Heat generating device

Abstract

Heat generating device (20) with: a heat generation layer (220) having a plurality of heat generation sections (22) configured to generate heat when supplied with energy; a pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) arranged on a first side of the heat-generating layer (220), wherein the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) is spaced apart from each other; a capture section (30) that is configured, to generate an electric field between the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) and to detect an object around the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b); a control device (40) configured to control an amount of electrical power supplied to the plurality of heat generating sections (22) on the basis of a detection result by the detection section (30); a low thermal conductivity heat generation section side section (21) provided between the plurality of heat generation sections (22), wherein the thermal conductivity of the low thermal conductivity heat generation section side section (21) is lower than the thermal conductivity of the plurality of heat generation sections (22), thereby giving the heat generation layer (220) a structure configured to limit heat transfer in a plane direction of the heat generation layer (220); an electrode side section with low thermal conductivity (25) provided between the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b), wherein the thermal conductivity of the electrode side section with low thermal conductivity (25) is lower than the thermal conductivity of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b), thereby limiting heat transfer in a plane direction of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b); and an insulating plate (23) arranged between the plurality of heat-generating sections (22) and the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b), wherein the plurality of heat-generating sections (22) is arranged on one side of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) and the insulating plate (23) is arranged between the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) and the plurality of heat-generating sections (22), thereby stabilizing an electric field on the other side of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b), which is opposite to the one side, and limiting the effects of electromagnetic noise from an area on the second side of the heat-generating layer (220), and the heat-generating layer (220) is configured to radiate heat in the direction of an object located in an area on the first side of the heat-generating layer (220). wherein the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) is a pair of a transmission electrode (24a) and a receiving electrode (24b) that are adjacent to each other, wherein the heat generating device (20) further comprises a grounded electrode (25c) surrounding the transfer electrode (24a) and the receiving electrode (24b), wherein the grounded electrode (25c) is connected to a ground terminal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Patent document JP 2014-190674 A discloses a heat generating device or heating device. The heat generating device includes a body portion having a heat generating section that generates heat when energized, and conductive sections that function as electrodes for detecting a change in capacitance caused by an object entering a predetermined area around the body portion. In the heat generating device, the conductive sections have a predetermined capacitance, and proximity or contact of an object is detected by detecting a change in capacitance caused by an object approaching the conductive sections.

[0002] Document WO 2016 / 117 376 A1 describes a heating device equipped with a heat generating unit for generating heat by excitation and a distance detection unit for detecting the distance between the heat generating unit and an object surrounding the heat generating unit. The heating device is further equipped with excitation control units for controlling the excitation of the heat generating unit so that the heating temperature decreases accordingly as the distance to the object detected by the distance detection unit decreases. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The inventors discovered that in the device described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-190674, the detection accuracy of an object may decrease due to a capacitance between the conductive portion and peripheral components when the capacitance between the conductive portion and the peripheral components is large. The heat generating device described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-190674 may be installed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle and used, for example, for warming the feet of an occupant. However, a vehicle includes metal components such as a vehicle body, and a large capacitance may occur between the heat generating device and the metal components such as a vehicle body. Furthermore, various electrical components are arranged within a vehicle dashboard.The electrical components emit electromagnetic noise that can affect the capacity in the heat generating device.

[0004] Accordingly, in configurations in which close proximity or contact of an object is detected by detecting a capacitance newly generated when an object approaches the conductive portions, as in the heat generating device described in Patent Document JP 2014 - 190 674 A, the detection accuracy of an object may be reduced due to the electromagnetic noise from the vehicle components such as the electrical components and the large capacitance generated between the conductive portion and the vehicle body or the vehicle components such as the electrical components, and accordingly, the temperature of the heat generating device may increase even when an object is in contact.

[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to improve detection accuracy of an object and suppress an increase in temperature while an object is in contact.

[0006] This object is achieved by a heating device according to claim 1, an alternative heating device according to claim 11, or an alternative heating device according to claim 12. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a heat generating device or heating device comprises: a heat generating layer having a heat generating portion configured to generate heat when energized; a pair of electrodes arranged on one side of the heat generating layer, the pair of electrodes being spaced apart from each other; a detecting portion configured to generate an electric field between the pair of electrodes and detect an object around the pair of electrodes; and a controller configured to control the amount of electric power supplied to the heat generating portions based on a detection result by the detecting portion.

[0008] According to this configuration, since the pair of electrodes are arranged on one side of the heat-generating layer and are spaced apart from each other, electromagnetic noise is blocked by the heat-generating layer even when the electromagnetic noise is emitted from the surroundings, and the detection accuracy of an object can be improved. Furthermore, since the detection section generates an electric field between the pair of electrodes only on one side of the heat-generating layer and detects an object around the pair of electrodes, the detection accuracy can be further improved. In addition, since the control device is configured to control the amount of electric power supplied to the heat-generating section based on the detection result by the detection section, a temperature increase while an object is in contact can be suppressed.

[0009] A reference numeral in parentheses attached to each component or the like indicates an example of correspondence between the component or the like and a specific component or the like described below in an embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a heat generating device or heating device according to a first embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the heat generating device. Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along a line III - III in Fig. 2 is taken. Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram illustrating electrodes of the heat generating device. Fig. 5 shows a block diagram illustrating the heat generating device. Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a control device of the heat generating device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the heat generating device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an electric field of the electrodes of the heat generating device. Fig. 9 shows a diagram for explaining an operating principle of a mutual capacitance sensor. Fig. 10 shows a diagram for explaining an operating principle of a mutual capacitance sensor. Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the heat generating device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the heat generating device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heat generating device or heating device according to a second embodiment. Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating an electric field of electrodes of the heat generating device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an electric field of electrodes of a heat generating device or heating device according to a third embodiment. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heat generating device or heating device according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heat generating device or heating device according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heat generating device or heating device according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating electrodes of a heat generating device or heating device according to a seventh embodiment. Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heat generating device or heating device according to an eighth embodiment. EMBODIMENTS FOR DEVELOPING THE INVENTION

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent parts in the drawings. (First embodiment)

[0011] A heat generating device or heating device according to a first embodiment is described with reference to the Fig. 1 to 12. In Fig. 1, the heat generating device 20 according to the first embodiment is installed in an interior space of a moving object, such as a road vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft. The heat generating device 20 is a part of a heating device for the interior space. The heat generating device 20 is an electric heater that is supplied with power from a power supply, such as a battery and a generator, mounted on the moving object to generate heat. The heat generating device 20 has a thin plate shape. The heat generating device 20 generates heat when power is supplied. The heat generating device 20 radiates radiant heat H mainly in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the heat generating device 20 to heat a target object positioned in the direction perpendicular to the surface.

[0012] A seat 11 for an occupant 12 is installed in the interior. The heat generating device 20 is installed in the interior to radiate heat H to the feet of the occupant 12. The heat generating device 20 can be used, for example, to quickly provide heat to the occupant 12 immediately after activation of other heating devices. The heat generating device 20 is installed at a wall surface of the interior. The heat generating device 20 is arranged to face the occupant 12, who is in a posture assumed to be normal. For example, a vehicle for traveling on a road has a steering column 14 for supporting a steering wheel 13. The heat generating device 20 can be arranged below the steering column 14 to face the occupant 12.

[0013] The configurations of the heat generating device 20 will be described with reference to the Fig. 2 to 5. In the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, the heat generating device 20 extends along the XY plane defined by an X-axis and a Y-axis. The heat generating device 20 has a thickness in a direction along a Z-axis. The heat generating device 20 has a thin plate shape having a substantially rectangular shape. The heat generating device 20 includes a low thermal conductivity heat generating section side portion 21, a heat generating layer 220, an insulating plate 23, electrodes 24, and a low thermal conductivity electrode side portion 25. The low thermal conductivity heat generating section side portion 21, the heat generating layer 220, the insulating plate 23, the electrode 24, and the low thermal conductivity electrode side portion 25 constitute a heat generating device body portion.The heat generating device 20 may also be referred to as a planar heater that radiates the radiant heat H mainly in a direction perpendicular to an associated surface.

[0014] The heat generation layer 220 includes a plurality of heat generation sections 22 that generate heat when energized, and two power supply sections 26. The heat generation layer 220 is disposed on one side (the opposite side) of the insulation plate 23. That is, the heat generation sections 22 and the power supply sections 26 are disposed on one side of the insulation plate 23.

[0015] Each heat-generating section 22 has a rectangular shape extending in a direction along the Y-axis. The heat-generating sections 22 are aligned in a direction along the X-axis and spaced apart from each other. The heat-generating sections 22 are connected to each other by the power supply section 26. The heat-generating sections 22 are regularly arranged and occupy a predetermined area on the XY plane in the drawing.

[0016] The heat-generating sections 22 are made of a material having low electrical resistance. The heat-generating sections 22 may be made of a metal. The material of the heat-generating sections 22 is selected from materials whose thermal conductivity is lower than copper. For example, the heat-generating sections 22 may be made of copper, an alloy of copper and tin (Cu-Sn), a metal such as silver, tin, stainless steel, nickel, and nickel-chromium, or an alloy comprising at least one element of silver, tin, stainless steel, nickel, or nickel-chromium.

[0017] The heat-generating sections 22 can radiate radiant heat H, which causes the occupant 12, i.e., a person, to feel warmth by heating them to a predetermined radiant temperature. The heat-generating sections 22 are made of a material with high thermal conductivity.

[0018] Each of the power supply sections 26 has a rectangular shape extending in the X-axis direction. The power supply sections 26 are arranged on both sides of the heat generating sections 22 in the Y-axis direction. The power supply sections 26 are made of a material having low electrical resistance. One of the power supply sections 26 is arranged on one end side of the heat generating sections 22 in the Y-axis direction and is connected to the heat generating sections 22 and a power supply terminal 221. The other of the power supply sections 26 is arranged at the other end side of the heat generating sections 22 in the Y-axis direction and is connected to the heat generating sections 22 and a ground terminal 222.

[0019] The heat-generating section side low thermal conductivity portion 21, whose thermal conductivity is lower than that of the heat-generating section 22, is provided on one side (the opposite side) of the insulating plate 23 and around the heat-generating sections 22. The heat-generating section side low thermal conductivity portion 21 covers the heat-generating sections 22 from one side of the insulating plate 23. The heat-generating section side low thermal conductivity portion 21 has a high insulation property and is formed of a polyimide film, an insulating resin, or the like.

[0020] Since the low thermal conductivity heat-generating section side portion 21, whose thermal conductivity is lower than that of the heat-generating section 22, is provided between the heat-generating sections 22, the thermal resistance of the heat-generating layer 220 in a plane direction is high. Each of the heat-generating sections 22 has a thin film-like layer shape and is arranged on one side of the insulation plate 23 so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0021] Accordingly, the heat capacity of the heat generation layer 220 of the present embodiment is smaller than that of a heat generation layer having a thick plate shape.

[0022] As described above, the heat generation layer 220 according to the present embodiment has a small heat capacity and a high thermal resistance. Accordingly, since heat transfer in the plane direction of the heat generation layer 220 is suppressed when an object contacts the heat generation device 20, the temperature at the contact part can be quickly reduced. A thickness of the heat generation portion 22 is preferably at or below 50 micrometers, and is more preferably at or below 20 micrometers, so that heat transfer in the surface direction of the heat generation layer 220 is sufficiently small.

[0023] The volumes of the heat-generating sections 22 are designed such that the heat capacity is small. The heat capacity of each of the heat-generating sections 22 is adjusted such that a surface temperature of a portion of the radiant heat-generating device with which an object contacts decreases rapidly in response to contact of an object with the surface of the heat-generating device. As an example of a desirable configuration, the heat capacity of the heat-generating section 22 is adjusted such that the surface temperature of the contacted part decreases to be lower than 60 degrees Celsius when a human finger comes into contact with the surface of the heat-generating device.

[0024] The heat generation layer 220 blocks noise radiated toward one side (the opposite side) of the insulation plate 23. The heat generation layer 220 according to the present embodiment functions not only as a heat radiating device that radiates radiant heat, but also as a noise blocking layer that blocks noise toward a transmitting electrode 24a and a receiving electrode 24b from one side of the heat generation layer 220 opposite to the other side where the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b are arranged.

[0025] The insulation plate 23 is made of a resin material or plastic material that has excellent electrical insulation properties and can withstand high temperatures. Specifically, the insulation plate 23 is formed from a film-like resin layer. Several pairs of electrodes 24 are arranged on one side of the insulation plate 23. The thermal conductivity of the insulation plate 23 is lower than that of the heat-generating section 22.

[0026] The electrode 24 includes the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b, which are spaced apart from each other. The transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b are arranged on the other side (the human body side) of the insulating plate 23 and are adjacent to each other. That is, a plurality of transmitting electrodes 24a and a plurality of receiving electrodes 24b are arranged on the other side of the insulating plate 23.

[0027] Each transmitting electrode 24a has a rectangular shape extending in the direction along the Y-axis, and each receiving electrode 24b has a rectangular shape extending in the direction along the Y-axis. The transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b of a pair of electrodes 24 are aligned in the direction along the X-axis and are adjacent to each other. The electrodes 24 are arranged at regular intervals in the direction along the Y-axis. The transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b are made of a conductive metal, such as copper. The transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b are made of the same material.

[0028] The transmitting electrodes 24a and the receiving electrodes 24b are regularly arranged and occupy a predetermined area on the XY plane in the drawing. Each of the transmitting electrodes 24a and the receiving electrodes 24b has a predetermined area on the XY plane in the drawing to generate a capacitance for capacitive sensing.

[0029] The transmitting electrodes 24a are connected to a positive terminal 241 through a conductive portion 243, and the receiving electrodes 24b are connected to a negative terminal 242 through a conductive portion.

[0030] When a predetermined voltage is applied between the positive terminal 241 and the negative terminal 242, an electric field is generated between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b. When an object, such as a finger, approaches the electric field, the capacitance between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b changes, as shown in Fig. 4. Immediate proximity or contact of an object, such as a finger, to / with the electrodes 24 is detected by detecting the change in capacitance.

[0031] The transmitting electrodes 24a and the receiving electrodes 24b are arranged on the other side of the insulating plate 23 and spaced apart from each other. The transmitting electrodes 24a and the receiving electrodes 24b are made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivities of the transmitting electrodes 24a and the receiving electrodes 24b are higher than the thermal conductivity of the insulating plate 23.

[0032] The low thermal conductivity electrode side portion 25, whose thermal conductivity is lower than that of the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b, is provided on the other side (the human body side) of the insulating plate 23 and around the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b. The low thermal conductivity electrode side portion 25 covers the transmitting electrodes 24a and the receiving electrodes 24b from the other side (the human body side) of the insulating plate 23. The low thermal conductivity electrode side portion 25 has a high electrical insulation property and is made of a film-like polyimide layer, an insulating resin, or the like.

[0033] In the heat generating device 20, the low thermal conductivity electrode side portion 25, whose thermal conductivity is lower than that of the transfer electrode 24a and the receive electrode 24b, is provided between the transfer electrode 24a and the receive electrode 24b. Accordingly, the thermal resistance of the heat generating layer 220 in the plane direction is high. Each of the transfer electrode 24a and the receive electrode 24b has a thin film-like layer shape, and the transfer electrodes 24a and the receive electrodes 24b are spaced apart from each other on the other side of the insulation plate 23. Accordingly, the heat capacity of the transfer electrode 24a and the receive electrode 24b of the present embodiment is small.

[0034] Since the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b according to the present embodiment have a small heat capacity and a high thermal resistance, heat transfer in the plane direction of the heat generating layer is limited when an object comes into contact, and the temperature of the area contacted by an object decreases rapidly.

[0035] The thickness of the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b may preferably be at or below 50 micrometers. Furthermore, the thickness of the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b may preferably be at or below 20 micrometers, so that the heat transfer of the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b in the plane direction is sufficiently suppressed.

[0036] Next, the heat generating device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in Fig. 5. The heat generating device 20 includes a detection section 30, a supply device 50, and a control device 40.

[0037] The detection section 30 is configured to generate an electric field between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b and to detect an object around the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b. Specifically, the detection section 30 is configured to: generate an electric field between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b by applying the predetermined voltage between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b; and detect the immediate vicinity of an object around the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b and contact of an object with the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b by detecting the change in the electric field between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b.The detection section 30 is configured to output a signal indicating the immediate proximity or contact of an object to the controller 40 when the immediate proximity or contact of an object to / with the transmission electrode 24a and the reception electrode 24b is detected.

[0038] The supply device 50 is configured to supply electric power to the heat-generating sections 22 in response to an instruction from the controller. The supply device 50 is configured to control the amount of electric power supplied to the heat-generating sections 22. The power supply to the heat-generating section 22 is performed by the supply device 50.

[0039] The control device 40 is a computer including a CPU, a memory, etc., where the CPU executes various processing based on programs stored in the memory. The control device 40 is configured to instruct the supply device 50 to start and stop the power supply to the heat-generating sections 22. The memory is a non-volatile physical storage medium.

[0040] Next, the processing by the control device 40 is carried out with reference to the Fig. 6 to 8. The Fig. The processing shown in Figure 6 is repeatedly executed while the heat generating device 20 is turned on. Furthermore, each control step in the flowcharts of the drawing includes various function implementation units included in the controller 40.

[0041] In step S10, the controller 40 issues a power supply instruction to the supply device to start powering the heat generating sections 22, applying a pulsed voltage to the transfer electrode 24a to generate an electric field between the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b. As a result, an electric field is generated between the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b, as shown in Fig. 7 is shown.

[0042] The detection section 30 is configured to determine whether an object is approaching or coming into contact by determining whether the voltage between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b is at or above a predetermined threshold after a predetermined time elapsed from a drop in the pulsed voltage according to step S10. Upon determining that an object is approaching or coming into contact, the detection section 30 is configured to output a signal indicating the proximity or contact to the controller 40.

[0043] In the next step S12, the controller 40 determines whether an object is detected based on the signal output from the detecting section 30. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, when an object approaches or comes into contact with at least one of the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b, a portion of the electric field generated between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b is absorbed by the finger. As a result, the electric field detected by the receiving electrode 24b decreases, and a signal indicating close proximity or contact of an object is output from the detecting section 30 to the controller 40.

[0044] In this case, the controller 40 stops the heat generating device in the next step S14. Specifically, the controller 40 issues a power supply stop instruction to the supply device 50. The supply device 50 stops supplying power to the heat generating sections 22 in response to the power supply stop instruction.

[0045] If the signal indicating close proximity or contact of an object is not output from the detection section 30 to the controller 40, the controller 40 ends this process without executing the process of S14.

[0046] The heat generating device according to the present embodiment rapidly reduces the temperature of the contacted part in response to a passenger's contact with the surface of the heat generating device, even if the heat generating device temperature has been raised to a temperature (e.g., 100 degrees Celsius) at which the passenger feels heat. Specifically, the temperature of the contacted part drops to 52 degrees Celsius or less, so that a reflex action of the passenger due to the temperature would not occur. Thus, a safe heat generating device can be provided.

[0047] Furthermore, the heat generating device according to the present embodiment stops supplying power to the heat generating section 22 when the close proximity or contact of an object is detected. Accordingly, the heat generating device would not cause discomfort to the occupant, even if the occupant, for example, continues to touch the surface of the heat generating device without noticing it for a relatively long time.

[0048] General capacitive sensors include a plane-type capacitive sensor used in the heat generating device disclosed in the above-described patent document JP 2014-190674 A, and a self-capacitance sensor, which is one of the proposed capacitive-type sensors and is currently the established type. The inventors have studied this and found that in these sensors, when electromagnetic noise is radiated from vehicle components such as a vehicle body, electrical components, and the like, a large capacitance occurs between the electrode of the heat generating device and vehicle components such as a vehicle body and electrical components. This capacitance causes a reduction in the detection accuracy of an object.In view of the points described above, a mutual capacitance sensor, which is one of planned capacitive type sensors, is used as the capacitive sensor of the present embodiment.

[0049] Next, an operating principle of a mutual capacitance sensor is explained with reference to the Fig. 9, Fig. 10. A schematic diagram of a transmitting electrode 34a and a receiving electrode 34b is shown on the left side in Fig. 9, wherein an equivalent circuit of the transmission electrode 34a and the reception electrode 34b on the right side in Fig. 9 is illustrated.

[0050] As shown on the left in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the transmitting electrode 34a and the receiving electrode 34b are adjacent to each other in the mutual capacitance sensor. An electric field is generated between the transmitting electrode 34a and the receiving electrode 34b when a voltage is applied between the transmitting electrode 34a and the receiving electrode 34b. Specifically, the electric field is generated on both sides of the electrodes. Arrows E in Fig. 9 represent field lines.

[0051] The capacitance C between the transmitting electrode 34a and the receiving electrode 34b can be expressed as an equation 1, where ε is a permittivity between the transmitting electrode 34a and the receiving electrode 34b, S is an area of ​​an electrode, and d is a distance between the electrodes. C=ε⋅Sd

[0052] When a finger, which is a part of a human body, approaches as an object around the electrode, a part of the field line is absorbed by the finger, as shown on the left in Fig. 10, whereby the electric field received by the receiving electrode 34b decreases accordingly. This situation can be considered equivalent to a situation in which a grounded object is inserted between the transmitting electrode 34a and the receiving electrode 34b, as shown on the right side in Fig. 10 is shown.

[0053] In this case, the capacitance C between the transmitting electrode 34a and the receiving electrode 34b can be expressed as in Equation 2, where ΔS is an area of ​​the grounded object that overlaps the electrodes. C′=ε⋅(S−ΔS)d

[0054] That is, the immediate vicinity of the finger can be detected by checking the difference between the capacitance C expressed in equation 1 and the capacitance C' expressed in equation 2.

[0055] Next, the electrodes of the heat generating device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the Fig. 11, Fig. 12. A schematic diagram of the transmission electrode 24a and the reception electrode 24b of the heat generating device according to the present embodiment is shown on the left side in Fig. 11, wherein an equivalent circuit of the transmission electrode 24a and the reception electrode 24b on the right side in Fig. 11 is illustrated.

[0056] As shown on the left in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b are arranged on one side of the grounded heat generating portion 22 and are adjacent to each other. An electric field is generated between the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b when a voltage is applied between the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b.

[0057] In the heat generating device according to the present embodiment, since the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b are arranged on one side of the grounded heat generating section 22 and are adjacent to each other, no electric field is generated on one side of the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b on which the heat generating section 22 is arranged, while an electric field is generated on the other side of the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b opposite to the side on which the heat generating section 22 is arranged.

[0058] That is, since the grounded heat generating portion 22 is disposed on the side of the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b opposite to the human body side, the field line on the heat generating portion 22 side of the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b is absorbed by the heat generating portion 22, and the capacitance on the human body side of the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b can be stabilized.Furthermore, since the grounded heat generating portion 22 blocks electromagnetic noise from the side opposite to the human body side, even if the electromagnetic noise is radiated from the side opposite to the human body side, effects of the electromagnetic noise from the side opposite to the human body side on the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b can be suppressed.

[0059] An equivalent circuit of the heat generating device according to the present embodiment can be illustrated as shown on the right side in Fig. 9. The capacitance C" between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b can be expressed as in Equation 3, where ε is a permittivity between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b, S is an area of ​​an electrode, ΔS" is an area covered by the heat generating portion 22 on the heat generating portion 22 side of the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b. C″=ε⋅(S−ΔS″)d

[0060] When a finger, which is a part of a human body, approaches as an object around the electrode, a part of the field line is absorbed by the finger, as shown on the left in Fig. 12, whereby the electric field received by the receiving electrode 24b decreases accordingly. This situation can be considered equivalent to a situation in which a grounded object is inserted between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b, as shown on the right side in Fig. 12 is shown.

[0061] In this case, the capacitance C' between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b can be expressed as in Equation 4, where ΔS' is an area of ​​the grounded object that overlaps the electrodes. C′=ε⋅(S−ΔS″−ΔS′)d

[0062] That is, the immediate proximity of the finger can be detected by checking the difference between the capacitance C expressed in equation 1 and the capacitance C' expressed in equation 4.

[0063] As described above, the heat generating device includes: the heat generating layer 220 including the heat generating portions 22 that generate heat when energized; pairs of electrodes arranged on one side of the heat generating layer 220 and spaced apart from each other; the detecting portion 30 configured to generate an electric field between a pair of electrodes and detect an object around the pair of electrodes; and a controller 40 configured to control the amount of electric power supplied to the heat generating portions 22 based on the detection result by the detecting portion 30.

[0064] According to such configurations, since the pair of electrodes 24a, 24b are arranged on the heat-generating layer 220 and are spaced apart from each other, the heat-generating portion 22 blocks electromagnetic noise even when the electromagnetic noise is radiated from the side of the heat-generating layer 220 opposite to the side on which the electrodes 24a, 24b are arranged, the detection accuracy of an object can be improved. Furthermore, since the detecting portion 30 is configured to detect an object around a pair of electrodes by generating an electric field between the electrodes only on one side of the heat-generating layer where the occupant is present, the detection accuracy of an object can be further improved.In addition, since the controller 40 is configured to control the amount of electric power supplied to the heat generating portion 22 based on the detection result by the detecting portion 30, an increase in temperature while an object is in contact can be suppressed.

[0065] Furthermore, the heat-generating layer 220 has a structure configured to limit heat transfer in the plane direction of the heat-generating layer 220. Accordingly, the temperature of the contacted area can be rapidly reduced, ensuring safety.

[0066] The heat generation layer 220 includes a plurality of heat generation sections 22, and the low thermal conductivity heat generation section side section 21, whose thermal conductivity is lower than the heat generation sections 22, is provided between the heat generation sections 22. Since the low thermal conductivity heat generation section side section 21, whose thermal conductivity is lower than the heat generation sections 22, is provided between the heat generation sections 22, heat transfer in the plane direction of the heat generation layer 220 can be limited.

[0067] The pair of electrodes 24 may be provided as the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b, which are adjacent to each other.

[0068] Each of the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b has a structure in which heat transfer is limited in the plane direction of the pair of electrodes 24. Accordingly, the temperature of the contacted area can be rapidly reduced in response to contact of an object with the pair of electrodes, ensuring safety.

[0069] The low thermal conductivity electrode side portion 25, which has a thermal conductivity lower than that of the transfer electrode 24a and the receive electrode 24b, is provided between the transfer electrode 24a and the receive electrode 24b. Since the low thermal conductivity electrode side portion 25, whose thermal conductivity is lower than that of the transfer electrode 24a and the receive electrode 24b, is provided between the transfer electrode 24a and the receive electrode 24b, heat transfer in the plane direction of the pair of electrodes 24 can be limited.

[0070] The detection section 30 is configured to generate an electric field between the transmission electrode 24a and the reception electrode 24b and to detect an object around the transmission electrode 24a and the reception electrode 24b by mutual capacitance detection that detects the capacitance between the transmission electrode 24a and the reception electrode 24b.

[0071] Accordingly, the detection of an object is less affected by radiated noise compared with other detection methods such as a plane-type capacitive sensor and a self-capacitance sensor, which is one of planned capacitive-type sensors.

[0072] The detection section 30 is configured to generate an electric field between the transmission electrode 24a and the reception electrode 24b by applying a pulsed voltage to the transmission electrode 24a, and subsequently detect the capacitance between the transmission electrode 24a and the reception electrode 24b.

[0073] The heat generating device according to the present embodiment includes the insulation plate 23 between the heat generating sections 22, as well as the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b. As described above, the insulation plate 23 may be provided between the heat generating sections 22, as well as the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b.

[0074] The transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b are made of the same material. Accordingly, the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b can be manufactured at a lower cost with a simpler manufacturing process compared to a situation where the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b are made of different materials.

[0075] The heat-generating layer 220 is configured to radiate heat toward an object disposed on one side of the heat-generating layer 220, with the pair of electrodes 24a, 24b disposed on one side of the heat-generating layer 220. As described above, the heat-generating layer 220 may be configured to radiate heat toward an object disposed on one side of the heat-generating layer 220, with the pair of electrodes 24a, 24b disposed on one side of the heat-generating layer 220. (Second embodiment)

[0076] A heat generating device or a heating device according to a second embodiment is described with reference to the Fig. 13, Fig. 14. The heat generating device according to the present embodiment includes a grounded electrode 25c surrounding the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b on one side of the insulation plate 23. Although the grounded electrode 25c surrounds the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b in Fig. 13, the grounded electrode 25c actually surrounds the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b separately.

[0077] The heat generating sections 22 are connected to the power supply terminal 221 via the power supply section 26 and to the ground terminal 22 via the power supply section 26.

[0078] The grounded electrode 25c and the heat generating sections 22 are grounded. Specifically, the grounded electrode 25c is connected to the ground terminal 222 by a connecting line.

[0079] In cases where the grounded electrode 25c is not provided, capacitive coupling occurs between conductive peripheral components and the electrode 24 when the peripheral components are present around the heat generating device, as shown in Fig. 14, wherein a detection accuracy of an object may decrease.

[0080] In contrast, according to the heat generating device of the present embodiment, since the capacitive coupling between the electrode 24 and the conductive components around the heat generating device is suppressed by the grounded electrode 25c, the detection accuracy of an object can be improved.

[0081] As described above, the heat generating device according to the present embodiment includes the grounded electrode 25c surrounding the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b and connected to the ground terminal. Accordingly, the capacitive coupling between the electrode 24 and the conductive components around the heat generating device is suppressed by the grounded electrode 25c, and the detection accuracy of an object can be improved. (Third embodiment)

[0082] A heat generating device or heating device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. In the heat generating device according to the present embodiment, each of the transfer electrodes 24a and the receive electrodes 24b has a rectangular shape. Capacitive coupling occurs between a transfer electrode 24a surrounded by four receive electrodes 24b and the four receive electrodes 24b, each of which faces one of four sides of the one transfer electrode 24a. That is, in at least one of the transfer electrodes 24a, a first side faces one side of one receive electrode 24b of the receive electrodes 24b, and a second side, adjacent to the first side, faces another receive electrode 24b closest to the one receive electrode 24b opposite the first side of the one transfer electrode 24a.

[0083] The transmitting electrodes 24a are connected to each other, with pairs of opposite corners of the transmitting electrodes 24a aligned in a line. Similarly, the receiving electrodes 24b are connected to each other, with pairs of opposite corners of the receiving electrodes 24b aligned in a line.

[0084] According to the heat generating device of the present embodiment, in at least one of the transfer electrodes 24a, a first side is opposite to one side of one of the receiving electrodes 24b, and a second side adjacent to the first side is opposite to a side of another receiving electrode 24b that is closest to the one receiving electrode 24b that is opposite to the first side of the one transfer electrode 24a.

[0085] Accordingly, a close proximity and contact of an object can be detected more accurately compared to a case where capacitive coupling occurs between a transmitting electrode 24a and a receiving electrode 24b as shown in Fig. 4 is shown.

[0086] In the heat generating device according to the present embodiment, the transfer electrodes 24a are connected to each other, with pairs of opposite corners of the transfer electrodes 24a aligned in a line. Similarly, the receiving electrodes 24b are connected to each other, with pairs of opposite corners of the receiving electrodes 24b aligned in a line.

[0087] As described above, the transmitting electrodes 24a may be connected to each other, with pairs of opposite corners of the transmitting electrodes 24a being aligned in a line. Similarly, the receiving electrodes 24b may be connected to each other, with pairs of opposite corners of the receiving electrodes 24b being aligned in a line. (Fourth embodiment)

[0088] A heat generating device or heating device according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. In the above-described embodiments, each of the transmitting electrodes 24a and the receiving electrodes 24b has a rectangular shape. In contrast, the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b have a plate shape. Furthermore, the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b are formed from a thin film-like metal layer and have a mesh-like shape.

[0089] Since the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b are formed from a thin film-like metal layer and have a mesh-like shape, the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b have a smaller heat capacity and a higher thermal resistance compared to the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, heat transfer in the plane direction of the heat generation layer can be limited, and the temperature of a contacted area can decrease rapidly in response to the contact of an object. (Fifth embodiment)

[0090] A heat generating device or heating device according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. In the heat generating device according to the present embodiment, a transfer electrode 24a surrounds a receiving electrode 24b. Specifically, the transfer electrode 24a has a flat shape and includes a hole portion 240 at its center, with the receiving electrode 24b disposed within the hole portion 240. A surface area of ​​the transfer electrode 24a is larger than a surface area of ​​the receiving electrode 24b.

[0091] The heat generating sections 22 are connected to the ground terminal and are thereby grounded. The heat generating device according to the present embodiment includes the grounded electrode 25c surrounding the transfer electrode 24a. The grounded electrode 25c is connected to the ground terminal and is thereby grounded.

[0092] Since a transmitting electrode 24a surrounds a receiving electrode 24b and the surface area of ​​the transmitting electrode 24a is larger than the surface area of ​​the receiving electrode 24b, the capacitive coupling between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b can be stabilized.

[0093] Since the heat generating section 22 is connected to the ground terminal and thereby grounded, even when noise is radiated from vehicle components located on a side of the heat generating section 22 opposite to a side on which the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b are disposed, the heat generating sections 22 block the radiated noise and generation of capacitance between the vehicle components and the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b. Accordingly, an object can be accurately detected. (Sixth embodiment)

[0094] The heat generating device or heating device according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. The heat generating device according to the present embodiment includes the receiving electrodes 24b and flat-shaped transfer electrodes 24a, each of which surrounds some of the receiving electrodes 24b. In the heat generating device according to the present embodiment, the receiving electrodes 24b are connected in parallel to each other, and the transfer electrodes 24a are connected in parallel to each other. A surface area of ​​a transfer electrode 24a is larger than a surface area of ​​a receiving electrode 24b. The receiving electrode 24b and the transfer electrode 24a are formed of a metal mesh. The heat generating device according to the present embodiment includes the grounded electrode 25c surrounding the transfer electrodes 24a.The grounded or grounded electrode 25c is connected to the ground terminal or ground terminal and is thereby grounded or grounded.

[0095] Since the transmission electrode 24a is surrounded by the grounded electrode 25c, capacitive coupling between the transmission electrode 24a and the peripheral components can be suppressed.

[0096] The low thermal conductivity electrode side portion (not shown), whose thermal conductivity is lower than the electrodes 24, is provided between the receiving electrode 24b and the transmitting electrode 24a. Accordingly, the heat transfer in the plane direction of the electrodes 24 can be limited by the low thermal conductivity electrode side portion. (Seventh embodiment)

[0097] A heat generating device or heating device according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19. The transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b of the heat generating device according to the present embodiment have a meandering shape. As described above, the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b may have a meandering shape. (Eighth embodiment)

[0098] A heat generating device or heating device according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig.20. In the heat generating device according to the present embodiment, the low thermal conductivity electrode side portion 25 covers the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b. The low thermal conductivity electrode side portion 25 is formed of an insulating plate whose thermal conductivity is lower than the electrodes 24a, 24b.

[0099] That is, in the heat generating device according to the present embodiment, a clearance is formed between the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b, and the low thermal conductivity electrode-side portion 25, whose thermal conductivity is lower than that of the electrodes 24a, 24b, is provided in the clearance. Heat transfer in the plane direction of the electrodes 24 can be restricted by the low thermal conductivity electrode-side portion 25. That is, in the heat generating device according to the present embodiment, a ratio of an area occupied by the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b in a predetermined unit area of ​​a region where the transfer electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b are arranged is less than 1.

[0100] The predetermined unit area is an area of ​​a part with which a human finger could come into contact. In the present embodiment, the predetermined unit area is less than or equal to 1 square centimeter. The diameter of a child's finger is approximately 5 millimeters, and the contact area of ​​a child's finger is approximately 0.2 square centimeters. The contact area of ​​an adult's finger is at or below 1 square centimeter.

[0101] As described above, the low thermal conductivity electrode side portion 25, whose thermal conductivity is lower than the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b, is provided between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b, and a ratio of an area occupied by the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b in the predetermined unit area is less than 1. Accordingly, the thermal resistance in the plane direction of the electrodes 24a, 24b can be high, limiting heat transfer in the plane direction of the electrodes 24a, 24b. Consequently, the temperature can rapidly decrease in response to contact with a human body.

[0102] Since the predetermined unit area is less than or equal to 1 square centimeter, contact of a finger can be accurately detected by the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24b in both cases where a child's finger comes into contact and where an adult's finger comes into contact. (Other embodiments) (1) In the above-described embodiments, the heat generating device is installed in a vehicle. However, the heat generating device may be used in a location other than a vehicle, such as a building. (2) In the above-described embodiments, a contacted object is detected using the same configurations of a mutual capacitance sensor, which is one of the proposed capacitive-type sensors. However, the configurations are not necessarily exactly the same as the mutual capacitance sensor.

[0103] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be modified as appropriate. Individual elements or features of a specific embodiment are generally not limited to that specific embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable, and may be used in a selected embodiment even if not specifically shown or described. Furthermore, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, it will be appreciated that components of the embodiment are not necessarily essential, except for a case where the components are specifically and unambiguously specified as essential components, a case where the components are clearly considered essential components in principle, and the like.A size, a value, an amount, a range, or the like, when specified in the exemplary embodiments described above, is not necessarily limited to the specific value, the specific amount, the specific range, or the like, unless it is specifically stated that the value, the amount, the range, or the like is necessarily the specific value, the specific amount, the specific range, or the like, or unless the value, the amount, the range, or the like is obviously required to be the specific value, the specific amount, the specific range, or the like in principle.Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, when materials, shapes, positional relationships, and the like of the components and the like are mentioned, they are not limited to these materials, shapes, positional relationships, and the like unless otherwise specified and as long as they are not limited to specific materials, shapes, positional relationships, and the like. (Conclusion)

[0104] According to a first aspect described in all or some of the above-described embodiments, the heat generating device includes: the heat generating layer having the heat generating portion configured to generate heat when energized; a pair of electrodes disposed on one side of the heat generating layer; the detecting portion configured to generate an electric field between the pair of electrodes and detect an object around the pair of electrodes; and the controller configured to control the amount of electric power supplied to the heat generating portions based on a detection result by the detecting portion.

[0105] According to a second embodiment, the heat-generating layer has a structure configured to limit heat transfer in the plane direction of the heat-generating layer. Accordingly, the temperature of a contacted area can be rapidly reduced in response to contact with an object.

[0106] According to a third aspect, the heat generating layer comprises a plurality of heat generating portions, wherein the heat generating portion side low thermal conductivity portion, whose thermal conductivity is lower than a thermal conductivity of the heat generating portions, is provided between the heat generating portions.

[0107] As described above, since the low thermal conductivity heat generating portion side portion whose thermal conductivity is lower than that of the heat generating portion is provided between the heat generating portions, heat transfer between the heat generating portions is limited, and the temperature of a contacted area can be rapidly reduced in response to contact of an object with the heat generating portion.

[0108] According to a fourth embodiment, the pair of electrodes is a pair of the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode which are adjacent to each other.

[0109] The pair of electrodes may be provided as the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode adjacent to each other.

[0110] According to a fifth aspect, the low thermal conductivity electrode side portion having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode is provided between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode.

[0111] As described above, since the low thermal conductivity electrode side portion whose thermal conductivity is lower than that of the transfer electrode and the receive electrode is provided between the transfer electrode and the receive electrode, heat transfer between the transfer electrode and the receive electrode is limited, and the temperature of a contacted area can be rapidly reduced in response to contact of an object with the transfer electrode and the receive electrode.

[0112] According to a sixth aspect, a ratio of an area occupied by at least one of the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode in a predetermined unit area in a region where the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are arranged is smaller than 1.

[0113] Accordingly, thermal resistance in the plane direction of the electrodes 24a, 24b can be high, while heat transfer in the plane direction of the electrodes 24a, 24b is limited. Consequently, the temperature can decrease rapidly in response to contact with a human body.

[0114] According to a seventh embodiment, the predetermined unit area is less than or equal to 1 square centimeter. Since the predetermined unit area is less than or equal to 1 square centimeter, contact of a finger can be accurately detected by the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode in both cases where a child's finger comes into contact and where an adult's finger comes into contact.

[0115] According to an eighth aspect, the detection section is configured to generate an electric field between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode and to detect an object around the transmission electrode and the reception electrode by mutual capacitance detection that detects the capacitance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode.

[0116] As described above, the detection section is configured to generate an electric field between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode and detect an object around the transmission electrode and the reception electrode by mutual capacitance detection that detects the capacitance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode.

[0117] According to a ninth aspect, the detecting section is configured to generate an electric field between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode by applying a pulsed voltage to the transmitting electrode, and subsequently detect the capacitance between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode.

[0118] As described above, the detection section is configured to generate an electric field between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode by applying a pulsed voltage to the transmitting electrode, and subsequently detect the capacitance between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode.

[0119] According to a tenth embodiment, the heat generating device includes the insulation plate between the heat generating sections, the transfer electrode, and the receiving electrode. As described above, the insulation plate may be provided between the heat generating sections, the transfer electrode, and the receiving electrode.

[0120] According to an eleventh embodiment, the heat generating device comprises the grounded electrode surrounding the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode, wherein the grounded electrode is connected to the ground terminal.

[0121] Accordingly, capacitance effects that may be caused by components around the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode can be reduced.

[0122] According to a twelfth aspect, the heat generating device comprises a plurality of transfer electrodes and a plurality of receiving electrodes, each of the transfer electrodes and the receiving electrodes having a rectangular shape. In at least one of the transfer electrodes, a first side faces a side of one of the receiving electrodes, and a second side, adjacent to the first side, faces a side of another receiving electrode closest to the one receiving electrode opposite the first side of the transfer electrode.

[0123] Accordingly, a capacitance coupling between the transmitting electrodes and the receiving electrodes can be increased compared with a case where a rectangular transmitting electrode and a rectangular receiving electrode are adjacent to each other, for example, and an object can be detected more accurately.

[0124] According to a thirteenth embodiment, the transmitting electrodes are connected to each other, with pairs of opposite corners of the transmitting electrodes aligned in a line. Similarly, the receiving electrodes are connected to each other, with pairs of opposite corners of the receiving electrodes aligned in a line.

[0125] As described above, the transmitting electrodes may be connected to each other, with pairs of opposite corners of the transmitting electrodes being aligned in a line. Similarly, the receiving electrodes may be connected to each other, with pairs of opposite corners of the receiving electrodes being aligned in a line.

[0126] According to a fourteenth embodiment, the transmitting electrode surrounds the receiving electrode, wherein the surface area of ​​the transmitting electrode is larger than the surface area of ​​the receiving electrode.

[0127] Since the transmitting electrode surrounds the receiving electrode and the surface area of ​​the transmitting electrode is larger than the surface area of ​​the receiving electrode, effects of ambient electromagnetic noise can be suppressed.

[0128] According to a fifteenth aspect, the transfer electrode and the receiving electrode are made of the same material. Since the transfer electrode and the receiving electrode are made of the same material, the configurations of the heat generating device can be simplified.

[0129] According to a sixteenth aspect, the heat-generating section is grounded by being connected to the ground terminal. Accordingly, even when noise is radiated from vehicle components located on a side of the heat-generating sections opposite to a side on which the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are arranged, the heat-generating sections block the generation of a capacitance between the vehicle components and the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode. Accordingly, an object can be accurately detected.

[0130] According to a seventeenth aspect, the heat-generating layer is configured to radiate heat toward an object disposed on one side of the heat-generating layer, and the pair of electrodes is disposed on one side of the heat-generating layer. As described above, the heat-generating layer may be configured to radiate heat toward an object disposed on one side of the heat-generating layer, and the pair of electrodes may be disposed on one side of the heat-generating layer.

[0131] A heat generating device or heating device comprises a heat generating layer (220) having a heat generating portion (22) configured to generate heat when energized, a pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) arranged on one side of the heat generating layer and spaced apart from each other, a detecting portion (30) configured to generate an electric field between the pair of electrodes and detect an object around the pair of electrodes, and a controller (40) configured to control the amount of electric power supplied to the heat generating portion based on a detection result by the detecting portion.

Claims

[1] Heat generating device (20) comprising: a heat generating layer (220) having a plurality of heat generating portions (22) configured to generate heat when energized; a pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) arranged on a first side of the heat generating layer (220), the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) being spaced apart from each other; a detection section (30) configured to generate an electric field between the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) and detecting an object around the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b); a control device (40) configured to control an amount of electric power supplied to the plurality of heat generating sections (22) based on a detection result by the detection section (30); a low thermal conductivity heat generating section side portion (21) provided between the plurality of heat generating sections (22), wherein a thermal conductivity of the low thermal conductivity heat generating section side portion (21) is lower than a thermal conductivity of the plurality of heat generating sections (22), whereby the heat generating layer (220) has a structure configured to limit heat transfer in a plane direction of the heat generating layer (220); a low thermal conductivity electrode side portion (25) provided between the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b), wherein a thermal conductivity of the low thermal conductivity electrode side portion (25) is lower than a thermal conductivity of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b), thereby limiting heat transfer in a plane direction of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b); and an insulation plate (23) arranged between the plurality of heat generating sections (22) and the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b), wherein the plurality of heat generating sections (22) are arranged on one side of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) and the insulation plate (23) is arranged between the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) and the plurality of heat generating sections (22), whereby an electric field on another side of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) opposite to the one side is stabilized and effects of electromagnetic noise from a region on the second side of the heat generating layer (220) are limited, and the heat generation layer (220) is configured to radiate heat toward an object arranged in a region on the first side of the heat generation layer (220) wherein the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) is a pair of a transmitting electrode (24a) and a receiving electrode (24b) which are adjacent to each other, wherein the heat generating device (20) further comprises a grounded electrode (25c) surrounding the transmitting electrode (24a) and the receiving electrode (24b), the grounded electrode (25c) being connected to a ground terminal. [2] The heat generating device (20) according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of an area occupied by at least one of the transmitting electrode (24a) and the receiving electrode (24b) in a predetermined unit area in a region where the transmitting electrode (24a) and the receiving electrode (24b) are arranged is less than 1. [3] The heat generating device (20) according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined unit area is less than or equal to 1 square centimeter. [4] Heat generating device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection section (30) is configured, to generate an electric field between the transmitting electrode (24a) and the receiving electrode (24b) and detecting an object around the transmitting electrode (24a) and the receiving electrode (24b) using mutual capacitance detection by detecting a capacitance between the transmitting electrode (24a) and the receiving electrode (24b). [5] Heat generating device (20) according to claim 4, wherein the detection section (30) is configured, applying a pulsed voltage to the transmission electrode (24a) to generate an electric field between the transmission electrode (24a) and the reception electrode (24b), and subsequently detecting a capacitance between the transmitting electrode (24a) and the receiving electrode (24b). [6] Heat generating device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a plurality of transmitting electrodes (24a) and a plurality of receiving electrodes (24b), wherein each of the plurality of transmitting electrodes (24a) and the plurality of receiving electrodes (24b) has a rectangular shape, a first side of at least one transmission electrode of the plurality of transmission electrodes (24a) is opposite a side of a reception electrode of the plurality of reception electrodes (24b) and a second side of the at least one transmission electrode, which is adjacent to the first side, is opposite a side of another reception electrode of the plurality of reception electrodes (24b) which is closest to the one reception electrode opposite the first side of the at least one transmission electrode. [7] Heat generating device (20) according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of transfer electrodes (24a) are connected to one another and arranged such that opposite corner points of the plurality of transfer electrodes (24a) are aligned in a line and the plurality of receiving electrodes (24b) are connected to one another and arranged such that opposite corner points of the plurality of receiving electrodes (24b) are aligned on a different line. [8] Heat generating device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transmission electrode (24a) surrounds the reception electrode (24b) and a surface area of ​​the transmitting electrode (24a) is larger than a surface area of ​​the receiving electrode (24b). [9] Heat generating device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the transmitting electrode (24a) and the receiving electrode (24b) are made of a same material. [10] Heat generating device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of heat generating sections (22) are connected to a ground terminal. [11] Heat generating device (20) comprising: a heat generating layer (220) having a plurality of heat generating portions (22) configured to generate heat when energized; a pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) arranged on a first side of the heat generating layer (220), the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) being spaced apart from each other; a detection section (30) configured to generate an electric field between the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) and detecting an object around the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b); a control device (40) configured to control an amount of electric power supplied to the plurality of heat generating sections (22) based on a detection result by the detection section (30); a low thermal conductivity heat generating section side portion (21) provided between the plurality of heat generating sections (22), wherein a thermal conductivity of the low thermal conductivity heat generating section side portion (21) is lower than a thermal conductivity of the plurality of heat generating sections (22), whereby the heat generating layer (220) has a structure configured to limit heat transfer in a plane direction of the heat generating layer (220); a low thermal conductivity electrode side portion (25) provided between the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b), wherein a thermal conductivity of the low thermal conductivity electrode side portion (25) is lower than a thermal conductivity of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b), thereby limiting heat transfer in a plane direction of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b); and an insulation plate (23) arranged between the plurality of heat generating sections (22) and the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b), wherein the plurality of heat generating sections (22) are arranged on one side of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) and the insulation plate (23) is arranged between the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) and the plurality of heat generating sections (22), whereby an electric field on another side of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) opposite to the one side is stabilized and effects of electromagnetic noise from a region on the second side of the heat generating layer (220) are limited, and the heat generation layer (220) is configured to radiate heat toward an object arranged in a region on the first side of the heat generation layer (220) wherein the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) is a pair of a transmitting electrode (24a) and a receiving electrode (24b) which are adjacent to each other, wherein the heat generating device (20) comprises a plurality of said transmitting electrodes (24a) and a plurality of said receiving electrodes (24b), wherein each of the plurality of transmitting electrodes (24a) and the plurality of receiving electrodes (24b) has a rectangular shape, a first side of at least one transmission electrode of the plurality of transmission electrodes (24a) is opposite a side of a reception electrode of the plurality of reception electrodes (24b) and a second side of the at least one transmission electrode, which is adjacent to the first side, is opposite a side of another reception electrode of the plurality of reception electrodes (24b) which is closest to the one reception electrode opposite the first side of the at least one transmission electrode. [12] Heat generating device (20) comprising: a heat generating layer (220) having a plurality of heat generating portions (22) configured to generate heat when energized; a pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) arranged on a first side of the heat generating layer (220), the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) being spaced apart from each other; a detection section (30) configured to generate an electric field between the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) and detecting an object around the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b); a control device (40) configured to control an amount of electric power supplied to the plurality of heat generating sections (22) based on a detection result by the detection section (30); a low thermal conductivity heat generating section side portion (21) provided between the plurality of heat generating sections (22), wherein a thermal conductivity of the low thermal conductivity heat generating section side portion (21) is lower than a thermal conductivity of the plurality of heat generating sections (22), whereby the heat generating layer (220) has a structure configured to limit heat transfer in a plane direction of the heat generating layer (220); a low thermal conductivity electrode side portion (25) provided between the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b), wherein a thermal conductivity of the low thermal conductivity electrode side portion (25) is lower than a thermal conductivity of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b), thereby limiting heat transfer in a plane direction of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b); and an insulation plate (23) arranged between the plurality of heat generating sections (22) and the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b), wherein the plurality of heat generating sections (22) are arranged on one side of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) and the insulation plate (23) is arranged between the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) and the plurality of heat generating sections (22), whereby an electric field on another side of the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) opposite to the one side is stabilized and effects of electromagnetic noise from a region on the second side of the heat generating layer (220) are limited, and the heat generation layer (220) is configured to radiate heat toward an object arranged in a region on the first side of the heat generation layer (220) wherein the pair of electrodes (24a, 24b) is a pair of a transmitting electrode (24a) and a receiving electrode (24b) which are adjacent to each other, wherein the transmission electrode (24a) surrounds the reception electrode (24b) and a surface area of ​​the transmitting electrode (24a) is larger than a surface area of ​​the receiving electrode (24b).

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