to deploy from the housing 100 or accommodate the heating film 200 within the housing 100.

[0045] The housing 100 of the vehicle heater can be disposed on the vehicle floor, roof, door, or seat. A heating film 200 unfolds toward a predetermined portion of the vehicle and generates heat. The housing 100 can be installed in the vicinity of a location where there is a receiving space for mounting the housing 100, such as a door panel, seat back cover, floor carpet, or headliner. The heating film 200 can be operated to unfold in the direction of desired heating. For example, when the heating film 200 unfolds upwards from the vehicle floor, heat is generated toward an occupant toward a predetermined portion of the vehicle. When the heating film 200 unfolds horizontally from the vehicle door relative to the vehicle's direction of travel, heat is generated toward the vehicle floor (i.e., toward the knees of an occupant located below the heating film 200).

[0046] In a vehicle heater according to another embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit may be a battery disposed within a housing 100, and the housing 100 may be detached from the vehicle floor or from the vehicle roof, doors, or seats. With the housing 100 detached from the vehicle floor or from the vehicle roof, doors, or seats, current can flow from the battery to the heating film 200. Typically, the housing 100 is connected to a predetermined part of the vehicle, and the power supply unit may be the vehicle's power supply unit that supplies power to the heating film 200. However, by embedding a separate battery within the housing 100, occupants can install the housing 100 anywhere inside or outside the vehicle and can deploy the heating film 200 in the desired heating direction. This improves user convenience.

[0047] In a vehicle heater according to one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the heating film 200 is flocked. Therefore, when using a radiant heating device, the heating film is not exposed to the outside, thereby preventing damage to the appearance of the radiant heating device and improving heating efficiency.

[0048] Without using the vehicle heater, the heating film 200 is rolled up and housed within the housing 100. Therefore, the appearance of the vehicle's interior structure is not compromised. The heating film 200 is unfolded in the desired heating direction at a desired distance from the user. When the heating film 200 is unfolded, a reflective film 210 located at a certain distance from the rear surface of the heating film 200 reflects the heat radiated to the rear surface of the heating film 200 forward. This improves heating efficiency.

[0049] Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and deletions can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle heater of a vehicle, comprising: a housing; a heating film, which is normally accommodated in the housing and is configured to be unfolded from the housing and generate heat when power is supplied to the heating film in use; a power supply unit configured to supply power to the heating film; and a switch unit provided between the power supply unit and the heating film and configured to allow current to flow from the power supply unit to the heating film when the heating film is unfolded from the housing; wherein: a first side surface of the heating film is provided with a reflecting film; the reflecting film is accommodated in the housing in close contact with the heating film when the heating film is accommodated in the housing; the reflecting film is located at a distance from the heating film and reflects heat generated from the heating film when the heating film is unfolded from the housing; wherein: a tensioner is provided in the housing; the tensioner separates the reflecting film in close contact with the heating film from the heating film when the heating film is unfolded. 2.The vehicle heater of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: an axle is provided in the housing; a first end portion of the heating film is connected to the axle, and the heating film is configured to be accommodated in the housing in a state of being wound on the axle; a second end portion of the heating film is slid out of the housing to unfold the heating film when the axle is rotated. 3.The vehicle heater of a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: a first end portion of the axle is provided with a return spring; the axle is rotated in a first direction when the heating film is unfolded from the housing; the axle is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the elastic force of the return spring so that the heating film is accommodated in the housing. the power supply unit is connected to the heating film by a plurality of wires provided in an inner space of the axle and including positive and negative wires; 4. The vehicle heater of claim 2, wherein, the wires in the plurality of wires for power supply are respectively connected to the first and second end portions of the heating film. 5.The vehicle heater of a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: an insulating portion is provided in the inner space of the axle along the length direction of the axle; the wires in the plurality of wires are respectively arranged inside and outside the insulating portion; the insulating portion is configured to prevent short circuit between the wires. the switch unit includes:

6. The vehicle heater of claim 1, wherein, a fixed portion; and a spring unit connected to the fixed portion; wherein: the fixed portion is engaged with a predetermined portion in the vehicle when the heating film is unfolded from the housing, thereby keeping the heating film unfolded; the spring unit connects the power supply unit and the heating film to each other when the fixed portion is engaged with the predetermined portion in the vehicle. 7.The vehicle heater of a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: the switch unit is provided at the first end portion of the axle at a position spaced apart from the power supply unit; the switch unit moves forward and comes into contact with the power supply unit when the axle is rotated and the heating film is unfolded, thereby connecting the power supply unit and the heating film to each other. 8.The vehicle heater of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: a first end portion of the heating film is provided with a temperature controller; the temperature controller is configured to measure a temperature value of the heating film when power is supplied to the heating film; the temperature controller is configured to control the switch unit so that the power supply unit and the heating film are disconnected from each other when the temperature value of the heating film rises above a predetermined reference value. ​ 9.The vehicle heater of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: a connection portion is disposed adjacent to a first side surface of the heat generating film; the heat generating film is deployed from or accommodated in the housing by operation of the connection portion. 10.The vehicle heater of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: the housing is disposed on a floor, a roof, a door, or a seat of the vehicle; the heat generating film is deployed toward a predetermined portion of the vehicle and generates heat. 11.The vehicle heater of a vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: the power supply unit is a battery disposed in the housing; the housing is separated from the floor, the roof, the door, or the seat of the vehicle; power is supplied from the battery to the heat generating film in a state in which the housing is separated from the floor, the roof, the door, or the seat of the vehicle.

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