Heating device and electric automobile

Abstract

The heating device may also be provided with a plurality of resistance heating units arranged in the first direction. Alternatively, the resistance value per unit length of the resistance heating part located at the end in the first direction among the plurality of resistance heating parts arranged in the first direction is the lowest.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technologies disclosed in this specification relate to heating devices and electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger for heating a fluid. The heat exchanger in Patent Document 1 includes heat transfer tubes formed in a spiral shape.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-14971 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the heat exchanger of Patent Document 1, for example, there is a situation where the flow of the heated fluid stagnates around a portion of the heat transfer tube formed in a spiral shape, resulting in overheating of the heated fluid in that portion. This specification provides a technique capable of suppressing localized overheating of the heated fluid.

[0008] Solution for solving the problem

[0009] In the first technical solution of this invention, the heating device may also include a plurality of resistive heating elements arranged in a first direction. Alternatively, the resistive heating element located at the outermost end of the plurality of resistive heating elements arranged in the first direction may have the lowest resistance value per unit length.

[0010] According to this structure, the resistance heating element located at the outermost end in the first direction can be used to stir the heated fluid. This prevents stagnation in the flow of the heated fluid around the multiple resistance heating elements and suppresses localized overheating of the heated fluid.

[0011] In the second technical solution, based on the first technical solution described above, the heating element having multiple resistive heating portions extends in a spiral shape along the first direction. According to this structure, the spiral heating element can suppress localized overheating of the heated fluid.

[0012] In the third technical solution, the second technical solution described above can also be implemented by further comprising a core member extending along the first direction inside the spiral-shaped heating element. Alternatively, a flow path can be provided between the heating element and the core member.

[0013] According to this structure, by allowing the heated fluid to flow in the flow path, it is possible to suppress stagnation in the flow of the heated fluid around the multiple resistive heating elements, thereby preventing localized overheating of the heated fluid.

[0014] In the fourth technical solution, based on the first technical solution described above, the heating element having multiple resistive heating portions can also be configured as a vortex with the number of turns increasing along the first direction. According to this structure, the vortex-shaped heating element can suppress localized overheating of the heated fluid.

[0015] In the fifth technical solution, based on the first technical solution described above, the plurality of resistive heating elements can extend in a straight line in a direction intersecting the first direction. According to this structure, the linear resistive heating elements can suppress localized overheating of the heated fluid.

[0016] In the sixth technical solution, the electric vehicle may also include a heating device from any of the first to fifth technical solutions described above. According to this structure, localized overheating of the fluid being heated in the electric vehicle can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the heating device of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of part II.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a side view of the heating component in the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a side view of the heating element in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the heating device according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Sectional view VI-VI.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a top view of the heating element in the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of part VIII.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the heating device according to the third embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10 yes Figure 9XX sectional view.

[0027] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 An enlarged view of part XI. Detailed Implementation

[0028] (First embodiment)

[0029] The heating device 2 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 As shown, the heating device 2 of the first embodiment includes a housing 4, and a heating member 50 and a shaft member 40 disposed inside the housing 4. The housing 4 is made of metal, for example. A flow path 30 is provided inside the housing 4 for the flow of a heated fluid (e.g., water, coolant). The heated fluid flowing in the flow path 30 functions as a heat medium for heating electric vehicles, for example.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the heating element 50 disposed inside the housing 4 includes: a heating element 10; a tubular housing 60 that houses the heating element 10; and a powdered insulating material 62 that fills the space between the heating element 10 and the tubular housing 60. Figure 3 As shown, the heating element 50 is configured along the first direction (in this embodiment, it is...) Figure 1 and Figure 3 The heating element 50 is a spiral extending in the vertical direction. The spiral axis of the heating element 50 extends in the first direction. The heating element 50 is sometimes also referred to as a sheathed heater.

[0031] The tubular housing 60 of the heating element 50 is constructed by winding a metal tube (e.g., a copper alloy tube) into a spiral shape. The spiral tubular housing 60 covers the spiral heating element 10. The insulating material 62 filling the interior of the tubular housing 60 is, for example, magnesium oxide powder.

[0032] like Figure 4 As shown, the heating element 10 disposed inside the tubular housing 60 is configured along a first direction (in this embodiment, it is...) Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The heating element 10 is constructed by winding a metal wire into a spiral shape. The spiral axis of the heating element 10 extends in a first direction. The heating element 10 generates heat when electricity is applied.

[0033] The heating element 10 includes a first portion 12 and a second portion 14 connected to an end of the first portion 12. The second portions 14 are connected to both ends of the first portion 12. The first portion 12 is disposed between a pair of second portions 14. The first portion 12 and the pair of second portions 14 are continuously connected in the axial direction of the heating element 10. The first portion 12 and the pair of second portions 14 are integrally formed.

[0034] The first part 12 is made of a first type of metal wire (e.g., nickel-chromium alloy wire). The first part 12 is made by winding the first type of metal wire into a spiral shape.

[0035] The second part 14 is composed of a second type of metal wire (e.g., stainless steel wire), which is different from the first type of metal wire. The second part 14 is constructed by winding the second type of metal wire into a spiral shape.

[0036] The resistance per unit length of the first type of metal wire constituting the first part 12 is higher than the resistance per unit length of the second type of metal wire constituting the second part 14. (The resistance per unit length of the second type of metal wire is lower than the resistance per unit length of the first type of metal wire.) Therefore, when the heating element 10 is heated by energizing, the heating temperature of the first part 12 is higher than the heating temperature of the second part 14. (The heating temperature of the second part 14 is lower than the heating temperature of the first part 12.)

[0037] The heating element 10 also includes a third part 16 connected to the end of the second part 14. An insulating element 18 (see reference 18) is installed on the third part 16 to prevent electrical connection between the heating element 10 and the tubular housing 60. Figure 2 Insulators 18 are installed on the third portions 16, 16 at both ends of the heating element 10. The third portions 16, 16 at both ends of the heating element 10 are electrically connected to an external power source (not shown), and power is supplied to the heating element 10 from the external power source through the third portions 16, 16 at both ends of the heating element 10.

[0038] The spiral heating element 10 is provided in a first direction (in this embodiment) Figure 4 The heating element 10 has a plurality of resistive heating elements 22, 24 arranged in the vertical direction. More specifically, the heating element 10 has at least one (e.g., 12) first resistive heating elements 22 and at least one (e.g., two) second resistive heating elements 24 arranged in the first direction.

[0039] The first resistive heating element 22 is located at the central portion of the heating member 10 along the axial direction, relative to the second resistive heating element 24. The second resistive heating element 24 is located at the end portion of the heating member 10 along the axial direction, relative to the first resistive heating element 22. Second resistive heating elements 24 are disposed at both ends of the heating member 10 along the axial direction. At least one (e.g., 12) first resistive heating elements 22 are disposed between the second resistive heating elements 24 at both ends.

[0040] The first resistive heating element 22 corresponds to a portion of the first part 12 of the heating member 10. One first resistive heating element 22 corresponds to one turn of the spiral heating member 10. The first part 12 of the heating member 10 includes at least one (e.g., 12) first resistive heating elements 22. The first resistive heating element 22 is made of a first type of metal wire. The resistance value per unit length of the first resistive heating element 22 is higher than the resistance value per unit length of the second resistive heating element 24. Therefore, when the heating member 10 is heated by energizing, the heating temperature of the first resistive heating element 22 is higher than the heating temperature of the second resistive heating element 24.

[0041] The second resistive heating element 24 corresponds to a portion of the second part 14 of the heating member 10. One second resistive heating element 24 corresponds to one turn of the spiral heating member 10. The second parts 14, 14 at both ends of the heating member 10 each have at least one (e.g., one) second resistive heating element 24. The second resistive heating element 24 is made of a second type of metal wire. The resistance value per unit length of the second resistive heating element 24 is lower than the resistance value per unit length of the first resistive heating element 22. Therefore, when the heating member 10 is heated by energizing, the heating temperature of the second resistive heating element 24 is lower than the heating temperature of the first resistive heating element 22.

[0042] The heating element 50, which includes the heating element 10 described above, is disposed in the flow path 30 inside the housing 4 (see reference). Figure 1 The heating element 50 heats the fluid flowing in the flow path 30. The heating element 50 heats the fluid by means of heat generated by the heating element 10.

[0043] Additionally, the heating element 50 surrounds the core element 40 disposed inside the housing 4 (see reference). Figure 1 The core member 40 is disposed inside the spiral heating member 50. The core member 40 is, for example, made of rod-shaped metal. The core member 40 is cylindrical. The core member 40 is positioned along a first direction (in this embodiment...). Figure 1 The shaft core 40 extends along the axial direction of the heating member 50 and the heating element 10. The two ends of the shaft core 40 protrude outward in the axial direction than the two ends of the heating member 50.

[0044] Next, the flow path 30 for the flow of the heated fluid will be described. The flow path 30 for the heated fluid, which is provided inside the housing 4, includes an upstream flow path 36, an inner flow path 32, an outer flow path 34, and a downstream flow path 38.

[0045] The upstream flow path 36 is located above the upper end of the heating member 50 in the axial direction. The upstream flow path 36 is positioned upstream of the heating member 50 in the flow direction of the heated fluid. The heated fluid is introduced into the upstream flow path 36 through the inlet 31 located in the housing 4. The heated fluid is introduced into the upstream flow path 36 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the heating member 50. The upstream flow path 36 communicates with the inner flow path 32 and the outer flow path 34. The heated fluid flowing in the upstream flow path 36 flows into the inner flow path 32 and the outer flow path 34.

[0046] The inner flow path 32 is disposed between the inner peripheral surface 50a of the spiral heating member 50 and the outer peripheral surface 40b of the rod-shaped core member 40 (see reference). Figure 2 The inner flow path 32 is disposed between the spiral-shaped heating element 10 and the rod-shaped shaft core element 40. The inner flow path 32 runs along a first direction (in this embodiment, it is...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The inner flow path 32 extends along the axial direction of the heating member 50 (and the axial direction of the core member 40). The width W32 of the inner flow path 32 (i.e., the width between the inner circumferential surface 50a of the spiral heating member 50 and the outer circumferential surface 40b of the rod-shaped core member 40) is wider than the width W50 between adjacent portions of the heating member 50 in the axial direction.

[0047] The heated fluid flowing in the inner flow path 32 flows along the axial direction of the heating member 50 (and the axial direction of the core member 40). That is, the heated fluid flows along the first direction. The heated fluid flows along the plurality of resistance heating portions 22, 24 of the heating member 10 (see reference). Figure 4 The direction of the arrangement flows.

[0048] The outer flow path 34 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface 50b of the spiral heating member 50 and the inner peripheral surface 4a of the housing 4 (see reference). Figure 2 The outer flow path 34 is disposed between the spiral-shaped heating element 10 and the housing 4. The outer flow path 34 runs along the first direction (in this embodiment, it is...). Figure 1 and Figure 2The outer flow path 34 extends along the axial direction of the heating member 50 (and the axial direction of the core member 40). The width W34 of the outer flow path 34 (i.e., the width between the outer peripheral surface 50b of the spiral heating member 50 and the inner peripheral surface 4a of the housing 4) is wider than the width W50 between adjacent portions of the heating member 50 in the axial direction. The width W34 of the outer flow path 34 may be the same as the width W32 of the inner flow path 32, or it may be a different width from the width W32 of the inner flow path 32.

[0049] The heated fluid flowing in the outer flow path 34 flows along the axial direction of the heating member 50 (and the axial direction of the core member 40). That is, the heated fluid flows along the first direction. The heated fluid flows along the plurality of resistance heating portions 22, 24 of the heating member 10 (see reference). Figure 4 The direction of the arrangement flows.

[0050] The downstream flow path 38 is located at a position lower than the lower end of the axial direction of the heating member 50 (see reference). Figure 1 The downstream flow path 38 is positioned downstream of the heating member 50 in the flow direction of the heated fluid. The downstream flow path 38 communicates with the inner flow path 32 and the outer flow path 34. The heated fluid flowing in the inner flow path 32 and the outer flow path 34 flows into the downstream flow path 38. The heated fluid flowing in the downstream flow path 38 is discharged from the outlet 39 provided in the housing 4 to the outside of the housing 4. The heated fluid flows out of the housing 4 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the heating member 50.

[0051] (Effect)

[0052] The first embodiment has been described above. As described above, the heating device 2 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of resistive heating elements (first resistive heating element 22 and second resistive heating element 24) arranged in a first direction. Among the plurality of resistive heating elements 22 and 24 arranged in the first direction, the resistive heating element (second resistive heating element 24) located at the far end in the first direction has the lowest resistance value.

[0053] According to this structure, since a second resistive heating element 24 is present at the outermost end in the first direction, this element can be used to stir the heated fluid flowing in the flow path 30. This eliminates flow stagnation and suppresses localized overheating of the heated fluid. Consequently, localized boiling of the heated fluid can be suppressed. This technique is particularly effective when heating the fluid without intending to cause it to boil.

[0054] The heating element 10, which has multiple resistive heating elements 22 and 24, extends in a spiral shape along a first direction. According to this structure, the spiral heating element 10 can suppress localized overheating of the heated fluid.

[0055] Furthermore, the heating device 2 includes a core member 40 extending along a first direction inside the spiral heating member 10. A flow path 30 is provided between the heating member 10 and the core member 40. According to this structure, by allowing the heated fluid to flow in the flow path 30, stagnation of the flow of the heated fluid around the plurality of resistive heating parts 22, 24 can be suppressed, and local overheating of the heated fluid can be prevented.

[0056] The first embodiment has been described above, but the form of the heating device 2 is not limited to the embodiment described above. In the following description, detailed descriptions of structures that are the same as those described above will sometimes be omitted.

[0057] (Second Embodiment)

[0058] In the first embodiment described above, the heating element 50 and the heat-generating element 10 are configured in a spiral shape, but this structure is not limited to this. In the second embodiment, as... Figures 5-7 As shown, the heating element 50 and the heating element 10 are configured in a vortex shape. The heating element 50 and the heating element 10 are configured such that the number of turns is along a first direction (in this embodiment, ...). Figures 5-7 The heating element 50 and the heating element 10 are configured as a vortex with the first direction as the radial direction.

[0059] The tubular housing 60 of the heating element 50 is constructed by winding a metal tube (e.g., a copper alloy tube) into a vortex shape. The vortex-shaped tubular housing 60 covers the vortex-shaped heating element 10. The heating element 10 is constructed by winding a metal wire into a vortex shape.

[0060] The heating element 10 includes a first portion 12 and a second portion 14 connected to an end of the first portion 12. The second portions 14 are connected to both ends of the first portion 12. The first portion 12 is disposed between a pair of second portions 14. The pair of second portions 14 are continuously connected to the first portion 12. The first portion 12 and the pair of second portions 14 are integrally formed.

[0061] The first part 12 is made of a first type of metal wire (e.g., nickel-chromium alloy wire). The first part 12 is formed by winding the first type of metal wire into a spiral shape.

[0062] The second part 14 is composed of a second type of metal wire (e.g., stainless steel wire), which is different from the first type of metal wire. The second part 14 is constructed by winding the second type of metal wire into a spiral shape.

[0063] The vortex-shaped heating element 10 has a plurality of resistive heating elements 22, 24 arranged in a first direction. More specifically, the heating element 10 has at least one (e.g., four) first resistive heating elements 22 and at least one (e.g., two) second resistive heating elements 24 arranged in the first direction.

[0064] The second resistive heating element 24 is located radially inside and outside the heating member 10 compared to the first resistive heating element 22. The second resistive heating elements 24 are disposed at both ends of the heating member 10 in the radial direction. At least one first resistive heating element 22 is disposed between the two ends of the second resistive heating elements 24.

[0065] The first resistive heating element 22 corresponds to a portion of the first part 12 of the heating member 10. One first resistive heating element 22 corresponds to one revolution of the vortex-shaped heating member 10. The first part 12 of the heating member 10 includes at least one (e.g., four) first resistive heating elements 22. The first resistive heating element 22 is made of a first type of metal wire. The resistance per unit length of the first resistive heating element 22 is higher than the resistance per unit length of the second resistive heating element 24. Therefore, when the heating member 10 is heated by energizing, the heating temperature of the first resistive heating element 22 is higher than the heating temperature of the second resistive heating element 24.

[0066] The second resistive heating element 24 corresponds to a portion of the second part 14 of the heating member 10. One second resistive heating element 24 corresponds to one revolution of the vortex-shaped heating member 10. The second parts 14, 14 at both ends of the heating member 10 each have at least one (e.g., one) second resistive heating element 24. The second resistive heating element 24 is made of a second type of metal wire. The resistance value per unit length of the second resistive heating element 24 is lower than the resistance value per unit length of the first resistive heating element 22. Therefore, when the heating member 10 is heated by energizing, the heating temperature of the second resistive heating element 24 is lower than the heating temperature of the first resistive heating element 22.

[0067] The heating element 50, which includes the heating element 10 described above, is disposed in the flow path 30 inside the housing 4 of the heating device 2. The flow path 30 includes an upstream flow path 136, an upper flow path 132, a lower flow path 134, and a downstream flow path 38.

[0068] The upstream flow path 136 is located inside the radial inner end of the heating member 50. The heated fluid is introduced into the upstream flow path 136 through the inlet 131 located in the housing 4. The heated fluid is introduced into the upstream flow path 136 in a direction orthogonal to the radial direction of the heating member 50. The upstream flow path 136 communicates with the upper flow path 132 and the lower flow path 134. The heated fluid flowing in the upstream flow path 136 flows into the upper flow path 132 and the lower flow path 134.

[0069] The upper flow path 132 is disposed between the upper surface 50c of the vortex-shaped heating member 50 and the lower surface 42b of the upper member 42 of the housing 4 (see reference). Figure 8 The upper flow path 132 is disposed between the vortex-shaped heating element 10 and the upper element 42 of the housing 4. The upper flow path 132 runs along a first direction (in this embodiment, it is...). Figure 5 and Figure 8 The upper flow path 132 extends radially along the heating member 50. The width W132 of the upper flow path 132 (i.e., the width between the upper surface 50c of the vortex-shaped heating member 50 and the lower surface 42b of the upper member 42 of the housing 4) is wider than the width W50 between adjacent radially adjacent portions of the heating member 50.

[0070] The heated fluid flowing in the upper flow path 132 flows radially along the heating member 50. That is, the heated fluid flows in the first direction. The heated fluid flows along the plurality of resistance heating sections 22, 24 of the heating member 10 (see reference). Figure 7 The direction of the arrangement flows.

[0071] The lower flow path 134 is disposed between the lower surface 50d of the vortex-shaped heating member 50 and the upper surface 44a of the lower member 44 of the housing 4 (see reference). Figure 8 The lower flow path 134 is disposed between the vortex-shaped heating element 10 and the lower element 44 of the housing 4. The lower flow path 134 runs along a first direction (in this embodiment, it is...). Figure 5 and Figure 8 The lower flow path 134 extends radially along the heating member 50. The width W134 of the lower flow path 134 (i.e., the width between the lower surface 50d of the vortex-shaped heating member 50 and the upper surface 44a of the lower member 44 of the housing 4) is wider than the width W50 between radially adjacent portions of the heating member 50. The width W134 of the lower flow path 134 may be the same as the width W132 of the upper flow path 132, or it may be a different width from the width W132 of the upper flow path 132.

[0072] The heated fluid flowing in the lower flow path 134 flows radially along the heating member 50. That is, the heated fluid flows in the first direction. The heated fluid flows along the plurality of resistance heating sections 22, 24 of the heating member 10 (see reference). Figure 7 The direction of the arrangement flows.

[0073] The downstream flow path 138 is positioned downstream of the heating element 50 in the direction of flow of the heated fluid (see reference). Figure 6The downstream flow path 138 is connected to the upper flow path 132 and the lower flow path 134. The heated fluid flowing in the upper flow path 132 and the lower flow path 134 flows into the downstream flow path 138. The heated fluid flowing in the downstream flow path 138 is discharged from the outlet 139 provided in the housing 4 to the outside of the housing 4.

[0074] The second embodiment has been described above. As described above, in the heating device 2 of the second embodiment, the heating element 10, which includes a plurality of resistive heating sections 22, 24, is configured in a vortex shape with the number of turns increasing along a first direction. According to this structure, the vortex-shaped heating element 10 can be used to suppress localized overheating of the heated fluid.

[0075] (Third embodiment)

[0076] In the first embodiment described above, the heating element 50 and the heat-generating element 10 are configured in a spiral shape, but this structure is not limited to this. In the third embodiment, as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the heating element 50 and the heating element 10 are configured in a straight line. The heating device 2 of the third embodiment includes a plurality of straight heating elements 50. The tubular housing 60 of each straight heating element 50 covers each straight heating element 10. The plurality of straight heating elements 50 are arranged in the flow path 30 inside the housing 4.

[0077] The plurality of heating elements 50 and the plurality of heating elements 10 are respectively configured to be along a first direction (in this embodiment, ... Figure 9 and Figure 10 A straight line extending in a direction orthogonal to the left and right directions. Multiple heating elements 50 and multiple heating elements 10 are arranged in the first direction.

[0078] The plurality of heating elements 10 arranged in the first direction include a plurality of resistive heating portions 22, 24. More specifically, the heating element 10b located at the far end in the first direction (hereinafter referred to as "second heating element 10b") of the plurality of heating elements 10 arranged in the first direction has a second resistive heating portion 24. In addition, a plurality (e.g., seven) heating elements 10a (hereinafter referred to as "first heating element 10a") located at both ends in the first direction of the plurality of heating elements 10 arranged in the first direction have a first resistive heating portion 22.

[0079] The first resistive heating element 22 of the first heating member 10a is made of a first type of metal wire (e.g., nickel-chromium alloy wire). The resistance value per unit length of the first resistive heating element 22 is higher than the resistance value per unit length of the second resistive heating element 24. Therefore, when the heating member 10 is heated by energizing, the heating temperature of the first resistive heating element 22 is higher than the heating temperature of the second resistive heating element 24.

[0080] The second resistive heating element 24 of the second heating element 10b is made of a second type of metal wire (e.g., stainless steel wire). The resistance value per unit length of the second resistive heating element 24 is lower than the resistance value per unit length of the first resistive heating element 22. Therefore, when the heating element 10 is heated by energizing, the heating temperature of the second resistive heating element 24 is lower than the heating temperature of the first resistive heating element 22.

[0081] The heating element 50, which includes the heating element 10 described above, is disposed in the flow path 30 inside the housing 4 of the heating device 2. The flow path 30 includes an upstream flow path 236, an upper flow path 232, a lower flow path 234, and a downstream flow path 38.

[0082] The upstream flow path 236 is positioned upstream of the heating element 50 in the flow direction of the heated fluid. The heated fluid is introduced into the upstream flow path 236 through the inlet 231 provided in the housing 4. The heated fluid is introduced into the upstream flow path 236 in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the plurality of heating elements 50 are arranged. The upstream flow path 236 is connected to the upper flow path 232 and the lower flow path 234. The heated fluid flowing in the upstream flow path 236 flows into the upper flow path 232 and the lower flow path 234.

[0083] The upper flow path 232 is disposed between the upper surface 50c of the linear heating member 50 and the lower surface 42b of the upper member 42 of the housing 4 (see reference). Figure 11 The upper flow path 232 is disposed between the linear heating element 10 and the upper component 42 of the housing 4. The upper flow path 232 runs along a first direction (in this embodiment, it is...). Figure 9 and Figure 11 The upper flow path 232 extends along the direction in which the multiple heating elements 50 are arranged. The width W232 of the upper flow path 232 (i.e., the width between the upper surface 50c of the straight heating element 50 and the lower surface 42b of the upper member 42 of the housing 4) is wider than the width W50 between adjacent heating elements 50.

[0084] The heated fluid flowing in the upper flow path 232 flows along the direction in which the plurality of heating elements 50 are arranged. That is, the heated fluid flows along the first direction. The heated fluid flows along the plurality of resistance heating elements 22, 24 (see reference). Figure 10 The direction of the arrangement flows.

[0085] The lower flow path 234 is disposed between the lower surface 50d of the linear heating member 50 and the upper surface 44a of the lower member 44 of the housing 4 (see reference). Figure 11 The lower flow path 234 is disposed between the linear heating element 10 and the lower component 44 of the housing 4. The lower flow path 234 runs along a first direction (in this embodiment, it is...). Figure 9 and Figure 11 The lower flow path 234 extends along the direction in which the multiple heating elements 50 are arranged. The width W234 of the lower flow path 234 (i.e., the width between the lower surface 50d of the straight heating element 50 and the upper surface 44a of the lower member 44 of the housing 4) is wider than the width W50 between adjacent heating elements 50. The width W234 of the lower flow path 234 can be the same as the width W232 of the upper flow path 232, or it can be a different width from the width W232 of the upper flow path 232.

[0086] The heated fluid flowing in the lower flow path 234 flows along the direction in which the plurality of heating elements 50 are arranged. That is, the heated fluid flows along the first direction. The heated fluid flows along the plurality of resistance heating elements 22, 24 (see reference). Figure 10 The direction of the arrangement flows.

[0087] The downstream flow path 238 is positioned downstream of the heating element 50 in the direction of flow of the heated fluid (see reference). Figure 9 The downstream flow path 238 is connected to the upper flow path 232 and the lower flow path 234. The heated fluid flowing in the upper flow path 232 and the lower flow path 234 flows into the downstream flow path 238. The heated fluid flowing in the downstream flow path 238 is discharged from the outlet 239 provided on the housing 4 to the outside of the housing 4. The heated fluid flows out of the housing 4 in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the plurality of heating elements 50 are arranged.

[0088] The third embodiment has been described above. As described above, the heating device 2 of the third embodiment includes a plurality of resistive heating elements (first resistive heating element 22 and second resistive heating element 24) arranged in a first direction. Among the plurality of resistive heating elements 22 and 24 arranged in the first direction, the resistive heating element located at the very end in the first direction (second resistive heating element 24) has the lowest resistance value per unit length. The plurality of resistive heating elements 22 and 24 extend in a straight line in a direction intersecting the first direction. According to this structure, the local overheating of the heated fluid can be suppressed by utilizing the straight resistive heating elements 22 and 24.

[0089] (Variation example)

[0090] (1) The heating device 2 may also include resistive heating elements other than the first resistive heating element 22 and the second resistive heating element 24 arranged in the first direction. In this case, the resistive heating element (the second resistive heating element 24) located at the far end in the first direction among the plurality of resistive heating elements arranged in the first direction has the lowest resistance value per unit length.

[0091] (2) The heating device 2 described above can also be installed in automobiles (e.g., electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, gasoline vehicles, etc.). For example, the heating device 2 can also be used to heat the heat medium of the automobile's heating system. According to this structure, the accuracy of temperature management of the heated fluid (heat medium) used in automobiles can be improved.

[0092] The specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes techniques derived from various modifications and alterations of the specific examples described above. The technical elements illustrated in this specification or drawings are technically useful individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of application. Furthermore, the technology illustrated in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one objective is itself technically useful.

[0093] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0094] 2. Heating device; 4. Housing; 10. Heating element; 12. First part; 14. Second part; 16. Third part; 18. Insulating element; 22. First resistance heating part; 24. Second resistance heating part; 30. Flow path; 32. Inner flow path; 34. Outer flow path; 36. Upstream flow path; 38. Downstream flow path; 40. Shaft core component; 50. Heating element.

Claims

1. A heating device comprising a plurality of resistance heating elements arranged in a first direction, wherein, The resistance value per unit length of the resistive heating element located at the far end of the first direction among the plurality of resistive heating elements arranged in the first direction is the lowest.

2. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein, The heating element having multiple resistive heating elements extends in a spiral shape along the first direction.

3. The heating device according to claim 2, wherein, The heating device also includes a core member extending along the first direction inside the spiral-shaped heating element. A flow path is provided between the heating element and the shaft core element.

4. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein, The heating element having multiple resistive heating elements is configured as a vortex with the number of turns increasing along the first direction.

5. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of the resistive heating elements extend in a straight line in a direction intersecting the first direction.

6. An electric vehicle, wherein, The electric vehicle is equipped with the heating device as described in claim 1 or 2.

Images