Film heating device

Abstract

A film heating device (10) is to be attached to an object (HL, RZ) to be heated. The film heating device comprises a conductive film (20) that generates heat when supplied with electricity and a pair of electrode sections (30, 40) connected to the conductive film. An assembly comprising the conductive film and the pair of electrode sections includes an attached section (11) to be attached to the object to be heated and a separate section (12) connected to the attached section and spaced apart from the object to be heated. The separate section includes a separating section (DC) that melts or breaks in response to an overcurrent.

Description

Cross-reference to related application

[0001] This application is based on Japanese patent application JP 2022-080246 filed on May 16, 2022, and on Japanese patent application JP 2022-189292 filed on November 28, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical area

[0002] The present invention relates to a film heating device which is / is attached to an object to be heated. Background of the state of the art

[0003] Conventionally, a film heater that heats a headlight cover through which light passes is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A control unit of the film heater described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a protection circuit including a current fuse that blows in response to the occurrence of an overcurrent. Prior art documentsPatent documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: JP 2020-104594 A Summary

[0005] However, for example, when a current fuse that blows in response to an overcurrent occurrence is provided in a protection circuit for a control circuit as in Patent Document 1, the number of components may increase, resulting in increased costs.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a film heater which can provide protection against an overcurrent while limiting an increase in the number of components.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a film heater is to be attached to an object to be heated and includes a conductive film that generates heat when supplied with electricity, and a pair of electrode portions connected to the conductive film. A structure including the conductive film and the pair of electrode portions has an attached portion to be attached to the object to be heated and a separate portion connected to the attached portion and to be spaced apart from the object to be heated. The separate portion includes a separating portion (breaking portion) that melts or breaks in response to an occurrence of an overcurrent.

[0008] When a film heater has sections spaced apart from an object to be heated, it is difficult to transfer heat generated in a pair of electrode sections located at the sections to the object to be heated. Therefore, the sections separated from the object to be heated tend to have a higher temperature than those sections of the pair of electrode sections in contact with the object to be heated.

[0009] Taking the above into consideration, the film heater of the present invention has the separate portion spaced from the object to be heated in the structure including the conductive film and the pair of electrode portions. When the separate portion is used as the separating portion that melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of an overcurrent, it is possible to provide protection against overcurrent while limiting an increase in the number of components.

[0010] Here, reference numerals in parentheses added to each component or the like show an example of the correspondence of the component or the like and a specific component or the like discussed in the embodiments described below. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows a front view of a vehicle to which a film heater according to a first embodiment is applied. Fig. 2 shows a structural diagram of a heater system including the film heater of the first embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view along a line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how a current flows in the film heater when an unintentional short circuit occurs. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the film heater when an overcurrent flows. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining an electrical resistance at an attached electrode portion and a separate electrode portion of a film heater according to a second embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a front view of a portion of the film heater of the second embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view along a line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 shows a front view of a portion of a film heater of a third embodiment. Fig. 10 is a front view of a portion of a film heater according to a modification of the third embodiment. Fig. 11 shows a front view of a portion of a film heater according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 12 is a view for explaining the electrical conductivity at one separation portion and the other portion. Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining the heat transfer amount at the attached electrode portion and a separate electrode portion of a film heater according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the surface roughness at the attached electrode portion and the separate electrode portion. Fig. 15 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a film heater according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 16 is an explanatory view for explaining a flow velocity of an air flow around the attached electrode portion and the separated electrode portion. Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining thermal conductivity of materials constituting an attached electrode portion and a separate electrode portion of a film heater according to a seventh embodiment. Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining thermal conductivity of materials constituting an attached insulating portion and a separate insulating portion of a film heater according to an eighth embodiment. Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining linear expansion coefficients of materials constituting an attached insulating portion and a separate insulating portion of the film heater according to a ninth embodiment. Fig. 20 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a film heater according to a tenth embodiment. Fig. 21 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a film heater according to an eleventh embodiment. Fig. 22 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a film heater according to a twelfth embodiment. Fig. 23 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a film heater according to a modification of the twelfth embodiment. Fig. 24 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a film heater according to a thirteenth embodiment. Fig. 25 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a film heater according to a first modification of the thirteenth embodiment. Fig. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a film heater according to a second modification of the thirteenth embodiment. Fig. 27 is a structural diagram of a heater system including a film heater according to a fourteenth embodiment. Fig. 28 shows a cross-sectional view along a line XXVIII-XXVIII in Fig. 27. Description of the embodiments

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the parts that are the same as or equivalent to those described in the previous embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted. When only a part of the components is described in the embodiment, the components described in the previous embodiment can be applied to the remaining parts of the components. The following embodiments can be partially combined with each other even if such a combination is not explicitly described, as long as there is no disadvantage associated with such a combination. First embodiment

[0012] The present embodiment is described with reference to the Fig. 1 to 5. In the present embodiment, an example is described in which the film heater 10 of the present invention is applied to headlights (headlamps) HL, which are headlights of a vehicle C. In the present embodiment, the headlights HL are "objects to be heated" of the film heater 10. The headlights HL are transparent light-transmitting elements that transmit electromagnetic waves (visible light in the present example).

[0013] Here, the headlights HL are configured as LED lamps, using LEDs as light sources. Compared to halogen lamps, LED lamps emit less infrared light, and the lens sections RZ do not heat up easily, so if snow or ice adheres to the lens sections RZ, it does not melt easily. This is undesirable, as it could result in a reduction in the illumination of the headlights HL.

[0014] Taking this into consideration, in the present embodiment, the film heater 10 is applied to the headlights HL. The film heater 10 forms part of a heater system 1. The film heater 10 is made of an optical adhesive sheet and is attached to the lens portion RZ of the headlight HL, as shown in Fig. 1. The film heater 10 generates heat to heat the lens portion RZ of the headlight HL, thereby melting ice and snow on the lens portion RZ, preventing fogging, etc. This ensures sufficient illumination for the headlight HL, thereby improving safety when the vehicle C is traveling.

[0015] As this is Fig. 2, the heater system 1 has the film heater 10 and a control unit 100. In Fig. 2 and the like indicate an up and down direction DR1 of the film heater 10 when the film heater 10 is attached to the lens portion RZ of the headlamp HL.

[0016] The film heater 10 is a heater formed in a film shape. As shown in Fig. 3, the film heater 10 includes a conductive film 20, a first electrode portion 30, a second electrode portion 40, an insulating portion (insulating portion) 50, and a support member 60.

[0017] The insulating portion 50 is a member serving as a base member of the film heater 10. The insulating portion 50 is a transparent thin film with electrically insulating properties. The insulating film 50 is made of a thermoplastic such as polycarbonate. The insulating portion 50 has a thickness of, for example, approximately 0.05 to 0.5 mm. In the present embodiment, the insulating portion 50 forms a base member that supports at least one of the conductive film 20 and a pair of electrode portions 30, 40.

[0018] The conductive film 20 is a heat-generating portion that generates heat when electricity is applied to it. The conductive film 20 is a transparent thin film that is electrically conductive. The conductive film 20 is laminated onto a surface of the insulating portion 50.

[0019] The conductive film 20 is formed, for example, from ITO or a carbon tube. ITO is an abbreviation for indium tin oxide. The conductive film 20 has a smaller thickness than the insulating portion 50. The conductive film 20 has a thickness of a few nanometers. The resistivity (resistivity) of the conductive film 20 can be uniform within a plane or can be non-uniform and biased (subject to bias influence). The conductive film 20 described above is constructed so that current flows through it in a planar rather than linear manner.

[0020] The first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40 are a pair of electrode portions electrically connected to the conductive film 20. The first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40 are laminated on surfaces of the conductive film 20 and the insulating portion 50.

[0021] The first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40 are electrically connected via the conductive film 20. The first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40 can be formed, for example, by printing silver paste or copper paste onto the conductive film 20 and firing it. The first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40 are electrically conductive with the conductive film 20 at the portions where they are in physical contact with the conductive film 20.

[0022] The resistivity of the first electrode portion 30 and the resistivity of the second electrode portion 40 are sufficiently lower than the resistivity of the conductive film 20. In other words, the electrical conductivities of the first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40 are sufficiently larger than the electrical conductivity of the conductive film 20. For example, the average electrical conductivity of the first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40 is 10 times or more as large as the average electrical conductivity of the conductive film 20. In addition, the first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40 are thicker than the conductive film 20 and thinner than the insulating portion 50. The first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40 each have a thickness of, for example, approximately several micrometers.

[0023] The first electrode portion 30 is connected to an upper edge portion 21 on an upper side of the conductive film 20. The first electrode portion 30 has a first contact portion 31 that is in physical contact with the conductive film 20, and a first lead portion 32 that connects the first contact portion 31 to a connecting element CN. In the first electrode portion 30, the first contact portion 31 extends in a direction intersecting the up-and-down direction DR1, and the first lead portion 32 extends vertically in a straight line 1 so as to intersect the first contact portion 31.

[0024] The second electrode portion 40 is connected to a lower edge portion 22 located on a lower side of the conductive film 20. The second electrode portion 40 has a second contact portion 41 that is in physical contact with the conductive film 20 and a second lead portion 42 that connects the second contact portion 41 to the connecting element CN.

[0025] The second contact portion 41 of the second electrode portion 40 extends in a direction intersecting the up-and-down direction DR1. The second lead portion 42 has a first portion extending vertically in a straight line on one side of the conductive film 20 from a portion in contact with the second contact portion 41, a second portion intersecting the first portion and extending along the first contact portion 31 of the first electrode portion 30, and a portion intersecting the second portion and extending vertically in a straight line.

[0026] A structure comprising the conductive film 20, the pair of electrode portions 30, 40, and the insulating portion 50 constructed as described above is constructed as a laminated body ST in which the conductive film 20, the pair of electrode portions 30, 40, and the insulating portion 50 are laminated in a predetermined order. The laminated body ST is obtained, for example, by forming the conductive film 20 in a predetermined shape on the insulating portion 50 serving as the base member using a screen mask, and then forming the pair of electrode portions 30, 40 of a predetermined pattern. Arrows indicating one side and the other side in Fig. 3 and the like indicate a lamination direction DR2 of the laminated body ST. In the present embodiment, a side of the laminated body ST on which the pair of electrode portions 30, 40 are arranged is defined as one side, and a side of the laminated body ST on which the insulation portion 50 is arranged is defined as the other side. In the front view of Fig. 2 and the like, the paired electrode portions 30, 40 are shown with a dot pattern to distinguish them from the other components. In the actual product, the paired electrode portions 30, 40 are not provided with the dot pattern.

[0027] The laminated body ST is formed in a film or sheet shape, and overall, the laminated body ST has a small thickness in the lamination direction DR2. The laminated body ST has a main body portion 11 of a substantially rectangular shape and a connecting member connecting portion 12 extending upward from the main body portion 11.

[0028] The main body portion 11 includes the conductive film 20, the pair of electrode portions 30, 40, and the insulating portion 50. The main body portion 11 includes the conductive film 20 and functions as a heat-generating portion that generates heat when electricity is applied thereto. The main body portion 11 is attached to the lens portion RZ via the support member 60 so that heat is efficiently transferred from the main body portion 11 to the lens portion RZ. More specifically, the other side of the laminated body ST in the lamination direction DR2 is attached to the lens portion RZ by the support member 60.

[0029] The support member 60 is in the form of a film or sheet, and, for example, an optical adhesive such as OCR or OCA with excellent light transmittance is incorporated. OCR is an abbreviation for "Optical Clear Resin." OCA is an abbreviation for "Optical Clear Adhesive." In the present embodiment, the support member 60 forms a support member that supports at least one of the conductive film 20 and the pair of electrode portions 30, 40.

[0030] The connector connecting portion 12 includes the pair of electrode portions 30, 40 and the insulating portion 50. The connector connecting portion 12 does not include the conductive film 20 and functions as a power supply portion that supplies power to the conductive film 20. The connector CN for electrically connecting the laminated body ST of the film heater 10 to the control unit 100 is attached to an upper end portion of the connector connecting portion 12. The connector connecting portion 12 may include not only the pair of electrode portions 30, 40 and the insulating portion 50, but also the conductive film 20.

[0031] The connecting member connecting portion 12 is spaced apart from the lens portion RZ, and no support member 60 is provided between the connecting member connecting portion 12 and the lens portion RZ. Specifically, the other side of the laminated body ST in the lamination direction DR2 is attached to the lens portion RZ by the support member 60. In the laminated body ST of the present embodiment, the main body portion 11 constitutes an "attached portion" that is attached to an object to be heated, and the connecting member connecting portion 12 constitutes a "separate portion" that is spaced apart from the object to be heated.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40 disposed in the main body portion 11 are defined as a first attached electrode portion 34 and a second attached electrode portion 44, and the first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40 disposed in the connector connecting portion 12 are defined as a first separate electrode portion 35 and a second separate electrode portion 45. The insulating portion 50 disposed in the main body portion 11 is defined as an attached insulating portion (attached insulating portion) 51, and the insulating portion 50 disposed in the connector connecting portion 12 is defined as a separate insulating portion (separate insulating portion) 52.

[0033] In the film heater 10 constructed in this manner, the connector connecting portion 12 is separate (disconnected) from the lens portion RZ, so that heat generated at the first separate electrode portion 35 and the second separate electrode portion 45 disposed in the connector connecting portion 12 is unlikely to be transferred to the lens portion RZ. For this reason, the first separate electrode portion 35 and the second separate electrode portion 45 tend to reach a higher temperature than the first attached electrode portion 34 and the second attached electrode portion 44.

[0034] By taking these factors into account, in the film heater 10, the connector connecting portion 12 functions as a DC separation portion (breaking portion) that melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of an overcurrent. Furthermore, the electrical resistance value and the like of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 of the connector connecting portion 12 are set so that when an overcurrent occurs, a temperature of the separate insulating portion 52 exceeds a melting point of the separate insulating portion 52 due to Joule heat generated at the first separate electrode portion 35 and the second separate electrode portion 45.

[0035] With further reference to Fig. 2, the film heater 10 is connected to the control unit 100 via the connector CN. The control unit 100 controls the state and amount of electricity supplied to the film heater 10. The control unit 100 is connected to a vehicle battery BT via a current fuse FS. The current fuse FS blows in response to an overcurrent occurring between the vehicle battery BT and the control unit 100, thereby protecting in-vehicle devices such as the vehicle battery BT.

[0036] Although not shown, the control unit 100 is housed inside an equipment housing section in the vehicle C, which houses drive equipment for driving the vehicle. The control unit 100 includes a microcomputer with a processor and a memory, and the processor executes various processes according to programs stored in the memory. It should be noted here that the control unit 100 is not provided with a fuse for protecting the film heater 10 and the control unit 100.

[0037] For example, when the headlights HL are turned on and a heating request condition is met, which requires either defrosting, melting snow, or preventing fogging of the lens portion RZ of the headlights HL, the control unit 100 starts supplying electricity to the film heater 10. The heating request condition may be, for example, a condition that is met when the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor drops to 5°C or lower.

[0038] When electricity is applied to the film heater 10, the conductive film 20 generates heat. The heat from the conductive film 20 is then transferred to the lens portion RZ of the headlight HL, causing the temperature of the lens portion RZ to rise. This enables the lens portion RZ to be defrosted, snow-melted, and fog-proof.

[0039] For example, when, as in Fig. 4, when the first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40 are short-circuited due to some cause, a current flows from the first electrode portion 30 to the second electrode portion 40. In this case, the combined resistance of the film heater 10 decreases, causing a larger current (i.e., an overcurrent) to flow from the first electrode portion 30 to the second electrode portion 40. This overcurrent causes a large amount of Joule heat to be generated in the first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40. In particular, the temperatures of the separated electrode portions 35 and 45 of the electrode portions 30 and 40 rise earlier than those of the attached electrode portions 34, 44 because no heat transfer to the lens portion RZ occurs.When the temperature of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 exceeds the melting point of the separate insulating portion 52, a portion of the separate insulating portion 52 melts and deforms. At this time, thermal stress or the like acts on each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45, causing a portion of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 to break, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. Fig. 5 is shown.

[0040] In the film heater 10 described above, the connector connecting portion 12 of the laminated body ST is spaced apart from the lens portion RZ, which is an object to be heated. The connector connecting portion 12 serves as the separation portion (breaking portion) DC that melts or breaks in response to an overcurrent occurrence. In this way, by providing a portion weak to heat in the film heater and designing this portion as the separation portion (breaking portion) DC that melts or breaks in response to an overcurrent occurrence, overcurrent protection can be achieved without increasing the number of components.

[0041] In addition, the film heater 10 has the following features. (0) The structure including the conductive film 20 and the pair of electrode portions 30, 40 includes the support member 60 that supports at least one of the conductive film 20 and the pair of electrode portions 30, 40. In the film heater 10 configured in this manner, the support member 60 can improve the workability when attaching to the lens portion RZ, and the support member 60 can reinforce the conductive film 20 and the pair of electrode portions 30, 40. (1) The connector connecting portion 12 is disposed above the main body portion 11, which forms the heat-generating portion. Thus, when the connector connecting portion 12 is positioned above the main body portion 11, the ambient heat heated by the main body portion 11 rises toward the vicinity of the connector connecting portion 12, making it easier for the connector connecting portion 12 to heat up quickly. Therefore, in response to an overcurrent occurrence, the separate electrode portions 35, 45 disposed in the connector connecting portion 12 can be appropriately melted or broken. (2) In the present embodiment, the object to be heated is the lens portion RZ of the headlight HL, which is transparent and transmits electromagnetic waves. The conductive film 20 is made of a transparent conductive film that transmits electromagnetic waves. The insulating portion 50 is made of a transparent insulating material that transmits electromagnetic waves. The film heater 10 constructed in this manner can suitably heat the object to be heated while minimizing the impact on the functionality and design of the object to be heated. (3) The insulating portion 50 includes the attached insulating portion 51 disposed in the main body portion 11 and the separate insulating portion 52 disposed in the connector connecting portion 12. The separate insulating portion 52 has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm in the lamination direction DR2 of the laminated body ST. In this way, by reducing the thickness of the separate insulating portion 52, the thermal capacity is reduced, and the separate insulating portion 52 is more likely to heat up quickly in response to an occurrence of an overcurrent, so that portions of the electrode portions 30, 40 disposed adjacent to the separate insulating portion 52 can be broken appropriately in response to an occurrence of the overcurrent. (4) The insulating portion 50 is made of a thermally plastic material. According to this feature, in response to an overcurrent occurrence, the separate insulating portion 52 is easily deformed by Joule heat from the separate electrode portions 35, 45. Therefore, a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 is easily broken due to thermal stress or the like generated in each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45. Modifications of the first embodiment

[0042] In the first embodiment of the film heater 10, an overcurrent causes a portion of the separate insulating portion 52 to melt and deform, and at this time, thermal stress or the like acts on each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45, causing a portion of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 to break as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. The film heater 10 may be configured such that, for example, a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 melts due to Joule heat generated in each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 due to an overcurrent. The same applies to the following embodiments.

[0043] In the first embodiment, the DC isolation section (break section) is provided in the film heater 10 instead of a current fuse of the control unit 100, but the heater system 1 is not limited to this example. For example, the heater system 1 may be configured such that the DC isolation section is provided in the film heater 10 and a current fuse is provided in the control unit 100. According to this configuration, redundant overcurrent protection functions can be provided while preventing an increase in the number of components. Second embodiment

[0044] A second embodiment is described below with reference to the Fig. 6 to 8. In the present embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment are mainly described.

[0045] As this is Fig. 6, in the film heater 10, the electrical resistance of at least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 is higher than the electrical resistance of each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44. In each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45, the portion with the higher electrical resistance becomes a separation portion (breaking portion) DC, which melts or breaks in response to an occurrence of an overcurrent.

[0046] As this is the case in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, in each of the electrode sections 30, 40, a cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of each of the separate electrode sections 35, 45 that intersects with the direction of current flow is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the other (remaining) sections. In other words, at least a portion of each of the separate electrode sections 35, 45 has a smaller cross-sectional area that intersects with the direction of current flow than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the attached electrode sections 34, 44. In the present embodiment, the current flows vertically in each of the separate electrode sections 35, 45. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the separate electrode sections 35, 45 that intersects with the direction of current flow is the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the separate electrode sections 35, 45 that intersects the up-and-down direction DR1.

[0047] Specifically, at least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 has a smaller thickness in the lamination direction DR2 of the laminated body ST than the thickness of each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44 in the lamination direction DR2 of the laminated body ST. The thinner portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 serves as the separation portion (disconnection portion) DC.

[0048] The remaining structure is the same as in the first embodiment. The film heater 10 of the present embodiment can achieve the effects obtained from the common structure or the equivalent structure to the first embodiment.

[0049] The film heater 10 of the present embodiment has the following features. (1) In the film heater 10, at least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 has a high electrical resistance. According to this feature, Joule heat generated in each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 becomes high in response to an overcurrent occurrence, so that in response to the overcurrent occurrence, each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 may appropriately melt or break due to thermal distortion occurring between the separate electrode portions 35, 45 and the surrounding area, or melt or break due to overheating. (2) A cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 that intersects with the direction of current flow is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44. In this way, by reducing the thickness in the lamination direction DR2 of at least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45, the electrical resistance of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 can be made higher than that of each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44 without adding any new components. (3) Specifically, at least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 has a smaller thickness in the lamination direction DR2 of the laminated body ST than the thickness of each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44 in the lamination direction DR2 of the laminated body ST. In this way, by reducing the thickness in the lamination direction DR2 of at least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45, the electrical resistance of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 can be made higher than that of the attached electrode portions 34, 44 without adding any new components. Third embodiment

[0050] A third embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 9. In the present embodiment, the differences from the second embodiment are mainly described.

[0051] As this is Fig. As shown in Fig. 9, instead of the thickness in the lamination direction DR2 of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45, an electrode width of at least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 is set to be narrower (narrower) than an electrode width of each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44 of the laminated body ST. Of the separate electrode portions 35, 45, the portions with the narrower electrode width are separation portions (disconnection portions) DC. The electrode width is a width dimension of each of the electrode portions 30, 40 in a direction intersecting the direction of current flow.

[0052] The remaining structure is the same as that of the above-described embodiments. The film heater 10 of the present embodiment can achieve the effects achieved by the common structure or equivalent structure to the above-described embodiments.

[0053] The film heater 10 of the present embodiment has the following features. 1) The electrode width of at least a portion of each of the separate electrode sections 35, 45 is smaller than the electrode width of each of the attached electrode sections 34, 44. In this way, by reducing the electrode width of at least a portion of each of the separate electrode sections 35, 45, the electrical resistance of each of the separate electrode sections 35, 45 can be made larger than that of each of the attached electrode sections 34, 44 without adding any new components. Modifications of the third embodiment

[0054] In the third embodiment, the electrode width of at least a portion of each of the separate electrode sections 35, 45 is smaller than the electrode width of each of the attached electrode sections 34, 44, but the present invention is not limited to this example. Each of the separate electrode sections 35, 45 may, for example, be formed as shown in Fig. 10 may be constructed to have one or more non-conductive masked portions in such a manner as to reduce the cross-sectional area intersecting the direction of current flow.

[0055] In another modification, at least a portion of each of the separate electrode sections 35, 45 in the third embodiment may have a small thickness in the lamination direction DR2. This also allows for a reduction in the cross-sectional area that intersects the direction of current flow. Fourth embodiment

[0056] A fourth embodiment is described below with reference to the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. In the present embodiment, the differences from the second embodiment are mainly described.

[0057] As this is Fig. As shown in Figure 11, a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 has a lower electrical conductivity than the other portion except for that portion, and is made of a conductive material. In the separate electrode portions 35, 45, the portions made of the conductive material with low electrical conductivity become the separating portions (interrupting portions) DC. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the electrical conductivity of the separating section DC is lower than in the remaining section. In each of the separate electrode sections 35, 45, the separating section DC is made of aluminum, for example, and the remaining section is made of copper.

[0058] Other configurations are the same as in the above-described embodiments. The film heater 10 of the present embodiment can achieve the effects obtained from the common structure and an equivalent structure to the above-described embodiments.

[0059] The film heater 10 of the present embodiment has the following features. (1) As in the present embodiment, when a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 is made of a conductive material having low electrical conductivity, the electrical resistance of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 can be made higher than that of each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44 without adding any new components. Fifth embodiment

[0060] A fifth embodiment is described below with reference to the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. In the present embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment are mainly described.

[0061] As this is Fig. As shown in FIG. 13, in the film heater 10 of the present embodiment, the heat transfer amount in at least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 is smaller than the heat transfer amount in each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44. In the separate electrode portions 35, 45, the portions with the small heat transfer amount become the separation portion (break portion) DC, which melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of an overcurrent. The heat transfer amount is the amount of heat transferred to the outside in each of the electrode portions 30 and 40.

[0062] More specifically, according to Fig. 14 at least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 has a surface roughness lower than that of each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44. As a result, the heat transfer area in each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 becomes smaller than the heat transfer area in each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44, and the heat transfer amount of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 becomes smaller.

[0063] The remaining configurations are the same as those in the above-described embodiments. The film heater 10 of the present embodiment can achieve the effects achieved by the common structure or the equivalent structure to the above-described embodiments.

[0064] The film heater 10 of the present embodiment has the following features. (1) The film heater 10 is configured so that the heat transfer amount of at least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 is small. According to this feature, the temperature of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 is likely to rise rapidly in response to an overcurrent occurrence, so that each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 may melt or break in response to an overcurrent occurrence. (2) At least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 has a lower surface roughness than each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44. This enables the heat transfer amount of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 to be lower than that of each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44 without adding any new components. Sixth embodiment

[0065] A sixth embodiment is described below with reference to the Fig. 15 and Fig. 16. In the present embodiment, the differences from the fifth embodiment are mainly described.

[0066] As this is Fig. As shown in Fig. 15, in the film heater 10 of the present embodiment, the connector connecting portion 12 is disposed inside an exterior panel OP of the vehicle C, such as a hood. As a result, the connector connecting portion 12 is not exposed to the traveling wind of the vehicle C.

[0067] By designing in this way, at least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 is positioned at a position where the flow velocity of the air flowing around the laminated body ST is lower than at the position where each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44 is arranged. As a result, the flow velocity of the air flow around each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 becomes lower than the air flow velocity of the air flow around each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44, as shown, for example, in Fig. 16. Then, due to the occurrence of an overcurrent, the portion of each of the separate electrode sections 35, 45 located at the position where the flow velocity of the air flow is low melts or breaks.

[0068] The remaining configurations are the same as in the above-described embodiments. The film heater 10 of the present embodiment can achieve the effects obtained from the common structure or the equivalent structure to the above-described embodiments.

[0069] The film heater core 10 of the present embodiment has the following features. (1) When the flow velocity of the air flow around the laminated body ST is low, the amount of heat transferred to the surroundings of the laminated body ST is small compared to the case where the flow velocity of the air flow is high. At least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 is arranged at the position where the flow velocity of the air flowing around the laminated body ST is lower than at the position where each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44 is arranged. In each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45, the portion arranged at the position where the flow velocity of the air flow is low is a separation portion (disconnection portion) DC, which melts or breaks in response to an overcurrent occurrence.This allows the heat transfer amount of each of the separate electrode sections 35, 45 to be less than that of each of the attached electrode sections 34, 44 without adding any new components. Seventh embodiment

[0070] A seventh embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 17. In the present embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment are mainly described.

[0071] As this is Fig. As shown in Fig. 17, in the film heater 10, at least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than a material constituting each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44. In each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45, the portion made of the material having the lower thermal conductivity becomes a DC separation portion (break portion) and melts or breaks in response to an occurrence of an overcurrent. For example, in the film heater 10, each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 is made of aluminum, and each of the attached electrode portions 34, 44 is made of copper.

[0072] The remaining configurations are the same as those in the above-described embodiments. The film heater 10 of the present embodiment can achieve the effects obtained from the common structure or an equivalent structure to the above-described embodiments.

[0073] The film heater 10 of the present embodiment has the following features. (1) In the film heater 10, at least a portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 is made of a material with low thermal conductivity. According to this feature, in response to the occurrence of an overcurrent, heat transfer from each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 to the surroundings is limited, making it easier to quickly raise the temperature, so that each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 can melt or break appropriately in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. Eighth embodiment

[0074] An eighth embodiment is shown below with reference to Fig. 18. In the present embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment are mainly described.

[0075] As this is Fig. As shown in Fig. 18, in the film heater 10, at least a portion of the separate insulating portion 52 is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than a material constituting the attached insulating portion 51. A portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 35 adjacent to the portion of the separate insulating portion 52 made of the material having the low thermal conductivity becomes a separation portion (breaking portion) DC that melts or breaks in response to an occurrence of an overcurrent.

[0076] The remaining configurations are the same as in the above-described embodiments. The film heater 10 of the present embodiment can achieve the effects obtained from the common structure or an equivalent structure to the above-described embodiments.

[0077] The film heater 10 of the present embodiment has the following features. (1) In the film heater 10, at least a portion of the separate insulating portion 52 is made of a material with low thermal conductivity. This facilitates rapid temperature rise by limiting heat transfer from the separate insulating portion 52 to the surroundings in response to an overcurrent occurrence. Therefore, in response to an overcurrent occurrence, the portions of the pair of electrode portions 30, 40 adjacent to the separate insulating portion 52 can be appropriately melted or broken. Ninth embodiment

[0078] A ninth embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 19. In the present embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment are mainly described.

[0079] As this is Fig. As shown in Fig. 19, in the film heater 10, at least a portion of the separate insulating portion 52 is made of a material having a linear expansion coefficient larger than that of a material constituting the attached insulating portion 51. A portion of each of the separate electrode portions 35, 45 adjacent to the portion of the separate insulating portion 52 made of the material having the high linear expansion coefficient becomes a separation portion (breaking portion) DC that melts or breaks in response to an occurrence of an overcurrent.

[0080] The remaining structure is the same as in the above-described embodiments. The film heater 10 of the present embodiment can achieve the effects obtained from the common configuration or an equivalent configuration to the above-described embodiments.

[0081] According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) When at least a portion of the separate insulating portion 52 of the film heater 10 is made of a material having a high coefficient of linear expansion, thermal stress increases due to a rise in temperature in response to the occurrence of an overcurrent. This allows the portions of the pair of electrode portions 30, 40 adjacent to the separate insulating portion 52 to melt appropriately in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. Tenth embodiment

[0082] A tenth embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 20. In the present embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment are mainly described.

[0083] As this is Fig. As shown in FIG. 20, the laminated body ST has a surface layer portion 70 having electrical insulation properties and disposed on one side in the lamination direction DR2. More specifically, the laminated body ST has a laminated structure in which the conductive film 20 and the pair of electrode portions 30, 40 are sandwiched between the insulating portion 50 and the surface layer portion 70 having electrical insulation properties. The surface layer portion 70 may be made of the same material as the insulating portion 50 or may be made of a different material from the insulating portion 50. The remaining configurations are the same as those in the above-described embodiments.The film heater 10 of the present embodiment can achieve the effects obtained from the common structure or an equivalent structure to the above-described embodiments.

[0084] The film heater 10 of the present embodiment has the following features. (1) The laminated body ST constituting the film heater 10 has the laminated structure in which the conductive film 20 and the pair of electrode portions 30, 40 are sandwiched between the insulating portion 50 and the surface layer portion 70 having electrically insulating properties. This makes it possible to easily ensure the electrically insulating properties of the film heater 10. Eleventh embodiment

[0085] An eleventh embodiment is shown below with reference to Fig. 21. In the present embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment are mainly described.

[0086] As this is Fig. As shown in Fig. 21, the film heater 10 is attached to the lens portion RZ via the support member 60 on the side of each of the electrode portions 30 and 40 in the laminated body ST. That is, one side of the laminated body ST in the lamination direction DR2 is attached to the lens portion RZ via the support member 60.

[0087] The remaining structure is the same as in the above-described embodiments. The film heater 10 of the present embodiment can achieve the effects obtained from the common structure or a structure equivalent to the above-described embodiments. Twelfth embodiment

[0088] A twelfth embodiment is shown below with reference to Fig. 22. In the present embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment are mainly described.

[0089] In the present embodiment, an example is described in which the film heater 10 is attached to a windshield FG rather than to the lens portion RZ of the headlight HL. The film heater 10 is attached to an object to be heated by inserting the main body portion 11 between two interlayer films ML1, ML2 of a laminated glass DG forming the windshield FG, as shown, for example, in Fig. 22. The film heater 10 has the connecting element connecting portion 12 arranged on the outer side of the laminated glass DG. The two interlayer films ML are transparent plastic films that connect the glass pieces of the laminated glass DG.

[0090] The remaining structure is the same as in the above-described embodiments. The film heater 10 of the present embodiment can achieve the effects achieved by the common structure or a structure equivalent to the above-described embodiments. Modification of the twelfth embodiment

[0091] The film heater 10 of the twelfth embodiment is attached to the object to be heated by inserting the main body portion 11 between the two interlayer films ML1, ML2 of the laminated glass DG, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The film heater 10 can be attached to the object to be heated by, for example, inserting the main body portion 11 along an inner surface of the laminated glass DG, as shown in Fig. 23 is shown. Thirteenth embodiment

[0092] A thirteenth embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 24. In the present embodiment, the differences from the twelfth embodiment are mainly described.

[0093] The film heater 10 has a structure in which the pair of electrode portions 30, 40 laminated to the insulating portion 50 are pressed against the conductive film 20 laminated to one of the two interlayer films ML1, ML2, as shown, for example, in Fig. 24. Such a structure can be achieved, for example, during the manufacture of the laminated glass DG by laminating the conductive film 20 on one of the two interlayer films ML1, ML2 and bringing the pair of electrode units 30, 40 laminated to the insulation unit 50 into contact with the conductive film 20. The film heater 10 has the connector connecting portion 12 disposed on the outside of the laminated glass DG.

[0094] The remaining structure is the same as in the above-described embodiments. The film heater 10 of the present embodiment can achieve the effects obtained from the common structure or a structure equivalent to the above-described embodiments. Modification of the thirteenth embodiment

[0095] In the film heater 10 of the thirteenth embodiment, the conductive film 20 is laminated to one of the two interlayer films ML1, ML2, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The film heater 10 may have a structure in which the pair of electrode portions 30, 40 laminated to the insulating portion 50 are pressed against the conductive film 20 laminated to the laminated glass DG, as shown, for example, in FIG. Fig. 25 is shown.

[0096] In addition, the film heater 10 can be protected, for example, by modulating a part of the laminated body ST with a plastic adhesive or the like, as shown in Fig. 26. It should be noted that in the film heater 10, the entire laminated body ST may be modulated with a plastic adhesive or the like. Fourteenth embodiment

[0097] A fourteenth embodiment is described below with reference to the Fig. 27 and Fig. 28. In the present embodiment, the differences compared to the first embodiment are mainly described.

[0098] As this is the case in the Fig. 27 and Fig.28, the film heater 10 has the conductive film 20, the first electrode portion 30, the second electrode portion 40, and a support body 80. The film heater 10 of the present embodiment does not have the insulating portion 50 described in the first embodiment.

[0099] The film heater 10 has the conductive film 20 attached to the headlight HL by an adhesive or the like (not shown). That is, the film heater 10 is directly attached to the headlight HL through the protective film 20, without a supporting member 60 interposed therebetween.

[0100] The first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40 include the first attached electrode portion 34 and the second attached electrode portion 44, which constitute the main body portion 11 and are attached to the headlight HL via the protective film 20. Furthermore, the first electrode portion 30 and the second electrode portion 40 include the first separate electrode portion 35 and the second separate electrode portion 45, which constitute the connector connecting portion 12 and are separate from the headlight HL. The first separate electrode portion 35 and the second separate electrode portion 45 are fixed to the support body 80. The support body 80 is a base member that supports at least one of the protective film 20 and the pair of electrode portions 30, 40. The support body 80 reinforces the first separate electrode portion 35 and the second separate electrode portion 45.The support body 80 is made of a transparent plastic material. The support body 80 is made, for example, of a thermoelastic plastic such as polycarbonate. The support body 80 has a thickness of, for example, approximately 0.05 to 0.5 mm.

[0101] The film heater 10 of the present embodiment is not entirely constructed as the laminated body ST. Specifically, a structure including the conductive film 20, the first electrode portion 30, and the second electrode portion 40 is not laminated in the connector connecting portion 12.

[0102] The remaining structure is the same as in the above-described embodiments. The film heater 10 of the present embodiment can achieve the effects obtained from the common structure or a structure equivalent to the above-described embodiments.

[0103] In addition, the film heater 10 has the following features. (1) The structure including the conductive film 20 and the pair of electrode portions 30, 40 includes the support body 80 that supports at least one of the conductive film 20 and the pair of electrode portions 30, 40. In the film heater 10 constructed in this manner, the conductive film 20 and the pair of electrode portions 30, 40 can be reinforced by the support body 80. Modifications of the fourteenth embodiment

[0104] In the film heater 10 described in the fourteenth embodiment, the insulating portion 50 is omitted, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and the insulating portion 50 may be provided. In the film heater 10 described in the fourteenth embodiment, the conductive film 20 is directly attached to the headlight HL, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The film heater 10 may be configured such that the conductive film 20 is attached to the headlight HL via, for example, the support member 60. Further examples

[0105] Although representative embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made, for example, as follows.

[0106] In the above-described embodiments, examples are described in which the lens portion RZ of the headlight HL of the vehicle C is heated by the film heater 10, but the object to be heated by the film heater 10 is not limited to the headlight HL. The film heater 10 can be applied to a camera, a radar / radio device, a LiDAR, and a glass mounted on the vehicle C in addition to the headlight HL. Furthermore, the film heater 10 can be applied to other moving objects besides the vehicle C, a stationary facility, houses, and the like.

[0107] In the embodiments described above, the film heater 10 is attached to a transparent member that transmits electromagnetic waves such as visible light, but the film heater 10 may be attached to an opaque (light-impermeable) member, for example.

[0108] In the film heater 10 of the above-described embodiments, the conductive film 20 and the insulating portion 50 are transparent thin films, but the present invention is not limited to this example. At least one of the conductive film 20 and the insulating portion 50 may be made of an opaque thin film. The film heater 10 does not need to be constructed as the laminated body ST. In the film heater 10, the insulating portion 50 having electrically insulating properties is used as the base material, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a film-like member that is electrically conductive may be used as a base member.

[0109] As in the above-described embodiments, the connector connecting portion 12 of the film heater 10 is desirably disposed above the main body portion 11, which constitutes the heat-generating portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the connector connecting portion 12 need not be disposed above the main body portion 11.

[0110] It goes without saying that in the embodiments described above, the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential unless otherwise specifically designated as essential or in principle obviously essential.

[0111] In the above-described embodiments, when a numerical value such as a number, a numerical size, an amount, or a range of the constituent elements of the embodiments is mentioned, the numerical value is not limited to the specific number unless particularly specified as essential or obviously limited to the specific number in principle.

[0112] In the above-described embodiments, when the shapes, positional relationships, and the like of the constituent elements and the like are mentioned, the shapes, positional relationships, and the like are not limited to those mentioned unless otherwise specified and limited to specific shapes, positional relationships, and the like in principle. This RevelationRevelation 1

[0113] A film heater is to be attached to an object to be heated (HL, RZ) and comprises a conductive film (20) that generates heat when supplied with electricity, and a pair of electrode portions (30, 40) connected to the conductive film. A structure with the conductive film and the pair of electrode portions comprises an attached portion (11) to be attached to the object to be heated, and a separate portion (12) connected to the attached portion and to be spaced from the object to be heated. The separate portion includes a separating portion or interrupting portion (DC) that melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of an overcurrent. Revelation 2

[0114] In the film heater according to Disclosure 1, the structure has a base member (50, 80) that supports at least one of the conductive film and the pair of electrode portions. Revelation 3

[0115] In the film heater according to Disclosure 1 or 2, the pair of electrode portions comprises an attached electrode portion (34, 44) disposed in the attached portion and a separate electrode portion (35, 45) disposed in the separate portion, wherein at least a portion of the separate electrode portion has a higher electrical resistance than the attached electrode portion, and the portion of the separate electrode portion having the higher electrical resistance is the separating portion and melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of an overcurrent. Revelation 4

[0116] In the film heater according to Disclosure 3, at least a portion of the separate electrode portion has a smaller cross-sectional area intersecting a direction of current flow than the attached electrode portion, and the portion of the separate electrode portion having the smaller cross-sectional area melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. Revelation 5

[0117] In the film heater according to Disclosure 4, the structure is formed as a laminated body in which the conductive film and the pair of electrode portions are laminated in a predetermined order, at least a portion of the separate electrode portion has a smaller thickness in a lamination direction of the laminated body than a thickness of the attached electrode portion in the lamination direction of the laminated body, and the portion of the separate electrode portion having the smaller thickness in the lamination direction of the laminated body melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. Revelation 6

[0118] In the film heater according to Disclosure 4 or 5, at least a portion of the separate electrode portion has a smaller electrode width than the attached electrode portion, and the portion of the separate electrode portion having the smaller electrode width melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. Revelation 7

[0119] In the film heater according to any one of Disclosures 3 to 6, a portion of the separate electrode portion is made of a conductive material having a lower electrical conductivity than another portion of the separate electrode portion, and the portion of the separate electrode portion made of the conductive material having the lower electrical conductivity melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. Revelation 8

[0120] In the film heater according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 7, the pair of electrode portions includes an attached electrode portion (34, 44) disposed in the attached portion and a separate electrode portion (35, 45) disposed in the separate portion, at least a portion of the separate electrode portion has a smaller heat transfer amount than the attached electrode portion, and the portion of the separate electrode portion having the smaller heat transfer amount is the separation portion that melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. Revelation 9

[0121] In the film heater according to Disclosure 8, at least a portion of the separate electrode portion has a lower surface roughness than the attached electrode portion, and the portion of the separate electrode portion having the lower surface roughness melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. Revelation 10

[0122] In the film heater according to Disclosure 8 or 9, the structure is formed as a laminated body (ST) in which the conductive film and the pair of electrode portions are laminated in a predetermined order, at least a portion of the separate electrode portion is arranged at a position where a flow velocity of an air flow flowing around the laminated body is lower than a flow velocity at a position where the attached electrode portion is arranged, and the portion of the separate electrode portion where the flow velocity of the air flow is lower melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. Revelation 11

[0123] In the film heater according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 10, the pair of electrode portions includes an attached electrode portion (34, 44) disposed in the attached portion and a separate electrode portion (35, 45) disposed in the separate portion, at least a portion of the separate electrode portion is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than a material constituting the attached electrode portion, and the portion of the separate electrode portion made of the material having the lower thermal conductivity is the separating portion that melts in response to an occurrence of the overcurrent. Revelation 12

[0124] In the film heater according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 11, the structure includes an insulating portion or insulation portion (50) having electrically insulating properties, the insulation portion including an attached insulation portion (51) disposed in the attached portion and a separate insulation portion (52) disposed in the separate portion, wherein at least a portion of the separate insulation portion is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than a material constituting the attached insulation portion, and a portion of the pair of electrode portions disposed adjacent to the portion of the separate insulation portion made of the material having the lower thermal conductivity is the separation portion that melts in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. Revelation 13

[0125] In the film heater according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 12, the structure includes an insulating portion (50) having electrically insulating properties, wherein the insulating portion includes an attached insulating portion (51) disposed in the attached portion and a separate insulating portion (52) disposed in the separate portion, and wherein at least a portion of the separate insulating portion is made of a material having a higher linear expansion coefficient than a material constituting the attached insulating portion. Revelation 14

[0126] In the film heater according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 13, the separate portion is arranged above the attached portion. Revelation 15

[0127] In the film heating device according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 14, the object to be heated is transparent and transmits electromagnetic waves, and the conductive film is made of a transparent conductive film that transmits electromagnetic waves. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2022-080246

[0001] JP 2022-189292

[0001] JP 2020-104594 A

[0004]

Claims

[1] Film heating device to be attached to an object to be heated (HL, RZ), comprising: a conductive film (20) which generates heat when supplied with electricity; and a pair of electrode portions (30, 40) connected to the conductive film, wherein a structure comprising the conductive film and the pair of electrode portions, an attached portion (11) to be attached to the object to be heated, and a separate portion (12) connected to the attached portion and spaced from the object to be heated, and the separate section comprises an isolating section (DC) which melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of an overcurrent. [2] A film heater according to claim 1, wherein the structure comprises a base member (50, 80) supporting at least one of the conductive film and the pair of electrode portions. [3] A film heating device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of electrode sections comprises an attached electrode section (34, 44) arranged in the attached section and a separate electrode section (35, 45) arranged in the separate section, at least a portion of the separate electrode portion has a higher electrical resistance than the attached electrode portion, and the portion of the separate electrode section which has the higher electrical resistance is the isolating section and melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. [4] Film heating device according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the separate electrode portion has a smaller cross-sectional area intersecting a direction of current flow than the attached electrode portion, and the portion of the separate electrode section having the smaller cross-sectional area melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. [5] Film heating device according to claim 4, wherein the structure is constructed as a laminated body (ST) in which the conductive film and the pair of electrode portions are laminated in a predetermined order, at least a portion of the separate electrode portion has a smaller thickness in a lamination direction of the laminated body than a thickness of the attached electrode portion in the lamination direction of the laminated body, and the portion of the separate electrode portion having the smaller thickness in the lamination direction of the laminated body melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. [6] Film heating device according to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the separate electrode portion has a smaller electrode width than the attached electrode portion, and the portion of the separate electrode section having the smaller electrode width melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. [7] Film heating device according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the separate electrode portion is made of a conductive material having a lower electrical conductivity than another portion of the separate electrode portion, and the portion of the separate electrode section made of the conductive material having the lower electrical conductivity melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. [8] Film heating device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of electrode sections comprises an attached electrode section (34, 44) arranged in the attached section and a separate electrode section (35, 45) arranged in the separate section, at least a portion of the separate electrode portion has a lower heat transfer quantity than the attached electrode portion, and the portion of the separate electrode section having the smaller heat transfer amount is the separating portion that melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. [9] Film heating device according to claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the separate electrode portion has a lower surface roughness than the attached electrode portion, and the portion of the separate electrode section having the lower surface roughness melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. [10] Film heating device according to claim 8, wherein the structure is constructed as a laminated body (ST) in which the conductive film and the pair of electrode portions are laminated in a predetermined order, at least a portion of the separate electrode portion is arranged at a position where a flow velocity of an air flow flowing around the laminated body is lower than a flow velocity at a position where the attached electrode portion is arranged, and the portion of the separate electrode section where the flow velocity of the air flow is lower melts or breaks in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. [11] Film heating device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of electrode sections comprises an attached electrode section (34, 44) arranged in the attached section and a separate electrode section (35, 45) arranged in the separate section, at least a portion of the separate electrode portion is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than a material forming the attached electrode portion, and the portion of the separate electrode section made of the material having the lower thermal conductivity is the separating portion that melts in response to an occurrence of the overcurrent. [12] A film heating device according to claim 1, wherein the structure comprises an insulation section (50) with electrically insulating properties, the insulation section comprises an attached insulation section (51) arranged in the attached section and a separate insulation section (52) arranged in the separate section, at least a portion of the separate insulation portion is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than a material forming the attached insulation portion, and a portion of the pair of electrode portions adjacent to the portion of the separate insulation portion made of the material having the lower thermal conductivity is the separation portion that melts in response to the occurrence of the overcurrent. [13] Film heating device according to claim 1, wherein the structure comprises an insulation section (50) with electrically insulating properties, the insulation section comprises an attached insulation section (51) arranged in the attached section and a separate insulation section (52) arranged in the separate section, and at least a portion of the separate insulation portion is made of a material having a higher linear expansion coefficient than a material forming the attached insulation portion. [14] A film heater according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the separate portion is disposed above the attached portion. [15] Film heating device according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the object to be heated is transparent and transmits electromagnetic waves, and the conductive film is made of a transparent conductive film that transmits electromagnetic waves.

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