Heating unit

Abstract

To provide a heating unit in which a heater and temperature detection means are integrated into a laminated structure, ensuring space saving for the heater while allowing the heater temperature to be grasped easily and at low cost.SOLUTION: Heater portions 2a, 2b, made of conductor foil, and a temperature detection portion 3, also made of conductor foil, are stacked together such that the heating state produced by the heater portions 2a, 2b can be detected by the nearby temperature detection portion 3. This makes it possible to make the entire unit structure, including the temperature detection portion 3, thinner and reduces the height of the space required to place the heating unit in equipment that has a built-in heater. Furthermore, when the heater portions 2a, 2b and the temperature detection portion 3 are stacked together into a plate-like body, it is easy to handle, compact, low-cost, and easy to install.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating unit incorporating a heater, and more particularly to a heating unit provided with temperature detection means together with a heater.

Background Art

[0002] As a heater for equipment incorporation, a thin heater that realizes thinning by generating heat by energizing a circuit pattern provided on a substrate or a sheet is known. As an example of such a conventional thin heater, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-89862.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional thin heaters have the configuration shown in the above patent document, in which a plurality of regions are set in the circuit pattern forming the heater on the substrate, and the wiring density of the pattern in a predetermined region is made smaller than the wiring density of the pattern in other regions, thereby reducing the temperature variation on the substrate.

[0005] When heating an object to be heated using such a thin heater and controlling its temperature, it may be desired to grasp the temperature of the thin heater itself for the purpose of preventing overheating or the like. In such a case, it was necessary to provide an external temperature sensor for the thin heater to enable detection of the temperature of the thin heater.

[0006] However, when using an external sensor in this way, although the heater itself can be made thinner, there has been a problem that the overall installation space increases due to the separate arrangement of the sensor. In addition, the need to prepare a separate sensor in addition to the heater has also led to an increase in cost.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a heating unit in which a heater and temperature detection means are integrated into a laminated structure, ensuring space-saving of the heater and enabling the temperature of the heater to be easily and inexpensively grasped.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The heating unit according to the disclosure of the present invention includes a heater part for heating with a conductor foil arranged in a predetermined manner, and a temperature detection part for temperature detection with a conductor foil arranged in a predetermined manner, and the heater part and the temperature detection part are in a laminated state.

[0009] Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the heater part made of a conductor foil and the temperature detection part also made of a conductor foil are in a laminated state, and by making it possible to detect the heating state by the heater part with the temperature detection part in the vicinity, the overall unit structure including the temperature detection part can be made thinner, the height of the heating unit arrangement space in the device incorporating the heater can be suppressed, and if it is made into a plate-like body in which the heater part and the temperature detection part are laminated and integrated, it is easy to handle, can be miniaturized and cost-reduced, and can be easily installed.

[0010] In addition, by positioning the temperature detection part near the heater part, the temperature of the heater part can be accurately detected by the temperature detection part, and the heating control of the heater part based on the detected temperature can be appropriately performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] (The First Embodiment of the Present Invention) Hereinafter, a heating unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. In this embodiment, an example of applying a heating unit as a heating means for heating or maintaining a predetermined temperature of an inner container containing a yogurt raw material as an object to be heated in a heating device for manufacturing yogurt, and fermenting the yogurt raw material in the inner container will be described.

[0013] In each of the above figures, the heating unit 1 according to the present embodiment includes two heater parts 2a and 2b for heating in which a linear conductor foil is arranged in a predetermined manner, a temperature detection part 3 for temperature detection in which a linear conductor foil is arranged in a predetermined manner, and a diffusion part 4 having a planar conductor foil.

[0014] The heating unit 1 is formed as a multilayer substrate having a plurality of layers in which the heater parts 2a and 2b, the temperature detection part 3, and the diffusion part 4, which are of the same size, are stacked. In the heating unit 1, the conductor foils forming the heater parts 2a and 2b, the temperature detection part 3, and the diffusion part 4 are made of a metal foil such as copper, similar to a general multilayer substrate, but are not limited thereto. For example, materials with a larger electrical resistance may be used for the heater parts 2a and 2b. Also, although there are two heater parts, these heater parts may be provided in a stacked state of more than two, for example, three, four, etc.

[0015] In the heating unit 1, among the stacked heater parts 2a and 2b and the temperature detection part 43, the heater parts 2a and 2b are arranged at an inner layer part between the layer of the temperature detection part 43 and other layers, while the temperature detection part 43 is arranged at an outer layer (near the surface).

[0016] The entire substrate of the heating unit 1 can be heated by the heating of the heater parts 2a and 2b located at the inner layer. Since the heater parts 2a and 2b that execute heating are located at the inner layer and cover the outside, a certain heat storage effect can also be expected in the heating unit 1.

[0017] Regarding the structure of the multilayer substrate forming the heating unit 1, at the innermost part of the heating unit 1, conductor foils forming the heater parts 2a and 2b are stacked on both the front and back sides of an insulating layer 6 as a core material. Further, an adhesive layer (prepreg) 7 is arranged so as to overlap each of the heater parts 2a and 2b. A temperature detection part 3 is provided on one adhesive layer side, and a diffusion part 4 is provided on the other adhesive layer side, and they are further stacked respectively. Then, the surfaces of the temperature detection part 3 and the diffusion part 4 are covered with a protective film (solder resist) 8.

[0018] The heater units 2a and 2b are arranged in a meandering pattern in which a linear conductor foil formed on a thin plate forming the insulating layer 6 is made continuous while being folded back at the end of the thin plate. For example, the linear conductor foil of the heater units 2a and 2b is formed with a thickness of 35 μm, a line width of 0.9 mm, and a line interval of 0.5 mm (meandering pattern). The thickness, line width, and line interval of the linear conductor foil of such a heater unit may be determined by the magnitude of the current flowing through it.

[0019] In the heating unit 1, the continuous direction of each line of the linear conductor foil in one heater unit 2a and the continuous direction of each line of the linear conductor foil in the other heater unit 2b are laminated in an arrangement relationship that forms a right angle with each other. And, among these heater units 2a and 2b, one heater unit 2a is located on the side closer to the temperature detection unit 3, and the other heater unit 2b is located on the side farther from the temperature detection unit 3.

[0020] In this way, the linear conductor foils in the two overlapping heater units 2a and 2b are arranged such that the line continuous directions are perpendicular to each other, minimizing the overlap of the linear conductor foils in the heater units 2a and 2b and ensuring the maximum possible apparent area of the linear conductor foil visible from the unit surface. As a result, heat can be generated from a wide range of the heater units 2a and 2b and transmitted to the unit surface, enabling heating of the entire surface of the heating unit 1 and efficiently transferring heat to an external object to be heated.

[0021] It is known that when a heater made of a linear metal foil formed on a substrate is in a heated state, there is a possibility that the substrate may warp due to the difference in the linear expansion coefficients of the linear metal foil and the other layers of the substrate. In the multilayer substrate forming the heating unit 1 of the present embodiment, the continuous directions of the lines of the linear conductor foils in the two heater units 2a and 2b are in a state of being perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the deformations (warps) that may occur in the substrate due to the heating of each heater unit 2a and 2b cancel each other out, and warping of the entire substrate can be prevented.

[0022] Further, when providing two or more heater parts in a stacked state, in any of the stacked heater parts, the line continuous directions of the linear conductor foils in two adjacent heater parts in the stacking direction may be arranged to be perpendicular to each other.

[0023] The temperature detection part 43 is configured to be disposed as a meandering pattern in which a linear conductor foil formed on a thin plate forming the adhesive layer 7 is continuous while being folded back at the end of the thin plate, similar to the heater parts 2a and 2b. However, the temperature detection part 3 is formed with a smaller line width and a smaller interval between lines in the linear conductor foil compared to the linear conductor foils forming the heater parts 2a and 2b, so that the length of the linear conductor foil is made larger than the length of the linear conductor foils forming the heater parts 2a and 2b.

[0024] For example, the linear conductor foil of the temperature detection part 3 is formed with a thickness of 18 μm, a line width of 0.15 mm, and an interval between lines of 0.15 mm (meandering pattern). In this case, the line length of the temperature detection part 3 is about 70 m, the resistance value is 80 Ω at 25 °C, and 120 Ω at 110 °C, and a relatively large change in resistance value occurs with temperature change.

[0025] In this way, by making the linear conductor foil of the temperature detection part 3 extremely long compared to the linear conductor foils of the heater parts 2a and 2b, the resistance value of the linear conductor foil of the temperature detection part 3 can be made larger, and the change in resistance value with temperature change can also be made larger, so that a fine temperature change can be captured from the change in resistance value, and the temperature detection accuracy can be improved. By detecting the temperature with the temperature detection part 3, it is possible to detect a temperature rise due to abnormal heat generation in the heater parts 2a and 2b.

[0026] The diffusion part 4 is formed of a planar conductor foil, has the same size as the heater parts 2a and 2b, and is disposed on the side opposite to the side where the temperature detection part 3 exists with respect to the heater part 2b. The diffusion part 4 is formed with a thickness of the planar conductor foil thinner than the thickness of the conductor foil in the heater parts 2a and 2b. For example, the planar conductor foil of the diffusion part 4 is formed with a thickness of 18 μm.

[0027] The thickness of the planar conductor foil in the diffusion part 4 is made thinner than the thickness of the linear conductor foils in the heater parts 2a and 2b, and by making it easier for the heat transmitted to a part of the planar conductor foil in the diffusion part 4 to spread to the other part of the planar conductor foil, the heat can be quickly transmitted to the entire planar conductor foil in the diffusion part 4 and diffused over the entire surface of the heating unit 1, and heat can be efficiently transferred from the heating unit 1 to the external object to be heated side.

[0028] The diffusion part 4 is electrically connected to a location at the power supply potential or a location at the ground potential in at least one of the heater parts 2a and 2b. By this connection, the planar conductor foil of the diffusion part 4 is also set to the power supply potential or the ground potential, so that the planar conductor foil of the diffusion part 4 serves as a shield against external noise, static electricity, etc. In this way, the diffusion part 4 prevents the influence of external noise, static electricity, etc. from reaching the heater parts 2a and 2b of the heating unit 1, the temperature detection part 3, and further the control electric circuit through these, enabling these to operate stably and not cause malfunction.

[0029] In the heating unit 1, the heater parts 2a and 2b, the temperature detection part 3, and the diffusion part 4 are made to have substantially the same size, so that the heater parts 2a and 2b can transfer heat to the diffusion part 4 without waste and efficiently warm the diffusion part 4, and at the same time, the temperature of the heater parts 2a and 2b can be appropriately detected by the temperature detection part 3.

[0030] The heating device 100 to which the heating unit 1 according to the present embodiment is applied includes a heating tank 10 capable of accommodating water 80 as a heat transfer medium in the tank internal space 10a, a lid part 20 capable of covering and closing the upper opening of the heating tank 10, an inner container 30 capable of accommodating an object to be heated 90 therein and accommodated in the tank internal space 10a of the heating tank 10 together with water 80, temperature sensors 51 and 52 for detecting the temperature of the water 80 accommodated in the tank internal space 10a of the heating tank 10 and the temperature of the atmosphere around the heating device, and a control part 60 for controlling the heating unit 1 based on the temperatures detected by these temperature sensors 51 and 52. The heating unit 1 is capable of heating the water 80 accommodated in the tank internal space 10a of the heating tank 10 in this heating device 100.

[0031] The heating tank 10 is formed in an open-top box shape that is substantially rectangular in plan view, and has a bottom 11 located below the tank interior space 10a, an inner wall portion 12 surrounding the tank interior space 10a from the side, and an outer wall portion 13 located further outside the inner wall portion 12.

[0032] This heating tank 10 is capable of accommodating the inner container 30 and water 80 as a heat transfer medium in its tank interior space 10a. Among these, a predetermined amount of water 80 that can come into contact with the side surface of the inner container 30 in the tank interior space 10a of the heating tank 10 is accommodated.

[0033] The heating tank 10 is configured such that a plurality of protrusions 15 protruding into the tank interior space 10a are provided on the bottom 11. And a heating unit 1, which is a substrate, is disposed below the bottom 11, and the heating unit 1 warms the water 80 and the inner container 30 on the side of the tank interior space 10a from the bottom 11 side of the heating tank 10.

[0034] The heating tank 10 has a structure in which the bottom 11, the inner wall portion 12, and the outer wall portion 13 are continuously integrated without gaps. Starting from the portion facing the tank interior space 10a of the heating tank 10, there are no joints between components on the surface portion where water may splash from above, and it is a mechanism that makes it difficult for water to penetrate inside. A lower lid 14 that covers the bottom 11 and the heating unit 1 from below is attached to the lower part of the heating tank 10. And the gap between the bottom 11, the inner wall portion 12, and the outer wall portion 13, which are integrally formed with the lower lid 14 on the upper side, and the lower lid 14 becomes a closed space isolated from the outside.

[0035] Among the heating tank 10, at the upper edge portion surrounding the upper opening of the heating tank 10, which also serves as the upper end portions of the inner wall portion 12 and the outer wall portion 13, a lid portion 20 described later can be placed. Among this upper edge portion, at the portion corresponding to a predetermined corner portion of the heating tank 10, a recess serving as a drainage portion 10b is provided to make it easier for water to flow out from the tank interior space 10a when the heating tank 10 is tilted for drainage.

[0036] In each corner of the heating tank 10 including the corner where the drainage part 10b is located, an inclined guide part 10c in the shape of an inclined surface that descends toward the inner wall part 12 from the upper edge part is provided on the side of the tank inner space 10a. The guide part 10c encourages water to flow toward the inner wall part 12 when water derived from water droplets adhering to the inside of the lid part 20 due to condensation flows down from the lid part side. By allowing the water generated by condensation to flow down into the tank inner space 10a through the guide part 10c and the inner wall part 12, a mechanism is provided to prevent water from leaking outside the heating tank 10. Note that such a guide part is not limited to the corners of the heating tank 10 and may be provided over the entire circumference of the heating tank 10.

[0037] A predetermined vibrator may be provided below the bottom 11 of the heating tank 10 together with the heating unit 1 so that the vibration of the vibrator is transmitted to the side of the tank inner space 10a, enabling stirring inside the inner container 30 by vibration and stirring of the water 80 placed in the tank inner space 10a. By stirring by vibration, the temperature of the water 80 and the object to be heated 90 inside the inner container 30 can be made more uniform.

[0038] The heating tank 10 is provided with a placement space for a circuit board forming the control part 60 in a part of the gap between the inner wall part 12 and the outer wall part 13. The circuit board of the control part 60 is inserted and fixed into the placement space from the bottom side (downward) in a state of being attached to the fixing holder 19. By thus providing the substrate of the control part 60 to the placement space of the heating tank 10 via the holder 19, installation can be easily performed.

[0039] The holder 19 is provided with a plate-shaped cushioning material. By positioning the cushioning material between the holder 19 and the heating tank 10 in the placement space of the heating tank 10, it is possible to prevent the holder 19 and the control part 60 from moving inadvertently.

[0040] The control unit 60 that fits within the configuration space includes, as an operating circuit, a touch sensor type operation switch provided on the surface facing the outer wall portion 13 of the substrate and operable even when covered by the outer wall portion 13. By using a touch sensor type operation switch, it is not necessary to expose the switch to the outside, so that the waterproof state of the heating tank 10 can be maintained, the surface of the outer wall portion 13 of the heating tank 10 can be kept flat, and cleaning by wiping can be easily performed on this part. Also, by arranging the operation part on the side surface of the heating tank while ensuring waterproof performance in this way, the operability is also excellent.

[0041] A display circuit is provided on the circuit board of the control unit 60, and displays of each setting (temperature, timer, mode (by application)) and device states (operating, operation completed, remaining time, (when a secondary battery is built-in) charging, battery remaining amount) are performed. These displays can be visually recognized through the outer wall portion 13 of the heating tank 10 having light transmissibility, and the waterproof state of the heating tank 10 can be maintained in the same way as the operation part.

[0042] Also, a substrate with a USB terminal 16 for power connection is built in at the lower part of the outer wall portion 13 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the heating tank 10, and the USB terminal 16 is arranged to be exposed to the outside from the outer wall portion 13. Power supply to the heating device 100 is performed by a predetermined external power source via a USB cable connected to the USB terminal 16.

[0043] Instead of such a USB terminal 16, a power terminal to which an AC adapter can be connected may be provided to supply power via the AC adapter. Also, instead of the USB terminal 16, an AC power terminal may be provided, and a power circuit (AC-DC converter) may be provided inside the heating device so that power can be supplied from a commercial power source through an AC cord connected to the AC power terminal. Further, a rechargeable secondary battery may be provided inside the heating device to be usable as a power source, and the heating device can be used even in an environment where other power sources such as a commercial power source cannot be used, for example, outdoors.

[0044] On one side, a convex portion 12a is provided on a part of the inner wall portion 12 in the heating tank 10 as a reference for the water level when water is put into the tank space 10a. The upper end position of this convex portion 12a corresponds to the water level when an appropriate amount of water is introduced into the tank space 10a.

[0045] A first temperature sensor 51 is provided at a predetermined position along the inner wall portion 12 in the gap between the inner wall portion 12 and the outer wall portion 13 of the heating tank 10, which corresponds to the back side of the convex portion 12a of the inner wall portion 12, so that the temperature of the water in the tank space 10a can be detected. The temperature sensor 51 is connected to the circuit board of the control unit 60 and is held by the holder 19 in the same way as the board. When the holder 19 is inserted and fixed in the arrangement space together with the board of the control unit 60, the temperature sensor 51 can be arranged along the back side portion of the convex portion 12a of the inner wall portion 12 without difficulty.

[0046] The first temperature sensor 51 is, for example, a thermistor, and by being provided along the convex portion 12a of the inner wall portion 12, it can detect the temperature of the water accommodated in the tank space 10a separated by the convex portion 12a of the inner wall portion 12.

[0047] In addition, a second temperature sensor 52 is provided at a position above the USB terminal 16 at the lower part of the outer wall portion 13 of the heating tank 10 where the USB terminal 16 is located, and is connected to the control unit 60. The second temperature sensor 52 is, for example, a thermistor, and is arranged so as to contact a predetermined position inside the outer wall portion 13 directly above the USB terminal 16, and can detect the temperature (room temperature) of the indoor space separated by the outer wall portion 13 as the ambient temperature around the heating device. This temperature sensor 52 is provided at one longitudinal end of the heating tank 10 and is arranged away from the heating unit 1, so that it is not affected by the heat generated from the heating unit 1.

[0048] The projections 15 provided on the bottom 11 of the heating tank 10 are arranged in a plurality of linear rows in a direction (short side direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heating tank 10 on the bottom 11 to form a projection row, and a plurality of such projection rows are arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the heating tank 10 in a plurality of rows. Also, it can be said that these projections 15 are arranged linearly toward the inner wall portion 12 where the first temperature sensor 51 exists in the heating tank 10.

[0049] At least a part of these plurality of projections 15 is in contact with the lower surface of the inner container 30 accommodated in the heating tank 10, and supports the inner container 30 from below. And water, which is a heat transfer medium liquid, is made to be able to flow between the lower surface of the inner container 30 supported by the projections 15 and the bottom 11 of the heating tank 10.

[0050] Specifically, the projections 15 are arranged in a staggered state in the longitudinal direction of the heating tank 10. Thereby, the gaps between the projections 15 are continuous in the short side direction of the heating tank 10, while being discontinuous in the longitudinal direction of the heating tank 10.

[0051] In this way, by arranging the plurality of projections 15 linearly in the short side direction of the heating tank 10, the gaps between the projections 15 are also continuous in the short side direction, making it easy for water to flow in the short side direction of the heating tank 10, while making it relatively difficult for water to move in the longitudinal direction.

[0052] Therefore, the movement accompanying the convection of water due to the heat generated by the heating unit 1 at the central portion of the bottom 11 can be promoted in the short side direction of the heating tank 10, and the heat can be concentrated and transmitted to the inner container 30 quickly. And inside the inner container 30, the convection of the object to be heated (fermentation material) is likely to occur earlier, and the temperature inside the inner container 30 can be made uniform quickly.

[0053] In addition, a row of a plurality of linearly arranged protrusions 15 is directed toward the inner wall portion 12 where the first temperature sensor 51 is located, so that the movement associated with the convection of water in the direction where the temperature sensor 51 is present is promoted. As a result, a water temperature change is likely to occur at a position near the temperature sensor 51, and the generated temperature change can be quickly detected by the temperature sensor 51. The temperature change of the water in the tank space 10a can be quickly acquired by the control unit 60 and reflected in the control of the heating unit 1, enabling appropriate temperature management.

[0054] All of the protrusions 15 are formed in a tapered shape in which the size of the tip end is smaller than the size of the base end portion. As a result, the tip end of the protrusion 15 in contact with the lower surface of the inner container 30 comes into point contact or line contact with the inner container 30. Further, since the tip end portions of the protrusions 15 are formed small (thin), the interval between the protrusion tip end portions is wider than the interval between the protrusion base end portions, and the water 80 that moves with convection easily passes between the protrusion tip end portions. On the other hand, since the base end portions of the protrusions 15 are formed large (thick), the situation where the protrusions 15 break from the base end portions is less likely to occur.

[0055] Note that the number of the protrusions 15 provided on the bottom 11 may be an arrangement with a number different from that in the above arrangement as long as the effect of promoting the movement associated with the convection of the heat transfer medium liquid (water) in each direction in which the protrusions 15 are arranged can be sufficiently exhibited by the arranged protrusions.

[0056] With respect to the heating tank 10, the heating unit 1 is disposed below the bottom 11 in the heating tank 10 by attachment using an attachment means such as a double-sided tape formed of a material having good thermal conductivity. In this way, when the heating unit 1 is provided with respect to the heating tank 10 in a state where the tank space 10a can be heated, since it is only necessary to attach the heating unit 1 to the bottom 11 of the heating tank 10, it can be easily disposed and the cost can be suppressed.

[0057] In addition, in order to prevent the heating unit 1 from accidentally peeling off from the double-sided tape attached to the bottom 11 of the heating tank 10, a predetermined cushioning material may be disposed in a compression-deformed state between the heating unit 1 and the lower lid 14 of the heating tank 10, and the elastic restoring force of the cushioning material supported from below by the lower lid 14 may be used to push the heating unit 1 from below and press the heating unit 1 against the bottom 11 (double-sided tape).

[0058] The heating unit 1 is provided below the bottom of the heating tank 10 with the side having the diffusion portion 4 facing the inner space 10a side of the heating tank 10. In this way, by providing the heating unit 1 in the heating tank 10 with the diffusion portion 4 facing the inner space side of the heating tank 10, the heat generated by the heater portions 2a and 2b can be diffused to the entire surface of the heating unit 1 through the diffusion portion 4 formed of a planar conductor foil without gaps, and heat can be efficiently transferred from the heating unit 1 to the inner space 10a side.

[0059] The heating unit 1 has a substrate in which the heater portions 2a and 2b and the temperature detection unit 43 are integrated. In addition to the fact that a uniform temperature is easily realized due to the structure of the heater portions 2a and 2b, and there is little delay in heat conduction between the heater portions 2a and 2b and the temperature detection unit 3, it has excellent controllability and overshoot and undershoot are extremely unlikely to occur.

[0060] Other types of heaters are difficult to control, such as being prone to overshoot, and it is difficult to use them in fermentation applications where temperature management is extremely important because excessive temperature increase or decrease can have adverse effects. Therefore, the heating unit 1 employing the heater portions 2a and 2b is desirable.

[0061] The two heater portions 2a and 2b in the heating unit 1 are electrically connected in parallel as similar resistive loads to the circuit side of the power supply and the control unit 60. However, it is not limited to this, and the two heater portions 2a and 2b may be connected in series.

[0062] By detecting the temperature with the temperature detection unit 3 of the heating unit 1, it is also possible to detect heating (dry burning) in a state where there is no water in the tank interior space 10a. When water is present in the tank interior space 10a of the heating tank 10, since the heat of the heating unit 1 is dissipated to the water to warm it, even if the outputs of the heater units 2a and 2b are maximized, it will not rise above a predetermined upper limit temperature (a temperature at which the heating tank and the inner container do not deform or deteriorate and the water does not boil), which is a mechanism that ensures a certain level of safety.

[0063] In addition, when the bottom 11 of the heating tank 10 is sufficiently large with respect to the heating unit 1, in order to facilitate heat transfer from the heating unit 1 to the bottom 11, the diffusion part 4 can be configured to be larger than the heater units 2a and 2b.

[0064] Also, although the heating unit 1 is provided such that the side with the diffusion part 4 faces the tank interior space 10a side of the heating tank 10, it is not limited to this. For example, when the heat diffusion performance by the diffusion part 4 is not emphasized, the heating unit 1 may be provided such that the side with the temperature detection unit 3 faces the tank interior space 10a side of the heating tank 10.

[0065] The lid part 20 can cover and close the upper opening of the heating tank 10 in a state where the inner container 30 and water 80 are accommodated in the tank interior space 10a of the heating tank 10. When the lid part 20 closes the upper opening of the heating tank 10 and seals the tank interior space 10a, heat can be made difficult to escape from the water 80 and the inner container 30 in the tank interior space 10a.

[0066] Depending on the size of the inner container 30 to be placed in the tank interior space 10a of the lid part 20, specifically, when the inner container 30 is large and the lid part 20 cannot be closed, it may be in a state of not covering or closing the tank interior space 10a.

[0067] One or a plurality of liquid guiding parts 21 for guiding water derived from water droplets adhering to the inner side of the lid part 20 due to condensation to the tank interior space 10a side of the heating tank 10 can also be provided on the inner side part of the lid part 20 facing the heating tank 10 (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

[0068] The liquid guiding part 21 is in a protruding shape that protrudes from the lid part 20 toward a part in the tank inner space 10a of the heating tank 10 where the inner container 30 cannot exist. When the water droplets adhering to the inside of the lid part 20 gather and are about to flow down as water, such water flows down along the liquid guiding part 21 and heads toward the place where the water in the tank inner space 10a accumulates, so that the water does not leak outside the heating tank 10 and the water does not reach the inner container 30 either, minimizing the wetting of the inner container 30.

[0069] The inner container 30 is a lid-equipped container with sufficient heat resistance that does not deform or deteriorate even when it is housed in the tank inner space 10a of the heating tank 10 and heated. The inner container 30 is a commercially available and generally available known lid-equipped container that can be housed in the heating tank 10 and the heating tank 10 containing this inner container 30 can be closed by the lid part 20 without difficulty, and detailed description is omitted.

[0070] The control part 60 controls the heater parts 2a, 2b of the heating unit 1 while referring to the temperatures of the heater parts 2a, 2b detected by the temperature detection part 3 of the heating unit 1, based on the temperature of the water in the heating tank 10 detected by the first temperature sensor 51 and the temperature of the room detected by the second temperature sensor 52.

[0071] As temperature control, the control part 60 performs output control of the heater parts 2a, 2b of the heating unit 1 so that the temperature of the water obtained based on the detection of the first temperature sensor 51 and the temperature assumed in the inner container 30 therefrom remain within an allowable temperature range including the target value, with the temperature set according to the object to be heated as the target value.

[0072] Actually, the control part 60 performs control to finely switch between the temperature rising state and the temperature falling state so that the temperature of the water reaches the target value in the temperature rising state at the start of heating for the heater parts 2a, 2b of the heating unit 1, and then the temperature of the water remains within the allowable temperature range including the target value.

[0073] Note that the temperature rising state is a state in which the heater units 2a and 2b actively perform heating to raise the temperature of water, and the temperature falling state is a state in which the heater units 2a and 2b perform slight heating or completely stop heating to lower the temperature of water.

[0074] The temperature setting range (the temperature setting range that can be set by the user through the operation unit) by this control unit 60 is a range corresponding to heating and heat preservation for various objects to be heated, for example, 40 to 70 °C. Also, the allowable range (fluctuation range) with respect to the target value in temperature control is, for example, ±5%.

[0075] Further, the control unit 60 can increase or decrease the output of the heater units 2a and 2b in the heating unit 1 by PWM control based on the ambient atmosphere temperature of the heating tank 10 detected by the second temperature sensor 52.

[0076] Specifically, the control unit 60 adjusts and controls the duty ratio of the output voltage (current) of the heater units 2a and 2b in the heating unit 1 based on the ambient atmosphere temperature (for example, room temperature) of the heating tank 10 detected by the second temperature sensor 52 to increase or decrease the heating degree. When the ambient atmosphere temperature is high, the control unit 60 reduces the duty ratio of the output voltage (current), and when the ambient atmosphere temperature is low, the control unit 60 increases the duty ratio of the output voltage (current).

[0077] More specifically, when the room temperature as the ambient atmosphere temperature measured by the temperature sensor 52 is sufficiently high (for example, 25 °C or higher), the natural heat dissipation amount to the outside of the heating device is small, and the temperature of water is likely to rise due to heating. In such a case, the duty ratio of the output in the heater units 2a and 2b of the heating unit 1 in the temperature rising state for raising the temperature of water is less than 100%, and is adjusted to be smaller as the room temperature becomes higher. And since the fact that the natural heat dissipation amount to the outside of the heating device is small also means that the temperature of water is not likely to drop, the duty ratio of the output in the heater units 2a and 2b in the temperature falling state for lowering the temperature of water is 0%, that is, in the OFF state, at any room temperature so as to make the temperature easy to drop.

[0078] In a situation where the indoor temperature is high, by reducing the duty ratio of the output and suppressing heat generation, it is possible to suppress the excessive rise in the water temperature in the heating state and promote the temperature drop in the cooling state.

[0079] Conversely, when the indoor temperature measured by the temperature sensor 52 is low (for example, less than 25°C), the amount of natural heat dissipation to the outside of the heating device becomes relatively large, and it is difficult for the water temperature to rise even when heated. In such a case, the duty ratio of the output in the heater units 2a and 2b of the heating unit 1 in the heating state for raising the water temperature is set to 100% at any indoor temperature so as to compensate for the difficulty in raising the temperature. And since the water temperature is likely to drop due to the large amount of natural heat dissipation to the outside of the heating device, the duty ratio of the output in the heater units 2a and 2b in the cooling state for lowering the water temperature is set to be greater than 0% so that the temperature does not drop too much, and it becomes larger as the indoor temperature becomes lower.

[0080] In a situation where the indoor temperature is low, by increasing the duty ratio of the output and increasing heat generation, it is possible to compensate for the amount of heat dissipated to the outside (the indoor space side), appropriately raise the water temperature in the heating state, and suppress the excessive drop in the water temperature in the cooling state.

[0081] For example, when the room temperature is 25°C, in the heating state, the duty ratio of the output in the heater units 2a and 2b is 95%, and in the cooling state, the duty ratio of the output is 0%. On the other hand, when the room temperature is 35°C, in the heating state, the duty ratio of the output in the heater units 2a and 2b is set to 85%. And in the cooling state for lowering the water temperature, as in the case of 25°C, the duty ratio is set to 0%.

[0082] Also, for example, when the room temperature is 20°C, in the heating state, the duty ratio of the output in the heater units 2a and 2b is 100%, and in the cooling state, the duty ratio of the output is 5%. On the other hand, when the room temperature is 5°C, in the heating state, similar to the case of 20°C, the duty ratio is 100%. And in the cooling state, the duty ratio of the output in the heater units 2a and 2b is set to 20%.

[0083] When the indoor temperature is low, since the amount of heat lost due to heat dissipation from the higher-temperature heating tank 10 to the outside indoor space increases, if the output of the heater unit of the heating unit 1 is completely set to 0 in order to lower the temperature of the water in the cooling state, the degree of temperature drop in the heating tank 10 will increase, and there is a risk that the temperature of the water will drop too much. In contrast, even when lowering the temperature of the water, by keeping the heater units 2a and 2b in a state of continuous heating with a weak output, the heat lost due to heat dissipation to the indoor space can be compensated, the temperature drop can be slowed down, and excessive temperature drop can be prevented.

[0084] Especially when manufacturing fermented foods, if the fermentation temperature in the inner container 30 is not kept uniform by the heating of the heating unit 1, the fermentation of the material will not proceed and the target food cannot be produced. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to prevent excessive temperature drop, and the above temperature control is effective. In addition, at the start of heating of the heating unit 1, the control unit 60 performs control called so-called soft start, in which the duty ratio of the output is gradually increased so as not to cause an excessive temperature change.

[0085] The heat of the heating unit 1 is transmitted to the inner container 30 by direct heat conduction through the protrusions 15 from the bottom 11 of the heating tank 10, indirect heat conduction through water, and heat radiation from the surface of the bottom 11. However, from the comparison verification results depending on the presence or absence of water, it has been found that the ratio of indirect heat conduction through water in the whole heat transfer is the largest.

[0086] By using the temperature of the indoor space around the heating device detected by the second temperature sensor 52 provided along the outer surface of the heating tank 10 for temperature control in the control unit 60, the heating unit 1 can be controlled according to the room temperature, and the control temperature range can be reduced.

[0087] Furthermore, based on the room temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 52, the control unit 60 can also perform control to adjust the threshold values (upper limit value and lower limit value) related to the allowable temperature range of the water temperature in the temperature control. For example, when the room temperature is lower than the normal temperature (25°C), since the natural heat dissipation amount to the outside of the heating device becomes relatively large, the control unit 60 sets the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the temperature range higher than those in the case of normal temperature, so that the heat amount can be compensated. The control unit 60 may execute the adjustment control of the upper limit value and the lower limit value of such a temperature range in combination with the duty ratio adjustment control of the heater unit output described above.

[0088] Next, the usage state of the heating device to which the heating unit according to the present embodiment is applied will be described. As a premise, a cable is connected to the USB terminal provided at the lower part of the outer wall portion 13 of the heating tank 10 of the heating device 100, and power is supplied from an external power supply device (not shown) as a power supply means through this cable, and the heating unit 1 and the control unit 60 are in a state where they can be energized. Also, it is assumed that the inner space 10a of the heating tank 10 is initially closed by the lid portion 20 in a state where the inner container 30 and the water 80 are not accommodated.

[0089] In the heating device according to the present embodiment, examples of the object to be heated 90 that is heated and kept warm in the heating tank 10 with the inner container 30 put therein include chemicals and foods. Specific examples of foods include fermented foods such as yogurt, natto, cheese, and amazake that can be stored in the inner container 30, snack materials (such as chocolate and cheese), and unpackaged foods for making tea. In addition, by using a baby bottle as the inner container, milk can be used as the object to be heated, or by using a decanter or a sake cup as the inner container, sake can be used as the object to be heated.

[0090] With the lid 20 removed from the heating tank 10 to open the tank interior space 10a, the inner container 30 containing the yogurt raw material (milk and starter) as the object to be heated 90 is placed into the tank interior space 10a of the heating tank 10. Subsequently, water 80 is put into the tank interior space 10a of the heating tank 10 such that the water level reaches the upper end of the convex portion 12a of the inner side wall portion 12.

[0091] After putting in the water, the lid 20 is attached to the heating tank 10 again to close the tank interior space 10a containing the inner container 30 and the water 80. Then, an operation is performed on the operation portion on the side surface of the heating tank 10 to set the target temperature and the duration corresponding to the object to be heated.

[0092] Receiving the temperature and time settings, the control unit 60 starts energizing the heater portions 2a, 2b of the heating unit 1. Due to the energization, the heater portions 2a, 2b enter the heating state, and the heat generated in the heater portions 2a, 2b is transmitted to each part of the heating unit 1. Then, heat is transmitted from the heating unit 1 in the overall heating state to the bottom 11 of the heating tank 10, and further from the bottom 11 of the heating tank 10 to the water 80.

[0093] In this way, by heating the water 80 in the tank interior space 10a by the heating unit 1, convection of the water 80 warmed by the heating unit 1 occurs. The warmed water first moves in the short side direction where it is easier to flow along with the convection from the center of the heating tank 10 near the heating unit 1, and the temperature of the water 80 from the center of the heating tank to near the inner side wall portion at the short side direction end rises. Furthermore, such warmed water 80 spreads to each part of the tank interior space 10a, and the temperature of the entire water rises.

[0094] In the process where the water 80 warmed by the heating unit 1 moves in the short side direction from the center of the heating tank 10 along with the convection and reaches the inner side wall portion 12 at the short side direction end, the inner container 30 is also heated by the warmed water 80, so that the temperature of the object to be heated 90 in the inner container 30 can be rapidly increased.

[0095] The control unit 60 controls the heating state of the heating unit 1 so that the temperature of the object to be heated 90 reaches an appropriate temperature that meets the purpose such as fermentation within a predetermined time, and adjusts the temperature of the water 80 detected by the first temperature sensor 51 to approach the target value corresponding to the object to be heated 90.

[0096] After the temperature of the water 80 has once reached the target value, the control unit 60 controls the energization state of the heater parts 2a and 2b of the heating unit 1 so as to maintain the temperature of the water 80 within the allowable range corresponding to the target value based on the temperature of the water 80 detected by the first temperature sensor 51 and the indoor air temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52. At the same time, the control unit 60 monitors the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 3 of the heating unit 1 to prevent the heater parts 2a and 2b from being in an abnormal heat generation state.

[0097] When the water 80 is heated in the heating tank 10, a part of the water 80 evaporates, and the generated water vapor may condense inside the lid part 20 to form water droplets. When the water 80 derived from such water droplets flows downward from the lid part 20, it is guided to the side of the tank inner space 10a through the guide part 10c at the corner of the heating tank 10, so it does not flow out to the outside.

[0098] When a predetermined time set in advance has elapsed while the control unit 60 performs output control of the heater parts 2a and 2b of the heating unit 1 to maintain the temperature of the water 80 within the allowable range and reaches the stage where the temperature maintenance of the object to be heated 90 can be terminated, the control unit 60 stops the energization to the heating unit 1. When the object to be heated is yogurt raw material, when the fermentation progresses and the yogurt is completed, the control unit 60 will stop the energization to the heating unit 1.

[0099] After stopping the energization to the heating unit 1, remove the lid part 20 from the heating tank 10 to open the tank inner space 10a, and take out the inner container 30 from the tank inner space 10a. If necessary, the inner container 30 containing a new object to be heated may be placed in the tank inner space 10a of the heating tank 10, and the same process may be repeated.

[0100] When draining the water 80 contained in the tank interior space 10a of the heating tank 10, by discharging it using the drainage part (recess) 10b provided at the corner of the heating tank 10, when the heating tank 10 is tilted, the water flow can be concentrated in the drainage part 10b and discharged while suppressing the outflow width. As a result, the water flowing out from the edge of the heating tank 10 does not spread horizontally and deviate from the desired discharge target position, wetting unexpected locations.

[0101] By using the inner container 30, after heating the object to be heated 90 with the heating device 10, the water attached to the inner container 30 can be wiped off and then the entire inner container 30 can be directly placed in the refrigerator as it is, eliminating the need for transfer, which is excellent in terms of usability.

[0102] As described above, in the heating unit according to the present embodiment, the heater parts 2a, 2b made of conductor foil and the temperature detection part 3 also made of conductor foil are in a laminated state, enabling the heating state by the heater parts 2a, 2b to be detected by the nearby temperature detection part 3. Therefore, the overall unit structure including the temperature detection part 3 can be made thin, the height of the heating unit arrangement space in the device incorporating the heater can be suppressed, and if a multilayer substrate in which the heater parts 2a, 2b and the temperature detection part 3 are laminated and integrated is used, it is easy to handle, can be miniaturized and cost-reduced, and can be easily installed.

[0103] Also, by positioning the temperature detection part 3 near the heater parts 2a, 2b, the temperature of the heater parts 2a, 2b can be accurately detected by the temperature detection part 3, and the heating control of the heater parts 2a, 2b based on the detected temperature can be appropriately performed.

[0104] In the heating unit according to the above-described embodiment, a multilayer printed circuit board structure is adopted, which enables easy formation of a laminated structure of the heater units 2a and 2b, the temperature detection unit 3, etc., and easy arrangement and fixation within the apparatus, and enables cost reduction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other laminated structures can also be used. For example, a configuration can be adopted in which a conductive layer serving as a heater and an insulating layer are separately formed and then overlapped and integrated. Also in this case, the heater is a planar one by resistive heating, and as the conductive layer, in addition to copper, aluminum, stainless steel, nichrome wire, etc. can be used. Further, as the insulating layer, a heat-resistant resin film or a silicone material can be overlapped and configured. In addition, as the planar heater, a configuration can be adopted in which a so-called polyimide heater, a polyester heater, etc. are adopted.

[0105] (Second Embodiment of the Present Invention) In the heating unit according to the first embodiment, it is configured to be provided as heating means for heating the water placed in the heating tank 10 of the heating apparatus 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to be provided as heating means in other devices for heating or keeping warm a liquid.

[0106] For example, as shown in FIG. 16, a configuration can be adopted in which the heating unit 1 is provided as heating means for a coaster-type cup warmer 201 for keeping warm a beverage in a cup. In this case, by detecting the temperature of the heater unit with the temperature detection unit, the presence or absence of the cup 201a on the cup warmer 201 can be determined from the temperature change of the heater unit accompanying the change in the heat load. Thereby, it is possible to prevent in advance an overheated state due to continuous energization of the heater unit in a state where the cup 201a is not placed. By being able to effectively utilize the heating unit 1, it is not necessary to use an external sensor like a device that detects the presence or absence of the cup 201a with a weight sensor or the like, and the cost can be reduced.

[0107] In addition, a configuration can be adopted in which the heating unit 1 is provided on the cup side, and power supply is performed by wireless power supply from a coaster-type pedestal as a power source to the cup placed on the pedestal, so that the heating unit 1 on the cup side can be energized.

[0108] Furthermore, as the cup 203 with a heat preservation function, a heating unit 1 can be provided in the cup, and the cup can be configured to directly connect a power source such as a USB to the cup or incorporate a battery, so that the cup alone can keep beverages warm (see Fig. 17).

[0109] (The third embodiment of the present invention) In the heating unit according to the first embodiment, it is configured to be provided as a heating means for warming the water placed in the heating tank 10 of the heating device 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to be provided as a heating means for warming a part of the human body in a device used by a person.

[0110] For example, a configuration can also be adopted in which the heating unit is used as a heating means for a warmer for warming the body. In this case, the warmer is an electric warmer provided with a heating unit and a secondary battery as a power source. By using a multilayer substrate for the heating unit in the warmer, the size of the warmer can be reduced.

[0111] Also, as a second example, in a beauty device (facial beauty device) 301 used by applying it to the skin such as the face, a heating unit 1 can be provided on the back side of the electrode 301b of the head portion 301a in contact with the skin, and the electrode 301b, which is a conductor and also a good heat conductor, can be heated to transmit heat to the skin (see Fig. 18).

[0112] Furthermore, the heating unit 1 can be made larger than the electrode 301c, and in a state where the heating unit 1 is overlapped and arranged on the back side of the electrode 301c, a part of the surface of the heating unit 1 may protrude outside the electrode 301c so as to be in contact with the skin together with the electrode 301c (see Fig. 19). In this case, the skin around the electrode 301c can also be warmed simultaneously at the portion where the heating unit 1 protrudes from the electrode 301c.

[0113] On the other hand, when electrodes 301d and 301e that form a pair for energizing the skin are provided in the head portion, instead of overlapping the electrodes and the heating unit, the heating unit 1 can be arranged between the electrodes 301d and 301e so as to separate the electrodes 301d and 301e from each other (see Fig. 20). When the paired electrodes 301d and 301e are arranged concentrically, the heating unit 1 is arranged in an annular shape, one electrode 301d is provided so as to penetrate the central portion of the heating unit 1, and the other electrode 301e is in a state of surrounding the outer periphery of the heating unit 1. In this case, the heating unit 1 mainly warms a part of the skin that is in direct contact with it.

[0114] Also, as a third example, in an electric shaver for shaving a beard by applying it to the skin of the face, a heating unit 1 can be provided at a portion other than the outer blade 303b of the head portion 303a that contacts the skin, so that heat can be transmitted to the skin when shaving the beard.

[0115] In this case, the surface of the head portion 303a heated by the heating unit 1 arranged between the plurality of outer blades 303b is brought into contact with the skin (see Fig. 21). Alternatively, a part of the heating unit 1 may also be provided at the outer edge portion of the head portion 303a outside the outer blade 303b to warm the skin in contact with the surface of the head portion 303a around the outer blade 303b (see Fig. 22).

[0116] Also, in relation to an electric shaver, in a stand-type cleaner 310 for automatically cleaning such an electric shaver, with the shaver 303 having the head portion 303a facing downward held by the cleaner 310, a heating unit 1 is provided at a portion facing the outer blade of the head portion 303a inside the cleaner 310, and a configuration can be adopted in which drying is performed by the heat generated by the heating unit 1 at a stage after cleaning the blade (see Fig. 23).

[0117] Furthermore, as a fourth example, in a massager that contacts a part of the body such as the hand, arm, foot, or leg and applies stimuli such as vibration or pressure to such parts, a heating unit is provided inside the treatment portion that contacts the body, and a configuration can be adopted in which the treatment portion is warmed to transmit a thermal stimulus to the body as well.

[0118] In addition to the handy type that vibrates the treatment part at the tip, the massager may also be a face massager, and a heating unit may be provided at a portion of the massager that contacts the face or in the vicinity thereof to warm the portion of the face to be massaged.

[0119] Also, a heating unit 1 may be provided at a portion of the hand massager 304 that contacts the fingers, nails, or palm of the hand or in the vicinity thereof to warm these portions (see Fig. 24).

[0120] Furthermore, a heating unit 1 may be provided at a portion of the massagers 305, 306, and 307 that target the feet and legs or in the vicinity thereof to warm the portion to be massaged (see Figs. 25, 26, and 27).

[0121] The heating unit according to the disclosure of the present invention specifically shown in each of the first to third embodiments can contribute to the achievement of, for example, "Goal 9: Build the foundation for industry and technological innovation (build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and drive innovation)" among the 17 goals defined by the United Nations in the "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)".

[0122] The possible forms of the heating unit according to the disclosure of the present invention are appended again.

[0123] The heating unit according to the disclosure of the present invention includes a heater part for heating with a conductor foil arranged in a predetermined manner and a temperature detection part for temperature detection with a conductor foil arranged in a predetermined manner, and the heater part and the temperature detection part are in a laminated state.

[0124] According to the disclosure of the present invention as described above, a heater part made of a conductor foil and a temperature detection part also made of a conductor foil are in a laminated state, and by enabling the heating state by the heater part to be detected by the nearby temperature detection part, the overall structure of the unit including the temperature detection part can be made thinner, the height of the heating unit arrangement space in the device incorporating the heater can be suppressed, and if the heater part and the temperature detection part are formed into a plate-like body integrated by lamination, it is easy to handle, and miniaturization and cost reduction can be achieved, and installation can also be easily performed. Also, by positioning the temperature detection part near the heater part, the temperature of the heater part can be accurately detected by the temperature detection part, and the heating control of the heater part based on the detected temperature can be appropriately performed.

[0125] Further, the heating unit according to the disclosure of the present invention optionally has other layer components other than the heater part and the temperature detection part, which are provided in a laminated state with respect to the heater part and the temperature detection part. Among the heater part and the temperature detection part, the heater part is disposed at an inner layer part between the layer of the temperature detection part and the other layer component, while the temperature detection part is disposed at the outer layer.

[0126] According to the disclosure of the present invention as described above, the heater part is disposed at the inner layer part in the laminated structure, and the temperature detection part is disposed at the outer layer. By the heater part performing heating from the inner layer, heat can be transmitted outward from the inside of the unit to warm the entire unit, and a heat storage effect can be produced by the inner layer heater part and the outer layer sandwiching it, so that the temperature can be efficiently maintained throughout the unit.

[0127] Further, the heating unit according to the disclosure of the present invention optionally has the temperature detection part formed such that the area of the conductor foil in the temperature detection part is larger than or substantially the same as the area of the conductor foil in the heater part.

[0128] According to the disclosure of the present invention as described above, by forming the area of the conductor foil in the temperature detection part to be larger than or substantially the same as the area of the conductor foil in the heater part, and causing the temperature detection part to overlap the entire heater part, the entire heater part is included in the temperature detection range by the temperature detection part, and the temperature of the heater part can be detected more reliably and accurately by the temperature detection part.

[0129] Further, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the heating unit may, if necessary, be provided with a plurality of the heater parts, and each heater part is formed in a meandering pattern in which a linear conductor foil is continuously arranged while being folded back a plurality of times on a thin plate, and the continuous direction of the linear conductor foil in at least one heater part and the continuous direction of the linear conductor foil in at least one other heater part are laminated in an arrangement relationship perpendicular to each other.

[0130] According to the disclosure of the present invention as described above, by providing at least two or more heater parts, each heater part having a similar structure in which a linear conductor foil is folded back a plurality of times, and the continuous direction of the linear conductor foil in at least one heater part and the continuous direction of the linear conductor foil in at least one other heater part being in an arrangement relationship perpendicular to each other, the overlap of the linear conductor foil in the heater part is minimized to increase the apparent area of the heat generation part. Thus, on the heater parts in the laminated state, between the heater parts where the continuous directions of the linear conductor foils are in an arrangement relationship perpendicular to each other, the situation where the heat transfer from the linear conductor foil of one heater part to the outside is obstructed by the overlapping linear conductor foil of the other heater part is less likely to occur, and the heat generated by the linear conductor foil of the heater part can be efficiently transferred to the outside, enabling heating to be performed from the entire surface of the heating unit and efficiently heating an external object to be heated.

[0131] Further, according to the disclosure of the present invention, among the heater parts of the heating unit, if necessary, those in which the continuous directions of the linear conductor foils are in an arrangement relationship perpendicular to each other are formed such that the linear conductor foils in each heater part have the same shape and the same area.

[0132] According to the disclosure of the present invention, in the heater portions where the continuous directions of the linear conductor foils are perpendicular to each other, the shape and area of the linear conductor foils are formed to be the same, and the overlap of the linear conductor foils of the overlapping heater portions is made uniform over the entire area of the heater portion, so that the heat generated in the linear conductor foils of each heater portion in the laminated state can be uniformly transmitted outward over the entire area of the heater portion, and the external heating object can be appropriately heated uniformly as a heating unit.

[0133] Further, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the heating unit may, if necessary, be formed such that the heater portion and the temperature detection portion are in a meandering pattern in which a plurality of linear conductor foils are continuously arranged while being folded back a plurality of times on a thin plate, and the temperature detection portion is formed such that the line width and the interval between the lines of the linear conductor foil in the temperature detection portion are smaller than those of the linear conductor foil in the heater portion, and the length of the linear conductor foil in the temperature detection portion is larger than the length of the linear conductor foil in the heater portion.

[0134] According to the disclosure of the present invention in this way, by making the line width and the line interval of the linear conductor foil of the temperature detection portion smaller than those of the linear conductor foil of the heater portion, increasing the number of lines of the linear conductor foil of the temperature detection portion per unit area, and forming the linear conductor foil of the temperature detection portion relatively longer than the linear conductor foil of the heater portion on the same unit, the resistance value of the linear conductor foil of the temperature detection portion is made larger, and the change in the resistance value accompanying the temperature change is also made larger, so that a fine temperature change can be captured from the change in the resistance value, and the detection accuracy of the temperature can be improved.

[0135] Further, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the heating unit may, if necessary, be provided with a diffusion portion having a planar conductor foil that is laminated and disposed on the side opposite to the side where the temperature detection portion exists in the heater portion and has the same size as the heater portion or is larger than the heater portion.

[0136] According to the disclosure of the present invention as described above, a diffusion part having a planar conductor foil is disposed on the side opposite to the side facing the temperature detection part of the heater part, and heat is transmitted outward from the heater part through the planar conductor foil of the diffusion part having the same size as the heater part or larger than the heater part, so that the heat generated in the heater part can be diffused to the entire surface on the diffusion part side in the unit. If the unit is arranged so that the diffusion part faces the external object to be heated, heat can be efficiently transmitted to the object to be heated side.

[0137] Further, according to the heating unit according to the disclosure of the present invention, if necessary, the diffusion part is formed such that the conductor foil in the diffusion part has the same shape and substantially the same area as the area where the conductor foil is disposed in the heater part.

[0138] According to the disclosure of the present invention as described above, the conductor foil in the diffusion part is formed to have the same shape and area as the area where the conductor foil is disposed in the heater part, and the conductor foil in the diffusion part overlaps the entire conductor foil in the heater part, so that the heat generated in the conductor foil in the heater part is transmitted to the entire area of the diffusion part, and further heat is transmitted outward from the entire area of the diffusion part, and the heat can be released in a more uniform state and used for heating.

[0139] Further, according to the heating unit according to the disclosure of the present invention, if necessary, insulator layers are provided at the parts between the respective conductor foils in the stacking direction and at the outermost part in the stacking direction, respectively.

[0140] According to the disclosure of the present invention as described above, in the stacked state of the conductor foils constituting the heater part, the temperature detection part, etc., insulator layers are interposed between the respective conductor foils, and insulator layers are also provided at the parts that become the outermost unit outer surface in the stacking direction, so that both the front and back surfaces of all the stacked conductor foils are covered with insulators, thereby ensuring insulation between the respective conductor foils and insulating the conductor foils from external objects, ensuring safety, and enabling the functions of the respective conductor foils in the energized state to be realized without problems.

[0141] In addition, as needed, in the heating unit according to the disclosure of the present invention, the diffusion part is formed such that the thickness of the conductor foil in the diffusion part is thinner than the thickness of the conductor foil in the heater part.

[0142] Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, by making the thickness of the conductor foil in the diffusion part thinner than the thickness of the conductor foil in the heater part, and making it easier for the heat transferred to a part of the planar conductor foil in the diffusion part to spread to each position of the planar conductor foil, the heat can be quickly transferred to the entire diffusion part of the unit and diffused to the entire surface on the diffusion part side of the unit, and the heat can be efficiently transferred to the external object to be heated.

[0143] In addition, as needed, in the heating unit according to the disclosure of the present invention, the heater part, the temperature detection part, and the diffusion part are formed as each layer of a multilayer printed circuit board, the temperature detection part and the diffusion part are respectively arranged at the front and back outer layer parts of the multilayer printed circuit board, and the heater part is arranged at the inner layer part between the temperature detection part and the diffusion part in the multilayer printed circuit board.

[0144] Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, by forming the laminated structure of the heater part, the temperature detection part, and the diffusion part as a multilayer printed circuit board composed of a plurality of layers of conductor foils and insulating layers, and making it manufacturable in the manufacturing process of the multilayer printed circuit board, the laminated structure of the heater part, the temperature detection part, and the diffusion part can be obtained easily and at low cost, and at the same time, thinning can be achieved. In addition, the multilayer printed circuit board can be easily obtained in large quantities, and the individual differences in the performance of the heater part in the unit formed on the board can be extremely small, and the quality of the unit can be improved. Furthermore, the unit formed as a board is extremely thin, its arrangement space can be kept small, its handling property is excellent, it is easy to install in the equipment using the unit, and it can also contribute to the miniaturization and cost reduction of such equipment.

[0145] In addition, as needed, in the heating unit according to the disclosure of the present invention, the diffusion part is electrically connected to a location at the power supply potential or a location at the ground potential in the heater part.

[0146] According to the disclosure of the present invention as described above, by electrically connecting the diffusion part to a location at the power supply potential or the ground potential in the heater part, such that the planar conductor foil of the diffusion part is also at the power supply potential or the ground potential, the planar conductor foil of the diffusion part serves as a shield against external noise, static electricity, etc., preventing the influence of such external noise, static electricity, etc. from reaching the heater part, the temperature detection part, and further the control circuit through these, enabling these to operate stably and not causing malfunction.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0147] 1 Heating unit 2a, 2b Heater part 3 Temperature detection part 4 Diffusion part 6 Insulation layer 7 Adhesive layer 8 Protective film 10 Heating tank 10a Space inside the tank 10b Drainage part 10c Guide part 11 Bottom 12 Inner wall part 12a Protrusion 13 Outer wall part 14 Lower lid 15 Protrusion 16 USB terminal 19 Holder 20 Lid part 21 Liquid guiding part 30 Inner container 51, 52 Temperature sensor 60 Control part 80 Water 90 Object to be heated 100 Heating device 201 Cup warmer 201a Cup 203 Cup with heat preservation function 301 Beauty device 301a Head part 301b Electrode 301c Electrode 301d Electrode 301e Electrode 303 Beard trimmer 303a Head part 303b Outer blade 310 Washer 304 Hand massager 305 Massager 306 Massager 307 Massager

Claims

1. A heater section for heating with a conductor foil arranged in a predetermined configuration, and A temperature detection section for temperature detection with a conductor foil arranged in a predetermined configuration, and The heater section and the temperature detection section are in a laminated state, A heating unit characterized by this.

2. In the heating unit according to Claim 1, It has other layer structures other than the heater section and the temperature detection section, which are provided in a laminated state with respect to the heater section and the temperature detection section, Among the heater section and the temperature detection section, while the heater section is arranged at an inner layer part between the layer of the temperature detection section and the other layer structure, the temperature detection section is arranged at an outer layer, A heating unit characterized by this.

3. In the heating unit according to Claim 1, The temperature detection section is formed such that the area of the conductor foil in the temperature detection section is larger or substantially the same as the area of the conductor foil in the heater section, A heating unit characterized by this.

4. In the heating unit according to Claim 1, A plurality of heater sections are provided, and each heater section is formed as a meandering pattern in which a linear conductor foil is continuously arranged while being folded back a plurality of times on a thin plate, The continuous direction of the linear conductor foil in at least one heater section and the continuous direction of the linear conductor foil in at least one other heater section are laminated in an arrangement relationship perpendicular to each other, A heating unit characterized by this.

5. In the heating unit according to Claim 4, Among the heater sections, those having an arrangement relationship in which the continuous directions of the linear conductor foils are perpendicular to each other are formed with the linear conductor foils in each heater section having the same shape and the same area, A heating unit characterized by this.

6. In the heating unit according to Claim 1, The heater section and the temperature detection section are formed as a meandering pattern in which a linear conductor foil is continuously arranged while being folded back a plurality of times on a thin plate, The temperature detection section is formed such that the line width and the interval between the lines of the linear conductor foil in the temperature detection section are smaller than those of the linear conductor foil in the heater section, and the length of the linear conductor foil in the temperature detection section is made larger than the length of the linear conductor foil in the heater section, A heating unit characterized by this.

7. In the heating unit according to Claim 1, It is provided with a diffusion section having a planar conductor foil that is laminated and arranged on the side opposite to the side where the temperature detection section exists in the heater section, and the diffusion section has the same size as the heater section or is larger than the heater section, A heating unit characterized by this.

8. In the heating unit according to claim 7, the diffusion part is formed such that the conductor foil in the diffusion part has the same shape and substantially the same area as the region where the conductor foil is disposed in the heater part. A heating unit characterized by the above.

9. In the heating unit according to claim 1, Insulator layers are provided at the parts between the respective conductor foils in the stacking direction and at the outermost part in the stacking direction. A heating unit characterized by the above.

10. In the heating unit according to claim 7, the diffusion part is formed such that the thickness of the conductor foil in the diffusion part is thinner than the thickness of the conductor foil in the heater part. A heating unit characterized by the above.

11. In the heating unit according to claim 7, the heater part, the temperature detection part, and the diffusion part are formed as respective layers of a multilayer printed circuit board. The temperature detection part and the diffusion part are respectively arranged at the front and back outer layer parts of the multilayer printed circuit board. The heater part is arranged at the inner layer part between the temperature detection part and the diffusion part in the multilayer printed circuit board. A heating unit characterized by the above.

12. In the heating unit according to claim 7, the diffusion part is electrically connected to a location having a power supply potential or a ground potential in the heater part. A heating unit characterized by the above.

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