Fluid heating device for vehicle

Abstract

To provide a fluid heating device for a vehicle which can restrain fluid from being leaked even if the vehicle collides with an article.SOLUTION: A fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle comprises a tank 10 which includes flow path introducing fluid inside, a heating part 20 which heats the fluid by heating the tank 10 and a case 40 which stores the tank 10 and the heating part 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fluid heating device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fluid heating device for heating a fluid. The fluid heating device includes a heater unit having a heater that generates heat and a heating part that is heated by the heater, and a case that houses the heating part and through which a fluid that exchanges heat with the heating part flows. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-89915 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if a vehicle collides with an object, the case of the fluid heating device mounted on the vehicle may be damaged, causing the fluid inside the case to leak and potentially affecting the equipment inside the vehicle.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a fluid heating device for a vehicle that can suppress fluid leakage even when the vehicle collides with an object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A fluid heating device for a vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tank having a flow path therein for guiding a fluid, a heating unit that heats the fluid by heating the tank, and a case that houses the tank and the heating unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to the present disclosure can suppress leakage of fluid even when the vehicle collides with an object. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fluid heating device for a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the fluid heating device for a vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing how the tank is inserted into the case. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the fluid heating device for a vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the fluid heating device for a vehicle taken along line VV in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0011] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0012] In the following embodiments, in Fig. 1, the direction in which the tank is inserted into the first opening is defined as the positive X-axis direction, the direction of the circuit board relative to the cover is defined as the positive Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the positive X-axis and positive Y-axis directions and the direction of the second housing relative to the first housing is defined as the positive Z-axis direction. The directions in Fig. 1 may also be applied to Fig. 2 and subsequent figures.

[0013] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, expressions such as X-axis direction and elongated shape are used. For example, X-axis direction does not only mean the complete X-axis direction, and elongated shape does not only mean the complete elongated shape, but also means the substantial X-axis direction and substantial elongated shape, i.e., including an error of, for example, several percent. Furthermore, X-axis direction and elongated shape mean the X-axis direction and elongated shape within the range in which the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "direction" and "shape."

[0014] (Embodiment) First, the configuration of a fluid heating device for a vehicle 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a fluid heating device for a vehicle 1 in an embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the fluid heating device for a vehicle 1 in an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which a tank 10 is inserted into a case 40. Fig. 4 is a side view showing the fluid heating device for a vehicle 1 in an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the fluid heating device for a vehicle 1 taken along line VV in Fig. 1.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle fluid heating device 1 is applied to a vehicle air conditioner, vehicle battery, etc., mounted on a vehicle such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). When applied to a vehicle air conditioner, for example, the vehicle fluid heating device 1 heats a fluid when the vehicle air conditioner performs a heating operation. This enables the vehicle air conditioner to send warm air into the vehicle cabin.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle includes a tank 10, a heating unit 20, a circuit board 30, a case 40, and a cover 50.

[0018] The tank 10 is flat and elongated. Specifically, the tank 10 is a container that is flat in the Z-axis direction and elongated in the X-axis direction. In other words, the tank 10 is a container that is flat and parallel to the XY plane.

[0019] The tank 10 may have a flow path therein that guides a fluid. Specifically, the tank 10 has a supply port 11 through which a fluid is supplied from the outside into the tank 10, and a discharge port 12 through which the fluid that has passed through the flow path of the tank 10 is discharged to the outside. The supply port 11 and the discharge port 12 are arranged on a lid 13 of the tank 10 so as to be aligned along the Y-axis direction. Each of the supply port 11 and the discharge port 12 is a connection port that can be connected to a hose (not shown). Connecting a hose to each of the supply port 11 and the discharge port 12 allows the fluid to pass between the inside and outside of the tank 10. The fluid is, for example, a liquid such as a coolant.

[0020] The lid 13 is disposed at the end of the tank 10 on the negative side of the X axis, and is integrated with the tank 10. Being integrated means that the lid 13 and the tank 10 cannot be separated without destroying them.

[0021] The tank 10 is provided with a heating unit 20. The heating unit 20 is a heater and is capable of heating the tank 10. As a result, the fluid supplied from the supply port 11 of the tank 10 is heated by the heating unit 20 as it passes through the tank 10, and the heated fluid can be discharged from the discharge port 12.

[0022] The circuit board 30 is in the form of a plate that is long in the X-axis direction, and is held in the case 40 so as to be oriented parallel to the XZ plane.

[0023] The circuit board 30 can drive and control the heating unit 20. By driving and controlling the heating unit 20, the circuit board 30 can adjust the temperature of the fluid in the tank 10, the heating period, etc.

[0024] The case 40 houses the tank 10, the heating unit 20, and the circuit board 30. The case 40 is long in the X-axis direction and has an L-shape when viewed along the X-axis direction. The case 40 is made of, for example, a metal material.

[0025] Specifically, the case 40 has a long first housing 110 that houses the long tank 10, and a second housing 120 that is long along the longitudinal direction of the first housing 110, is connected to the first housing 110, and extends in a direction intersecting the first housing 110.

[0026] The first housing 110 is a housing that is flat in the Z-axis direction and long in the X-axis direction so that it can accommodate the tank 10. In other words, the first housing 110 is a container that is parallel to the XY plane.

[0027] The first housing 110 has a first opening 112 formed at one end in the longitudinal direction. The first opening 112 is open so that the tank 10 can be inserted. The first opening 112 is located on the negative X-axis direction side of the first housing 110. Therefore, the tank 10 can be inserted into the first opening 112 of the first housing 110 along the positive X-axis direction.

[0028] The first housing 110 has a first bottom 111 formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction. When the tank 10 is inserted into the first opening 112 of the first housing 110, the first bottom 111 becomes the bottom wall of the first housing 110 on the positive side of the X-axis.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a first guide portion 117 is formed on the first bottom portion 111. A second guide portion 17 is formed on the tank 10 and is disposed at the leading end 15 of the tank 10 in the insertion direction into the first opening 112. The leading end 15 of the tank 10 is the end of the tank 10 on the positive side of the X-axis. The first guide portion 117 has an inclined surface 117a that slopes upward toward the positive direction of the X-axis. The second guide portion 17 has an inclined surface 17a that slopes downward toward the negative direction of the X-axis. Therefore, when the tank 10 is inserted into the first opening 112, the second guide portion 17 provided on the leading end 15 of the tank 10 engages with the first guide portion 117 of the first bottom portion 111, and the second guide portion 17 abuts against the surface of the first guide portion 117 to position the tank 10. In this way, the first guide portion 117 can guide the second guide portion 17 of the tank 10 inserted through the first opening 112.

[0030] The first bottom 111 is formed with a first fastening portion 116 for fastening to the tank 10. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tank 10 is formed with a first fastening portion 16 that is disposed at a tip 15 in the insertion direction into the first opening 112. When the tank 10 is inserted into the first opening 112 and the second guide portion 17 is guided by the first guide portion 117, the first fastening portion 16 and the first fastening portion 116 are aligned so that they can be fastened together.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first fastening portion 16 and the first fastened portion 116 are fastened together by screws, bolts, or the like. The first fastening portion 16 and the first fastened portion 116 may have a fastening structure in the shape of a claw, for example. Alternatively, the first fastening portion 16 or the first fastened portion 116 may have a fastening structure in the shape of a claw, and the first fastened portion 116 or the first fastening portion 16 may have a hook hole for hooking the claw. Any other known structure may be used as long as it can fasten the first fastening portion 16 and the first fastened portion 116 together.

[0032] The tank 10 is provided with a heating unit 20, and when the tank 10 is housed in the first housing 110, a heat insulating layer K is formed between the heating unit 20 and the inner wall surface of the first housing 110. The heat insulating layer K is, for example, a heat insulating material or an air layer disposed between the heating unit 20 and the inner wall surface of the first housing 110. When the heat insulating layer K is a heat insulating material, the heat insulating material may be attached to the heating unit 20 or the inner wall surface of the first housing 110. In the present embodiment, the heat insulating layer K is an air layer. For this reason, the heating unit 20 and the first housing 110 are separated so as not to come into contact with each other.

[0033] 2, the first housing 110 is elongated along the longitudinal direction of the tank 10 and has a first wall portion 113 connected to the second housing 120. In the first housing 110, the first wall portion 113 is disposed on the positive side of the Z axis of the first housing 110 so as to be oriented parallel to the XY plane.

[0034] The second housing 120 is elongated along the longitudinal direction of the tank 10 and has a second wall 123 rising from the first wall 113. As shown in FIG. 4 , the first wall 113 and the second wall 123 form an L-shape when viewed along the X-axis direction. A connector 31 for electrical connection with the circuit board 30 is attached to the second wall 123. In this embodiment, a power supply connector 31a for supplying power to the circuit board 30 and a communication connector 31b for communicating with the circuit board 30 are arranged on the second wall 123 so as to be aligned in the X-axis direction. The power supply connector 31a and the communication connector 31b are examples of the connector 31.

[0035] When the outer periphery of case 40 is defined as a rectangle (shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4) when viewed along the longitudinal direction of case 40, connector 31 is disposed in second housing 120 so as to be located inside the imaginary rectangular frame shown by the two-dot chain line and so as to be adjacent to first housing 110. Connector 31 is disposed so as to protrude from second wall portion 123 in the positive direction of the Y axis. The height of connector 31 is lower than the height of first wall portion 113 in the positive direction of the Y axis. Therefore, connector 31 is contained within the imaginary rectangular frame shown by the two-dot chain line.

[0036] The tank 10 inserted through the first opening 112 has a lid 13 arranged to close the first opening 112. The lid 13 has a second fastening portion 14 that fastens to the first opening 112. The first opening 112 has a second fastened portion 114 that fastens to the second fastening portion 14.

[0037] The lid body 13 is a plate-like member arranged at the end of the tank 10 on the negative side of the X-axis. The lid body 13 is held by the tank 10 so as to be parallel to the YZ plane. In this embodiment, the lid body 13 is formed with a plurality of second fastening portions 14. The second fastening portions 14 are arranged on the edge of the lid body 13. Therefore, the first opening 112 is provided with a plurality of second fastened portions 114 that correspond one-to-one to the second fastening portions 14.

[0038] In this embodiment, the second fastening portion 14 and the second fastened portion 114 are fastening holes that are fastened by screws, bolts, or the like. Note that the second fastening portion 14 and the second fastened portion 114 may have a fastening structure that is claw-shaped relative to each other. Alternatively, the second fastening portion 14 or the second fastened portion 114 may have a fastening structure that is claw-shaped, and the second fastened portion 114 or the second fastening portion 14 may be a hook hole that hooks onto the claw-shaped structure. Any other known structure may be used as long as it can fasten the second fastening portion 14 and the second fastened portion 114 together.

[0039] In this way, the first fastening portion 16 on the positive side of the X-axis of the tank 10 is fastened to the first fastened portion 116, and the second fastening portion 14 on the negative side of the X-axis of the tank 10 is fastened to the second fastened portion 114, so that the tank 10 can be firmly supported by the case 40 not only against the collision of an object with the vehicle but also against vibrations caused by the vehicle traveling.

[0040] A supply port 11 and a discharge port 12 are arranged on a surface 13a of the lid body 13. The supply port 11, the discharge port 12, and the second fastening portions 14 are arranged side by side and close to each other. In other words, the multiple second fastening portions 14 are arranged to surround the periphery of the supply port 11 and the discharge port 12. Hoses are connected to the supply port 11 and the discharge port 12, and the hoses are arranged to extend from the lid body 13 in the negative direction of the X-axis. Therefore, if the vehicle collides with an object, parts that make up the vehicle are less likely to come into contact with the multiple second fastening portions 14.

[0041] Furthermore, a second opening 122 that opens from the first housing 110 to the second housing 120 is formed on the surface of the case 40 on the negative Y-axis side. The second opening 122 is an insertion hole for accommodating the circuit board 30 in the case 40. The circuit board 30 accommodated in the case 40 is disposed between the opening surface of the second opening 122 and the tank 10, straddling from the first housing 110 to the second housing 120. That is, as shown in FIG. 5 , the circuit board 30 is disposed across the first housing space S1 of the first housing 110 and the second housing space S2 of the second housing 120. The circuit board 30 is held in the case 40 in a position parallel to the opening surface of the second opening 122, i.e., parallel to the XZ plane, and intersects with an imaginary XY plane that is aligned with the flat tank 10.

[0042] 2 and 5, the cover 50 can cover the second opening 122 of the case 40. Specifically, even if the circuit board 30, the heating unit 20, and the tank 10 are housed in the case 40, the cover 50 can cover the second opening 122 of the case 40. The cover 50 is held in the second opening 122 of the case 40 so as to be oriented parallel to the XZ plane.

[0043] 2, the cover 50 is formed with a plurality of third fastening portions 54. The third fastening portions 54 are arranged on the edge of the cover 50. Therefore, the second opening 122 is provided with a plurality of third fastened portions 124 that correspond one-to-one to the third fastening portions 54.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the third fastening portion 54 and the third fastened portion 124 are fastening holes that are fastened by screws, bolts, or the like. Note that the third fastening portion 54 and the third fastened portion 124 may have, for example, a claw-shaped fastening structure. Alternatively, the third fastening portion 54 or the third fastened portion 124 may have a claw-shaped fastening structure, and the third fastened portion 124 or the third fastening portion 54 may be a hook hole into which the claw is hooked. Any other known structure may be used as long as it can fasten the third fastening portion 54 and the third fastened portion 124 together.

[0045] Next, the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle may further include a heat conducting member 33.

[0046] For example, the circuit board 30 is provided with a heat conduction member 33 that connects the circuit board 30 and the case 40. The heat conduction member 33 can conduct heat generated by the circuit board 30 to the case 40. In this embodiment, the heat conduction member 33 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the electronic component 30a provided on the surface of the circuit board 30 on the positive side of the Y axis and the second wall portion 123 of the second housing 120. The heat conduction member 33 is applied to the surface of the electronic component 30a on the positive side of the Y axis. The heat conduction member 33 is, for example, heat dissipating silicone.

[0047] Next, the fluid heating device for a vehicle 1 may further include a detection unit 32.

[0048] For example, the circuit board 30 may be provided with a detection unit 32 for detecting leakage of fluid inside the case 40. In order to be able to detect leakage of fluid from the tank 10 into the case 40, the detection unit 32 is arranged at the end of the circuit board 30 on the negative Z-axis side so that a pair of terminals are positioned vertically below the circuit board 30.

[0049] The circuit board 30 can stop the supply of electricity to the heating unit 20 when the detection unit 32 detects a fluid leak.

[0050] Depending on the posture of the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle when mounted on the vehicle, the detection unit 32 may be disposed in another location on the circuit board 30. In other words, it is sufficient that the detection unit 32 is disposed on the circuit board 30 so that, in the event of a fluid leakage, the fluid leakage can be detected before the liquid reaches the circuit board 30.

[0051] The case 40 may be disposed on the vehicle such that the first housing 110 is located on the front side of the vehicle (e.g., the front bumper side) and the second housing 120 is located on the rear side of the vehicle. In this case, even if the first housing 110 of the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle is damaged by the impact when the front of the vehicle collides with an object, damage to the circuit board 30 to which high-voltage power is supplied can be expected to be suppressed because the circuit board 30 is located on the rear side of the first housing 110. In addition, with regard to the connector 31, the first housing 110, which protrudes further in the positive Y-axis direction than the connector 31, is likely to collide with equipment inside the vehicle first, so damage to the connector 31 to which high-voltage power is supplied can be expected to be suppressed. In addition, in this case, the supply port 11 and the discharge port 12 are disposed on the side surfaces of the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle, so damage to the supply port 11 and the discharge port 12 can also be expected to be suppressed.

[0052] <Action and effect> Next, the operation and effect of the fluid heating device for a vehicle 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0053] As described above, the vehicle fluid heating device 1 of technology 1 according to this embodiment includes a tank 10 having a flow path therein for guiding a fluid, a heating unit 20 for heating the fluid by heating the tank 10, and a case 40 for accommodating the tank 10 and the heating unit 20.

[0054] According to this, the outer periphery of the tank 10 containing the fluid is covered with the case 40, which provides better protection for the tank 10. Therefore, even if the case 40 is damaged due to a collision between the vehicle and an object, it is expected that the tank 10 will be protected.

[0055] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, leakage of fluid can be suppressed even when the vehicle collides with an object.

[0056] In particular, since the heating unit 20, which is a high-voltage member, is housed in the case 40, the case 40 can also protect the heating unit 20. Therefore, it is expected that the safety of the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle will be improved.

[0057] The fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to the second aspect of the present embodiment is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to the first aspect. In this case, the tank 10 is provided with a heating unit 20.

[0058] This allows the heating unit 20 to heat the tank 10, thereby warming the fluid guided inside the tank 10. As a result, when performing heating operation, the vehicle air conditioning system can send warm air into the vehicle cabin using the heated fluid.

[0059] Furthermore, the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to Technology 3 of this embodiment is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to Technology 1 or 2. In this case, the tank 10 is elongated, the case 40 has an elongated first housing 110 that houses the elongated tank 10, the first housing 110 has a first opening 112 formed at one end of the first housing 110 in the longitudinal direction, and the first opening 112 is open so that the tank 10 can be inserted.

[0060] The tank 10 and the case 40 in this embodiment are long in the X-axis direction. However, for example, if the first opening is formed in the case along the longitudinal direction, the number of fastening portions and fastened portions for fastening the tank and the case increases.

[0061] However, according to the present embodiment, the tank 10 is inserted from the side of the case 40, that is, the first opening 112 is formed on the side of the tank 10 (one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the tank 10), so it is difficult to increase the opening area of ​​the first opening 112. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of fastening portions and fastened portions (second fastening portions 14 and second fastened portions 114) for connecting the first opening 112 and the tank 10.

[0062] In addition, since the increase in the number of fastening portions and fastened portions (second fastening portions 14 and second fastened portions 114) can be suppressed, the increase in the number of fastening members such as screws and bolts can also be suppressed, and the increase in the number of parts in the vehicle fluid heating device 1, the increase in assembly labor, and the weight can be suppressed.

[0063] Furthermore, a fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to a fourth aspect of the present embodiment is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to any one of the first to third aspects. In this case, the case 40 has a long first housing 110 that houses the long tank 10, and a second housing 120 that is long along the longitudinal direction of the first housing 110, is connected to the first housing 110, and extends in a direction intersecting the first housing 110. When the outer contour of the case 40 is defined by an imaginary rectangular frame when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the case 40, the second housing 120 has a connector 31 located inside the imaginary rectangle and disposed adjacent to the first housing 110.

[0064] According to this, the connector 31 can be arranged at a corner formed by the L-shaped first housing 110 and second housing 120 so that the connector 31 does not protrude outside the imaginary rectangular frame. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle from becoming large.

[0065] Furthermore, connectors are typically made of resin. If the vehicle collides with an object, the connector is easily damaged. The connector is at high voltage to supply power to the heating unit, and if the connector is damaged, it is possible that a current will leak from the connector. For this reason, the connector should be protected by a sturdy case.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, connector 31 is positioned so that it does not protrude outside the virtual rectangular frame of case 40. Therefore, if the vehicle collides with an object, it is expected that case 40 will collide with the equipment inside the vehicle first, and therefore connector 31 can be protected.

[0067] Furthermore, the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to Technology 5 of this embodiment is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle described in Technology 4. In this case, the first housing 110 is elongated along the longitudinal direction of the tank 10 and has a first wall portion 113 connected to the second housing 120, the second housing 120 is elongated along the longitudinal direction of the tank 10 and has a second wall portion 123 rising from the first wall portion 113, and the connector 31 is attached to the second wall portion 123.

[0068] According to this, the connector 31 can be disposed on the second wall portion 123, and therefore the connector 31 can be disposed inside the imaginary rectangle at a corner formed by the L-shaped first wall portion 113 and the second wall portion 123. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle from becoming large.

[0069] Furthermore, if the vehicle collides with an object, it is believed that the case 40 will be damaged first, and therefore it is expected that the connector 31 will be protected.

[0070] Furthermore, the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to a sixth aspect of the present embodiment is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to any one of the third to fifth aspects. In this case, the first housing 110 has a first opening 112 formed at one end in the longitudinal direction and a first bottom 111 formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction, a first guide portion 117 formed at the first bottom 111, and a second guide portion 17 disposed at a tip end 15 in the insertion direction into the first opening 112 formed at the tank 10, and the first guide portion 117 guides the second guide portion 17 of the tank 10 inserted from the first opening 112.

[0071] According to this, when the tank 10 is inserted from the first opening 112 of the case 40 along the positive direction of the X axis, the first guide portion 117 provided on the tip portion 15 of the tank 10 is guided by the second guide portion 17 formed on the first bottom portion 111 of the case 40. The engagement between the first guide portion 117 and the second guide portion 17 makes it possible to hold the tip portion 15 of the tank 10 in a predetermined posture.

[0072] Furthermore, the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to Technology 7 of this embodiment is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to any one of Technologies 3 to 6. In this case, the first housing 110 has a first opening 112 formed at one end in the longitudinal direction and a first bottom 111 formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction, the tank 10 is formed with a first fastening portion 16 disposed at a tip end 15 in the insertion direction into the first opening 112, and the first bottom 111 is formed with a first fastened portion 116 for fastening to the first fastening portion 16.

[0073] According to this, by engaging the first guide portion 117 and the second guide portion 17, the tip portion 15 of the tank 10 is held in a predetermined posture so that the first fastening portion 16 can be fastened to the first fastened portion 116. Therefore, by fastening the first fastening portion 16 to the first fastened portion 116, the tip portion 15 of the tank 10 can be fixed to the first bottom 111.

[0074] Furthermore, when the tank 10 is inserted into the case 40, the second guide portion 17 comes into contact with the case 40, so that damage to the heating portion 20 when the tank 10 is inserted into the case 40 can be suppressed.

[0075] The fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to the present embodiment of Technique 8 is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to any one of Techniques 3 to 7. In this case, a heat insulating layer K is formed between the heating unit 20 and the inner wall surface of the first housing 110.

[0076] This forms an insulating layer K between the cover 50 and the tank 10, so that the heated tank 10 can be insulated by the insulating layer K, making it difficult for heat from the tank 10 to escape to the case 40.

[0077] Moreover, the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to Technique 9 of the present embodiment is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to Technique 8. In this case, the heat insulating layer K is an air layer.

[0078] This creates an air layer between the cover 50 and the tank 10, which insulates the heated tank 10 and makes it difficult for heat from the tank 10 to escape to the case 40. Furthermore, by providing the air layer, it is possible to suppress an increase in the manufacturing cost of the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle due to an increase in the weight and number of parts of the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle.

[0079] Furthermore, the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to Technology 10 of this embodiment is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to any one of Technologies 1 to 9. In this case, the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle is housed in a case 40 and further includes a circuit board 30 for driving and controlling the heating unit 20, the tank 10 is flat and elongated, and the circuit board 30 is held in the case 40 so as to be oriented so as to intersect with an imaginary plane (XY plane) parallel to the flat tank 10.

[0080] This allows the circuit board 30 to be arranged upright relative to the flat tank 10, ensuring a certain distance between the circuit board 30 and the tank 10. This makes it possible to suppress the influence of heat from the heated tank 10.

[0081] Although the distance between the circuit board 30 and the tank 10 is ensured, the distance between the circuit board 30 and the tank 10 is such that the connection terminals of the circuit board 30 can be directly connected to the connection terminals of the heating unit 20 so that the circuit board 30 can supply power to the heating unit 20. For this reason, in this embodiment, the circuit board 30 is disposed so as to be able to simultaneously achieve both the thermal effect from the tank 10 on the circuit board 30 and electrical connectivity between the circuit board 30 and the heating unit 20.

[0082] Furthermore, since the circuit board 30 is disposed in the second housing 120, the circuit board 30 is disposed adjacent to the second wall portion 123 of the second housing 120. Therefore, the heat generated from the circuit board 30 is easily conducted to the second wall portion 123, and is easily dissipated from the circuit board 30.

[0083] The heat generated from the circuit board 30 can also be conducted to the side surface of the tank 10 .

[0084] Furthermore, a fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to an eleventh aspect of the present embodiment is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to any one of the first to 9 aspects. In this case, the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle is further provided with a circuit board 30 housed in a case 40 and for driving and controlling the heating unit 20, the case 40 having a long first housing 110 for housing the long tank 10 and a second housing 120 that is long along the longitudinal direction of the first housing 110, is connected to the first housing 110, and extends in a direction intersecting the first housing 110, and the case 40 is further provided with a circuit board 30 housed in the case 40 and for driving and controlling the heating unit 20, the circuit board 30 being arranged across a first housing space S1 of the first housing 110 and a second housing space S2 of the second housing 120.

[0085] This allows the circuit board 30 to be arranged upright relative to the flat tank 10, while also being arranged across a space (second housing space S2) separate from the first housing space S1 in which the tank 10 is arranged. This makes it possible to ensure a distance between the circuit board 30 and the tank 10. This makes it possible to suppress the influence of heat from the heated tank 10.

[0086] Furthermore, since the circuit board 30 is disposed in the second housing 120, the circuit board 30 is disposed adjacent to the second wall portion 123 of the second housing 120. Therefore, heat generated from the circuit board 30 is conducted to the second wall portion 123, and is easily dissipated from the circuit board 30.

[0087] Furthermore, a fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to a twelfth aspect of the present embodiment is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to any one of the first to ninth aspects. In this case, the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle is further provided with a circuit board 30 housed in a case 40 and for controlling the driving of the heating unit 20, the case 40 having a long first housing 110 for housing a long tank 10 and a second housing 120 elongated along the longitudinal direction of the first housing 110, connected to the first housing 110, and extending in a direction intersecting the first housing 110, the case 40 having a second opening 122 formed therein that straddles the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 and allows the circuit board 30 to be inserted, the circuit board 30 being disposed between an opening surface of the second opening 122 and the tank 10 and held by the case 40 so as to be parallel to the opening surface of the second opening 122.

[0088] This allows the vehicle fluid heating device 1 to be disposed in the vehicle so that the first housing 110 is positioned at the front of the vehicle and the second housing 120 is positioned at the rear of the vehicle. Even if the front of the vehicle collides with an object, the first housing 110 will strike equipment inside the vehicle first. In this case, even if the first housing 110 is damaged, it is expected that damage to the circuit board 30 located at the rear will be suppressed.

[0089] The fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to the present embodiment of Technology 13 is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to any one of Technologies 1 to 9. In this case, the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle further includes a circuit board 30 housed in a case 40 for controlling the driving of the heating unit 20, and a heat conduction member 33 connecting the circuit board 30 and the case 40.

[0090] With this, even if the circuit board 30 generates heat by controlling the driving of the heating unit 20, the heat conduction member 33 can dissipate the heat to the case 40. Therefore, the temperature of the circuit board 30 can be prevented from rising too high.

[0091] Furthermore, a fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to a fourteenth aspect of the present embodiment is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects. In this case, the case 40 has a long first housing 110 that houses a long tank 10, the first housing 110 has a first opening 112 formed at one end in the longitudinal direction, the tank 10 inserted through the first opening 112 has a lid 13 arranged to close the first opening 112, the lid 13 is integrated with the tank 10 and has a second fastening portion 14 that fastens to the first opening 112, and the first opening 112 has a second fastened portion 114 that fastens to the second fastening portion 14.

[0092] According to this, the lid 13 integrated with the tank 10 can be fastened to the first opening 112 to close the first opening 112, eliminating the need to prepare a separate member to cover the first opening 112. As a result, an increase in the number of parts, the number of assembly steps, and the weight of the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle can be suppressed.

[0093] Furthermore, when the first fastening portion 16 and the first fastened portion 116 are fastened together, the tip portion 15 of the tank 10 can be fixed to the first bottom portion 111, so that the tank 10 can be more firmly supported by the case 40. In other words, because the end of the tank 10 on the positive side of the X-axis and the end of the tank 10 on the negative side of the X-axis are fastened to the case 40, the tank 10 can be more firmly supported by the case 40 even against vehicle vibrations.

[0094] Furthermore, a fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to a fifth aspect of the present embodiment is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle described in the fourth aspect. In this case, the tank 10 has a supply port 11 through which fluid is supplied from the outside into the tank 10 and a discharge port 12 through which the fluid that has passed through the flow path of the tank 10 is discharged to the outside, and the supply port 11 and the discharge port 12 are arranged on a surface 13a of the lid 13.

[0095] This allows the supply port 11 and the discharge port 12 to be arranged on the same surface 13a of the lid body 13, thereby preventing the external dimensions of the tank 10 from becoming larger than if they were arranged on separate surfaces.

[0096] Furthermore, since the supply port 11 and the discharge port 12 can be arranged on the same surface 13a, the fluid supplied from the supply port 11 can make a U-turn inside the tank 10 and be discharged from the discharge port 12. This allows the length of the flow path from the supply port 11 to the discharge port 12 to be as long as possible. As a result, the fluid in the tank 10 can be more easily heated by the heating unit 20.

[0097] Moreover, the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to the present embodiment of Technique 16 is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to Technique 15. In this case, the supply port 11, the discharge port 12, and the second fastening portion 14 are arranged adjacent to each other so as to be aligned.

[0098] According to this, hoses are connected to the supply port 11 and the discharge port 12, so that the hoses extend from the lid body 13. Because the hoses are arranged there, no equipment inside the vehicle is arranged around them, which makes it possible to prevent the second fastening portion 14 from coming into contact with the equipment inside the vehicle. Furthermore, if the vehicle collides with an object, the equipment inside the vehicle is more likely to collide with the protruding hose. This makes it possible to prevent the second fastening portion 14 from colliding with the equipment inside the vehicle, thereby preventing damage to the second fastening portion 14 and the lid body 13.

[0099] Furthermore, a fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to a seventeenth aspect of the present embodiment is the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects. In this case, the fluid heating device 1 for a vehicle is further provided with a circuit board 30 housed in a case 40 and configured to drive and control the heating unit 20. The circuit board 30 is provided with a detection unit 32 for detecting fluid leakage within the case 40, and the circuit board 30 stops supplying electricity to the heating unit 20 when the detection unit 32 detects fluid leakage.

[0100] This allows the detection unit 32 to detect any water leakage from the tank 10. As a result, the circuit board 30 can stop the supply of electricity to the heating unit 20 before the circuit board 30 and the heating unit 20 become submerged in water.

[0101] (Other variations) While the fluid heating device for a vehicle according to the present disclosure has been described above based on the above-described embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, modifications that are conceivable by those skilled in the art may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0102] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0103] The present disclosure can be used in a fluid heating device for a vehicle, such as an air conditioning device mounted on a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1. Fluid heating device for vehicles 10 Tank 11 Supply port 12 Outlet 13 Lid 13a Surface of the lid 14 Second fastening part 16 1st fastening part 17 2nd Information Department 20 Heating section 30 Circuit Board 31 Connector 32 Detection unit 33 Thermal Conduction Materials 40 cases 110 First cabinet 111 1st bottom 112 First Opening 113 1st wall section 114 Second fastened part 116 1st fastened part 117 1st Information Department 120 Second cabinet 122 Second Opening 123 2nd wall section K. Heat insulating layer S1 First Storage Space S2 Second storage space

Claims

1. a tank having a flow path therein for guiding a fluid; a heating unit that heats the tank to heat the fluid; a case that houses the tank and the heating unit. Fluid heating device for vehicles.

2. The heating unit is installed in the tank. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 1 .

3. The tank has an elongated shape, the case has a first housing having an elongated shape that houses the tank having an elongated shape, the first housing has a first opening formed at one end in a longitudinal direction, The first opening is an opening that allows the tank to be inserted. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the case includes a first housing that is elongated and accommodates the tank, and a second housing that is elongated along the longitudinal direction of the first housing, is connected to the first housing, and extends in a direction intersecting the first housing; When the case is viewed in the longitudinal direction, and the outer periphery of the case is defined by an imaginary rectangular frame, the connector of the second housing is located inside the imaginary rectangle and is disposed adjacent to the first housing. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the first housing is elongated along the longitudinal direction of the tank and has a first wall portion connected to the second housing; the second housing is elongated along the longitudinal direction of the tank and has a second wall portion rising from the first wall portion, The connector is attached to the second wall portion. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 4.

6. The first housing includes: a first opening formed at one end in the longitudinal direction; a first bottom portion formed at the other end portion in the longitudinal direction, a first guide portion is formed on the first bottom portion; The tank is formed with a second guide portion disposed at a tip end in a direction of insertion into the first opening, The first guide portion guides the second guide portion of the tank inserted through the first opening. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 3.

7. The first housing includes: a first opening formed at one end in the longitudinal direction; a first bottom portion formed at the other end portion in the longitudinal direction, The tank is formed with a first fastening portion disposed at a tip end in a direction of insertion into the first opening, The first bottom portion is formed with a first fastening portion for fastening to the first fastening portion. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 3.

8. A heat insulating layer is formed between the heating unit and the inner wall surface of the first housing. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 3.

9. The heat insulating layer is an air layer. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 8.

10. a circuit board housed in the case for driving and controlling the heating unit; The tank is flat and elongated, The circuit board is held in the case so as to be in a position intersecting an imaginary plane parallel to the flat tank. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

11. a circuit board housed in the case for driving and controlling the heating unit; the case includes a first housing that is elongated and accommodates the tank, and a second housing that is elongated along the longitudinal direction of the first housing, is connected to the first housing, and extends in a direction intersecting the first housing; The circuit board is disposed across the first housing space of the first housing and the second housing space of the second housing. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

12. a circuit board housed in the case for driving and controlling the heating unit; the case includes a first housing that is elongated and accommodates the tank, and a second housing that is elongated along the longitudinal direction of the first housing, is connected to the first housing, and extends in a direction intersecting the first housing; a second opening for inserting the circuit board is formed in the case, the second opening extending from the first housing to the second housing; The circuit board is disposed between the opening surface of the second opening and the tank, and is held by the case so as to be parallel to the opening surface of the second opening. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

13. a circuit board housed in the case for driving and controlling the heating unit; a heat conductive member connecting the circuit board and the case; The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

14. the case has a long first housing that houses the long tank, the first housing has a first opening formed at one end in a longitudinal direction; the tank inserted through the first opening has a lid disposed so as to close the first opening, The lid body is integrated into the tank, a second fastening portion that fastens to the first opening, The first opening has a second fastened portion that fastens with the second fastening portion. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

15. the tank has a supply port through which the fluid is supplied from the outside into the tank, and a discharge port through which the fluid that has passed through the flow path of the tank is discharged to the outside, The supply port and the discharge port are disposed on the surface of the lid.

15. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 14.

16. The supply port, the discharge port, and the second fastening portion are arranged adjacent to each other so as to be aligned.

16. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 15.

17. a circuit board housed in the case for driving and controlling the heating unit; a detection unit for detecting leakage of the fluid within the case is provided on the circuit board; The circuit board stops the supply of electricity to the heating unit when the detection unit detects a leakage of the fluid. The fluid heating device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

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