Heater and fluid heating device

Abstract

To provide a heater and a fluid heating device capable of miniaturizing and improving heating efficiency of fluid.SOLUTION: The heater according to the embodiment contacts a flowing fluid. The heater includes a base portion having a plate shape, including a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface, and extending in a first direction, and at least one heat generating portion provided on at least one of the first surface side and the second surface side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention relate to heaters and fluid heating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There are heaters that heat fluids such as air and water. Heaters that heat fluids are provided, for example, in hot air devices that heat air and in hot water devices that heat water.

[0003] One such heater proposed is a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater. When a current flows through a PTC heater, the temperature of the PTC heater rises in accordance with the magnitude of the current. When the temperature of the PTC heater exceeds the Curie temperature, the resistance of the PTC heater increases, making it difficult for current to flow through the PTC heater, and the temperature rise of the PTC heater is suppressed. When the temperature of the PTC heater drops due to the suppression of the temperature rise of the PTC heater, current flows more easily through the PTC heater, and the temperature of the PTC heater rises again. Therefore, the use of a PTC heater allows for self-control of the heating temperature.

[0004] However, the heat generated in the PTC heater is transferred to the fluid via heat exchange fins. Because the heat exchange fins are made of multiple plates arranged three-dimensionally, the use of PTC heaters makes it difficult to miniaturize the device. Another problem is that the fluid is indirectly heated via the heat exchange fins, making it difficult to improve the fluid heating efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of a technology that can achieve miniaturization and improve the efficiency of heating the fluid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-054934 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a heater and a fluid heating device that can be made smaller and that can improve the efficiency of heating a fluid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A heater according to an embodiment comes into contact with a flowing fluid and includes a plate-shaped base having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and extending in a first direction; and at least one heat generating portion provided on at least one of the first surface and the second surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a heater and a fluid heating device that can be made smaller and that can improve the efficiency of heating a fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating the heater according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater in the direction of line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater according to another embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fluid heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0012] In addition, arrows X, Y, and Z in each figure represent directions that are perpendicular to one another. For example, the X direction (corresponding to an example of a first direction) can be the longitudinal direction (length direction) of the heater 1. For example, the Y direction can be the lateral direction (width direction) of the heater 1. For example, the Z direction (corresponding to an example of a second direction) can be the thickness direction of the heater 1.

[0013] (heater) The heater 1 according to this embodiment comes into contact with a flowing fluid 100 and heats the fluid 100. The fluid 100 may be, for example, a gas (e.g., air) contained in the environment in which the heater 1 is installed, or a liquid such as water or a solution (e.g., coolant liquid). However, the type of fluid 100 is not limited to the examples given.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater 1 in FIG. 1 taken along the line AA. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heater 1 includes, for example, a base portion 10, an insulating portion 20, a heat generating portion 30, a wiring portion 40, and a protective portion 50.

[0015] Here, the insulating section 20, the heat generating section 30, the wiring section 40, and the protective section 50 can be provided, for example, on one side of the base 10, or on both sides of the base 10. In this case, if the heat generating section 30, the wiring section 40, and the protective section 50 are provided on both sides of the base 10, the amount of heat generated can be increased. As a result, the processing capacity of the fluid heating device 200, which will be described later, can be improved.

[0016] In the following, as an example, the case where the insulating portion 20, the heat generating portion 30, the wiring portion 40, and the protective portion 50 are provided on the surface 10a (corresponding to an example of the first surface) side of the base 10 is illustrated, but the insulating portion 20, the heat generating portion 30, the wiring portion 40, and the protective portion 50 can be provided on at least either the surface 10a side of the base 10 or the surface 10b (corresponding to an example of the second surface) side of the base 10.

[0017] The base 10 is plate-shaped and has a surface 10a and a surface 10b opposite to the surface 10a. The base 10 extends in the X direction. The shape of the base 10 as viewed from the Z direction is, for example, rectangular. The shape of the base 10 as viewed from the Z direction can be changed as appropriate depending on the shape of a container 201 of the fluid heating device 200, which will be described later. For example, the shape of the base 10 as viewed from the Z direction may be a circle, an ellipse, a portion of a circle or an ellipse, a polygon, or a portion of a polygon.

[0018] As will be described later, the fluid 100 that flows on the surface 10a of the base 10 from one end of the base 10 in the X direction to the other end thereof flows on the surface 10b of the base 10 from the other end of the base 10 in the X direction to one end thereof. That is, the flow direction of the fluid 100 is opposite on the surface 10a of the base 10 and on the surface 10b of the base 10.

[0019] The dimensions of the base 10 in the X and Y directions (length and width of the base 10) can be changed as appropriate depending on the dimensions of a container 201 of a fluid heating device 200 (described later) in which the heater 1 is provided, the number of heat generating units 30, the dimensions of the heat generating units 30 in the X and Y directions, etc. The dimension of the base 10 in the Z direction (thickness of the base 10) can be changed as appropriate depending on the force applied to the heater 1 when the fluid 100 flows inside the container 201, etc.

[0020] The base 10 is made of a heat-resistant material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the base 10 can be made of a metal such as stainless steel or an aluminum alloy, or an inorganic material such as ceramics.

[0021] Here, the thermal conductivity of metal is higher than that of inorganic materials such as ceramics. Therefore, if the base 10 is made of metal, the time required for the heater 1 to heat up can be shortened. Furthermore, the rigidity of metal is higher than that of inorganic materials such as ceramics. Therefore, if the base 10 is made of metal, the rigidity of the heater 1 can be improved. As a result, damage to the heater 1 can be suppressed when the fluid 100 flows inside the container 201, for example.

[0022] On the other hand, inorganic materials such as ceramics generally have insulating properties. Therefore, if the base 10 is made of an inorganic material, the insulating part 20, which will be described later, can be omitted. For example, if the base 10 is made of an insulating material, the heat generating part 30 and the wiring part 40 can be provided directly on the base 10. Furthermore, if the base 10 is made of an insulating material, it is possible to prevent short circuits and electrical leakage even when the conductive fluid 100 is heated.

[0023] 1 and 2 includes a base 10 containing metal, and therefore an insulating portion 20 is provided between the heat generating portion 30 and the wiring portion 40 and the base 10.

[0024] The insulating portion 20 is provided, for example, on the surface 10a of the base 10. The insulating portion 20 insulates the conductive base 10 from the heat generating portion 30 and the wiring portion 40. Therefore, the insulating portion 20 covers at least the area of ​​the surface 10a of the base 10 where the heat generating portion 30 and the wiring portion 40 are provided. The thickness of the insulating portion 20 is not particularly limited as long as insulation can be ensured. The insulating portion 20 is formed from a material that is heat resistant and insulating. The insulating portion 20 can be formed from, for example, ceramics or glass materials. The insulating portion 20 can be formed, for example, by thermal spraying or firing.

[0025] The heat generating section 30 converts applied power into heat (Joule heat). For example, the heat generating section 30 is linear and extends in the X direction. The electrical resistance per unit length of the heat generating section 30 can be approximately uniform in the X direction or can vary. For example, the electrical resistance per unit length of the heat generating section 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 is approximately uniform in the X direction. For example, the dimension (width) of the heat generating section 30 in the Y direction and the dimension (thickness) in the Z direction are approximately constant. To change the electrical resistance per unit length of the heat generating section 30, it is sufficient to change at least one of the width and the thickness.

[0026] In the heater 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, three heat generating portions 30 are provided on the surface 10a of the base 10, but at least one heat generating portion 30 can be provided on at least one of the surface 10a of the base 10 and the surface 10b of the base 10. When multiple heat generating portions 30 are provided, the multiple heat generating portions 30 can be arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the Y direction. When multiple heat generating portions 30 are provided, the heat generating portions 30 may have the same length, width, and thickness, or at least one of the length, width, and thickness of the heat generating portions 30 may be different. In the heater 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the three heat generating portions 30 have the same length, width, and thickness.

[0027] Furthermore, when heat generating sections 30 are provided on the surface 10a side of the base 10 and the surface 10b side of the base 10, the number, arrangement, length, width, and thickness of the heat generating sections 30 provided on the surface 10b side of the base 10 may be the same as or different from the number, arrangement, length, width, and thickness of the heat generating sections 30 provided on the surface 10a side of the base 10.

[0028] The number, arrangement, length, width and thickness of the heat generating portions 30 can be changed as appropriate depending on the amount of heat generated by the heater 1.

[0029] The heat generating portion 30 can be formed using, for example, ruthenium oxide (RuO), a silver-palladium (Ag-Pd) alloy, a silver-platinum (Ag-Pt) alloy, or the like. The heat generating portion 30 can be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material onto the insulating portion 20 using a method such as screen printing, and then curing the paste using a method such as baking. When the base 10 is formed from an insulating material, the heat generating portion 30 can be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material to the base 10 using a method such as screen printing, and then curing the paste using a method such as baking.

[0030] The wiring portion 40 is provided on the base portion 10 via the insulating portion 20. If the base portion 10 is made of an insulating material, the wiring portion 40 can be provided directly on the base portion 10.

[0031] The wiring section 40 includes, for example, a terminal 41, a wire 42, and a wire 43. The terminals 41 are electrically connected to the heat generating portion 30. For example, a pair of terminals 41 may be provided. For example, the terminals 41 may be provided near the end of the base 10. In the heater 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, the pair of terminals 41 are provided near the end of the base 10 in the Y direction.

[0032] The pair of terminals 41 are electrically connected to a controller 203 (described later) or the like via a connector, external wiring, etc. When the conductive fluid 100 comes into contact with the heater 1, a waterproof connector can be used, or the connection portion between the terminals 41 and the external wiring can be covered with silicone resin or the like.

[0033] The wiring 42 is provided, for example, to connect a plurality of heat generating parts 30 in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel. In Fig. 1, three heat generating parts 30 are connected in series by two wirings 42. Note that when one heat generating part 30 is provided, the wiring 42 can be omitted.

[0034] The wiring 43 is provided to electrically connect the pair of terminals 41 and the heat generating portion 30. Therefore, if the pair of terminals 41 are directly connected to the heat generating portion 30, the wiring 43 can be omitted. However, as long as the wiring 43 is provided, the arrangement of the pair of terminals 41 can be changed as desired. Therefore, it becomes easy to set the arrangement of the pair of terminals 41 taking into consideration the wiring space around the heater 1, the workability of the wiring work, and the like.

[0035] Furthermore, when the heat generating portion 30 is provided on the surface 10a side of the base 10 and on the surface 10b side of the base 10, the wiring 43 provided on the surface 10a side of the base 10 and the wiring 43 provided on the surface 10b side of the base 10 can be electrically connected, for example, via a conductive via that penetrates the base 10 in the Z direction.

[0036] The terminals 41, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 are formed using a material containing, for example, silver or copper. For example, the terminals 41, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 can be formed by applying a paste-like material onto the insulating portion 20 using a screen printing method or the like and then curing the paste-like material using a baking method or the like. Note that, when the base 10 is formed from an insulating material, the terminals 41, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 can be formed by applying a paste-like material to the base 10 using a screen printing method or the like and then curing the paste-like material using a baking method or the like.

[0037] The protective part 50 is provided on the base 10, for example, via the insulating part 20. The protective part 50 covers the heat generating part 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43. The terminal 41 is exposed from the protective part 50. Note that, when the base 10 is made of an insulating material, the protective part 50 is provided directly on the base 10 and covers the heat generating part 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43.

[0038] The protective section 50 has, for example, the function of insulating the heat generating section 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43, the function of transmitting the heat generated in the heat generating section 30 to the outside, and the function of protecting the heat generating section 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 from external forces and the fluid 100 to be heated.

[0039] The protective part 50 is formed from a material that is heat-resistant and insulating, and has high chemical stability and thermal conductivity. The protective part 50 is formed from, for example, a glass material. In this case, the protective part 50 can also be formed using a glass material to which a filler containing a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum oxide, has been added. The thermal conductivity of the glass material to which the filler has been added can be, for example, 2 [W / (m·K)] or more. The thickness of the protective part 50 can be, for example, approximately 10 μm to 60 μm.

[0040] The protective part 50 can be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material onto the insulating part 20, the heating part 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 using a screen printing method or the like, and then curing the paste-like material using a baking method or the like. When the base part 10 is formed from an insulating material, the protective part 50 can be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material onto the base part 10, the heating part 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 using a screen printing method or the like, and then curing the paste-like material using a baking method or the like.

[0041] The heater 1 may further include a detection unit that detects the temperature of at least one of the fluid 100 and the heat generating unit 30. The detection unit may be, for example, a thermistor. The thermistor may be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material to the insulating unit 20 using a screen printing method or the like and then curing the material using a baking method or the like. If the base 10 is made of an insulating material, the detection unit may be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material to the base 10 using a screen printing method or the like and then curing the material using a baking method or the like. The thermistor material may include, for example, manganese and cobalt, and at least one of copper and nickel.

[0042] A wiring section electrically connected to the detection section may be provided. The wiring section may have terminals and wiring, similar to the wiring section 40 described above. In this case, the protection section 50 may cover the detection section and wiring. The terminals may be exposed from the protection section 50.

[0043] As described above, the heater 1 according to this embodiment includes a plate-shaped base 10, and an insulating section 20, a heat generating section 30, a wiring section 40, and a protective section 50, which are laminated on at least one of the surfaces 10a and 10b of the base 10. This allows the heater 1 to be made smaller. As will be described later, the heater 1 is provided inside the container 201 of the fluid heating device 200, and directly heats the fluid 100 that comes into contact with the heater 1. This allows for improved heating efficiency of the fluid 100 compared to when the fluid 100 is indirectly heated via heat exchange fins or the like.

[0044] That is, the heater 1 according to this embodiment can be made smaller and the efficiency of heating the fluid 100 can be improved.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater 1a according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the heater 1a includes, for example, a base portion 10, an insulating portion 20, a heat generating portion 30, a wiring portion 40a, and a protective portion 50. The heater 1a may be provided with a wiring portion 40a instead of the wiring portion 40 of the heater 1 described above.

[0046] 3, the wiring section 40a includes, for example, a terminal 41, a wire 42, and a wire 43a. The wiring section 40a may be configured such that the wire 43a is provided instead of the wire 43 of the wiring section 40 described above.

[0047] The wiring 43a electrically connects the pair of terminals 41 and the heat generating portion 30. Here, as long as the wiring 43a is provided, the arrangement of the pair of terminals 41 can be changed as desired. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the pair of terminals 41 can be provided close to each other. As described above, connectors, external wiring, and the like are electrically connected to the pair of terminals 41. Therefore, if the pair of terminals 41 are close to each other, the wiring space around the heater 1a can be reduced and the workability of the wiring work can be improved.

[0048] 3, the pair of terminals 41 are provided close to each other near one end of the base 10 in the X direction, but the positions of the pair of terminals 41 are not limited to this. For example, the pair of terminals 41 can also be provided close to each other in the central region of the base 10 in the X direction.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater 1b according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the heater 1b includes a base portion 10, an insulating portion 20, a heat generating portion 30, a wiring portion 40b, and a protective portion 50, for example. The heater 1b may be provided with a wiring portion 40b instead of the wiring portion 40 of the heater 1 described above.

[0050] 4, the wiring section 40b includes, for example, a terminal 41, a wiring 42, and a wiring 43b. The wiring section 40b may be configured such that the wiring 43b is provided instead of the wiring 43 of the wiring section 40 described above.

[0051] The wiring 43b electrically connects the pair of terminals 41 and the heat generating portion 30. Here, if the wiring 43b is provided, the arrangement of the pair of terminals 41 can be changed as desired. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the pair of terminals 41 can be provided close to each other. As described above, connectors, external wiring, and the like are electrically connected to the pair of terminals 41. Therefore, if the pair of terminals 41 are close to each other, the wiring space around the heater 1b can be reduced and the workability of the wiring work can be improved.

[0052] 4, in heater 1b, the region where the pair of terminals 41 are provided is aligned in the X direction with the region where heat generating portion 30 is provided. This allows the dimension (width dimension) of substrate 10 in the Y direction to be reduced, thereby enabling further miniaturization of heater 1b.

[0053] 1 and 3, if the region where the pair of terminals 41 is provided is aligned with the region where the heat generating portion 30 is provided in the Y direction, the dimension (width) of the substrate 10 in the Y direction will be large, but the contact area between the heaters 1, 1a and the fluid 100 will be large. Therefore, it will be easier to improve the heating efficiency of the fluid 100.

[0054] The positional relationship between the region where the pair of terminals 41 are provided and the region where the heat generating part 30 is provided can be appropriately selected depending on the size and heating efficiency required for the fluid heating device 200.

[0055] (Fluid heating device) In one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid heating device 200 can be provided that includes a heater 1. The above description of the heater 1 and variations of the heater 1 (for example, heaters 1a and 1b, and heaters that have been modified by a person skilled in the art with appropriate additions, deletions, or design changes of components and that incorporate the features of the present invention) can all be applied to the fluid heating device 200.

[0056] In the following, as an example, a case where three heaters 1 are provided will be described. However, the number of heaters 1 is not limited to this. At least one heater 1 is required. Also, at least one of heaters 1, 1a, and 1b may be provided.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fluid heating device 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, a fluid heating device 200 includes, for example, a heater 1, a container 201, a supply unit 202, and a controller 203.

[0058] The container 201 has a space therein through which the fluid 100 flows. There are no particular limitations on the external shape of the container 201. For example, the external shape of the container 201 may be a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylinder, a prism, a sphere, or the like. The external shape of the container 201 illustrated in FIG. 5 is a rectangular parallelepiped. Furthermore, the container 201 may be bent or curved. The external shape of the container 201 can be changed as appropriate depending on the environment in which the container 201 is installed.

[0059] The container 201 is provided with a supply pipe 201a and a discharge pipe 201b. For example, the supply pipe 201a can be provided on one side of the region where the heaters 1 are provided in the Z direction (thickness direction of the heaters 1). For example, the discharge pipe 201b can be provided on the other side of the region where the heaters 1 are provided in the Z direction (thickness direction of the heaters 1). When the number of heaters 1 is odd, as shown in FIG. 5, the supply pipe 201a and the discharge pipe 201b can be provided on one side of the container 201 in the X direction (longitudinal direction of the heaters 1). When the number of heaters 1 is even, the supply pipe 201a can be provided on one side of the container 201 in the X direction (longitudinal direction of the heaters 1), and the discharge pipe 201b can be provided on the other side of the container 201.

[0060] At least one heater 1 is provided inside the container 201. Therefore, the heater 1 is immersed in the fluid 100 flowing inside the container 201. If the heater 1 is immersed in the fluid 100, the heat generated in the heater 1 can be directly transferred to the fluid 100, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the fluid 100.

[0061] In the X direction (longitudinal direction of the heater 1), the heater 1 extends from one inner wall side to the other inner wall side of the container 201. A gap is provided between the heater 1 and the other inner wall of the container 201.

[0062] When a plurality of heaters 1 are provided, the heaters 1 can be arranged at predetermined intervals in the Z direction (thickness direction of the heaters 1). Furthermore, when multiple heaters 1 are provided, a gap is provided in the X direction (longitudinal direction of the heaters 1) between the heater 1 (corresponding to an example of a first heater) and one of the inner walls of the container 201. Also, a gap is provided in the Z direction (thickness direction of the heaters 1) between the heater 1 (corresponding to an example of a second heater) adjacent to the heater 1 and the other of the inner walls of the container 201. In this way, a labyrinth-like flow path is formed inside the container 201, and the fluid 100 flowing through the labyrinth-like flow path can be heated.

[0063] 5, the fluid 100 flows on one side of the heater 1 in the Z direction from one end of the heater 1 to the other end in the X direction, and then flows into the other side of the heater 1 in the Z direction through the gap between the heater 1 and the inner wall of the container 201. The fluid 100 that flows into the other side of the heater 1 in the Z direction flows on the other side of the heater 1 in the Z direction from the other end of the heater 1 in the X direction to one end of the heater 1. In other words, the flow direction of the fluid 100 is opposite on one side of the heater 1 in the Z direction and the other side of the heater 1.

[0064] Therefore, the fluid 100 heated on one side of the heater 1 in the Z direction can be further heated on the other side of the heater 1. As a result, the heating efficiency of the fluid 100 can be improved without increasing the number of heaters 1. In other words, the fluid heating device 200 according to this embodiment can be made smaller and the fluid heating efficiency can be improved.

[0065] The supply unit 202 is connected to a supply pipe 201a of the container 201 via piping or the like. The supply unit 202 supplies the fluid 100 into the container 201. When the fluid 100 is a liquid, the supply unit 202 includes, for example, a tank 202a and a pump 202b. The tank 202a stores the fluid 100. The pump 202b supplies the fluid 100 stored in the tank 202a to the inside of the container 201 via the supply pipe 201a. An opening / closing valve, a flow rate adjusting valve, or the like can be provided between the pump 202b and the supply pipe 201a.

[0066] Instead of the tank 202a and the pump 202b, factory piping or the like can be connected to the supply pipe 201a of the container 201.

[0067] Furthermore, when the fluid 100 is a gas, a blower or other air blowing device can be provided in place of the tank 202a and the pump 202b.

[0068] The controller 203 controls the operation of each element provided in the fluid heating device 200. The controller 203 may include, for example, a computer, a temperature control device, a power supply, and the like.

[0069] For example, the controller 203 controls the current applied to the heat generating unit 30 and, consequently, the temperature of the fluid 100 based on a signal from a detection unit provided in the heater 1. For example, the controller 203 controls the pump 202b, blower, etc. provided in the supply unit 202 to control the flow rate of the fluid 100 supplied into the container 201 and, consequently, the flow rate of the heated fluid 100 discharged from the container 201.

[0070] For example, when consuming fluid 100 heated by heater 1, such as in a hot water device or a hot air device, a tank 301 for storing heated fluid 100 and a nozzle 302 for ejecting heated fluid 100 can be connected to the discharge pipe 201b of the container 201 via piping or the like.

[0071] Furthermore, when the fluid 100 is used as a heat medium, the heated fluid 100 can be supplied to the member 400 to be heated. For example, if the temperature of a battery mounted on an EV (Electric Vehicle) becomes too low, the rate of chemical reactions occurring within the battery slows down, and the amount of electricity that can be generated decreases. In such a case, the heated fluid 100 (e.g., coolant liquid) can be supplied to the outer wall of the battery, etc., to keep the temperature of the battery within an appropriate range.

[0072] Furthermore, when the fluid 100 is used as a heat transfer medium, the fluid 100 discharged from the member 400 (the fluid used to heat the member 400) can be collected and reused. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the fluid 100 discharged from the member 400 can be returned to the tank 202a. In this way, the fluid 100 circulates between the member 400 and the tank 202a, thereby reducing the consumption of the fluid 100 and reducing the power consumption of the heater 1 by reheating the high-temperature fluid 100.

[0073] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0074] The following are additional notes regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0075] (Appendix 1) 1. A heater in contact with a flowing fluid, comprising: a base portion having a plate shape, a first surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and extending in a first direction; at least one heat generating portion provided on at least one of the first surface side and the second surface side; A heater equipped with:

[0076] (Appendix 2) A heater as described in Appendix 1, wherein the fluid flows on the first surface side from one end side of the base in the first direction to the other end side, and then flows on the second surface side from the other end side of the base in the first direction to the one end side.

[0077] (Appendix 3) the base comprises a metal; 3. The heater according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating portion provided between the heat generating portion and the base portion.

[0078] (Appendix 4) a container having an internal space through which a fluid flows; At least one heater according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3 provided inside the container; Equipped with A fluid heating device in which the heater extends from one inner wall side of the container to the other inner wall side in a first direction, and a gap is provided between the heater and the other inner wall of the container.

[0079] (Appendix 5) A plurality of the heaters are provided, the plurality of heaters are arranged at predetermined intervals in a second direction intersecting the first direction, 5. A fluid heating device as described in Appendix 4, wherein a gap is provided between a first heater and one of the inner walls of the container in the first direction, and a gap is provided between a second heater adjacent to the first heater and the other inner wall of the container in the second direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1 heater, 1a heater, 1b heater, 10 base, 10a surface, 10b surface, 20 insulating part, 30 heat generating part, 40 wiring part, 50 protection part, 100 fluid, 200 fluid heating device, 201 container, 202 supply part, 203 controller

Claims

1. 1. A heater in contact with a flowing fluid, comprising: a base portion having a plate shape, a first surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and extending in a first direction; at least one heat generating portion provided on at least one of the first surface side and the second surface side; A heater comprising:

2. 2. A heater as described in claim 1, wherein the fluid that flows along the first surface side from one end side of the base in the first direction to the other end side flows along the second surface side from the other end side of the base in the first direction to the one end side.

3. the base comprises a metal; 3. The heater according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating portion provided between the heat generating portion and the base portion.

4. a container having an internal space through which a fluid flows; At least one heater according to claim 1 or 2 provided inside the container; Equipped with A fluid heating device in which the heater extends in a first direction from one inner wall side of the container to the other inner wall side, and a gap is provided between the heater and the other inner wall of the container.

5. A plurality of the heaters are provided, the plurality of heaters are arranged at predetermined intervals in a second direction intersecting the first direction, 5. The fluid heating device of claim 4, wherein a gap is provided between a first heater and one of the inner walls of the container in the first direction, and a gap is provided between a second heater adjacent to the first heater and the other inner wall of the container in the second direction.

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