Radiant heater

Abstract

To provide a radiation heater capable of properly heating an object to be heated by radiation heat even when the object to be heated is moved.SOLUTION: A radiant heater (1) includes a housing (2) provided in an interior material (11, 57, 61) of a vehicle (10) and having a heat dissipation opening (12), a heat dissipation portion (3) provided in the housing (2) and configured to dissipate radiant heat by energization, and at least one reflector (4) displaceably provided in the heat dissipation opening (12) and configured to change a radiation direction of the radiant heat radiated from the heat dissipation opening (12).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiant heater for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] A radiant heater device is used to heat the interior of a vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 describes providing a radiant heater device in an interior member inside the vehicle. The radiant heater device described in Patent Document 1 is installed so as to face a seat occupant. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-16703 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Radiant heat is heat that moves via electromagnetic waves such as infrared rays. Radiant heat emitted from a radiant heater device travels in a straight line. However, the position of the seated occupant changes depending on the seat position, shape, movement, and posture. For this reason, the radiant heater device described in Patent Document 1 may not be able to properly warm the seated occupant with radiant heat depending on their position.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a radiant heater that can appropriately heat an object to be heated with radiant heat even when the object to be heated moves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a radiant heater (1) including: a housing (2) provided in an interior material (11, 57, 61) of a vehicle (10) and having a heat dissipation opening (12); a heat dissipation section (3) provided within the housing and dissipating radiant heat when current is applied; and at least one reflector (4) provided displaceably in the heat dissipation opening and changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat emitted from the heat dissipation opening.

[0007] According to this aspect, the radiant heater can change the radiation direction of the radiant heat. The radiant heater can change the radiation direction of the radiant heat emitted from the radiant heater in accordance with the movement of the object to be heated. This allows the object to be appropriately heated by the radiant heat even if the object to be heated moves.

[0008] In the above aspect, the plurality of reflectors may be arranged rotatably about rotation axes (R) parallel to one another, and may be rotated by a drive device (5).

[0009] According to this aspect, the plurality of reflectors are rotated by the driving device, which makes it possible to easily change the radiation direction of the radiant heat.

[0010] In the above aspect, the driving device may include at least one cord (25, 41A, 41B, 42A, 42B) coupled to the plurality of reflectors, and an electric motor (26) for moving the cord.

[0011] According to this aspect, the drive device includes a cord connected to the plurality of reflectors and an electric motor that moves the cord, thereby reliably rotating the plurality of reflectors and reliably changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat.

[0012] In the above aspect, each of the plurality of reflectors has a first end (51A, 51B) and a second end (52A, 52B) in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and at least one of the cords has a first cord (41A, 41B) coupled to the first end of each of the plurality of reflectors and a second cord (42A, 42B) coupled to the second end of each of the plurality of reflectors.

[0013] According to this aspect, each of the plurality of reflectors is connected to a first cord and a second cord. The electric motor moves the first cord and the second cord. The movement of the first cord and the second cord rotates the reflector. Therefore, the radiation direction of the radiant heat can be reliably changed.

[0014] In the above aspect, the plurality of reflectors may include a first reflector (4A) arranged at the end and a plurality of second reflectors (4B) other than the first reflector, each of the plurality of second reflectors having a through hole (53) formed therein, and at least one of the cords may have a third cord (43A, 43B) passing through the through hole of each of the plurality of second reflectors and connected to the first reflector.

[0015] According to this aspect, the third cord passes through the through-holes of each of the multiple second reflectors and is connected to the first reflector. By moving the third cord with the electric motor, the first reflector can be moved toward the second reflector, and the first reflector and multiple second reflectors can be stacked. This allows all reflectors (the first reflector and multiple second reflectors) to be arranged in a smaller space, reducing the amount of radiant heat radiated from the heat dissipation unit that is blocked by the reflectors. As a result, the radiant heat emitted from the heat dissipation opening can more effectively heat the object to be heated.

[0016] In the above aspect, a heat shield (27) may be provided between the cord and the heat dissipation portion.

[0017] According to this aspect, the heat shielding plate blocks radiant heat radiated toward the cord, thereby preventing the cord from being overheated and damaged by the radiant heat.

[0018] In the above aspect, the housing has a first surface (71) facing the interior material and a second surface (72) different from the first surface, the heat dissipation opening has a first heat dissipation opening (73) provided on the first surface and a second heat dissipation opening (74) provided on the second surface, and at least one of the reflectors is provided in the first heat dissipation opening and at least one of the reflectors is provided in the second heat dissipation opening.

[0019] According to this aspect, the radiant heater has a first heat radiation opening provided with a plurality of reflectors and a second heat radiation opening provided with a plurality of reflectors, thereby changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat and making it possible to appropriately heat the object to be heated with the radiant heat.

[0020] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the vehicle has a control device (6) that controls the drive device, and the drive device is controlled by the control device, and the control device controls the drive device based on at least one of the position and angle of the seat (30).

[0021] According to this aspect, the radiant heater controls the drive device based on at least one of the position and angle of the seat. The control device controls the drive device based on at least one of the position and angle of the seat to change the radiation direction to a direction in which radiant heat is radiated to the seated occupant. This makes it possible to appropriately warm the seated occupant with radiant heat from the radiant heater, regardless of at least one of the position and angle of the seat.

[0022] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the device has a control device (6) that controls the drive device, a proximity sensor (15) is provided in the housing, and the control device controls the drive device based on a signal from the proximity sensor.

[0023] According to this aspect, the control device is connected to a plurality of proximity sensors provided in the housing. The control device can calculate the position of an object approaching the radiant heater based on signals output from the plurality of proximity sensors. When an object approaches the radiant heater, the control device can cause the drive device to rotate the plurality of reflectors so that the plurality of reflectors close the heat dissipation openings of the housing. This makes it possible to prevent the object approaching the radiant heater from being excessively heated.

[0024] In the above aspect, the vehicle has a control device (6) that controls the drive device, and the vehicle has a collision prediction unit (31) that predicts a collision of the vehicle, and the control device controls the drive device to close the heat dissipation opening when the collision prediction unit predicts a collision of the vehicle.

[0025] According to this aspect, when the collision prediction unit predicts a vehicle collision, the control device controls the drive unit to close the heat radiation opening, thereby preventing damage to the heat radiation portion of the radiant heater when there is a risk of a vehicle collision. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a radiant heater (1) including: a housing (2) provided in an interior material (11, 57, 61) of a vehicle (10) and having a heat dissipation opening (12); a heat dissipation section (3) provided within the housing and dissipating radiant heat when current is applied; and at least one reflector (4) provided displaceably in the heat dissipation opening and changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat emitted from the heat dissipation opening.

[0027] According to this aspect, the radiant heater can change the radiation direction of the radiant heat. The radiant heater can change the radiation direction of the radiant heat emitted from the radiant heater in accordance with the movement of the object to be heated. This allows the object to be appropriately heated by the radiant heat even if the object to be heated moves.

[0028] In the above aspect, the plurality of reflectors may be arranged rotatably about rotation axes (R) parallel to one another, and may be rotated by a drive device (5).

[0029] According to this aspect, the plurality of reflectors are rotated by the driving device, which makes it possible to easily change the radiation direction of the radiant heat.

[0030] In the above aspect, the driving device may include at least one cord (25, 41A, 41B, 42A, 42B) coupled to the plurality of reflectors, and an electric motor (26) for moving the cord.

[0031] According to this aspect, the drive device includes a cord connected to the plurality of reflectors and an electric motor that moves the cord, thereby reliably rotating the plurality of reflectors and reliably changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat.

[0032] In the above aspect, each of the plurality of reflectors has a first end (51A, 51B) and a second end (52A, 52B) in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and at least one of the cords has a first cord (41A, 41B) coupled to the first end of each of the plurality of reflectors and a second cord (42A, 42B) coupled to the second end of each of the plurality of reflectors.

[0033] According to this aspect, each of the plurality of reflectors is connected to a first cord and a second cord. The electric motor moves the first cord and the second cord. The movement of the first cord and the second cord rotates the reflector. Therefore, the radiation direction of the radiant heat can be reliably changed.

[0034] In the above aspect, the plurality of reflectors may include a first reflector (4A) arranged at the end and a plurality of second reflectors (4B) other than the first reflector, each of the plurality of second reflectors having a through hole (53) formed therein, and at least one of the cords may have a third cord (43A, 43B) passing through the through hole of each of the plurality of second reflectors and connected to the first reflector.

[0035] According to this aspect, the third cord passes through the through-holes of each of the multiple second reflectors and is connected to the first reflector. By moving the third cord with the electric motor, the first reflector can be moved toward the second reflector, and the first reflector and multiple second reflectors can be stacked. This allows all reflectors (the first reflector and multiple second reflectors) to be arranged in a smaller space, reducing the amount of radiant heat radiated from the heat dissipation unit that is blocked by the reflectors. As a result, the radiant heat emitted from the heat dissipation opening can more effectively heat the object to be heated.

[0036] In the above aspect, a heat shield (27) may be provided between the cord and the heat dissipation portion.

[0037] According to this aspect, the heat shielding plate blocks radiant heat radiated toward the cord, thereby preventing the cord from being overheated and damaged by the radiant heat.

[0038] In the above aspect, the housing has a first surface (71) facing the interior material and a second surface (72) different from the first surface, the heat dissipation opening has a first heat dissipation opening (73) provided on the first surface and a second heat dissipation opening (74) provided on the second surface, and at least one of the reflectors is provided in the first heat dissipation opening and at least one of the reflectors is provided in the second heat dissipation opening.

[0039] According to this aspect, the radiant heater has a first heat radiation opening provided with a plurality of reflectors and a second heat radiation opening provided with a plurality of reflectors, thereby changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat and making it possible to appropriately heat the object to be heated with the radiant heat.

[0040] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the vehicle has a control device (6) that controls the drive device, and the drive device is controlled by the control device, and the control device controls the drive device based on at least one of the position and angle of the seat (30).

[0041] According to this aspect, the radiant heater controls the drive device based on at least one of the position and angle of the seat. The control device controls the drive device based on at least one of the position and angle of the seat to change the radiation direction to a direction in which radiant heat is radiated to the seated occupant. This makes it possible to appropriately warm the seated occupant with radiant heat from the radiant heater, regardless of at least one of the position and angle of the seat.

[0042] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the device has a control device (6) that controls the drive device, a proximity sensor (15) is provided in the housing, and the control device controls the drive device based on a signal from the proximity sensor.

[0043] According to this aspect, the control device is connected to a plurality of proximity sensors provided in the housing. The control device can calculate the position of an object approaching the radiant heater based on signals output from the plurality of proximity sensors. When an object approaches the radiant heater, the control device can cause the drive device to rotate the plurality of reflectors so that the plurality of reflectors close the heat dissipation openings of the housing. This makes it possible to prevent the object approaching the radiant heater from being excessively heated.

[0044] In the above aspect, the vehicle has a control device (6) that controls the drive device, and the vehicle has a collision prediction unit (31) that predicts a collision of the vehicle, and the control device controls the drive device to close the heat dissipation opening when the collision prediction unit predicts a collision of the vehicle.

[0045] According to this aspect, when the collision prediction unit predicts a vehicle collision, the control device controls the drive unit to close the heat radiation opening, thereby preventing damage to the heat radiation portion of the radiant heater when there is a risk of a vehicle collision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a radiant heater according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] Cross section of heat dissipation section [Figure 3] Cross section of the radiant heater in Figure 1 [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the control of the control device when an object approaches the heat radiation opening of the radiant heater. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating control of the control device according to the angle of the seat back. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating control of the control device according to the angle of the seat back. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating control by the control device when the collision prediction unit predicts a vehicle collision. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant heater according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a plurality of reflectors and a driving device of a radiant heater according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant heater according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant heater according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant heater according to a sixth embodiment and a seat incorporating the radiant heater. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view of the radiant heater of FIG. 12 and a seat incorporating the radiant heater. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The radiant heater 1 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The radiant heater of the present invention is a radiant heater provided in an interior material of a vehicle. In the following description and drawings, directions are indicated by mutually perpendicular X, Y, and Z directions to explain the positional relationship of the configuration of the radiant heater 1. The width direction of the radiant heater 1 is defined as the X direction, the depth direction of the radiant heater 1 is defined as the Y direction, and the height direction of the radiant heater 1 is defined as the Z direction. Furthermore, in the following description and drawings, the front-rear direction and the left-right direction refer to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction as seen by a person seated in a seat 30 (see FIG. 4) of a vehicle 10 (see FIG. 4).

[0048] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a radiant heater 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the radiant heater 1 has a housing 2, a heat dissipation unit 3 provided within the housing 2 and radiating radiant heat, a plurality of reflecting plates 4 that change the radiation direction of the radiant heat radiated from the heat dissipation unit 3, a driving device 5 (see Figure 3) that rotates the plurality of reflecting plates 4, and a control device 6 that controls the driving device 5.

[0049] The housing 2 is provided on the passenger compartment side of a door trim 11 (interior material) of a vehicle 10 (see FIG. 4). The housing 2 has a heat dissipation opening 12 through which radiant heat is emitted. The housing 2 is provided with a plurality of proximity sensors 15 around the heat dissipation opening 12. The proximity sensors 15 can detect the distance between the proximity sensors 15 and an object approaching the proximity sensors 15. The type of the proximity sensors 15 is not particularly limited. An ultrasonic proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, or a capacitance proximity sensor may be used as the proximity sensors 15.

[0050] The heat dissipation unit 3 radiates radiant heat when current is applied. As shown in Fig. 1, the heat dissipation unit 3 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the heat dissipation unit 3. As shown in Fig. 2, the heat dissipation unit 3 has a heat generation unit 16 that generates heat when current is applied, a radiation unit 17 that radiates radiant heat using heat supplied from the heat generation unit 16, and a pair of conductive terminals 18 connected to the heat generation unit 16.

[0051] Heat generating portion 16 is made of a material that generates heat when electricity is passed through it, such as copper, silver, tin, stainless steel, nickel, or nichrome. Heat generating portion 16 is formed in a plate shape. Heat generating portion 16 may also be formed in a linear shape. Heat generating portion 16 is embedded inside radiation portion 17.

[0052] Radiation section 17 is formed in a plate shape. Radiation section 17 is made of polyimide resin. It is preferable to use a resin that radiates radiant heat in response to heat, has lower thermal conductivity than heat-generating section 16, and is electrically insulating and heat-resistant. Radiation section 17 radiates radiant heat in response to heat transmitted from heat-generating section 16.

[0053] The pair of conductive terminals 18 are connected to a power source (not shown) and supply power to the heat generating portion 16. When electricity flows from the pair of conductive terminals 18 to the heat generating portion 16, the heat generating portion 16 generates heat. The heat generated by the heat generating portion 16 causes the radiation portion 17 to radiate radiant heat toward the heat dissipation opening 12.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the multiple reflectors 4 are arranged at intervals in the X direction within the heat dissipation opening 12 of the housing 2. The reflectors 4 reflect the radiant heat emitted from the heat dissipation section 3 and change the radiation direction of the radiant heat. The reflectors 4 are made of a material such as metal or resin. Each of the multiple reflectors 4 is formed in a plate shape extending in the Z direction. The radiant heater 1 has the multiple reflectors 4 arranged inside the housing 2. This makes it possible to prevent liquid such as water from entering the housing 2 when it is poured onto the radiant heater 1.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the radiant heater 1. Each of the multiple reflectors 4 has a protrusion 21 and a protrusion 22 at both ends in the Z direction that protrude outward in the Z direction. The housing 2 has holes (not shown) into which the protrusions 21 of the reflectors 4 are fitted. The protrusions 21 of each of the multiple reflectors 4 are rotatably coupled to the holes in the housing 2. The reflectors 4 can rotate around the rotation axis R of the protrusions 21. The protrusions 21 and the rotation axis R are located at the center of the reflectors 4 (the center in the X direction and the center in the Y direction). The rotation axis R is parallel to the Z direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the multiple reflectors 4 are arranged to be rotatable around the rotation axes R that are parallel to each other.

[0056] As will be described below, the protrusion 22 is moved in the X direction by the driving device 5. This causes the reflector 4 to rotate about the rotation axis R. The protrusion 22 and the driving device 5 are provided on both one end side in the Z direction (for example, the lower side) and the other end side in the Z direction (for example, the upper side). Alternatively, the protrusion 22 and the driving device 5 may be provided only on one end side in the Z direction (for example, the lower side).

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the driving device 5 includes a cord 25 connected to each of the plurality of reflectors 4, an electric motor assembly 26 (electric motor) that moves the cord 25 in the X direction, and a heat shield 27 provided between the cord 25 and the heat dissipation unit 3.

[0058] The cord 25 extends in the X direction. The cord 25 has holes (not shown) into which the protrusions 22 of the reflectors 4 are fitted. The protrusions 22 of each of the multiple reflectors 4 are rotatably coupled to the holes in the cord 25. The electric motor assembly 26 incorporates an electric motor and gears. The electric motor assembly 26 is connected to the cord 25 and moves the cord 25 in the X direction. The electric motor assembly 26 is located between the cord 25 and the housing 2 and is fixed to the housing 2. The cord 25 is supported by the electric motor assembly 26 and the protrusions 22 of the multiple reflectors 4.

[0059] The heat shield 27 is provided between the cord 25 and the heat dissipation unit 3. The heat shield 27 blocks radiant heat emitted toward the cord 25 and the electric motor assembly 26. This prevents the cord 25 and the electric motor assembly 26 from being overheated and damaged by the radiant heat.

[0060] When the electric motor assembly 26 moves the cord 25 in the X direction, the protrusions 22 of each of the multiple reflectors 4 connected to the cord 25 move in the X direction. This causes each of the multiple reflectors 4 to rotate about the rotation axis R, changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1 , the control device 6 is connected to the drive device 5, the plurality of proximity sensors 15 provided in the housing 2, the seat 30, and the collision prediction unit 31. As will be described below, the control device 6 controls the drive device 5 to rotate each of the plurality of reflectors 4 in response to signals output from the proximity sensors 15, the seat 30, and the collision prediction unit 31. Note that when the power supply to the radiant heater 1 is turned off, the control device 6 may cause the drive device 5 to rotate the plurality of reflectors 4 so that the plurality of reflectors 4 close the heat radiation openings 12 of the housing 2. The control device 6 may also change the output of radiant heat from the heat radiation unit 3 in response to the temperature inside the vehicle cabin. The orientation of the plurality of reflectors 4 may also be changed manually.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the control of the control device 6 when an object approaches the heat radiation opening 12 of the radiant heater 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 2 of the radiant heater 1 is provided on the passenger compartment side of the door trim 11 (interior material) of the vehicle 10. The control device 6 can calculate the position of an object (a hand in the example of FIG. 4) approaching the radiant heater 1 based on signals output from multiple proximity sensors 15 provided in the housing 2. When an object approaches the radiant heater 1, the control device 6 controls the drive device 5 to rotate the multiple reflectors 4 so that the multiple reflectors 4 close the heat radiation opening 12 of the housing 2. This prevents the object approaching the radiant heater 1 from being excessively heated. Note that when an object approaches the radiant heater 1, the control device 6 may rotate the reflectors 4 so that the radiation direction is directed in the opposite direction to the direction in which the object is approaching. For example, if a hand approaches the radiant heater 1 from the right, the control device 6 may direct the radiation direction to the left.

[0063] 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the control of the control device 6 according to the angle of the seat back 33. As shown in Fig. 5, the radiant heater 1 is provided on the passenger compartment side of the door trim 11 of the vehicle 10. The radiant heater 1 can radiate radiant heat toward the seat 30.

[0064] The seat 30 is disposed on a slide rail (not shown) provided on the floor of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10. The seat 30 can be moved forward and backward on the slide rail. As shown in FIG. 1 , the seat 30 has a seat cushion 32 that supports the buttocks of the seated occupant from below, a seat back 33 that is supported on the rear part of the seat cushion 32 and supports the back of the seated occupant, and a headrest 34 that is connected to the upper part of the seat back 33 and supports the head of the seated occupant. The seat 30 also has a reclining device (not shown) that changes the seat back angle, which is the angle of the seat back 33 with respect to the plane, an angle detection device (not shown) that detects the seat back angle, and a slide position detection device (not shown) that detects the slide position, which is the forward or backward position of the seat 30 relative to the slide rail.

[0065] The control device 6 is connected to the angle detection device and the slide position detection device, and changes the radiation direction of the radiant heat according to the seat back angle and slide position. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, when the control device 6 detects that the seat back 33 has been raised based on a signal output from the angle detection device, the control device 6 causes the drive device 5 to rotate the multiple reflectors 4, thereby changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat to a direction in which the radiant heat is radiated to the seat back 33 in the raised position. This allows the occupant D in the seat 30 to be appropriately warmed by the radiant heat from the radiant heater 1 when the seat back 33 is raised.

[0066] 6, when the control device 6 detects that the seat back 33 has tilted backward based on a signal output from the angle detection device, it causes the drive device 5 to rotate the multiple reflectors 4 to change the radiation direction of the radiant heat to a direction in which the radiant heat is radiated to the seat back 33 that is tilted backward. This makes it possible to appropriately warm the occupant D in the seat 30 with the radiant heat of the radiant heater 1 when the seat back 33 is tilted backward. As described above, the control device 6 controls the drive device 5 based on the seat back angle of the seat 30 (at least one of the position and angle of the seat) to change the radiation direction to a direction in which the radiant heat is radiated to the occupant D. This makes it possible to appropriately warm the occupant D in the seat 30 with the radiant heat of the radiant heater 1, regardless of the seat back angle of the seat 30 (at least one of the position and angle).

[0067] The control device 6 may detect the sliding position of the seat 30 (the front or rear position of the seat 30) based on the signal output from the sliding position detection device, and change the radiation direction of the radiant heat to a direction in which the radiant heat is radiated to the seat back 33 or the seat cushion 32. This allows the occupant of the seat 30 to be appropriately warmed by the radiant heat of the radiant heater 1, regardless of the sliding position (position) of the seat 30.

[0068] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the control of the control device 6 when the collision prediction unit 31 predicts a collision of the vehicle 10. To calculate the position of an object around the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 has a camera that captures images of the vehicle 10 and a radar or lidar that detects the position of an object around the vehicle 10 using radio waves. The collision prediction unit 31 uses the camera, radar, or lidar to predict a collision between the vehicle 10 and an object approaching the vehicle 10. When the collision prediction unit 31 predicts a collision of the vehicle 10, it outputs a collision prediction signal to the control device 6. As shown in FIG. 7, when the control device 6 receives the collision prediction signal output from the collision prediction unit 31, the control device 6 controls the drive unit 5 to rotate the multiple reflectors 4 so that the multiple reflectors 4 close the heat dissipation openings 12 of the housing 2. Therefore, when the collision prediction unit 31 predicts a collision of the vehicle 10, the control device 6 controls the drive unit 5 to close the heat dissipation openings 12. This makes it possible to prevent the heat dissipation portion 3 of the radiant heater 1 from being damaged when there is a risk of the vehicle 10 colliding.

[0069] As described above, the radiant heater 1 can change the radiation direction of the radiant heat. Furthermore, the radiant heater 1 can change the radiation direction of the radiant heat emitted from the radiant heater 1 in accordance with the movement of the object to be heated. This allows the object to be appropriately heated by radiant heat even if the object to be heated moves.

[0070] Furthermore, the plurality of reflecting plates 4 are rotated by a driving device 5. This makes it possible to easily change the radiation direction of the radiant heat.

[0071] The driving device 5 also has a cord 25 connected to the plurality of reflecting plates 4, and an electric motor assembly 26 (electric motor) that moves the cord 25. This allows the plurality of reflecting plates 4 to be rotated reliably, thereby reliably changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat.

[0072] Second Embodiment Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant heater 1 according to a second embodiment. In the radiant heater 1 of the second embodiment, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. This also applies to subsequent embodiments unless otherwise specified. The radiant heater 1 of this embodiment differs from the radiant heater 1 of the first embodiment in that the protrusions 21 and the rotation axis R of the reflector 4 are located closer to the end (lower in the example shown in Figure 8) than the center of the reflector 4 (the center in the X direction and the center in the Y direction).

[0073] The electric motor assembly 26 is located between the cord 25 and the heat dissipation unit 3 in the Y direction and is fixed to the housing 2. The electric motor assembly 26 is connected to the cord 25, and the cord 25 can be moved in the X direction. This causes the multiple reflectors 4 to rotate and change the radiation direction. In addition, a heat shield 27 is provided between the electric motor assembly 26 and the heat dissipation unit 3. The heat shield 27 blocks radiant heat radiated toward the cord 25 and the electric motor assembly 26.

[0074] Third Embodiment 9 is a perspective view of a plurality of reflectors 4 and a drive unit 5 of a radiant heater 1 according to a third embodiment. The reflectors 4 and their rotation axes R in this embodiment extend in the X direction (the width direction of the radiant heater 1). The plurality of reflectors 4 are parallel to one another and are arranged at intervals above and below. The drive unit 5 has two first cords 41A, 41B, two second cords 42A, 42B, two third cords 43A, 43B, a first roller 46, a second roller 47, a first electric motor assembly 48, and a second electric motor assembly 49. The first cords 41A, 41B, the second cords 42A, 42B, and the third cords 43A, 43B extend in the vertical direction.

[0075] Each of the plurality of reflecting plates 4 has a pair of first end portions 51A, 51B and a pair of second end portions 52A, 52B in the Y direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R. The pair of first end portions 51A, 51B and the pair of second end portions 52A, 52B are located at the ends of each of the plurality of reflecting plates 4 in the X direction.

[0076] Of the plurality of reflectors 4, the reflector 4 arranged at the lowest end is referred to as the first reflector 4A, and the plurality of reflectors 4 other than the first reflector 4A are referred to as the second reflectors 4B. Each of the plurality of second reflectors 4B has a through-hole 53 formed at each of both ends in the X direction.

[0077] In each of the plurality of reflectors 4 (first reflector 4A and second reflector 4B), the first end 51A is connected to the first cord 41A, and the second end 52A is connected to the second cord 42A. The upper ends of the first cord 41A and the second cord 42A are connected to each other and wound around a first roller 46.

[0078] In each of the plurality of reflectors 4, the first end 51B is connected to the first cord 41B, and the second end 52B is connected to the second cord 42B. The upper ends of the first cord 41B and the second cord 42B are connected to each other and wound around a first roller 46.

[0079] The first electric motor assembly 48 (electric motor) is connected to the first roller 46 and rotates the first roller 46 about a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X direction. When the first roller 46 rotates, the first cords 41A, 41B and the second cords 42A, 42B move up and down, causing each of the multiple reflectors 4 to rotate. This makes it possible to change the radiation direction of the radiant heat of the radiant heater 1.

[0080] Each of the third cords 43A, 43B passes through a corresponding through-hole 53 in each of the second reflectors 4B and is connected to the first reflector 4A. The upper ends of the third cords 43A, 43B are wound around a second roller 47. A second electric motor assembly 49 (electric motor) is connected to the second roller 47 and can rotate the second roller 47 to wind and unwind the third cords 43A, 43B onto and from the second roller 47.

[0081] When the second electric motor assembly 49 winds the third cords 43A and 43B onto the second roller 47, the first reflector 4A moves toward (above) the second reflector 4B. In this way, the second electric motor assembly 49 can move the first reflector 4A toward (above) the second reflector 4B, thereby stacking the first reflector 4A and the multiple second reflectors 4B. This allows all of the reflectors 4 (the first reflector 4A and the multiple second reflectors 4B) to be arranged in a smaller space, thereby reducing the amount of radiant heat radiated from the heat dissipation unit 3 that is blocked by the reflectors 4. As a result, the radiant heat emitted from the heat dissipation opening 12 can more strongly heat the object to be heated.

[0082] Fourth Embodiment FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant heater 1 according to a fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the radiant heater 1 of this embodiment is provided inside a center console 57 (interior material) in which drink holders 56A and 56B are provided. The configuration of the radiant heater 1 of this embodiment is similar to that of the radiant heater 1 of the first embodiment. The radiant heater 1 of this embodiment can switch between heating and non-heating the drink holders 56A and 56B by opening and closing the heat radiation opening 12 using the reflector 4. As shown in FIG. 10, when the heat radiation opening 12 is open, the drink holders 56A and 56B and the drinks contained in the drink holders 56A and 56B can be warmed.

[0083] Furthermore, radiant heater 1 can direct the radiation direction of radiant heat toward drink holder 56A or drink holder 56B. When the radiation direction of radiant heat is directed toward drink holder 56A, the beverage held in drink holder 56A can be heated to a higher temperature than the beverage held in drink holder 56B. On the other hand, when the radiation direction of radiant heat is directed toward drink holder 56B, the beverage held in drink holder 56B can be heated to a higher temperature than the beverage held in drink holder 56A. Note that in the radiant heater 1 of this embodiment, multiple reflectors 4 are disposed inside housing 2. This makes it possible to prevent liquid such as water from entering the interior of housing 2 when it is poured onto radiant heater 1.

[0084] Fifth Embodiment FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant heater 1 according to a fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the radiant heater 1 according to this embodiment is provided inside a center console 57 in which drink holders 56A and 56B are provided, similar to the radiant heater 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, a reflector 58 is disposed parallel to the heat dissipation opening 12 inside the housing 2 and moves in the X direction (the width direction of the radiant heater 1). An electric motor assembly 59 (electric motor) is connected to the reflector 58 and moves the reflector 58 in the X direction. This causes the heat dissipation opening 12 to be opened and closed by the reflector 58. When the heat dissipation opening 12 is closed by the reflector 58, the radiation direction of the radiant heat is toward the inside of the radiant heater 1. The radiation direction is changed by opening and closing the heat dissipation opening 12. Note that a roller for winding up the reflector 58 may be provided at the end of the heat dissipation opening 12, and the heat dissipation opening 12 may be opened and closed by winding and unwinding the reflector 58 around the roller.

[0085] Sixth Embodiment A radiant heater 1 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. The radiant heater 1 according to this embodiment is provided in a seat 30. Figures 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views of the radiant heater 1 according to the sixth embodiment and the seat 30 incorporating the radiant heater 1. As shown in Figure 12, the radiant heater 1 according to this embodiment is coupled to a back plate 61 provided on the back of the seat back 33. The back plate 61 is a type of interior material.

[0086] 13, the seat back 33 has a back plate 61 that covers the back of the seat back 33, a seat back frame 62 that forms the skeleton, a pad 63 supported by the seat back frame 62, a skin material 64 that covers the surface of the pad 63, and a duct 65. A radiant heater 1 is provided to the left (side) of the duct 65. This allows the duct 65 and the radiant heater 1 to be arranged in a small space.

[0087] In the radiant heater 1 of this embodiment, the housing 2 has a first surface 71 facing the back plate 61 (interior material) and a second surface 72 (different from the first surface 71) on the opposite side of the first surface 71. The housing 2 has a first heat radiation opening 73 provided in the first surface 71 and a second heat radiation opening 74 provided in the second surface 72 as heat radiation openings 12.

[0088] The first heat dissipation opening 73 is provided with a plurality of (at least one) reflecting plates 4 and a driving device 5 (not shown). The driving device 5 can rotate the plurality of reflecting plates 4 provided in the first heat dissipation opening 73 to change the radiation direction of radiant heat emitted from the first heat dissipation opening 73 and open and close the first heat dissipation opening 73. Similarly, the second heat dissipation opening 74 is provided with a plurality of (at least one) reflecting plates 4 and a driving device 5 (not shown). The driving device 5 can rotate the plurality of reflecting plates 4 provided in the second heat dissipation opening 74 to change the radiation direction of radiant heat radiated from the second heat dissipation opening 74 and open and close the second heat dissipation opening 74.

[0089] An opening 75 is provided in the back plate 61 at a position opposite the first heat dissipation opening 73. Radiant heat radiated from the first heat dissipation opening 73 passes through the opening 75 and can warm the pad 63. This warms the occupant of the seat 30. In addition, a seat (not shown) is located behind the second heat dissipation opening 74, and the radiant heat radiated from the second heat dissipation opening 74 can warm the occupant of the seat behind the second heat dissipation opening 74. As shown in FIG. 13 , the radiant heater 1 can open the first heat dissipation opening 73 on the front side and close the second heat dissipation opening 74 on the rear side to warm the occupant of the seat 30 but not to warm the occupant of the seat behind. Conversely, the radiant heater 1 can close the first heat dissipation opening 73 on the front side and open the second heat dissipation opening 74 on the rear side to not heat the occupant of the seat 30 but to warm the occupant of the seat behind.

[0090] In this way, the radiant heater 1 has a first heat dissipation opening 73 with multiple reflectors 4 and a second heat dissipation opening 74 with multiple reflectors 4, so that the radiation direction of the radiant heat can be changed and the object to be heated can be appropriately heated with the radiant heat.

[0091] Although the specific embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be widely modified and implemented. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1: Radiant heater 2: Housing 3: Heat dissipation part 4:Reflector 4A: 1st reflector 4B: 2nd reflector 5: Drive unit 6: Control device 10: Vehicle 11: Door trim (interior material) 12: Heat dissipation opening 15: Proximity sensor 25: Code 26: Electric motor assembly (electric motor) 27: Heat shield 30: Sheet 31: Collision prediction unit 41A, 41B: 1st code 42A, 42B: Second code 43A, 43B: 3rd code 48: First electric motor assembly (electric motor) 49: Second electric motor assembly (electric motor) 51A, 51B: 1st end 52A, 52B: 2nd end 53: Through hole 58:Reflector 59: Electric motor assembly (electric motor) 71: 1st page 72: 2nd side 73: 1st heat dissipation opening 74:Second heat dissipation opening R: Rotation axis

Claims

1. A radiant heater, a housing provided in an interior material of a vehicle and having a heat dissipation opening; a heat dissipation portion provided in the housing and configured to dissipate radiant heat when energized; and at least one reflector that is displaceably provided in the heat radiation opening and that changes the radiation direction of the radiant heat radiated from the heat radiation opening.

2. 2. The radiant heater according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of reflecting plates are arranged rotatably about rotation axes parallel to each other and are rotated by a driving device.

3. 3. The radiant heater according to claim 2, wherein the driving device comprises at least one cord connected to a plurality of the reflectors, and an electric motor for moving the cord.

4. Each of the plurality of reflectors has a first end and a second end in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, 4. The radiant heater according to claim 3, wherein the at least one cord comprises a first cord coupled to the first end of each of the plurality of reflectors and a second cord coupled to the second end of each of the plurality of reflectors.

5. the plurality of reflectors include a first reflector disposed at the end and a plurality of second reflectors other than the first reflector, a through hole is formed in each of the plurality of second reflectors, The radiant heater according to claim 4 , wherein the at least one cord passes through the through-holes of each of the plurality of second reflectors and includes a third cord coupled to the first reflector.

6. 4. The radiant heater according to claim 3, wherein a heat shield plate is provided between the cord and the heat radiating portion.

7. the housing has a first surface facing the interior material and a second surface different from the first surface, the heat dissipation opening includes a first heat dissipation opening provided in the first surface and a second heat dissipation opening provided in the second surface; At least one reflector is provided in the first heat dissipation opening, The radiant heater according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the reflectors is provided in the second heat radiation opening.

8. a control device for controlling the drive device; the drive device is controlled by the control device; The radiant heater according to claim 2 , wherein the control device controls the drive device based on at least one of the position and angle of the seat.

9. a control device for controlling the drive device; a proximity sensor is provided in the housing; The radiant heater according to claim 2 , wherein the control device controls the driving device based on a signal from the proximity sensor.

10. a control device for controlling the drive device; the vehicle has a collision prediction unit that predicts a collision of the vehicle, The radiant heater according to claim 2 , wherein the control device controls the drive device to close the heat radiation opening when the collision prediction unit predicts a collision of the vehicle.

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