Heater connector, heater connector assembly kit, and pipe with heater

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a heater connection body capable of more uniformly heating an object to be heated. The problem is solved by a heater connection body comprising a plurality of sheet-shaped heaters each having a heat-generating layer and an electrode part electrically connected to the heat-generating layer, the electrode part of one sheet-shaped heater and the electrode part of the other sheet-shaped heater are connected by a connecting line, and when the main surface of the heat-generating layer is viewed from the direction perpendicular to the main surface of the heat-generating layer, the electrode part of the other sheet-shaped heater and the electrode part of the other sheet-shaped heater are connected by a connecting line. At least a portion of the heat generating layer of each of the sheet-shaped heaters is present on a straight line connecting the two electrode parts connected by the connecting line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater connecting body, a heater connecting body assembly kit, and a pipe with a heater. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, heaters capable of heating pipes and the like have been proposed.

[0003] In patent document 1, a pipe heater is described, which has a heating part layer and an insulating part layer. The pipe heater is wound along the width direction on the outer periphery of the pipe to be heated to heat and keep the pipe warm. It is characterized in that the heating part layer and the insulating part layer are separately constructed. The heating part layer is formed by arranging the heating element on the surface of the heat-resistant and flexible strip substrate that becomes the heating surface side and covering the entire surface with a heat-resistant coating material. In addition, the insulating part layer is formed by covering the strip-shaped insulating material with a heat-resistant coating material, so that the insulating part layer becomes the non-heating surface side of the heating part layer and the two edge parts in the width direction are aligned and overlapped, and the overlapping edge parts are respectively combined into one to form a main body. At this time, when the heating surface of the heating part layer of the pipe heater is wound in a manner that is in close contact with the surface of the pipe, the width of the insulating part layer is set to be long enough that the inner side surface of the insulating part layer is loosely in close contact with the outer periphery of the heating part layer.

[0004] Patent document 2 describes a heater device for heating an object having a two-dimensional or three-dimensional curved surface, such as a pipe, valve, or other object. The heater device is characterized in that the heater device includes a heating pad of a heat-generating material composed of a flexible and substantially non-stretchable solid material matrix, the heating pad having an inner surface that surrounds the heating object and is shaped and sized in a manner that can adapt to the curved surface of the object, and an outer surface that is radially separated from the inner surface. The heater device also includes a sheath that is attached to the outer surface of the heating pad in an immovable relationship, the sheath being an elastic, stretchable, and compressible composite material formed by distributing air or gas bubbles throughout the solid material. In addition, compared with the above-mentioned heating pad, the composite material has a lower density, higher elasticity and compressibility, lower thermal conductivity, a larger thickness, and sufficient elastic resistance to compression, thereby having the following unique shape memory: when the external force that deforms the heating pad disappears, the inner surface of the heating pad will return to the curved surface surrounding the heating object and can adapt to the size and shape of the curved surface, and maintain the size and shape.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4319537

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-505582 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] The present invention provides a heater assembly and a heater assembly kit capable of more uniformly heating a heating object. In addition, the present invention provides a pipe with a heater capable of more uniformly heating.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] The present inventors have intensively studied to solve the above-mentioned problems and have completed the present invention.

[0013] The present invention includes the following (1) to (10).

[0014] (1) A heater connection body comprising a plurality of sheet heaters, wherein the sheet heaters have a heat generating layer and an electrode portion electrically connected to the heat generating layer, the electrode portion of one sheet heater and the electrode portion of another sheet heater are connected by a connecting line, and when the main surface of the heat generating layer is observed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the heat generating layer, at least a portion of the heat generating layer of each sheet heater exists on a straight line connecting the two electrode portions connected by the connecting line.

[0015] (2) The heater assembly according to (1) above, wherein each of the sheet heaters has a stacked structure in which the heat generating layer is stacked between two insulating layers.

[0016] (3) The heater assembly according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the connecting wire is a twisted wire.

[0017] (4) The heater assembly according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the heat generating layer has a thickness of 20 to 150 μm and a resistance of 10 to 300 Ω.

[0018] (5) A heater coupling according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein, in a piping comprising a portion in which two straight pipe portions are connected via a joint portion in a manner in which their axes intersect, respective sheet heaters are wound around the surfaces of the two straight pipe portions sandwiching the joint portion, and the electrode portion of one sheet heater is connected to the electrode portion of the other sheet heater by using the connecting wire, thereby using the heater coupling.

[0019] (6) A heater connection assembly kit comprising a plurality of sheet heaters and connecting wires, wherein the sheet heaters have a heating layer and an electrode portion electrically connected to the heating layer, and in a piping comprising a portion in which two straight tube portions are connected via a joint portion in a manner such that their axes intersect, respective sheet heaters are wound around the surfaces of the two straight tube portions sandwiching the joint portion, and the electrode portion of one sheet heater is connected to the electrode portion of another sheet heater by a connecting wire. In this case, when the main surface of the heating layer is observed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the heating layer, at least a portion of the heating layer of each sheet heater exists on a straight line connecting the two electrode portions connected by the connecting wire.

[0020] (7) The heater connection assembly kit according to (6) above, wherein each of the sheet heaters has a stacked structure in which the heat generating layer is stacked between two insulating layers.

[0021] (8) The heater connection assembly kit according to (6) or (7) above, wherein the connecting wire is a twisted wire.

[0022] (9) The heater connection assembly kit according to any one of (6) to (8) above, wherein the heat generating layer has a thickness of 20 to 150 μm and a resistance of 10 to 300 Ω.

[0023] (10) A piping with a heater, which is formed by winding the heater coupling body described in (1) or (2) above on the surface of the piping, and the piping includes two straight pipe portions connected via a joint portion in a manner that their axes intersect, wherein the surfaces of the two straight pipe portions sandwiching the joint portion each have a separate sheet heater, the electrode portion of one sheet heater and the electrode portion of the other sheet heater are connected by the connecting line, and when the main surface of the heating layer is observed from a perpendicular direction to the main surface of the heating layer, at least a part of the heating layer of each sheet heater exists on the straight line connecting the two electrode portions connected by the connecting line.

[0024] (11) The pipe with a heater according to (10) above, wherein the connecting wire is a twisted wire.

[0025] (12) The piping with a heater according to (10) or (11) above, wherein the thickness of the heat generating layer is 20 to 150 μm, and the resistance value of the heat generating layer is 10 to 300 Ω.

[0026] (13) The pipe with a heater according to any one of (10) to (12) above, wherein the outer peripheral side of the sheet-shaped heater is covered with a heat insulating layer.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, a heater connection body and a heater connection body assembly kit can be provided that can heat a heating object more uniformly. In addition, a pipe with a heater can be provided that can heat the object more uniformly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 This is a diagram (schematic diagram) showing the main surface of the heater assembly 10 according to the present invention as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the heater assembly 10 .

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A-A line cross-sectional view (schematic diagram).

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 BB line cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) in.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a diagram (schematic diagram) showing the main surface of the heater assembly 10 ′ according to the present invention as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface.

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 C-C line cross-sectional view (schematic diagram).

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 D-D line sectional view (schematic diagram).

[0035] Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 (c) illustrates a pipe 20 including a portion where two straight pipe portions 21 and 22 are connected via a joint 23 so that their axes ω1 and ω2 intersect. Each figure shows a cross section taken along a plane passing through the axes ω1 and ω2.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a diagram (schematic diagram) showing a pipe 30 with a heater according to the present invention. Figures 1 to 3 The heater assembly 10 of the present invention is wound around Figure 7 It is formed by the specific piping illustrated in (b). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention will be described.

[0038] The present invention provides a heater connection body, which includes multiple sheet heaters, wherein the sheet heaters have a heating layer and an electrode portion electrically connected to the heating layer, the electrode portion of one sheet heater and the electrode portion of another sheet heater are connected by a connecting line, and when the main surface of the heating layer is observed from the perpendicular direction of the main surface of the heating layer, at least a part of the heating layer of each sheet heater exists on the straight line connecting the two electrode portions connected by the connecting line.

[0039] Hereinafter, such a heater assembly is also referred to as a "heater assembly of the present invention."

[0040] In addition, the present invention provides a heater connection body assembly kit, which includes a plurality of sheet heaters and connecting wires, wherein the sheet heater has a heating layer and an electrode portion electrically connected to the heating layer. In a piping comprising two straight tube portions connected via a joint portion in a manner that their axes intersect, respective sheet heaters are wound around the surfaces of the two straight tube portions sandwiching the joint portion, and the electrode portion of one sheet heater is connected to the electrode portion of another sheet heater by using a connecting wire. In this case, when the main surface of the heating layer is observed from a perpendicular direction to the main surface of the heating layer, at least a portion of the heating layer of each sheet heater exists on a straight line connecting the two electrode portions connected by the connecting wire.

[0041] Hereinafter, such a heater connection body assembly kit is also referred to as an "assembly kit of the present invention."

[0042] In addition, the present invention provides a piping with a heater, which is formed by winding the heater connection body of the present invention on the surface of the piping, and the piping includes two straight pipe portions connected via a joint portion in a manner that their axes intersect, wherein the surfaces of the two straight pipe portions sandwiching the joint portion each have a separate sheet-like heater, and the electrode portion of one sheet-like heater and the electrode portion of the other sheet-like heater are connected by the connecting line. When the main surface of the heating layer is observed from the perpendicular direction of the main surface of the heating layer, at least a part of the heating layer of each sheet-like heater exists on the straight line connecting the two electrode portions connected by the connecting line.

[0043] Hereinafter, such a pipe with a heater is also referred to as a "pipe with a heater of the present invention."

[0044] Hereinafter, when simply referring to “the present invention”, it refers to any one of the heater connection body of the present invention, the assembly kit of the present invention, and the pipe with a heater of the present invention.

[0045] <Heater assembly of the present invention>

[0046] use Figures 1 to 3 The heater assembly of the present invention will be described.

[0047] Figures 1 to 3 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a heater assembly of the present invention. The heater assembly of the present invention is not limited to Figures 1 to 3 The form shown.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a diagram (schematic diagram) showing the main surface of the heater assembly 10 of the present invention as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the heater assembly 10. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The A-A line cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) in Figure 3 yes Figure 1 BB line cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) in.

[0049] The heater assembly of the present invention comprises a plurality of sheet heaters. Figure 1 The heater assembly 10 of the present invention shown is an example including two sheet heaters 12 and 14 .

[0050] The heater assembly of the present invention may include two or more sheet heaters, and the number is not limited.

[0051] The sheet heaters 12 and 14 included in the heater assembly 10 of the present invention include heat generating layers 121 and 141 and electrode portions 123 and 143 electrically connected to the heat generating layers 121 and 141 .

[0052] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, although the heat generating layers 121 and 141 are not exposed to the surface, Figure 1 Its position is indicated by a dotted line.

[0053] The heat generating layers 121 and 141 are in sheet form and are electrically connected to the electrode portions 123 and 143 and are also electrically connected to the other electrode portions 125 and 145. Figure 1 As shown, the heat generating layers 121 and 141 formed in a strip shape are connected from one electrode portion 123 and 143 to the other electrode portion 125 and 145 , which serve as a current path in each sheet heater 12 and 14 .

[0054] Such a strip-shaped current path can be formed by patterning a sheet-shaped metal sheet.

[0055] In addition, the heating layer shown in the drawings is in the form of a sheet and a strip, but in the present invention, the heating layer may be in the form of a sheet only instead of a strip. In addition, the heating layer may be configured in such a way that a wire composed of a heat-generating metal such as a nickel-chromium alloy wire is formed into a layer as a whole.

[0056] In the heater assembly 10 of the present invention, the electrode portion 125 and the electrode portion 145 are connected to one power source via connection wires or the like.

[0057] In addition, the heater connection body of the present invention illustrated here is an example including two sheet heaters 12 and 14. Therefore, although the electrode portion 125 and the electrode portion 145 are connected to a power supply using a connecting wire, for example, when there are other sheet heaters, one of the two electrode portions of the sheet heater and the electrode portion 125 may be connected to the electrode portion 125 using a connecting wire, and the other electrode portion of the sheet heater may be connected to a power supply together with the electrode portion 145 using a connecting wire.

[0058] In the case of the heater assembly 10 of the present invention, the electrode portions 123 and 143 are also sheet-shaped.

[0059] In this embodiment, the electrodes 123 and 143 are in close contact with the surfaces of the heat generating layers 121 and 141. However, in the present invention, the heat generating layers and the electrodes only need to be electrically connected. For example, a conductive sheet may be interposed between the main surfaces of the electrodes 123 and 143 and the main surfaces of the heat generating layers 121 and 141.

[0060] The sheet heater 12 included in the heater assembly 10 of the present invention has two insulating layers 127 and 129. The sheet heater 12 has a laminated structure in which the heat generating layer 121 is laminated with the two insulating layers 127 and 129 interposed therebetween.

[0061] Similarly, the sheet heater 14 included in the heater assembly 10 of the present invention includes two insulating layers 147 and 149. The sheet heater 14 has a laminated structure in which the heat generating layer 141 is laminated with the two insulating layers 147 and 149 interposed therebetween.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the embodiment, the heater assembly of the present invention preferably has a laminated structure including two or more insulating layers stacked such that a heat generating layer is sandwiched between the two insulating layers.

[0063] The heat generating layer and the insulating layer can be fixed to each other using, for example, an adhesive.

[0064] In addition, if Figure 2As shown, the surfaces of the electrodes 123, 125, 143, and 145 need to be exposed in order to connect connection lines and the like to the electrodes 123, 125, 143, and 145. Therefore, the insulating layers 127 and 147 are not present in the portions where the electrodes 123, 125, 143, and 145 are present.

[0065] That is to say, if Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the insulating layer may not exist on the surface of the electrode portion, and the surface of the electrode portion may be exposed. Alternatively, for example, after connecting electrode portion 123 and electrode portion 143 with a connecting wire, an insulating layer may be formed on the surface of these electrode portions using a molded resin or the like. Similarly, for electrode portion 125 and electrode portion 145, an insulating layer may be formed using a molded resin or the like after connecting a connecting wire or the like to each surface.

[0066] In the heater assembly 10 of the present invention, the electrode portion 123 of one sheet heater 12 and the electrode portion 143 of the other sheet heater 14 are connected by a connecting wire 16. Figure 1 As shown, when the main surface of the heating layer 121, 141 is observed from the perpendicular direction of the main surface of the heating layer 121, 141, at least a part of the heating layer 121, 141 of each sheet heater 12, 14 exists on the straight line L connecting the two electrode parts 123, 143 connected by the connecting line 16.

[0067] Here, the straight line L is an imaginary line.

[0068] Furthermore, a straight line connecting the center points of the respective bonding surfaces of the two electrode portions 123 and 143 with the connecting wire 16 is referred to as a straight line L. That is, the bonding site of the electrode portion 123 and the connecting wire 16 is not a point but rather has a certain range (e.g., the range of the cross section of the connecting wire 16 or a range slightly larger than the cross section), and a straight line connecting an arbitrary point approximately near the center within the range of the bonding site of the electrode portion 143 and the connecting wire 16 is referred to as a straight line L. In other words, the starting point and end point of the straight line L can be any point approximately near the center within the range of the bonding site of the electrode portion 123 (or electrode portion 143) and the connecting wire 16.

[0069] The same applies to the straight line L of the pipe with a heater of the present invention described later.

[0070] In conventional sheet heaters that use connecting wires for their electrodes, the connecting wires are located at the ends of the main surfaces of the electrodes to minimize their length. Consequently, if two conventional sheet heaters are prepared and the electrode portions of one sheet heater are connected to the electrode portions of the other sheet heater using the connecting wires, when the main surfaces of the heating layers are viewed perpendicular to the main surfaces of the heating layers, the heating layers of the respective sheet heaters do not lie on a straight line connecting the two electrode portions connected by the connecting wires.

[0071] Furthermore, compared with other locations, the location where the electrode portion of the sheet heater is located cannot sufficiently heat the heating object. Therefore, when a conventional sheet heater is placed on the surface of a heating object such as a pipe to heat the heating object, it is difficult to heat the heating object uniformly.

[0072] In contrast, in the sheet heater of the present invention, since the electrode portion is not present at the end portion of the main surface thereof, the object to be heated can be heated more uniformly.

[0073] In the heater assembly 10 of the present invention, the connecting wires 16 are preferably twisted wires.

[0074] Preferably, in a piping comprising two straight pipe portions connected via a joint in a manner in which their axes intersect, separate sheet heaters are wound around the surfaces of the two straight pipe portions sandwiching the joint, and the electrode portion of one sheet heater is connected to the electrode portion of the other sheet heater by using the connecting wire, thereby using the heater coupling body 10 of the present invention.

[0075] That is, the heater coupling body 10 of the present invention can be used to manufacture the pipe with a heater of the present invention, which will be described later.

[0076] As mentioned above, use Figures 1 to 3 The sheet heater 12 included in the heater assembly 10 of the present invention described above includes two insulating layers 127 and 129, which are stacked so that the heat generating layer 121 is sandwiched between the two insulating layers 127 and 129. Similarly, the sheet heater 14 included in the heater assembly 10 of the present invention includes two insulating layers 147 and 149, which are stacked so that the heat generating layer 141 is sandwiched between the two insulating layers 147 and 149.

[0077] The method of fixing the insulating layer to the heat generating layer is not limited, and for example, the insulating layer can be fixed using an adhesive or the like.

[0078] Here, in the heater assembly of the present invention, a plurality of heat generating layers may be laminated by sandwiching a plurality of heat generating layers between two insulating layers. Figures 1 to 3In the illustrated embodiment, both insulating layers 127 and 147 may be replaced by one insulating layer 137 , and both insulating layers 129 and 149 may be replaced by one insulating layer 139 .

[0079] like Figures 4 to 6 The heater assembly 10' of the present invention in this manner is shown.

[0080] Figure 4 This is a diagram (schematic diagram) showing the main surface of the heater assembly 10' according to the present invention as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the heater assembly 10'. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The C-C line cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) in Figure 6 yes Figure 4 D-D line sectional view (schematic diagram).

[0081] In addition, if Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the surface of the electrode portion may not have an insulating layer, and the surface of the electrode portion may be exposed. Alternatively, for example, after the electrode portion 123 and the electrode portion 143 are connected by a connecting wire, an insulating layer may be formed on the surface of these electrode portions using a molded resin or the like. Similarly, the electrode portion 125 and the electrode portion 145 may be connected to their respective surfaces with a connecting wire or the like, and then an insulating layer may be formed using a molded resin or the like.

[0082] The heater connection body of the present invention, represented by the heater connection body 10' of the present invention, can be a sheet heater comprising a plurality of heating layers, wherein the plurality of heating layers are not stacked, and one heating layer and the other heating layers each have an electrode portion electrically connected to the heating layer, and these electrode portions are connected by connecting wires. When the main surface of the heating layer is observed from a perpendicular direction to the main surface of the heating layer, at least a portion of each heating layer exists on a straight line connecting two electrode portions connected by the connecting wire. The sheet heater has a stacked structure in which the plurality of heating layers are stacked by sandwiching two insulating layers.

[0083] The sheet heater 12 may include a sheet base material on the main surface of the insulating layer 127 and / or the insulating layer 129 that is not in contact with the heat generating layer 121 via an adhesive layer or the like.

[0084] The sheet heater 14 may include a sheet base material on the main surface of the insulating layer 147 and / or the insulating layer 149 that is not in contact with the heat generating layer 141 via an adhesive layer or the like.

[0085] For use Figures 4 to 6Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the main surface of the insulating layer 137 and / or the insulating layer 139 that is not in contact with the heat generating layers 121 and 141 may include a sheet-like base material via an adhesive layer or the like.

[0086] The sheet-like substrate will be described later.

[0087] <Pipe with heater of the present invention>

[0088] use Figures 7 and 8 The pipe with heater according to the present invention will be described.

[0089] Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 (c) illustrates a pipe 20 including a portion where two straight pipe portions 21 and 22 are connected via a joint 23 so that their axes ω1 and ω2 intersect. Each figure shows a cross section taken along a plane passing through the axes ω1 and ω2.

[0090] Figure 7 (a) is an example in which the axis ω1 of the straight tube portion 21 is perpendicular to the axis ω2 of the straight tube portion 22. In addition, the connecting portion 23 is curved to smoothly connect the two straight tube portions 21 and 22.

[0091] and Figure 7 (a) Similarly, Figure 7 (b) is an example in which the axis ω1 of the straight tube portion 21 is perpendicular to the axis ω2 of the straight tube portion 22. However, the connecting portion 23 is not bent.

[0092] Figure 7 (c) is an example in which the axis ω1 of the straight tube portion 21 and the axis ω2 of the straight tube portion 22 intersect but are not perpendicular to each other. In addition, the connecting portion 23 is not bent.

[0093] The pipe with heater of the present invention is obtained by winding the heater connection body of the present invention. Figure 7 It is formed by the specific piping as shown in the example.

[0094] Furthermore, when the heater assembly of the present invention is disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the specific pipe as described above, the heater assembly of the present invention is wound around the surface of the specific pipe.

[0095] Figure 8 Shown in Figures 1 to 3 The heater assembly 10 of the present invention is wound around Figure 7 The pipe 30 with a heater of the present invention is formed by the specific pipe exemplified in (b).

[0096] like Figure 8As shown, the piping 30 with a heater of the present invention is a piping comprising two straight pipe portions 21 and 22 connected via a joint 23 in a manner such that their axes ω1 and ω2 intersect, and the heater coupling body 10 of the present invention is wound around the surfaces of the two straight pipe portions 21 and 22 of the piping sandwiching the joint 23.

[0097] Furthermore, the surfaces of the two straight tubes 21 and 22 sandwiching the joint 23 each have the sheet heater. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the sheet-shaped heater 14 is provided on the surface of the straight tube portion 21 , and the sheet-shaped heater 12 is provided on the surface of the straight tube portion 22 .

[0098] In addition, Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, no sheet heater is placed at the joint 23. Furthermore, one sheet heater 12 and the other sheet heater 14 are separated, preferably by 0.5 to 5 mm even at their closest point. If one sheet heater 12 and the other sheet heater 14 contact at the joint 23, the seal between the heater assembly 10 and the piping may be impaired, making uniform heating difficult.

[0099] Here, the electrode portion 123 of one sheet heater 12 and the electrode portion 143 of another sheet heater 14 are connected by a connecting line 16. When the main surfaces of the heating layers 121 and 141 are observed from the perpendicular direction of the main surfaces of the heating layers 121 and 141, at least a portion of the heating layers 121 and 141 of each sheet heater 12 and 14 exists on the straight line L connecting the two electrode portions 123 and 143 connected by the connecting line 16.

[0100] In addition, when the main surface of the heating layer 121, 141 is observed from the perpendicular direction of the main surface of the heating layer 121, 141 in the state where the sheet heaters 12, 14 are wound around the piping, the observation direction is parallel to the direction radially extending from the center point of the axis in the cross section of the piping toward the outer peripheral side.

[0101] In the pipe 30 with a heater according to the present invention, the connecting wire 16 is preferably a twisted wire.

[0102] In the pipe 30 with heater of the present invention, it is preferable that the outer peripheral sides of the sheet heaters 12 and 14 are covered with a heat insulating layer.

[0103] In addition, it is preferable that the outer peripheral side of the joint portion 23 in addition to the sheet heaters 12 and 14 is also covered with a heat insulating layer.

[0104] The pipe with heater of the present invention can also be used Figures 4 to 6The heater assembly 10' (sheet heater) of the present invention is wound around Figure 7 It is formed by the specific piping as shown in the example.

[0105] The piping with a heater of the present invention in such a form can also be said to be the following piping with a heater, which is formed by winding the heater connection body (sheet heater) of the present invention on the surface of the piping, and the piping includes two straight pipe portions connected via a joint portion in a manner that their axes intersect, wherein the surfaces of the two straight pipe portions sandwiching the joint portion each have the sheet heater in a manner such that a respective heating layer is arranged, and the electrode portion possessed by one heating layer and the electrode portion possessed by the other heating layer are connected by the connecting line, and when the main surface of the heating layer is observed from the perpendicular direction of the main surface of the heating layer, at least a part of each heating layer exists on the straight line connecting the two electrode portions connected by the connecting line.

[0106] <Assembly Kit of the Present Invention>

[0107] The assembly kit of the present invention is described.

[0108] The assembly kit of the present invention is a kit that can be used to assemble the heater connection body of the present invention described above.

[0109] Use the above Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 7 and 8 To illustrate the assembly kit of the present invention.

[0110] In the assembly kit of the present invention, there are two or more sheet heaters. However, here, the case where there are two sheet heaters (sheet heater 12 and sheet heater 14) is exemplified and described.

[0111] The assembly kit of the present invention is a heater connection assembly kit including two sheet heaters 12 and 14 and a connection wire 16 . The sheet heaters 12 and 14 have heat generating layers 121 and 141 and electrodes 123 and 143 electrically connected to the heat generating layers 121 and 141 .

[0112] Furthermore, in the assembly kit, in the piping including the portion where two straight pipe portions 21, 22 are connected via a joint portion 23 in a manner such that their axes ω1, ω2 intersect, a sheet heater 12 or a sheet heater 14 is respectively wound around the surfaces of the two straight pipe portions 21, 22 sandwiching the joint portion 23 and an electrode portion 123 possessed by one sheet heater 12 is connected to an electrode portion 143 possessed by the other sheet heater 14 by a connecting wire 16. In this case, when the main surfaces of the heating layers 121, 141 are observed from a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces of the heating layers 121, 141, at least a portion of the heating layers 121, 141 of each sheet heater 12, 14 exists on a straight line L connecting the two electrode portions 123, 143 connected by the connecting wire 16.

[0113] In the heater connection assembly kit, the connecting wires are preferably twisted wires.

[0114] The heater connection assembly kit preferably further includes two insulating layers 127 and 129. In this case, the sheet heater 12 is preferably configured to have a laminated structure by laminating the heat generating layer 121 between the two insulating layers 127 and 129.

[0115] The heater connection assembly kit preferably further includes two insulating layers 147 and 149. In this case, the sheet heater 14 is preferably configured to have a laminated structure by laminating the heat generating layer 141 between the two insulating layers 147 and 149.

[0116] <Heating layer>

[0117] The heat generating layer in the present invention will be described.

[0118] The heating layer is preferably a sheet-like heating layer that generates heat when electricity is applied. Furthermore, as described above, the heating layer is preferably patterned to form a strip-shaped current path. Furthermore, as described above, the heating layer may be formed by layering wires composed of a heat-generating metal such as nichrome wire.

[0119] The heat generating layer may be, for example, a metal foil, a sheet of metal mesh, a sheet of metal fiber, or a carbon sheet.

[0120] The material of the heat generating layer is not particularly limited as long as it generates heat when electricity is applied. Stainless steel is preferred, but Cu (copper), Al (aluminum), Ni (nickel), nickel-chromium alloy, and carbon may also be used.

[0121] The thickness of the heat generating layer is preferably 10 to 600 μm, more preferably 20 to 150 μm, and preferably about 30 μm from the viewpoint of flexibility and strength.

[0122] Here, the thickness of the heat generating layer can be calculated as follows.

[0123] First, regarding the heater assembly of the present invention, the pipe with heater of the present invention, or the assembly kit of the present invention, a cross section parallel to a perpendicular line to the main surface of each sheet heater is obtained. This cross section corresponds to Figures 2 and 3 .

[0124] Next, after obtaining a magnified photograph (200 times) of the cross section using an optical microscope, the thickness of the heat generating layer was measured at 30 randomly selected locations in the magnified photograph, and the simple average value thereof was calculated.

[0125] Then, the obtained simple average value is set as the thickness of the heat generating layer.

[0126] In the present invention, the thickness of members other than the heat generating layer is determined by the same method.

[0127] The shape and size of the main surface of the heat generating layer can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the shape and size of the heated object on which the heater assembly of the present invention or the assembly kit of the present invention is to be installed.

[0128] The resistance of the heating layer is preferably 5 to 800Ω, more preferably 10 to 300Ω. If the resistance is too low, the temperature may rise too high due to excessive output. Conversely, if the resistance is too high, the temperature may rise too slowly due to insufficient output.

[0129] Here, the resistance of the heat generating layer is set to a value determined in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standards JIS K 7194.

[0130] The heat generating layer is preferably formed mainly of metal fibers, more preferably formed only of metal fibers.

[0131] Here, "primarily" means 70% by mass or more. That is, the heat generating layer preferably comprises 70% by mass or more of metal fibers. The proportion of metal fibers in the heat generating layer is more preferably 80% by mass or more, more preferably 90% by mass or more, and even more preferably 95% by mass or more.

[0132] In addition, the ratio of the metal fibers contained in the heat generating layer is determined by the following method.

[0133] In the SEM image obtained by magnifying the surface of the heating layer to 1000 times using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), an image processing device is used to calculate the area occupied by the metal fibers (excluding gaps) within the field of view, and the area is converted into a volume ratio by multiplying it by the cube, and then the mass ratio is calculated by multiplying it by the specific gravity to calculate the metal fiber content.

[0134] The metal fibers are preferably metal fibers having a cross-sectional equivalent circle diameter of 2 to 100 μm (preferably 5 to 20 μm) and a length of 2 to 20 mm.

[0135] The heat-generating layer is preferably a sheet-like layer (metal fiber sheet) formed by intricately entwining a plurality of such metallic fibers. The metal fiber sheet may be composed solely of metal fibers, or may contain metal fibers and other fibers (e.g., resin fibers that function as a binder) as long as the heat-generating properties are not impaired.

[0136] Here, the metal fibers constituting the metal fiber sheet are in contact with each other to the extent that electrical conduction is possible. The metal fibers are preferably connected at the contact points. For example, it is preferable that the metal fibers are fused at the contact points by a process in which a portion of the metal fibers melts and then solidifies due to sintering at a high temperature.

[0137] The metal fiber sheet is preferably a SUS fiber sheet from the viewpoint of high heat resistance and chemical resistance. Examples of the SUS fiber sheet include stainless steel fiber sheets (e.g., Tommy Filec SS, manufactured by Tomogawa Paper Co., Ltd.).

[0138] The basis weight of the metal fiber sheet is preferably 25 g / m 2 Above, preferably 50g / m 2 In addition, it is preferably 1000g / m 2 Below, more preferably 200g / m 2 the following.

[0139] In addition, the basis weight is set to a value determined according to JIS P 8124.

[0140] The density of the metal fiber sheet is preferably 1.0 to 10.0 g / cm 3 , more preferably 1.4 to 2.0 g / cm 3 , preferably 1.7 g / cm 3 about.

[0141] The density of the metal fiber sheet was determined in accordance with JIS P 8118 and was calculated using the density (g / cm 3 ) = Basis weight (g / m 2 ) / (thickness (mm)×1000).

[0142] The metal fiber sheet can be manufactured by a dry nonwoven fabric manufacturing method or a wet papermaking method. In the case of the wet papermaking method, a plurality of metallic fibers with a cross-sectional equivalent circle diameter of 2 to 100 μm and a length of 2 to 20 mm are stirred in a dispersion medium (water, organic solvent, etc.), and then an organic coagulant is added. The sheet is formed using a square hand-made papermaking device (manufactured by Toyo Seiki Co., Ltd., etc.), and a ferrotype drying device is used to obtain a sheet with a basis weight of 50 to 1100 g / m2. 2 The dried sheet is then calcined at 400-1300°C to obtain a metal fiber sheet. In principle, it is preferred that no organic aggregating agent remain in the metal fiber sheet.

[0143] <Electrode section>

[0144] The electrode portion in the present invention will be described.

[0145] The present invention includes an electrode portion electrically connected to the heating layer. The electrode portion may not be in direct contact with the heating layer. For example, the electrode portion may be electrically connected to the heating layer via a conductive member. Such a conductive member may be the same as the electrode portion.

[0146] The material of the electrode portion is not particularly limited and may be Cu (copper), Ag (silver), Au (gold), etc., but is more preferably stainless steel (eg, SUS304, SUS316, SUS316L).

[0147] The electrode portion may be, for example, metal foil, a sheet-like metal mesh in which linear fibers are arranged substantially orthogonally, a metal fiber nonwoven fabric in which metal fibers are randomly arranged, a metal fiber woven fabric, linear metal fibers, or ribbon-like metal fibers.

[0148] Specifically, examples of the metal mesh include a metal mesh of 200 to 500 meshes.

[0149] As metal fiber nonwoven fabric, for example, 1500 g / m 2 Stainless steel fiber nonwoven fabric (SUS316L needle-punched mesh, manufactured by Nikko Techno, Ltd.).

[0150] Examples of the metal fiber woven fabric include SUS cloth (Nysolon cloth A, manufactured by Nippon Seisen Co., Ltd.).

[0151] As a linear metal fiber, a filament yarn (Nysolon 12-2000 / 3, manufactured by Nippon Seisen Co., Ltd.) is mentioned, for example.

[0152] Examples of the tape-shaped metal fibers include SUS tape (Nysolon tape B W16 (manufactured by Nippon Seisen Co., Ltd.)).

[0153] The resistivity of the electrode portion is preferably 5 to 100 μΩcm, more preferably 5 to 70 μΩcm, and even more preferably 5 to 50 μΩcm.

[0154] Here, the resistivity of the electrode portion is a value calculated by performing XRD analysis on the electrode portion to determine the structural composition, referring to the conductivity determined from the elemental composition, and calculating using the formula "resistivity = 1 / conductivity".

[0155] The electrode portion is preferably made of metal foil.

[0156] The thickness of the electrode portion is preferably 5 to 100 μm.

[0157] The method for electrically connecting the electrode portion and the heat generating layer is not particularly limited. For example, the electrode portion can be brought into close contact with the main surface of the heat generating layer and fixed with an adhesive or by welding.

[0158] <Connecting cable>

[0159] The connecting wires in the present invention are described.

[0160] The connecting wire electrically connects the electrode portion of one sheet heater to the electrode portion of the other sheet heater.

[0161] The connecting wires only need to electrically connect the electrode portion of one sheet heater to the electrode portion of the other sheet heater and allow electricity passing through the heat generation layer of one sheet heater to flow to the heat generation layer of the other sheet heater via the connecting wires.

[0162] The connecting wire may be made of any material as long as it has conductivity, and may be made of, for example, Cu (copper), Al (aluminum), Ni (nickel), nickel-chromium alloy, or carbon.

[0163] The length and thickness of the connecting wire are not particularly limited, and the thickness (cross-sectional diameter) can be, for example, 0.5 to 2.0 mm.

[0164] As the connecting wire, a single wire or a processed wire (spiral processing, rolling processing, stranding processing) can be used.

[0165] As the connection wire, a bare wire or a covered wire can be used.

[0166] The connecting wires are preferably stranded wires.

[0167] The connecting wire is preferably a connecting wire having excellent flexibility because such a connecting wire can be easily connected to the electrode portion that is not disposed at the end portion of the sheet heater.

[0168] The stranded wires used as connecting wires have excellent flexibility.

[0169] The method of electrically connecting the connecting wire to the electrode portion is not particularly limited. For example, the connecting wire can be brought into close contact with the main surface of the electrode portion and fixed with an adhesive or by welding.

[0170] <Insulation layer>

[0171] The insulating layer in the present invention will be described.

[0172] When the present invention includes a plurality of insulating layers, these insulating layers may be of the same form or of different forms.

[0173] The insulating layer plays a role in electrically insulating the heat generating layer from other members.

[0174] Preferably, the insulating layer has thermal conductivity in addition to insulating properties.

[0175] The insulating layer is preferably formed from materials such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PI (polyimide), PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), TAC (cellulose triacetate), and ceramics. This is because these materials have high insulating properties. Among these, an insulating layer formed from PI (polyimide) is preferred due to its excellent heat resistance and insulating properties.

[0176] The thickness of the insulating layer is not limited, but is preferably 25 to 75 μm, more preferably 40 to 60 μm.

[0177] The shape and size of the main surface of the insulating layer are not particularly limited. However, since the insulating layer serves to electrically insulate the heating layer from other layers, the main surface of the insulating layer is generally the same size as or larger than the main surface of the heating layer.

[0178] <Sheet-like substrate>

[0179] When the present invention has a sheet substrate, the sheet substrate is preferably an insulating and flexible material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PI (polyimide), PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), TAC (cellulose triacetate), etc.

[0180] The sheet-like substrate may be formed of a fluororesin. Examples of the fluororesin include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, and a vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer.

[0181] Furthermore, the sheet-like base material may be a high-strength, high-insulation sheet obtained by impregnating glass, aramid (aromatic polyamide-based resin), or reinforcing fibers such as carbon fibers with fluororesin.

[0182] The thickness of the sheet-like substrate is not particularly limited, but is preferably 100 to 300 μm, more preferably 125 to 200 μm.

[0183] Adhesive

[0184] As described above, the insulating layer and the heating layer can be bonded together using an adhesive. Furthermore, the electrode portion can be bonded to the heating layer using an adhesive. Furthermore, the sheet-like substrate can be bonded to the main surface of the insulating layer that is not in contact with the heating layer using an adhesive.

[0185] As the adhesive that can be used in the present invention, for example, an acrylic adhesive, a silicone adhesive, a rubber elastomer, a thermosetting adhesive, a thermoplastic adhesive, etc. can be used.

[0186] Alternatively, a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet made of the same material may be used instead of the adhesive.

[0187] <Insulation layer>

[0188] As described above, in the piping with heater of the present invention, the outer periphery of the sheet heater is preferably covered with a heat insulating layer. In addition, it is preferred that the outer periphery of the connecting portion of the piping is also covered with a heat insulating layer in addition to the sheet heater.

[0189] Examples of the thermal insulation material constituting the thermal insulation layer include fiber-based thermal insulation materials (glass wool, rock wool, cellulose fiber, wool thermal insulation materials (Japanese: ウールブレス)), and foam-based thermal insulation materials (polyurethane foam, phenolic foam, melamine foam, Teflon foam, polyimide foam, etc.).

[0190] The thickness of the heat insulating layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 15 to 100,000 μm, more preferably 30 to 50,000 μm, and even more preferably 6,000 to 10,000 μm.

[0191] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-47145, filed on March 23, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0192] Description of Reference Numerals

[0193] 10, 10', heater assembly of the present invention; 12, 14, sheet heater; 121, 141, heating layer; 123, 143, electrode portion; 125, 145, electrode portion; 127, 129, insulating layer; 137, 139, insulating layer; 147, 149, insulating layer; 16, connecting line; L, straight line (imaginary line); 20, piping; 21, 22, straight pipe portion; 23, joint; ω1, ω2, axis line; 30, piping with heater of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heater assembly comprising a plurality of sheet heaters, wherein: The sheet heater includes a heat generating layer and an electrode portion electrically connected to the heat generating layer. The electrode portion of one sheet heater and the electrode portion of the other sheet heater are connected by a connecting wire. When the main surface of the heat generating layer is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the heat generating layer, at least a portion of the heat generating layer of each sheet heater exists on a straight line connecting the two electrode portions connected by the connecting line.

2. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein Each of the sheet heaters has a laminated structure in which the heat generating layer is laminated so as to be sandwiched between two insulating layers.

3. The heater assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The connecting wire is a twisted wire.

4. The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The thickness of the heating layer is 20 to 150 μm, and the resistance of the heating layer is 10 to 300 Ω.

5. The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein In a piping system including two straight pipe sections connected via a joint with their axes intersecting, a respective sheet heater is wound around the surfaces of the two straight pipe sections sandwiching the joint, and the electrode section of one sheet heater is connected to the electrode section of the other sheet heater by using the connecting wire, thereby using the heater connection body.

6. A heater connection assembly kit comprising a plurality of sheet heaters and connecting wires, wherein: The sheet heater includes a heat generating layer and an electrode portion electrically connected to the heat generating layer. In a piping system including two straight pipe portions connected via a joint portion in a manner that their axes intersect, a respective sheet heater is wound around the surfaces of the two straight pipe portions sandwiching the joint portion, and the electrode portion of one sheet heater is connected to the electrode portion of the other sheet heater by a connecting wire. In this case, when the main surface of the heating layer is observed from a perpendicular direction to the main surface of the heating layer, at least a portion of the heating layer of each sheet heater exists on a straight line connecting the two electrode portions connected by the connecting wire.

7. The heater connection assembly kit according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the sheet heaters has a laminated structure in which the heat generating layer is laminated so as to be sandwiched between two insulating layers.

8. The heater connection assembly kit according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The connecting wire is a twisted wire.

9. The heater connection assembly kit according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The thickness of the heating layer is 20 to 150 μm, and the resistance of the heating layer is 10 to 300 Ω.

10. A pipe with a heater, wherein the heater coupling body according to claim 1 or 2 is wound around the surface of the pipe, the pipe comprising two straight pipe portions connected via a joint portion with their axes intersecting. The surfaces of the two straight pipe parts sandwiching the joint part each have a separate sheet heater. The electrode portion of one sheet heater and the electrode portion of the other sheet heater are connected by the connecting wire. When the main surface of the heat generating layer is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the heat generating layer, at least a portion of the heat generating layer of each sheet heater exists on a straight line connecting the two electrode portions connected by the connecting line.

11. The pipe with a heater according to claim 10, wherein The connecting wire is a twisted wire.

12. The pipe with a heater according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The thickness of the heating layer is 20 to 150 μm, and the resistance of the heating layer is 10 to 300 Ω.

13. The pipe with a heater according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The outer peripheral side of the sheet heater is covered with a heat insulating layer.

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