Heater unit

Abstract

Provided is a heater unit in which a heater substrate can be thinned while maintaining durability, thereby achieving a light weight. This heater unit is provided with: a housing having a flow path formed on the upper surface side thereof; a heater substrate which is disposed on the upper surface side of the housing so as to cover the flow path, and on which a heating element is provided along the flow path on the surface facing the opposite side from the housing; and a frame that is at least one of a front surface frame disposed on the front surface of the heater substrate and a rear surface frame disposed on the rear surface of the heater substrate. One frame has an outer frame fixing portion disposed along the outer peripheral portion of the heater substrate, and the outer frame fixing portion is fixed to the housing together with the heater substrate by means of a fastening member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a heater unit, and more particularly to a heater unit that heats a fluid flowing in a flow path. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a conventional heater unit, generally known is a heater unit that has a case in which a flow path is formed, and a heater substrate in which a heating element that heats a fluid flowing in the flow path is provided (for example, refer to Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2). In recent years, such a heater unit has been proposed to be used as a coolant heater for battery temperature management in an electric vehicle (EV) or the like.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-135241

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-524906 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] Here, one of the larger problems of an electric vehicle is the cruising distance, and as a cruising distance extension factor in a coolant heater, there can be cited a reduction in travel consumption power resulting from lightening, a reduction in coolant heater consumption power resulting from an increase in heating efficiency, and the like. Therefore, thinning of the heater substrate is considered to seek lightening, but in this case, when a fluid of a higher pressure flows in the flow path, a strain or a warp can occur in the heater substrate. As a result, there is a concern that a defective condition such as a water leakage, a resistance pattern breakage, an insulator breakage, or the like can occur. In addition, the above-described problem can similarly occur for a heater unit in which a fluid of a higher pressure flows in a flow path, in addition to the coolant heater of an electric vehicle.

[0009] The present application has been achieved in view of the above-described problems, and aims to provide a heater unit that can seek lightening by thinning a heater substrate while maintaining durability.

[0010] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] The present application is as described below.

[0012] 1. A heater unit that heats a fluid flowing in a flow path, characterized by,

[0013] The heater unit has:

[0014] a case in which the flow path is formed on an upper surface side thereof;

[0015] a heater substrate disposed on the upper surface side of the case so as to cover the flow path and provided with a heat generating body along the flow path on a surface facing a side opposite to the case; and

[0016] a frame that is at least one of a surface frame disposed on a surface of the heater substrate and a back frame disposed on a back of the heater substrate,

[0017] the one frame has an outer frame fixing portion disposed along an outer peripheral portion of the heater substrate,

[0018] the outer frame fixing portion is fixed to the case together with the heater substrate by a fastening member.

[0019] 2. The heater unit according to the above 1, wherein,

[0020] the one frame has an inner side fixing portion disposed on an inner side of the outer frame fixing portion,

[0021] the inner side fixing portion is fixed to the case together with the heater substrate by a fastening member.

[0022] 3. The heater unit according to the above 1 or 2, wherein,

[0023] the heater unit has at least the surface frame of the surface frame and the back frame.

[0024] 4. The heater unit according to the above 3, wherein,

[0025] the surface frame is laminated in a multilayered manner.

[0026] 5. The heater unit according to the above 4, wherein,

[0027] a pressing bolt that presses a surface of the heater substrate is threadedly coupled to the surface frame of the upper layer.

[0028] 6. The heater unit according to any one of the above 3 to 5, wherein,

[0029] a surface insulating layer is provided on the surface frame on a portion directly below a conductor extending from a power supply terminal of the heat generating body to an outer side of the heater substrate.

[0030] 7. The heater unit according to the above 1, wherein,

[0031] the heater unit has at least the back frame of the surface frame and the back frame.

[0032] 8. The heater unit according to the above 7, wherein,

[0033] A back surface glass layer for preventing warping is provided on the back surface of the heater substrate,

[0034] A flat plate is provided on the housing in a manner to cover the flow path,

[0035] The back surface frame is sandwiched between the heater substrate and the flat plate as a spacer in a manner that the back surface glass layer does not contact the flat plate.

[0036] 9. The heater unit according to 8 above, wherein

[0037] The heater unit further comprises the surface frame.

[0038] 10. The heater unit according to 7 or 8 above, wherein

[0039] The back surface frame has a flow path corresponding portion provided on the inner side of the outer frame fixing portion along the flow path.

[0040] 11. The heater unit according to 10 above, wherein

[0041] The back surface frame is formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the heater substrate.

[0042] 12. The heater unit according to 10 or 11 above, wherein

[0043] A turbulence generating portion for making the fluid flowing in the flow path turbulent is provided on the flow path corresponding portion.

[0044] 13. The heater unit according to any one of 7 to 12 above, wherein

[0045] A first ring-shaped gasket is sandwiched between the back surface frame and the housing in a manner to surround the flow path.

[0046] 14. The heater unit according to 13 above, wherein

[0047] A second ring-shaped gasket is sandwiched between the back surface frame and the heater substrate in a manner to surround the flow path.

[0048] 15. The heater unit according to 13 above, wherein

[0049] An O-ring is sandwiched between the back surface frame and the heater substrate in a manner to surround the flow path.

[0050] 16. The heater unit according to 13 above, wherein

[0051] A ring-shaped weld is provided between the back face frame and the heater substrate in a manner surrounding the flow path.

[0052] Effects of the Invention

[0053] According to the present application, the strength against strain and warping of the heater substrate is improved by the surface frame and / or the back face frame, so that the heater substrate can be thinned while maintaining durability, and light weight can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0054] The present application will be further explained with reference to the appended drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to represent the same elements throughout the several views, and by the non-limiting examples based on typical embodiments of the present application, with reference to the drawings mentioned, and by the following detailed description.

[0055] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a heater unit of Embodiment 1.

[0056] Figure 2 is a plan view of the heater unit.

[0057] Figure 3 is a III-III line sectional view of Figure 2

[0058] Figure 4 is a main part enlarged view of Figure 3

[0059] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a heater unit of Embodiment 2.

[0060] Figure 6 is a plan view of the heater unit.

[0061] Figure 7 is an explanatory view of another mode of the surface frame, Figure 7 (a) of Figure 7 (b) of

[0062] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a heater unit of Embodiment 3.

[0063] Figure 9 is an explanatory view of the heater unit, Figure 9 (a) of Figure 9 (b) of

[0064] Figure 10 is an X-X line sectional enlarged view of Figure 9 ​​​

[0065] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view schematically representing the heater unit of Embodiment 4.

[0066] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram of the heater unit. Figure 12 (a) represents the top view. Figure 12 (b) represents a top view of the surface frame with the upper layer removed.

[0067] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Enlarged view of the cross section along line XIII-XIII. Figure 13 (a) indicates the way the fastening bolts are threaded into the upper surface frame. Figure 13 (b) indicates the method by which the fastening bolts are installed on the upper surface frame via nuts.

[0068] Figure 14 This is a schematic top view of the heater unit in embodiment 5.

[0069] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Enlarged view of the XV-XV line cross section.

[0070] Figure 16 This is an illustration of another type of surface frame.

[0071] Figure 17 This is an exploded perspective view schematically representing the heater unit of Embodiment 6.

[0072] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the heater unit.

[0073] Figure 19 This is a top view of the rear frame that makes up the heater unit.

[0074] Figure 20 This is an explanatory diagram of the heater substrate that constitutes the heater unit. Figure 20 (a) represents the top view obtained from the surface. Figure 20 (b) represents the top view obtained from the rear.

[0075] Figure 21 This is an exploded perspective view schematically representing the heater unit of Embodiment 7.

[0076] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the heater unit.

[0077] Figure 23 This is a top view of the rear frame that makes up the heater unit.

[0078] Figure 24is an explanatory view of a heater substrate constituting a heater unit, Figure 24 (a) of FIG. 20 is a plan view as viewed from a surface, Figure 24 (b) of FIG. 20 is a plan view as viewed from a back surface.

[0079] Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a heater unit of a modification of Embodiment 7.

[0080] Figure 26 is a main-part cross-sectional view of a heater unit.

[0081] Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a heater unit of a modification of Embodiment 7.

[0082] Figure 28 is a main-part cross-sectional view of a heater unit.

[0083] Figure 29 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a heater unit of Embodiment 8.

[0084] Figure 30 is a main-part cross-sectional view of a heater unit.

[0085] Figure 31 is a plan view of a back surface frame constituting a heater unit.

[0086] Figure 32 is a plan view of a housing constituting a heater unit.

[0087] Figure 33 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a heater unit of Embodiment 9.

[0088] Figure 34 is a main-part cross-sectional view of a heater unit.

[0089] Figure 35 is a plan view of a back surface frame constituting a heater unit.

[0090] Figure 36 is a plan view of a housing constituting a heater unit.

[0091] Figure 37 is an explanatory view of a back surface frame of a modification of Embodiment 8, Embodiment 9.

[0092] Figure 38 is a main-part cross-sectional view of a heater unit provided with the back surface frame of the modification, Figure 38 (a) shows a modification of Embodiment 8, Figure 38 (b) shows a modification of Embodiment 9.

[0093] Figure 39 This is an explanatory diagram of the rear frame of another variation of Embodiment 8 and Embodiment 9. Figure 39 (a) indicates the manner in which a turbulence-generating part is formed, which appears roughly V-shaped when viewed from above. Figure 39 (b) indicates the way in which turbulence generating parts are formed, which appear roughly as points when viewed from above.

[0094] Figure 40 This is a cross-sectional view of a heater unit, which is another variation of embodiment 9.

[0095] Figure 41 This is a cross-sectional view of a heater unit, which is another variation of embodiment 9.

[0096] Figure 42 This is a cross-sectional view of a heater unit, which is another variation of embodiment 9.

[0097] Figure 43 This is a top view schematically showing the circuit pattern of the heating element in Embodiment 1. Figure 43 (a) represents the overall top view. Figure 43 (b) represents a magnified view of the main part.

[0098] Figure 44 This is an illustration of another type of heater unit. Detailed Implementation

[0099] The content shown herein is exemplary and serves as an illustrative description of embodiments of the invention, intended to provide a description that is believed to most effectively and readily facilitate understanding of the principles and conceptual features of the invention. Therefore, this description is not intended to show structural details of the invention beyond what is necessary for understanding the basic principles, but rather to enable those skilled in the art to clearly understand how various aspects of the invention are specifically implemented in practice through a description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0100] <Implementation Method 1>

[0101] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the heater unit 1A of this embodiment includes: a housing 3, on which a flow path 2 is formed; a heater substrate 4, which is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 3 in a manner that covers the flow path 2 and on the surface facing the opposite side of the housing 3 along the flow path 2, a heating element 10 is disposed thereon; and a surface frame 5, which is disposed on the surface of the heater substrate 4.

[0102] The housing 3 is made of a metal such as aluminum. A threaded hole 12 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 3 for threaded engagement with the threaded portion of the fastening bolt 11. Additionally, an inlet 2a and an outlet 2b of the flow path 2 are formed on the side of the housing 3. The flow path 2 is open on the upper surface of the housing 3 and is formed in a meandering shape.

[0103] Further, the material of the case 3 is not particularly limited, and for example, synthetic resin, ceramic, or the like can be used. In addition, the shape of the case 3 is not particularly limited, and for example, a rectangular shape in plan view, a polygonal shape other than a quadrilateral in plan view, a circular shape in plan view, an elliptical shape in plan view, or the like can be mentioned. In addition, the shape of the flow path 2 is not particularly limited, and for example, one or a combination of two or more of a straight flow path, a curved flow path, a bent flow path, or the like can be mentioned. Furthermore, as the fluid flowing in the flow path 2, for example, a liquid such as water or oil, a gas, a gel-like substance, or the like can be used.

[0104] The heater substrate 4 is formed of a metal such as steel. The heater substrate 4 covers the upper surface of the case 3 together with the flow path 2. In addition, a through-hole 13 through which a threaded portion of the fastening bolt 11 is inserted is formed in the heater substrate 4. In addition, a surface insulating layer 8 composed of a glass layer or the like that covers the heat generating body 10 is provided on the surface of the heater substrate 4. Specifically, the surface insulating layer 8 is printed on the surface of the heater substrate 4.

[0105] Further, the material of the heater substrate 4 is not particularly limited, and for example, a metal, ceramic, a composite material thereof (a composite material of a metal and a metal, a composite material of ceramic and ceramic, a composite material of a metal and ceramic), or the like can be used. In addition, a temperature sensor, a fluid detection sensor, a fuse, or the like can be provided on the surface of the heater substrate 4. In addition, the shape of the heater substrate 4 is not particularly limited, and for example, a rectangular shape in plan view, a polygonal shape other than a quadrilateral in plan view, a circular shape in plan view, an elliptical shape in plan view, or the like can be mentioned. Furthermore, the material of the surface insulating layer 8 is not particularly limited, and for example, glass, ceramic, glass ceramic, or the like is preferable. Among them, in the case where a metal (stainless steel or the like) is used as the material constituting the heater substrate 4, the material of the surface insulating layer 8 is preferably glass from the viewpoint of thermal expansion balance, and more preferably crystallized glass and semi-crystallized glass. Specifically, SiO2-Al2O3-MO-based glass is preferable. Here, MO is an oxide of an alkaline earth metal (MgO, CaO, BaO, SrO, or the like). The thickness of the surface insulating layer 8 is not particularly limited (for example, about 30 to 200 μm).

[0106] Here, as the metal constituting the heater substrate 4, steel and the like can be given, and stainless steel can be preferably used. The type of the stainless steel is not particularly limited, and a ferrite system stainless steel and / or an austenite system stainless steel is preferable. Among these, a variety excellent in heat resistance and / or oxidation resistance is particularly preferable. For example, SUS430, SUS436, SUS444, SUS316L, and the like can be given. One of them can be used alone, or two or more of them can be used in combination. Also, as the metal constituting the heater substrate 4, aluminum, magnesium, copper, and alloys of these metals can be used. One of them can be used alone, or two or more of them can be used in combination. Among these, aluminum, magnesium, and alloys thereof (aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, Al-Mg alloy, and the like) are small in specific gravity, and thus the use of them can make the present heater unit 1A lightweight. In addition, copper and alloys thereof are excellent in thermal conductivity, and thus the use of them can improve the heat uniformity of the present heater unit 1A.

[0107] On the other hand, in the case where the heater substrate 4 is constituted by ceramic, the material of the heater substrate 4 only needs to be able to achieve electrical insulation between the heat generating body 10 provided thereon. As the material of the substrate, for example, alumina, aluminum nitride, zirconia, silica, mullite, spinel, cordierite, silicon nitride, and the like can be given. One of them can be used alone, or two or more of them can be used in combination. Among these, alumina and aluminum nitride are more preferable. In addition, as the heater substrate 4, a composite material of metal and ceramic can also be used. As the preferable composite material, for example, SiC / C, SiC / Al, and the like can be given. One of them can be used alone, or two or more of them can be used in combination.

[0108] The heat generating body 10 is constituted by an electric resistance heating wire printed on the surface of the heater substrate 4. The heat generating body 10 has a power supply line 10a formed along the flow path 2, and a plurality of heat generating units 10b electrically connected in parallel with respect to the power supply line 10a (see FIG. 2). Figure 43 The power supply line 10a is a wiring for supplying electric power from a power supply terminal (electrode) 10c to the heat generating unit 10b. Specifically, the power supply line 10a is formed in a pair along the flow path 2. However, the number of the power supply line 10a and the like are not particularly limited. In addition, each of the heat generating units 10b is arranged in a row along the flow path 2. Each of the heat generating units 10b is formed in a strip shape. However, the shape, the number of rows, and the like of the heat generating unit 10b are not particularly limited.

[0109] In the above-described heat generating body 10, the fluid flowing in the flow path 2 is heated by the plurality of heat generating units 10b each of which receives power supply in parallel with the power supply line 10a. Thus, each of the heat generating units 10b can generate heat without being affected by the amount of current flowing in the other heat generating units, and is less likely to generate heat deviation caused by the other heat generating units. As a result, the fluid can be heated uniformly and efficiently throughout the flow path 2 in correspondence with various fluid conditions (for example, fluid speed, fluid temperature, and the like).

[0110] Further, the material of the resistance heating wire constituting the heat generating body 10 is not particularly limited, and a high TCR material (a material having a high resistance temperature coefficient) can be selected. Also, a conductive material that can generate heat corresponding to the resistance value by passage of current can be used. The conductive material is not limited, and, for example, silver, copper, gold, platinum, palladium, rhodium, tungsten, molybdenum, rhenium (Re), and ruthenium (Ru), or the like can be used. One of them can be used alone, or two or more of them can be used in combination. In the case of using two or more in combination, an alloy can be formed. More specifically, a silver-palladium alloy, a silver-platinum alloy, a platinum-rhodium alloy, silver-ruthenium, silver, copper, gold, or the like can be used.

[0111] Each heat generating unit 10b can have an arbitrary resistance heating characteristic, but it is preferable that a self-temperature equalization function (self-temperature compensation function) be exerted between the heat generating units 10b. From this viewpoint, the conductive material constituting the resistance heating wire preferably has a positive resistance temperature coefficient. Specifically, it is preferable that the resistance temperature coefficient in the temperature range of -200°C or higher and 1000°C or lower be 100 ppm / °C or higher and 4400 ppm / °C or lower, more preferable 300 ppm / °C or higher and 3700 ppm / °C or lower, and particularly preferable 500 ppm / °C or higher and 3000 ppm / °C or lower. As such a material, a silver-based alloy such as a silver-palladium alloy can be given.

[0112] In the case where a plurality of resistance heating wires (i.e., heat generating units 10b) formed using a conductive material having a positive resistance temperature coefficient (a PTC material) are electrically connected in parallel, these plurality of heat generating units 10b function as self-temperature equalizers to each other. For example, in the case where there is a second heat generating unit that is sandwiched by a first heat generating unit and a third heat generating unit, when the temperature of the second heat generating unit decreases, heat is supplied from the first heat generating unit and the third heat generating unit. By this heat supply, as a result, the following function is exerted: the current to the first heat generating unit and the third heat generating unit, whose temperature has decreased, increases, and the temperature decrease due to the heat taken away is autonomously recovered. That is, the heat generating units around the second heat generating unit act in a manner to compensate for the temperature decrease of the second heat generating unit. In this way, the heater provided with a plurality of resistance heating wires formed using a conductive material having a positive resistance temperature coefficient autonomously controls to heat uniformly in the plurality of heat generating units.

[0113] For a general metal material for a resistance heating wire of a heat generating body 10, for example, in the case where silver (resistivity p = 1.62 x 10 -8 Ωm, temperature coefficient a = 4.1 x 10 -3 / °C) is used, although the temperature coefficient a is large, since the resistivity p is small, it is difficult to become a high resistance value. Therefore, although palladium (p = 10.8 x 10-8 Ωm, α = 3.7 × 10 -3 (ρ / ℃), but even with an increase in resistivity ρ, the temperature coefficient α decreases. Thus, if a material with high TCR is chosen, there is a tendency for the resistivity to decrease. Therefore, to achieve a high TCR and practical resistance value in the resistive heating wiring, the wiring length needs to be increased. By employing a zigzag shape, the wiring length can be increased, thereby achieving a higher resistance value.

[0114] The surface frame 5 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. The surface frame 5 has an annular outer frame fixing portion 16 arranged along the outer periphery of the heater substrate 4. An insertion hole 14 is formed in the outer frame fixing portion 16 for the threaded portion of the fastening bolt 11 to be inserted. The outer frame fixing portion 16 is fixed to the housing 3 together with the heater substrate 4 using the fastening bolt 11. Furthermore, the material of the surface frame 5 is not particularly limited; for example, it can be made of synthetic resin. Additionally, the shape of the surface frame 5 is not particularly limited, and it is generally formed to overlap the surface of the heater substrate 4 at a position avoiding the surface insulating layer 8. Moreover, fastening members such as fastening rivets can be used instead of the fastening bolt 11.

[0115] The heater substrate 4 and the surface frame 5 are sequentially mounted on the housing 3. The threaded portion of the fastening bolt 11 is inserted into the through holes 13 and 14 of the surface frame 5 and the heater substrate 4, and threaded into the screw holes 12 of the housing 3, thereby fixing the heater substrate 4 and the surface frame 5 relative to the housing 3 (see reference). Figure 4 By combining the surface frame 5 and the heater substrate 4 in a manner that gives them a total thickness t of a specified value (e.g., 3 mm), the weight of the heater substrate 4 can be reduced compared to a configuration without the surface frame 5. Specifically, the surface frame 5 is made of stainless steel (see...). Figure 1 In the case where the length of the longitudinal (short side) is set to 150mm, the length of the transverse (long side) is set to 200mm, the width (the interval between the outer and inner circumferences) is set to 10mm, and the diameter of the through hole 14 is set to 5mm, and in the case where the length of the longitudinal (short side) is set to 150mm, the length of the transverse (long side) is set to 200mm, and the diameter of the through hole 13 is set to 5mm, the reduction rate is shown in the table below based on the combination of the thickness of the surface frame 5 and the thickness of the heater substrate 4.

[0116] [Table 1]

[0117]

[0118] Next, the effect of the heater unit 1A with the above structure will be explained. In this embodiment, the heater unit 1A is assumed to be used for battery temperature management of an electric vehicle (EV). If the fluid (coolant) circulates between the heater unit 1A and the battery cell (not shown), the fluid flowing into the heater unit 1A from the inlet 2a and flowing in the flow path 2 is heated by the heating element 10 and then delivered to the battery cell from the outlet 2b, thus maintaining the battery's operating temperature at its optimal level.

[0119] Based on the above description, the heater unit 1A according to Embodiment 1 includes: a housing 3 with a flow path 2 formed on its upper surface; a heater substrate 4 disposed on the upper surface of the housing 3 to cover the flow path 2, and a heating element 10 disposed along the flow path 2 on the surface facing the opposite side of the housing 3; and a surface frame 5 disposed on the surface of the heater substrate 4. Furthermore, the surface frame 5 has an outer frame fixing portion 16 disposed along the outer periphery of the heater substrate 4, and the outer frame fixing portion 16 is fixed to the housing 3 together with the heater substrate 4 using fastening bolts 11. Therefore, even when the thickness of the heater substrate 4 is reduced to, for example, less than 3 mm, and a high-pressure fluid of, for example, 5 to 7 bar flows in the flow path 2, the surface frame 5 and the heater substrate 4 are securely clamped between the housing 3 and the head of the fastening bolt 11, thereby pressing the heater substrate 4 towards the housing 3 to improve the tightness, thus improving the strength to withstand strain and warping of the heater substrate 4.

[0120] <Implementation Method 2>

[0121] Next, use Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The heater unit 1B of Embodiment 2 will be described, and detailed descriptions of structural parts that are substantially the same as those of the heater unit 1A of Embodiment 1 described above will be omitted.

[0122] The heater unit 1B of this embodiment includes: a housing 3, on which a flow path 2 is formed; a heater substrate 4, which is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 3 in a manner that covers the flow path 2 and on the surface facing the opposite side of the housing 3 along the flow path 2, a heating element 10 is disposed thereon; and a surface frame 5, which is disposed on the surface of the heater substrate 4.

[0123] The surface frame 5 has: an annular outer frame fixing portion 16 disposed along the outer periphery of the heater substrate 4; and an inner fixing portion 17 disposed inside the outer frame fixing portion 16. Multiple inner fixing portions 17 are provided as independent components relative to the outer frame fixing portion 16 (three are shown in the figure). However, only one inner fixing portion 17 may be provided. Furthermore, the inner fixing portions 17 are disposed between adjacent portions of the heating element 10. Each of these outer frame fixing portions 16 and inner fixing portions 17 has a through hole 14 for the threaded portion of a fastening bolt 11 to be inserted. The outer frame fixing portion 16 and the inner fixing portion 17 are each fixed to the housing 3 together with the heater substrate 4 using fastening bolts 11.

[0124] Based on the above, the heater unit 1B according to this embodiment 2 has the same effect as the heater unit 1A of embodiment 1 described above. Furthermore, the surface frame 5 has an inner fixing part 17 disposed inside the outer frame fixing part 16. The inner fixing part 17 is fixed to the housing 3 together with the heater substrate 4 by fastening bolts 11, so the strength to withstand strain and warping of the heater substrate 4 is further improved.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a surface frame 5 having an outer frame fixing portion 16 and an inner fixing portion 17 as independent components is illustrated, but it is not limited to this; for example, Figure 7 As shown, a surface frame 5 with an outer frame fixing part 16 and an inner fixing part 17 as an integral component can also be used. According to Figure 7 The surface frame 5 shown has fewer parts and improved assemblability. On the other hand, according to... Figure 5 The surface frame 5 shown reduces material usage and cost.

[0126] <Implementation Method 3>

[0127] Next, use Figures 8-10 The heater unit 1C of Embodiment 3 will be described, and detailed descriptions of structural parts that are substantially the same as those of the heater unit 1B of Embodiment 2 described above will be omitted.

[0128] The heater unit 1C of this embodiment includes: a housing 3, on which a flow path 2 is formed; a heater substrate 4, which is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 3 in a manner that covers the flow path 2 and on the surface facing the opposite side of the housing 3 along the flow path 2, a heating element 10 is disposed thereon; and surface frames 5A and 5B, which are disposed on the surface of the heater substrate 4.

[0129] The surface frames 5A, 5B are laminated in two layers. The lower surface frame 5A is disposed on the surface of the heater substrate 4, and the upper surface frame 5B is disposed on the lower surface frame 5A. The upper surface frame 5B is located at a height not in contact with the heat generating body 10 (i.e., the surface insulating layer 8) on the heater substrate 4. Further, the surface frames can also be laminated in three or more layers.

[0130] The lower surface frame 5A has a ring-shaped outer frame fixing portion 16 disposed along the outer peripheral portion of the heater substrate 4, and an inner side fixing portion 17 disposed inside the outer frame fixing portion 16. On the other hand, the upper surface frame 5B has a ring-shaped outer frame fixing portion 16 disposed along the outer peripheral portion of the heater substrate 4, and an inner side fixing portion 17 disposed inside the outer frame fixing portion 16. The inner side fixing portion 17 is formed in a frame shape as an integral member with the outer frame fixing portion 16.

[0131] The heater substrate 4 and the surface frames 5A, 5B are sequentially disposed on the housing 3, and the threaded portions of the fastening bolts 11 are inserted through the insertion holes 14, 13 of the respective surface frames 5A, 5B and the heater substrate 4 and are threadedly coupled to the screw holes 12 of the housing 3, thereby fixing the heater substrate 4 and the respective surface frames 5A, 5B with respect to the housing 3 (see FIG. 6). Figure 10 The surface frames 5A, 5B and the heater substrate 4 are combined in such a manner that the total thickness t of the surface frames 5A, 5B and the heater substrate 4 is a predetermined value (e.g., 3 mm), thereby enabling the weight of the heater substrate 4 to be made lightweight as compared with the case where the surface frames 5A, 5B are not provided.

[0132] According to the foregoing, the heater unit 1C according to Embodiment 3 functions substantially the same as the heater unit IB according to the above-described Embodiment 2, and the surface frames 5A, 5B are laminated in two layers, so the strength against the strain and warping of the heater substrate 4 is further improved.

[0133] <Embodiment 4>

[0134] Next, the heater unit ID according to Embodiment 4 will be described using Figures 11-13 The heater unit ID according to Embodiment 4 will be described, and substantially the same structural portions as those of the heater unit IB according to the above-described Embodiment 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0135] The heater unit ID according to the present embodiment includes a housing 3 having a flow path 2 formed on the upper surface side thereof, a heater substrate 4 disposed on the upper surface side of the housing 3 in such a manner as to cover the flow path 2 and provided with a heat generating body 10 along the flow path 2 on the surface facing the side opposite to the housing 3, and surface frames 5A, 5B disposed on the surface of the heater substrate 4.

[0136] The surface frames 5A, 5B are laminated in two layers. The surface frame 5A of the lower layer is arranged on the surface of the heater substrate 4, and the surface frame 5B of the upper layer is arranged on the surface frame 5A of the lower layer. The surface frame 5B of the upper layer is located at a height not in contact with the heat generating body 10 (i.e., the surface insulating layer 8) on the heater substrate 4. Further, the surface frames can also be laminated in three or more layers.

[0137] The surface frame 5A of the lower layer has a ring-shaped outer frame fixing portion 16 arranged along the outer peripheral portion of the heater substrate 4, and an inner side fixing portion 17 arranged inside the outer frame fixing portion 16. On the other hand, the surface frame 5B of the upper layer has a ring-shaped outer frame fixing portion 16 arranged along the outer peripheral portion of the heater substrate 4, and an inner side fixing portion 17 arranged inside the outer frame fixing portion 16. The inner side fixing portion 17 is formed in a frame shape as an integral member with the outer frame fixing portion 16. Further, a screw hole 22 for threadedly coupling the pressing screw 21 is formed in the inner side fixing portion 17.

[0138] The heater substrate 4 and the surface frames 5A, 5B are sequentially arranged on the case 3, and the threaded portions of the fastening screws 11 are inserted through the insertion holes 14, 13 of each of the surface frames 5A, 5B and the heater substrate 4 and are threadedly coupled to the screw holes 12 of the case 3, thereby fixing the heater substrate 4 and each of the surface frames 5A, 5B with respect to the case 3 (see FIG. 10). Figure 13 The surface frames 5A, 5B and the heater substrate 4 are combined in such a manner that the total thickness t of the surface frames 5A, 5B and the heater substrate 4 is a predetermined value (e.g., 3 mm), thereby enabling the weight of the heater substrate 4 to be made lightweight as compared with the case where the surface frames 5A, 5B are not provided. Further, the pressing screw 21 is threadedly coupled to the screw hole 22 of the inner side fixing portion 17 of the surface frame 5B of the upper layer, thereby pressing the heater substrate 4 toward the case 3 with the tip end of the threaded portion of the pressing screw 21 (see (a) of FIG. 10). Further, Figure 13 the pressing screw 21 is threadedly coupled to the screw hole 22 of the inner side fixing portion 17 of the surface frame 5B of the upper layer. Figure 11 The description of the fastening screws 11 is omitted in

[0139] According to the above, the heater unit ID of the present embodiment 4 functions substantially the same as the heater unit IB of the above-described embodiment 2, and the surface frames 5A, 5B are laminated in two layers, so the strength against the strain and warping of the heater substrate 4 is further improved.

[0140] Further, in the present embodiment 4, the pressing screw 21 that presses the surface of the heater substrate 4 is threadedly coupled to the surface frame 5B of the upper layer. Thereby, the degree of adhesion of the heater substrate 4 with respect to the case 3 is further improved, and the strength against the strain and warping of the heater substrate 4 is further improved. Further, in Figure 13In (a) of FIG. 10, a manner in which the press screw 21 is threadedly engaged with the screw hole 22 formed in the surface frame 5B of the upper layer is exemplified, but is not limited thereto, and for example, a manner in which the press screw 21 is installed in the surface frame 5B by being inserted into the insertion hole 22 formed in the surface frame 5B of the upper layer and being fastened by the nut (particularly, double nut) 53 can be adopted as shown in (b) of FIG. 10. According to this manner, the loosening prevention effect of the press screw 21 can be obtained. Figure 13

[0141] <Implementation Example 5>

[0142] Next, the heater unit 1E of the implementation example 5 will be described, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the substantially same structural parts as those of the above-described heater unit 1A of the implementation example 1, and detailed description will be omitted. Figure 14 Figure 15 The heater unit 1E of the present implementation example includes the case 3 in which the flow path 2 is formed on the upper surface side thereof, the heater substrate 4 which is disposed on the upper surface side of the case 3 in a manner of covering the flow path 2 and in which the heating element 10 is provided along the flow path 2 on the surface facing the opposite side of the case 3, and the surface frame 5 which is disposed on the surface of the heater substrate 4.

[0143] The power supply terminal (electrode) 10c is connected to the terminal portion 25 via the conductor (lead wire) 24. The conductor 24 is disposed in a manner of straddling the outer frame fixing portion 16 of the surface frame 5. On the outer frame fixing portion 16 of the surface frame 5, the surface insulating layer 26 composed of a glass layer or the like is provided on the portion directly below the conductor 24 which extends from the power supply terminal 10c of the heating element 10 to the outside of the heater substrate 4. Further, the material of the surface insulating layer 26 is not particularly limited, and for example, can be formed of the same material as that of the above-described surface insulating layer 8.

[0144] The power supply terminal (electrode) 10c is connected to the terminal portion 25 via the conductor (lead wire) 24. The conductor 24 is disposed in a manner of straddling the outer frame fixing portion 16 of the surface frame 5. On the outer frame fixing portion 16 of the surface frame 5, the surface insulating layer 26 composed of a glass layer or the like is provided on the portion directly below the conductor 24 which extends from the power supply terminal 10c of the heating element 10 to the outside of the heater substrate 4. Further, the material of the surface insulating layer 26 is not particularly limited, and for example, can be formed of the same material as that of the above-described surface insulating layer 8.

[0145] According to the above, according to the heater unit 1E of the present implementation example 5, the same functional effects as those of the above-described heater unit 1A of the implementation example 1 are exerted, and the surface insulating layer 26 is provided on the portion directly below the conductor 24 which extends from the power supply terminal 10c of the heating element 10 to the outside of the heater substrate 4 on the surface frame 5, so the insulating property of the conductor 24 can be easily ensured.

[0146] Further, in the present implementation example 5, the manner in which the surface insulating layer 26 is provided on the portion directly below the conductor 24 on the surface frame 5 is exemplified, but is not limited thereto, and for example, a manner in which the surface insulating layer 26 is provided on the portion directly below the conductor 24 on the surface frame 5 can be adopted as shown in Figure 16 ​​As shown in FIG. 6, the surface frame 5 can be formed in a manner that a portion of the surface frame 5 located directly below the conductor 24 is recessed to form a recessed portion 27. According to this manner, the distance from the conductor 24 is elongated, and thus the insulation of the conductor 24 can be ensured. Also in this embodiment 5, the surface frame 5 of any one of the above-described embodiments 2 to 4 can be employed.

[0147] Embodiment 6

[0148] Next, the heater unit 1F of the embodiment 6 will be described, and the substantially same structure as that of the above-described heater unit 1A of the embodiment 1 will be described using the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. Figures 17-20 The heater unit 1F of the embodiment has a housing 3 in which a flow path 2 is formed on the upper surface side, a heater substrate 4 disposed on the upper surface side of the housing 3 in a manner to cover the flow path 2 and provided with a heat generating body 10 along the flow path 2 on the surface facing the opposite side of the housing 3, and a back surface frame 6 disposed on the back surface of the heater substrate 4. Further, the heater unit 1F has a flat plate 28 disposed on the housing 3 in a manner to cover the flow path 2.

[0149] The description of the housing 3 and the fastening bolt 11 is omitted in the following description. Figure 17

[0150] A screw hole 12 in which the threaded portion of the fastening bolt 11 is threadedly engaged is formed on the upper surface of the housing 3. The flat plate 28 is disposed on the housing 3 in a manner to cover the flow path 2. The flat plate 28 is formed of a metal such as stainless steel. A through hole 29 through which the threaded portion of the fastening bolt 11 is inserted is formed in the flat plate 28.

[0151] Further, the material constituting the flat plate 28 is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, it is preferable that the flat plate 28 be formed of a material having a thermal conductivity greater than that of the material constituting the heater substrate 4. For example, in the case where a low-thermal-conductivity stainless steel having a thermal conductivity of 50 W / mK or less is used as the material of the heater substrate 4, it is preferable that the flat plate 28 be formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of 100 W / mK or more. Specifically, silver, copper, gold, aluminum, tungsten, nickel, or an alloy containing at least one of these metals can be used as the thermally conductive metal. These thermally conductive metals can be used singly or in combination of two or more. Among them, from the viewpoint of lightweight, aluminum and an aluminum-containing alloy are particularly preferable. Alternatively, the flat plate 28 can be formed of a thermally conductive ceramic such as aluminum nitride. Further, the shape of the flat plate 28 is not particularly limited, and for example, a plan view rectangular shape, a plan view polygonal shape other than a quadrilateral, a plan view circular shape, a plan view elliptical shape, or the like can be mentioned.

[0152] A through hole 13 through which the threaded portion of the fastening bolt 11 is inserted is formed in the heater substrate 4. A surface insulating layer 8 (see FIG. 6) composed of a glass layer or the like covering the heat generating body 10 is provided on the surface of the heater substrate 4. Figure 20 ​(b) of FIG. 1. Specifically, the back surface glass layer 9 is printed on the back surface of the heater substrate 4. The back surface glass layer 9 is almost identical to the disposition position of the surface insulating layer 8. In addition, the gap between the back surface glass layer 9 and the flat plate 28 is filled with a thermally conductive grease layer or a thermally conductive adhesive layer 50 (refer to Figure 20 ). However, a mode in which the thermally conductive grease layer or the thermally conductive adhesive layer 50 is not filled can also be adopted. Figure 18

[0153] In addition, the material of the back surface glass layer 9 is not particularly limited, and can be formed of the same material as the surface insulating layer 8, for example. In addition, the kind of the thermally conductive grease or adhesive layer 50 is not particularly limited, and a substance in which a particle (filler) of a metal or a metal oxide is mixed in a base material such as modified silicone can be used. As the particle, silver, copper, gold, aluminum, tungsten, nickel, or the like, or an alloy containing at least one of these metals can be used as a thermally conductive metal. These thermally conductive metals can be used singly or in combination with two or more kinds. Among them, silver, copper, aluminum, and an alloy containing at least one of these metals are preferable. Furthermore, as the particle, alumina, magnesia, aluminum nitride, or the like can also be used. These can be used singly or in combination with two or more kinds.

[0154] The back surface frame 6 is formed of a metal such as stainless steel. The back surface frame 6 is sandwiched between the heater substrate 4 and the flat plate 28 as a spacer in a manner such that the back surface glass layer 9 does not contact the flat plate 28. The back surface frame 6 has a ring-shaped outer frame fixing portion 16 disposed along the outer peripheral portion of the heater substrate 4, and an inner side fixing portion 17 disposed on the inner side of the outer frame fixing portion 16 (refer to Figure 19 ). The inner side fixing portion 17 is formed in a frame shape as an integral member with the outer frame fixing portion 16. Each of these outer frame fixing portion 16 and inner side fixing portion 17 is formed with a penetration hole 14 through which a threaded portion of the fastening bolt 11 penetrates. Each of the outer frame fixing portion 16 and the inner side fixing portion 17 is fixed to the case 3 together with the heater substrate 4 by the fastening bolt 11. In addition, the material of the back surface frame 6 is not particularly limited, and can be formed of the same material as the flat plate 28, for example. In addition, the shape of the back surface frame 6 is not particularly limited, and is generally formed in a shape that overlaps the back surface of the heater substrate 4 at a position avoiding the back surface glass layer 9. Furthermore, a fastening member such as a rivet can be used instead of the fastening bolt 11. In addition, in a case where the back surface frame 6 is not required to be sandwiched as a spacer, a mode in which the back surface frame 6 is not inserted can also be considered.

[0155] ​The plate 28, the back frame 6, and the heater substrate 4 are sequentially placed on the case 3, the threaded portion of the fastening bolt 11 is inserted through each of the insertion holes 13, 14, 29 of the heater substrate 4, the back frame 6, and the plate 28, and is threadedly coupled to the screw hole 12 of the case 3, thereby fixing the plate 28, the back frame 6, and the heater substrate 4 with respect to the case 3 (see FIG. 6). Figure 18 The back frame 6, the heater substrate 4, and the plate 28 are combined in such a manner that the total thickness t is a predetermined value (for example, 3 mm), thereby enabling the weight of the heater substrate 4 to be lightweight compared to a case where the back frame 6 and the plate 28 are not provided. In addition, in order to prevent the back glass layer 9 from contacting the plate 28, the thickness of the back frame 6 is preferably 0.3 mm or more. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of lightweight, the thickness of the plate 28 is preferably 0.3 to 0.5 mm.

[0156] According to the above, the heater unit 1F according to the present embodiment 6 includes the case 3 having the flow path 2 formed on the upper surface side thereof, the heater substrate 4 disposed on the upper surface side of the case 3 in such a manner as to cover the flow path 2 and provided with the heat generating body 10 along the flow path 2 on the surface facing the side opposite to the case 3, and the back frame 6 disposed on the back surface of the heater substrate 4. Furthermore, the back frame 6 has the outer frame fixing portion 16 disposed along the outer peripheral portion of the heater substrate 4, and the outer frame fixing portion 16 is fixed to the case 3 together with the heater substrate 4 by the fastening bolt 11. Thus, even in a case where the thickness of the heater substrate 4 is reduced to, for example, less than 3 mm and a fluid having a high pressure of 5 to 7 bar flows in the flow path 2, the heater substrate 4 and the back frame 6 are stably sandwiched between the case 3 and the head portion of the fastening bolt 11, thereby the heater substrate 4 is pressed toward the case 3 to improve the tightness, and the strength against the strain and warping of the heater substrate 4 is improved.

[0157] In addition, in the present embodiment 6, the back frame 6 has the inner side fixing portion 17 disposed on the inner side of the outer frame fixing portion 16, and the inner side fixing portion 17 is fixed to the case 3 together with the heater substrate 4 by the fastening bolt 11. Thus, the strength against the strain and warping of the heater substrate 4 is further improved.

[0158] Furthermore, in the present embodiment 6, the back glass layer 9 for preventing warping is provided on the back surface of the heater substrate 4, the plate 28 is disposed on the case 3 in such a manner as to cover the flow path 2, and the back frame 6 is interposed between the heater substrate 4 and the plate 28 as a spacer in such a manner that the back glass layer 9 does not contact the plate 28. Thus, the back glass layer 9 is prevented from contacting the plate 28, and the strength against the strain and warping of the heater substrate 4 is further improved. Furthermore, the back glass layer 9 is not exposed to the flow path 2 by the plate 28, and thus, it is possible to cope with a case where it is not intended that the back glass layer 6 contacts the fluid.

[0159] Further, in Embodiment 6, the back frame 6 having the outer frame fixing portion 16 and the inner side fixing portion 17 as one-piece members is exemplified, but is not limited thereto, and for example, the back frame 6 having the outer frame fixing portion 16 and the inner side fixing portion 17 as independent members can be adopted. Also, the back frame 6 provided only with the outer frame fixing portion 16 can be adopted.

[0160] Embodiment 7

[0161] Next, the heater unit 1G of Embodiment 7 will be described, and the substantially same structure as that of the above-described heater unit 1F of Embodiment 6 will be described using the same reference numerals and omitting detailed description. Figures 21-24

[0162] The heater unit 1G of the present embodiment is provided with: the case 3 in which the flow path 2 is formed on the upper surface side thereof; the heater substrate 4 which is disposed on the upper surface side of the case 3 in a manner of covering the flow path 2 and in which the heat generating body 10 is provided along the flow path 2 on the surface on the side opposite to the case 3; and the back frame 6 which is disposed on the back surface of the heater substrate 4. On the case 3, the flat plate 28 is disposed in a manner of covering the flow path 2. Further, on the back surface of the heater substrate 4, the back surface glass layer 9 for preventing warping is provided (refer to (b) of FIG. 8). Figure 21 The case 3 and the fastening bolt 11 are omitted in FIG. 8.

[0163] On the surface of the heater substrate 4, the surface insulating layer 8 composed of a glass layer or the like which covers the heat generating body 10 is provided (refer to (a) of FIG. 8). On the back surface of the heater substrate 4, the back surface glass layer 9 for preventing warping is provided (refer to (b) of FIG. 8). The disposition site of the back surface glass layer 9 is almost identical to that of the surface insulating layer 8. Figure 24 Figure 24 The back frame 6 is formed of a metal such as stainless steel. The back frame 6 is sandwiched between the heater substrate 4 and the flat plate 28 as a spacer in a manner that the back surface glass layer 9 does not contact the flat plate 28. The back frame 6 has: the annular outer frame fixing portion 16 which is disposed along the outer peripheral portion of the heater substrate 4; and the inner side fixing portion 17 which is disposed on the inner side of the outer frame fixing portion 16 (refer to (c) of FIG. 8).

[0164] The back frame 6 is formed of a metal such as stainless steel. The back frame 6 is sandwiched between the heater substrate 4 and the flat plate 28 as a spacer in a manner that the back surface glass layer 9 does not contact the flat plate 28. The back frame 6 has: the annular outer frame fixing portion 16 which is disposed along the outer peripheral portion of the heater substrate 4; and the inner side fixing portion 17 which is disposed on the inner side of the outer frame fixing portion 16 (refer to (c) of FIG. 8). Figure 23

[0165] The back frame 6 has the flow path corresponding portion 37 which is disposed along the heat generating body 10 (i.e., the surface insulating layer 8) on the inner side of the outer frame fixing portion 16. The flow path corresponding portion 37 is disposed at a position opposite to the flow path 2 with the flat plate 28 interposed therebetween. In addition, the flow path corresponding portion 37 is provided to the outer frame fixing portion 16 and the inner side fixing portion 17 as one-piece members.

[0166] ​​​Based on the above, the heater unit 1G of this embodiment 7 has the same effect as the heater unit 1F of the above embodiment 6. Furthermore, the back frame 6 has a flow path corresponding part 37 arranged along the heating element 10 on the inner side of the outer frame fixing part 16. Therefore, the gap between the heater substrate 4 and the plate 28 directly below the heating element 10 is reduced, and heat is easily transferred to the fluid flowing in the flow path 2. Thus, heat conduction loss can be reduced.

[0167] In particular, as the back frame 6, by adopting a frame formed of a material (e.g., aluminum) with a thermal conductivity greater than that of the material constituting the heater substrate 4 (e.g., stainless steel), the back frame 6 functions as a heat spreader, thereby making the heat fluctuations corresponding to the pattern shape of the heating element 10 uniform and further improving the thermal conductivity.

[0168] <Modifications of Embodiments 6 and 7>

[0169] The heater units 1F and 1G in embodiments 6 and 7 described above do not have the surface frame 5, but are not limited thereto. For example, they can also have the surface frames 5, 5A, and 5B from any of embodiments 1 to 4 described above. For example, they can also be as follows: Figure 25 as well as Figure 26 The surface frame 5 of Embodiment 1 and the back frame 6 of Embodiment 7 are combined as shown. Figure 27 as well as Figure 28 The surface frames 5A and 5B of Embodiment 4 are combined with the back frame 6 of Embodiment 7.

[0170] <Implementation Method 8>

[0171] Next, use Figures 29-32 The heater unit 1H of Embodiment 8 will be described, and detailed descriptions of structural parts that are substantially the same as those of the heater unit 1A of Embodiment 1 described above will be omitted.

[0172] The heater unit 1H of this embodiment includes: a housing 3, on which a flow path 2 is formed; a heater substrate 4, which is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 3 in a manner covering the flow path 2, and on a surface facing the opposite side of the housing 3 along the flow path 2, a heating element 10 is disposed; and a back frame 6, which is disposed on the back surface of the heater substrate 4. Furthermore, in Figure 29 The description of the housing 3 and the fastening bolt 11 is omitted.

[0173] The back frame 6 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. The back frame 6 has: an annular outer frame fixing portion 16, which is disposed along the outer periphery of the heater substrate 4; and an inner fixing portion 17, which is disposed inside the outer frame fixing portion 16 (see reference). Figure 31). The inner side fixing portion 17 and the outer frame fixing portion 16 are formed in a frame shape as an integral member. Each of the outer frame fixing portion 16 and the inner side fixing portion 17 is formed with a penetration hole 14 through which a threaded portion of a fastening bolt 11 penetrates. Each of the outer frame fixing portion 16 and the inner side fixing portion 17 is fixed to the housing 3 together with the heater substrate 4 by the fastening bolt 11. Further, the material of the back surface frame 6 is not particularly limited, and for example, can be formed of the same material as the flat plate 28 described in Embodiment 6 described above. The shape of the back surface frame 6 is not particularly limited. Also, a fastening member such as a rivet can be used instead of the fastening bolt 11.

[0174] The back surface frame 6 and the heater substrate 4 are sequentially placed on the housing 3, and the threaded portion of the fastening bolt 11 is penetrated through the penetration holes 13, 14 of the heater substrate 4 and the back surface frame 6 and is threadedly coupled to the screw hole 12 of the housing 3, thereby fixing the back surface frame 6 and the heater substrate 4 with respect to the housing 3 (see FIG. 6). Figure 30 The back surface frame 6 and the heater substrate 4 are combined in such a manner that the total thickness t of the back surface frame 6 and the heater substrate 4 is a predetermined value (for example, 3 mm), thereby enabling the weight of the heater substrate 4 to be lightweight compared to a case where the back surface frame 6 is not provided.

[0175] According to the above, the heater unit 1H according to Embodiment 8 includes: a housing 3 having a flow path 2 formed on an upper surface side thereof; a heater substrate 4 disposed on the upper surface side of the housing 3 in such a manner as to cover the flow path 2 and having a heat generating body 10 disposed along the flow path on a surface facing a side opposite to the housing 3; and a back surface frame 6 disposed on a back surface of the heater substrate 4. Further, the back surface frame 6 has an outer frame fixing portion 16 disposed along an outer peripheral portion of the heater substrate 4, and the outer frame fixing portion 16 is fixed to the housing 3 together with the heater substrate 4 by a fastening bolt 11. Thus, even in a case where the thickness of the heater substrate 4 is reduced to, for example, less than 3 mm and a fluid having a high pressure of 5 to 7 bar flows in the flow path 2, the heater substrate 4 and the back surface frame 6 are stably sandwiched between the housing 3 and a head portion of the fastening bolt 11, and thus the heater substrate 4 is pressed toward the housing 3 to increase the degree of tightness, and the strength against strain and warping of the heater substrate 4 is improved.

[0176] Further, in Embodiment 8, the back surface frame 6 has an inner side fixing portion 17 disposed on an inner side of the outer frame fixing portion 16, and the inner side fixing portion 17 is fixed to the housing 3 together with the heater substrate 4 by the fastening bolt 11. Thus, the strength against strain and warping of the heater substrate 4 is further improved.

[0177] Further, in Embodiment 8, the back frame 6 having the outer frame fixing portion 16 and the inner side fixing portion 17 as an integral member is exemplified, but is not limited thereto, and for example, the back frame 6 having the outer frame fixing portion 16 and the inner side fixing portion 17 as independent members can be adopted. Also, the back frame 6 provided with only the outer frame fixing portion 16 can be adopted.

[0178] Embodiment 9

[0179] Next, the heater unit 1I of Embodiment 9 will be described using Figures 33-36 The heater unit 1I of Embodiment 9 will be described using the same reference numerals as for the substantially same structural portions of the above-described heater unit 1H of Embodiment 8, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0180] The heater unit 1I of the present embodiment is provided with: the case 3 having the flow path 2 formed on the upper surface side thereof; the heater substrate 4 disposed on the upper surface side of the case 3 in a manner to cover the flow path 2 and provided with the heat generating body 10 along the flow path 2 on the surface facing the side opposite to the case 3; and the back frame 6 disposed on the back surface of the heater substrate 4. On the case 3, the annular gasket 31 (first gasket) made of rubber or synthetic resin is disposed in a manner to surround the flow path 2. The through hole 34 through which the threaded portion of the fastening bolt 11 is inserted is formed in the gasket 31. Further, on the back frame 6, the inner side fixing portion 17 is formed in a manner to surround the flow path 2. Figure 33 The case 3 and the fastening bolt 11 are omitted in the above description.

[0181] According to the above, the heater unit 1I of Embodiment 9 exerts substantially the same functional effects as the above-described heater unit 1H of Embodiment 8, and the annular gasket 31 is sandwiched between the back frame 6 and the case 3 in a manner to surround the flow path 2, so fluid leakage from between the case 3 and the back frame 6 can be suppressed, and the sealing property of the heater unit 1I is improved.

[0182] Embodiment 8, Modification of Embodiment 9

[0183] In the above-described heater units 1H, 1I of Embodiment 8, Embodiment 9, the back frame 6 having the inner side fixing portion 17 in which the heat generating body 10 (i.e., the surface insulating layer 8) is disposed is exemplified, but is not limited thereto, and for example, as shown in Figure 37 and Figure 38 the back frame 6 having the flow path corresponding portion 37 disposed along the heat generating body 10 on the inner side of the outer frame fixing portion 16 can be adopted. According to the present mode, heat is easily transmitted to the fluid flowing in the flow path 2, so loss of heat conduction can be reduced.

[0184] In particular, as the back frame 6, a frame formed of a material (e.g., aluminum or the like) having a higher thermal conductivity than a material (e.g., stainless steel or the like) constituting the heater substrate 4 is employed, and thus the back frame 6 functions as a uniform heating layer, and the undulation of heat corresponding to the pattern shape of the heat generating body 10 is made uniform, and the thermal conductivity can be further improved.

[0185] In addition, in the flow path corresponding portion 37 described above, as shown in, for example, Figure 39 the back frame 6 in which a turbulent flow generating portion 38 for making the fluid flowing in the flow path 2 turbulent is formed in the flow path corresponding portion 37 can be employed. According to this mode, the fluid is made turbulent by the turbulent flow generating portion 38, and thus the thermal conductivity can be further improved.

[0186] Further, the turbulent flow generating portion 38 can be, for example, a recessed portion, a protruding portion, and from the viewpoint of workability, a bare portion (through hole) is preferable. In addition, as the turbulent flow generating portion 38, for example, a mode in which a plurality of portions are formed along the flow direction and / or the transverse width direction of the flow path, a mode in which a long strip-shaped portion is formed along the flow direction of the flow path, and the like can be employed. These modes (1) and (2) can be used alone or in combination with two or more. In the mode (1), the turbulent flow generating portion 38 in the form of a V-shape, a U-shape, a W-shape, an L-shape, a dot shape (e.g., a circular shape, a polygonal shape, or the like) viewed from the top, and the like can be used.

[0187] Further, the heater unit of the above-described embodiment 8 and embodiment 9 is a mode in which the surface frame 5 is not provided, but is not limited thereto, and for example, a mode in which the surface frame 5, 5A, 5B of any one of the above-described embodiments 1 to 4 is further provided can be employed.

[0188] <Another Modification Example of Embodiment 9>

[0189] The above-described heater unit 1I of the embodiment 9 is a mode in which the back frame 6 is in direct contact with the heater substrate 4, but is not limited thereto, and for example, as shown in, for example, Figure 40 a mode in which a ring-shaped gasket 32 (second gasket) is sandwiched between the back frame 6 and the heater substrate 4 in a manner of surrounding the flow path 2 can be employed. According to this mode, the outer frame fixing portion 16 of the back frame 6 is sandwiched between the pair of gaskets 31, 32, and thus fluid leakage from between the case 3 and the back frame 6 and between the heater substrate 4 and the back frame 6 can be suppressed, and the sealing property of the heater unit 1I is further improved.

[0190] In addition, for example, as shown in, for example, Figure 41As shown, an annular O-ring 42 can also be clamped between the back frame 6 and the heater substrate 4 in a manner that surrounds the flow path 2. According to this method, the outer frame fixing portion 16 of the back frame 6 is clamped between the gasket 31 and the O-ring 42, thus suppressing fluid leakage between the housing 3 and the back frame 6, and between the heater substrate 4 and the back frame 6, further improving the sealing of the heater unit 1I. Furthermore, the mounting groove of the O-ring 42 can be formed in the heater substrate 4 or in the back frame 6.

[0191] And, for example, Figure 42 As shown, an annular welding portion 43 can also be provided between the back frame 6 and the heater substrate 4 in a manner that surrounds the flow path 2. According to this method, the outer frame fixing portion 16 of the back frame 6 is pressed against the gasket 31 and welded to the outer periphery of the heater substrate 4, so fluid leakage from the housing 3 and the back frame 6, as well as from the heater substrate 4 and the back frame 6, can be suppressed, and the sealing performance of the heater unit 1I is further improved.

[0192] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments 1 to 9 described above, and various modified embodiments can be made within the scope of the present invention according to the purpose and application. That is, the structures of embodiments 1 to 9 described above can be combined to form a heater unit. For example, the surface frame 5 with surface insulation layer 26 of embodiment 5 (see Figure 14 The surface frame 5 is applied to any of the embodiments 1 to 4.

[0193] Furthermore, in embodiments 6 and 7 described above, a method of printing a back glass layer 9 on the back side of the heater substrate 4 is exemplified as a countermeasure against warping of the heater substrate 4. However, in the method of printing a surface insulating layer 8 on only one side of the heater substrate 4 without a back glass layer 9, the heater substrate 4 is corrected by hot pressing, or a glass material with a coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of the heater substrate 4 is used as the surface insulating layer 8, thereby achieving a countermeasure against warping of the heater substrate 4. In this case, the difference between the coefficient of thermal expansion A of the surface insulating layer 8 and the coefficient of thermal expansion B of the heater substrate 4 is generally in the range of +1% to -35% (i.e., (AB) / A is 0.01 to -0.35), preferably in the range of 0% to -30% (i.e., (AB) / A is 0 to -0.3), and even more preferably in the range of -3% to -25% (i.e., (AB) / A is -0.03 to -0.25). Furthermore, the above method (such as correction based on hot pressing) can also be applied in the method of printing glass layers 8 and 9 on both sides of the heater substrate 4.

[0194] In addition, in Embodiment 6 and Embodiment 7 described above, a mode in which the back glass layer 9 is not exposed to the flow path 2 by the flat plate 28 is exemplified, but is not limited thereto, and for example, as shown in Figure 44 the back glass layer 9 is exposed to the flow path 2 can be applied to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9 described above.

[0195] Further, the use of the heater units 1A to 1I of Embodiments 1 to 9 is not particularly limited, and for example, can be used as a heater unit for battery temperature management, heating, and the like of a vehicle (for example, an automobile, a railway vehicle, an airplane, a ship, or the like). In particular, can be suitably used as a heater unit for battery temperature management, heating, and the like of an electric vehicle such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and the like.

[0196] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0197] 1A to 1I, heater unit; 2, flow path; 3, housing; 4, heater substrate; 5, 5A, 5B, surface frame; 6, back surface frame; 8, 26, surface insulating layer; 9, back glass layer; 10, heat generating body; 10c, power supply terminal; 11, fastening bolt (fastening member); 16, 16A, 16B, outer frame fixing portion; 17, 17A, 17B, inner side fixing portion; 21, pressing bolt; 24, conductor; 28, flat plate; 31, first gasket; 32, second gasket; 37, flow path corresponding portion; 38, turbulence generating portion; 42, O-ring; 43, welding portion.

Claims

1. A heater unit for heating a fluid flowing in a flow path, characterized in that, The heater unit has: The housing has the flow path formed on its upper surface side; A heater substrate is disposed on the upper surface of the housing in a manner that covers the flow path, and a heating element is disposed along the flow path on the surface facing the side opposite to the housing; as well as The frame is at least one of a surface frame disposed on the surface of the heater substrate and a back frame disposed on the back side of the heater substrate. The frame has an outer frame fixing portion disposed along the outer periphery of the heater substrate. The outer frame fixing part is fixed to the housing together with the heater base plate using fastening components.

2. The heater unit according to claim 1, wherein, The frame has an inner fixing part disposed inside the outer frame fixing part. The inner fixing part is fixed to the housing together with the heater base plate by fastening members.

3. The heater unit according to claim 1, wherein, The heater unit includes the surface frame and at least one of the rear frame.

4. The heater unit according to claim 3, wherein, The surface framework is stacked in multiple layers.

5. The heater unit according to claim 4, wherein, The upper surface frame is threaded with pressing bolts that press against the surface of the heater substrate.

6. The heater unit according to claim 3, wherein, A surface insulating layer is provided on the surface frame at the portion directly below a conductor extending from the power supply terminal of the heating element to the outside of the heater substrate.

7. The heater unit according to claim 1, wherein, The heater unit includes the surface frame and at least one of the back frame.

8. The heater unit according to claim 7, wherein, A back glass layer for preventing warping is provided on the back side of the heater substrate. A flat plate is disposed on the housing in such a way as to cover the flow path. The back frame is clamped between the heater substrate and the plate in such a way that the back glass layer does not contact the plate.

9. The heater unit according to claim 8, wherein, The heater unit also includes the aforementioned surface frame.

10. The heater unit according to claim 7, wherein, The back frame has a flow path corresponding portion disposed on the inner side of the outer frame fixing portion along the flow path.

11. The heater unit according to claim 10, wherein, The back frame is formed of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the heater substrate.

12. The heater unit according to claim 10, wherein, A turbulence generating section is provided at the corresponding part of the flow path to make the fluid flowing in the flow path turbulent.

13. The heater unit according to claim 7, wherein, An annular first washer is clamped between the back frame and the housing in a manner that surrounds the flow path.

14. The heater unit according to claim 13, wherein, A second annular washer is clamped between the back frame and the heater substrate in a manner that surrounds the flow path.

15. The heater unit according to claim 13, wherein, An annular O-ring is clamped between the back frame and the heater substrate in a manner that surrounds the flow path.

16. The heater unit according to claim 13, wherein, An annular weld portion is provided between the back frame and the heater substrate in a manner that surrounds the flow path.

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